Cricket Wireless vs Straight Talk

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

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

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless

AT&T network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Straight Talk

Straight Talk

Verizon network

$—/mo

0 plans available

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

Cricket Wireless vs Straight Talk: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

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

Cricket Wireless vs Straight Talk: Reviews

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
Straight Talk
Our Rating:
3.5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ Available at Walmart stores nationwide
  • ✓ No contract required
  • ✓ International calling add-ons available

Cons

  • ✗ Data deprioritization on all plans
  • ✗ Mixed customer service reviews
  • ✗ Higher priced than online MVNOs
  • ✗ Confusing plan structure

Cricket Wireless vs Straight Talk: Plans

Cricket Wireless Top Plan

Unlimited

$55/mo

Powered by AT&T

See at Cricket Wireless →

Cricket Wireless Plans

Straight Talk Top Plan

Unlimited

$45/mo

Powered by Verizon

See at Straight Talk →

Straight Talk Plans

Cricket Wireless vs Straight Talk: Coverage

Cricket Wireless

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

View Cricket Wireless coverage map →

Straight Talk

Straight Talk is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Straight Talk coverage map →

Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T and Straight Talk is powered by Verizon. Coverage varies by location — check availability in your area.

Cricket Wireless vs Straight Talk: Features

Feature Cricket Wireless Straight Talk
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

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

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 →

Who Should Choose Straight Talk

  • ✓ You want the Verizon network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View Straight Talk 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 Cricket Wireless, Straight Talk, 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

Compare Cricket Wireless vs Straight Talk — How Much Could You Save?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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