Want to save money on your phone bill but need the best plan for your lifestyle?
Total Wireless is all about low-cost unlimited plans, making it ideal for heavy data users. While Ultra Mobile specializes in international calling, offering affordable plans with free calls and texts to dozens of countries.
So, do you go for Total Wireless's unlimited data, or does Ultra Mobile's international perks make it the better choice?
Total Wireless vs Ultra Mobile plans
Winner: Total Wireless
If you're looking for an affordable unlimited plan, Total Wireless offers a better price. Their unlimited plans start at $40 per month.
Ultra Mobile focuses on smaller data plans with free international calling, making it a great choice for users who frequently call abroad. However, their unlimited plan costs more than Total Wireless's base plan.
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 |
Ultra Mobile plans
Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan
- T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network
- Unlimited talk, text and data
- Instant online activation
| Carrier | Network | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited talk & text plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 0GB | $15/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 3GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 3GB | $10/mo |
| Ultra Mobile unlimited data plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | Unltd | $20/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 5GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 5GB | $19/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 10GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 10GB | $24/mo |
| Ultra Mobile 15GB plan | T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage | 15GB | $30/mo |
Total Wireless vs Ultra Mobile coverage
Winner: Ultra Mobile
Total Wireless operates on Verizon's network, offering strong nationwide coverage, particularly in rural areas. Ultra Mobile runs on T-Mobile's network, which excels in urban areas and leads in 5G availability.
According to OpenSignal's 2025 report, Verizon ranks highest for call reliability and rural performance, while T-Mobile is the leader in 5G coverage and speeds.
If you prioritize fast data in metro areas, Ultra Mobile is the better pick, but if you need a more extensive rural network, Total Wireless may be a stronger option.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Ultra Mobile coverage
Ultra Mobile is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Ultra 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. Ultra Mobile's unlimited plan includes 35GB of high-speed data, but it costs $49 per month-$9 more than Total Wireless's base unlimited plan.
So if you need unlimited data, Total Wireless plans offer better value for money.
Extra features: Which carrier gives you more?
Winner: Depends on what you need
- Total Wireless offers a simple choice of unlimited plans.
- Ultra Mobile includes free international calling to 90+ countries, a big plus for people with family or friends abroad.
- Total Wireless offers international calling to 85+ countries and roaming features.
If you want the best price on unlimited data, Total Wireless has the edge. If you frequently call internationally, Ultra Mobile is worth considering, especially if you don't need unlimited data.
Total Wireless vs Ultra Mobile plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Ultra 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 | 6am to 6pm |
| 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 - Includes 80 countries |
| International Roaming | No | Yes |
Final verdict: Which carrier is the best deal?
- Best for unlimited data → Total Wireless
- Best for international calling → Ultra Mobile
- Best for coverage → Ultra Mobile
Find out more with our Total Wireless review.
Read our full Ultra Mobile review.
Why you can trust me
Choosing a phone plan shouldn't be a complicated decision. But that's exactly what big carriers want-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, Ultra Mobile, and dozens of other providers 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.
Total Wireless comparison guides
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Ultra Mobile comparison guides
- Boost Mobile vs Ultra Mobile
- Mint Mobile vs Ultra Mobile
- Red Pocket vs Ultra Mobile
- Tello vs Ultra Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Consumer Cellular
- Ultra Mobile vs Cricket Wireless
- Ultra Mobile vs Lycamobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Metro by T-Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Spectrum Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Straight Talk
- Ultra Mobile vs Total by Verizon
- Ultra Mobile vs US Mobile
- Ultra Mobile vs Xfinity Mobile
