Choosing a wireless provider involves more than just comparing prices and data plans. Perks and extras can significantly enhance your mobile experience. For Cricket Wireless customers and potential switchers, understanding the added benefits alongside plan features is critical.
This article provides a detailed comparison of the perks and extras offered by Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile, helping you determine which provider offers the best overall value. We’ll examine exclusive deals, device protection options, and other value-added services, guiding you toward an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Cricket vs. Metro: A Quick Overview
Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile both operate as prepaid, carrier-owned brands. While they share similar business models, their specific perks and extras differ. Cricket focuses on simplicity and affordability, while Metro often emphasizes entertainment and additional features. This difference in philosophy impacts the kinds of perks each provider prioritizes.
Plan Perks Compared: Cricket vs. Metro
Let’s delve into a side-by-side comparison of the perks offered by each carrier. It’s important to note that perk availability can vary depending on the specific plan you choose. These comparisons are essential when choosing between Cricket Wireless and other carriers like Mint Mobile, Visible or T-Mobile Prepaid.
Cricket Wireless Perks
Cricket Wireless keeps its perks relatively straightforward:
Cricket Rewards App: This app offers discounts and deals from various retailers.
Access to AT&T’s Network: Cricket leverages AT&T’s extensive network, providing reliable coverage. As AT&T reports, they offer nationwide 5G coverage.
Family Plan Discounts: Cricket offers significant discounts for multi-line accounts.
Metro by T-Mobile Perks
Metro by T-Mobile often bundles more entertainment-focused perks:
Amazon Prime: Select Metro plans include an Amazon Prime subscription.
Google One: Some plans offer Google One cloud storage.
T-Mobile Tuesdays: Metro customers can access T-Mobile Tuesdays deals and discounts.
Music Unlimited: Stream music without using your data allowance.
Metro by T-Mobile is closely linked to its parent company and as T-Mobile highlights, their goal is to offer the best benefits for customers.
Device Protection and Insurance
Protecting your device is crucial. Both Cricket and Metro offer options for device protection and insurance.
Cricket Wireless Device Protection
Cricket offers the Cricket Protect program, which covers:
Loss and theft
Accidental damage (including cracked screens)
Mechanical and electrical malfunctions after the manufacturer’s warranty expires
Metro by T-Mobile Device Protection
Metro offers Premium Device Protection, which includes:
Device replacement for loss, theft, or damage
Technical support
McAfee Security for Metro by T-Mobile
Other Add-ons and Services
Beyond the standard perks and device protection, both carriers provide additional services.
Cricket Wireless Additional Services
International Calling Options: Add-ons for calling specific countries.
Data Add-Ons: Purchase extra data if you exceed your monthly allowance.
Metro by T-Mobile Additional Services
International Calling: Options for international calls, texts, and data.
The range of phones available can also be considered a perk. Metro tends to have a wider variety of phone models for sale, including higher-end smartphones. However, Cricket also offers a decent range, and supports BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) which adds a lot of flexibility.
What are the coverage differences between Metro and Cricket?
Cricket Wireless uses AT&T’s network, while Metro by T-Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network. Coverage can vary depending on your location. AT&T generally has strong coverage in rural areas, while T-Mobile may have an edge in densely populated urban centers. To be sure about your coverage needs, check Cricket Wireless Coverage Map and Availability and also check the coverage for T-Mobile in your specific area before committing.
Which provider, Metro or Cricket, offers better data plans?
The ‘best’ data plan depends on your usage and budget. Metro by T-Mobile may offer slightly higher data allowances on some plans, while Cricket Wireless often provides more affordable options for lighter data users. It’s important to compare the specific data amounts and prices of each carrier’s plans to find the best fit.
How do Metro and Cricket compare to T-Mobile?
Metro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and leverages its network. In most cases, it provides a similar data experience to T-Mobile, with some potential for deprioritization during peak usage times. Cricket uses AT&T’s network and generally offers a reliable but potentially slower data experience compared to T-Mobile’s premium service.
Data benefits similar to US Mobile, with truly…?
While both Metro and Cricket offer competitive prepaid plans, US Mobile distinguishes itself with highly customizable plans, allowing users to select precise amounts of data. This contrasts with Cricket’s more structured plans, and Metro’s plans that bundle in services like Amazon Prime, appealing to users who may value bundled options rather than granular data control.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Perks for You
The choice between Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile depends on your individual priorities. If you value entertainment perks like Amazon Prime and access to T-Mobile Tuesdays, Metro might be a better fit. If you’re seeking straightforward affordability and reliable coverage on AT&T’s network, Cricket Wireless could be the more suitable choice.
Before making a decision, carefully evaluate the specific perks offered with the plans you’re considering. Consider whether you would actually use the bundled services, and factor in the cost of device protection if needed. For more insights, see our guide on Cricket Wireless vs. Mint Mobile: Which Budget Carrier Wins? or Cricket Wireless vs. Visible: A Detailed Comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the key difference in philosophy between Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile?
A: Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile both operate as prepaid, carrier-owned brands, sharing similar business models. However, Cricket focuses on simplicity and affordability, while Metro often emphasizes entertainment and additional features.
Q: What kind of perks do Metro and Cricket offer?
A: Cricket Wireless keeps its perks relatively straightforward, focusing on discounts and reliable coverage. Metro by T-Mobile often bundles more entertainment-focused perks like Amazon Prime and music streaming.
Q: Can you list some specific perks offered by Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile?
A: Cricket Wireless offers the Cricket Rewards App, access to AT&T’s network, and family plan discounts. Metro by T-Mobile offers options like Amazon Prime, Google One, T-Mobile Tuesdays, and Music Unlimited (depending on the plan).
Q: What device protection options are available through Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile?
A: Cricket Wireless offers Cricket Protect, which covers loss, theft, accidental damage (including cracked screens), and mechanical/electrical malfunctions after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. Metro offers Premium Device Protection which includes device replacement, technical support, and McAfee Security.
Q: What are some additional services offered by Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile beyond the standard perks?
A: Cricket Wireless offers international calling options and data add-ons. Metro by T-Mobile provides international calling options and the Scam Shield app.
Q: Which has better phone selection, Cricket or Metro?
A: Metro tends to have a wider variety of phone models for sale, including higher-end smartphones. Cricket also offers a decent range and supports BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
Q: What are the coverage differences between Metro and Cricket?
A: Cricket Wireless uses AT&T’s network, while Metro by T-Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network. Coverage can vary depending on your location. AT&T generally has strong coverage in rural areas, while T-Mobile may have an edge in densely populated urban centers. Check coverage maps for both providers in your specific area.
Q: Which provider, Metro or Cricket, offers better data plans?
A: The ‘best’ data plan depends on your usage and budget. Metro by T-Mobile may offer slightly higher data allowances on some plans, while Cricket Wireless often provides more affordable options for lighter data users. Compare specific data amounts and prices of each carrier’s plans.
Q: How do Metro and Cricket compare to T-Mobile?
A: Metro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and leverages its network, generally providing a similar data experience, but with potential for deprioritization during peak usage. Cricket uses AT&T’s network and offers a reliable but potentially slower data experience compared to T-Mobile’s premium service.
Q: How do I choose between Cricket Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile?
A: Decide what is more important to you. If you value entertainment perks like Amazon Prime and access to T-Mobile Tuesdays, Metro might be a better fit. If you’re seeking straightforward affordability and reliable coverage on AT&T’s network, Cricket Wireless could be the more suitable choice.
Q: What is the benefit of Cricket Wireless using AT&T’s network?
A: Cricket Wireless leverages AT&T’s extensive network, which provides reliable coverage, including nationwide 5G.
Q: What does the Cricket Rewards App offer?
A: The Cricket Rewards App offers discounts and deals from various retailers, providing potential savings to Cricket Wireless customers.
Q: What are the advantages of Cricket Wireless’s family plan discounts?
A: Family plan discounts from Cricket Wireless provide significant savings for multi-line accounts, making it a cost-effective option for families.
Q: What is included in the Amazon Prime perk offered by Metro by T-Mobile?
A: Some Metro by T-Mobile plans include an Amazon Prime subscription, offering access to Prime benefits like free shipping and streaming services.
Q: What is the benefit of Google One cloud storage offered by Metro by T-Mobile?
A: Some Metro plans offer Google One cloud storage, providing additional space for photos, videos, and other files.
Q: What kind of deals can Metro customers get with T-Mobile Tuesdays?
A: Metro customers can access T-Mobile Tuesdays deals and discounts, offering various weekly promotions and freebies.
Q: What is the advantage of Music Unlimited on Metro by T-Mobile?
A: Music Unlimited allows Metro customers to stream music without using their data allowance, which is great for music lovers.
Q: What does Cricket Protect cover?
A: Cricket Protect covers loss, theft, accidental damage (including cracked screens), and mechanical/electrical malfunctions after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Q: What is included in Metro’s Premium Device Protection?
A: Premium Device Protection from Metro includes device replacement for loss, theft, or damage, technical support, and McAfee Security for Metro by T-Mobile.
Q: What do Cricket Wireless’s international calling options include?
A: Cricket Wireless offers add-ons for calling specific countries, allowing customers to connect with family and friends abroad.
Q: What can I do if I exceed my monthly data allowance with Cricket Wireless?
A: Cricket Wireless offers data add-ons, allowing customers to purchase extra data if they exceed their monthly allowance.
Q: What options does Metro by T-Mobile have for international communication?
A: Metro by T-Mobile offers options for international calls, texts, and data, allowing customers to stay connected while traveling or communicating with people in other countries.
Q: How does Scam Shield benefit Metro by T-Mobile customers?
A: T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app helps block scam calls and texts, protecting Metro customers from potential fraud.
Q: What are the benefits of using ‘Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)’ on Cricket Wireless?
A: Supporting BYOD adds a lot of flexibility, as you’re not required to buy a phone from Cricket Wireless. You can bring your own compatible device.
Q: Is Cricket Wireless a good choice for light data users?
A: Cricket Wireless often provides more affordable options for lighter data users, making it a budget-friendly option.
Q: Is Metro by T-Mobile a good choice for heavy data users?
A: Metro by T-Mobile may offer slightly higher data allowances on some plans, catering to users who need more data.
Q: What kind of data experience does Cricket provide compared to AT&T?
A: Cricket uses AT&T’s network and generally offers a reliable data experience. In most cases, it provides a similar data experience to AT&T, with some potential for deprioritization during peak usage times.
Q: How do the data benefits of Cricket and Metro compare to Mint Mobile?
A: Mint Mobile distinguishes itself with highly customizable plans, allowing users to select precise amounts of data. This contrasts with Cricket’s more structured plans, and Metro’s plans that bundle in services like Amazon Prime, appealing to users who may value bundled options rather than granular data control.
Q: How do the data benefits of Cricket and Metro compare to Visible?
A: Visible distinguishes itself with single line pricing and unlimited data plans, and uses Verizon’s network.
Q: If I live in a rural area, is Cricket Wireless or Metro by T-Mobile a better choice?
A: If you primarily use your phone in rural areas, Cricket Wireless might be a better option because it uses AT&T’s network, which generally has strong coverage in those areas.
Q: If I live in a city, is Cricket Wireless or Metro by T-Mobile a better choice?
A: If you primarily use your phone in densely populated urban centers, Metro by T-Mobile might be a better option, as T-Mobile may have an edge in those areas.
