Feeling like your phone bill keeps climbing? T-Mobile's flashy ads promise premium perks and lightning-fast 5G speeds, but are you actually getting more, or just paying more?
Total Wireless runs on Verizon's network, giving you the same reliable coverage without the premium price tag. With prepaid, contract-free plans, you get straightforward pricing, no hidden fees, and no unnecessary extras. Meanwhile, T-Mobile's postpaid plans start at around $65 per month-and that's before taxes, fees, and autopay discounts.
So, is T-Mobile's premium pricing justified, or could you be saving big without losing coverage?
Total Wireless vs T-Mobile: Premium network, lower price
Winner: Total Wireless
T-Mobile's plans start high and only get more expensive, while Total Wireless keeps things simple and affordable.
With Total Wireless, you get unlimited data for $40 per month or premium 5G Ultra Wideband access for $50 to $60 per month. Unlike T-Mobile, taxes and fees are included, so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
T-Mobile, on the other hand, advertises low prices but loads them with fees and restrictions. Their cheapest postpaid unlimited plan starts at $65 per month, but your bill jumps if you don't enroll in autopay.
Unless you burn through more than 100GB of data every month, Total Wireless gives you the same network quality for significantly less.
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 |
T-Mobile plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Essentials | Unlimited | $65 | $780 |
| T-Mobile Magenta | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| T-Mobile Go5G | Unlimited | $80 | $960 |
| T-Mobile Magenta MAX | Unlimited | $90 | $1,080 |
| T-Mobile Go5G Plus | Unlimited | $95 | $1,140 |
T-Mobile vs Total Wireless comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Total Wireless | T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $40/mo | $240/yr |
| Savings | $35/mo | $660/yr | ||
Total Wireless vs T-Mobile coverage
Winner: T-Mobile
Total Wireless operates on Verizon's network, meaning you'll have the same Verizon coverage.
According to OpenSignal's 2025 report, T-Mobile leads in 5G availability, making it a great choice for city dwellers. But RootMetrics' 2024 report ranks Verizon as the most reliable network overall, especially in rural areas.
If you live in a big city, T-Mobile might have an edge in 5G coverage. But if you need nationwide reliability, Total Wireless may be the safer bet.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
T-Mobile coverage
Data speeds: Will you notice a difference?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless offers unlimited high-speed data with no contracts. If you want the fastest speeds, the $50 or $60 per month plans includes access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, giving you premium performance for less than T-Mobile's postpaid plans.
For most people, Total Wireless delivers the same experience without the premium price tag.
Hidden fees & fine print: What's really driving up your T-Mobile bill?
Winner: Total Wireless
T-Mobile's advertised prices require autopay-if you don't sign up, your bill jumps by $5–$10 per month. Taxes and fees aren't included in T-Mobile's pricing either, meaning your actual bill will always be higher than advertised.
Then there are the infamous "free phone" deals. T-Mobile may lock you into a 36-month contract, keeping you tied to expensive plans long after your phone is outdated.
Total Wireless, on the other hand, doesn't play these games. You get transparent pricing, no surprise fees, and no forced autopay discounts.
Total Wireless vs T-Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | T-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 | Postpaid |
| Credit Check | No | Yes |
| Customer Service | Mon-Sun 8am to 11.45pm | Mon-Sun 4am to Midnight PST |
| Money Back Guarantee | No | No |
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Taxes included | Varies by Location | Varies by Location |
| VoLTE | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Calling | Yes | |
| Visual Voicemail | No | |
| Multi-line Discounts | Yes | |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | |
| International Calls | Yes - As add-on | Yes - As add-on |
| International Roaming | No |
Final verdict: Do you actually need T-Mobile?
- Best for saving money → Total Wireless
- Best for coverage → T-Mobile
- Best for high-data users → T-Mobile (but only if you use over 100GB per month)
Unless you need T-Mobile coverage, T-Mobile's pricing just doesn't make sense. Total Wireless offers network reliability on Verizon's network, similar speeds, and no contracts-all at a much lower price.
Check out our Total Wireless review.
Why you can trust me
Big wireless carriers make switching seem complicated-but that's exactly how they keep people overpaying.
At MoneySavingPro, we break down pricing tricks, expose hidden fees, and show you how to cut your phone bill without sacrificing coverage.
I've personally tested Total Wireless, T-Mobile, Mint Mobile and many low-cost carriers to compare speeds, coverage, and pricing. If there's a way to save money without sacrificing quality, you'll hear about it here first.
