If you are searching for cricket wireless simply data plans, you are looking for fast, affordable data for a hotspot, tablet, or other data device without paying for talk minutes. This guide brings everything together in one place so you can compare the current buckets, understand what is included, see how 5G and video management work, and pick the plan that matches your routine. We will also share practical tips and real world scenarios to help you use every gigabyte wisely.
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What “Simply Data” means
Cricket’s Simply Data line is a set of data only plans designed for mobile hotspots, dedicated data SIM devices, and many cellular tablets. You get a fixed amount of high speed data each month with no voice service. Text and picture messaging in the United States is supported on these data lines, which helps for device alerts and two factor codes. Once you hit the data limit your session pauses, so there are no surprise overage fees. If you need more, you can add extra data for the rest of the cycle.
When people type cricket wireless simply data plans, they usually want to know the price tiers, whether 5G is included, if video is capped, what the Mexico and Canada rules are, and which devices work best.
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Plan lineup at a glance
Prices are for 30 days and include taxes and fees. All plans support 5G on compatible devices and work in Mexico and Canada with fair use rules.
| Plan name | Price | High speed data | After the cap | Works best in | Video management | Mexico and Canada usage | 5G support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Data 20 GB | $35 | 20 GB | Data pauses until you add more | Short trips, light remote work | Streams in standard definition by default, can be toggled off | Included with reasonable use rules | Included on compatible devices |
| Simply Data 100 GB | $55 | 100 GB | Data pauses until you add more | Regular hotspot use and video calls | Same default SD setting, can be toggled off | Included | Included on compatible devices |
| Simply Data 150 GB | $90 | 150 GB | Data pauses until you add more | Home backup or multi device families | Same default SD setting, can be toggled off | Included | Included on compatible devices |
These are the core cricket wireless simply data plans that most shoppers compare. If you already have a Cricket unlimited phone line, there is also a separate Simply Tablet option with unlimited on device tablet data for a low monthly rate. Details are in a later section.
What you get on every Simply Data line
- High speed data up to your plan’s allowance with no overage fees
- Text and picture messaging in the U.S. on the data line for alerts and codes
- Mexico and Canada usage included with fair use limits such as no majority usage in Canada over several months
- 5G access on compatible devices in covered areas
- Account tools that let you add a data pack mid cycle if you run out
- No annual contracts, easy month to month control

What is not included
- No voice calling is provided on Simply Data
- No multiline or Auto Pay discounts on these plans
- No rollover of unused data to the next month
- No unlimited slow data after the cap, service pauses until you add more data
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Devices that work best
A cricket wireless simply data plans SIM is intended for mobile hotspots, data devices, and many tablets. For a hotspot, use a model that supports the same LTE and 5G bands used on the Cricket network. For tablets, pick a cellular enabled iPad or Android tablet with a SIM slot or eSIM. Always check IMEI compatibility before you order a SIM. Some older or imported devices may connect only to LTE even when the plan supports 5G. If 5G matters to you, use a Cricket supported 5G hotspot or a tablet that Cricket lists as compatible with 5G.
How video management works
By default, Cricket manages recognized video streams around standard definition. Think about 480p quality that is easy to watch on small screens and gentle on your data bucket. You can turn this setting off in your account if you prefer higher definition. When you do, your streams will consume more data. That is perfect for a night of HD viewing when you still have plenty of headroom left in the month.
Mexico and Canada usage explained
The cricket wireless simply data plans include usage in Mexico and Canada to keep you connected during border travel, vacations, or short work trips. Your device can use data and SMS in both countries. Reasonable use rules apply. For example, your Canada usage should not exceed half of your total use across several months, and roaming on some partner networks can reduce speeds to 2G in certain cases. For longer stays, plan to rely on Wi Fi and save the cellular data for navigation and essential tasks.
Add extra data when you need it
If you finish your high speed data early, you can buy a small add on inside your account. The add on posts to your line quickly and restores full speed for the rest of the cycle. Many users set a reminder in their phone a few days before renewal so they can decide whether to add data or simply wait for the plan to refresh.
Real world scenarios
Short business trip with a hotspot
You take a three day trip and need reliable video calls and email. The Simply Data 20 GB plan covers several hours of meetings, maps around town, and a few evenings of streaming. Keep video at standard definition to stretch your data.
Road warrior with daily tethering
You work from the road and tether a laptop every weekday. The Simply Data 100 GB plan is the practical middle ground. It supports daily video calls, cloud docs, and evening streaming without worry.
Home backup connection
You want a safety net when home internet goes down. The Simply Data 150 GB plan handles multiple devices, schoolwork, and streaming for the family. Place the hotspot near a window for a stronger signal and use your home router’s guest network name on the hotspot for quick device switching.
Tablet first lifestyle
You read, stream, and work from a cellular tablet. If you also have a Cricket unlimited phone line on the same account, the Simply Tablet option gives unlimited on device tablet data for a very low monthly price. It is the easiest way to keep a tablet connected all day.
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Simply Tablet in context
Although not part of the three core cricket wireless simply data plans, Simply Tablet is closely related and many readers ask about it. It is an unlimited tablet data line that you can add to an account that already has an eligible unlimited phone plan. It is for on device tablet use and it follows similar network management and video rules. You activate it in a Cricket store or with support. The SIM needs to remain in a tablet. For travelers and students, it is a fantastic budget friendly way to keep a tablet online all month.
Performance and 5G notes
A common question is how fast a cricket wireless simply data plans line can go. There is no fixed speed cap on the data buckets themselves. Speeds depend on your device, your signal, and how busy the network is. In normal conditions you get the full available speed for LTE or 5G. During congestion, speeds can slow temporarily. This is normal on modern networks and clears when traffic eases. If you expect to stream a lot of high definition video or upload large files, disable the video management setting and plan your month so the bucket size fits your usage.
Quick tips to save data
- Keep video at standard definition when away from Wi Fi, then toggle off video management for special events or movie nights
- Download offline maps and playlists over Wi Fi before long drives
- Use your laptop browser’s data saver or compress images in cloud tools before sending
- Place your hotspot near a window, then use a short USB extension to power it where the signal is best
- Name your hotspot Wi Fi simply and set a strong password so neighbors do not burn your gigabytes
- If you work in cafes, bring a travel power bank so your hotspot runs all day without hunting for outlets
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Comparison table by use case
| Use case | Best plan | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend trips and light work | Simply Data 20 GB | Enough for maps, messages, a few hours of video calls, and casual streaming |
| Daily remote work with tethering | Simply Data 100 GB | Comfortable headroom for weekday calls, cloud apps, and evening shows |
| Family backup or heavy month | Simply Data 150 GB | Supports multiple devices and frequent streaming without micromanaging |
| Tablet always connected | Simply Tablet add on | Unlimited on device tablet data when you already have an eligible unlimited phone line |
Frequently asked questions about cricket wireless simply data plans
Do cricket wireless simply data plans include 5G?
Yes. If your hotspot or tablet supports 5G and you are in a 5G coverage area, your line can use it. Some bring your own devices connect on LTE only, so check compatibility.
Can I stream in HD on these plans?
By default video is managed around standard definition to save data. You can turn that off in your account to allow higher resolutions. Expect higher data use when you do.
What happens when I use all my data?
Your data session pauses. You can add a data pack to continue at full speed for the rest of the cycle or wait until renewal. There are no overage fees.
Do cricket wireless simply data plans include texting?
Yes for the United States. Text and picture messaging on the data line works for alerts and codes, but there is no voice calling.
Do I get discounts for multiple lines or Auto Pay?
No. These plans do not include multiline or Auto Pay discounts. Prices already include taxes and fees for simple budgeting.
Can I use the data SIM in a phone?
No. Keep the SIM in a hotspot, tablet, or approved data device. Using it in a non approved device can lead to service suspension.
Do these plans work in Mexico and Canada?
Yes. Usage is included with reasonable use rules. If you travel for long periods, plan to rely more on Wi Fi and use cellular only when needed.
Is there an unlimited data only plan?
There is no unlimited hotspot bucket at this time. If you need unlimited on a tablet and you have an eligible unlimited phone line on the same account, the Simply Tablet add on is the way to go for on device tablet use.
Where should I buy and activate?
You can order a hotspot and pick a Simply Data plan online or in a store. If you want the tablet option, activation is usually done in a store or through support because it must be tied to an eligible unlimited phone line.
How do these compare to the best mobile phone plans?
They are purpose built for data devices rather than phones. If you want voice and data on one line, check our phone plan rankings on The Cellular Plans and decide which setup is best for you.
Final thoughts and next steps
Cricket wireless simply data plans give you flexible connectivity without paying for minutes you do not need. The 20 GB, 100 GB, and 150 GB buckets cover everything from weekend trips to full time remote work and home backup. Video defaults to standard definition to stretch your data, you can opt out when you want higher quality, and Mexico and Canada usage is included for practical travel. If you already have an eligible unlimited phone line, the Simply Tablet option delivers unlimited on device tablet data at a price that is hard to beat. For a side by side look at current plan buckets, supported devices, and our latest picks among the best mobile phone plans, visit The Cellular Plans. Start with our Cricket hub on TheCellularPlans and move from research to activation in minutes in 2025.
