Cricket vs Metro

Cricket and Metro are the prepaid storefronts of AT&T and T-Mobile respectively. Pick by network, not plan — both are competitive.

Cricket Wireless Metro by T-Mobile
TypeMVNOMVNO
NetworkAT&TT-Mobile
Plans on file22
Cheapest $40.00 $30.00

Cricket Wireless plans

plans

Frequently asked questions

Does Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile use the same network?

No — Cricket Wireless rides the AT&T network and Metro by T-Mobile rides the T-Mobile network. Coverage at any specific address depends on which network has stronger signal there. Use our coverage maps to compare side by side.

Which is cheaper, Cricket Wireless or Metro by T-Mobile?

The cheapest Cricket Wireless plan we have on file is $40.00/month; the cheapest Metro by T-Mobile plan is $30.00/month. By starting price, Metro by T-Mobile is cheaper. Compare the actual plans side by side above for data, hotspot, and feature differences — the cheapest plan isn't always the best value.

Is Cricket Wireless better than Metro by T-Mobile?

It depends on your usage. Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile have different price points, plan structures, and underlying networks. Use the comparison table above to evaluate plans head-to-head, or enter your ZIP in the finder to see which network has stronger coverage at your specific address.

Can I switch from Cricket Wireless to Metro by T-Mobile and keep my number?

Yes. Number portability is required by FCC rules. Get a port-out PIN from Cricket Wireless, sign up at Metro by T-Mobile with "transfer my existing number," and provide your account number, port PIN, and billing ZIP. Most ports complete in 15 minutes to 4 hours. See our switching guide for the full walkthrough.

Whose coverage is better, Cricket Wireless or Metro by T-Mobile?

Coverage between Cricket Wireless (AT&T network) and Metro by T-Mobile (T-Mobile network) depends entirely on where you are. Verizon is historically strongest in older brick housing and rural reach; T-Mobile leads in 5g-mid-band">mid-band 5G speed in urban areas; AT&T is competitive throughout. Enter your ZIP in our coverage maps to compare directly at your address.