Cricket Wireless vs Metro by T-Mobile
Head-to-head comparison of plans, features, and pricing
Cricket Wireless
AT&T network
$—/mo
0 plans available
Metro by T-Mobile
T-Mobile network
$—/mo
0 plans available
Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Cricket Wireless or Metro by T-Mobile is better? Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile coverage, features, plans, and prices side-by-side, so you can decide which carrier offers the best deal.
Cricket Wireless vs Metro by T-Mobile: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026
Cricket Wireless vs Metro by T-Mobile: Reviews
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
Pros
- ✓ T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
- ✓ Amazon Prime included with top plan
- ✓ Google One included with select plans
- ✓ Retail stores nationwide
- ✓ No credit check
Cons
- ✗ Higher priced than online MVNOs
- ✗ Limited plan flexibility
- ✗ No multi-month discounts
Cricket Wireless vs Metro by T-Mobile: Plans
Cricket Wireless Plans
Metro by T-Mobile Plans
Verdict: Tie
Winner: Tie. Both carriers offer comparable pricing in the $25-60/mo range with similar data allowances. Cricket's plans start at $30/mo for 5GB, while Metro starts at $30/mo for 5GB as well. For unlimited, Cricket charges $55/mo and Metro charges $50/mo — a slight edge to Metro.
The real differentiator is included perks: Metro bundles Amazon Prime with its $50/mo unlimited plan, while Cricket includes HBO Max with its top-tier plan. Both include taxes and fees in the advertised price, eliminating surprise charges on your bill.
Cricket Wireless vs Metro by T-Mobile: Coverage
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Cricket Wireless coverage map →Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Metro by T-Mobile coverage map →Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T and Metro by T-Mobile is powered by T-Mobile. Coverage varies by location — check availability in your area.
Verdict: Tie
Winner: Tie. Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T's network and Metro by T-Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network. Both are top-tier national networks with 99%+ population coverage. AT&T has traditionally been stronger in rural areas of the Southeast and Midwest, while T-Mobile leads in 5G coverage and speeds in urban markets.
The best choice depends on your specific location. Check both carriers' coverage maps for your home and work addresses before deciding.
Cricket Wireless vs Metro by T-Mobile: Features
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile
Winner: Metro by T-Mobile. Metro edges ahead with Amazon Prime included on the $50/mo plan, better 5G speeds on T-Mobile's leading 5G network, and scam shield call protection built in. Metro also offers free phone deals that are often more generous than Cricket's device promotions.
Cricket counters with multi-line family savings (up to 5 lines), reliable AT&T network consistency, and a straightforward plan lineup. Both have extensive retail store networks for in-person support, which sets them apart from online-only MVNOs.
Data Speeds
Metro by T-Mobile generally delivers faster 5G speeds thanks to T-Mobile's industry-leading mid-band 5G network, with typical downloads of 100-300 Mbps in covered areas. Cricket on AT&T's 5G network sees speeds of 75-200 Mbps. Both carriers cap speeds on some plans — Cricket limits speeds to 8 Mbps on certain tiers. For 4G LTE, both deliver 30-80 Mbps in most areas.
Our Verdict
This is a close matchup between two strong prepaid carriers. Choose Metro by T-Mobile if you want faster 5G speeds, Amazon Prime included, or better phone deals. Choose Cricket Wireless if AT&T's network is stronger in your area, you need multi-line family savings, or you prefer AT&T's traditionally reliable rural coverage. Both include taxes in the price and offer retail store support — something most budget carriers lack.
Who Should Choose Cricket Wireless
- ✓ You want the AT&T network
- ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
- ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
Who Should Choose Metro by T-Mobile
- ✓ You want the T-Mobile network
- ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
- ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
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