Sprint is one of the “Big Four” networks along with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. The wireless provider is the fourth-largest mobile network operation in the United States with a reported 54 million customers in 2017. It is often regarded as being the cheapest among the “Big Four”, and the origins of the company is traced back to 2005.

While Sprint has fantastic prices, it is also regarded as a provider that lacks the same performance as Verizon and AT&T. Its planned merger with rival T-Mobile could eventually improve these metrics but for now RootMetrics, an independent agency that monitors wireless network performance is not exceptionally high on Sprint.

Features

Sprint is a great deal even if you have to sacrifice a little on speed and call clarity, so long as your area fits under Sprint’s coverage map. The company has very affordable plans (more on that, below) as well as generous promotional offers.

Their phone lineup is comparable with the major four networks. Currently Sprint is offering the iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR, as well as the Samsung Galaxy Note9. Some of these phones and others are available at a low, monthly fee or some are completely free. Spring also features eligible trade-in and a lease program.

The company is known for providing quality customer service whether you are troubleshooting a device or needing help understanding your bill. Their convenient lost or repair option will send you next day shipping on a replacement whether the phone is damaged or stolen.

Sprint is also connected with Hulu, Amazon Prime, Tidal Music Service and Starz to name a few. You can get these apps on your phone at reasonable rates. Consumers may invest in added security including Lookout Premium or Lookout Premium Plus. Sprint Cloud Binder is free with all plans and backup and restore is available for $0.99 p/ month.

Rates

Sprint features the Unlimited Basic, Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Premium phone plans. The basic plan is extremely affordable, priced at $24 p/ month, p/ line. Sprint supports up to five lines on this plan and it gets you access to Hulu along with 5GB data (4G LTE), 500MB mobile hotspot, DVD video streaming as well as unlimited talk and text in not only the U.S. but Canada and Mexico too.

The Unlimited Plus plan is similar only with 10GB of data and 15GB of mobile hotspot and HD video streaming. Sprint’s most expensive plan — Unlimited Premium — is still very reasonable at $70 for one line and includes Prime, Hulu, Lookout and Tidal.

Even with Unlimited Plus, you are looking at savings of $10 or more when compared to similar plans through Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Consumers can save even more by adding extra lines to their plans. Overall the number of plans and add-ons is not overwhelming, which is worth noting.

Pros

The “Big Four” is always searching for ways to separate themselves from the pack and for Sprint is has always been the affordability of their plans. While they may receive knocks for the performance in certain areas of the country, Sprint has the best rates of the major providers. Consumers will save hundreds each year by going with Sprint and that is reason enough for some to join Sprint, so long as they are within its coverage network.

Sprint also receives praise for its number of extra features including subscriptions to Hulu, Amazon Prime and Tidal Music Service. The value of what you get for the price you paid is second to none.

Cons

Sprint has notoriously not scored as well as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile in the sought after reports published every year from RootMetrics. The carrier has consistently proved to be weaker than other providers not only by RootMetrics but OpenSignal and Tom’s Guide as well. With that being said, Sprint has been taken steps in the right direction but for some they are not making progress quick enough.

Additionally, while Sprint is considered a “budget” option, it is still not at cheap as MVNO (mobile virtual network operators) like MetroPCS. If you are really looking for an affordable network, especially if you use little to no data — there are better options around.

Conclusion

Overall, Sprint offers a practical service. The carrier is still higher performing than MVNO networks yet cheaper than Verizon and AT&T. It’s a good value, you just need to make sure you reside within their coverage network or you will be frustrated by its service.