Alright, so you’ve probably seen ads or signs about “Cricket phones” and wondered what the deal is. Are they knock-offs? Super cheap? Only for kids or grandparents?
Let me clear that up for you.
A Cricket phone just means any phone that works on Cricket Wireless, which is a prepaid mobile service provider in the U.S. It’s actually owned by AT&T, so you’re not exactly dealing with some random brand off the internet. You can either buy a phone directly from Cricket or bring your own unlocked device and use their SIM card.
Pretty simple, right?
But Why Do People Use Cricket Phone?
Well, not everyone wants to pay $90/month for phone service. With Cricket, you get:
No contracts
Affordable monthly plans (some start around $30–40)
Decent coverage, since it runs on AT&T’s network
For folks who just want a phone that works — without all the drama — Cricket does the job.
I know a couple of friends who switched to Cricket when their Verizon bills got out of control. One of them is still using the same iPhone she brought over two years ago, and it works just fine.
What Kind of Phones Can You Use?
Pretty much anything unlocked works. Cricket also sells a variety of devices, like:
Budget Android phones (Samsung Galaxy A14, Motorola G Stylus, etc.)
Older or mid-range iPhones
A few entry-level models like the Cricket Ovation or Debut
You can sometimes get decent deals too — like free phones if you switch and bring your number over. Just read the fine print on those promos, yeah?
Any Downsides?
Look, I won’t sugarcoat it — Cricket’s not perfect.
Sometimes, especially during peak hours, your internet speeds might dip a little, since AT&T’s postpaid users get priority. And if you’re someone who’s into serious mobile gaming or relies heavily on using your phone as a hotspot… you might find it a bit limiting.
That said, for everyday stuff — chatting, streaming, browsing — it works just fine for most people.
So… Should You Go for a Cricket Phone?
If you’re trying to save some cash, avoid long-term contracts, and you’re not too hung up on having the absolute latest flagship, then yeah — Cricket’s honestly a pretty smart choice.
It’s especially a win for:
Students on a budget
Parents looking to get their teens a phone
Anyone tired of overpaying just to stay connected
And hey, with AT&T backing it, you’re not exactly taking a big risk.
Final Thoughts: Is a Cricket Phone Worth It?
If you just need a reliable phone with no frills and no contracts, a Cricket phone is 100% worth checking out. Especially in 2025, when flagship phones are pushing $1,000+, prepaid carriers like Cricket help people stay connected without draining their wallet.
Thinking of switching to Cricket?
We’ll be doing deep-dive reviews on the best phones for Cricket in 2025—stay tuned here at PhoneToGadget.