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Quick Summary
The average US phone bill runs $70–80/mo with the Big 3. Total by Verizon starts at $25/mo on Verizon towers — a fraction of AT&T retail. Check Verizon coverage in your area first. Total by Verizon's key advantage: Verizon's official prepaid brand — same Verizon towers, no bundling required, from $25/mo.
Key Takeaways
- Total by Verizon runs on Verizon towers; AT&T runs on AT&T towers — check coverage in your ZIP before committing to either carrier
- Total by Verizon starts at $25/mo vs AT&T from $25/mo — price difference is meaningful on identical or equivalent network infrastructure
- Total by Verizon: Verizon's official prepaid brand — same Verizon towers, no bundling required, from $25/mo
- AT&T: one of the Big 3 carriers — retail plans average $65–80/mo on the same AT&T towers
- The average US phone bill runs $70–80/mo with the Big 3 — Total by Verizon costs less on equivalent infrastructure; Verizon-owned, so full Verizon network access is guaranteed without an internet subscription
Still stuck in an expensive AT&T plan? Many people assume higher prices mean better service, but that's not always the case. Total Wireless gives you access to a premium network without the costly bill, offering affordable prepaid options with no contracts or hidden fees.
So, is AT&T actually worth the premium price, or are you just paying extra for the brand name?
Total Wireless vs AT&T plans: Big network pricing vs. prepaid savings
Winner: Total Wireless
AT&T's cheapest unlimited plan starts at $75 per month-before taxes, fees, and required autopay discounts. Even their prepaid options tend to be more expensive than what Total Wireless offers.
Meanwhile, Total Wireless delivers lower prices with the same premium coverage. Their plans start at just $30 per month, and even their unlimited plan is only $60, far cheaper than AT&T's base plan.
Total Wireless plans
Total Wireless unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $25/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $35/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
AT&T plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Unlimited Starter | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| AT&T Unlimited Extra | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| AT&T Unlimited Premium | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
AT&T vs Total Wireless comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Total Wireless | AT&T 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $25/mo | $300/yr |
| Savings | $50/mo | $600/yr | ||
Total Wireless vs AT&T coverage
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless runs on Verizon's network, which ranks among the most reliable in the U.S.
According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon and AT&T are neck-and-neck in overall coverage and reliability. If you're in a rural area, AT&T might have a slight edge, but for most users, there's no noticeable difference.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Total Wireless coverage map
View Total Wireless coverage map
AT&T coverage
AT&T coverage map
Data speeds: Is AT&T actually faster?
Winner: Total Wireless
The Total Wireless unlimited plan states it offers unlimited data, whereas AT&T's premium data plan costs $95 per month, while Total Wireless offers similar speeds for much less.
According to the Speedtest 2025 Global Index, Verizon's network is one of the fastest in the U.S., meaning Total Wireless customers get premium speeds at a budget-friendly price.
For most users, Total Wireless delivers the same speeds as AT&T, but at half the price.
Hidden fees & fine print: What AT&T doesn't tell you
Winner: Total Wireless
- AT&T's advertised prices require autopay-if you don't sign up, your bill increases by $10 per month.
- Total by Verizon offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees or contracts.
- AT&T's "free phone" offers require a 36-month contract, locking you into expensive phone contracts.
AT&T's pricing isn't for better service, it's often just packed with extra costs and long-term commitments.
Total Wireless vs AT&T plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | AT&T |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | AT&T |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA | GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Yes - Prepaid | Postpaid |
| Credit Check | No | Yes |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | Mon-Sat 7am to 9pm Sat-Sun 8am to 9pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | |
| Visual Voicemail | No | |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No |
Final verdict: Do you actually need AT&T?
- Best for saving money → Total by Verizon
- Best for flexible plans → Total by Verizon
- Best for high-data users → AT&T (but only on the most expensive plans)
Total Wireless vs AT&T FAQs
Total Wireless is a low-cost carrier, owned by Verizon that operates on Verizon's network. They offer phone plans starting at $40/mo. While AT&T's phone plans start at $65/mo.
Total Wireless is powered by the Verizon network, they offer much cheaper cell phone service than AT&T.
Most recent AT&T phones should work with Total Wireless as long as the device is unlocked. Before signing up, you can check your device's compatibility on the Total Wireless website.
No. Total Wireless operates on the Verizon network.
Why you can trust me
Big carriers like AT&T rely on customer loyalty and confusing pricing to keep people locked into overpriced plans. But the truth is, you can get the same premium network experience for far less.
At MoneySavingPro, we cut through the marketing fluff, break down hidden fees, and help you find the best value-without sacrificing service.
I've personally tested Total by Verizon, AT&T, and many other carriers to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to lower your bill without losing quality, you'll hear about it here first.
