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Want to save on your phone bill but not sure which prepaid carrier fits your needs?
Total Wireless and Tracfone both operate on the Verizon network and offer affordable prepaid plans.
Total Wireless is all about unlimited data making it a great option for individuals and families who want more for less. Whereas Tracfone specializes in pay-as-you-go and low-data plans, perfect for light phone users who don't want to commit to a monthly bill.
Total Wireless vs Tracfone plans
Winner: Total Wireless
If you're looking for an affordable unlimited plan, Total Wireless offers a better price with their unlimited plans starting at $40 per month.
Tracfone doesn't offer unlimited plans, the maximum data allowance they offer is 10GB. But their plans shine for occasional users who just need a small amount of minutes and data without a monthly commitment.
If you need unlimited data Total Wireless is the clear winner. If you barely use your phone and prefer a flexible pay-as-you-go plan, Tracfone is a solid choice.
Total Wireless plans
Total Wireless unlimited data plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Total Wireless keeps things simple with no contracts, no hidden fees, and affordable plans on Verizon's network.
With unlimited talk and text, generous high-speed data options, and mobile hotspot included. Plus, international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming in Canada and Mexico make staying connected easier than ever.
Pros
- Verizon 5G coverage
- Hotspot included
- Great phone deals
- International calling to 85+ destinations
- Roaming in Canada & Mexico
Cons
- Only unlimited data plans
- More expensive than others
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $40/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $50/mo |
| Total Wireless unlimited data plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $60/mo |
Tracfone plans
Tracfone 20GB plan
- Verizon coverage
- Unlimited talk and text
- Instant eSIM activation
Pros
- Large plan selection
- Widely available in retail stores
- Unlimited carryover for unused minutes/texts/data
- Good value for very light users
Cons
- Outdated service model (selling minutes/texts/data piecemeal)
- Expensive for moderate to heavy data users
- Overly complex plan structure
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracfone 1GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 1GB | $15/mo |
| Tracfone 4GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 4GB | $20/mo |
| Tracfone 6GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 6GB | $25/mo |
| Tracfone 10GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $30/mo |
| Tracfone 20GB plan | Verizon 5G/4G Coverage | 20GB | $40/mo |
Total Wireless vs Tracfone coverage
Winner: Both
Total Wireless and Tracfone both operate on Verizon's network, offering robust nationwide coverage with dependable service in cities, suburbs, and rural areas.
RootMetrics' 2024 report indicates that Verizon leads in overall network reliability, making both Total Wireless and Tracfone excellent choices for consistent coverage. Furthermore, OpenSignal's 2025 report emphasizes Verizon's 5G reach and call quality.
While both carriers provide similar coverage due to their use of Verizon's network, their plan features, such as data prioritization and hotspot access, may differ.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Tracfone coverage
Tracfone is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
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, whereas Tracfone's pay-as-you-go plans come with limited data, making it ideal for occasional users who don't need constant access to mobile data.
If you need reliable high-speed data, Total Wireless is a great option. If you only use mobile data occasionally, Tracfone offers a cheaper pay-as-you-go solution.
Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Total Wireless
- Total Wireless offers international calling to 85+ destinations and roaming features.
- Tracfone is one of the best pay-as-you-go carriers, ideal for users who don't need a monthly plan.
- Total Wireless offers a small selection of plans but all with unlimited data.
If you want the best price on unlimited data and international features, Total Wireless wins.
Total Wireless vs Tracfone plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Tracfone |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA | CDMA & GSM |
| Mobile Hotspot | Yes | Yes - One plan |
| 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 | No |
| Multi-month Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| 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 pay-as-you-go users → Tracfone
- Best for overall coverage → Both
- Best for international features → Total Wireless
See how Total Wireless compares.
Read our full Tracfone review.
Why you can trust me
Finding the right phone plan shouldn't feel tricky. But that's exactly what big carriers want, to keep people confused and afraid to switch.
At MoneySavingPro, we break down the fine print and expose the sneaky tactics used to inflate your bill.
I've personally tested Total Wireless, Tracfone, Mint Mobile and dozens of other carriers 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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