Total Wireless cell phone plans review
Pros
Unlimited talk and text
Shared data plans available
Available in retail stores
Cheap add-on data
Device payment plan available
Cons
No unlimited data plan
Customer service suffers from bad reputation
Total Wireless is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator, or MVNO powered by Verizon's network they're able to offer the same coverage at a discounted price.
You could save up to $600, per year, per line by switching to a carrier like Total Wireless.
Read on to find out if this is the carrier for you.
Total Wireless plans & pricing
| Plan | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wireless 1GB | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $25 |
| Total Wireless 10GB | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $35 |
| Total Wireless 50GB | Verizon | Unltd | Unltd | 50GB | $50 |
Whether you're looking for a single line plan, multiple lines, or a plan covering you for multiple months this carrier has options to suit. There are add ons for when you run out of anything and talk and text come unlimited as standard.
Total Wireless is known for doing great family plan and multi-line deals so if you're looking to switch more than one line over to a Verizon alternative then these guys might be the perfect fit. Unlike other low cost carriers, Total Wireless reward their customers with perks based on a points system.
Savings comparison
Verizon vs Total Wireless comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $540 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unltd* | $80/mo | $960/yr |
| Total Wireless | Verizon 4G & 5G | 10GB | $35/mo | $420/yr |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $45/mo | $540/yr | |
Total Wireless benefits
- Same quality coverage: powered by the big US networks, low-cost carriers provide you with the same quality coverage you can rely on.
- Lower prices: a low-cost carrier plan typically costs between $10-$45 a month. With a traditional cell phone plan it's more like $80 a month.
- Simple switching process: you'll be up and running with your new plan within a few days. You can even keep your phone number.
- Customize your plan: low-cost carriers are super flexible. There are no contracts, most come with unlimited talk and text but you can choose the data to suit your needs. You can also adjust your plan as often as you like.
Total Wireless coverage
Operating on Verizon's nationwide network, you can rely on the same coverage.
What networks does Total Wireless use?
This alternative carrier works on Verizon's network, giving you the same nationwide coverage at a fraction of the cost.
Network coverage ratings
| NETWORK | ROOTMETRICS | OPENSIGNAL | OOKLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon network | 95 | 9.8 | 74% |
| AT&T network | 93 | 9.5 | 80% |
| T-Mobile network | 87 | 88 | 79% |
Sources: RootMetrics, OpenSignal, and Ookla.
Total Wireless data speeds
With this carrier, you can get 5G data speeds. Where 5G is unavailable, your data allowance will work at 4G LTE speeds. Once you run out this will significantly slow, but you can top up with a 5GB bundle if you run out.
Total Wireless data plans
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
10GB
4G/5G data
$35/mo
$3.50 per GB
Powered by: Verizon
Unlimitedmins
Unlimitedtexts
50GB
4G/5G data
$50/mo
$1.00 per GB
Powered by: Verizon
Total Wireless have data plans to suit most cell phone users. There are plans for multiple lines, and plans spanning multiple months. They even have unlimited data options. But, with average data usage around the 5GB mark, why pay a premium for something you're not going to use?
Check our data usage calculator to figure out how much you need, then see how much you could save by opting for a set-data plan.
Total Wireless features
Mobile hotspot
Most plans from Total Wireless come with the option to turn your cell phone into a hotspot, so you can share your data with other devices.
International calling
This feature can be added to any plan with Total Wireless. With their Global Calling Card, you receive competitive rates on calls made internationally from within the US.
5G coverage
If you have a compatible device and are in an area providing 5G service, you can enjoy this feature with Total Wireless.
VoLTE access
Total Wireless support the use of VoLTE, giving you great call quality and improved connectivity with plans. Contact customer support if you have any issues enabling this feature.
Total Wireless Family plans
| Plan | 1 line | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wireless 1GB | $25 | $50$25/line | $75$25/line | $100$25/line |
| Total Wireless 10GB | $35 | $70$35/line | $105$35/line | $140$35/line |
| Total Wireless 50GB | $50 | $100$50/line | $150$50/line | $200$50/line |
Total Wireless phone deals
You can grab a deal buying a cell phone directly from Total Wireless. They have a great range of iOS and Android devices to choose from.
Compare iPhone prices
| Phone | Storage | Network | Condition | Price | Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) | 128GB | Verizon | New | $384 | Apple iPhone 11 | 64GB | AT&T | New | $499 | Apple iPhone 12 mini | 64GB | Verizon | New | $599 | Apple iPhone 12 | 64GB | Verizon | New | $699 | Apple iPhone 13 mini | 128GB | T-Mobile | New | $729 | Apple iPhone 13 | 128GB | Verizon | New | $799 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro | 128GB | Verizon | New | $984 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | 256GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max | 128GB | AT&T | New | $999 | Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max | 128GB | Verizon | New | $1,080 |
|---|
Total Wireless customer service
Take a look at the comparison table below showing how Total Wireless ratings compare to the big networks.
| CARRIER | TRUSTPILOT USER RATING |
|---|---|
| Total Wireless | 2.0 |
| T-Mobile | 1.5 |
| Verizon | 1.3 |
| AT&T | 1.2 |
Total Wireless scores higher than all the big networks. The support section of their website will direct you to either their chat function, or you can give them a call to resolve any issues.
Total Wireless customer support number: 1-866-663-3633
How do Total Wireless plans compare?
| Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $10 |
| Reach Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $10** $10 Off First 3 Months |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 10GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
| Tello | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $29 |
| Mint Mobile | T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** Only $45 for 3 Months Service |
Switching to Total Wireless
Switch to Total Wireless in three super-simple steps.
- Choose a plan. Browse Total Wireless' range of plans and find one to suit your usage.
- Prepare to make the switch. Make sure old bills are paid and, if you're bringing it with you, check your phone is unlocked. Not sure how to do that? No problem, here's how to unlock your phone.
- Set up your new plan. Keep your current carrier account open until your number has ported over. Once the new plan is up and running, cancel your old one. New devices should come ready to go, and if you're bringing your own phone you'll need to follow the instructions that come with your new Total Wireless SIM card.
Total Wireless FAQs
What network is Total Wireless on?
Total Wireless runs on the Verizon network. You can check the Verizon map for coverage in your area.
Is Total Wireless GSM or CDMA?
The Verizon network uses CDMA. As Total Wireless runs on Verizon it's on the CDMA network.
Is Total Wireless as good as Verizon?
Total Wireless operates on the Verizon network. So you'll get the same coverage you know and trust, but cheaper monthly costs.
Does Total Wireless have unlimited data?
There's an unlimited data plan option with Total Wireless. But you'll save more money by getting a lower usage plan. Check your average data usage to see if you really need unlimited.
Recap
Operate on Verizon's network, Total Wireless' service is fast and reliable. They're a great carrier for single-line plans or family plans. Opting for a multi-line or multi-month plan will save you more money.
Check our Total Wireless user reviews to see what our Money Savers are saying.
Not convinced? Take a look at some of the other Verizon MVNOs before making your decision.
