Here’s everything you need to know about Cricket Wireless' unlimited 25-dollar plan.
Cricket Wireless is turning heads with an unbeatable offer: unlimited data for just $25 per month.
But before you rush to switch, it’s crucial to understand the catch, the fine print, and how this compares to other budget carriers.
What’s the Deal?
In May 2025, Cricket Wireless rolled out a promotion matching rival Total Wireless's $25 unlimited plan for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) customers.
You bring an unlocked, compatible phone. You activate a new single‑line account using a Cricket SIM purchased at Walmart.
You enroll in Cricket’s standard $55 unlimited plan (which includes unlimited talk, text, and 5G data with SD-quality streaming).
With the 50% discount, your cost drops to just $25/month—taxes and fees included. The offer runs through October 10, 2025.
What’s Included — and What’s Not
At first glance, it seems like a spectacular value; unlimited data on AT&T’s network for a rock-bottom price.
Included
- Unlimited talk, text & 5G data (on BYOD, new single-line only)
- Canada/Mexico roaming
- Unlimited texting to over 200 countries
- SD video streaming
- Taxes and fees are included.
Excluded or Restricted
- No mobile hotspot without paying an extra $10/10 GB add-on.
- No cloud storage, international calling, or premium perks.
- Data deprioritized: speeds may slow during network congestion.
- Exclusively for new single‑line accounts—no upgrades, add‑ons, or existing lines.
Must be purchased via Walmart SIM (potentially complicating eSIM activation for some devices).
How Reddit Reacts
The subreddit r/NoContract quickly buzzed with users weighing in:
“Cricket Wireless is finally ready to compete… matching Straight Talk’s Straight Savings Plan”
Redditors also cautioned:
“The $25 /mo plan is limited to Walmart… BYOD with Cricket in general is meh until they can guarantee they won’t be permanently suspending your line…”
Although Reddit users acknowledge that it matches competitors' promotions, some warn about Cricket’s history of suspending lines due to IMEI/data issues.
Is This a New Offer?
Not exactly.
Cricket already has a multi‑month unlimited plan strategy: you can prepay $300 upfront for 12 months of service—effectively $25/month—on the same $55 plan.
The new Walmart offer means you can get that same discounted rate monthly, without paying the full year upfront.
How It Stacks Up to Competition
Here’s how it compares to other $25/m plans available now.
| Carrier | Price | Hotspot | Priority Data | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket | $25/m | Add-on | Deprioritized | AT&T MVNO | New line; BYOD; Walmart SIM; SD video |
| Boost Mobile* | $25/m | No | Slows after 30 GB | AT&T/T-Mobile | "Lifetime" guarantee; no hotspot |
| Metro by T-Mobile | $25/m | No | Deprioritized | T-Mobile network | BYOD-only; limited perks |
| Total Wireless | $25/m | Deprioritized | AT&T MVNO | Similar Walmart BYOD promo |
* Boost Visible is another $25/m plan, but uses Verizon’s network. Meta-analyst lists Boost as best “guaranteed” rate, but no hotspot either.
What You Gain—and Lose
Gains:
- Full access to the AT&T network, known for solid national coverage.
- Fairly decent perks—international texting and roaming in North America.
- Taxes and fees are included, unlike many major carriers.
Losses:
- No hotspot, unless you pay extra.
- Deprioritized data, meaning your speeds can drop during peak hours.
- New account only—current Cricket customers are excluded.
- Possible activation friction, due to reliance on Walmart-branded SIMs and potential eSIM issues.
How long will this plan be available?
Cricket Wireless' $25 unlimited plan is scheduled to be available through October 10, 2025.
That means you’ve got until October 10, 2025, to bring your phone, purchase a new Cricket SIM at Walmart, and activate a new single‑line account.
After that, Cricket may choose to extend, change, or end the offer, so if you’re planning to take advantage, it’s best to act before that date.
Factors to Consider Before Switching
Are you already a Cricket customer?
- You can't apply this deal to an existing line. It's for new single‑line BYOD accounts only.
Do you need hotspot capability?
- If yes, plan to spend an extra $10/month for just 10 GB—this makes Cricket’s offer less compelling compared to plans with hotspot included.
Does SD-quality video bother you?
- Only 480p streaming is supported. For Netflix or YouTube watchers, that could feel noticeably throttled.
Concerned about data reliability?
- All data is deprioritized, meaning congested networks could slow you down compared to others with priority data.
Are you fine with Walmart-based activation?
- Walmart’s Cricket SIM is required, and some users report eSIM workarounds on iPhones or other devices may be messy.
Should You Jump on Cricket Wireless' Unlimited 25-Dollar Plan?
If you're shopping for new plans and want cheap unlimited data on AT&T’s network, here’s who this deal is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users who don’t mind deprioritized data or SD video.
- Those who don’t need a hotspot.
- New customers with an unlocked phone, especially if they are comfortable buying a SIM at Walmart.
But if you need a hotspot or HD streaming, care about data priority, and already have a Cricket line
…you might be better off considering other providers or Cricket’s standard plans.
Bottom Line
Cricket’s $25/month unlimited plan is attractive, especially since it lets you pay month to month. It faces strong competition from Boost and Metro’s $25 MVNO plans.
The main downsides are that it restricts you to Walmart activation, prioritizes data, throttles video, and requires an additional cost for a hotspot.
Still, for BYOD users seeking tax-included pricing on a reliable network, it’s one of the cheapest ways to experience unlimited 5G data.
Final Thoughts
Cricket’s bargain-price unlimited deal isn’t without its quirks, but it’s arguably the best monthly unlimited value for newcomers on AT&T’s network right now.
As always, read the terms carefully. If priority data or hotspot usage matters to you, more fully featured—but also more expensive—plans may be worth it.
For now, Cricket Wireless' unlimited 25-dollar plan is a limited-time win in the ongoing battle for budget wireless supremacy. Just go in eyes wide open.
