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Quick Summary
The average US phone bill runs $70–80/mo with the Big 3. Total Wireless starts at $25/mo on Verizon towers — a fraction of AT&T retail. Check Verizon coverage in your area first. Total Wireless's key advantage: Verizon network with no bundling requirement — no-contract plans from $25/mo.
Key Takeaways
- Total Wireless runs on Verizon towers; AT&T runs on AT&T towers — check coverage in your ZIP before committing to either carrier
- Total Wireless starts at $25/mo vs AT&T from $25/mo — price difference is meaningful on identical or equivalent network infrastructure
- Total Wireless: Verizon network with no bundling requirement — no-contract plans 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 Wireless costs less on equivalent infrastructure; one of the most affordable standalone Verizon MVNO options with no ISP requirement
Do you feel like your phone bill keeps climbing, but your service stays the same? AT&T's postpaid plans come with premium price tags, but are they really giving you more, or just charging you more?
Total Wireless runs on Verizon's network, offering reliable coverage without the overpriced plans and contracts. With prepaid, no-contract plans, Total Wireless keeps things simple: no hidden fees, no surprise price hikes, and no long-term commitments. Meanwhile, AT&T's postpaid plans start at around $60 per month before taxes and fees-and that's before autopay discounts and other pricing tricks.
So, is AT&T's higher pricing justified, or could you be saving big without losing coverage?
Total Wireless vs AT&T: Premium network, better value
Winner: Total Wireless
AT&T locks you into expensive postpaid plans that come with extra fees and restrictions, while Total Wireless offers affordable prepaid options that are contract-free.
With Total Wireless, you get unlimited data for $40 per month or premium 5G Ultra Wideband access for $50-$60 per month. Unlike AT&T, taxes and fees are included, so the price you see is what you pay.
AT&T, on the other hand, advertises lower prices but adds extra fees. Their cheapest postpaid unlimited plan starts at $65 per month, but your bill increases if you don't enroll in autopay. And if you sign up for a "free" phone, you could be locked into a 36-month contract, keeping you stuck in an expensive phone contract.
Unless you need AT&T's coverage, Total Wireless gives you the network reliability for significantly less.
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 operates on Verizon's network, meaning coverage is the same as Verizon's postpaid plans.
Verizon and AT&T both provide nationwide coverage, but Verizon tends to perform better in rural areas and smaller towns, while AT&T holds its own in urban and suburban markets.
If you live in a big city, AT&T might have a slight edge, but for nationwide reliability, Total Wireless is the better choice.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Total Wireless coverage map
AT&T coverage
AT&T coverage map
Data speeds: Will you actually notice a difference?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless offers unlimited high-speed data with no contracts. If you want the fastest speeds, the $50-$60 per month plan includes access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, giving you premium performance for less than AT&T's postpaid plans.
Unless you regularly use over 100GB per month, the speeds on Total Wireless feel identical to AT&T's, especially in everyday use like streaming, browsing, and video calls.
Hidden fees & fine print: What's really driving up your AT&T bill?
Winner: Total Wireless
AT&T's advertised prices require autopay-without it, your bill increases by $5–$10 per month. Taxes and fees aren't included in AT&T's advertised pricing either, meaning your actual bill will always be higher than expected.
Then there are the infamous "free phone" deals. AT&T may lock you into a 36-month contract, keeping you tied to expensive plans long after your phone is outdated.
Total Wireless, on the other hand, doesn't play these games. You get transparent pricing, no surprise fees, and no forced autopay discounts.
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 Wireless
- Best for coverage → Total Wireless
- Best for high-data users → AT&T (but only if you use over 100GB per month)
Unless you need AT&T's coverage, AT&T's pricing just doesn't make sense. Total Wireless offers Verizon coverage, similar speeds, and no contracts-all at a much lower price.
Check out our Total Wireless review.
Why you can trust me
Big wireless carriers make switching seem complicated, but that's exactly how they keep people overpaying.
At MoneySavingPro, we break down pricing tricks, expose hidden fees, and show you how to cut your phone bill without sacrificing coverage.
I've personally tested Total Wireless, AT&T, Visible, Red Pocket and many more to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to save money without sacrificing quality, you'll hear about it here first.
