Cricket Wireless Overhauls Prepaid Plans: A Rate Wrecker’s Breakdown

Let’s talk about Cricket Wireless’s latest prepaid plan revamp—because if you’re not hacking your phone bill, you’re basically paying for someone else’s unlimited data. The carrier just dropped a suite of new plans in late July 2025, and if you’re still on an old plan, you’re basically running Windows 95 while everyone else is on 5G. Here’s the tea.

The New Plans: More Data, Lower Prices, and No Hidden Fees

Cricket’s new lineup is like a software update for your wallet. The most notable change? Unlimited data for $35/month with AutoPay. That’s right—no more nickel-and-diming for extra gigs. The “Select Unlimited” plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data, plus international calls and texts to Mexico and Canada. If you’ve got family south of the border or just love cheap tacos, this is a win.

For the data-light crowd, the “Sensible 10GB” plan now offers 10GB instead of 5GB for $30/month with AutoPay (or $35 without). It’s like upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone—suddenly, you’ve got room to breathe.

Cricket also streamlined its plans into four tiers, making it easier to pick than choosing between 10 different Netflix tiers. No more confusion, no more hidden fees—just straightforward pricing.

5G for Everyone (Even the Cheapskates)

Here’s the real kicker: all plans now include nationwide 5G access, even the basic “Sensible 10GB” option. That means even if you’re on a budget, you’re not stuck in the dial-up era. Cricket’s riding on AT&T’s network, so you’re getting solid coverage without the AT&T price tag.

And because bundling is the new black, Cricket is exploring streaming service integrations to sweeten the deal. Imagine getting your phone plan and Netflix in one package—sounds like a hack, right? Well, it’s happening.

Multi-Month Plans: Lock In and Save

If you’re tired of monthly bill shock, Cricket’s new 3-month and 12-month plans might be your new best friend. Locking in for a year can drop your unlimited plan to $25/month—that’s cheaper than a Starbucks habit. These plans even include data roaming in Canada and Mexico, so you can take your savings on the road.

Data-Only Plans and Referral Perks

Cricket isn’t just about phones—it’s got data-only plans for tablets and hotspots. For $35, you get 20GB, or for $50, you get 40GB, both with Mexico and Canada roaming. Perfect for road trips or digital nomads.

And because word-of-mouth is the best marketing, Cricket’s referral program gives you $35 credit for every friend you bring on board. Your friend gets $25 credit after 60 days. It’s like getting paid to be popular.

Why This Matters in the Prepaid Wars

The prepaid market is getting crowded, with players like Visible, Mint Mobile, and Boost Mobile all fighting for your dollar. Cricket’s move is a direct shot at them—lower prices, more data, and no contracts. It’s like open-source software vs. proprietary tech: Cricket’s giving you the freedom to switch without penalties.

And with AT&T’s network backing them, Cricket’s not just a budget option—it’s a reliable budget option. No more sacrificing speed for savings.

The Bottom Line

Cricket’s new plans are a win for consumers. More data, lower prices, and no hidden fees make it a strong contender in the prepaid space. If you’re still paying $50+ for unlimited data, you’re basically throwing money at the problem instead of solving it.

So, what’s the verdict? If you’re looking for a no-frills, affordable plan with solid 5G coverage, Cricket’s new lineup is worth a look. Just don’t tell your current carrier—it might cry.

Now, if only they’d let me hack interest rates like I hack my phone bill. But that’s a different kind of wrecking.