Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

Head-to-head comparison of plans, features, and pricing

Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular

T-Mobile network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless

AT&T network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Consumer Cellular or Cricket Wireless is better? Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Consumer Cellular and Cricket Wireless coverage, features, plans, and prices side-by-side, so you can decide which carrier offers the best deal.

Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

  1. 1. Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Reviews
  2. 2. Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Plans
  3. 3. Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Coverage
  4. 4. Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Features
  5. 5. Our Verdict
  6. 6. FAQ

Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Reviews

Consumer Cellular
Our Rating:
3.5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ No contract required
  • ✓ AARP member discounts
  • ✓ Excellent customer service ratings
  • ✓ Simple plans for seniors

Cons

  • ✗ Higher prices than some MVNOs
  • ✗ No unlimited hotspot
  • ✗ Limited phone selection
Cricket Wireless
Our Rating:
3.8/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ Multi-line discounts up to 5 lines
  • ✓ Taxes and fees included
  • ✓ Retail stores nationwide
  • ✓ eSIM compatible

Cons

  • ✗ Data speeds capped at lower tiers
  • ✗ No international roaming on basic plans
  • ✗ Higher priced than online-only MVNOs

Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Plans

Consumer Cellular Top Plan

Unlimited

$50/mo

Powered by T-Mobile

See at Consumer Cellular →

Consumer Cellular Plans

Cricket Wireless Top Plan

Unlimited

$55/mo

Powered by AT&T

See at Cricket Wireless →

Cricket Wireless Plans

Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Coverage

Consumer Cellular

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

View Consumer Cellular coverage map →

Cricket Wireless

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

View Cricket Wireless coverage map →

Consumer Cellular is powered by T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T. Coverage varies by location — check availability in your area.

Consumer Cellular vs Cricket Wireless: Features

Feature Consumer Cellular Cricket Wireless
Networks — —
Data Speed — —
3G Network — —
Mobile Hotspot — —
5G — —
VoLTE — —
WiFi Calling — —
Visual Voicemail — —
Bring Your Phone — —
Keep Your Number — —
Contract — —
Credit Check — —
Taxes Included — —
Multi-line Discounts — —
Multi-month Discounts — —
Money Back Guarantee — —
Customer Service — —
International Calls — —
International Roaming — —

Our Verdict

Consumer Cellular is better for budget-conscious users who want plans starting at $0/mo on the T-Mobile network. Cricket Wireless is better if you want plans on the AT&T network starting at $0/mo. Both carriers offer the same tower coverage as Big Wireless at a fraction of the price.

Who Should Choose Consumer Cellular

  • ✓ You want the T-Mobile network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View Consumer Cellular Plans →

Who Should Choose Cricket Wireless

  • ✓ You want the AT&T network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View Cricket Wireless Plans →

Why You Can Trust This Comparison

I've spent years helping people ditch overpriced phone plans by exposing hidden fees and carrier tricks. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the fine print, testing and comparing real-world network performance so you don't have to.

I've personally tested Consumer Cellular, Cricket Wireless, and other low-cost providers, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing to the Big 3. If there's a smarter way to save, you'll hear about it here first.

— Rob Webber, Founder & Editor

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Consumer Cellular or Cricket Wireless cheaper?
Consumer Cellular is cheaper, with plans starting at $0/mo. Cricket Wireless starts at $0/mo.
Which network does Consumer Cellular use?
Consumer Cellular uses the T-Mobile network. You get the same coverage as T-Mobile customers at a lower price.
Which network does Cricket Wireless use?
Cricket Wireless uses the AT&T network. You get the same coverage as AT&T customers at a lower price.
Can I keep my phone number if I switch to Consumer Cellular or Cricket Wireless?
Yes. Both carriers support number porting. You can transfer your existing phone number in about 10-30 minutes during the sign-up process.
Do Consumer Cellular and Cricket Wireless offer 5G?
Most modern plans from both Consumer Cellular and Cricket Wireless include 5G access at no extra cost where the network supports it.