Choosing the right wireless carrier can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options, how do you find the one that perfectly fits your needs and budget? Two popular choices that often come up in these discussions are Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless.
Both carriers aim to provide affordable mobile service, but they do so with different approaches to plans, coverage, and features. Understanding these distinctions is key to making an informed decision. This comparison will break down the key differences between Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless.
We’ll look at what each provider offers in terms of data, network reliability, and overall value. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which carrier might be your ideal match.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | total wireless | cricket wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Verizon (4G LTE/5G Nationwide) | AT&T (4G LTE/5G Nationwide) |
| Data Speeds | Up to 25 Mbps (5G Nationwide) | Up to 8 Mbps (4G LTE), 15 Mbps (5G) |
| Data Deprioritization | Yes, after high-speed allotment | Yes, after high-speed allotment |
| Hotspot Data | Included on select plans | Included on select plans |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | Yes | Yes |
| International Calling | Add-on packages available | Add-on packages available |
| International Roaming | Add-on packages available | Add-on packages available |
| Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | Online and phone support | Online, phone, and retail stores |
| Plan Variety | Limited, focus on data tiers | More diverse, including unlimited options |
| Family Plans | Yes | Yes |
| Bundles | No significant bundles | No significant bundles |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Network Coverage
- Total Wireless: Utilizes Verizon’s expansive 4G LTE and 5G network, known for its reliability and wide coverage across the US, including rural areas. This strong infrastructure generally leads to consistent service.
- Cricket Wireless: Operates on AT&T’s 4G LTE and 5G network, which also offers very good coverage, particularly in urban and suburban areas. While strong, some users report slightly less consistent coverage in extremely remote locations compared to Verizon.
- Winner: total wireless
Data Speeds
- Total Wireless: Generally offers good data speeds that are suitable for most everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and social media. Speeds can be deprioritized during network congestion, which is common with MVNOs.
- Cricket Wireless: Also provides competitive data speeds, often allowing for smooth streaming and browsing. Like Total Wireless, Cricket’s speeds can be subject to deprioritization during peak times.
- Winner: Cricket Wireless
Plan Options & Pricing
- Total Wireless: Known for its budget-friendly plans, often including unlimited talk and text with generous data allowances, sometimes with unlimited data options. They frequently offer multi-line discounts and family plans that are very cost-effective.
- Cricket Wireless: Offers a variety of plans with different data tiers, including unlimited options, and is also very competitive on price, especially for single-line users and families. Cricket often includes taxes and fees in their advertised prices, which is a significant advantage.
- Winner: Cricket Wireless
Unlimited Data Policies
- Total Wireless: Offers unlimited data plans, but these typically involve data throttling after a certain high-speed data threshold is reached. After throttling, speeds are significantly reduced, making heavy data usage difficult.
- Cricket Wireless: Also provides unlimited data plans. Similar to Total Wireless, their unlimited plans include a threshold for high-speed data, after which speeds are reduced. Cricket’s unlimited plans are generally considered a good value for the price.
- Winner: Cricket Wireless
International Calling & Texting
- Total Wireless: International features are often add-ons or require specific plans. Basic plans may not include international calling, necessitating the purchase of international calling cards or plans.
- Cricket Wireless: Offers plans with included international calling to select countries, and their higher-tier unlimited plans often have robust international features, including texting and calling to Mexico and Canada, and even international data roaming.
- Winner: Cricket Wireless
Hotspot Capabilities
- Total Wireless: Mobile hotspot is typically included on most of their unlimited plans, but the amount of high-speed hotspot data can be limited. Once the high-speed data is used, hotspot speeds are significantly reduced.
- Cricket Wireless: Offers mobile hotspot on some of its unlimited plans. The amount of high-speed data available for hotspot use is usually capped, and speeds can be throttled after that limit is reached.
- Winner: Cricket Wireless
Customer Service
- Total Wireless: Customer service is primarily online, via chat, or by phone. Experiences can be mixed, with some users reporting long wait times or difficulty resolving complex issues.
- Cricket Wireless: Offers customer support through phone, online chat, and physical retail stores. The availability of physical stores can be a significant pro for customers who prefer in-person assistance.
- Winner: Cricket Wireless
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) & Phone Selection
- Total Wireless: Supports bringing your own compatible Verizon phone. They also offer a selection of phones for purchase, often with promotions and discounts.
- Cricket Wireless: Has a strong BYOD program for compatible AT&T phones and also offers a wide range of unlocked phones and carrier-specific devices for sale, often with attractive new customer deals.
- Winner: Cricket Wireless
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Network Coverage | Tie (Both use major networks) |
| Data Speeds | Cricket Wireless (on 5G) |
| Plan Variety | Cricket Wireless |
| Customer Service Options | Cricket Wireless |
| Value for Money | Tie (Depends on specific plan needs) |
| Hotspot Data | Tie (Available on select plans) |
What They Have in Common
- Network Coverage: Both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless utilize the robust networks of major carriers, providing widespread 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide coverage across the United States. Total Wireless operates on Verizon’s network, while Cricket Wireless uses AT&T’s network, both known for their reliability and reach.
- Unlimited Talk & Text: All plans from both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless include unlimited talk and text within the U.S., ensuring you can communicate freely without worrying about minute or message limits. This is a standard offering for most prepaid carriers today.
- Bring Your Own Device (byod): Both carriers allow you to bring your own compatible smartphone to their service, saving you the cost of purchasing a new device. This flexibility makes it easier to switch carriers without changing your phone.
- Data Deprioritization: Expect data speeds to be potentially reduced during times of network congestion on both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless once you’ve used your high-speed data allotment for the month. This is a common practice among many prepaid providers.
- Hotspot Data Availability: Both carriers offer mobile hotspot data on select plans, allowing you to share your phone’s internet connection with other devices. The amount of hotspot data varies depending on the specific plan chosen.
- International Options: For those who need to connect with people abroad, both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless offer add-on packages for international calling and roaming, providing flexibility for global communication needs.
Total Wireless Vs Cricket Wireless Buying Guide
Network Coverage and Reliability
When choosing between Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless, network coverage is paramount. Both carriers utilize major network infrastructures, but their specific coverage maps can differ significantly by region. Cricket Wireless operates on AT&T’s 4G LTE and 5G networks, which are generally known for their extensive reach and consistent performance across the United States. Total Wireless, on the other hand, leverages Verizon’s network, which also boasts strong coverage, particularly in rural areas where AT&T might be weaker.
It’s crucial to check the coverage maps for both providers in your specific locations, including your home, workplace, and frequent travel routes. A carrier with excellent coverage in one area might fall short in another. Consider how important consistent signal strength is to your daily use and which network is more dependable for your needs. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
Plan Options and Data Allowances
Both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless offer a variety of plans designed to cater to different data needs and budgets. Cricket Wireless typically provides a range of unlimited data plans, often with varying speeds and hotspot allowances. These plans can be attractive for heavy data users who want the freedom to stream, download, and browse without worrying about overage charges. Some plans also include international calling and texting features, adding value for those with global connections.
Total Wireless also offers tiered data plans, including options with unlimited data, but often with a soft cap on high-speed data before throttling. They also provide plans with specific data amounts, which can be more cost-effective for users with lower data consumption. When comparing, look beyond just the advertised “unlimited” and investigate the data caps, deprioritization thresholds, and whether any plan offers the right balance of data and price for your individual usage habits.
Pricing and Value for Money
Price is often a deciding factor, and both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless strive to offer competitive rates, especially for multi-line accounts. Cricket Wireless often emphasizes its family plans, where the per-line cost decreases significantly as you add more lines, making it a compelling option for families or groups looking to save money. They also frequently run promotions on new devices and service discounts.
Total Wireless also offers discounts for auto-pay and can be very cost-effective, especially if you’re looking for a single line or have moderate data needs. Their pricing structure can sometimes be simpler, and they often include taxes and fees in their advertised prices, which can lead to a more predictable monthly bill. Evaluate which carrier’s pricing model best aligns with the number of lines you need and your overall budget, factoring in any potential hidden fees or extra costs. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Customer Service and User Experience
The quality of customer service can greatly impact your overall experience with a mobile carrier. Cricket Wireless generally has a reputation for decent customer support, with options for in-store assistance, online chat, and phone support. Their retail presence can be a significant advantage for customers who prefer face-to-face interactions for account management or troubleshooting.
Total Wireless, being a primarily online and phone-based provider, may offer a different customer service experience. While they aim for efficiency, some users might find the lack of physical retail locations a drawback. It’s worth looking at recent customer reviews and satisfaction ratings for both carriers to gauge their responsiveness, helpfulness, and ease of resolving issues. A smooth customer service experience can save you a lot of frustration in the long run.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy total wireless If…
- You want access to Verizon’s strong network coverage and are comfortable with their data speed limitations.
- You are looking for simple, data-focused plans with a clear hierarchy of data allowances.
- You prioritize a no-frills service that offers reliable connectivity at a competitive price.
Buy cricket wireless If…
- You prefer to be on the AT&T network or are looking for a carrier that offers more plan variety, including more unlimited options.
- You value having the option of in-person customer support at retail stores in addition to online and phone support.
- You are seeking a balance of good coverage, decent data speeds, and a wider range of plan choices to fit different usage habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary network carrier for Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless?
Total Wireless operates on the Verizon Wireless network, known for its robust coverage, especially in rural areas. Cricket Wireless is an MVNO that uses the AT&T network, which also offers widespread 4G LTE and 5G coverage across the United States. The choice between them can depend on which of these underlying networks provides better service in your specific locations.
Do either Total Wireless or Cricket Wireless offer 5G service?
Yes, both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless offer 5G service to their customers, provided you have a compatible device and are within a 5G coverage area. Cricket Wireless leverages AT&T’s 5G network, while Total Wireless utilizes Verizon’s 5G network. The availability and performance of 5G can vary by location and device. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Are there any international calling or texting benefits with these carriers?
Cricket Wireless often includes international features in some of its higher-tier unlimited plans, such as international calling and texting to Canada and Mexico, and even some international data roaming. Total Wireless generally offers international calling as an add-on feature to its plans, rather than being a standard inclusion. It’s important to check the specific plan details for each carrier regarding international usage.
Can I bring my own phone to Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless?
Absolutely. Both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless allow you to bring your own compatible smartphone to their networks. You’ll typically need to ensure your device is unlocked and meets their specific compatibility requirements. This is a great way to save money and continue using a phone you’re already familiar with.
What is the typical data speed and deprioritization policy for each carrier?
Both carriers may deprioritize data traffic during times of network congestion, especially on their unlimited plans after a certain high-speed data threshold is met. Cricket Wireless may limit speeds on certain unlimited plans to 3 Mbps, while Total Wireless’s unlimited plans can have varying high-speed data caps before throttling. Actual speeds can vary based on network conditions and your plan.
Final Verdict
Both Total Wireless and Cricket Wireless offer compelling value, but their strengths lie in different areas. Cricket Wireless shines with its family plans and often more generous unlimited data options, leveraging AT&T’s strong network. Total Wireless, using Verizon’s network, can be an excellent choice for those prioritizing coverage in more rural areas or seeking straightforward, budget-friendly plans, especially with auto-pay discounts. For overall value and features, particularly for families, Cricket Wireless often edges out Total Wireless.
Winner: Cricket Wireless