Published on March 11, 2026
Which wireless plan is best for your family? That depends on how much data you need, how many devices you have and your family’s needs. Cricket Wireless is here with a quick guide to help you find the wireless plan you need.
Picking a wireless plan for your family without doing your homework can seem like grocery shopping without a list. You’ll come home with a lot of junk food and a big surprise on your bill. The staff at the Cricket Wireless blog is here with some snackable suggestions that can help you match the best plan to your family’s needs and stay within your budget.
The basics: count devices, not people
These days we use our plans for so much more than just talking and texting, so a one-size-fits-all approach may not work. Start with the basics—how many people are in your family? While this should always be the starting point for picking a plan, think more about how many devices your family will use. This includes:- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Smartwatches and wearables
- Laptops/PCs
Each device could potentially need its own line. If this sounds like your crew, then look for plans that have discounts or bundled deals for multiple lines
Do I need a wireless plan with unlimited data?
Whether binging your favorite streamer, keeping up with your socials, or working remotely, your plan is more dependent on data than it’s ever been. If you’re going to do a lot of online gaming or stream often when you’re not connected to a Wi‑Fi network, consider a plan with unlimited data. If you don’t stray too far from your Wi‑Fi network, you could save with a fixed amount of data.
Before you choose, consider the following:
- With a fixed plan, if you go over your set limit, you could be subject to charges and fees with certain carriers.
- Not all unlimited wireless plans are the same! Some wireless plans slow down your data speeds after you use up a certain amount of data.
- Even plans that offer “high-speed data” may slow speeds if the network is busy.
- Actual speeds vary by device, signal, how many devices you have on your line, network conditions, and location.
- Data can be included in your plan or added as a feature.
- Make sure you read all the terms and conditions before committing to a plan—yes, even the fine print at the end!
Why do I need hotspot data?
Hotspot data can be an essential feature, depending on how you’ll use your plan. With hotspot data, you can connect other devices to your phone when no Wi‑Fi network is available. In other words, it’s like having a Wi‑Fi network in your pocket. If you travel or work remotely, look for wireless plans with hotspot data included. Keep track of your data and beware of overages. Cricket offers a Hotspot Data add-on feature starting at $10/mo.
Is calling to and from Canada and Mexico included in most wireless plans?
Some plans have special rates for international calling, especially to Mexico and Canada. If you have family in Mexico or Canada, consider a plan where Mexico and Canada are included to avoid extra charges and overages. Calling to and from Mexico and Canada is included on the Cricket Wireless Smart Unlimited plan and up.
What if I’m travelling abroad?
Keeping connected to your friends and family while traveling internationally can be tricky. When travelling abroad, your phone is essentially borrowing another carrier’s network and could be subjected to fees and charges that vary from country to country. If you’re travelling abroad in the future, you may want to consider a plan with international roaming. International roaming ensures that you can talk and text and use data as you normally would, depending on your plan. Be sure to check your plan’s international roaming rates before committing to a plan. Cricket Passport is an add-on that offers unlimited talk, text and data for $10/day.
Think about the future
Don’t forget to think ahead! Even if you find the best plan for your family today, your needs may change. Try to think of the next several years, not just this year, when picking your plan. Here are some examples of lifestyle changes that could impact your plan:
- Returning to office/Change in commute - Need a good podcast to get you through that last traffic jam? Remember your data needs may change along with your commute.
- Setting up home office - You may need to rely on more data for video calls, e-mails, and messages.
- Wireless on campus - If your kids are heading off to college, it could affect the number of people on your account, data usage, or whether your current wireless carrier is available in the area they’ll be going to school.
If you have some changes on the horizon, you may consider wireless plans with no annual contracts. With no long-term commitment, you’ll have the flexibility to change carriers or service without early termination charges. If you anticipate the same wireless needs for the foreseeable future, a contract plan could be a good fit. At Cricket Wireless our wireless plans have no annual contracts, credit checks or hidden fees, ideal for someone looking for a no-contract plan.
Before you commit
Picking a plan doesn’t have to be confusing. All you need is a quick look at your family’s wireless needs, how many devices are being used and what features are the most important to you – including your data. Bookmark this page and see our entry on wireless terms to help you navigate your way to the best plan for you.