Total Wireless (formerly Total by Verizon) is a no-contract mobile carrier running on the Verizon network. Its phone plans offer users the opportunity to get unlimited talk, text, and data at a much lower rate than purchasing directly from Verizon.
With the recent rebrand from Total by Verizon to Total Wireless, the carrier got a big facelift, including plans with desirable perks like Disney+ and a healthy mobile hotspot allowance. Is Total Wireless the right carrier for you? Keep reading to find out.
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#1
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Total Wireless (previously Total by Verizon)
Total MAX 5G BYO Plan
$25.00/mo
with AutoPay ($30 for the first month)
+ $0.99 Upfront
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#2
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Total Wireless (previously Total by Verizon)
Total STARTER Plan
$35.00/mo
with AutoPay ($40 for the first month)
+ $0.99 Upfront
|
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#3
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Total Wireless (previously Total by Verizon)
Total MAX 5G Plan
$50.00/mo
with AutoPay ($55 for the first month)
+ $0.99 Upfront
|
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#4
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Total Wireless (previously Total by Verizon)
Total ALL ACCESS Plan
$60.00/mo
with AutoPay ($65 for the first month)
+ $0.99 Upfront
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Is Total Wireless for you? Pros and cons
Total Wireless is a way to get on the Verizon network without paying Verizon’s prices. Total is especially good for people who prefer to easily buy a plan at a local retail store.
What we love
- Verizon network
- Hotspot and Disney+
- Available in many retail stores
What could be improved
- High prices compared to other MVNOs
- No premium data allowance
75/100
Total Wireless Plans
Total Wireless' unlimited phone plans all include unlimited high-speed data, and range in price from $40/month to $60/month. Features include dedicated mobile hotspot data, international calling and texting, and a subscription to Disney+.
What we like: The Verizon network
Coverage is arguably the most important part of any phone plan. With Total Wireless, you get access to, well, Verizon's network. Why is this notable? Verizon has led the country in overall coverage for years. Total Wireless customers can take advantage of the best 4G LTE network and a growing and reliable 5G network.
What we like: Hotspot and Disney+
MVNO plans tend to lack extra features and perks like dedicated hotspot data and streaming subscriptions. Total Wireless goes against the grain by offering a range of hotspot data, from 5GB to unlimited at 5Mbps speeds, and a free Disney+ subscription.
What we like: Available in many retail stores
One of the most appealing factors of a carrier like Total Wireless is its ease in signing up for service. You don't have to go through a credit check or jump through other hoops. Plus, Total Wireless plans are available to purchase at many big retailers like Walmart and Target, making it even easier to sign up for service. Just buy a starter kit, follow the activation instructions, and you're all set.
What could be improved: Middling prices
Yes, Total Wireless is generally less expensive than signing on directly with Verizon. But if you compare Total with other prepaid MVNOs, you'll see that its prices aren't actually very competitive. You can get far more robust unlimited plans from another Verizon-owned MVNO, Visible, for around the same prices while maintaining the same excellent coverage.
Total Wireless Coverage
Again, one of the best things about Total Wireless is its access to the Verizon network. Big Red has led all carriers in coverage due largely to its excellent 4G LTE coverage in both urban and rural areas of the country. Here's a look at how its network stacks up against the others:
You can choose a network in the map below to see the coverage in your area.
On the other hand, Verizon's 5G coverage ranks last in the nation at just 21%, compared to T-Mobile’s best-in-class 49%. However, the network continues to grow and has some of the most reliable—and fastest—5G service in many of the country's most populated areas.
Total Wireless vs. Competitors
Now that we've looked at Total Wireless, let's see how it compares to other carriers. First, let's see how Total matches up against Verizon.
Total vs. Verizon
Despite being owned by Verizon, Total Wireless is not the same as Verizon. You'll get the same coverage, but you will not get the same high prices with Total. You'll also get smaller allotments of things like hotspot data and premium data. Verizon also offers some of the biggest premium data allotments. Total offers a competitive package at a more affordable price, but Verizon still offers better data to users.
Total Wireless vs. other MVNOs
The former Total by Verizon has some stiff competition from other smaller carriers, also owned by one of the major carriers. Let's see how these similar carriers compare with Total Wireless. Here we compare Total's top-tier plan with the best plans from Visible, Cricket, and Metro by T-Mobile.
Total Unlimited $60 plan vs. MVNOs
| Total Wireless Unlimited $60 |
Visible $35 Unlimited |
Cricket Wireless Supreme Unlimited |
$60 Metro Flex Unlimited Plus |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Premium data | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 35GB |
| Hotspot | Unlimited (5Mbps) | Unlimited (10Mbps) | 50GB |
25GB |
| Perks | Disney+ | None | HBO Max | Amazon Prime |
| Price | $60/month | $35/month | $55/month | $60/month |
Total Wireless vs. Visible
These sibling carriers are both owned by Verizon, so this seems like a natural comparison. Visible has had the advantage of offering one of the best plans for the past couple of years. With a recent overhaul, Visible now offers pretty solid plans. No matter which Visible plan you put against Total's unlimited plans, you see significantly cheaper prices. Plus, the Visible $35 Unlimited plan and $45/month include unlimited premium data. The one advantage Total Wireless' Unlimited $60 plan has over Visible is the Disney+ offering, but even after you add that value, Visible's plan seems much more appealing at a better price. Visible really seems like the better choice of these two Verizon-owned carriers, but for those who like the ease of purchasing a plan at a retail store, Total isn't a bad choice.
- Unlimited premium data
- Disney+ included
- Pricey
- Unlimited premium data
- Low price with taxes and fees included
- No entertainment perks
Total vs. Cricket Wireless
Like Total Wireless, Cricket is owned by one of the major network carriers (AT&T). Both MVNOs also have a $60/month unlimited plan, but with Cricket, you can bring that price down to $55/month with Autopay. Cricket's plan falls short of Total's unlimited hotspot data offering 50GB of hotspot, but that should be plenty for the average user. When it comes to entertainment perks, both offer a subscription: Disney+ from Total Wireless and HBO Max from Cricket. Additionally, both offer unlimited high-speed data even in times of peak network traffic. If spending $5 less per month is most important to you, go with Cricket. If you value unlimited hotspot data more, Total is your choice.
Unlimited $60
- Unlimited mobile hotspot
- Disney+ included
- More expensive
Supreme Unlimited
- Unlimited premium data
- 50GB of mobile hotspot
- No perks
Total Wireless vs. Metro by T-Mobile
Here we have the battle of brand names that are too long because the parent company wanted to be included. Unlike the other MVNOs we've compared to Total, Metro can match Total in perks as it offers Amazon Prime with its $60 Metro Flex Unlimited Plus plan. It includes 25GB of hotspot data, bypassing Total's offering of 20GB. For most people, premium data and Amazon Prime should put Metro's plan over Total's offerings, but the strong retail presence and ease of entry may make Total more appealing to others.
- Unlimited premium data
- Disney+ included
- Limited 5G network
- 35GB premium data
- Amazon Prime included
- T-Mobile 4G LTE coverage is poor in rural areas
Total Wireless Family Plans
Total does something very interesting for its family plans. You'll pay full price for your first line, then $35 for each additional line (up to five lines). You can even mix and match plans to create the perfect balance for each family member’s needs. While we weren't able to see any fine print about it, we suspect Total will charge you full price for the most expensive plan and give you the $35 rate on the lesser plans. You can save some serious money with Total's multi-line discount, especially if all lines are on one of the unlimited plans. Here is an idea of what you technically will be paying for each line on a Total family plan:
Total Wireless family plan monthly prices
| Plan* | 2 lines | 3 lines | 4 lines | 5 lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited $40 plan | $37.50/line | $36.67/line | $36.25/line | $36/line |
| Unlimited $50 plan | $42.70/line | $40/line | $37.50/line | $37/line |
| Unlimited $60 plan | $47.50 | $43.33/line | $41.25/line | $40/line |
* Note that the Total $30 plan is excluded from its family plan offerings.
Total Wireless Phones
Total has a modest selection of phones, including some of the latest Samsung Galaxy phones, Apple iPhones, and more. You can lease your phone through SmartPay, or you may be able to get financing through PayPal. Be prepared to fill out an application for either one of these options. You may be subject to a credit check.
Moto G 5G (2025) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Moto G 5G (2026) 128GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Moto G Power (2026) 128GB
- 6.8 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP
- Front Camera: 32MP
Moto G 5G (2025) 64GB
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 16MP
Galaxy A26 5G
- 6.7 inch display
- Rear Cameras: 50MP, 8MP, 2MP
- Front Camera: 13MP
Bringing your own device to Total
Bringing your own phone to Total Wireless is simple: you just need an unlocked phone. Most CDMA and GSM phones work with Total, meaning compatibility typically isn't an issue; however, you should ensure that your phone works on Total by using its compatibility tool.
Recap: Is Total Wireless right for you?
If you prefer buying your phone service at a nearby retail store, Total Wireless could be right for you. Plenty of people fall under this category, which is exactly why a carrier like Total exists. However, if you want to best deal at the best price, we think there are better plans out there. If you want to stay on the Verizon network, we highly recommend giving Visible a look.
Total's hotspot allowances and Disney+ offering is nice, but we don't think they are nice enough to make Total a slam-dunk choice.
Methodology
Our team used its years of expertise in the mobile industry to analyze each of Total Wireless' plans. To rate the carrier, we factored in network coverage and data limits. We also considered perks like Disney+ and dedicated hotspot allotments. To round out our review, we compared Total's plans to similar plans from some of the carrier's closest competitors.
Total Wireless: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Total Wireless the same as Total by Verizon?
Yes, Total Wireless was formerly Total by Verizon. Verizon rebranded Total Wireless and overhauled its plan offerings.
Does Total Wireless require contracts?
No, Total Wireless does not require contracts. While cell phone service contracts were once commonplace, almost no carriers require contracts today.
Is Total CDMA or GSM?
Total Wireless claims that most CDMA and GSM phones should work with their service. This is likely because most CDMA and GSM networks have been shut down, and carriers are now relying mostly on 4G LTE and 5G to provide service.
Are Total and Visible the same?
No, Total and Visible are not the same. While Verizon owns both Total and Visible, the carriers are separate entities with different plan offerings.
.jpg?w=1000 "Visible Review")
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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