When choosing a prepaid cell phone carrier, customer satisfaction is a critical factor to consider. Here's how the main prepaid carriers available through Teloa rank according to the two most recent industry studies: the ACSI 2025 Telecommunications Report and the most recent J.D. Power Wireless Carrier Satisfaction Study.
1. Cricket
Cricket Wireless, an AT&T subsidiary, consistently ranks near the top among full-service Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). It scored 76 in the ACSI 2025 study, the highest score in the ranking, tied with T-Mobile, and 647 out of 1,000 in the J.D. Power study, within the MVNOs prepaid segment. Cricket is praised for its value and customer service, making it a strong contender in the prepaid market.
2. T-Mobile
T-Mobile leads customer satisfaction among the three major U.S. carriers. It scored 76 in the ACSI 2025 study (tied with Cricket) and in the J.D. Power study ranked first in both the postpaid segment (631) and the prepaid segment (629). Its prepaid plans ride on one of the country's most modern 5G networks, and T-Mobile's consistent performance underlines its commitment to service quality.
3. Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile, formerly MetroPCS, scored 75 in the ACSI 2025 study and 632 in the J.D. Power study, within the MVNOs prepaid segment. Metro offers competitive prepaid plans backed by T-Mobile's network, earning steady marks for value and retail experience.
4. Verizon
Verizon scored 75 in the ACSI 2025 study, on par with Metro and just one point behind the leaders. In the J.D. Power study, Verizon received 593 points in the postpaid segment and 602 in the prepaid segment. Its prepaid plans benefit from Verizon's nationwide coverage, often a deciding factor for users in rural areas.
5. AT&T
AT&T scored 74 in the ACSI 2025 study and, in the J.D. Power study, 587 points in the postpaid segment and 604 in the prepaid segment. While slightly behind the leaders, its prepaid plans remain a reliable option backed by one of the largest U.S. networks.
Honorable mention: Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile isn't part of the top 5, but it's worth mentioning for prepaid users who value aggressive pricing and wider plan flexibility. It scored 71 in the ACSI 2025 study, below the leaders, but still within the range of major full-service MVNOs, and 610 in the J.D. Power study, within the MVNOs prepaid segment. Boost stands out for building its own 5G network, which gives it more control over coverage and pricing than most MVNOs.
Evaluating the Best Prepaid Carrier for You
Cricket and T-Mobile top the ranking in customer satisfaction. Cricket and Metro (both MVNOs) deliver solid satisfaction scores without owning their own infrastructure, while T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon remain the three dominant facilities-based carriers in the U.S. and also control most of the prominent MVNOs in the market.
Boost Mobile rounds out the set of Teloa-supported carriers measured in the ACSI study, offering an alternative for users who prioritize price and flexibility over raw satisfaction scores.
By carefully considering customer satisfaction scores and the features offered by each carrier, you can find a prepaid plan that fits your needs and ensures a positive user experience.