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Cricket vs. Metro vs. Boost: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Cricket vs. Metro vs. Boost: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

    For some time, MVNO (Mobile Virtue Network Operators) have been providing users with cheaper talk, SMS and data plans as compared to the main mobile carriers in the market today.But which one is going to be best for you? That’s probably going to depend on what you must prioritize. Maybe the price is most important to you, or you could be looking for unlimited data or the widest coverage area.

    In this article, we’ll compare three popular service providers, Cricket,Metro and Boost Mobile, to help you determine which one is going to serve you better.They have cheaper plans and lots of features for customers who want to pay less every month while still taking advantage of the major cell phone networks.So which is better Cricket,Metro or Boost?Is Boost the same as Cricket?Is Metro the same as Boost?Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Cricket,Metro and Boost Mobile coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.

Cricket Wireless Review

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Source:cricketwireless.com

Cricket wireless is one of the Biggest Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in the country.It was founded in Chicago in 1999. They are currently headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and they have 5,000 retail stores nationwide.

The company is also praised for its healthy marketing budget and chances to save money all year round. The company is currently owned by AT&T and sells phone services on AT&T’s network.

Easily one of the most affordable and largely preferred budget mobile carriers, Cricket Wireless comes as an easy to use and versatile service that makes sure that there is something for everyone.Owned by the widely known and used AT&T, Cricket Wireless comes with cheap plans that are mostly ideal for people who have high internet needs but who are on a budget.

Cricket Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Huge AT&T network

  • International calling and texting

  • 5G is available

  • Comes with multiple plans

  • Multi-line discount available

  • No activation fee if you order online

  • Bring your own phone – larger number of compatible phones than many services

  • Free talk and text with all plans

  • Low prices compared to some of the competitors

  • Offers mobile hotspot on the Cricket More plan

  • Additional $10 per month for mobile hotspot

  • Hotspot is only on the top plan

  • No data-free music streaming feature

  • Speed limits on most plans

  • Poor customer care

  • One of the few MVNOs that charge an activation fee

  • Interest rate financing


Cricket Plans and Pricing

When it comes to plans, Cricket Wireless comes with quite a number for both individual and family use. This allows for people to pick that which suits them best, and they are distributed as below:

Individual Plans

Cricket has four main rate plans that all include unlimited talk and text in the U.S. The main difference is data, with the first two data plans being limited to 8Mbps. The cheaper unlimited plan is limited to 3Mbps, while the most expensive unlimited plan isn't limited in speed. 3Mbps is close to what you could expect on 3G as far as speed.Taxes and fees included in pricing.

Number of linesData ProvidedMonthly Price
12GB$30/mo
110GB$40/mo
1Unlimited$55/mo
1Unlimited + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot$60/mo

Family Plans

Bundle/ Plan2 lines3 lines4 lines5 lines
2 GB data + calls and SMS$30/mo$30/mo$30/mo$30/mo
10 GB + calls and SMS$35/mo$30/mo$28/mo$26/mo
Unlimited data + calls and SMS$40/mo$30/mo$25/mo$25/mo
Unlimited + calls and SMS + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot$45/mo$37/mo$33/mo$32/mo

Cricket Wireless offers the most expensive unlimited plan of the three. When choosing the carrier’s unlimited plan, you will have to pay $10 more than at two other service providers, or $5 more if you enroll for AutoPay. But they do offer good group discounts.

>>Go to site to view details

Saving Tip: 

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Metro By T-Mobile Review

MetroPCS logo big

Source:metrobyt-mobile.com

Metro is an American prepaid wireless service provider owned by T-mobile. It was established in 1994.It provides nationwide phone calling, text, and data. Metro headquarters are in Richardson, Texas, but their services stretch throughout the United States. 

If you’re a heavy data user, MetroPCS is the way to go.It currently has the best unlimited text, talk and 4G LTE data plan compared to other services. The wireless company offers a number of different plans that are more affordable than most cellular plans, and it includes free music screaming. MetroPCS also uses a network that offers fast speeds across the country and has unlimited wireless plans.Just like Cricket Wireless, it comes with both individual and family plans for easy choosing.

Metro Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Best value for unlimited plan

  • T-Mobile has fast downloading speeds and widespread coverage

  • Phone acts as a mobile hotspot for free (but is capped at 8GB)

  • Stream music free from your data allowance

  • It offers superfast 5G coverage in the US with satisfactory service to most of its users

  • They have a variety of promotions that run all year round

  • The plans are cheap and affordable

  • Lower data plans are more expensive than some competitors

  • Must pay extra fee per month for international calling and texting

  • Some users report slow internet speeds

  • Hotspot/tethering usage is capped at 8 GB

  • They have poor quality phones and they lack security

  • Consistent poor customer service

  • Internet is only accessible through Wi-Fi

Metro Plans and Pricing

All plans include unlimited talk and text nationwide and access to T‑Mobile's 5G Network at no extra cost. Plus, select plans include Amazon Prime, Google One and more—all at a price you’ll love.Taxes and fees included in pricing.

Individual Plans

PlansNumber of linesSpecificsMonthly Price
5GB data plan1
  • 5GB High-speed data

$30/mo
Unlimited plan1
  • Unlimited high-speed data

  • Access to T‑Mobile’s 5G network

  • 1-year ViX+ subscription

$40/mo
Unlimited plan1

  • Unlimited high-speed data

  • Access to T‑Mobile’s 5G network

  • 1-year ViX+ subscription

  • 5GB of hotspot data

  • 100GB Google One membership

$50/mo
Unlimited plan1
  • Unlimited high-speed data

  • Access to T‑Mobile’s 5G network

  • 1-year ViX+ subscription

  • 15GB of hotspot data

  • 100GB Google One membership

  • Amazon Prime membership

$60/mo

While most plans come with nearly similar characteristics, it is worth noting that each one presents different features such as data capping and mobile hotspot.

Family Plans

Bundle/Plan2 lines3 lines4 lines5 lines
5GB data plan$60
$90$120$150
10GB data plan$70$100$130$160
Unlimited plan 1$80$110$140$150
Unlimited plan 2$90$120$120$150

>>Go to site to view details

Boost Mobile Review

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Source:boostmobile.com

In the US, the way that Boost Mobile has tried to remain relevant is by marketing their products and plans to younger and trendier crowds. Their ad campaigns have featured hip-hop luminaries and sports figures. Among the faces that have appeared in their commercials over the years are Kanye West, Travis Barker, Nick Cannon, Ludacris, and Fat Joe. Their catchphrase, “where you at,” has become a part of popular culture.

Boost is one of the most recognizable names in the no-contract cell phone world. Boost Mobile is used by two independent companies that are in Australia and the US. Boost Mobile’s headquarters is in Sydney. They offer some of the best deals on the market that almost rival MetroPCS. Boost uses the Sprint network vs. T-Mobile for MetroPCS. So, with Boost, you get slower download speeds and more limited phone carry over ability.

Boost Pros and Cons

ProsCons
  • Cheapest unlimited 4G LTE data plan

  • Lower priced data plans give you more data bang for your buck

  • Offers value family plans

  • Data-free music streaming included

  • Good selection of smartphones

  • T-Mobile and Sprint network available

  • Great international add-ons

  • Comes with hotspot data

  • 5G on all expanded coverage plans

  • Mobile hotspot costs $49.99 extra

  • Video streaming is low resolution unless you pay $20 extra per month

  • No international calling or texting included in plans (add-ons for per month fees)

  • Older devices stuck on Sprint

  • Confusing network options

Boost Pland and Pricing

Boost Mobile plans start at $15.Plans on this network are available in 2GB, 5GB, 10GB and 35GB sizes. There are two 35GB plans coming in at $50 and $60 per month with 12GB and 30GB of mobile hotspot data, respectively.All of the plans on this network include mobile hotspot data.Mix & Match any line to create your own family plan

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Source:boostmobile.com

The cheapest 2GB and 5GB plans are only available to new in-store customers at these rates. If you're more interested in the Expanded Network, you can choose between two 35GB plans with additional lines available at a discount. The $50 unlimited plan is limited to SD quality video streaming. If you want crisper videos, you'll want to go with the $60 plan. 

>>Go to site to view details

Buy phone plan on Boost Mobile ,and you can get $7.5 Super Cash Back from Extrabux.

Cricket vs. Metro vs. Boost: Comparison Side by Side


1.Coverage

Cricket uses the AT&T network, which will work well for the majority of Americans. You should check out the coverage map to be sure.

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Source:cricketwireless.com

Metro customers use T-Mobile’s network and may experience slower speeds at busy times due to prioritization.Most people will find better service on the T-Mobile network and T-Mobile's 5G service is available on the Expanded Network map. 

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Source:metrobyt-mobile.com

Boost Mobile is owned by Sprint and, for years, has used the Sprint network exclusively, and most Boost Mobile customers still do. T-Mobile purchased Sprint and, by extension, Boost Mobile. Recently, Boost Mobile started offering coverage on what it's calling the Expanded Network, although it's just the T-Mobile network. If you have a compatible phone, you can use that network. If you find Sprint's services to be superior in your area, you can still use the Nationwide network.

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Source:boostmobile.com

Coverage can vary depending on your location. Start by entering your address and checking the coverage maps on websites:

2.Phone options

Cricket,Metro and boost offer customers the option to either buy a new phone or bring a compatible device.

Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) 

If you want to keep your current phone, it must be unlocked. Locate your device’s IMEI number to check compatibility

Purchase a New Phone

The latest high-end Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy devices are among the phone options with these three carriers, but they’re perhaps best known for free phone promotions.

Metro does have some exclusives such as the ZTE Blade Z Max. You might also choose a network according to your phone preference. Some people gravitate toward an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, or something else. You want to pay attention to which phone you can get with each network, or, if you have a phone already, whether that network will support it.

3.Data speed

All phone carriers will throttle and limit your connection in some way depending on your usage, but Cricket seems to keep a tiger grip on its customers more than most carriers, with an 8Mbps speed limit on its 2GB and 5GB plans and a 3Mbps limit on its Core Unlimited plan. While many people will be able to get by on these speeds, there's no denying that Cricket is going to be one of the slowest carriers around.

Metro and Boost Mobile gives its customers a lot more options to find the perfect fit. Still, you need a solid connection before you can download anything, and there's no getting around that AT&T's network is larger than either the Sprint or T-Mobile network — though the differences aren't as stark as they used to be. T-Mobile has also taken the clear lead in 5G coverage.

4.Customer service

These three companies have physical stores and toll-free numbers where you can turn for help.

Where Boost Mobile seems to have the edge is in the number of brick-and-mortar locations that they have around the country. They have about 8,000, as compared to 5,000 in the case of Cricket. If you need to go in and speak to someone from either company face-to-face, you’ll probably have an easier time finding a Boost Mobile location.

Boost has a rather large knowledgebase with a lot of information that you can use to fix settings on your phone, change your plan, update your phone, and so on. Metro doesn't have the same robust offerings on its website and also can’t compete in the timeliness of help offered.The timeliness of help offered and the friendly customer support staff give Boost the edge in this department.

5.Mobile Hotspot

Both Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile come with Mobile Hotspot, but on different plans. With Cricket Wireless, you will have access to mobile hotspot on the Cricket More plan while Metro by T-Mobile comes with mobile hotspot on the unlimited $150 plan for 4 people.

Metro by T-Mobile comes with mobile hotspot for 4 people while Cricket Wireless only allows it for one person, and this makes Metro by T-Mobile a better option. Mobile hotspot costs $49.99 extra

The Verdict

Cricket is praised for its coverage mainly because it’s owned by one of the biggest carriers in the country. Cricket is owned by AT&T while MetroPCS is owned and operated by T-Mobile.

This means that the coverage for the two carriers is okay. However, AT&T has better coverage when compared to T-Mobile. But the T-Mobile coverage has improved over the years.

Metro will offer you more coverage and better plans overall than Boost Mobile.If you are looking for more signal strength and don't mind paying extra for a phone, you should go with Metro by T-Mobile. For those who do not want to get the latest phone and want to switch, you can pay even less with Boost by choosing their four line promotional offer, which is just $100 and provides free phones.

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Cricket vs. Metro vs. Boost: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

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2021-12-09 19:4111325