Visible
Everything from Visible’s website to its wireless service is simple. This carrier offers one plan with unlimited data, messages, and minutes for $40 per month. With Visible, you’ll get access to Verizon’s network at a fraction of the cost and with no strings attached.
+ Verizon LTE and 5G network+ Unlimited data, calling, and texting+ Unlimited hotspot usage at 5Mbps+Savings with Party Pay+ Cheap monthly cost
– No roaming- Slow hotspot data speed- SD video stream (480p)
Cricket Wireless
Cricket Wireless offers flexibility with its four different plans and great coverage with its huge AT&T network. With its old speed caps removed and nationwide 5G on every plan, Cricket Wireless is a strong pick no matter how much data you end up needing.
+ AT&T 4G LTE and 5G network+ Service in Canada and Mexico with unlimited plans+ Unlimited calling, texting, and messaging+ Multi-line discounts+ Roaming
– 5G and 15GB hotspot only with top plan- Data isn’t unlimited with each plan- SD video stream (480p)
Both Visible and Cricket Wireless are low-cost, pre-paid MVNO carriers that leverage their larger networks to give subscribers affordable, reliable wireless service. They’ve each been identified as some of the best prepaid phone plans out there today. With no stores, no annual contracts, and no surprises on your bill, these wireless carriers are made for anyone who wants great coverage without the commitment.Verizon’s Visible is perfect for anyone who wants the satisfaction of having unlimited data, 5G access, and unlimited hotspot data. At the same time, AT&T’s Cricket is better suited for families, travelers, or those who want more plan options to customize their experience.Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: What kind of service do you need?Visible keeps things very simple but its simplicity is also its downfall if you need more than basic service. Visible excels at delivering high-speed data, calls, and text but falls short when it comes to international travel or multi-line savings. Even so, with Visible’s Party Pay savings, it still has one of the cheapest plans around competing with much more expensive plans.Cricket has a more traditional layout with four main plans starting with a 5GB and a 10GB data plan. The 10GB plan also gets minor multi-line discounts and an auto-pay discount. Moving up to unlimited, Cricket’s cheaper unlimited plan keeps things simple and will prove to be the sweet spot for many families that need a lot of data but want to save on service.
VisibleCricket WirelessNetworkVerizonAT&TInternational callingYes (Canada/Mexico)Yes (for an extra $5 per month)RoamingNoYesMexico and Canada DataNoIncluded with Cricket More and Cricket Core unlimited plansHotspot dataUnlimited (capped at 5Mbps)15GB with Cricket More unlimited plan5G accessYes (capped at 200Mbps)Nationwide 5G on all plansVideo stream quality480p480p
Cricket also allows you to roam in Mexico and Canada for up to 50% of your usage. If you’re a traveler or have family abroad, then this is definitely something you might be interested in. It’s also important to note that Cricket’s prices drop when you add more lines, making it almost as affordable as Visible (though still more expensive).Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: Visible’s plan(Image credit: Samuel Contreras / Android Central)Visible offers one simple plan at $40 per month with unlimited data, calling and texting, and great coverage thanks to Verizon’s expansive 4G LTE and 5G network. With no contract, commitment, or extra fees, Visible is a great deal for anyone who wants a lot of data and wants to connect to Verizon’s nationwide 5G network—as long as your phone is compatible.You’ll also be able to tap into unlimited hotspot data at a speed cap of 5Mbps, which should suffice for activities like SD video streaming, browsing, Spotify, and social media. Though $40 is a good deal as is, you can cut costs even further with Party Pay. By adding 4 lines to your Visible “party,” each line’s monthly cost (paid separately) goes down to as little as $25 per month, making this plan a great option for families, roommates, or friends.With a Visible plan, you can call Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, but that’s it when it comes to international calling. And because roaming isn’t supported on Visible and there’s no access to Verizon’s 3G towers, it’s really not an ideal plan if you’re someone that travels abroad frequently or goes on road trips through rural areas. Visible is a solid plan if you live in the U.S. and already have good Verizon coverage, so be sure to check out its coverage map before making any decisions.Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: Cricket’s plansCricket Wireless uses AT&T’s huge 4G LTE and 5G network with four plans available. The two smaller data plans come in at 5GB and 10GB. One thing to keep in mind is that the 10GB plan gets multi-line and auto-pay discounts that the 5GB plan does not so at three lines, the cost is the same for 5GB and 10GB. Perhaps more interestingly though, at three lines, you could go up to the Unlimited Core plan for the same price.If you want to get the most out of Cricket, Unlimited More is the way to go. It’s pricey at $60 per month for a single line but the price comes down pretty quickly with multiple lines. Still, with this plan, your data is upgraded to premium data meaning it will have priority over other Cricket customers. You also get 15GB of hotspot data to share with other devices. Last but not least, this plan comes with ad-supported HBO Max.
CategoryCricket MoreCricket CoreCricket 10GBCricket 5GBDataUnlimited (premium)Unlimited10GB5GBHotspot15GBAdd-on availableNoneNoneMexico and Canada UsageIncludedIncludedNoneNoneInternational text37 countries37 countriesNoneNone5G accessNationwide 5GNationwide 5GNationwide 5GNationwide 5GStreaming resolution480p480p480p480pExtrasHBO Max (with ads)Single line price$60$55$40$30Four-line price (per line)$33$25$28$30
You should check Cricket’s coverage map to make sure it will work in your area, though each Cricket plan comes with roaming. This is especially useful if you travel frequently. And if you travel abroad, there are clear advantages to both of Cricket’s unlimited data plans (Cricket More and Cricket Core), including unlimited international texting to 37 countries and service in Canada and Mexico—although Canada usage must be less than 50 percent of overall usage.Visible vs. Cricket Wireless: Which is better for you?There’s no denying that Visible is one of the best MVNO carriers available today. With Verizon’s network, unlimited data, 5G connectivity, and unlimited hotspot data, it’s hard to beat such a great plan — and for only $40 a month! If you live in the U.S. and have great Verizon coverage, then there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t opt for Visible. The deal gets even better if you take advantage of Party Pay, which brings your cost down as low as $25 per month.Cricket is a lot stronger when it comes to international features so if you’re a traveler, it may be a simpler fit. Still, if you’re an infrequent traveler, grabbing some data on a travel SIM or signing up for something like Google Fi temporarily may prove to be a better option with Visible.Ultimately both carriers are strong choices but when it comes to saving money and unlimited data Visible comes out on top. Cricket’s top plan is worth it if you’re looking for a family plan and can sign up for at least two lines. This brings the cost down to $45 per month, or as low as $33 per month if you have 4 lines—making it easily comparable to Visible’s $25 per month with Party pay.
Unlimited everything
Visible
A simple unlimited data plan that’s almost too good to be trueVisible’s plan offers Verizon’s 5G network perks at a much lower cost and comes with unlimited data and unlimited hotspot data. However, it doesn’t allow for roaming and won’t be of much use if you travel frequently. It’s best for those located in an area of the U.S. with great Verizon coverage and a compatible phone.
A unique plan for everyone
Cricket Wireless
With 4 distinct plans, this carrier isn’t shy of options when it comes to meeting your data needsCricket has a plan for everyone, starting with its most basic 2GB data plan. Its top plan offers unlimited data, 5G connectivity, mobile hotspot data, and international use, though it might not be worth it unless you sign up for multiple lines. But no matter which plan you pick, you’ll have the benefit of AT&T’s wide coverage and access to roaming.