MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Quick Summary
The average US phone bill runs $70–80/mo with the Big 3. Total Wireless on Verizon towers starts at $25/mo; PureTalk on AT&T towers from $10/mo. Coverage is the first decision — check both networks in your ZIP. Total Wireless: Verizon network with no bundling requirement — no-contract plans from $25/mo. PureTalk: veteran-owned carrier on AT&T towers — no credit check, 10% veteran discount, from $10/mo.
Key Takeaways
- Total Wireless runs on Verizon towers; PureTalk runs on AT&T towers — check coverage in your ZIP before committing to either carrier
- PureTalk starts at $10/mo vs Total Wireless 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
- PureTalk: veteran-owned carrier on AT&T towers — no credit check, 10% veteran discount, from $10/mo
- Americans pay an average of $70/mo with the Big 3 — both Total Wireless and PureTalk offer lower-cost alternatives on major US networks
Are you paying too much for unlimited data or looking for a budget-friendly plan with strong customer support?
Total Wireless and PureTalk both offer affordable prepaid plans.
While Total Wireless is all about big savings on unlimited plans, PureTalk markets itself as a veteran-owned carrier, offering military discounts, strong customer support, and straightforward plans.
So, do you go for Total Wireless's lower-cost unlimited data, or does PureTalk's no-frills, customer-friendly service make it the better option?
Total Wireless vs PureTalk plans
Winner: Total Wireless
If you're searching for an unlimited plan, Total Wireless provides an attractive option. Their unlimited service begins at $40 per month, making it one of the most cost-effective choices for individual users.
PureTalk keeps things simple, offering smaller, affordable plans with no extra fees or contracts. Their unlimited plan costs more than Total Wireless's, but they focus on customer service and reliability.
If you want the cheapest unlimited plan or multi-line savings, Total Wireless is the better choice. If you prefer a smaller plan with great customer service, PureTalk might be a better fit.
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 |
PureTalk plans
PureTalk unlimited data plan
- AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PureTalk 7GB plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | 7GB | $12.50/mo |
| PureTalk unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $17.50/mo |
| PureTalk unlimited data plan | AT&T 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $22.50/mo |
Total Wireless vs PureTalk coverage
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless operates on Verizon's network, offering nationwide coverage with strong rural reliability. PureTalk operates on AT&T's network, which provides solid nationwide coverage and consistent performance in suburban and metro areas.
According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon ranks highest in overall reliability, making Total Wireless a great option if you need dependable service in rural areas. Meanwhile, OpenSignal's 2025 analysis highlights AT&T's strong call reliability and well-balanced performance across different regions.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Total Wireless coverage map
PureTalk coverage
PureTalk is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
PureTalk coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless offers unlimited plans with access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, where it's available. PureTalk's unlimited plan includes 60GB of high-speed data, but it comes at a higher price of $65 per month.
If you want to spend less on unlimited data, Total Wireless wins.
Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: PureTalk
- Total Wireless offers unlimited data with faster speeds on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network.
- PureTalk is veteran-owned and focuses on customer service, offering military discounts and U.S.-based support.
- PureTalk provides a range of plans, data allowances and more budget-friendly prices.
If you don't need unlimited data, PureTalk's plans could be worth looking at.
Total Wireless vs PureTalk plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | PureTalk |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | Mon-Sun 7am to 12am |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | No |
| Visual Voicemail | No | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for unlimited data → Total Wireless
- Best for customer service & military discounts → PureTalk
- Best for overall coverage → Total Wireless
- Best for plan choices → PureTalk
If you want an unlimited plan, Total Wireless is the winner here. But if you prefer strong customer service and military-backed savings, PureTalk may be worth checking out.
See how Total Wireless compares.
Read our full PureTalk review.
Why you can trust me
Choosing the perfect phone plan shouldn't be a gamble. However, the big three often complicate pricing, leading customers to overspend.
At MoneySavingPro, we delve into the details and reveal the subtle strategies used to increase your charges.
Through my own experience with Total Wireless, PureTalk, Tello, Boost Mobile, and numerous other low-cost carriers, I have evaluated their speeds, coverage, and costs so I can help you find the best.
If there's an opportunity to enjoy the same service at a lower price, you'll find out right here.
Total Wireless comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Total Wireless
- Mint Mobile vs Total Wireless
- Red Pocket vs Total Wireless
- Twigby Mobile vs Total Wireless
- Ultra Mobile vs Total Wireless
