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Tello vs Cricket Wireless: Flexibility or family savings?

I've compared Tello & Cricket Wireless plans, coverage & features.

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Phone carriers love to make you think you need to pay more for great service, but that's not true. Tello and Cricket Wireless are two budget-friendly options that prove you can cut your bill without sacrificing coverage.

But while both carriers help you save, they take very different approaches.

Tello lets you build your own plan, paying only for the minutes, texts, and data you actually use. Cricket Wireless, on the other hand, offers multi-line discounts and perks that may make it a better fit for families.

Tello vs Cricket Wireless plans

Winner: Tello

Tello gives you full control over your plan, letting you choose exactly how much data, talk, and text you need. You can get a basic plan for as little as $5 per month, and even Tello's unlimited plan is just $25 per month with high-speed data up to 35GB.

Cricket Wireless keeps things straightforward with four pre-set plans. Its cheapest option starts at $30 per month for 5GB of data, while its unlimited plans range from $55 to $60 per month.

If you're looking for the lowest possible monthly bill and full customization, Tello is the better option. But if you prefer simple, no-fuss plans, Cricket Wireless might be a better fit.

Tello plans

Image of cell phone with Tello

Tello unlimited data plan

  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk, text and data
  • Instant online activation
See at Tello
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Tello unlimited talk & text planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage0GB$8/mo
Tello 1GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage1GB$9/mo
Tello 2GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage2GB$10/mo
Tello 5GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage5GB$14/mo
Tello 10GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage10GB$19/mo
Tello 15GB planT-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage15GB$24/mo
Tello unlimited data planT-Mobile 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$25/mo

See all Tello plans

Cricket Wireless plans

Image of cell phone with Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless unlimited data plan

  • AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk, text and data
  • Instant online activation
View Plans
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Cricket Wireless 5GB planAT&T 5G/4G Coverage5GB$30/mo
Cricket Wireless 10GB planAT&T 5G/4G Coverage10GB$40/mo
Cricket Wireless unlimited data planAT&T 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$55/mo
Cricket Wireless unlimited data planAT&T 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$60/mo

Tello vs Cricket Wireless coverage

Winner: Tello

Tello operates on T-Mobile's network, which provides strong 5G speeds in metro areas.

Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T's network, which can mean better service in rural areas and stronger overall reliability.

But as Tello operates on T-Mobile's nationwide 5G and LTE network, it means you get the same coverage and speeds as T-Mobile customers, without the premium price.

According to OpenSignal's 2025 report, T-Mobile ranks number 1 for 5G availability, making it a great choice for city and suburban users. If you live in a rural area, it's best to check coverage in your location first.

Tello coverage

Tello is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Tello coverage map

Tello coverage map

Cricket Wireless coverage

Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Cricket Wireless coverage map

Cricket Wireless coverage map


Data performance: Who gives you faster speeds?

Winner: Cricket Wireless

Both carriers provide access to 5G and 4G LTE, but Cricket Wireless has a key advantage when it comes to high-speed data allowances.

Tello's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, meaning you'll get full-speed data until you hit that limit.

Cricket Wireless offers higher priority data, especially on its unlimited plans. The $60 unlimited plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, meaning Cricket may provide better speeds in high-traffic areas.

If you want the highest high-speed data allowance and better performance in congested areas, Cricket Wireless has the edge. But, if you stay under 35GB per month, Tello is a more affordable choice.


Perks and extras: Which carrier gives you more?

Winner: Tie

Both low-cost carriers offer different additional features. Tello keeps things simple and budget-friendly, while Cricket Wireless offers a few more perks and benefits.

  • Tello includes free international calling to over 60 countries, making it a great option for those who regularly call abroad.
  • Cricket's most expensive unlimited plan also includes free HBO Max and mobile hotspot data.

If you're looking for a simple, low-cost plan with international calling, Tello is the way to go. But if you're a family or someone who wants to bundle entertainment features, Cricket Wireless may be the best choice.

Tello vs Cricket Wireless features

Carrier FeaturesTelloCricket Wireless
NetworksT-MobileAT&T
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
3G NetworkGSMGSM
Mobile HotspotYesYes
Bring Your PhoneYesYes
Keep Your NumberYesYes
ContractPrepaidPrepaid
Credit CheckNoNo
Customer Service24/7Mon-Sat 9am to 9pm
Money Back GuaranteeNoNo
5GYesYes
Taxes includedVaries by LocationVaries by Location
VoLTEYesYes
WiFi CallingYesNo
Visual VoicemailNoYes
Multi-line DiscountsNoYes
Multi-month DiscountsNoNo
International CallsYes - Includes 60+ countriesYes - As add-on
International RoamingNoNo

Final verdict: Which carrier is the best value?

  • Best for budget-conscious users → Tello
  • Best for coverage → Tello
  • Best for international calling → Tello
  • Best for families & perks → Cricket Wireless

If you want the lowest-cost plan with full customization, Tello is the better choice. If you need multi-line discounts, better rural coverage, or premium perks, Cricket Wireless is worth considering.

Find out more with our Tello review

See our Cricket Wireless review for more


Tello vs Cricket Wireless FAQs

The main difference between Tello and Cricket Wireless are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.

Tello is powered by T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T.

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 Tello phone is unlocked it should work with Cricket Wireless. 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 over a decade testing mobile carriers, breaking down pricing tricks, and helping people save money without sacrificing service. At MoneySavingPro, we don't just compare plans-we test networks, analyze fine print, and uncover hidden fees so you don't have to.

I've personally tested carriers like Tello, Mint Mobile, and Visible, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing against the big networks. If a provider isn't worth your money, I'll tell you. And if there's a better way to cut your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.

Tello comparison guides

Cricket Wireless comparison guides

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