Do your phone bills keep rising, but there's no change to your service? Mint Mobile and Total Wireless both provide prepaid plans at lower costs than the Big 3, but at a much more affordable price.
Mint Mobile gives you the best rates when you pay upfront for multiple months, making it ideal for those who don't mind an lump payment. WhereasTotal Wireless offers month-to-month plans with access to Verizon's network, providing an alternative for those who prefer flexibility.
So, should you commit to Mint Mobile's bulk savings or go with Total by Verizon for its no-commitment approach?
Mint Mobile vs Total Wireless plans
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile offers some of the lowest prepaid prices when you pay for three, six, or twelve months upfront. Their unlimited plan costs just $30 per month when prepaid for a full year, making it one of the cheapest unlimited options.
Total by Verizon operates on a month-to-month structure, meaning you don't have to commit, but its plans are more expensive. Their unlimited plan costs $50 per month, which is $20 more than Mint Mobile's best rate.
If you're looking for the lowest price and don't mind paying upfront, Mint Mobile plans are the best deal.
Mint Mobile plans
(Prices reflect 12-month prepay rates; month-to-month pricing is higher.)
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $15/mo |
| Mint Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $20/mo |
| Mint Mobile 20GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $25/mo |
| Mint Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
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 | $20/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $30/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
Mint Mobile vs Total Wireless coverage
Winner: Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile's network, which consistently ranks top for 5G availability and speeds, according to the OpenSignal Mobile Network Experience 2025. However, T-Mobile's rural coverage isn't as strong as Verizon's.
Total Wireless uses Verizon's network, which is recognized for nationwide reliability and rural coverage, based on this RootMetrics' 2024 report. If you frequently travel outside metro areas, Verizon's coverage could be a better fit.
Mint Mobile coverage
Mint Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Total Wireless
Mint Mobile's unlimited plan includes high-speed data up to 35GB per month, providing great value for most users.
Total Wireless' unlimited plan includes unlimited data, but it costs $50-$60 per month.
If you need more than 35GB of high-speed data and want Verizon's network, Total by Verizon is worth considering.
Features and perks: Which provider gives you more?
Winner: Total Wireless
Mint Mobile includes free international calling to Mexico and Canada, making it a great option for users with connections abroad.
However, Total Wireless provides calling to 85+ and texting to 200+ destinations, with roaming in Canada and Mexico along with 15 other countries.
So if international features are a priority for you, then a Total Wireless plan offers some of the best.
Mint Mobile vs Total Wireless plan features
| Carrier Features | Mint 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 | 24/7 | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | Yes - 7 days | 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 Mexico & Canada | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | Yes | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for value for money → Mint Mobile
- Best for rural coverage → Total by Verizon
- Best for international features → Total by Verizon
- Best for 5G coverage → Mint Mobile
See if Mint Mobile is the right fit for you
Check out Total Wireless review
Mint Mobile vs Total Wireless FAQs
The main difference between Mint Mobile and Total Wireless are plan prices and features. Both offer cheap cell phone plans powered by the major networks.
Mint 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 Mint 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.
Why you can trust me
I've spent years helping people find ways to cut their phone bills without sacrificing service quality. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the marketing hype to compare real customer experiences, network performance, and hidden costs so you can make an informed decision.
I've tested Mint Mobile, Total by Verizon, and other prepaid carriers, looking at speed, coverage, and affordability. If there's a better way to save on your phone bill, you'll hear about it here first.
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