If you're tired of overpaying for data or dealing with confusing bills, Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless both offer prepaid plans that promise to save you money-but they go about it in very different ways.
Lt's break down where each one shines, and which one could be the smarter switch for your needs.
Boost Mobile vs Cricket Wireless plans
Winner: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile focuses on individual savings with low-priced data plans, including unlimited for just $25 a month. You only pay for the data you actually need, and there's no contract tying you down.
Cricket Wireless leans heavily on multi-line discounts, so if you need service for multiple people, the savings add up faster. Their single-line plans, however, tend to be pricier than Boost.
Boost Mobile plans
Boost Mobile unlimited data plan
- AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Boost Mobile unlimited data plan | AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Cricket Wireless plans
Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Wireless 5GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $30/mo |
| Cricket Wireless 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $40/mo |
| Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Boost Mobile vs Cricket Wireless coverage
Winner: Boost Mobile
There's no real difference in coverage because Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless both use AT&T's network. That means you'll get the same coverage in cities, suburbs, and rural areas with either carrier. However Boost Mobile has the extra edge as it also operates on T-Mobile's network.
AT&T's network ranks well for overall reliability according to RootMetrics' 2024 report, and OpenSignal's 2025 report shows T-Mobile consistently comes top for 5G coverage.
Takeaway: Coverage is identical, so this one comes down to how much you want to pay-and what features you value most.
Boost Mobile coverage
Boost Mobile is powered by AT&T and T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Boost Mobile coverage map
Cricket Wireless coverage
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Cricket Wireless coverage map
Data speeds: Who delivers better performance?
Winner: Boost Mobile
Both carriers offer 5G and 4G LTE access on AT&T's network, but Boost Mobile tends to offer fewer data restrictions. Cricket's cheaper plans cap your speeds at 8 Mbps, while Boost Mobile provides full-speed access until you hit your plan's high-speed data cap.
If you're a heavy data user, Boost's unlimited plan gives you up to 30GB of high-speed data for just $25 a month. Cricket's unlimited plan costs more, and speed caps still apply unless you're on their priciest plan.
Takeaway: Boost Mobile offers faster speeds for less money, making it the better option for streaming, gaming, and other data-heavy uses.
Features and extras: Which carrier gives you more perks?
Winner: Both
Boost Mobile's biggest perks center around affordable pricing and free hotspot access on all plans.
Cricket Wireless focuses more on family-friendly extras, including discounted multi-line pricing and optional add-ons like international calling.
Takeaway: If you're switching solo and want cheap, flexible data, Boost Mobile delivers better value. If you're setting up a family plan or want to bundle perks, Cricket Wireless has a few more options.
Boost Mobile vs Cricket Wireless plan features
| Carrier Features | Boost Mobile | Cricket Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T & T-Mobile | AT&T |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Fri 4am to 8pm / Sat-Sun 4am to 7pm | Mon-Sat 9am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | No |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | No | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier fits your needs?
- Best for saving money → Boost Mobile
- Best for single-line plans → Boost Mobile
- Best for multi-line savings → Cricket Wireless
- Best for extra perks → Cricket Wireless
Bottom line: If you're shopping for yourself and want simple, low-cost prepaid service, Boost Mobile is the easy winner. But if you're signing up with multiple lines, Cricket's family discounts could make them worth a look.
See if Boost Mobile is right for you with our Boost Mobile review.
See if Cricket Wireless is right for you with our Cricket Wireless review.
Boost Mobile vs Cricket Wireless FAQs
For a single line, Boost Mobile is cheaper across the board. If you need multiple lines, Cricket Wireless offers family discounts that could lower your per-line cost.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
Yes, both carriers let you bring any compatible, unlocked phone, and they both offer free SIM cards when you switch.
Cricket Wireless offers more support options, including in-store help if that's important to you. Boost Mobile handles most customer support online.
Why you can trust me
For more than 15 years, I've been helping people cut their phone bills without sacrificing quality. I've personally tested Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and dozens of other prepaid carriers, so I know exactly what real users experience.
At MoneySavingPro, we dig into the fine print, test networks ourselves, and cut through the marketing hype, so you get the truth about which carriers actually save you money-and which ones just want to lock you into another overpriced plan.
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