Cricket Wireless does sell tablets, but selection is limited and prices are higher than big-box retailers

Cricket Wireless, a prepaid wireless carrier owned by AT&T, carries tablets in its stores and online, but not the full range you would find at Best Buy, Amazon, or Walmart. Cricket focuses on budget Android tablets and basic iPad models that pair with its phone plans. If you are looking for the latest flagship tablet or specific storage options, you will likely need to shop elsewhere.

Cricket's tablet inventory changes by location and season. Some stores stock only a few models at any given time. Online at cricketwireless.com, the selection is wider, but you will pay a markup compared to other retailers selling the same device.

Key Takeaways

  • Cricket Wireless carries a limited selection of tablets, mostly budget Android models and entry-level iPads, available in stores and online.
  • Prices at Cricket are typically higher than at Best Buy, Amazon, or Walmart for the same tablet model.
  • Cricket tablets come with the option to add a prepaid data plan, which can be useful if you want wireless service bundled with your purchase.
  • If you need a specific tablet model, storage size, or color, you will have better luck ordering from a general electronics retailer.

What tablets does Cricket actually stock

Cricket's tablet lineup typically includes Samsung Galaxy Tab models in the budget range (Tab A and Tab S series), Amazon Fire tablets, and basic iPad models like the iPad (standard) and iPad Air. The exact models available shift based on what manufacturers are currently producing and what Cricket's distribution center has in stock.

You will rarely find high-end tablets like the iPad Pro or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra at Cricket. The carrier prioritizes devices under $400 to $500, which aligns with its prepaid customer base. If you walk into a Cricket store, expect to see two to four tablet options on display, not a wall of choices.

How Cricket's pricing compares to other retailers

A Samsung Galaxy Tab A that costs $149 at Walmart might be $169 or $179 at Cricket. An iPad that retails for $329 at Best Buy could be $349 at Cricket. The difference is not dramatic, but it adds up, especially if you are price-sensitive.

Cricket marks up tablets because the company makes money on the device sale and the monthly data plan you add to it. If you buy a tablet at Cricket and set up a plan, the carrier benefits from both transactions. If you buy the same tablet elsewhere and bring it to Cricket, the carrier only gets the monthly service fee.

Adding a data plan to a Cricket tablet

When you buy a tablet at Cricket, you can add a prepaid data plan on the spot. Cricket offers plans starting at $25 per month for 2 GB of data, with higher tiers at $35, $45, and $55 per month. These plans are month-to-month with no contract, so you can pause or cancel anytime.

If you already own a tablet and want to add Cricket service, you can do that too — you do not have to buy the tablet from Cricket. Bring your own device (BYOD) is standard at Cricket. The advantage of buying at Cricket is convenience: the store staff can set up the plan and set up the tablet on the same day.

When buying at Cricket makes sense

Buy a tablet at Cricket if you want to set up a data plan when ready and do not want to visit two stores. If you are in a Cricket store already buying a phone, adding a tablet to the same transaction can save you a trip. If you have a Cricket account and want to manage everything through one bill, buying at Cricket keeps your devices and plans in one place.

Cricket also sometimes runs promotions on tablets bundled with plan activations — for example, $50 off a tablet when you start a new line. These deals can narrow or close the price gap with other retailers, so it is worth asking a store associate what promotions are running that week.

Better places to buy if you know what you want

If you have already decided on a specific tablet model, storage size, and color, buy it at Best Buy, Amazon, or Walmart. You will pay less, have more options, and can return it more easily if something is wrong. Best Buy offers a 15-day return window; Amazon offers 30 days for most items; Walmart offers 90 days.

Cricket's return policy is 14 days for tablets, which is shorter than Walmart's. If you are uncertain about the device, buying elsewhere gives you more time to change your mind. You can always add Cricket service to any unlocked tablet afterward.

Checking stock before you visit a Cricket store

Cricket does not publish store inventory online, so you cannot check whether a specific tablet is in stock before you drive there. Call the store directly and ask what tablets they have in stock that day. Store inventory can change quickly, especially for popular models or during sales events.

If you order online at cricketwireless.com, you can see what is available for shipping or in-store pickup. Shipping usually takes three to five business days. In-store pickup, where available, is faster — often the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a tablet at Cricket without activating a plan?

Yes. You can purchase a tablet at Cricket and leave it without a data plan. However, Cricket may require you to set up a plan to get the promotional pricing on the device. Ask the store associate whether the tablet price requires a plan set up or if you can buy it at full retail without one.

Do Cricket tablets work on other networks?

Most tablets sold at Cricket are unlocked and will work on other carriers' networks, but check the product details before you buy. Some older or heavily discounted models may be locked to Cricket's network. If you think you might switch carriers later, ask the store whether the tablet is unlocked.

What if I buy a tablet at Cricket and it breaks?

Cricket offers a 14-day return window for defects or damage you did not cause. After 14 days, you would need to contact the tablet manufacturer's warranty, which typically covers defects for one year. Cricket does not offer extended warranty or accidental damage plans on tablets the way some retailers do.

Is it cheaper to buy a tablet online at Cricket or in a store?

Prices are usually the same online and in stores. The difference is convenience and speed. Online, you get a wider selection and can compare models side by side. In a store, you can see and hold the tablet before you buy, and you can set up a plan the same day.

Can I use a Cricket tablet with a different carrier's plan?

If the tablet is unlocked, yes. Most tablets sold at Cricket are unlocked and compatible with Verizon, T-Mobile, and other carriers. Check the product listing to confirm it is unlocked before you buy. If it is locked to Cricket, you would need to contact Cricket to request an unlock code.