Are you looking for a carrier that offers budget-friendly prepaid plans? Some of the service providers that you are likely to come across are Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile. To start with, these are Mobile Virtual Network Operators that offer cell phone services within the United States. Although these carriers operate as MVNOs they differ in a number of aspects. For instance, Cricket Wireless started its operations 24 years ago. However, it was acquired by AT&T in 2014 and now operates under AT&T. Since the merger, the carrier boasts of having more than 10 million customers in the U.S.
On the other hand, Metro used to be the 5th largest carrier in the U.S. However, in 2015, all customers that were using this carrier’s CDMA had to migrate to LTE network. When this was happening, T-Mobile had 32 million customers. MetroPCS on the other hand boasted of having 9 million customers. However, in 2018, T-Mobile came up with a new brand known as Metro by T-Mobile. This change made T-Mobile customers to increase to 75 million while those of Metro rose to 18 million. As we speak, MetroPCS is known as Metro by T-Mobile. To learn more about Cricket vs. Metro, read this article, and you will be good to go!
Cricket vs. Metro: Comparative Analysis
Despite being Mobile Virtual Network Operators, these carriers are different in a number of ways. Some of the parameters that set these carriers apart include the following:
Coverage – Cricket vs. Metro
To start with, these carriers take pride in offering 4G and 5G network across the United States. Besides this, these carriers rely on other carrier network towers in order to offer cell phone services to their customers. To put this into perspective, Cricket Wireless relies on AT&T network towers while its counterpart relies on T-Mobile to offer its cell phone services.
When it comes to 4G LTE network, AT&T tends to take the lead. This can be attributed the fact that this carrier has a larger 4G network coverage. However, when it comes to 5G network, T-Mobile has a larger 5G network coverage. This means that Metro has a better 5G network coverage than Cricket Wireless.
However, 5G is not the only aspect of network that matters most. For instance, if you are in a rural area, you might have to rely on 4G LTE network in order to remain connected. This is because 5G network coverage might have an issue in such areas. Besides this, 5G network still bank on 4G LTE networks in order to make calls and so forth.
However, it will be possible to place calls over 5G network as Vo5G calls in the near future. Therefore, with this in mind, it is true to say that Cricket Wireless has a better coverage than Metro, thanks to its stronger 4G LTE.
Data speeds
Besides network coverage, these carriers differ when it comes to data speeds. Here, Metro proves to have faster data speeds compared to its peer carrier. This is because Metro relies on the T-Mobile, which in turn has a strong 5G network across the United States.
Therefore, you are likely to enjoy faster download speeds when using Metro internet services than when relying on Cricket internet services. In fact, if you normally engage in data-intensive activities such as HD video streaming, playing online mobile games, streaming online movies, and so forth, consider choosing Metro as your preferred carrier.
Phone plans – Cricket vs. Metro
Like we mentioned above, both carriers offer prepaid plans. Besides this, they offer 4 phone plans that range from $30 per month to $60 if you choose to have one line. However, each plan comes with different features. Here is a breakdown of these plans, alongside their respective features:
Cricket phone plans
If you choose Cricket Wireless as your preferred carrier, here are the plans that you can enjoy:
1. $30 per month plan
This plan comes with the following features:
- 5GB of mobile data
- You are only allowed to have one line. If you want to add multiple lines, you will have to choose other plans. For one line, you will have to pay $30 per month.
- It allows you to enjoy video streaming at the resolution of 480p
2. $40 per month plan
For one line, you will have to part with $40 on a monthly basis. Here are the other features that come with this plan:
- It allows you to enjoy 10GB of mobile data
- Video streaming at the resolution of 1080p
- You can make calls to Canada and Mexico
- It allows you to add several lines. Also, you can enjoy discounts once you add several lines. For 2 lines, you will pay $70. If you want to add 3 lines, you will part with $90 per month. For 4 and 5 lines, you will pay $110 and $130.
- With autopay, you will have to pay $35
3. $55 per month plan
This plan requires you to pay $50 for one line. Here are other impressive features that come with this plan:
- Video streaming at the resolution of 480p
- 10GB hotspot data that goes for $10
- You are allowed to make calls to Mexico and Canada
- Unlimited texts
- It allows you to enjoy discounts if you choose to add more lines to this plan. For example, if you add 2 lines, you will have to pay $80.If you want to add 3 lines, be sure that you will pay $90. Once you add 4 lines, you will pay $100.Lastly, if you add 5 lines, you will pay $125.
- With autopay, you will just pay $50 per month.
4. $60 per month plan
Once you add one line on this plan, you will pay $60 per month. The following are the features that come with this plan:
- Unlimited premium data
- 15GB of mobile hotspot data
- Video streaming at resolutions of 480p
- It allows you to make calls to Mexico and Canada
- Unlimited texts to international countries, outside the US.
- 150GB of cloud storage
- HBO Max
- Once you add multiple lines, you will enjoy some discounts. For instance. If you add 2 lines, you will have to pay $90.If you add 3 lines, you will have to part with $110.Once you add 4 lines, you will only have to pay $130. Finally, if you add 5 lines, you will pay $160.
Metro cell phone plans
Metro offers the following cell phone plans:
1. $30 per month plan
This plan does not allow you to add more lines. Instead, you are only allowed to have one line. For one line, you will pay $30 per month. Besides this, the plan allows you to enjoy video streaming at resolutions of 480p.
2. $40 per month plan
For one line, you will only pay $40 per month. However, if you choose to add more lines, you will enjoy multiple-line discounts and just pay as follows:
- 2 lines need you to pay $80
- 3 lines require you to pay $90
- 4 lines need you to pay $100
- 5 lines require you to pay $125
Other features that come with this plan include:
- Video streaming at the resolution of 480p
- T-Mobile Tuesdays and 1-year subscription to Vix+ video streaming
3. $50 per month plan
If you choose to just have one line, you will have to part with $50 on a monthly basis. However, if you add multiple lines, you will save more as you will enjoy some discounts. Depending on the number of lines you choose to add, here is what you can expect:
- 2 lines go for $80
- 3 lines will need to pay $110
- 4 lines will require you to part with $140
- With as little as $170, you will be able to add 5 lines on this plan.
Besides the multi-line discounts outlined above, this plan allows you to enjoy the following additional benefits:
- Video streaming at resolutions of 480p
- 5GB of mobile hotspot
- T-Mobile Tuesdays
- 1-year subscription to Vix+ video streaming service
- 100GB Google One membership
4. $60 per month plan
As the name suggests, this plan goes for $60 per month. However, this applies for just one line. If you choose to add more lines, you will enjoy huge discounts. The following are the prices to expect once you add more than one line to this plan:
- 2 lines require you to pay $90
- 3 lines need you to pay $120
- 4 lines require you to part with $120
- To add 5 lines to this plan, you will be required to part with $150
Apart from multi-line discounts, this plan comes with the following impressive features:
- 15GB of mobile hotspot data
- Video streaming service at resolutions of 480p
- T-Mobile Tuesdays
- 1-year Subscription to Vix+ video streaming
- Amazon Prime
Phone options – Cricket vs. Metro
Gone and never to come are those days when one had limited choices whenever he or she wanted to switch to a different prepaid service provider. Currently, most carriers now allow you to either bring your own phone or purchase a new model altogether. Cricket Wireless and Metro are not an exception as they allow you to enjoy this luxury with utmost precision.
If you want to bring your phone to either Cricket Wireless or Metro, you have to ensure that your preferred device is both unlocked and compatible with any of these carriers. To check whether your phone is compatible with Cricket Wireless, consider visiting “cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone” and then get started.
On the other hand, if you want to check whether your phone is compatible with Metro, visit “metrobyt-mobile.com/self-service/bring-your-phone” and you will be all set. Most importantly, ensure that you have your phone’s IMEI, among other finer details.
When it comes to phone promotions, these carriers do not disappoint. If you transfer your number to any of these carriers, you will be able to get a pocket-friendly phones that go for $200 or thereabout.
For instance, Metro offers models such as the ZTE Blade Z Max or Samsung Galaxy A20 once you transfer your number to its network. However, as far as getting free phones to network switchers is concerned, it is imperative to note that Metro takes the lead. However, you will have to visit your nearest dealer physically in order to obtain a free model.
When it comes to the models that you can bring to any carrier, you will not that Cricket Wireless limits the kind of models that you can bring to its network. Additionally, this carrier does not permit certain features such as the mobile hotspot to work in case you choose to bring your own phone to this carrier.
Customer service – Cricket vs. Metro
If you are a Cricket Wireless customer and have a service-related or phone-related issue, feel free to contact its customer service team on 1(800)274-2538. Here, you will be able to reach an agent on the other end and then narrate your story. On the other hand, if you want to contact Metro customer service team on phone, dial 1(888) 863-8768.
Here, you will also be able to address your issue and enjoy more convenience. Besides contacting these carriers’ customer service team as discussed above, you can walk to any of these service provider’s physical store near you and then address your issue from that end. Either way, you will be able to get the much-needed guidance and solution to your problem.
Data only plans – Cricket vs. Metro
Both carriers offer data plans to their customers. However, Metro has more options when it comes to data plans. To put this into perspective, Metro by T-Mobile has hotspot plans, tablet plans, RV/Car plans, and Home internet plans among others.
When it comes to hotspot plan, here are some of the plans that you can consider and be connected with your loved ones:
- $30 per month plan that comes with 10GB
- $40 per month plan that allows you to enjoy 30GB
- $50 per month plan that allows you to enjoy 100GB
Although these plans are capped, you can add more data if you please. For instance, if you want to add 2GB of mobile data, you will have to part with $5.To purchase an extra 5GB of mobile data, you will be required to pay $10. Lastly, if you want to purchase 10GB of mobile data, you will have to pay $20.
When it comes to tablet plans, be certain that you will enjoy either of the following plans:
- Unlimited high speed data(with 480p video streaming) for as little as $15 per month
- Unlimited high speed data (comes with HD video streaming) that goes for $30 per month.
In case you happen to use 35GB of data and above, be sure that your internet speeds might reduce whenever there is a network congestion. However, once the network congestion is no more, the usual internet speeds resume.
If you want to enjoy Car or RV plans, trust that you will enjoy 2GB of high speed data. With as little as $10 per month, you will be able to enjoy this plan. You can enjoy home internet from Metro by paying $50 per month. Here, you will enjoy unlimited data and thus be connected with those whom you love, work online, learn online etc.
It is important to note that Metro data plans are not sold separately. For you to purchase any of these plans, you must ensure that you have subscribed to a Metro phone plan. Cricket on the other hand, has 3 main data plans. These include:
- $35 per month plan that allows you to enjoy 20GB
- $55 per month plan, which allows you to enjoy 50GB
- $90 per month plan, that allows you to enjoy 100GB
With these plans in place, you will be able to remain connected even when you are in countries such as Canada and Mexico devoid of any extra charges. When it comes to video streaming, you can expect to stream them at the resolution of 480p.Remember that data here is capped. This means that once you exhaust your data package, you will have to either wait for the next billing cycle or top up with more data. In case you want to purchase more data, expect to purchase it as follows:
- 2GB of data goes for $5
- 5GB of data costs $10
You are free to use these data plans to connect your tablet or extra smartphone to the internet via mobile hotspot. Here, your Cricket phone will double up as a mobile hotspot device. Thankfully, you can now subscribe to any of this carrier’s data plans whether you have a phone plan or not.
Family plans – Cricket vs. Metro
Family plans are ideal for those who have siblings or loved ones whom they would like to get connected less expensively. For instance, if you choose Cricket to be your preferred carrier, you can subscribe to its Unlimited Cricket Core plan and add up to 4 lines for as little as $100. On the other hand, Metro allows you to add 2 lines to its unlimited plan for just $80 per month. However, you will enjoy the Amazon Prime feature once you add these two lines to that plan.
Text and call performance – Cricket vs. Metro
By now, you are aware that Metro is powered by T-Mobile. Therefore, you are likely to enjoy T-Mobile’s network if you are a Metro customer. However, if you relocate or move to a locality that has a weak T-Mobile network, chances are that you will not have the luxury of texting or calling your friends. Therefore, your area or locality must have a strong T-Mobile network for you to enjoy making calls or texting your friends.
On the other hand, Cricket Wireless relies on AT&T network. Unlike other carrier networks, this one can easily be compromised as it offers a stronger 4G LTE. Therefore, you are likely to enjoy making calls or even texting your friends even when you are in the rural areas.
Online access (when shopping online) – Cricket vs. Metro
When it comes to shopping online, Cricket Wireless takes the lead. Metro does not allow all its customers to purchase devices online. In fact, this carrier only allows a few devices to be purchased online.
To purchase these devices, you must be adding a new line and not transferring your service to this carrier. In case you want to transfer your service, you have to visit the brick and mortar Metro store close to you so that you can get a new device and get started.
Cricket Wireless is different as it has a different policy. At Cricket Wireless, you are free to purchase your desired phone online and even transfer your service effortlessly. You also have the chance to upgrade your phone online if you please.
You are not only likely to get your preferred device online but also get some of the best deals that can help you save more bucks. The same can be enjoyed even when you visit any of this carrier’s in-store near you. As for Metro, the best deals can only be found at its physical store near you.
Frequently Ask Questions
Between Cricket and Metro, Which Carrier is Better than the Other?
Well, both carriers have their pros and cons. For instance, Cricket Wireless allows you to purchase your device online. It also allows you to enjoy a better network coverage if you normally visit rural areas or live there. The carrier is also ideal for those who visit other countries such as Mexico and Canada.
On the other hand, Metro is a good carrier if you want to enjoy fast internet speeds, 5G network and would also like to enjoy discounts or weekly gifts via T-Mobile Tuesdays. Finally, the carrier is a sure bet if you want to get a bigger selection of free devices once you switch to its network.
Can I Switch from Cricket to Metro?
Yes. You can now switch from Cricket Wireless to Metro. Since Metro offers a number of free phone promotions to switchers, be certain that you can now get a free model once you opt to transfer your number to Metro network.
However, your account with Cricket Wireless has to be in good shape. Supposing you choose to bring your own phone to this carrier, ensure that your device is both unlocked and compatible with Metro.
Can I Switch from Metro to Cricket?
Yes. You can now switch from Metro to Cricket Wireless. Fortunately, Cricket Wireless offers a free month of service to those customers who switch to its network. You can also port your number to this carrier’s network and enjoy more convenience. Supposing you choose to bring your own phone, ensure that it is unlocked and compatible with Cricket Wireless.
Cricket vs. Metro: Which are Their Main Competitors?
In case these carriers do not meet your needs, you are free to choose other carriers that happen to be their competitors in the U.S. Some of the main competitors of these carriers include:
- FreedomPop
- Ting
- Tello
- Republic Wireless
Any Similarity Between Metro and Cricket Wireless?
Yes. Although these carriers differ in the aspects that we have discussed above, they share certain similarities. Some of these similarities include:
- Both of them are prepaid carriers
- Both of them offer budget-friendly plans
- Both carriers do not subject their customers to any contract
- Taxes and fees are included in the plans offered by both carriers
- Both service providers offer discounted family plans
- Both carriers allow you to transfer your service to their respective networks
- Both carriers allow you to bring your own phone to their respective networks. However, your device of choice has to be unlocked and compatible.
- Both carriers offer data only plans to their customers
- Both service providers offer flagship phones for sale
- Both carriers allow you to contact their customer service teams either by phone or at their respective in-stores spread across the United States.
- Both carriers offer multi-line discounts to all their customers.
- Both service providers are Mobile Virtual Network Operators
