Tired of paying too much for your phone plan but unsure if switching is worth the hassle? You're not alone. Many people stick with big-name carriers because they assume cheaper alternatives mean worse coverage or slower speeds.
That's where US Mobile and Cricket Wireless come in. Both offer low-cost, contract-free plans that promise big savings, but they take different approaches.
US Mobile is all about premium perks, offering priority data, international roaming, and customizable plans. Cricket Wireless, on the other hand, is owned by AT&T and focuses on simple, all-inclusive plans with no hidden fees.
So, should you go with US Mobile for its premium features or Cricket Wireless for its budget-friendly simplicity?
US Mobile vs Cricket Wireless plans
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile offers fully customizable plans, allowing you to pay only for the data you need or choose unlimited plans with premium perks like priority data and free streaming services.
Cricket Wireless keeps it simple with set prepaid plans. While their pricing includes taxes and fees upfront, they lack customization options and their cheaper plans come with speed caps.
If you want total control over your plan and extra perks, US Mobile is the better option. If you prefer a straightforward plan with no surprise fees, Cricket Wireless is worth considering.
US Mobile plans
US Mobile unlimited data plan
- Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Mobile 2GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 2GB | $10/mo |
| US Mobile 5GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $17.50/mo |
| US Mobile 10GB plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $20/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| US Mobile unlimited data plan | Verizon, AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $44/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 |
US Mobile vs Cricket Wireless coverage
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile operates on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, giving you full network flexibility.
Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T, meaning you get full access to AT&T's network, but you can't switch networks if AT&T isn't strong in your area.
Both carriers offer reliable service, but if AT&T is weak in your area, there are no other options with Cricket. Whereas, US Mobile lets you choose between Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, offering more flexibility.
US Mobile coverage
US Mobile is powered by Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
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: US Mobile
One of the biggest complaints about budget carriers is slower speeds, especially on cheaper plans. While both carriers lease network space from major providers, US Mobile offers priority data on its Unlimited Premium plan, meaning you get faster speeds even in high-traffic areas.
Cricket Wireless caps speeds on some plans, with only their most expensive plan offering high-speed data up to 50GB per month.
If you want the fastest speeds and priority data, US Mobile is the better choice. If you just need reliable service and don't mind occasional slowdowns, Cricket Wireless is still a solid pick.
Features and perks: Who offers more?
Winner: US Mobile
US Mobile is known for premium perks, making it a great choice for users who want more than just a basic phone plan.
Some of the extra benefits include:
- Priority data on Unlimited Premium
- Free international roaming on select plans
- Streaming perks like free Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ on family plans
Cricket Wireless focuses more on simplicity, offering taxes and fees included in pricing and multi-line discounts, but lacks premium features like international roaming and priority data.
If you want the best perks and performance, US Mobile is the better pick. If you prefer an easy-to-understand plan with all-inclusive pricing, Cricket Wireless is a strong option.
US Mobile vs Cricket Wireless plan features
| Carrier Features | US Mobile | Cricket Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T | AT&T |
| 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 | 24/7 | Mon-Sat 9am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 100 days | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | No |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | No | No |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for priority data → US Mobile
- Best for all-inclusive pricing → Cricket Wireless
- Best for international roaming → US Mobile
- Best for multi-line discounts → Cricket Wireless
If you want a premium phone plan with priority data, streaming perks, and international roaming, US Mobile is the better choice. If you prefer a simple, no-frills plan with all taxes included, Cricket Wireless is a strong alternative.
Read our US Mobile review for more
Find out more with our Cricket Wireless review
US Mobile vs Cricket Wireless FAQs
The main difference between US Mobile and Cricket Wireless are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
US Mobile is powered by Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T 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 US Mobile 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 know how frustrating it can be to sort through endless phone plans and still feel like you're overpaying. At MoneySavingPro, we don't just look at numbers-we test carriers, compare real-world performance, and break down the fine print so you don't have to.
I've tested US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and other prepaid carriers to see how they stack up. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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