Trying to lower your phone bill but unsure which carrier is best for you? If you're tired of big wireless prices, Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless both offer budget-friendly prepaid plans, but with different approaches.
Mint Mobile focuses on prepaid discounts, letting you save by paying upfront for multiple months. While Cricket Wireless offers unlimited plans with strong family discounts, making it a popular choice for multiple lines.
So, do you lock in lower prices with Mint Mobile, or go with Cricket's unlimited perks and multi-line savings?
Cricket Wireless vs Mint Mobile plans
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile rewards customers who prepay upfront, providing some of the most affordable unlimited plans on the market. Their plans begin at $15 per month for 5GB when paid in advance, but the price increases to $25 if you opt for monthly payments. The unlimited plan costs only $30 per month when paid annually, making it one of the best wireless values available.
Cricket Wireless keeps things simple with monthly plans, and they're known for multi-line discounts. Their cheapest plan starts at $30 per month for 5GB, while their unlimited plan costs $55 per month. However, Cricket's unlimited plan drops as low as $25 per line for families, making it a better deal for multi-line users.
If you're looking for the cheapest unlimited plan Mint Mobile is the clear winner. Even without the multiple line discount you can still cut your family's cell phone bill with their low prices.
Mint Mobile plans
(Prices reflect 12-month prepay rates; month-to-month pricing is higher.)
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile 20GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $25/mo |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/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 |
Cricket Wireless vs Mint Mobile coverage
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network, which consistently is reported to have the fastest 5G speeds in the U.S., according to the OpenSignal Mobile Network Experience 2025. Whereas Cricket Wireless operates on AT&T's network.
Cricket Wireless coverage
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Cricket Wireless coverage map
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Which provider delivers better performance?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Both carriers offer 5G and 4G LTE, but Cricket Wireless limits data speeds on some plans.
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, making it a great option for data-heavy users on a budget.
Cricket Wireless caps speeds at 8 Mbps on some plans, meaning your data may be slower compared to Mint Mobile. However, Cricket's unlimited plan includes up to 50GB of high-speed data, giving you 15GB more than Mint's plan-but at a higher price.
If you use under 35GB per month, Mint Mobile is the better deal at a lower price. If you need more high-speed data, Cricket offers a higher cap-but at nearly double the cost.
Features and perks: Which provider gives you more?
Winner: Mint Mobile
Both carriers offer solid perks, but Cricket Wireless includes more additional extras.
Mint Mobile includes free international calling to Mexico and Canada, making it great for frequent international callers. It also offer mobile hotspot access with all of their plans.
Cricket Wireless offers multi-line discounts and HBO Max on select plans.
If you want the cheapest plan with international calling and hotspot access, Mint Mobile is the better choice. If you want to be able to bundle streaming ervices with your phone plan, Cricket Wireless could be worth checking out.
Cricket Wireless vs Mint Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Cricket Wireless | Mint Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T | T-Mobile |
| 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-Sat 9am to 9pm | 24/7 |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | Yes - 7 days |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | Yes |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - Includes Mexico & Canada |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plan → Mint Mobile
- Best for coverage → Mint Mobile
- Best for multi-line savings → Cricket Wireless
- Best for international calling → Mint Mobile
If you want the cheapest unlimited plan and don't mind prepaying, Mint Mobile is the better choice. If you need family discounts or stronger rural coverage, Cricket Wireless may be a better fit.
See if Mint Mobile is right for you
Check out Cricket Wireless plan options
Cricket Wireless vs Mint Mobile FAQs
The main difference between Cricket Wireless and Mint Mobile are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T and Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Cricket Wireless phone is unlocked it should work with Mint Mobile. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
Why you can trust me
For years, I've been cutting through the confusion of wireless plans to help people find the best deals. At MoneySavingPro, we don't just compare prices, we break down real customer experiences, coverage quality, and hidden fees so you know exactly what you're getting.
I've tested Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and other low-cost carriers, comparing their speeds, service quality, and value. If there's a better way to save, I'll make sure you know about it.
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