Boost Mobile vs Cricket: Which Prepaid Carrier Reigns?
Tired of overpaying for your phone plan? You’re not alone. The prepaid market is booming, offering budget-friendly alternatives to traditional contracts. Two of the biggest players vying for your attention are Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless, each promising affordable service and reliable coverage.
Choosing between these two can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. This in-depth comparison of Boost Mobile vs Cricket will break down everything you need to know to make the best decision for your needs. We’ll explore their pricing, coverage, features, and more.
Whether you’re looking for the absolute cheapest plan or want premium features, this guide will help. Get ready to dive into the details and discover which carrier, Boost Mobile or Cricket Wireless, is the perfect match for your mobile lifestyle and budget.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | boost mobile | cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Good | Good |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes |
| Data Rollover | Yes | No |
| Hotspot Data | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| International Calling | Available | Available |
| Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | Mixed Reviews | Mixed Reviews |
| Family Plan Options | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited Data Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Data Throttling | Possible on some plans | Possible on some plans |
| Payment Options | Online, Retail | Online, Retail |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Price & Plans
- Boost Mobile: Offers a variety of prepaid plans, often with promotional pricing for new customers. Plans can be competitive, but prices may increase after the initial promotional period. Consider data allowance and any bundled features.
- Cricket: Provides straightforward, no-contract plans with fixed monthly costs. Cricket’s plans are generally consistent, offering a reliable pricing structure, but may not always have the absolute lowest introductory offers.
- Winner: Tie
Coverage
- Boost Mobile: Relies on the T-Mobile network and previously the Dish Wireless network. Coverage can be strong in urban and suburban areas, but may be spotty in rural locations, depending on the network.
- Cricket: Uses the AT&T network. Generally, AT&T has excellent coverage, especially in areas with high population densities. Rural coverage is also pretty good.
- Winner: Cricket
Data Speeds
- Boost Mobile: Data speeds can vary depending on the plan and network availability. Some plans may offer limited high-speed data before throttling. Network congestion could affect speeds.
- Cricket: Offers plans with varying amounts of high-speed data. After the high-speed data allowance is used, speeds are throttled. Speeds are generally reliable.
- Winner: Tie
Phone Selection
- Boost Mobile: Carries a wide selection of phones, including budget-friendly options and popular smartphones. Offers financing options and deals on devices.
- Cricket: Also has a good selection of phones, with a focus on value and affordability. Offers a range of smartphones and basic phones.
- Winner: Tie
International Features
- Boost Mobile: May offer international calling and roaming options as add-ons or included in certain plans. Costs can vary depending on the country.
- Cricket: Provides international calling and texting features, with plans that include calls to Mexico and Canada. Other countries are available as add-ons.
- Winner: Cricket
Customer Service
- Boost Mobile: Customer service experiences can be mixed. Support is available through various channels, but wait times and resolution times can vary.
- Cricket: Generally offers reliable customer service. Support is available through phone, online chat, and retail locations.
- Winner: Cricket
Deals & Promotions
- Boost Mobile: Frequently offers promotional deals, especially for new customers. These can include discounted plans, device bundles, and other incentives.
- Cricket: Runs promotions, but they may not be as frequent or as aggressive as Boost Mobile’s. Promotions often revolve around device purchases or plan upgrades.
- Winner: boost mobile
Network Management
- Boost Mobile: May deprioritize data during times of network congestion to give priority to customers on the T-Mobile network. This can affect data speeds.
- Cricket: May deprioritize data during times of network congestion, as AT&T manages network resources. However, this is less likely to be noticeable in areas with strong coverage.
- Winner: Cricket
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Tie |
| Data Rollover | boost mobile |
| Plan Simplicity | cricket |
| Promotional Offers | boost mobile |
What They Have in Common:
- 5g Access: Both providers offer access to 5G networks, allowing users to experience faster data speeds in areas where 5G is available. This can improve streaming, browsing, and other data-intensive activities.
- Bring Your Own Device (byod): Both Boost Mobile and Cricket allow customers to bring their own compatible unlocked phones to their networks, providing flexibility and potential cost savings.
- Unlimited Data Plans: Both carriers offer unlimited data plans, catering to users who need a lot of data. However, speeds may be throttled after reaching a certain data threshold.
- Family Plan Options: Boost Mobile and Cricket both offer family plan options, allowing users to bundle multiple lines under one account and potentially save money.
- International Calling: Both carriers offer international calling options, allowing users to make calls to other countries. The rates and features vary by plan.
Boost Mobile Vs Cricket Buying Guide
Coverage
Boost Mobile primarily relies on the T-Mobile network, while Cricket uses AT&T’s network. Both networks offer extensive nationwide coverage, but there are nuances. AT&T generally provides superior coverage in rural areas, making Cricket a strong choice for those outside of urban centers. T-Mobile, however, has made significant strides in recent years, closing the gap. Consider your specific location and compare coverage maps before making a decision. Factors like building penetration and 5G availability should also influence your choice, depending on the availability in your area.
Pricing and Plans
Both providers offer a range of plans, from budget-friendly options to premium tiers with more data. Cricket often has simpler pricing structures with fewer plan options, potentially making it easier to understand. Boost Mobile frequently runs promotions and deals, which could result in lower monthly costs, but these can be temporary. Carefully compare the data allowances, hotspot capabilities, and any included perks, such as streaming subscriptions, to determine the best value for your needs. Always factor in taxes and fees.
Phone Selection
Both Boost Mobile and Cricket offer a variety of phones, including budget-friendly options and flagship devices. Cricket’s selection is often wider, including more unlocked phone options. Boost Mobile may have a more limited selection of phones directly available, but it also allows you to bring your own compatible device, which can be a cost-effective option. The availability of specific models and financing options may vary between the two. Consider your phone preferences, desired features, and budget when making your choice.
Data Speeds and Throttling
Both providers may throttle data speeds on certain plans after you’ve used a certain amount of high-speed data. This means your data speeds will be reduced, potentially impacting activities like streaming or downloading large files. Cricket is known for offering consistent data speeds, while Boost Mobile’s speeds can vary. Carefully review the fine print of your plan to understand the throttling policies and the data limits before speeds are reduced. Consider your data usage habits to determine whether this will affect you.
Customer Service
Customer service experiences can vary significantly. Both providers offer customer support through various channels, including phone, chat, and in-person stores. Research online reviews and compare experiences before deciding. Some users report that Cricket has generally reliable customer support, while others report issues with Boost Mobile’s support. Consider the importance of prompt and helpful customer service, especially if you anticipate needing assistance with your account or service. Evaluate the ease of accessing support.
Perks and Extras
Beyond the core services, both providers offer additional perks and extras to attract customers. These could include things like international calling features, hotspot data allowances, and streaming service subscriptions. Cricket might offer benefits such as discounts on certain accessories. Boost Mobile could provide things like exclusive deals or rewards programs. Compare the extras offered by each provider to determine which one best aligns with your needs and preferences. Factor in these extras when calculating the overall value.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy boost mobile If…
- You value data rollover on some plans.
- You want to take advantage of promotional offers and deals.
- You want a wider selection of phones, including some from Boost’s own brand.
- You are looking for flexibility in plan options.
Buy cricket If…
- You prioritize a straightforward and simple plan structure.
- You want the reliability of AT&T’s network.
- You appreciate the included features like access to the HBO Max streaming service (on some plans).
- You are looking for reliable coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Boost Mobile and Cricket?
The primary difference lies in their network infrastructure. Cricket operates on AT&T’s network, while Boost Mobile primarily uses T-Mobile’s network. This means coverage and potentially data speeds can vary depending on your location. Other differences include plan options, phone selections, and promotional offers. Consider your location and usage habits when deciding between the two.
Which carrier has better coverage?
Both offer extensive nationwide coverage. Cricket, using AT&T, historically had an edge in rural areas. T-Mobile, powering Boost, has significantly improved its coverage. The best coverage depends on your location. Check coverage maps for both providers, considering 5G availability and building penetration, to see which works best for you.
Are there any contracts with Boost Mobile or Cricket?
No, both Boost Mobile and Cricket offer no-contract plans. This means you are not locked into a long-term agreement and can change your plan or provider at any time. This flexibility allows you to adapt your service to your changing needs and budget without penalty. You simply pay month-to-month.
Can I bring my own phone to either provider?
Yes, both Boost Mobile and Cricket allow you to bring your own compatible unlocked phone. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you already own a phone you like. Check the compatibility requirements on each provider’s website to ensure your phone is supported. You’ll need to make sure the phone is unlocked and compatible with their network.
Which provider offers better value for money?
The best value depends on your specific needs and usage habits. Boost Mobile often has promotions and deals that can lower your monthly cost, but Cricket often has simpler pricing. Compare the data allowances, hotspot capabilities, and included perks to determine which offers better value for your needs. Always account for taxes and fees.
What happens if I exceed my data limit?
Both providers may throttle your data speeds if you exceed your plan’s high-speed data allowance. This means your data speeds will be reduced, potentially impacting your ability to stream videos or download large files. Review the terms of your plan to understand the throttling policies and the data limits before speeds are reduced. Consider if you’ll need unlimited data.
How do I switch from one provider to the other?
Switching is generally straightforward. First, ensure your current phone is unlocked or purchase a new one. Then, sign up for a plan with your chosen provider, activate your service, and transfer your phone number. You can usually do this online or in-store. Remember to back up your data before switching and cancel your service with your previous provider.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Boost Mobile and Cricket hinges on individual needs. Cricket often provides solid coverage and straightforward plans, while Boost Mobile may offer more competitive pricing and promotions. Weigh coverage, pricing, and specific plan features against your own usage patterns and location to make the best decision. Both offer strong value.
Winner: [Tie]