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Quick Summary
The average US phone bill runs $70–80/mo with the Big 3. Ultra Mobile on T-Mobile towers starts at $13/mo; Total by Verizon on Verizon towers from $25/mo. Coverage is the first decision — check both networks in your ZIP. Ultra Mobile: international calling to 80+ countries included — T-Mobile network from $13/mo. Total by Verizon: Verizon's official prepaid brand — same Verizon towers, no bundling required, from $25/mo.
Key Takeaways
- Ultra Mobile runs on T-Mobile towers; Total by Verizon runs on Verizon towers — check coverage in your ZIP before committing to either carrier
- Ultra Mobile starts at $13/mo vs Total by Verizon from $25/mo — price difference is meaningful on identical or equivalent network infrastructure
- Ultra Mobile: international calling to 80+ countries included — T-Mobile network from $13/mo
- Total by Verizon: Verizon's official prepaid brand — same Verizon towers, no bundling required, from $25/mo
- Americans pay an average of $70/mo with the Big 3 — both Ultra Mobile and Total by Verizon offer lower-cost alternatives on major US networks
Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Ultra Mobile or Total Wireless is better?
Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Ultra Mobile and Total Wireless coverage, features, plans and prices side-by-side, so you can decide for yourself which carrier offers the best deal.
Ultra Mobile vs Total Wireless plans
Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
Total Wireless unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
Ultra Mobile vs Total Wireless comparison
Ultra Mobile plans start at $20* and Total Wireless plans start as low as $40. With no contract, you can get some of the cheapest cell phone plans when shopping for a deal with MVNO's like Ultra Mobile and Total Wireless.
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $9/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $12/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $14/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $19/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $24/mo |
| 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 |
Ultra Mobile vs Total Wireless coverage
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Total Wireless is powered by Verizon. Coverage can vary depending on your location. You can check their availability in your area by using our coverage checker.
Ultra Mobile coverage
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Ultra Mobile coverage map
Ultra Mobile coverage map
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Total Wireless coverage map
Find the cheapest cell phone service in your area
Enter your ZIP code below to find the best cell phone service in your area.
Ultra Mobile vs Total Wireless plan features
| Carrier Features | Ultra Mobile | Total Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | T-Mobile | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | GSM | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Your Phone | Yes | Yes |
| Keep Your Number | Yes | Yes |
| Contract | Prepaid | Yes - Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | 6am to 6pm | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | Yes | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | No | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| International Calls | Yes - Includes 80 countries | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Ultra Mobile vs Total Wireless customer service
Ultra Mobile customer service
Contact Ultra Mobile customer care
(888) 777-0446
Total Wireless customer service
Contact Total Wireless customer care
(866) 663-3633
Ultra Mobile vs Total Wireless FAQs
The main difference between Ultra Mobile and Total Wireless are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile and Total Wireless runs on Verizon.
Most newer handsets are compatible if they're unlocked, but if you're not sure you can check phone compatibility with our IMEI checker.
If your Ultra Mobile phone is unlocked it should work with Total Wireless. Most of the latest handsets are compatible but you can check your phone's compatibility with the carrier before purchasing.
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