Tired of overpaying for your phone plan but not sure where to switch? If you're looking for a prepaid carrier that offers lower prices without cutting corners on coverage, Red Pocket and Straight Talk both promise affordable, no-contract options.
Red Pocket stands out for its ultra-low pricing and the ability to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile's network. Straight Talk, now owned by Verizon, is widely available at major retailers and runs on Verizon's network, offering solid coverage but at a higher price.
Red Pocket vs Straight Talk plans
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket offers some of the most affordable prepaid plans on the market, starting at just $10 per month. It also allows you to pick between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, giving you the flexibility to choose the best coverage for your area.
Straight Talk has a simple lineup of plans with unlimited data options, but its pricing is higher than Red Pocket's, especially for lower-data plans. Since it's owned by Verizon, all new activations are now on Verizon's network only, removing the multi-network benefit it once had.
If you want the lowest-cost plans and the ability to pick your network, Red Pocket wins.
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 |
Straight Talk plans
Straight Talk unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Talk 10GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $65/mo |
Red Pocket vs Straight Talk coverage
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket gives you the option to choose between AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile, making it a better choice if you want to tailor your service to the best network in your area.
Straight Talk used to allow customers to pick between different networks, but now that it's owned by Verizon, all new activations are locked into Verizon's network. While Verizon's network is strong for nationwide coverage, you no longer have an option if Verizon's signal is weak where you live.
If you want network flexibility and the ability to switch if needed, Red Pocket is the better choice. If you're comfortable with Verizon's network and prefer a big-name prepaid brand, Straight Talk could be an option.
Red Pocket coverage
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Straight Talk coverage
Straight Talk is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Straight Talk coverage map
Data speeds: Best performance?
Winner: Red Pocket
Both carriers use major networks, so data speeds are similar depending on network congestion. However, Red Pocket lets you switch between networks, while Straight Talk operates on Verizon's network only.
Straight Talk states that their plans include unlimited data, whereas Red Pocket offer up to 30GB of high-speed data on their top unlimited plans.
Features and perks: Which provider offers more?
Winner: Red Pocket
Red Pocket focuses on affordability and network flexibility, offering low-cost plans and international calling options.
Straight Talk's main perk is its availability, you can find it in retail stores like Walmart, making it an easy choice for people who prefer to buy in person. However, it doesn't offer many extras beyond standard prepaid service.
If you want the lowest-cost plan with flexible network choices, Red Pocket is the better option. If you prefer to buy your plan in-store and don't mind paying more, Straight Talk is still an option.
Red Pocket vs Straight Talk plan features
| Carrier Features | Red Pocket | Straight Talk |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA & GSM | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes - with certain plans |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 5am to 9pm | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | No | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | No | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for the lowest-cost plans → Red Pocket
- Best for network flexibility → Red Pocket
- Best for unlimited data → Straight Talk
See if Red Pocket is right for you
Check out our Straight Talk review
Red Pocket vs Straight Talk FAQs
The main difference between Red Pocket and Straight Talk are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Red Pocket is powered by AT&T, T-Mobile & Verizon and Straight Talk runs on T-Mobile, AT&T & 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 Red Pocket phone is unlocked it should work with Straight Talk. 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 ditch expensive phone bills without giving up reliable coverage. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond marketing hype to compare real customer experiences, hidden fees, and network performance so you can make an informed decision.
I've tested Red Pocket, Straight Talk, and dozens of other prepaid carriers to see how they stack up on price, coverage, and speed. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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