Still stuck paying for an expensive phone plan? Or maybe you're considering a carrier that lets you bundle your internet and mobile service?
Total Wireless and Optimum Mobile both offer affordable prepaid plans, but they target very different types of customers.
Total Wireless is all about simple, low-cost unlimited plans, making it a great choice for individuals who want to save without long-term commitments.
Optimum Mobile is tied to Optimum Internet, meaning you'll get cheaper rates if you already have their home internet service. But if you don't, their prices aren't that competitive.
Total Wireless vs Optimum Mobile plans
Winner: Total Wireless
If you're searching for a budget-friendly unlimited plan, Total Wireless has a great option. Their unlimited plan begins at just $40 per month, making it one of the most cost-effective choices for individuals.
Optimum Mobile offers discounted rates for Optimum Internet customers, but if you're not bundling, their unlimited plans cost $50+ per month, which is significantly more than Total Wireless.
If you don't have Optimum Internet, Total Wireless is the better choice. If you're already an Optimum customer and want to bundle, Optimum Mobile could provide small savings.
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 |
Optimum Mobile plans
Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum Mobile 1GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $15/mo |
| Optimum Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $25/mo |
| Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Optimum Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
Total Wireless vs Optimum Mobile coverage
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless operates on Verizon's network, known for its strong rural coverage and overall reliability. Optimum Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network, which excels in 5G availability and urban performance.
According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon ranks highest for overall reliability, making Total Wireless the better choice for those in remote areas. Meanwhile, OpenSignal's 2025 analysis highlights T-Mobile as the leader in 5G availability, giving Optimum Mobile an edge in city and suburban areas.
It's always worth checking which network has the best coverage where you live if you're unsure.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Optimum Mobile coverage
Optimum Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Optimum Mobile coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless provides unlimited plans that include access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network, wherever it's available.
Optimum Mobile's unlimited plan includes a high-speed data allowance, with some plans providing premium data, but its pricing depends on whether or not you have Optimum Internet. If you don't bundle, you'll be paying more than Total Wireless for the same data.
For most users, Total Wireless's lower price makes it the better deal. If you're bundling Optimum services, their discount could make sense.
Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Depends on what you need
- Total Wireless offers the lowest-cost unlimited plans, making it a great choice for those looking for the best standalone value.
- Optimum Mobile offers discounts if you bundle with Optimum Internet, but prices are much higher if you don't.
If you want the cheapest unlimited plan, Total Wireless is the better pick. If you already have Optimum Internet and want to bundle services, Optimum Mobile may be worth considering.
Total Wireless vs Optimum Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Optimum 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 | Prepaid |
| Credit Check | No | No |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | Mon-Fri 8am to 10pm / Sat-Sun 8am to 8pm |
| 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 | Yes |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | No |
| 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 best deal?
- Best for unlimited data → Total Wireless
- Best for Optimum Internet customers → Optimum Mobile
- Best for coverage → Total Wireless
If you want a cheap unlimited plan with no commitments, Total Wireless is the winner. If you're bundling with Optimum Internet and want a small discount, Optimum Mobile might make sense.
See how Total Wireless compares.
Read our full Optimum Mobile review.
Why you can trust me
Choosing a phone plan shouldn't be complicated. However, big wireless often use bundled pricing and hidden fees to make you pay more than necessary.
At MoneySavingPro, we simplify the details and reveal the tactics used to inflate your bills.
I have personally tested providers like Total Wireless, Boost Mobile, Tello, and Mint Mobile along with many others, to evaluate their speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to get the same service for a lower price, you'll find out about it here first.
