Mint Mobile vs Cricket Wireless: Best Cheap Wireless?
Tired of overpaying for your cell phone bill? You’re not alone. The wireless industry is filled with confusing plans and hidden fees. Choosing the right provider can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help you navigate the options and find the best fit for your needs.
Today, we’re putting two popular budget-friendly carriers head-to-head: Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless. Both promise significant savings compared to the major carriers. They also offer a range of plans and features to cater to different users.
This comparison will break down everything you need to know, from pricing and coverage to data options and customer service. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each provider to help you decide whether Mint Mobile or Cricket Wireless is the better choice for you and your wallet.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | mint | cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Network Type | GSM | CDMA/GSM |
| Coverage | Nationwide | Nationwide |
| Data Speeds | 4G LTE / 5G | 4G LTE / 5G |
| Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) | Yes | Yes |
| International Roaming | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | Online/Phone | Phone/Retail |
| Data Rollover | No | No |
| Family Plans | Yes | Yes |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | Yes |
| eSIM Support | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Pricing and Plans
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile is known for its affordable, prepaid plans, often offering significant discounts for bulk purchases (3, 6, or 12 months upfront). Plans are typically data-limited, and you need to pay upfront for the service. This can be a great deal for budget-conscious users, but requires a commitment.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless offers a range of prepaid plans with varying data allowances and features. They don’t typically require long-term contracts, but they may not be as cheap as Mint Mobile for the same amount of data, especially for single-month plans. They offer more plan variety.
- Winner: Mint
Data Speeds and Coverage
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile utilizes T-Mobile’s network, which provides generally good coverage. Data speeds can be deprioritized during peak times, especially for the lower-priced plans, which might affect your experience during busy periods.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless uses AT&T’s network, which is known for its extensive coverage. Data speeds are generally reliable, although they might be deprioritized depending on your plan and network congestion.
- Winner: Cricket
Data Options and Flexibility
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile plans come with fixed data allowances, and overage charges apply if you exceed your limit. You can upgrade your data mid-cycle, but it might not always be the most cost-effective solution.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless offers a wider range of data options, allowing you to choose a plan that better matches your needs. They also offer unlimited data plans, which provides more freedom, but might be pricier.
- Winner: Cricket
Customer Service
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile’s customer service is primarily online-based, with limited phone support. This can be challenging for those who prefer direct communication with a representative, but it keeps costs down.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless offers customer service through multiple channels, including retail stores and phone support. This provides more options for customers who need assistance.
- Winner: Cricket
International Calling and Roaming
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile includes international calling and roaming features depending on the plan. This can be convenient for travelers, but international calling rates might apply.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless also offers international calling and roaming options. They have specific plans with international features, offering a competitive advantage.
- Winner: Cricket
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile supports BYOD, allowing you to bring your own compatible unlocked phone. This can save you money if you already own a device.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless also supports BYOD, making it easy to switch providers without buying a new phone. They have a tool to check device compatibility.
- Winner: Tie
Phone Selection
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile sells a limited selection of phones.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless offers a wider selection of phones from various brands, including budget-friendly and premium options.
- Winner: Cricket
Hidden Fees/Add-ons
- Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile has fewer add-on fees.
- Cricket Wireless: Cricket Wireless can have more add-on fees.
- Winner: Mint
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Price | mint |
| Network Reliability | cricket |
| Data Options | Tie |
| Customer Service | cricket |
| Overall Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Nationwide Coverage: Both Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless offer nationwide coverage, ensuring you can stay connected in most areas across the United States. They both utilize major carrier networks.
- Bring Your Own Device (byod): Both providers allow you to bring your own compatible phone, saving you money on purchasing a new device. This offers flexibility and choice for customers.
- 4g Lte/5g Data: Both Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless provide access to 4G LTE and 5G data speeds, ensuring fast and reliable internet connectivity for your mobile devices. This allows for streaming, browsing, and more.
- Mobile Hotspot: Both carriers include mobile hotspot capabilities, allowing you to share your data connection with other devices. This is great for laptops and tablets.
- International Roaming: Both offer international roaming options, allowing you to use your phone while traveling abroad, though rates and coverage may vary. This is a convenient feature for travelers.
Mint Mobile Vs Cricket Wireless Buying Guide
Coverage
Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s network, offering generally strong coverage, especially in urban and suburban areas. However, coverage can be less reliable in rural locations compared to networks like Cricket Wireless. Cricket Wireless, leveraging AT&T’s extensive network, often provides broader coverage, including more consistent service in areas with lower population density. Consider your typical usage locations; if you frequently travel outside major cities, Cricket Wireless might offer a more dependable signal. Both offer 5G access where available, but the actual 5G speeds and availability will vary.
Pricing and Plans
Mint Mobile is known for its budget-friendly pricing, particularly with its multi-month plans. The longer you commit, the lower the monthly cost. Cricket Wireless also offers competitive pricing, especially for its unlimited plans, though they often cost more upfront than Mint. Cricket sometimes has promotional offers, and its plans are generally straightforward without the need for multi-month commitments. Evaluate your data needs and budget; Mint is usually cheaper upfront, but Cricket’s simplicity might appeal more to some users.
Data Speeds and Throttling
Both Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless offer 5G and 4G LTE data speeds, but their policies regarding data throttling differ. Mint Mobile’s plans often include a set amount of high-speed data, after which speeds may be reduced. Cricket Wireless also has some plans that may throttle speeds after a certain data usage, but the point at which this happens and the throttling speed can vary depending on the specific plan. Consider your data consumption habits and whether you prioritize consistent high-speed data or are comfortable with occasional throttling.
Customer Service
Mint Mobile’s customer service is primarily online-based, with support channels including chat and email. This can be convenient for some users, but it may not suit those who prefer in-person assistance. Cricket Wireless provides customer service through retail stores, phone support, and online channels. This provides more options for getting help, especially if you prefer face-to-face interactions or immediate assistance. Evaluate your preferred method of communication when considering customer support options.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Both Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless support the BYOD program, allowing you to bring your existing unlocked phone. Before switching, ensure your phone is compatible with their networks. Mint Mobile offers a compatibility checker on their website. Cricket Wireless also provides a compatibility tool. This can save you money if you don’t need a new phone. Check both carrier’s websites to confirm compatibility with your current device and ensure it supports the necessary network bands.
International Features
Mint Mobile offers international calling and roaming options, often with competitive rates. These features can be added to your plan. Cricket Wireless also provides international calling and roaming features, but the pricing and included features can vary. If you frequently call or travel internationally, compare the specific rates and included features of each carrier. Consider the countries you typically call or visit to determine which carrier offers the best value for your international needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy mint mobile If…
- You are looking for the absolute lowest monthly cost.
- You are comfortable with online-based customer service.
- You are looking for flexible data plan options.
- You are a light to moderate data user.
Buy cricket wireless If…
- You prefer the reliability of a well-established network.
- You want the option of in-store customer service.
- You want unlimited data options.
- You need a plan that includes extras like HBO Max.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in coverage between Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless?
Cricket Wireless typically offers broader coverage due to its use of AT&T’s network, which tends to be more extensive, especially in rural areas. Mint Mobile, using T-Mobile’s network, provides strong coverage in urban and suburban areas but may have less reliable service in more remote locations. The difference in coverage is a key factor when deciding between the two providers. Assess your typical usage locations.
Are Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless plans truly unlimited?
Cricket Wireless offers plans that are truly unlimited in data usage, although they might throttle speeds after a certain amount of high-speed data is used. Mint Mobile’s plans are not truly unlimited; they offer a set amount of high-speed data, and then speeds are reduced. Carefully review the fine print of each plan to understand their specific data policies. Unlimited doesn’t always equal high speed.
How do I check if my phone is compatible with Mint Mobile or Cricket Wireless?
Both providers offer online compatibility checkers. You can visit their respective websites and enter your phone’s IMEI number to determine if it’s compatible. These tools will verify whether your phone supports the required network bands. If your phone is unlocked and compatible, you can bring it to either provider. Always double-check before making the switch.
Does Cricket Wireless have retail stores?
Yes, Cricket Wireless has a significant retail presence with many physical stores across the United States. This provides customers with in-person support, device purchasing options, and assistance with account management. These stores can be helpful for users preferring face-to-face customer service. Mint Mobile, being a virtual carrier, does not have physical stores, relying primarily on online and phone support.
What are the international calling options for Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile offers international calling options that can be added to your plan. Rates vary depending on the destination country, and you can often purchase add-ons. They provide competitive international calling rates and roaming options. Check their website for specific rates and included features related to the countries you need to call. Always review the terms and conditions.
Does Cricket Wireless offer any family plan discounts?
Yes, Cricket Wireless provides family plan discounts, allowing you to add multiple lines to your account at a reduced monthly cost per line. The price per line decreases as you add more lines to your account. This is a great way to save money if you have a family or group of people who want to share a mobile plan. It offers an incentive for larger groups.
What is the data throttling policy for Mint Mobile?
Mint Mobile provides a set amount of high-speed data, and once that limit is reached, your data speeds are reduced. The throttling speed depends on the specific plan you have chosen. The data usage limits and throttling speeds are clearly stated in your plan details. This policy is different from Cricket’s unlimited plans, which may also throttle, but at a different threshold.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Mint Mobile and Cricket Wireless hinges on individual needs. Mint Mobile offers budget-friendly plans and attractive pricing for those who pay upfront. Cricket Wireless provides broader coverage and the convenience of physical stores, with some plans offering truly unlimited data. For users prioritizing budget and are comfortable with online support, Mint Mobile is a strong contender. However, for those needing extensive coverage and prefer in-person support, Cricket Wireless is the better choice.
Winner: Cricket Wireless