AT&T vs Cricket
Cricket runs on AT&T's towers but with deprioritization at 35–100 GB depending on plan. For most users, Cricket's 50–60% lower price more than offsets the speed difference at peak times.
| AT&T | Cricket Wireless | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | MNO | MVNO |
| Network | AT&T | AT&T |
| Plans on file | 3 | 2 |
| Cheapest | $65.00 | $40.00 |
AT&T plans
plans
Frequently asked questions
- Does AT&T and Cricket Wireless use the same network?
Yes — both AT&T and Cricket Wireless ride the AT&T network. Coverage is identical between the two; the differences come down to plan structure, pricing, and where each one sits in the deprioritization queue. Postpaid traffic on the underlying carrier still gets first priority.
- Which is cheaper, AT&T or Cricket Wireless?
The cheapest AT&T plan we have on file is $65.00/month; the cheapest Cricket Wireless plan is $40.00/month. By starting price, Cricket Wireless is cheaper. Compare the actual plans side by side above for data, hotspot, and feature differences — the cheapest plan isn't always the best value.
- Is AT&T better than Cricket Wireless?
It depends on your usage. AT&T and Cricket Wireless have different price points, plan structures, and underlying network (both on AT&T). Use the comparison table above to evaluate plans head-to-head, or enter your ZIP in the finder to see which network has stronger coverage at your specific address.
- Can I switch from AT&T to Cricket Wireless and keep my number?
Yes. Number portability is required by FCC rules. Get a port-out PIN from AT&T, sign up at Cricket Wireless with "transfer my existing number," and provide your account number, port PIN, and billing ZIP. Most ports complete in 15 minutes to 4 hours. See our switching guide for the full walkthrough.
- Whose coverage is better, AT&T or Cricket Wireless?
AT&T and Cricket Wireless have identical raw coverage since they ride the same AT&T network. The practical difference appears at congested towers, where the underlying carrier's postpaid customers (and carrier-owned MVNOs like Visible/Cricket/Metro) get prioritized over third-party MVNO traffic.