Do you feel like your phone bill keeps going up, but nothing actually changes? Verizon makes you think you need their expensive plans, but here's the truth-you can get the same reliable coverage for less with Total Wireless.
Total Wireless, is owned by Verizon and operates on Verizon's network. But they offer prepaid, contract-free plans starting at $40 a month. Meanwhile, Verizon's postpaid plans start at $65 per month-and that's before taxes, fees, and autopay requirements.
So, do you actually need Verizon's premium pricing, or could you be saving big without losing coverage?
Total Wireless vs Verizon: Same network, better value
Winner: Total Wireless
Verizon locks you into expensive postpaid plans with pricing tricks, while Total Wireless offers affordable prepaid options with no contracts or hidden fees.
With Total Wireless, you can get unlimited data from $40 per month, or upgrade to a plan that's $50 or $60 per month for access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network.
Verizon, on the other hand, advertises its lowest unlimited plan at $65 per month, but that's before adding taxes, fees, and autopay discounts. And if you sign up for a "free" phone, you'll be locked into a 36-month contract, keeping you stuck in an expensive phone contract.
Unless you burn through over 100GB of data every month, Total Wireless gives you the same service at a much lower 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 |
Verizon plans
| Plan | Data | Monthly Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon Unlimited Welcome | Unlimited | $70 | $840 |
| Verizon Unlimited Plus | Unlimited | $75 | $900 |
| Verizon Unlimited Ultimate | Unlimited | $85 | $1,020 |
Verizon vs Total Wireless comparison
Keep your Verizon phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
| Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G/5G Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $75/mo | $900/yr |
| Total Wireless | Verizon 4G & 5G | Unlimited | $40/mo | $240/yr |
| Savings | $35/mo | $660/yr | ||
Total Wireless vs Verizon coverage
Winner: Both
Total Wireless operates on Verizon's network, meaning coverage is the same whether you go with Total Wireless or Verizon.
Verizon consistently ranks as one of the most reliable networks, offering strong performance across both urban and rural areas. According to RootMetrics' 2024 report, Verizon is the most reliable network overall, and OpenSignal's 2025 report confirms its strong nationwide performance.
The only difference? Verizon may prioritize its own customers over Total Wireless users in high-traffic areas. That means in places like stadiums or city centers, Verizon postpaid customers might get slightly better speeds. But unless you spend a lot of time in crowded areas, this won't make a difference in everyday use.
Total Wireless coverage
Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.
View Total Wireless coverage map
Verizon coverage
Data speeds: Will you actually notice a difference?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless offers unlimited high-speed data with no contracts. If you want the fastest speeds, the $50 and $60 per month plans include access to Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband, giving you premium network performance for less than Verizon's postpaid plans.
Unless you regularly use over 100GB per month, you'll get the same experience for a fraction of the price with Total Wireless.
Hidden fees & fine print: What's really driving up your Verizon bill?
Winner: Total Wireless
Total Wireless keeps pricing simple and upfront, while Verizon's postpaid plans come loaded with extra costs and restrictions.
- Verizon's prices require autopay-without it, your bill increases by $5–$10 per month.
- Taxes and fees aren't included, meaning your actual bill is always higher than advertised.
- "Free phone" deals can lock you into 36-month contracts, forcing you to stay on Verizon's expensive plans long after your phone is outdated.
With Total Wireless, what you see is what you pay. There are no contracts, no surprise fees, and no forced autopay discounts.
Total Wireless vs Verizon plan features
| Carrier Features | Total Wireless | Verizon |
|---|---|---|
| Networks | Verizon | Verizon |
| Data Speed | 5G & 4G LTE | 5G & 4G LTE |
| 3G Network | CDMA | CDMA |
| 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-Sat 8am to 7pm / Sun- 8am to 5pm |
| 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 Verizon?
- Best for saving money → Total Wireless
- Best for coverage → Both
- Best for high-data users → Both
Unless you need in-store support there's no reason to overpay for Verizon's plans. Total Wireless offers the same 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, Verizon, Visible and dozens of other 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.
