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December 8, 2022
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We picked out a few more recommendations worth considering:
If you’re looking for a quality prepaid cellular provider with high-speed data, then Cricket Wireless is an option worth considering. All of their 5G and 4G LTE plans offer unlimited talk, text, and data and require no long-term contracts.
Pro Tip: To find the best deals on cellular service, check out my guide to the best senior cell phone plans.
Pro Tip: Looking for affordable prepaid cell phones that are user-friendly and don’t require contracts? Check out my article, Best Prepaid Cell Phones for Seniors.
| Cricket Wireless Plan | Starting Monthly Price | Talk, Text, and Data Allowance | Monthly High-Speed Data Limit | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 GB | $30 | Unlimited | 5 GB | Those who primarily use their phone for calls, messages, and occasional web browsing |
| 10 GB | $40* | Unlimited | 10 GB | Those who want to talk, text, and occasionally stream music or video |
| Unlimited | $55* | Unlimited | None; however, speeds are limited to 8 Mbps. | Those who regularly stream music and video |
| Unlimited + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot | $60* | Unlimited | Unlimited | Those who regularly use their phone to stream music and video in addition to using their phone as a Wi-Fi source |
*Monthly price reflects the cost per line when you sign up for two lines with autopay; further discounts are available when purchasing additional lines.
Currently, Cricket Wireless does not offer a specific plan or discount for seniors. With that said, we think that their 5 GB plan is a great option for people who want a simple plan at an affordable price.
Cricket Wireless’ 5 GB plan costs $30 per month, per line and includes unlimited talk, text, and data usage. While it only offers 5 GB of high-speed data usage – about 20-30 hours of music or four hours of video – this is likely enough for those not intent on viewing constant content. In other words, the reduced data speeds are still enough to browse the web for practical matters such as emailing and streaming a YouTube video.
To purchase a phone or plan from Cricket Wireless, you can either visit their website or check out one of their stores. From there, you can take a closer look at each of their cellular plans. Cricket used to offer plans with monthly allowances of talk minutes and text messages. Currently, all of their plans offer unlimited talk, text, and data, which means you won’t have to worry about overage charges.
The primary difference between each of Cricket’s plans is the monthly allowance of high-speed data. Their most affordable plan provides you with 2 GB of high-speed data. After you exceed this amount, however, you will not be charged extra; rather, your data speeds will simply slow down. Their most expensive plan comes with no limits on high-speed data, in addition to nationwide 5G access, 15 GB of mobile hotspot usage; 150 GB of Cloud storage; and a free subscription to HBO Max. What’s more, the top tier Unlimited + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot plan offers unlimited texts from the U.S. to 37 countries as well as access to Cricket Call Defense with a compatible phone.
The most important thing to know about Cricket Wireless’ pricing is that they require no long-term contracts. This means you can cancel your service at any time without incurring termination fees. Another key factor to consider is their highly discounted rates when purchasing multiple lines of service. For example, their Unlimited + 15 GB Mobile Hotspot plan costs $60 per month for one line; however, this price drops to $32 per month per line when you purchase five lines.
Cricket allows you to use your own cell phone for their service. To do this, all you have to do is choose a plan and purchase a $10 Cricket SIM card, which you’ll place into your device. This method allows you to keep your own number.
FYI: You’ll need an unlocked phone to use your own device for Cricket. To learn more, read my guide to the best unlocked phones for seniors.
Alternatively, Cricket has a variety of phones which you can buy directly from them. These cover a wide range of the latest smartphones, including devices from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. That said, for basic flip phones for seniors, they only offer one device: the Debut Flip. Overall, their prices are pretty consistent with other providers. Cricket also offers a decent selection of certified pre-owned phones at discounted rates.
If you prefer to pay for your phone in installments rather than via a single payment, Cricket offers the option of progressive leasing. This program, which requires an application (either online or in-store), allows you to pay off the balance of your phone in weekly, biweekly, or monthly payments.
Did You Know: If you’re looking to purchase a top-of-the-line smartphone from Cricket, be sure to check out our lists of the best smartphones for seniors, best androids for seniors, and best iPhones for seniors.
Cricket Wireless uses AT&T’s cellular network, which means that both of them share the same nationwide coverage. Still, the two providers differ in terms of price, contracts, and extra features.
If you’re looking for an affordable and simple wireless provider, then Cricket is your best bet; however, if you want fast download speeds, reliable signal, and premium features, then AT&T phones for seniors are the better option.
When it comes to affordable and reliable cellular service, there are few options better than Cricket Wireless. For households in need of multiple lines, Cricket offers affordable unlimited plans with fast speeds and some extra perks like HBO subscriptions and mobile hotspot usage.
To learn more about cell phones and plans for seniors, be sure to check out my guides:
Cricket Wireless is an ideal option for seniors, since their affordable plans offer unlimited talk and text with no long-term contracts.
Jitterbug phones like the Flip and Smart are unlocked devices, which means you can use them with Cricket Wireless upon purchasing a SIM card.
Cricket Wireless is owned by AT&T.
Cricket Wireless is definitely more affordable than Verizon; however, they offer slower data speeds and fewer plans with 5G coverage.
In terms of prepaid providers, Cricket Wireless is an affordable option for those seeking unlimited talk, text, and data. With that said, their data speeds won’t be as fast as those of T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T.
