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Total Wireless vs Spectrum Mobile: Simple plans or internet bundle perks?

I've compared Total Wireless & Spectrum Mobile plans, coverage & features.

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Wondering if bundling your internet and mobile service is the best way to save?

Total Wireless and Spectrum Mobile both offer affordable prepaid plans, but they take very different approaches to pricing.

Total Wireless focuses on low-cost unlimited plans making it a great option for those looking to cut costs without extra fees. While Spectrum Mobile ties its best deals to Spectrum Internet, offering cheaper rates if you already have their home internet. But if you don't, it's not such a great deal.

Total Wireless vs Spectrum Mobile plans

Winner: Total Wireless

Available to anyone, not limited to bundling makes Total Wireless the winner here. If you're looking for an affordable unlimited plan, Total Wireless unlimited plans start at $40 per month, making it one of the cheapest options for individuals.

Spectrum Mobile's plans start at $14 per month for 1GB, but their unlimited plan only costs $30 per month if you're an internet customer-otherwise, you can't even sign up.

Unless you don't have Spectrum Internet, Total Wireless is the clear winner. If you're already a Spectrum Internet customer, you could get a good deal on unlimited data.

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

Spectrum Mobile plans

Image of cell phone with Spectrum Mobile

Spectrum Mobile unlimited data plan

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
  • Unlimited talk, text and data
  • Instant online activation
View Plans
CarrierNetworkDataPrice
Spectrum Mobile 1GB planVerizon 5G/4G Coverage1GB$20/mo
Spectrum Mobile unlimited data planVerizon 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$30/mo
Spectrum Mobile unlimited data planVerizon 5G/4G CoverageUnltd$40/mo

Total Wireless vs Spectrum Mobile coverage

Winner: Both

Total Wireless and Spectrum Mobile both operate on Verizon's network, giving them nationwide coverage with strong reliability in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon ranks highest in overall reliability, making both carriers excellent choices for consistent coverage. Meanwhile, OpenSignal's 2025 analysis highlights Verizon's 5G availability and call quality performance.

Since both carriers use the same network, coverage will be the same. However, Spectrum Mobile also offers Wi-Fi hotspot access for Spectrum Internet customers, which may help offload data usage in some areas.

Total Wireless coverage

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

View Total Wireless coverage map

Total Wireless coverage map

Spectrum Mobile coverage

Spectrum Mobile is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Spectrum Mobile coverage map

Spectrum Mobile coverage map


Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?

Winner: Total Wireless

Total Wireless offers unlimited plans with access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, where it's available.

Spectrum Mobile's unlimited plan includes a high-speed data allowance, but their by-the-gig pricing model lets you pay for only what you use.

If you're a heavy data user, Total Wireless is the better deal. If you use minimal data and have Spectrum Internet, Spectrum's pay-as-you-go plan might work for you.


Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?

Winner: Total Wireless

  • Total Wireless offers unlimited plans and is available to everyone.
  • Spectrum Mobile offers major discounts, but only if you already have Spectrum Internet.
  • Both carriers allow mobile hotspot use, but Spectrum Mobile charges extra for high-speed hotspot data.

Total Wireless vs Spectrum Mobile plan features

Carrier FeaturesTotal WirelessSpectrum Mobile
NetworksVerizonVerizon
Data Speed5G & 4G LTE5G & 4G LTE
3G NetworkCDMACDMA
Mobile HotspotYesYes
Bring Your PhoneYesYes
Keep Your NumberYesYes
ContractYes - PrepaidPrepaid
Credit CheckNoNo
Customer ServiceMon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm24/7
Money Back GuaranteeNoNo
5GYesYes
Taxes includedVaries by LocationVaries by Location
VoLTEYesYes
WiFi CallingYesYes
Visual VoicemailNoYes
Multi-line DiscountsYesNo
Multi-month DiscountsYesNo
International CallsYes - As add-onYes - Canada and Mexico
International RoamingNoYes

Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?

  • Best for unlimited data → Total Wireless
  • Best for Spectrum Internet customers → Spectrum Mobile
  • Best for coverage → Both

If you want an unlimited plan, Total Wireless is the winner. If you already have Spectrum Internet and want to bundle, Spectrum Mobile may be a good option.

See how Total Wireless compares.

Read our full Spectrum Mobile review.


Why you can trust me

Selecting the perfect phone plan shouldn't be a matter of guesswork. Yet, that's what major carriers prefer, with their bundled pricing and hidden fees causing customers to overpay.

At MoneySavingPro, we analyze the details and reveal the hidden tactics used to increase your bill.

I have personally evaluated Total Wireless, Mint Mobile, Tello, US Mobile and many other low-cost carriers to assess their speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to receive the same service for a lower cost, you'll be the first to know about it here.

Total Wireless comparison guides

Spectrum Mobile comparison guides

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