In the ever-evolving world of wireless carriers, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) like Visible and Cricket Wireless have carved out a loyal following by offering affordable plans and competitive features without the overhead of traditional carrier pricing. As we settle into 2025, both brands continue to attract budget-conscious users, but which one truly wins in today’s landscape? This in-depth review explores both carriers across categories including coverage, pricing, plan features, data speeds, customer service, and extras to help you decide which MVNO deserves your business this year.
Overview: What Are Visible and Cricket?
Visible, owned by Verizon, is a 100% digital carrier that offers two simplified plans with unlimited data, talk, and text. It’s popular for its streamlined app-based experience and no-nonsense pricing.
Cricket Wireless, owned by AT&T, is a more traditional MVNO with physical stores, a wider range of plans, and multi-line discounts. Cricket tends to appeal to families and those who prefer in-person support.
Coverage and Network Performance
Visible uses Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks. Verizon continues to lead in national coverage, especially in rural and suburban areas. With Visible, you get excellent reach, but you may be deprioritized during network congestion.
Cricket Wireless runs on AT&T’s network, which has improved dramatically in recent years. It offers great urban and suburban coverage and is closing the rural gap. Cricket also offers access to AT&T’s 5G network on most plans.
Winner: Tie
Both carriers piggyback on top-tier networks, but their performance may vary based on your location. Verizon still leads slightly in rural zones, giving Visible a minor edge if you’re outside metro areas.
Plan Comparison
| Feature | Visible Basic | Visible+Pro | Cricket Core | Cricket More |
| Monthly Price (1 line) | $25 | $45 | $30 | $60 |
| Data | Unlimited | Premium Unlimited | Unlimited (may be slowed) | Premium Unlimited |
| Hotspot | Yes | Yes (faster) | No (with Core) | 15GB |
| 5G Access | Yes | Yes (UW 5G) | Yes | Yes |
| Extras | None | Global calling, roaming in Canada/Mexico | Max (with ads) |
Visible offers simplicity: flat pricing and fewer choices. Cricket provides more customization and better perks at the premium level. However, Cricket’s cheapest unlimited plan is slower and deprioritized more heavily.
Winner: Visible (for simplicity and value), Cricket (for perks and flexibility)
Data Speeds
Visible used to struggle with slow speeds during peak times, but 2025 improvements have reduced congestion issues on Visible+. However, the base plan may still see slowdowns during busy hours.
Cricket caps speeds on their lower-tier plans (Core), but their higher-end plans enjoy full AT&T speed with fewer slowdowns. In speed tests, Cricket More users consistently beat Visible Basic users.
Winner: Cricket (especially on premium plans)
Mobile Hotspot
Visible includes unlimited hotspot usage on all plans (capped to one device). Visible+ allows for higher speeds and access to ultra-wideband 5G.
Cricket only includes a 15GB hotspot allowance on the $60 Cricket More plan. Lower-tier plans either don’t include it or require add-ons.
Winner: Visible
Hotspot users will appreciate the simplicity and inclusion on both Visible plans, even at lower speeds.
Family and Multi-Line Discounts
Visible eliminated its group discount model in 2023 and now focuses on individual pricing. It’s affordable for one person but less compelling for families.
Cricket thrives in this category. A family of four can get unlimited data for just $100/month with Cricket’s group plans—an unbeatable value for multi-line users.
Winner: Cricket
For families and group plans, Cricket remains one of the best MVNO options on the market.
International Features
Visible+ includes calling to over 30 countries and roaming in Mexico and Canada—great for frequent cross-border travelers.
Cricket More offers similar features, plus access to Max (with ads) and some international calling options depending on add-ons.
Winner: Tie
Both offer decent international support, but Visible includes more without add-ons.
App Experience and Customer Support
Visible has a modern, app-first model. Everything from activating your SIM to chatting with support happens in the app. For tech-savvy users, this is a streamlined experience. However, there’s no in-person support.
Cricket offers both digital support and physical retail locations. If you want to walk into a store and talk to someone, Cricket gives you that option.
Winner: Cricket (for those who want in-person support), Visible (for digital natives)
Perks and Extras
Visible is light on perks—its strength is in simplicity, affordability, and Verizon’s strong coverage.
Cricket shines with perks like Max (ad-supported), cloud storage, and extra data features on premium plans. Cricket also includes “Cricket Call Defense,” a spam-blocking tool.
Winner: Cricket
If you like free streaming and lifestyle extras, Cricket offers more.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Visible if:
- You want a simple, flat-rate plan with no fluff.
- You only need one line and value affordability.
- You want Verizon’s coverage without the premium price.
- You rely on mobile hotspot frequently.
Choose Cricket if:
- You need multiple lines and want group discounts.
- You appreciate in-person customer service.
- You want premium streaming perks like Max.
- You prefer more speed and feature customization.
Final Verdict: It Depends on Your Priorities
Visible and Cricket are two of the most compelling MVNOs in 2025, each offering distinct advantages. Visible wins for individuals who value simplicity, hotspot access, and Verizon’s unmatched rural coverage. Cricket is the better choice for families, streaming fans, and those who value customer service and extra perks.
If you’re solo and budget-conscious, Visible is hard to beat. If you’re managing a household or love bundled entertainment, Cricket is the clear winner.
Verdict Score:
- Visible: 8.5/10
- Cricket Wireless: 9/10
Whichever you choose, both MVNOs prove you don’t need to pay major-carrier prices to get premium wireless service in 2025.