T-Mobile vs. Sprint Review
Now might be a good time to hop on one of these networks.
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Since the merge of T-Mobile and Sprint, we are no longer updating this page. You can read our T-Mobile review to learn what we think of T-Mobile, post-merger.
T-Mobile and Sprint are basically the same company now that we’re living in a post-merger world. They’re like Remy the rat and Linguini the chef from Ratatouille. Who’s the rat and who’s the actual human you ask? It’s honestly too early to tell. We’re operating with limited info right now as the details of the merger continue to emerge. For now, AT&T and T-Mobile plans appear to be unchanged, with the big caveat of Sprint’s Unlimited Kickstart offer being off the table.
But for all the current options you have in front of you in 2020, it looks like T-Mobile still has the edge.
Sprint and T-Mobile wireless plans overview
We’ll dig into the granular details of T-Mobile vs. Sprint’s unlimited plans, prices, and perks, but take a look at the breakdown of the plans between the two networks first.
Sprint vs. T-Mobile unlimited plans
Sprint unlimited plans
T-Mobile unlimited plans
Sprint vs. T-Mobile pricing
The prices are nearly identical between the two providers, except for Sprint’s premium unlimited plan costing $5 less than T-Mobile’s Magenta Plus plan. Unless you want a premium data plan, price won’t be the main decider between T-Mobile and Sprint currently.
Magenta is T-Mobile’s fancy name for plans that include more hotspot data (additional 10 GB for Magenta and 20 GB for Magenta Plus) and more international data. No matter which T-Mobile unlimited plan you choose, you get 50 GB of unthrottled hotspot data.
The advantage goes to Sprint when it comes to premium unlimited data pricing. We expect that Sprint and T-Mobile’s pricing will change as the merger continues to develop, and hopefully we get some cheaper plans. In the meantime, Sprint takes the slight advantage in price.
We can only speculate at this point, but it feels safe to assume most prices will be higher than what Sprint currently offers. Hopefully, if you opt into a cheap Sprint plan now, your contract will stay the same even after the merger.
T-Mobile vs. Sprint data
There’s really no competition when it comes to LTE data speeds between Sprint and T-Mobile. T-Mobile is like Michael Jordan and the ’90s Chicago Bulls, and Sprint is like those ’90s Utah Jazz teams. In other words, T-Mobile always wins with faster speeds and more reliable coverage.
Of course, all of that is subject to change now that the two companies have merged together. It’s likely that Sprint’s data speeds will catch up with T-Mobile’s offerings, but that isn’t clear right now. For now, it’s safe to say that T-Mobile offers faster data speeds than Sprint.
It simultaneously informs you that T-Mobile offers much faster data speeds 1 and pokes fun at my editor. Thanks for your patience.
*Editor’s note: Jordan pushed off.
You can expect an average download speed of 21. 1 Mbps with T-Mobile, which nearly doubles Sprint’s average download speed of 13.9 Mbps. 1 Translation: your internet experience will feel much smoother on T-Mobile’s network compared to Sprint’s.
To stream a basic video on Instagram or YouTube, it’ll cost you around 8–10 Mbps. How quickly you get that data depends on your network. T-Mobile will get you that data (read: your video) more quickly.
The advantage easily goes to T-Mobile for data speeds.
If you’re a big PUBG Mobile player, or just hate that feeling of waiting for something to load on your cell phone, then Sprint might cause a few headaches. Your data speeds should feel consistently responsive on the T-Mobile network.
What about data caps?
Both Sprint and T-Mobile cap their data at 50 GB for unlimited plans. This means that once you exceed 50 GB of data in a given month, your data may start to slow down. For what it’s worth, you probably won’t come close to using 50 GB of data in a single month, unless you literally never stop streaming and, honestly, no shame if you do.
What about mobile hotspots?
You can use your device as a mobile hotspot with both Sprint and T-Mobile unlimited data plans. Go ahead and stream Netflix on your laptop while you’re waiting for your flight.
Sprint vs. T-Mobile coverage
Sprint always landed dead-last in our rankings for coverage, but now that Sprint and T-Mobile are one in the same, its safe to assume that Sprint’s coverage will dramatically improve. Check out Sprint’s coverage now according to its website.
Sprint network coverage
Sprint still hasn’t told us exactly the percentage increase of its coverage, but based on the eye test, it looks like Sprint might even give Verizon a run for its money soon. As soon as we find out more concrete info about Sprint’s new coverage, we’ll make sure update the page. For now, it seems like Sprint’s coverage is secretly extremely good.
Now let’s take a look at T-Mobile’s coverage map to see how it compares.
T-Mobile network coverage
T-Mobile always offered solid coverage, but it seems like Sprint has harnessed the power of T-Mobile and made a seriously impressive network. It’s hard to say definitively the difference right now between Sprint and T-Mobile with the merger still ongoing, but you really can’t go wrong either way. One would assume that both companies would stand to benefit from a coverage standpoint with the merger, but we don’t know the details yet.
If we had to choose, we’d probably hope on Sprint’s wagon now. Since Sprint acquired T-Mobile, it seems like Sprint would have the most to https://jiji.ng/ gain, and the most to offer from a coverage standpoint.
Sprint vs. T-Mobile phones
Most popular phones for Sprint customers
Both T-Mobile and Sprint offer essentially every new cell phone device—iPhones, Galaxies, Google Pixels, and more—you would want, but we gotta give the edge to Sprint for offering more Google Pixel support. If you want to learn about the latest cell phone deals from Sprint, T-Mobile, and other carriers, check out our regularly-updated deals page.
Sprint vs. T-Mobile perks
T-Mobile and Sprint both offer extra perks in two main areas: streaming services and international travel. T-Mobile just does it, well, better.
T-Mobile perks
- Netflix subscription with two or more T-Mobile Magenta lines
- Deals like trips and vouchers through the T-Mobile Tuesdays app
- One hour of in-flight GoGo® Wi-Fi on eligible flights (or unlimited with T-Mobile Magenta Plus)
- In-flight texting
- Unlimited texting and data in most countries
Some T-Mobile plans give you free in-flight Wi-Fi.
Sprint perks
- Hulu Limited Commercials subscription (restricted to streaming on Sprint devices)
- Unlimited data and texting in most countries
- Services from Tidal (music app) and Lookout (mobile security app)—only with the Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Premium plans
Recap
For most people, T-Mobile is the best option. But Sprint is still a good choice if you want the lowest possible monthly plan price and you live somewhere where Sprint has decent service.
When should you pick Sprint or T-Mobile?
- Budgeters:Pick Sprint. It has lower plan prices. However, T-Mobile’s prices already include taxes, fees, and surcharges, and it sometimes offers cell phone deals.
- Travelers:Pick T-Mobile. Both Sprint and T-Mobile give you unlimited text and data in most countries. But T-Mobile sweetens the deal with free in-flight texting and Wi-Fi.
- Data hogs:Pick T-Mobile. Sprint’s Unlimited plans give you 23 GB of 4G LTE data per month, but that can’t compare to T-Mobile’s Magenta plan’s generous 50 GB allotment.
- Country dwellers:Pick T-Mobile. Neither T-Mobile nor Sprint cover all rural areas in the country, but T-Mobile’s is better than Sprint’s overall
- Speed lovers:Pick T-Mobile. T-Mobile consistently has higher and more reliable data speeds than Sprint, countrywide.
If neither Sprint nor T-Mobile feel like the right company for you, check out more options from the best prepaid and traditional cell phone providers.
- Opensignal, “State of Mobile Networks: USA (January 2019)”
Tyler has been obsessed with watching sports as efficiently as possible since the creation of the DVR. He is always on the lookout for the best tech in TV and wireless so he can watch all the sports and still have enough time to hang out with his baby. He has written about streaming, wireless, and TV for over three years. He hopes the Lakers will eventually get better.
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Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. This is not a guarantee. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase. Each individual’s unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.
Cricket Cell Phone Plans Review 2022
Cricket offers super-cheap wireless prices, but it comes at the cost of data speed.
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Cricket Wireless specializes in affordable plans with a good network provider. Even though the commercials might be annoying, there are some delightfully inexpensive Cricket Wireless plans. You also get decent coverage thanks to how Cricket uses AT&T’s mobile network.
Cricket unlimited plans
Cricket does offer unlimited wireless plans— but they’re not as unlimited as they sound. Yes, you do have unlimited data, so you can pull up Facebook or Twitter while you’re waiting for the bus without stressing about data, but don’t expect lightning-fast speeds.
Thankfully, there are no catches with unlimited calls or unlimited texting.
Cricket unlimited plans
Variety isn’t Cricket’s strongest suit. The only real difference between Cricket Wireless plans is whether or not you want to set up autopay.
Here’s a bit of pro advice: you should do autopay and save a couple of bucks every month. Do that, and you’ve got yourself a super cheap wireless bill.
The biggest catch with Cricket Wireless plans is how your download speeds cap at 3 Mbps and streaming speeds cap at 1.5 Mbps.
Translation: you’ll have a slower connection than you would with another mobile company.
Of course, we’re talking a few extra seconds when you’re googling something. If you’re pretty patient with your internet and streaming speeds, you can get an affordable unlimited plan.
You can get a hotspot connection, but it’ll cost you an extra $10 a month. You’ll get decent speeds for the first 8 GB, but after that, things will slow to an absolute crawl at 128 Kbps. Yikes.
So, how does Cricket compare with the best cell phone carriers? Let’s take a look:
Cricket unlimited plans comparison
Don’t you love it when you organize search results by price and find there’s a super-affordable option? That’s where Cricket Wireless comes in.
Before you get too excited, keep in mind that Cricket’s wireless data speeds are pretty slow. This isn’t, like, a “Tortoise and the Hare” situation either. Cricket is the tortoise, everyone else is the hare, and in this case, the tortoise loses terribly.
But if you can live with the slower internet speeds and so-so streaming quality, you do get an awfully cheap wireless plan with a decent network.
If you opt for a Cricket unlimited plan, just know the magic number is 22 GB. After you use 22 GB in a month, Cricket may slow your data speeds down even more than before (also known as “throttling”). Look for your nearest source of Wi-Fi as soon as possible, friend.
Cricket Wireless family plans
There are three different Cricket family plans, but you’ll probably just want to ignore the Group Save non-unlimited option, since it’s the same price as the Unlimited Plan. (Seriously, why would you pay the same price for less data? Some things we’ll never understand.)
So, why would you go with a more expensive Cricket plan? The main difference is speed. With the Unlimited Extra plan, you get 4G LTE speeds—instead of getting capped at download speeds of 3 Mbps (real slow).
Before you decide on a plan, you should probably determine how much you value quick internet speeds. Sure, you can save a pretty penny by opting for the slower speed, but you might be giving up some of your sanity in the process. Seconds at a time. While waiting for your Instagram stories to load.
Now let’s compare Cricket’s family plans with the other major carriers out there.
Cricket Wireless family plans comparison
Cricket’s family plans aren’t a steal like the individual unlimited plans are. Compared to the competition, the family plans aren’t significantly cheaper—which is disappointing.
Metro by T-Mobile and Cricket Wireless are essentially the Spider-man pointing meme when it comes to family plans. Both offer similar prices and neither offers lightning-fast speeds. The advantage with Cricket is that you might save some up-front costs compared to Metro.
As for speed, it’s the same old story with Cricket. The Cricket family plans may be cheap-ish, but the internet speeds are nothing to write home about.