Are you trying to find a provider with affordable prepaid plans? Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile are a couple of the service providers you may probably encounter. These are, first and foremost, mobile virtual network operators that provide cell phone services in the US. Despite being MVNOs, these carriers are different in a lot of ways. Cricket Wireless, for example, began operations 24 years ago.
However, Metro was formerly the fifth-largest airline in the United States. However, all consumers on this carrier’s CDMA network were required to switch to the LTE network in 2015. T-Mobile had 32 million users at the time of this. In contrast, MetroPCS claimed to have nine million consumers. However, T-Mobile launched Metro by T-Mobile, a new brand, in 2018. Due to this shift, Metro’s client base increased to 18 million, while T-Mobile’s reached 75 million. MetroPCS is currently referred to as Metro by T-Mobile.
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Cricket vs Metro: Comparative Analysis
These carriers differ in several ways even though they are Mobile Virtual Network Operators. The following are some characteristics that distinguish these carriers:
Coverage: Metro vs Cricket
First off, these carriers are proud to provide 4G and 5G networks throughout the US. In addition, these carriers depend on other carrier network towers to provide their clients with cell phone services. To put this into context, Cricket Wireless provides its cell phone services over AT&T network towers, whilst its competitor does so through T-Mobile.
AT&T usually takes the lead when it comes to 4G LTE networks. This is explained by the fact that this carrier’s 4G network coverage is wider. T-Mobile, on the other hand, has a wider 5G network coverage. This indicates that Metro’s 5G network coverage is superior to Cricket Wireless’.
But other network factors are more important than 5G. For example, you may need to rely on a 4G LTE network to stay connected if you are in a remote region. This is because there may be a problem with 5G network coverage in some places. In addition, 5G networks continue to rely on 4G LTE networks for call and other functions.
Vo5G calls, on the other hand, will soon be able to be placed across 5G networks. In light of this, it is accurate to state that Cricket Wireless’ stronger 4G LTE provides more coverage than Metro.
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Data speeds
These providers vary in terms of data speeds and network coverage. In this case, Metro outperforms its rival carrier in terms of data speeds. This is due to Metro’s reliance on T-Mobile, which has a robust 5G network throughout the US.
As a result, if you use Metro Internet services instead of Cricket Internet services, you should see higher download speeds. In fact, think about selecting Metro as your preferred carrier if you frequently partake in data-intensive activities like streaming HD videos, playing online mobile games, streaming movies, and so on.
Phone plans: Metro vs. Cricket
As previously stated, both providers have prepaid plans. In addition, they provide four different phone plans, with monthly rates ranging from $30 to $60 if you only want one line. Every strategy, nevertheless, has unique features. A summary of these plans and their features is provided below:
Cricket phone plans
The following options are available to you if Cricket Wireless is your chosen carrier:
1. $30 monthly plan
The following characteristics are included in this plan:
- Five gigabytes of mobile data
- There may only be one line per person. You will need to select other layouts if you wish to add more than one line. You will need to pay $30 a month for one line.
- It enables you to take advantage of 480p video streaming.
2. $40 monthly plan
You will have to pay forty dollars a month for one line. The following are additional elements included in this plan:
- You may use 10GB of mobile data with it.
- streaming video at a 1080p resolution
- Calls to Canada and Mexico are possible.
- It lets you add several lines. Additionally, you may take advantage of savings after you add many lines. You will pay $70 for two lines. You would have to pay $90 a month if you wish to add three lines. You will pay $110 and $130 for lines 4 and 5.
- You will be required to pay $35 using autopay.
3. $55 monthly plan
You must pay $50 for one line under this plan. Other noteworthy aspects included in this strategy are as follows:
- streaming video at a 480p resolution
- $10 for ten gigabytes of hotspot data
- Calls to Canada and Mexico are permitted.
- An infinite number of texts
- If you decide to add extra lines to this plan, you may take advantage of savings. For instance, adding two lines will cost you $80. Be sure to budget $90 if you wish to add three lines. You will be charged $100 once you have four lines. Finally, adding five lines will cost you $125.
- You will just have to pay $50 a month with autopay.
4. $60 monthly plan
After adding one line to this plan, you will spend $60 a month. The characteristics included in this scheme are as follows:
- Unlimited premium data
- 15 GB of data from a mobile hotspot
- 480p video streaming resolution
- It enables you to phone Canada and Mexico.
- Unlimited texting to non-US international nations.
- 150 gigabytes of cloud storage
- HBO Max
You will receive some savings by adding more lines. For example. It will cost you $90 to add two lines. You will need to spend $110 if you want to add three lines. After adding four lines, the total cost will drop to $130. Lastly, adding five lines will cost you $160.
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Metro cell phone plans
The following mobile phone plans are available from Metro:
1. $30 monthly plan
With this plan, you cannot add extra lines. You can only have a single line, and you will pay $30 a month for one line. In addition, you may watch videos at 480p quality with this package.
2. $40 monthly plan
You will just have to pay $40 a month for one line. If you decide to add extra lines, though, you will receive multiple-line savings and just need to pay the following:
- You must pay $80 for two lines.
- The cost of three lines is $90.
- $100 is required for four lines.
- Five lines will cost you $125.
This plan also includes the following additional features:
- Streaming video at a 480p resolution
- T-Mobile Tuesdays and a one-year Vix+ video streaming subscription
3. $50 monthly plan
You must pay $50 monthly if you only have one line. You will, however, save more money if you add additional lines because you will receive certain discounts. Here’s what to anticipate based on how many lines you decide to add:
- Two lines cost $80.
- Three lines must pay $110.
- You will need to pay $140 for four lines.
- You may add five lines to this plan for as little as $170.
In addition to the multi-line reductions mentioned above, this package gives you access to the following extra advantages:
- 480p video streaming resolution
- Mobile hotspot with 5GB
- One-year membership to the Vix+ video streaming service on T-Mobile Tuesdays
- 100 GB Membership in Google One
4. $60 monthly plan
This plan costs $60 a month, as the name implies. But this is only true for a single line. You will receive significant savings if you decide to add extra lines. When you add more than one line to this plan, the charges you might anticipate are as follows:
- You must pay $90 for two lines.
- Three lines will cost you $120.
- Four lines demand that you give up $120.
- You will need to pay $150 in order to add five lines to this plan.
In addition to multi-line savings, this plan has the following noteworthy features:
- 15 GB of data from a mobile hotspot
- T-Mobile Tuesdays 1-year subscription to Vix+ video streaming service with 480p resolutions
- Prime membership on Amazon
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Phone options – Cricket vs. Metro
The days of having few options when deciding to move to a new prepaid service provider are long gone. Currently, most carriers let you buy a new phone model or bring your own. Metro and Cricket Wireless are no exception, enabling you to use this luxury with the highest level of accuracy.
You must ensure your selected smartphone is unlocked and compatible with both Cricket Wireless and Metro if you wish to bring your phone. Consider going to “cricketwireless.com/prepaid-phones/bring-your-phone” to see whether your phone is compatible with Cricket Wireless, and then proceed.
Conversely, you may visit “metrobyt-mobile.com/self-service/bring-your-phone” to see if your phone is compatible with Metro, and you’ll be good to go. In addition to other specifics, make sure you have your phone’s IMEI.
These providers are excellent when it comes to phone promotions. Transferring your number to any of these carriers will enable you to purchase a pocket-sized phone that costs $200 or less.
For example, if you move your number to Metro’s network, you may choose from models like the Samsung Galaxy A20 or ZTE Blade Z Max. But it’s important to remember that Metro leads the way in providing network switchers with free phones. To receive a free model, though, you will need to visit your closest dealer physically.
You will discover that Cricket Wireless restricts the kind of models you may bring to its network, in contrast to the models you can bring to any other carrier. Additionally, if you decide to use your own phone with this carrier, several functions, such the mobile hotspot, are not allowed to function.
Customer service – Cricket vs. Metro
If you are a customer and have a phone or service-related problem, feel free to call Cricket Wireless’ customer support staff at 1(800)274-2538. This will allow you to speak with an agent and then tell them your tale. On the other hand, call 1(888) 863-8768 to speak with a Metro customer support team member.
You may also take care of your problem and benefit from more convenience here. In addition to calling the customer service representatives of these carriers, as was previously mentioned, you may stroll into any of these service providers’ physical locations in your area and take care of your problem there. In any case, you’ll be able to acquire the much-needed advice and problem-solving answer.
Data Plans: Metro vs. Cricket
Customers of both providers can choose from data plans. But when it comes to data plans, Metro offers more choices. To put this into perspective, Metro by T-Mobile offers a variety of options, including tablet, hotspot, RV/car, and home internet.
Here are a few hotspot plans that you might think about in order to stay in touch with your loved ones:
- A $30/month package that includes 10GB
- A $40 monthly subscription that gives you access to 30GB
- A $50 monthly subscription that gives you access to 100GB
These plans have a cap, but you are free to add extra data if you’d like. For example, you will need to pay $5 to add 2GB of mobile data, $10 for an additional 5GB of mobile data, and $20 to buy 10GB of mobile data.
Regarding tablet plans, you can be sure that you will like one of the following options:
- With 480p video streaming, unlimited high-speed data is available for as little as $15 a month.
- For $30 a month, you can get unlimited high-speed internet that includes HD video streaming.
- Be aware that if there is network congestion, your internet speeds may decrease if you utilize 35GB or more of data. However, the typical internet speeds return once the network congestion has subsided.
If you want to enjoy car or RV plans, you can rely on 2 GB of fast data for as low as $10 a month. Metro offers residential internet service at $50 a month. With limitless data, you can work online, study online, and connect with the people you care about.
Notably, Metro data plans are not offered for sale individually. You must be enrolled in a Metro phone plan before you may purchase any of these options. In contrast, Cricket has three primary data plans. These consist of:
- A $35 monthly subscription that gives you access to 20GB
- A $55 monthly subscription that gives you access to 50GB
- A $90 monthly subscription that gives you access to 100GB
These services will allow you to stay connected without incurring additional fees even while you are in nations like Canada and Mexico. You may anticipate seeing videos at 480p quality while streaming them. Keep in mind that this data is limited. This implies that you will have to either wait for the following payment cycle or add extra data when your data package is depleted. Should you wish to get further data, anticipate doing so in the manner described below:
- The cost of 2GB of data is $5.
- $10 gets you 5GB of data.
You may use these data plans to utilize a mobile hotspot to connect your tablet or additional smartphone to the internet. In this case, your Cricket phone will also function as a mobile hotspot. Fortunately, regardless of whether you have a phone plan or not, you may now sign up for any of this carrier’s data plans.
Family plans – Metro vs Cricket
Family plans are the best option for people who want to connect with their loved ones or siblings at a lower cost. For example, if Cricket is your chosen carrier, you can add up to four lines for as low as $100 by subscribing to their Unlimited Cricket Core plan. However, for about $80 a month, Metro lets you add two lines to its unlimited plan. Nevertheless, you will benefit from the Amazon Prime function after you include these two lines in that plan.
Call and text performance: Metro vs. Cricket
You are well aware that T-Mobile powers Metro. Therefore, if you are a Metro user, you are likely to appreciate T-Mobile’s network. However, it’s likely that you won’t be able to text or phone your pals if you move to an area with an inadequate T-Mobile network. Therefore, if you want to enjoy making calls or messaging your pals, your location or locality has to have a good T-Mobile network.
Cricket Wireless, meanwhile, is dependent on the AT&T network. This carrier network is more readily infiltrated because it provides a more robust 4G LTE. Therefore, even if you live in a rural place, you will probably love calling or even messaging your buddies.
Online access (for online purchases): Metro vs. Cricket
Cricket Wireless is the industry leader in online purchasing. Not all Metro users are able to buy gadgets online. Actually, only a small number of gadgets are available for online purchasing with this carrier.
To buy these devices, you must be adding a new line and not moving your service to this carrier. If you choose to switch services, you must go to the Metro store in your area to pick up a new gadget and get going.
Cricket Wireless is distinct due of its unique policy. You may easily transfer your service and buy the phone of your choice online at Cricket Wireless. Additionally, if you’d like, you may update your phone online.
In addition to getting your favorite gadget online, you’re also likely to find some of the most fantastic offers that will enable you to save even more money. You can still enjoy the same benefits even when you visit any of this carrier’s local in-store locations. Regarding Metro, its actual location in your area is the only place to find the greatest bargains.
Between Cricket and Metro, Which Carrier is Better than the Other?
Both carriers, however, have advantages and disadvantages. For example, you may buy your Cricket Wireless device online. If you frequently travel to or reside in rural locations, this also enables you to benefit from improved network coverage. The carrier is also perfect for people who travel to neighboring nations, including Canada and Mexico.
However, Metro is a fantastic provider if you want to use 5G networks, high internet speeds, and weekly T-Mobile Tuesday discounts or freebies. Last but not least, the carrier is a good choice if you want to acquire a wider range of free gadgets after switching to its network.
Is it possible to go from Cricket to Metro?
Indeed. Switching from Cricket Wireless to Metro is now possible. Once you decide to move your number to the Metro network, you may now receive a free model, as Metro provides switchers with a variety of free phone promotions.
However, you must have a healthy Cricket Wireless account. If you decide to bring your own phone to this carrier, make sure it is unlocked and Metro-compatible.
Can I go to Cricket instead of Metro?
Indeed. Switching from Metro to Cricket Wireless is now possible. Thankfully, users who move to Cricket Wireless’ network are eligible for a FREE month of service. Additionally, you may experience greater ease by porting your number to this carrier’s network. If you decide to bring your own phone, make sure it is Cricket Wireless compatible and unlocked.
Which are Metro’s primary rivals in cricket?
You are free to select alternative carriers that are also their rivals in the United States if these carriers don’t satisfy your demands. The following are some of these carriers’ primary rivals:
- FreedomPop
- Ting
- Tello
- Republic Wireless
Are Metro and Cricket Wireless Similar in Any Way?
Indeed. These carriers have certain things in common even if they are different in the ways we have already covered. Among these parallels are:
- They are both prepaid carriers.
- They both provide affordable plans.
- Customers of both carriers are not bound by any agreements.
- The plans that both carriers provide include taxes and fees.
- Both service providers give family plans at a subsidized rate.
- You can move your service to either of the carriers’ networks.
- You are permitted to use your own phone on the networks of both providers. Your preferred device must be compatible and unlocked, though.
- Customers of both carriers can choose from data-only plans.
- You may purchase flagship phones from both service providers.
- You may reach the customer support representatives of both carriers via phone or in-store at any of their locations around the United States.
- All customers of both carriers are eligible for multi-line discounts.
- Both service providers are operators of mobile virtual networks.
