Airvoice Wireless vs Cricket Wireless | Which One Should You Choose

Introduction 

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is a necessity, and the mobile landscape is constantly evolving with various options to choose from. One such option is Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which offer a compelling alternative to traditional mobile network operators. MVNOs leverage existing cellular networks, allowing them to provide cost-effective and flexible plans without the burden of maintaining infrastructure. 

Advantages of MVNOs 

1. Cost-Effective: MVNOs often offer more affordable plans compared to traditional mobile network operators (MNOs) because they don’t need to invest in network infrastructure. 
2. Flexible Options: MVNOs provide various plan options tailored to different needs, catering to diverse user preferences. 
3. No Credit Check: MVNOs typically don’t require credit checks for sign-up, making it easier for those with limited or poor credit history to obtain service. 
4. Wide Device Compatibility: MVNOs support a wide range of devices, allowing you to bring your own compatible phone or purchase one from their selection. 
5. Specialized Plans: Some MVNOs cater to specific niches, such as seniors, families, or budget-conscious users, offering tailored solutions. 

While MVNOs offer numerous benefits, it’s important to note that they may have more limited coverage compared to major network operators due to their reliance on leased network infrastructure. 

Carrier Overview 

In the ever-evolving mobile landscape, AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless have emerged as potential options for those seeking affordable and reliable service. AirVoice Wireless is an MVNO that utilizes T-Mobile’s network, while Cricket Wireless is an MVNO that leverages AT&T’s network. Let’s delve deeper into these providers to determine which one offers the best value for your needs.   

Understanding each carrier thoroughly is crucial in making an informed decision about which one to choose. By exploring their business models, value propositions, and offerings, you can better assess which provider aligns with your specific requirements. 

AirVoice Wireless 

With more than 23 years of continued success in providing dependable and affordable service, AirVoice Wireless has been a staple MVNO on the west coast since 1999. Today, it has expanded nationally by leveraging existing cellular networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile. Their core value proposition revolves around affordability, with a focus on prepaid plans and potentially unlimited international calling options. AirVoice Wireless offers prepaid plans with no-contract options, providing flexibility and freedom from long-term commitments. Their plans vary in terms of talk, text, and data allowances, and they tend to provide competitive pricing compared to other MVNOs. By utilizing established networks, AirVoice Wireless aims to deliver reliable coverage while keeping costs low for their customers. 

Cricket Wireless 

Founded in 1999 by Leap Wireless International, Cricket Wireless is an MVNO known for being a network focused on small, rural markets. After being acquired by AT&T in 2014, Cricket Wireless has established itself as a formidable player in the prepaid wireless market. Cricket Wireless offers a variety of prepaid plans with different data, talk, and text allowances. Their plans often include unlimited talk and text with varying amounts of high-speed data, catering to different usage needs. Cricket Wireless competes primarily against T-Mobile’s Metro by T-Mobile, Dish’s Boost Mobile and Verizon’s Visible in the prepaid wireless segment. 

Key Comparison Points 

To make an informed decision between AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless, it’s essential to consider several key factors that can significantly impact your overall experience. 

Network Coverage

Network coverage is a critical aspect to consider when choosing a wireless provider. Both AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless operate on the same networks, but the reliability and availability of service in various areas varies. 

AirVoice Wireless utilizes both AT&T and T-Mobile’s network, which is known for its strong coverage in urban and suburban areas. However, its coverage in rural regions may be more limited compared to other major carriers. On the other hand, Cricket Wireless, as an MVNO operating on AT&T’s network, typically offers more extensive coverage, including in rural areas, Mexico, and Canada.  

While both carriers offer dependable coverage, Cricket Wireless has a larger 4G LTE footprint, while AirVoice Wireless emphasizes reliability and speed. Consider your specific needs and location when choosing between them. If you primarily reside in or frequently visit urban and suburban areas, AirVoice Wireless may provide sufficient coverage. However, if reliable coverage in rural areas is a priority, Cricket Wireless might be the better choice. 

Plan Options

Both AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless offer a variety of plan options to cater to different usage needs and budgets. 

For AirVoice Wireless, their prepaid plan options typically include varying data allowances, talk time minutes, and international calling inclusions. These plans can be particularly appealing for those who prioritize affordability and have specific international calling needs. They also provide family plans with huge discounts for multiple lines. 

Cricket Wireless offers a variety of prepaid plans with different data, talk, and text allowances. Their plans often include unlimited talk and text with varying amounts of high-speed data, catering to different usage needs.  Some perks of Cricket Wireless include calling to and from landlines and mobile phones in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. 

Family Plan Options 

Typically, family plans offer discounts per line compared to individual plans. With multiple lines on a single plan, you can often save money overall. Managing one plan for the whole family is simpler than managing multiple individual plans. You’ll have one bill to pay and one account to keep track of. Below we share an example of a 5-line family plan with unlimited data.  

When evaluating plan options, consider factors such as your typical data usage, the need for unlimited talk and text, and international contact. If you have a family or multiple lines, AirVoice Wireless’ family plans might offer more value and convenience. If you frequent the U.S., Mexico and Canada, then Cricket Wireless’ plans might be a better fit. 

International Services

Whether it’s contacting family, friends, or work, it’s important to have a reliable network that has good international reach from home or abroad.  

All Cricket Wireless’ rate plans from $50 and above include unlimited text messages (SMS only) from the U.S. to 37 countries. However, they have free calling/texting in Mexico, Canada and between the U.S., Mexico & Canada, with use of high-speed data while travelling to those countries. However, each number of texts, number of voice minutes, and data usage sent, received or used while in Canada cannot exceed 50% of the total number of texts or voice minutes or data usage (including domestic use) in a month for any consecutive three months.  

Meanwhile, AirVoice Wireless offers unlimited international calling to over 80 countries outside the United States on all their phone plans. No more worrying about per-minute charges. You can stay connected with your family and friends abroad, all without per-minute charges. 

Consider your travel plans and international needs for the year. If you need a wider range of international calling, then AirVoice Wireless is a better choice as Cricket Wireless only allows calling to 37 countries outside the United States. However, if you frequent Canada and Mexico, then Cricket Wireless is a better option for you. But do note that roaming services are not always guaranteed, limited coverage in select markets outside the U.S. and other restrictions will always apply.  

Customer Service

Customer service plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and satisfactory experience with your wireless provider. Both AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless have different approaches to customer support. 

Cricket Wireless offers customer support through various channels, including phone, online chat, and social media in both English and Spanish. Additionally, they have several physical stores in the West North Central U.S. where customers can receive in-person assistance, which can be advantageous for those who prefer face-to-face interactions.  

AirVoice Wireless, on the other hand, primarily offers customer support through online channels and phone support with multilingual assistance (over 4 languages). Their physical stores available for in-person assistance are only limited to 3 locations in the Houston area, which could be a drawback for some users. 

When evaluating customer service, consider the importance of having access to multiple support channels and the convenience of physical store locations in your area. 

Pricing

Pricing is often a significant factor when choosing a wireless provider, as it can significantly impact your overall costs. Let’s compare the pricing for both AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless for a 1-month phone plan: 

AirVoice Wireless 1-Month Phone Plans 

Cricket Wireless 1-Month Phone Plans 

While both carriers offer competitive pricing, AirVoice Wireless appears to provide more data allowances at lower price points, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. In terms of international coverage, AirVoice Wireless provides unlimited calls to over 80 countries. On the other hand, Cricket Wireless only provides unlimited texting to 37 countries but with unlimited calling and texting to and from Mexico, Canada, and the Unites States. This also includes data access while traveling in Mexico and Canada.  

Choosing the Right Carrier 

Selecting the right wireless carrier is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and preferences. To help you decide, we will compare AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless based on the key points stated above. 

• Dollar Savers: With their budget-friendly competitive pricing and varying data allowances, AirVoice Wireless’ prepaid options are better for your phone and your wallet 

• Coverage and Speed: While both MVNOs use AT&T’s extensive network, Cricket Wireless’ 4G LTE coverage is quite extensive and their 5G covers a significant 29% of the nation. Meanwhile, AirVoice Wireless prioritizes reliable connections, offering one of America’s fastest networks, but their coverage may be limited in certain areas.  

• International Connections: AirVoice Wireless’ focus on international calling could be advantageous for those who frequently make calls abroad. However, if you frequent Mexico and Canada, Cricket Wireless’ plans might be a better fit for you. 

• Customer Satisfaction: Although both networks offer online and phone support for their customers with multilingual options, Cricket Wireless only offers customer service in Spanish, while AirVoice Wireless offers help in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Polish. However, Cricket Wireless has physical stores in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas, while AirVoice Wireless only has physical stores in Texas. 

It’s important to consider your individual and family needs for data usage, phone preference, network coverage in your area, and budget constraints before deciding. To help you further compare the two brands, here’s a tabular format highlighting their similarities and differences: 

Conclusion 

Choosing between AirVoice Wireless and Cricket Wireless ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities. While both carriers offer compelling options, their strengths and weaknesses vary. 

AirVoice Wireless excels in providing affordable prepaid plans with competitive data allowances and a focus on international calling. If you’re a budget-conscious user with moderate data needs, and frequent international calling requirements, AirVoice Wireless could be an excellent choice.  

 On the other hand, Cricket Wireless shines with its wide network coverage and family-friendly plans. They also entice with perks like streaming with ads on Max, call and text in Mexico and Canada, and a 14-day free trial. If you prioritize reliable coverage, network connections in Canad and Mexico, then Cricket Wireless might be the better fit. 

 In summary, Cricket Wireless and AirVoice Wireless are both good prepaid MVNOs, but they operate on different networks and offer slightly different plans and features. Choosing between the two would depend on factors such as network coverage in your area, pricing, plan features, and international connection preferences. Before making your final decision, we encourage you to research further and explore current promotions offered by both carriers – such as AirVoice Wireless’ Holiday Sale or Cricket Wireless’ 14-day trial. Additionally, consider visiting their respective websites or contacting their customer support to gather more specific information tailored to your unique needs. Remember, the right wireless provider can significantly enhance your mobile experience, ensuring reliable connectivity, affordable pricing, and features that align with your lifestyle. 

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily AirVoice Wireless. Staff authors are listed here