Cricket wireless vs Metro pcs 

This blog post will provide a detailed comparison between cricket wireless and MetroPCS. This comparison is based on several factors like key strengths, mobile plans, coverage area, data rates, etc. At the end of each category, we will summarize which is a better choice, either cricket wireless or MetroPCS.

Cricket wireless vs Metro pcs

Parameter Cricket wireless Metropcs 
Basic Network Makes use of AT&T network Makes use of T-Mobile’s network 
Basic data plans Four major plans, Two unlimited and two plans with fixed data For unlimited plans available in the price range of $30 to 60. 
Unlimited GBOffering for $60 Basic unlimited plan for $ 50 and better-unlimited plan for $ 60. 
Network coverage Covers 68% of the country. Covers 62% of the country. 
Better coverage For rural areas. For cities and suburbs. 
Data speed Lower data speed. Higher data speed. 
Family plan discount 4 lines for $100 on an unlimited Cricket Core plan. Two lines of unlimited data for $ 80, including an Amazon plan. 

A brief history of the cricket wireless 

Cricket Wireless network is an American wireless service provider, presently owned by AT&T. It was founded in March 1999 by Leap Wireless International.

AT&T acquired Leap Wireless International in 2014. Before the acquisition, there were only  4.5 million subscribers. Now, it provides network services to ten million subscribers in the United States.

A brief history of Metro pcs 

Metro PCS is simply known as Metro.

It is a prepaid mobile service provider. But the brand of the metro is owned by T mobile.

 Earlier it was the 5th largest mobile network in the USA and it was using code-division multiple access (CDMA). In 2015, all customers using the MetroPCS CDMA network were migrated to their LTE network. 

At that time T-Mobile had about 32 million subscribers and MetroPCS had around 9 million subscribers. In 2018, T-Mobile relaunched the new brand as Metro by T-Mobile. 

When the name was changed T- mobile subscribers had increased to  75 million and Metro’s mobile subscribers to 18 million. Nowadays Metro PCS is simply known as Metro by T-Mobile. 

Factors affecting the choice between cricket wireless and metro pcs. 

If you want to opt for a new connection or you want to switch from one network provider to another, there is confusion. 

Under such circumstances, we need to consider several factors. 

Both the network carriers give unlimited offerings which are impressive having some great features and add-ons.

There are some very important factors that you should keep in mind while selecting a mobile phone provider. Some important considerations are as follows:

  • Key features 
  • Mobile phone plans
  • Network coverage
  • Customer services
  • Phone selection

Key features 

We will discuss key features of cricket wireless as well as Metro pcs.

Key features of cricket wireless 

  • It makes use of the AT&T network. AT&T is the second-largest network provider in the USA. 
  • It provides some affordable phone plans. 
  • It offers international calling and texting. 
  • Some plans offer unlimited video messaging. 
  • It allows messaging of shortcodes. 
  • It provides options for three-way calling. 
  • Availability of 5G network. 

Key features of Metro pcs 

  • Many plans offered by the metro PCS are cheaper 
  • Availability of a large variety of plans at affordable prices. 
  • Some data-saving features prevent you from overages. 
  • Offers a variety of budget phones
  • Metro ( formerly MetroPCS)  offers almost the same features as that of T- mobile, at lower prices. 
  • It makes use of T-Mobile’s network and is a prepaid service provider.
  •  Subscribers can avail a range of plans to match the budgets and the specific needs.

Mobile phone plans 

Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS are prepaid service providers. We will discuss mobile phone plans offered by each service provider. 

Cricket wireless plans 

Cricket Wireless offers four major plans: two unlimited plans and two plans with fixed data.

Cricket’s $30 plan, the cheapest, includes unlimited talk and text and offers a 2GB data allotment. If you don’t require a lot of data, this plan may be the best plan for a single line. 

There are no charge overage fees, for Cricket’s  $30 plan. So after crossing your monthly allotted data, you may experience slower speeds, for a few days.

If you think that 2GB is not enough, but you don’t require unlimited data, opt for the 5GB Cricket Wireless plan for $40.

Cricket wireless offers an unlimited GB plan for $60. If you opt for the autopay feature of cricket, you can purchase it for $55, the second and the third one will be ten dollars less.

The  More Unlimited plans feature the fastest 4G LTE speeds and a 15GB hotspot. You can share your hotspot with  6 other devices.  There is the provision of unlimited calling between Mexico and Canada. 

Metro plans

The range of prepaid plans is from $ 30 to $60.The following table shows a comparative analysis of different prepaid plans, offered by MetroPCS.

PlanPriceText and TalkDataStreamingHotspot
2GB$30Unlimited2GB480pNot included
10GB$40Unlimited10GB480pNot included
Basic Unlimited$50UnlimitedUnlimited480p5GB
Better Unlimited$60UnlimitedUnlimited480p15GB

Network coverage 

Network reliability is a prime important factor, one should be aware of the fact, Cricket wireless network is that of AT&T since AT&T is their parent company. 

For the 4G network, AT&T covers 68% of the country. AT&T provides good network convergence for rural areas. 

For the 4G network, T mobile covers 62% of the country. T mobile provides a good coverage network in city areas and suburbs. 

Metro PCS makes use of the network of T-Mobile. Ultimately you can avail yourself of the same advantage of network coverage as that of T- mobile subscribers. But in case of network congestion, whenever there is heavy traffic, more priority is given to the T-mobile subscribers.

But the Coverage depends on your location. You will have to check coverage availability in your area.

Customer services 

Cricket Wireless network provider has more customer service options than other prepaid competitors. Customer support is also available through live chat if you have registered for it. Customer support is available by phone and the number is 1-800-CRICKET. 

On the other hand customer service of metro PCS is lacking as they don’t provide online chat. The response on social media platforms is also at a slow rate.

Phone selection 

The cricket carrier offers a variety of smartphones at a lower price, compared to T mobile phones. You may be eligible to get a free phone. 

Metro provides budget phones. You can avail all low price metro phones that satisfy particular needs.

Recap: cricket wireless vs Metro pcs 

  • Cricket Wireless and MetroPCS both are prepaid service providers 
  • Cricket wireless network is that of AT&T since AT&T is their parent company. For the 4G network, AT&T covers 68% of the country. AT&T provides good network convergence for rural areas. 
  • Metro PCS makes use of the network of T-Mobile. Ultimately you can avail yourself of the same advantage of network coverage as that of T- mobile subscribers. 
  • Cricket wireless has a lower data speed compared to MetroPCS. 
  • Before making a choice, you should check for the latest deals from both the network carriers as well as you should check the coverage map in your area. 

Below are other Cricket Wireless articles you may be interested in:

Can you use a T mobile phone with cricket?

Can a cricket phone be used on T-mobile?

Is cricket compatible with T-mobile?

Conclusion 

This article helps us to compare cricket wireless and Metropcs. This article outlines the importance of various factors like Mobile phone plans, Network coverage, Customer services, and Phone selection. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs): cricket wireless vs Metropcs 

Is metro PCS a postpaid service?

Metro PCS is simply known as Metro.

It is a prepaid mobile service provider. But the brand of the metro is owned by T mobile.

Will T- mobile phone work on Metro PCS?

Yes, T- mobile phone works on Metro PCS but the phone should be unlocked.

What are the key features of Metro PCS?

  • Many plans offered by the metro PCS are cheaper 
  • Availability of a large variety of plans at affordable prices. 
  • Some data-saving features prevent you from overages. 
  • Offers a variety of budget phones

Will an unlocked iPhone work with cricket?

 It will work with a cricket carrier, as it is unlocked. It works on GSM, so it is compatible with cricket networks.

Which network is used by cricket wireless service providers?

Cricket Wireless is a  prepaid service provider. Cricket wireless makes use of AT&T’s network, which means it offers the same coverage as that of AT&T.

How to switch to the cricket carrier?

  • Get your account information from your current carrier.
  • Check the compatibility of your phone with Cricket’s network.
  • Make sure that your phone is unlocked.
  • Select appreciate Cricket Wireless plan.
  • Purchase a Cricket SIM card and Port it to your existing phone number.
  • After receiving a message, activate your new plan.

References 

5 Things to Know Before You Sign Up for Cricket Wireless, Author  Image Clark.com Staff | February 12th, 2021

https://www.google.com/amp/s/clark.com/technology/phones-mobile-devices/cricket-wireless-review/amp/

Best Cricket Wireless Plans Right Now

25 February 2020

By Lauren Hannula

https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/best-cricket-wireless-plans?__cf_chl_captcha_tk__=0xADykEIcPx9wSAYWkhaS93WpsMSRAZrnE8P7eRQ0Dg-1641186822-0-gaNycGzNCf0

If you want the power of AT&T without a contract, give one of these Cricket Wireless plans a shot.

By John Callaham

October 26, 2021

https://www.androidauthority.com/cricket-plans-787292/

T-Mobile targets Boost, Cricket in new prepaid offer

Monica Alleven  Jul 28, 2021 09:43pm

https://www.fiercewireless.com/operators/t-mobile-targets-boost-cricket-new-prepaid-offer

7 Things to Know About Metro by T-Mobile Beth  Marcinko | December 5th, 2020

https://www.google.com/amp/s/clark.com/cell-phones/metro-by-t-mobile-review/amp/
https://www.google.com/amp/s/clark.com/cell-phones/metro-by-t-mobile-review/amp/

Michael Timmermann | October 4th, 2019

https://www.google.com/amp/s/clark.com/cell-phones/cricket-wireless-metro-t-mobile-comparison/amp/

Metro by T-Mobile: Everything you need to know By John Callaham

January 30, 2019

https://www.androidauthority.com/metro-by-t-mobile-2-908138/

Metro by T-Mobile Cell Phone Review and Plan By Jillian Goltzman

April 28, 2021

https://www.usnews.com/360-reviews/services/cell-phone-plans/metro-by-tmobile