Tired of overpaying for unlimited data? Or maybe you're looking for a low-cost family plan that doesn't require a contract?
Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless both offer affordable prepaid plans. While Total Wireless focuses on offering unlimited data, Cricket Wireless gives you the stability of a big-brand prepaid carrier, with the option to buy in-store, but at a higher price point for unlimited plans.
Total Wireless vs Cricket Wireless plans
Winner: Total Wireless
If you need unlimited data Total Wireless is the clear winner. Their unlimited plans start at $40 per month, making them cheaper than Cricket's unlimited options.
Cricket Wireless includes premium perks like HBO Max on its highest-tier unlimited plan, but you'll pay $60 per month for that extra value.
If you want the best deal on unlimited data, Total Wireless is the better choice. If you're willing to pay more for perks like HBO Max, Cricket might be worth considering.
Total Wireless plans
Total Wireless unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/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 |
Total Wireless vs Cricket Wireless coverage
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless operates on Verizon's network, while Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T's network. Both offer nationwide 4G LTE and expanding 5G coverage, making them strong options depending on which network works better in your area.
Cricket Wireless includes AT&T's priority data access on its higher-tier plans, which may provide more stable speeds during congestion. Meanwhile, Total Wireless customers on Verizon's network get reliable coverage and strong rural performance but may experience deprioritization on lower-tier plans in high-traffic areas.
According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon ranks highest in overall reliability.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Cricket Wireless coverage
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Cricket Wireless coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless's unlimited base plan may slow speeds in high traffic areas, while their other two unlimited plans provide access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network.
Cricket Wireless offers up to 50GB of high-speed data on its highest-tier plan and their cheaper unlimited plan includes 35GB of high-speed data.
For most users, Total Wireless provides a better deal for unlimited data. If you want premium data access and don't mind paying more, Cricket Wireless has the edge.
Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Total Wireless
- Total Wireless offers international calling features and mobile hotspot use.
- Cricket Wireless includes premium perks, such as HBO Max and cloud storage on its higher-tier unlimited plan.
- Total Wireless includes Disney+ and roaming in Canada & Mexico.
If you want the best price for an unlimited plan, Total Wireless is the better pick.
Total Wireless vs Cricket Wireless plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Cricket Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | AT&T |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Yes - Prepaid | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | 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 | Yes | No |
| Visual Voicemail | No | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for unlimited data → Total Wireless
- Best for premium features → Cricket Wireless
- Best for international features → Total Wireless
If you want affordable unlimited data, Total Wireless is the better choice. If you're looking for perks like HBO Max and premium data access, Cricket Wireless may be worth the extra cost.
See how Total Wireless compares
Read our full Cricket Wireless review
Why you can trust me
Picking the right phone plan shouldn't feel like a guessing game. But that's exactly what big carriers want-confusing pricing keeps people overpaying.
At MoneySavingPro, we break down the fine print and expose the sneaky tactics used to inflate your bill.
I've personally tested Total Wireless, Tello, Cricket Wireless, and dozens of other providers to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to get the same service for less, you'll hear about it here first.
Total Wireless comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Total Wireless
- Red Pocket vs Total Wireless
- Twigby vs Total by Verizon
- Ultra Mobile vs Total by Verizon
- Visible vs Total Wireless
