US Mobile vs Mint Mobile vs Cricket Wireless — Our Pick: US Mobile
Plan Compare
Updated for 2025 Phone plans • Prepaid • MVNOs Light & heavy data users

US Mobile vs Mint Mobile vs Cricket Wireless

We compared coverage, data options, hotspot, perks, and price. Our pick: US Mobile for the best balance of flexible plans, premium network access, and perks.

Best overall carrier alternative

Why we prefer US Mobile

  • Access to major 5G networks with customizable plan options.
  • Flexible build-your-own and unlimited plans with hotspot support.
  • Attractive perks on higher-tier plans (like streaming & international data on select options).
  • Modern dashboard and strong eSIM support for quick setup.
Heads-up: Want super-simple, low monthly pricing if you can pay several months upfront? Mint Mobile is a solid pick. Prefer in-store support and an AT&T-based network? Cricket Wireless may fit better.

At a glance

US Mobile

Best overall

Top pick for the strongest mix of flexible plans, premium 5G coverage, hotspot support, and plan perks.

  • Customizable plans (shared, limited, and unlimited data)
  • Strong support for eSIM and multi-line setups
  • Perks on select unlimited plans (like streaming & international)
Visit US Mobile

Mint Mobile

Best for low cost

Prepaid carrier with aggressively priced plans when you pay for 3–12 months at a time; great for single lines that don’t change often.

  • Simple plan lineup with straightforward pricing
  • Great value if you can pay several months upfront
  • Less flexible if you frequently change plans or lines
Visit Mint Mobile

Cricket Wireless

Best in-store support

Prepaid brand with lots of physical stores and simple unlimited plans, good for users who prefer in-person help and AT&T-based coverage.

  • Store network for in-person signup and support
  • Simple unlimited and family plan options
  • Less granular control over data and features
Visit Cricket Wireless
What to compare US Mobile Mint Mobile Cricket Wireless
Primary strength Best overall: flexibility + perks + premium 5G access Low-cost plans when prepaying several months In-store help with simple unlimited options
Networks used Access to major 4G/5G networks via MVNO arrangements Runs on a major US 5G network as an MVNO Uses AT&T’s nationwide network as a prepaid brand
Plan structure Build-your-own, pooled, and unlimited plans with line-level control Set data buckets (e.g., fixed GB or “unlimited”) purchased in multi-month terms Simple single-line and family unlimited plans with a smaller set of choices
Hotspot & extras Hotspot available on many plans; perks such as streaming or international benefits on select unlimited tiers Hotspot access on eligible plans; focus is mostly on straightforward data Hotspot and extras vary by plan; some tiers limit hotspot or speeds
International options International calling and roaming options on select plans; good for travelers on certain tiers International add-ons available; mainly geared toward calling and limited roaming International options focused on calling and add-on roaming for select destinations
Family / multi-line value Very strong: mix and match plans per line with shared perks Discounts mostly tied to term length rather than many lines Family-line discounts on unlimited plans if you bring several lines
Activation experience Modern online signup, strong eSIM support, quick activation Fully online signup, physical SIM & eSIM options where supported Online or in-store activation; good if you prefer in-person setup
Support Online chat and support; digital-first experience Online support; no dedicated retail store network Online support plus plenty of physical stores
Plan flexibility High: easy to experiment with different plan types and line setups Best if you’re comfortable locking in a plan for 3–12 months Good for set-it-and-forget-it unlimited plans; fewer granular tweaks
Best for Users who want the most control, perks, and premium coverage options Budget-conscious users who don’t mind paying upfront People who want in-store service and simple unlimited plans
Editorial stance: Want the most complete package and flexibility? Choose US Mobile. Want the lowest typical monthly price by paying ahead? Start with Mint Mobile. Prefer walking into a store and talking to a person? Pick Cricket Wireless.

Pick by use-case

Best overall flexibility

Great balance of coverage options, flexible plans, hotspot support, and perks for heavy or light users.

Visit US Mobile

Best for low monthly cost

Mint Mobile works well if you’re happy with a simple plan and can prepay several months at a time.

Visit Mint Mobile

Best for in-store help

Cricket Wireless is ideal if you want local stores for signup, number porting, and everyday support.

Visit Cricket Wireless

FAQ

What is an MVNO?
An MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) is a carrier that uses another company’s physical network. US Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Cricket Wireless all use major US networks to provide coverage but handle their own plans, pricing, and customer support.
Can I keep my phone number when switching?
In most cases, yes. You can port your existing number to US Mobile, Mint Mobile, or Cricket Wireless during signup. Don’t cancel your old service first—start the number transfer with your new carrier and follow their step-by-step instructions.
Do I need a new phone?
Many unlocked phones will work with these carriers, especially if they support modern 4G LTE and 5G bands. Each provider has a compatibility checker on its website; you can enter your IMEI to confirm before switching.
Which one should I choose?
Pick US Mobile if you want the best mix of flexibility, perks, and premium coverage options. Choose Mint Mobile if rock-bottom monthly cost matters most and you’re fine prepaying. Go with Cricket Wireless if you care about in-store support and simple unlimited plans.

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