Looking to cut your phone bill but unsure which carrier gives you the best deal? Red Pocket and Cricket Wireless both offer affordable prepaid plans, but they take very different approaches.
Red Pocket lets you choose your network (AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile) and offers some of the lowest prices on the market. Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T, provides unlimited data plans and a more traditional prepaid experience with in-store availability.
So, should you go with Red Pocket for its ultra-low pricing and network flexibility, or pick Cricket for its AT&T-backed service and unlimited data options?
Cricket Wireless vs Red Pocket plans
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket stands out for its flexibility and affordability. Unlike most prepaid carriers, it allows you to pick your network-AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, so you're not stuck with just one option. Plus, plans start as low as $10 per month, making it one of the cheapest prepaid carriers available.
Cricket Wireless keeps things simple with preset plans and no credit checks. It's a great choice for heavy data users, as its unlimited plans offer premium data options that may be worth considering if you stream a lot. However, Cricket's pricing is higher than Red Pocket, especially for lower-data plans.
If you want the lowest-cost plans and network flexibility, Red Pocket wins. If you need unlimited data and prefer a carrier backed by AT&T, Cricket may be a better fit.
Red Pocket plans
Red Pocket unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Pocket 1GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $10/mo |
| Red Pocket 10GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Red Pocket unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/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 Red Pocket coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket gives you the ability to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, meaning you can pick the network that provides the best coverage where you live.
Cricket Wireless only operates on AT&T's network, so if AT&T's coverage isn't strong in your area, you don't have another option.
If you want the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you're happy with AT&T's coverage and prefer a carrier that keeps things simple, Cricket is a solid option.
Cricket Wireless coverage
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Cricket Wireless coverage map
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Data speeds: Who delivers better performance?
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 30GB per month. However, since Red Pocket operates as an MVNO, data speeds may be deprioritized in high-traffic areas, but most people don't notice this in their day to day use.
Cricket Wireless's unlimited plans do not face deprioritization on the premium unlimited plan, making it a better choice for those who need consistent speeds in crowded areas.
Features and perks: Who offers more?
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket is all about affordability and network flexibility, offering low-cost plans and the ability to switch between networks. However, it doesn't include many extra perks beyond international calling options.
If you want the cheapest plan with flexible network options, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you need premium unlimited data or family discounts, Cricket Wireless is a solid option.
Cricket Wireless vs Red Pocket plan features
| Carrier Features | Cricket Wireless | Red Pocket |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA & 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 | Mon-Sun 5am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | Yes - 7 days |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | No |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | Yes |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - Includes 80 countries |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: The better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plans → Red Pocket
- Best for network flexibility → Red Pocket
- Best for premium unlimited data → Cricket Wireless
- Best for multi-line discounts → Red Pocket
If you want the cheapest plans and the ability to choose your network, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you prefer unlimited data with premium speeds Cricket Wireless is a strong alternative.
See if Red Pocket is right for you
Check out our Cricket Wireless review
Cricket Wireless vs Red Pocket FAQs
The main difference between Cricket Wireless and Red Pocket are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T and Red Pocket runs on AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon.
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 Red Pocket. 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
I've spent years helping people find ways to cut their phone bills without sacrificing service quality. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the marketing hype to compare real customer experiences, network performance, and hidden costs so you can make an informed decision.
I've tested Red Pocket, Cricket Wireless, and other prepaid carriers, looking at speed, coverage, and affordability. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
Cricket Wireless comparison guides
- Mint Mobile vs Cricket
- Red Pocket vs Cricket
- Tello vs Cricket Wireless
- Ultra Mobile vs Cricket Wireless
- US Mobile vs Cricket Wireless
Red Pocket comparison guides
- Mint Mobile vs Red Pocket
- Red Pocket vs Consumer Cellular
- Red Pocket vs Cricket
- Red Pocket vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Mint Mobile
- Red Pocket vs PureTalk
- Red Pocket vs Straight Talk
- Red Pocket vs Tello
- Red Pocket vs Total Wireless
- Red Pocket vs Ultra Mobile
- Red Pocket vs US Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Visible
- Red Pocket vs Xfinity Mobile
- Tello vs Red Pocket
