Metro PCS and Cricket VS. Major Cell Phone Companies?

[PrincessPeyton]

I was wondering if anyone could share their experience with Cricket or Metro PCS? Are the plans comparable or do you save a good chunk of change? Do you have a lot of dropped calls? Are their actual phones as good as the major cell phone companies (i am hard on my phones and have to replace them almost every year!)?

I am near Philadelphia which both Metro PCS and Cricket show that they have a good network nearby but I call California and Ohia frequently which doesn't have a great extended network. So I wasn't sure if I would be charged for roaming.

It's tempting to switch to Cricket because their plan with comparable minutes includes mobile web where Verizon does not.

TIA!