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AT&T vs Total Wireless: Are you paying extra for the same service?

I've compared AT&T & Total Wireless plans, coverage & features.

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Still stuck in an expensive AT&T plan? Many people assume higher prices mean better service, but that's not always the case. Total Wireless gives you access to a premium network without the costly bill, offering affordable prepaid options with no contracts or hidden fees.

So, is AT&T actually worth the premium price, or are you just paying extra for the brand name?

Total Wireless vs AT&T plans: Big network pricing vs. prepaid savings

Winner: Total Wireless

AT&T's cheapest unlimited plan starts at $75 per month-before taxes, fees, and required autopay discounts. Even their prepaid options tend to be more expensive than what Total Wireless offers.

Meanwhile, Total Wireless delivers lower prices with the same premium coverage. Their plans start at just $30 per month, and even their unlimited plan is only $60, far cheaper than AT&T's base plan.

Total Wireless plans

Image of cell phone with Total Wireless

Total Wireless unlimited data plan

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk, text and data
  • Instant online activation
See at Total Wireless
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Total Wireless unlimited data planVerizon 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$20/mo$40/mo
Total Wireless unlimited data planVerizon 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$30/mo$60/mo
Total Wireless unlimited data planVerizon 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$50/mo$50/mo

See all Total Wireless plans

AT&T plans

PlanDataMonthly PriceAnnual Cost
AT&T Unlimited StarterUnlimited$65$780
AT&T Unlimited ExtraUnlimited$75$900
AT&T Unlimited PremiumUnlimited$85$1,020

AT&T vs Total Wireless comparison

Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year

CarrierNetwork Coverage4G/5G DataPriceAnnual Cost
AT&TAT&T 4G & 5GUnlimited$75/mo$900/yr
Total WirelessAT&T 4G & 5GUnlimited$40/mo$240/yr
Savings$35/mo$660/yr

Total Wireless vs AT&T coverage

Winner: Total Wireless

Total Wireless runs on Verizon's network, which ranks among the most reliable in the U.S.

According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon and AT&T are neck-and-neck in overall coverage and reliability. If you're in a rural area, AT&T might have a slight edge, but for most users, there's no noticeable difference.

Total Wireless coverage

Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

Total Wireless coverage map

View Total Wireless coverage map

AT&T coverage

AT&T coverage map

View AT&T coverage map


Data speeds: Is AT&T actually faster?

Winner: Total Wireless

The Total Wireless unlimited plan states it offers unlimited data, whereas AT&T's premium data plan costs $95 per month, while Total Wireless offers similar speeds for much less.

According to the Speedtest 2025 Global Index, Verizon's network is one of the fastest in the U.S., meaning Total Wireless customers get premium speeds at a budget-friendly price.

For most users, Total Wireless delivers the same speeds as AT&T, but at half the price.


Hidden fees & fine print: What AT&T doesn't tell you

Winner: Total Wireless

  • AT&T's advertised prices require autopay-if you don't sign up, your bill increases by $10 per month.
  • Total by Verizon offers straightforward pricing with no hidden fees or contracts.
  • AT&T's "free phone" offers require a 36-month contract, locking you into expensive phone contracts.

AT&T's pricing isn't for better service, it's often just packed with extra costs and long-term commitments.

Total Wireless vs AT&T plan features

Carrier FeaturesTotal WirelessAT&T
NetworksVerizonAT&T
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
3G NetworkCDMAGSM
Mobile HotspotYesYes
Bring Your PhoneYesYes
Keep Your NumberYesYes
ContractYes - PrepaidPostpaid
Credit CheckNoYes
Customer ServiceMon-Sun 8am to 11.45pmMon-Sat 7am to 9pm Sat-Sun 8am to 9pm
Money Back GuaranteeNoNo
5GYesYes
Taxes includedVaries by LocationVaries by Location
VoLTEYesYes
WiFi CallingYes
Visual VoicemailNo
Multi-line DiscountsYes
Multi-month DiscountsYes
International CallsYes - As add-onYes - As add-on
International RoamingNo

Final verdict: Do you actually need AT&T?

  • Best for saving money → Total by Verizon
  • Best for flexible plans → Total by Verizon
  • Best for high-data users → AT&T (but only on the most expensive plans)

Sign up for Total Wireless


Total Wireless vs AT&T FAQs

Total Wireless is a low-cost carrier, owned by Verizon that operates on Verizon's network. They offer phone plans starting at $40/mo. While AT&T's phone plans start at $65/mo.

Total Wireless is powered by the Verizon network, they offer much cheaper cell phone service than AT&T.

Most recent AT&T phones should work with Total Wireless as long as the device is unlocked. Before signing up, you can check your device's compatibility on the Total Wireless website.

No. Total Wireless operates on the Verizon network.


Why you can trust me

Big carriers like AT&T rely on customer loyalty and confusing pricing to keep people locked into overpriced plans. But the truth is, you can get the same premium network experience for far less.

At MoneySavingPro, we cut through the marketing fluff, break down hidden fees, and help you find the best value-without sacrificing service.

I've personally tested Total by Verizon, AT&T, and many other carriers to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to lower your bill without losing quality, you'll hear about it here first.

Total Wireless comparison guides

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