Both are real options, and the right one depends on your coverage area, how much data you actually use, and whether you will tolerate a credit check. Here is the full breakdown with World Mobile in the mix, because if you are on the T-Mobile or AT&T network, a no contract prepaid option is usually the cheapest way to keep the same coverage.
| Cricket | T-Mobile | World Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | AT&T | Own network | T-Mobile or AT&T (strongest signal) + in-house (where deployed) |
| Best value plan | $45/mo Unlimited, around $45 (promos vary) | $50/mo Prepaid Go5G (50GB fast, then unlimited at reduced speed) | $40/mo Unlimited (25GB fast, then unlimited) |
| Cheapest plan | $28/mo Prepaid talk and text tiers | $15/mo Connect by T-Mobile basic | $15/mo Starter (2GB) |
| Contract | Prepaid: none. Postpaid: month-to-month with credit check | Prepaid: none. Postpaid: month-to-month, but early termination fees apply to financed phones | No contract on any plan |
| Credit check | Postpaid: yes. Prepaid: no | Postpaid with device: yes. Prepaid: no | No credit check |
| eSIM | Yes | Yes | Instant eSIM, or physical SIM |
| Keep your number | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| International | International plans available | Paid international data and calling packs | Free calling to 60 countries on Unlimited and Unlimited+ |
Prices as of October 2026. Promo pricing changes. Verify before you sign up.
World Mobile runs on T-Mobile or AT&T, whichever has the strongest signal, with its own network expanding where deployed, no contract and no credit check. Unlimited 25GB fast data for $40, or 2GB for $15 if you use little. Keep your number when you switch.
See World Mobile Plans →No contract. No credit check. Keep your number.Cricket best value is $45/mo, T-Mobile is $50/mo. Cricket runs on AT&T's network with unlimited around $45. T-Mobile prepaid is $50 for 50GB with a 5-year price lock. If AT&T coverage beats T-Mobile where you live, Cricket is the value play. If not, T-Mobile's price lock is the safer bet.
Cricket: Postpaid: yes. Prepaid: no. T-Mobile: Postpaid with device: yes. Prepaid: no. World Mobile requires no credit check on any plan.
Yes. Port the number during activation and keep your old account active until the port completes. It usually takes 15 minutes to a few hours. See how to switch carriers for the full steps.
Yes. World Mobile runs on T-Mobile or AT&T, whichever has the strongest signal, with its own network expanding where deployed, at $40/month for unlimited 25GB fast data, no contract, no credit check, with a built in VPN and identity protection on top plans. Mint and Visible also ride the T-Mobile network.
See the full 2026 prepaid ranking or learn how to lower your phone bill.