Tired of overpaying for features you don't use-or getting locked into overpriced family plans? Total Wireless and Consumer Cellular are two low-cost prepaid carriers that offer solid savings, but they cater to very different customers.
Total Wireless focuses on offering big data at lower prices, making it a strong choice for individuals and families who want unlimited talk and data.
Consumer Cellular is designed for seniors and light data users, offering discounts for AARP members, reliable customer service, and flexible plan options.
Total Wireless vs Consumer Cellular plans
Winner: Tie
If you need more data, Total Wireless is the clear winner. Their unlimited plans start at $40 per month, with a lot of additional features like international calling, and mobile hotspot use.
Consumer Cellular is all about customization and senior-friendly service. Their plans start at just $20 per month, but high-data users will pay more for their unlimited 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 |
Consumer Cellular plans
Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Cellular 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $20/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $25/mo |
| Consumer Cellular 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Consumer Cellular unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
Total Wireless vs Consumer Cellular coverage
Winner: Consumer Cellular
Since both low-cost carriers operate on Verizon's network, coverage is the same. According to RootMetrics 2024, Verizon ranks as the most reliable network in the U.S.
Although Consumer Cellular is also powered by AT&T, so it gives you the option depending which network has better coverage where you live.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Consumer Cellular coverage
Consumer Cellular is powered by T-Mobile and AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Consumer Cellular coverage map
Data speeds: Unlimited data or premium priority?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless's top two unlimited plans provide access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband so you'll experience faster speeds where it's available.
Consumer Cellular's unlimited plan includes 50GB of high-speed data, making it a good choice for heavy data users who want the most premium data.
For the average user, Total Wireless's pricing just provides better value for money.
Extra features: Senior discounts or family savings?
Winner: Consumer Cellular
- Total Wireless offers affordable family plans, giving better discounts for multiple lines.
- Consumer Cellular provides AARP discounts and some of the best-rated customer service in the industry.
- Both carriers support mobile hotspot use.
- Total Wireless includes international calling and subscription perks.
If you want the lowest price for unlimited data, Total Wireless is the better pick. But if you're a senior or value excellent customer support, Consumer Cellular wins.
Total Wireless vs Consumer Cellular plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Consumer Cellular |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | AT&T & 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 | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | Mon-Fri 5am to 6pm / Sat-Sun 6am to 5pm |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | Yes |
| Visual Voicemail | No | No |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the better deal?
- Best for unlimited data → Total Wireless
- Best for seniors → Consumer Cellular
- Best for international calling → Total Wireless
- Best for flexibility → Consumer Cellular
- Best for Customer service → Consumer Cellular
If you're looking for AARP discounts, flexible plans, or top-tier customer service, Consumer Cellular may be worth the extra cost.
Read our full Total Wireless review.
See how Consumer Cellular compares.
Why you can trust me
Picking the right phone plan shouldn't be a guessing game. But that's exactly what big carriers want with confusing pricing keeps people overpaying.
At MoneySavingPro, we break down the fine print and expose the sneaky tactics used to inflate your bill.
I've personally tested Total Wireless, Consumer Cellular, and dozens of other providers to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to get the same service for less, you'll hear about it here first.
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