Cricket Wireless is one of the most recognizable mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in the United States. Owned by AT&T, Cricket Wireless sells cheaper cell phone plans that run on AT&T’s network. That connection puts Cricket customers on one of the largest and steadiest networks in the country. Cricket’s 4G LTE reach trails only Verizon, and its 5G footprint sits just behind T-Mobile’s. AT&T also delivers some of the best rural coverage among major carriers, and Cricket rides that same signal. Cricket is a strong pick if you want to cut your phone bill without gambling on coverage.
What network does Cricket use?
Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T’s nationwide network, which covers the vast majority of the US population. That includes access to AT&T’s 68% 4G LTE coverage of the country and 41.11% with 5G coverage. A 4G LTE signal keeps you connected in cities and small towns alike, while 5G handles the fastest speeds available.
We tested Cricket’s service for a full month and came away impressed by the coverage. Read all about it in our full Cricket Wireless review.
Cricket Coverage Map
Cricket Wireless’ coverage maps are drawn from AT&T's network, the nation's second-largest for both 4G LTE and 5G. Cricket customers connect to the same towers AT&T customers use, which means widespread and dependable service across the country. You get top speeds with Cricket’s 5G coverage, and a steady connection from a dependable 4G LTE signal.
Here’s a breakdown of how Cricket’s coverage compares to other major carriers’ networks:
Cricket coverage compared
| Carrier | 4G nationwide coverage | 5G nationwide coverage | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket (AT&T) | 68% | 41.11% | View plans |
| Verizon | 70% | 21.04% | View plans |
| T-Mobile | 62% | 49.24% | View plans |
AT&T’s 4G LTE footprint covers 68% of the nation, second only to Verizon. T-Mobile still leads the pack in 5G coverage, but AT&T is close behind at 41.11%.
Cricket 5G network coverage
Image: WhistleOut
Cricket Wireless uses AT&T’s 5G network, the fastest-growing 5G network in the United States. Cricket’s 5G coverage map currently reaches 41.11% of the country. That puts Cricket a close second to T-Mobile, which leads with 49.24% 5G coverage. AT&T concentrates its 5G build in cities and dense suburbs, so that’s where the speed jump is most obvious.
Here’s how Cricket’s 5G network (AT&T) compares:
5G network comparisons
| Carrier | T-Mobile | Cricket (AT&T) | Verizon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5G coverage | 49.24% |
41.11% | 21.04% |
T-Mobile remains the undisputed king of 5G. At 49.24% of the nation, T-Mobile’s footprint is one no other carrier has come close to matching. All three major carriers now run similar bandwidths and 5G spectrum technology, so lightning-quick speeds are on the table across T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
Coverage matters more than theoretical peaks when you compare 5G speeds. T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T all use the same high-frequency mmWave technology for maximum speeds, and the speed you actually see comes down to your location and your device.
How fast and reliable is Cricket's 5G coverage?
Cricket’s 5G held up in our recent testing of its wireless service. Along the west coast, speeds never dipped below 190Mbps, and we clocked a top result of 314.40Mbps. Cricket’s signal stayed strong everywhere we tested, including in transit along the highway.
Every Cricket cell phone plan includes 5G access. Unlimited data at full 5G speeds is reserved for the premium Supreme Unlimited plan.
Check out Cricket’s most popular plans for excellent coverage and faster speeds:
|
#1
|
Cricket
Supreme Unlimited Plan
$55.00/mo
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Cricket
Sensible 10GB Plan
$30.00/mo
with AutoPay
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Cricket
Select Unlimited Plan
$35.00/mo
with AutoPay; $40 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
Cricket 4G LTE coverage map
Image: WhistleOut
Cricket Wireless has great 4G LTE coverage nationwide, backed by AT&T’s network. With 68% 4G nationwide coverage, it sits just behind Verizon’s 70% and ahead of T-Mobile’s 62%.
That 4G coverage is what keeps a phone usable once you leave the city limits. Lower 4G frequencies travel farther and cut through the buildings and trees that block faster 5G signal. Cricket customers get that fallback across most of the map, which pays off on road trips and in small towns.
Here’s how Cricket’s 4G LTE network (AT&T) compares to the competition:
4G LTE network comparisons
| Carrier | Verizon | Cricket (AT&T) | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE coverage | 70% |
68% | 62% |
AT&T’s 4G LTE network trails Verizon’s coverage area by two percentage points. Verizon still runs the largest 4G LTE network in the nation, and AT&T is a close second with solid service for Cricket Wireless customers.
How good is Cricket’s 4G coverage?
Cricket Wireless offers excellent 4G coverage for a prepaid brand. Cricket is an AT&T MVNO, so it uses AT&T towers to provide 68% 4G coverage across the nation. That’s a mere 2% less than the top 4G provider.
Use our interactive map below to check the signal at your address. Toggle between the 5G and 4G maps to compare coverage where you live and work. Purple means you’re covered with Cricket, and the deeper the purple, the better the signal.
Cricket’s international coverage and roaming
Most MVNOs skip the international coverage that major carriers include, but Cricket packs real international perks into its phone plans. You get international text messaging to over 200 countries, plus unlimited talk and text to both Mexico and Canada. Cricket also lets you use your plan’s data in both countries with full roaming. These perks come with Cricket’s mid-tier and top-tier unlimited plans.
|
Cricket
Supreme Unlimited Plan
$55.00/mo
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
|
Cricket
Smart Unlimited Plan
$45.00/mo
with AutoPay; $50 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
Calling a country that isn’t covered by your plan’s perks means adding International Calling. The add-on runs $10–$15/month and covers minutes and messages to a specific country. Some destinations come with unlimited minutes and texts.
Image: Cricket Wireless
Every Cricket unlimited plan is eligible for this add-on feature. The feature covers calls and texts sent from a device located in the US, so it isn’t a substitute for service while you’re traveling abroad.
Cricket Wireless' coverage by state
Cricket’s signal is solid nationwide, but coverage isn’t identical from state to state. Alaska sits at the bottom of the list with 11.3% coverage. Most of the 50 states clear 90%, and Indiana tops the list at 99.99%.
Check how much coverage Cricket offers where you live in the table below.
AT&T coverage by state
| State | Percentage Covered | Mile Covered (mi²) |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 11.3% | 66,986 mi² |
| Alabama | 98.73% | 51,101 mi² |
| Arkansas | 99.15% | 52,790 mi² |
| Arizona | 59.41% | 67,962 mi² |
| California | 76.08% | 120,516 mi² |
| Colorado | 79.31% | 82,700 mi² |
| Connecticut | 99.98% | 5,031 mi² |
| Delaware | 99.99% | 2,075 mi² |
| Florida | 99.04% | 58,118 mi² |
| Georgia | 99.75% | 58,118 mi² |
| Hawaii | 93.48% | 6,390 mi² |
| Iowa | 90.86% | 51,262 mi² |
| Idaho | 65.72% | 54,535 mi² |
| Illinois | 99.74% | 56,198 mi² |
| Indiana | 99.99% | 36,218 mi² |
| Kansas | 99.84% | 82,156 mi² |
| Kentucky | 99.46% | 40,177 mi² |
| Louisiana | 98.91% | 46,227 mi² |
| Massachusetts | 99.86% | 8,337 mi² |
| Maryland | 98.41% | 10,739 mi² |
| Maine | 46.58% | 15,563 mi² |
| Michigan | 97.57% | 58,180 mi² |
| Minnesota | 97.36% | 82,276 mi² |
| Missouri | 98.02% | 68,257 mi² |
| Mississippi | 98.01% | 46,743 mi² |
| Montana | 68.40% | 100,808 mi² |
| North Carolina | 93.48% | 47,301 mi² |
| North Dakota | 97.42% | 68,102 mi² |
| Nebraska | 72.59% | 56,546 mi² |
| New Hampshire | 97.96% | 9,457 mi² |
| New Jersey | 99.99% | 7,731 mi² |
| New Mexico | 80.61% | 96,757 mi² |
| Nevada | 51.42% | 57,263 mi² |
| New York | 95.33% | 46,680 mi² |
| Ohio | 99.89% | 41,297 mi² |
| Oklahoma | 96.66% | 67,556 mi² |
| Oregon | 69.54% | 67,605 mi² |
| Pennsylvania | 95.39% | 43,222 mi² |
| Rhode Island | 99.95% | 1,178 mi² |
| South Carolina | 98.98% | 30,900 mi² |
| South Dakota | 99.09% | 76,202 mi² |
| Tennessee | 94% | 39,583 mi² |
| Texas | 96.61% | 257,778 mi² |
| Utah | 83.35% | 69,010 mi² |
| Virginia | 90.20% | 36,811 mi² |
| Vermont | 99.14% | 9,534 mi² |
| Washington | 79.33% | 54,290 mi² |
| Wisconsin | 91.45% | 50,743 mi² |
| West Virginia | 92.61% | 22,426 mi² |
| Wyoming | 54.63% | 53,169 mi² |
Cricket vs. other carriers
The coverage maps put AT&T and Cricket in second place nationally for both 4G LTE and 5G. Verizon edges out AT&T in 4G LTE coverage, and T-Mobile holds a sizable lead in 5G.
Most of the country has decent coverage on Cricket. Noticeable gaps still show up in rural parts of states like Nevada, Maine, and Wyoming. The good news is that most Americans live in urban areas, which is exactly where AT&T’s coverage and speeds are strongest.
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G LTE coverage | |||
| 5G coverage | |||
| Urban coverage | |||
| Rural coverage | |||
| 5G bands | High-band |
High-band |
Mid-band High-band |
| View Plans | View Plans | View Plans |
Visible Wireless is an MVNO that relies on Verizon’s network. Verizon leads the nation in 4G LTE coverage, but only by two points over AT&T and Cricket. Cricket pulls ahead on 5G coverage, with a footprint more than double the size of Verizon’s. Visible and Cricket cover almost the same ground, and Cricket does it with more 5G for faster speeds.
Mint Mobile is an MVNO running on T-Mobile’s network. T-Mobile’s 5G network is the largest in the nation, and AT&T’s 4G LTE network is the bigger of the two. Both handle cities well, and AT&T is the stronger performer in rural areas. AT&T’s network is simply larger overall and delivers more total coverage.
Cricket is the better choice of these three MVNOs if you want solid coverage without sacrificing speeds. Cricket suits anyone who drives long distances or spends time outside urban areas. Mint can’t match that reach with its smaller 4G LTE footprint. Mint Mobile is still a fine choice if you live and work in urban areas, where its coverage and speeds hold up.
Should you switch to Cricket Wireless?
Switching to Cricket Wireless makes sense if you want reliable coverage on a major network without a contract. Cricket adds perks like hotspot data and data roaming in Mexico and Canada. Its extensive 4G coverage makes Cricket an excellent choice if you travel often or work on the go. Our step-by-step guide makes switching to Cricket easy.
Cricket doesn’t offer the cheapest plans on the market. Cheaper options like Visible or Mint are a better fit if the absolute lowest price is your main goal and you don’t need extras. Cricket earns its price with strong performance and practical benefits.
Cricket cell phone plans
Cricket Wireless has a solid selection of plans that get you on AT&T’s network for less. The most popular option is the Supreme Unlimited plan. Priced at $60/month (or $55/month with autopay), it includes unlimited high-speed data on AT&T’s network, a 50GB mobile hotspot, 150GB of cloud storage, and a free subscription to HBO Max. It’s the ad-supported tier, so you’ll put up with commercials, but it’s included at no extra charge.
Find out more about why we think Supreme Unlimited is Cricket’s best plan.
Cricket Supreme Unlimited Plan
| Carrier | Cricket |
|---|---|
| Data | Unlimited Data |
| Type | No Contract |
| Total Price |
$55 per month
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
| View Plan |
Cricket Wireless also has other plan options if you don’t need a mobile hotspot or don’t want to pay for unlimited data. Check out Cricket’s most popular plans below:
|
#1
|
Cricket
Supreme Unlimited Plan
$55.00/mo
with AutoPay; $60 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
Cricket
Sensible 10GB Plan
$30.00/mo
with AutoPay
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
|
#3
|
Cricket
Select Unlimited Plan
$35.00/mo
with AutoPay; $40 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
|
#4
|
Cricket
Smart Unlimited Plan
$45.00/mo
with AutoPay; $50 for the first month.
+ $9.99 Upfront
|
Cricket phones and deals
Cricket carries plenty of great phones to pair with its plans. The lineup covers mainstream picks like the Apple iPhone 17, the Samsung Galaxy S25, and the best Motorola phones.
Cricket stocks Apple’s recent releases too, including the iPhone 17 and the slimmer iPhone Air.
Check out the newest smartphones Cricket is offering:
iPhone 17e 256GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17e 512GB
- 6.1 inch display
- Rear Camera: 48MP
- Front Camera: 12MP
iPhone 17 256GB
- 6.3 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 48MP, 48MP
- Front Camera: 18MP
Cricket is an MVNO, so it doesn’t offer installment plans like the big carriers. You’ll usually pay for the phone upfront or use third-party financing. Cricket does run device promos often, and a budget phone sometimes lands at free. Check out all of the best Cricket Wireless phone deals for maximum savings.
Cricket Wireless coverage map: FAQ
Is Cricket coverage good in rural areas?
Cricket coverage holds up well in rural areas. Cricket operates on AT&T's network, which ranks second for overall 4G LTE coverage and reaches plenty of regions where other carriers thin out. 5G is more limited outside cities, but reliable 4G LTE is widely available.
Does Cricket offer international coverage or roaming?
Cricket includes international coverage and full roaming in Mexico and Canada on its Smart Unlimited and Supreme Unlimited plans. At $50/month and $60/month respectively, they are Cricket's mid- and top-tier unlimited plans.
How does Cricket coverage compare to Verizon and T-Mobile?
Cricket coverage lands second to Verizon on 4G LTE and second to T-Mobile on 5G because Cricket runs on AT&T's network. Cricket's 68% 4G coverage trails Verizon's 70%. Cricket's 41.11% 5G footprint is a close second to T-Mobile's 49.24% 5G coverage.
How do I check Cricket coverage in my area?
Checking Cricket coverage in your area takes one step with our WhistleOut Coverage Checker. Type in your address, and we automatically surface the best plans with top coverage where you live.
Jessica Santero
Staff Writer
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