Cricket vs Metro by T-Mobile

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Cricket Wireless (owned by AT&T) and Metro by T-Mobile are the two largest prepaid brands with physical stores across the country. Both advertise prices with taxes and fees included, both offer multi-line discounts, and both lure switchers with discounted phones. The biggest differences are the network, the perks on their top plans and how they treat hotspot and priority. Plan names, prices and perks change frequently, so check current plan pages. The details below reflect carrier sites and 2026 reporting from outlets such as Android Police and WhistleOut.

Head-to-head

Network: AT&T vs T-Mobile

Cricket runs on AT&T and Metro runs on T-Mobile. Coverage is the most important factor, and it varies by area, so check both maps and ask locals. Prepaid customers on both brands may be deprioritized behind postpaid customers during congestion. Premium tiers sometimes improve priority. See data throttling explained and best MVNOs on AT&T.

Perks and extras

If you'd use the perks, they change the math. Cricket's top plan has included an ad-supported Max subscription. Metro's Flex plans have included Google One cloud storage, and its top plan has included Amazon Prime. Compare the top plan's price against a cheaper plan plus the subscription you'd otherwise buy. See plans with streaming perks.

Phone deals

Both carriers aggressively discount phones for new customers who port a number, sometimes making budget phones very cheap. Those phones are typically locked to the carrier for a set period. If you want to switch later, buying an unlocked phone may be better. See unlocking rules.

Who each suits

• Choose Cricket if AT&T coverage is stronger where you live, you want Mexico and Canada use on a top tier, or you like the Max perk.
• Choose Metro if T-Mobile coverage is stronger for you, or you'd use Amazon Prime or Google One perks.

Both are great for families, since multi-line discounts can make them very competitive. Both need no credit check. See no credit check plans.

Switching tips

1. Get your account number and port-out PIN from your current carrier. See port-out PINs.
2. Check your phone is unlocked and compatible. See bring your own phone.
3. Activate online or in a store, and keep your old service active until the port completes.

Multi-line families

Both carriers price aggressively for families, with per-line costs dropping as you add lines, which is where store-front prepaid really competes with postpaid. Compare the all-in monthly price for your exact number of lines on each carrier's top and mid tiers. Because taxes are included on both, the comparison is simpler than with most carriers. Add the value of any perks you'd use, like Max, Prime or Google One.

Bringing your own phone vs buying theirs

Both carriers welcome customers who bring an unlocked phone, and doing so avoids the lock period that comes with discounted phones. Before switching, check compatibility on each carrier's website with your phone's IMEI. It confirms the phone supports the network's bands and features like VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling.

The verdict

They're closely matched on price structure and store convenience. Pick the network that works best where you live. Then let the perks decide: Max on Cricket, Amazon Prime and Google One on Metro.

Phones that work on both