Cricket Wireless is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T, offering both prepaid smartphone and data plans. Their smartphone plans do not meet our criteria for mobile internet but they offer data plans that we consider Top Pick plans.
Plan Information
Cricket offers an entry-level hotspot device for their data-only plans, or plans can be activated on most AT&T-branded hotspots and tablets. The plan can not be used in cellular embedded routers however.
One advantage of Cricket over AT&T direct prepaid plans is that Cricket's plans explicitly include Canada & Mexico coverage. AT&T Prepaid plans have no mention one way or the other on this feature. But unlike Cricket plans, AT&T prepaid data plans can be used in routers, and are a bit higher network priority than Cricket.
Also, even though you can bring your own device with these plans, the fine print states that "5G service is not yet available for BYOD devices." The only device that Cricket sells with this plan is a 4G device - the Turbo Hotspot 2.
January 19, 2021 - Cricket updated their compatible device list, and many router models that once were, are no longer compatible with this plan. Those using a Simply Data plan in a router are advised to NOT REMOVE THE SIM CARD from their router in order to keep the plan active - it will deactivate if you remove the card and put it back in.
Mobile hotspot devices (like the Netgear Nighthawk 4G, Unite Explore, Moxee, etc.) are all still compatible. Be sure to check the IMEI of your device before placing an order.
Members, please refer to this thread where we share confirmed compatible devices:
Currently Available Plans:
- Simply Data - Data Only Plans
- 150GB - $90
- 100GB - $55
- 20GB - $35
Plan Specifications:
- Carrier Networks Used: AT&T
- Carrier Relationship: Prepaid Carrier Subsidiary
- Plan Types Available: Data Only
- Device Types Permitted: Hotspots, Tablets
- Unlimited: No
- High-Speed Mobile Hotspot Use: All Data
- Throttling: No throttling. After the cap, data stops completely
- Network Management: None
- Streaming: 480p
- 5G Access: Not available for BYOD
- eSIM: No
- Device Purchase Required: No
- Plan Period: 30 days
- International Roaming: Yes in Canada & Mexico. Calls, texts, or data usage while in Canada cannot exceed 50% of the total usage during a 3 month period. If you use data services on wireless carrier networks other than AT&T Mexico while in Mexico, your data usage may be reduced to 2G speeds
- Domestic Roaming: None
- Data Roll Over: None
- Overage Charges: None
- Extra data can be added for $5 / 5GB or $10 / 15GB as needed
- Lines permitted per account: 9
- Extras: Not Specified
We only track smartphone plans that meet our criteria for mobile internet, which is having at least 50GB of mobile hotspot data. Other smartphone plans may be available from the carrier other than those listed here.
If you want information on other available smartphone plans, our friend Stetson Doggett manages the website Best Phone Plans, which provides comprehensive information on all plans provided by each carrier.
News, Videos, & Status:
We have tested a Cricket Wireless Simply Data plan, and include notes on this in the member section below.
Videos
Related News
Alternatives to Consider
Also consider some of our other top pick data plans:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Other Ways to Support Our Work At MIRC
Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis - Favorite Features & Potential Downsides
- Deep Dive
- Hotspots / APN Settings
- Winegard Devices
- Testing Notes
- Retired Plan Archives
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links & Disclaimer
We don't sell stuff, we are primarily member funded. Some links below may be affiliate links (see our disclaimer), which also helps fund MIRC.
The vendors displayed below provide larger discounts to our MIAs that we have negotiated instead of displaying affiliate links while they are logged in.
MIA Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our Mobile Internet Aficionados (MIA) get special discounts from the below vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. With savings up to 11% off, you could save more than your membership cost!
Amazon: 3-in-1 SIM Kit - Bring Your Own Phone (Affiliate Link)
Shopping for Cellular Data Plans
Finding the right plans for your needs is no easy task - quite simply mobile travelers using cellular data as their primary way online is not how most carriers have designed their plans. Many of us want plans that provide copious amounts of data.
Here's our video going over ways to get LOTS of data for use in your travels:
But a data plan alone will not keep you online. You also need the right gear, signal enhancing strategy and planning your travels around the options you carry with you. Head on over to our collection of guides:
-
Top Data Plan Picks
Our constantly updated list of the BEST data plans.
-
Which Carrier is Best?
Is Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or Dish best for your travels?
-
Selecting Data Plans
Our deep dive into understanding data plans and shopping for them.
-
Data Plan Pricing Grid
Our always updated spreadsheet comparing all data plans suitable for mobile internet.
-
Getting LOTS of the Data
Learn how to get lots of cellular data in your mobile internet arsenal.
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of 