Your phone bill shouldn't feel like a second rent payment. Yet, many people stick with big wireless carriers like T-Mobile, thinking they're getting something extra for the high price.
But what if you could get the same nationwide coverage for less? Total Wireless offers premium network access without contracts or surprise fees. So, does T-Mobile really offer more, or are you just paying extra for perks you don't use?
Total Wireless vs T-Mobile plans: Locked-in pricing vs. flexible prepaid savings
Winner: Total Wireless
T-Mobile's cheapest unlimited plan starts at $65 per month-but that's before taxes, fees, and required autopay discounts. If you don't enroll in autopay, expect to pay even more.
Meanwhile, Total Wireless keeps it simple. You pay one low price upfront, and even their unlimited plan is only $50 per month, which is cheaper than T-Mobile's base plan.
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 |
T-Mobile plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Essentials | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| T-Mobile Go5G | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| T-Mobile Magenta MAX | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
| T-Mobile Go5G Plus | Unlimited | $95 | $1,140 |
T-Mobile vs Total Wireless comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Total Wireless | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $40/mo | $240/yr |
| Savings | $35/mo | $660/yr | ||
Total Wireless vs T-Mobile coverage
Winner: Both
Total by Verizon runs on Verizon's network, while T-Mobile users access T-Mobile's coverage.
According to OpenSignal's 2025 report, T-Mobile leads in 5G availability, making it a great option for city dwellers. However, RootMetrics' 2024 report ranks Verizon higher in overall reliability, especially in rural areas.
So when it comes to coverage, it can really depend on the best for where you live.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
T-Mobile coverage
Data speeds: Will you notice a difference?
Winner: Tie
The Total Wireless unlimited plan states it has unlimited data, where as T-Mobile's unlimited plans start at $90 per month, so Total Wireless offers similar speeds at a much lower cost.
According to the Speedtest 2025 Global Index, T-Mobile ranks among the fastest networks in the U.S., but Verizon users, including Total Wireless customers experience consistently strong speeds.
For most users, Total Wireless delivers the same performance at a lower price.
Hidden fees & fine print: What's really driving up your bill?
Winner: Total Wireless
- T-Mobile's prices require autopay, if you don't sign up, your bill jumps by $5-$10 per month.
- Total by Verizon has no hidden fees, no contracts, and no forced autopay discounts.
- T-Mobile's "free phone" deals lock you into a 36-month contract, keeping you tied to an expensive phone contract.
Total Wireless vs T-Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | T-Mobile |
| 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 | Postpaid |
| Credit Check | No | Yes |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | Mon-Sun 4am to Midnight PST |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | |
| Visual Voicemail | No | |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No |
Final verdict: Do you actually need T-Mobile?
- Best for saving money → Total Wireless
- Best for flexible prepaid plans → Total Wireless
- Best for high-data users → T-Mobile (but only on the most expensive plans)
Total Wireless vs T-Mobile FAQs
Total Wireless is a low-cost carriers with Verizon 5G & 4G wireless coverage, they offer cell phone plans starting at $40/mo. While T-Mobile's phone plans start at $65/mo.
Total Wireless operates on the Verizon network and they offer much cheaper cell phone service than T-Mobile.
Most modern T-Mobile phones should work with Total Wireless as long as the phone's unlocked. Before signing up, you can check your device's compatibility on the Total Wireless website.
No. Total Wireless is powered by the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
Why you can trust me
T-Mobile's marketing makes switching seem complicated, but that's exactly how they keep you overpaying.
At MoneySavingPro, we break down pricing tricks, expose hidden fees, and show you the best ways to cut your bill without losing coverage.
I've personally tested Total Wireless, Verizon, T-Mobile, Visible, and many more 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.
