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Ever feel like your phone bill keeps creeping up, but nothing actually changes? If you're with Verizon, you might be paying for perks you don't even use, hidden fees, and "premium" service you may not actually need.
Total by Verizon runs on the same network but costs half as much, and without contracts, credit checks, or price hikes. So, does Verizon's premium price really get you more, or is it just another case of overpaying for the brand name?
Total Wireless vs Verizon plans: Big carrier pricing vs. prepaid simplicity
Winner: Total Wireless
Verizon's cheapest unlimited plan starts at $75 per month. This is before taxes, fees, and requires autopay discounts. If you want truly unlimited high-speed data, you'll pay $100+ per month.
Meanwhile, Total Wireless offers lower prices with no contracts or hidden fees. Their unlimited plans start at $40 per month, giving you the same Verizon network at a fraction of the price.
Total Wireless plans
Total Wireless unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Pros
- Verizon 5G coverage
- Good hotspot data
- Great phone deals
Cons
- Only unlimited data plans
- More expensive than others
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Verizon plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Unlimited Welcome | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
| Verizon Unlimited Plus | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
Verizon vs Total Wireless comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $420 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Total Wireless | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $40/mo | $480/yr |
| Savings | $35/mo | $420/yr | ||
Total Wireless vs Verizon coverage
Winner: Both
Total Wireless runs on Verizon's network, so you're getting the same coverage as Verizon customers, but at half the price.
According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon ranks highest in reliability, making it one of the best options for rural users.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Verizon coverage
Data speeds: Will you notice a difference?
Winner: Total Wireless
Verizon's premium data plan costs $100 per month, while Total Wireless gives you a similar experience for nearly half the cost.
According to the Speedtest 2025 Global Index, Verizon offers fast speeds, but Total Wireless customers get access to those same speeds. So why pay more for the same coverage?
Hidden fees & fine print: What Verizon doesn't tell you
Winner: Total Wireless
- Verizon's advertised prices require autopay, so if you don't sign up, your bill jumps by $10 per month.
- Total by Verizon has no contracts, no hidden fees, and no forced autopay discounts.
- Verizon's "free phone" deals often require a 36-month contract.
Total Wireless vs Verizon plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA | CDMA |
| Mobile Hotspot | ||
| Bring Your Phone | ||
| Keep Your Number | ||
| Contract | Yes - Prepaid | Postpaid |
| Credit Check | ||
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | Mon-Sat 8am to 7pm / Sun- 8am to 5pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | ||
| 5G | ||
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | ||
| WiFi Calling | ||
| Visual Voicemail | ||
| Multi-line Discounts | ||
| Multi-month Discounts | ||
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming |
Final verdict: Do you actually need Verizon?
- Best for saving money → Total by Verizon
- Best for flexible prepaid plans → Total by Verizon
- Best for high-data users → Verizon
Total Wireless vs Verizon FAQs
Total Wireless is a low-cost carrier that operates on the Verizon network. They offer cell phone plans starting at $40/mo. While Verizon's phone plans start at $70/mo.
Total Wireless is powered by the Verizon network, but they offer much cheaper phone plans than Verizon.
Most modern Verizon phones should work with Total Wireless as long as the phone's unlocked. You can check if your phone is compatible on the Total Wireless website before signing up.
Yes. Total Wireless is powered by the Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless network.
Why you can trust me
Verizon depends on customer loyalty and complex pricing structures to keep users on costly plans. However, you can enjoy the same high-quality network experience for much less.
At MoneySavingPro, we uncover pricing strategies, reveal hidden fees, and guide you to the best solutions for reducing your bill while maintaining excellent coverage.
I've personally evaluated Total by Verizon, Verizon, Visible, Boost Mobile and numerous other providers to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a method to cut costs without compromising quality, we'll be the first to let you know.
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