If you searched for cricket wireless data only plan, you probably want a clean way to put a tablet, hotspot, or data device online without paying for talk and text. The good news is that Cricket offers dedicated data only plans that are simple, affordable, and 5G ready on compatible devices. This guide explains every current option, what you actually get, how speeds and video work, and who each plan fits. You will also find real world tips and quick answers so you can choose with confidence today.
See Cricket Wireless plans here on TheCellularPlans.
What counts as a Cricket wireless data only plan
A cricket wireless data only plan is a plan that provides mobile data for internet access without voice minutes. You use it in a mobile hotspot, a cellular enabled tablet, or another data device. You can browse the web, stream video, use maps, attend video calls, and connect laptops through Wi Fi tethering on a hotspot. Phone calling is not included on these plans, which is exactly what many people want for travel, work, or home backup.
Cricket currently sells two data only families. Simply Data is for hotspots and data SIMs. Simply Tablet is an unlimited tablet data add on that you can attach to an eligible Cricket phone account.
Learn More about Cricket Wireless plans on TheCellularPlans.
Plan lineup at a glance
All prices are for 30 days. Taxes and fees are included, which keeps budgeting easy.
| Plan family | Plan name | Price | High speed data | What happens after the cap | Hotspot or tablet use | Video management | Mexico and Canada usage | 5G support | Add ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Data | 20 GB | $35 | 20 GB | Data pauses until you add more | Hotspots, data SIM devices, many tablets | Streams in standard definition by default | Included with fair use rules | Included on compatible devices | Extra data available for purchase |
| Simply Data | 100 GB | $55 | 100 GB | Data pauses until you add more | Same as above | Same SD default, can opt out in account | Included | Included on compatible devices | Extra data available |
| Simply Data | 150 GB | $90 | 150 GB | Data pauses until you add more | Same as above | Same SD default, can opt out | Included | Included on compatible devices | Extra data available |
| Simply Tablet | Unlimited Tablet | $15 | Unlimited on tablet, subject to network management | No fixed cap for on device tablet use | Tablet only, one per eligible unlimited phone line | Streams around 480p by default | Included with typical travel limits | Included on compatible tablets | Not applicable for more data since it is unlimited |
Notes that matter in daily use
There are no overage charges on Simply Data. When you finish your high speed allowance, service pauses instead of dropping to unusable 2G speeds. The tablet plan is unlimited for use on the tablet itself. All plans may slow temporarily during network congestion, which keeps the network fair for everyone. Video optimization aims for standard definition, you can toggle video management off in your account if you prefer higher quality and you do not mind using more data.
Who each plan fits
Choosing a cricket wireless data only plan is easier when you match real life to the plan.
- Occasional user or light traveler, pick 20 GB Simply Data. This covers maps, email, browsing, and a few nights of streaming while away from home.
- Remote worker who needs a reliable hotspot, choose 100 GB Simply Data. It supports video calls, cloud docs, and regular tethering without worry.
- Household backup internet, go with 150 GB Simply Data. It handles multiple devices and streaming during an outage or a busy month.
- Tablet first lifestyle, add Unlimited Tablet for $15 to an eligible unlimited phone line. This gives your iPad or Android tablet unlimited on the go data, perfect for flights, school, and long commutes.
See Cricket Wireless plans here on TheCellularPlans.
What makes these plans practical
Simplicity
Prices already include taxes and fees, so the number you see is the number you pay each month. There are no contracts. You can pause or cancel at renewal.
Coverage and 5G
A cricket wireless data only plan rides on a large 4G LTE and 5G network. If your hotspot or tablet is 5G capable and you have 5G coverage, you can use 5G on these plans. If you are in an LTE area, you still get fast data for browsing and streaming.
Video that respects your data
By default, video streams in standard definition. This keeps quality acceptable on small screens and stretches each gigabyte further. If you prefer higher resolution, you can turn video management off in your account and use your data your way.
Travel friendly
Data usage works in Mexico and Canada as part of the plan. There are fair use rules, for example your non U.S. use should not be the majority over several months. This is ideal for border travel, vacations, and quick business trips.
Devices that work well
A cricket wireless data only plan is compatible with many popular hotspots and tablets. For hotspots, look for an unlocked device that supports the same LTE bands and 5G bands used on the Cricket network. For tablets, choose models with built in cellular such as iPad Wi Fi plus Cellular or Android tablets with a SIM slot or eSIM. Always check device compatibility before you buy a SIM, especially if you are bringing your own device.
Tip
If 5G matters to you, confirm that your hotspot or tablet supports the correct 5G bands and that 5G is allowed on that device with Cricket. If you only need dependable connectivity for email, maps, and streaming, a good LTE device is still an easy win.
Simply Data deep dive
The Simply Data family gives you three buckets. They all include hotspot sharing, which means your laptop, handheld gaming device, or smart TV can connect to your hotspot’s Wi Fi and ride on the plan’s data.
What can you do with 20 GB
You can run a week of remote work basics or a short trip. Think several hours of video calls, daily navigation, email, and some video streaming at night.
What can you do with 100 GB
You can work full time on the road for a month, stream shows most evenings in standard definition, and keep two or three devices connected.
What can you do with 150 GB
You can use it as a primary connection during a home move or a long project. It handles cloud backups, large downloads, and family use without micromanaging.
Add more if you need
If you hit the cap early, you can add a small data pack for the rest of the cycle. That is easier than changing plans mid month and keeps costs predictable.
Simply Tablet deep dive
The Unlimited Tablet plan is an add on for customers who have at least one eligible unlimited phone line on the same account. It gives unlimited on device tablet data for only $15 per month, which is one of the most affordable ways to keep a tablet online all day.
Why people like it
You do not have to think about gigabytes for the tablet. Kids can stream, students can research, and travelers can download shows for flights. Video defaults to standard definition, which is comfortable on a tablet screen and protects network performance.
Activation basics
You add the tablet line in a Cricket store or by contacting support. The SIM must stay in a tablet. If you remove the qualifying phone line or switch it away from unlimited, the tablet line is removed too.
Performance, speeds, and video
How fast is a cricket wireless data only plan?
Speeds depend on your device, local coverage, and network traffic. In normal conditions you get full available speed on LTE or 5G with no artificial speed cap on these plans. If the network is busy you may see temporary slowdowns. When video management is on, streaming usually plays around 480p, which puts real world speeds in the range that comfortably handles email, browsing, and SD video.
Can you turn video management off?
Yes. Log in to your account and toggle the video setting. Higher quality will use more data, which is fine if you have headroom in your plan.
Does data slow to 2G after the cap?
On Simply Data, the data session stops when you hit the cap, there is no endless 2G trickle. That is good because you are not stuck at unusable speeds. Add a small data pack to continue at full speed. On Unlimited Tablet, there is no set cap for on device tablet use, the plan follows network management rules during congestion.
Practical tips before you buy
- Confirm device compatibility with Cricket, especially for BYOD hotspots and 5G tablets
- Decide how you use data in a typical month, then choose the smallest bucket that covers it with 20 percent headroom
- Keep video at standard definition when you are away from Wi Fi to stretch the data
- For travel, download maps offline and playlists over Wi Fi before you go
- If you need a powerful home backup, consider 150 GB and place the hotspot near a window for better signal
- Name your hotspot Wi Fi with a simple SSID and set a strong password to avoid freeloaders
Learn More about Cricket Wireless plans on TheCellularPlans.
Common questions about cricket wireless data only plan
Do these plans work with 5G?
Yes. If your hotspot or tablet supports 5G and you are in a 5G area, your cricket wireless data only plan can use it. LTE still delivers fast speeds where 5G is not available.
Can I use a data only SIM in a phone?
No. These plans are intended for hotspots, tablets, and data devices. Keep the SIM in an approved device so your service stays active.
What happens when I use all my data on Simply Data?
Your session pauses when you reach the cap. You can buy a small add on to continue at full speed for the rest of the cycle.
Is there a multi line discount?
No for Simply Data and the tablet add on. Prices are already simple and include taxes and fees. You can still manage multiple data lines under one account.
Can I stream HD video?
Video plays in standard definition by default. You can turn video management off in your account to allow higher resolutions. Expect higher data usage when you do.
Does tablet unlimited include hotspot sharing from the tablet?
The plan is designed for on device tablet use. If you need regular tethering for laptops, a Simply Data hotspot plan is the better fit.
Do these plans include roaming in Mexico and Canada?
Yes. You can use data in both countries subject to reasonable use rules. If you routinely spend most of your time outside the U.S., these plans are not intended for that scenario.
Are there overage fees?
No. There are no overages on Simply Data. You either add more data or wait for the next cycle. Tablet unlimited does not have a fixed cap.
Can I start online or do I need to visit a store?
You can order a hotspot and choose a Simply Data plan online. Adding the tablet unlimited plan usually happens in store or with support since it is tied to a qualifying phone line.
What if I only need service for one month?
That is fine. These are prepaid monthly plans. Pay for the month you need and stop at renewal if you no longer need it.
Quick comparison table to choose fast
| Use case | Best plan | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend trips and light remote work | Simply Data 20 GB | Enough for maps, email, calls over apps, and a few hours of streaming |
| Full time road warrior | Simply Data 100 GB | Plenty of headroom for video calls and daily tethering |
| Home internet backup or a busy month | Simply Data 150 GB | Comfortable for multiple devices and frequent streaming |
| Tablet first lifestyle | Unlimited Tablet add on | Unlimited on device tablet data for a very low price |
Final thoughts and next steps
A cricket wireless data only plan gives you flexible connectivity without paying for minutes you will not use. Simply Data covers hotspots and data devices with clear buckets and no surprise overages. The Unlimited Tablet add on puts a tablet online all day for a small monthly cost when you already have an eligible unlimited phone line.
If you want to compare today’s buckets side by side, check device tips, and see how these plans rank against the best mobile phone plans, visit The Cellular Plans. Explore our Cricket hub on TheCellularPlans, pick the plan that matches your routine in 2025, and get connected in minutes.
See Cricket Wireless plans here on TheCellularPlans.
