Are you fed up with paying too much for unlimited data?
Total Wireless and Straight Talk both operate on Verizon's network but can help you cut the cost of your bill without sacrificing coverage.
Total Wireless keeps things simple with just unlimited plans while Straight Talk, backed by Walmart, offers more plan variety, but their unlimited options tend to cost more than Total Wireless's.
Total Wireless vs Straight Talk plans
Winner: Total Wireless
If you're looking for an affordable unlimited plan, Total Wireless offers a better price. Their unlimited plan starts at $40 per month, making it one of the cheapest options for single-line users.
Straight Talk offers more plan choices, ranging from 5GB to fully unlimited data, but their unlimited plans are more expensive than Total Wireless's.
If you need unlimited data for less, Total Wireless is the better choice. If you prefer having more plan options, Straight Talk offers flexibility-but at a higher price.
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 |
Straight Talk plans
Straight Talk unlimited data plan
- Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Talk 10GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $35/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $45/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $55/mo |
| Straight Talk unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $65/mo |
Total Wireless vs Straight Talk coverage
Winner: Both
Total Wireless and Straight Talk both provide coverage on Verizon's network, ensuring strong nationwide service with reliable performance in cities, suburbs, and rural areas.
According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon ranks highest in overall network reliability, making both carriers solid choices for dependable coverage. Additionally, OpenSignal's 2025 report highlights Verizon's 5G reach and call performance, reinforcing its strong nationwide footprint.
Since both carriers use Verizon, coverage quality will be the same, but plan features like data prioritization and hotspot access may vary.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Straight Talk coverage
Straight Talk is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Straight Talk coverage map
Data speeds: Which carrier delivers better performance?
Winner: Total Wireless
As both low-cost carriers are Verizon owned, the unlimited plans for both Total Wireless and Straight Talk provide access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, where it's available.
Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Total Wireless
- Total Wireless offers unlimited plans at a lower starting price.
- Straight Talk offers more plan variety, but its unlimited plans cost significantly more.
- Both carriers allow mobile hotspot use, but Straight Talk includes more high-speed hotspot data on its highest plan.
- Total Wireless has better international calling options if you have loved ones abroad.
If you want the best price on unlimited data Total Wireless is the better pick. If you prefer a wider variety of plans, Straight Talk may be worth considering.
Total Wireless vs Straight Talk plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Straight Talk |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes - with certain plans |
| 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-Sun 8am to 11.45pm |
| 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 | Yes |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | No |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No | No |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for unlimited data → Total Wireless
- Best for plan variety → Straight Talk
- Best for overall coverage → Both
- Best for international calling → Total Wireless
If you want an affordable unlimited plan and international calling, Total Wireless is the winner. If you prefer having more plan options and don't mind paying extra, Straight Talk may be worth the higher cost.
See how Total Wireless compares.
Read our full Straight Talk review.
Why you can trust me
Picking the right phone plan shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle. But that's exactly what big carriers want to do. 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, Straight Talk, Tello and many more 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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