Choosing a Cricket phone company in 2025 doesn’t have to be hard. With so many mobile providers out there, it’s easy to get lost in the options. But if someone wants affordable plans, good coverage, and great service without breaking the bank, Cricket Wireless and similar carriers are worth checking out.
This guide shares the 10 best Cricket phone companies in 2025. These carriers either run on the same network as Cricket or offer similar deals with prepaid flexibility, family plans, and solid customer support. Whether someone wants unlimited data, 5G access, or just a budget-friendly phone plan—they’ll find it here.
What Makes a Cricket Phone Company “Best”?
A top-rated Cricket phone company in 2025 should offer:
- Strong coverage on AT&T’s network
- Affordable prepaid plans
- Fast 5G speeds
- No annual contracts
- Good customer service
- Unlimited talk, text, and data options
Let’s dive into the top picks.
1. Cricket Wireless – Still a Favorite in 2025
Why it stands out: It’s the original and still one of the best. Cricket Wireless runs directly on AT&T’s network and now offers faster 5G, cheaper multi-line deals, and zero hidden fees.
Popular plan: Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot for $60/month
Best for: Families, heavy data users, and anyone wanting a reliable, no-frills service.
Extra perks:
- Nationwide 5G access
- Unlimited calling to Mexico & Canada
- Free HBO Max (with select plans)
2. Boost Mobile – Budget-Friendly Prepaid Choice
Why it stands out: Boost is giving Cricket a run for its money. They now run on both AT&T and T-Mobile towers depending on your location.
Popular plan: 5GB for $15/month
Best for: People who want cheap plans with good coverage.
Extra perks:
- Bring-your-own-phone options
- No credit check needed
- Free SIM kit with activation
3. Mint Mobile – Big Savings on Multi-Month Plans
Why it stands out: Mint is known for low-cost plans when you prepay for 3–12 months. It uses T-Mobile’s towers, but its prices rival Cricket.
Popular plan: 15GB/month for $20/month (when paid yearly)
Best for: Light to medium data users who want to save more.
Extra perks:
- Free trial available
- Hotspot included
- Works with most unlocked phones
4. Metro by T-Mobile – Cricket’s Toughest Competitor
Why it stands out: Metro has everything Cricket offers—plus more hotspot data and T-Mobile’s fast 5G network.
Popular plan: Unlimited + 10GB Hotspot for $55/month
Best for: Data-heavy users who need hotspot support.
Extra perks:
- Amazon Prime membership included (on higher plans)
- Scam protection
- Free phones for switching
5. Straight Talk Wireless – Simple and Flexible
Why it stands out: Straight Talk lets users pick from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile towers. That’s rare flexibility!
Popular plan: 25GB for $35/month
Best for: Anyone who wants network choice with solid value.
Extra perks:
- Unlimited international calling
- Retail presence at Walmart
- Keep your number easily
6. Visible – Verizon’s Budget Brand
Why it stands out: Visible is owned by Verizon, but offers plans with unlimited everything, starting at just $25/month.
Popular plan: Unlimited for $25/month (with Visible+ upgrades available)
Best for: Users who need reliable data and simple billing.
Extra perks:
- No extra taxes or fees
- Unlimited mobile hotspot
- Reliable customer support via chat
7. Consumer Cellular – Great for Seniors
Why it stands out: Consumer Cellular is a Cricket alternative focused on simplicity. It runs on AT&T towers and is known for top customer service.
Popular plan: 10GB for $25/month
Best for: Seniors, retirees, and light phone users.
Extra perks:
- AARP discounts
- Easy plan changes anytime
- Works well with iPhones and flip phones
8. Red Pocket Mobile – AT&T + More
Why it stands out: Red Pocket gives users the power to choose from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile networks.
Popular plan: 5GB for $20/month
Best for: Users with unlocked phones who want freedom.
Extra perks:
- Includes international calling
- Works with eSIM and physical SIM
- Family plans available
9. H2O Wireless – International Calling Experts
Why it stands out: H2O is a hidden gem running on AT&T’s network with low-cost plans and strong global calling features.
Popular plan: Unlimited talk, text, and data for $40/month
Best for: International users and travelers.
Extra perks:
- Free international talk to 70+ countries
- Mobile hotspot support
- Auto-pay discounts
10. PureTalk – A Family-Owned AT&T Option
Why it stands out: PureTalk is veteran-owned and runs on AT&T towers, making it a solid alternative to Cricket.
Popular plan: 6GB for $20/month
Best for: Families and those who prefer simple, non-corporate service.
Extra perks:
- Family discounts
- US-based customer service
- No speed throttling
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Network | Starting Plan | Hotspot | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Wireless | AT&T | $30/month | Yes | Families, everyday users |
| Boost Mobile | AT&T/T-Mobile | $15/month | Yes | Budget users |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | $20/month (15GB) | Yes | Long-term savings |
| Metro by T-Mobile | T-Mobile | $40/month | Yes | Data-heavy users |
| Straight Talk | Multiple | $35/month | Yes | Flexibility + Walmart access |
| Visible | Verizon | $25/month | Yes | Unlimited + hotspot |
| Consumer Cellular | AT&T | $25/month | Limited | Seniors and retirees |
| Red Pocket Mobile | Multiple | $20/month | Yes | Network choice flexibility |
| H2O Wireless | AT&T | $40/month | Yes | International users |
| PureTalk | AT&T | $20/month | Yes | Family-focused plans |
How to Choose the Right Cricket Phone Company
Here’s what users should look for before switching:
1. Coverage First
Make sure the company uses towers that work well in the area. Most of the brands above use AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, so users should pick based on their location.
2. Data Needs
A casual user won’t need unlimited data. But for gamers, streamers, or remote workers, a strong unlimited plan with hotspot support matters.
3. International Use
For calls to other countries, H2O Wireless, Red Pocket, and Straight Talk are better options.
4. Customer Service
Cricket and Consumer Cellular stand out for their top-rated service.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best Cricket phone company in 2025 depends on what someone values most—price, data, international calling, or just something simple and reliable.
For AT&T network fans, Cricket, H2O, and PureTalk are all smart picks. If someone wants more data or international features, Boost, Metro, or Red Pocket could be a better match.
No matter what, there’s a great plan out there. Just check the coverage, compare the deals, and pick a plan that fits the lifestyle.
