REALLY vs Total by Verizon: Which Carrier is Better?

Really vs. Total by Verizon—two budget-friendly carriers that bring serious value to the table. Whether you're looking for straightforward pricing, reliable coverage, or perks that match your lifestyle, this comparison has you covered. Let’s break it down and find out which one deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Here’s what’s in store:

• A side-by-side look at coverage and reliability to see how these carriers stack up
• A clear breakdown of pricing and what you’re getting with each plan
• A highlight reel of the unique perks that make each provider stand out

Compare Total by Verizon to other Carriers

• Visible, a Verizon-owned MVNO, provides affordable unlimited data plans with reliable nationwide coverage.
• Verizon, one of the largest U.S. carriers, offers reliable coverage, fast 5G speeds, and a range of plans.
• Boost Mobile, owned by Dish Network, is the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the United States, offering affordable prepaid plans with nationwide coverage.
• Boost Infinite, owned by Dish, offers postpaid unlimited plans with nationwide coverage, leveraging Dish’s growing 5G network.

REALLY Overview

Really keeps it simple and affordable with straightforward plans and zero hidden fees. Backed by T-Mobile’s reliable 4G LTE and 5G network, it offers solid nationwide coverage, excelling in urban areas. With no contracts, credit checks, or surprise charges, Really is all about transparency. You’ll enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data, plus hotspot access—making it an easy, budget-friendly choice for staying connected without the hassle.

Total by Verizon Overview

Total by Verizon (formerly Total Wireless) runs on Verizon’s powerful network, offering reliable service and extensive coverage across the U.S. While its pricing is slightly higher than some budget carriers, its multi-line discounts make it a solid choice for families or groups. With no contracts and flexible prepaid plans, Total by Verizon combines convenience and value, making it easy to find a plan that fits your needs.

REALLY Coverage

Really uses T-Mobile’s dependable 4G LTE and 5G networks, offering excellent coverage, particularly in urban and suburban areas. While it performs well in most regions, rural or remote locations might see less consistent service—so checking Really's coverage map before you commit is a smart idea. If T-Mobile’s network is strong where you live, Really delivers a simple, no-fuss way to stay connected.

Total by Verizon Coverage

Total by Verizon, a Verizon-powered MVNO, offers fast speeds and reliable service on one of the most extensive networks in the U.S. Unlike other MVNOs that use AT&T or T-Mobile’s networks, Total by Verizon takes advantage of Verizon’s wide-reaching coverage. Not sure if it’s the right fit for your area? Check Total by Verizon’s coverage map to compare tower locations and ensure it meets your connectivity needs.

Coverage Comparison

Backed by T-Mobile’s robust 4G LTE and 5G networks, Really delivers reliable coverage in urban and suburban areas. However, its reach in rural or remote locations can be less consistent.

Leveraging Verizon’s extensive network, Total by Verizon provides strong coverage across cities, suburbs, and even rural areas. Its widespread reach makes it a dependable choice for those in remote locations or frequently on the go.

If you’re based in a city or suburb, Really’s coverage should serve you well. For rural areas or cross-country travel, Total by Verizon’s network offers better reliability and peace of mind.

REALLY Plans

Limitless Plan (Monthly

Really’s flagship plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data with no contracts or hidden fees. It’s an excellent option for individuals and families, with discounted rates for additional lines.

Cost: $99/month + $60 per additional line
Pros: Transparent pricing, unlimited data, no contracts
Cons: Higher cost for single-line users compared to competitors
Best for: Individuals or families needing unlimited service with flexible add-on options

Limitless Plan (Founding Member)

This exclusive plan rewards Founding Members with unlimited talk, text, and data at a discounted rate. Additional lines are even more affordable, making it ideal for early adopters.

Cost: $49/month (Founding Member rate) or $99/month + $38 per additional line
Pros: Great savings for Founding Members, discounted rates for additional lines
Cons: Limited availability to Founding Members only
Best for: Founding Members seeking affordable unlimited service with added flexibility

Family Plan

Really’s Family Plan is built for families of all sizes, offering unlimited talk, text, and data. Pricing adjusts based on the number of lines, ensuring flexibility and scalability.

Cost: Contact Really for pricing
Pros: Customizable for families, flexible and scalable options
Cons: Requires contacting customer service for pricing details
Best for: Families looking for tailored plans with unlimited connectivity

Business Plan

The Business Plan is designed for businesses, offering unlimited talk, text, and data with flexible pricing tailored to specific needs.

Cost: Contact Really for pricing
Pros: Scalable and customizable for business needs
Cons: Pricing details require consultation
Best for: Businesses needing reliable, flexible plans for multiple lines

Total by Verizon Plans

Unlimited+ Plan with Unlimited Data

The Unlimited+ plan is Total by Verizon’s premium option, offering great value for heavy data users. With this plan, you’ll get unlimited data with high-speed access for the first 30GB. After hitting the cap, speeds drop to 2G—good enough for basic tasks like messaging or light browsing, but not ideal for streaming or gaming without Wi-Fi. It also includes 20GB of dedicated mobile hotspot data, which slows after the cap. Plus, you’ll enjoy a Disney+ subscription as long as your plan stays active.

Cost: $60/month for one line, or $57 with Autopay
Pros: Separate hotspot data, Disney+ included
Cons: High-speed data capped at 30GB
Best for: Frequent travelers who need reliable data and extra perks.

Unlimited Plan

The Unlimited plan offers unlimited data with 30GB of high-speed access before speeds drop to 2G. While this plan is great for average users, it might not be enough for heavy streamers or gamers. It also includes 10GB of hotspot data (slows after the cap) and 6 months of Disney+ Premium access, giving you solid value for the price.

Cost: $50/month for one line, or $47.50 with Autopay
Pros: Separate mobile hotspot data, Disney+ included for six months
Cons: Slower speeds after 30GB, limited Disney+ access
Best for: Average data users looking for a balance of features and affordability.

15GB Plan

The 15GB plan is a budget-friendly option with 15GB of high-speed data, after which speeds drop to 2G. The data can also be used for hotspot access, but this stops entirely once you hit the cap.

Cost: $40/month for one line, or $38 with Autopay
Pros: Hotspot access, reasonable data amount
Cons: No high-speed data after the cap
Best for: Light to moderate data users.

5GB Plan

The 5GB plan is Total by Verizon’s most affordable option, offering 5GB of high-speed data before speeds slow to 2G. It includes hotspot access, but once your data is gone, so is your hotspot. This plan has the highest cost per GB, making it less cost-effective for regular users.

Cost: $30/month for one line, or $28.50 with Autopay
Pros: Hotspot access included
Cons: High cost per GB, very limited data
Best for: Light data users on a tight budget.

Family Plan Options

Total by Verizon offers discounts for families, allowing up to 5 lines on a single account. Discounts apply to the 15GB, Unlimited, and Unlimited+ plans, with savings increasing as more lines are added. However, the 5GB plan doesn’t include multi-line discounts.

Cost: Varies based on the plan and number of lines
Pros: Significant savings for families
Cons: No discounts for the 5GB plan
Best for: Families looking to share affordable, flexible plans.

Plan Comparison

Really plans keep things simple with unlimited options that have no hidden fees or surprises. The flagship Limitless Plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and data, with discounts for additional lines. With transparent pricing and no-contract flexibility, Really is perfect for individuals or families who want hassle-free service at a great price.

Total by Verizon plans offer a wide range of choices to suit different needs, from budget-friendly options like the 5GB plan at $30/month to premium unlimited plans with perks such as Disney+ and mobile hotspot data. Plus, family discounts make it a solid choice for households or anyone looking for more flexible options.

Choose Really if you’re after simple, straightforward unlimited plans with no frills. Go with Total by Verizon if you want more variety, family discounts, or extra perks like hotspot data and streaming access.

Key Differences Between REALLY and Total by Verizon

Unlimited Data Prioritization and Throttling

Really Mobile stands out with its Decentralized Wireless Network (DeWi), which moves away from the traditional model of relying on company-owned towers like T-Mobile’s. Instead, it taps into a community-driven approach where users become active participants, helping build and expand the network through antennas installed in their neighborhoods. This innovative model not only ensures reliable coverage but also gives users the chance to contribute directly to the network’s growth.

Total's Unlimited Data plans offer fast speeds up to 30GB or 40GB, depending on the plan. After that, speeds slow down to 2G, which can affect things like streaming or gaming. This slowdown helps manage network congestion and ensures a stable experience for all users. If you're a heavy data user, you might notice the drop in speed once you hit the cap.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Really makes customer support simple and accessible through email, their website, and social media DMs. Their team is responsive, focused on providing quick and hassle-free assistance whenever you need it. However, if you prefer resolving issues over the phone, the absence of phone support could be a drawback.

Total by Verizon offers customer support entirely through remote channels, as they don’t have physical stores. You can reach their team via chat or phone, with support available daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST. Whether you prefer chatting online or speaking with a rep, Total ensures efficient help without the need for in-person visits.

The Verdict

If you want straightforward pricing and unlimited plans with no extra hassle, Really is your best bet. Their simple, no-frills approach and community-powered network ensure solid coverage and a smooth experience, making it perfect for individuals or families who want reliable service without complications.

However, if you're looking for more plan options, added perks like Disney+, and multi-line discounts, Total by Verizon offers more flexibility. With a range of plans and the dependability of Verizon’s network, it’s a great option for heavy data users and those who need a little more variety.

Really is ideal for those who value simplicity and affordable plans, while Total by Verizon suits users seeking extra features, more flexibility, and the security of a major network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Really and Total by Verizon’s networks compare in terms of speed and reliability?

When comparing Really vs. Total by Verizon, both mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) provide strong network coverage, but the experience can vary based on location. Really uses T-Mobile’s network, offering solid coverage in urban and suburban areas, though poor coverage might occur in rural or remote locations. Total by Verizon, on the other hand, operates on Verizon's network, which is known for its reliable service, especially in more rural areas. For those looking for truly unlimited data, Verizon wireless typically provides more consistent data speeds in areas where coverage is critical.

Do Really and Total by Verizon offer perks for international travel?

When it comes to international talk, Total by Verizon offers roaming agreements that allow you to stay connected while abroad, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the fine print for specific roaming charges. Really may not have built-in international features in their cell phone plans, so if you're an international traveler, you’ll want to explore how much data you can use overseas or add a roaming option for international coverage.

Can I bring my own device to Really or Total by Verizon?

Yes, Really and Total by Verizon allow you to bring your own device, as long as it’s unlocked. If you’re a Verizon customer or coming from Verizon wireless, you’ll be able to bring a Verizon prepaid phone as long as it’s compatible with Verizon's network. Really, however, works off T-Mobile’s towers, so you’ll want to check compatibility with their network. Both carriers let you keep your phone selection when you switch, making it easy to stay with the device you already love.

Are there any data limits or throttling after a certain usage threshold with Really and Total by Verizon?

Both Really and Total by Verizon offer unlimited high-speed data in their plans, but deprioritized data can kick in once you exceed a certain amount. Really provides unlimited talk and unlimited data, but speeds may drop after 30GB, particularly in areas with high traffic. Similarly, Total Wireless plans offer unlimited data with speeds capped at 30GB or 40GB, depending on the plan. After reaching these limits, speeds are throttled to 2G, which can impact things like streaming and gaming.

What are the benefits of Really’s Decentralized Wireless Network (DeWi)?

Really’s unique Decentralized Wireless Network (DeWi) offers a community-driven approach to coverage. Unlike other prepaid carriers, Really lets users contribute to the network by installing antennas, helping to expand coverage where it’s needed most. This innovative model can help provide better deals in areas with traditionally poor coverage. Whether you’re in a major carrier coverage area or not, Really’s network ensures more money stays in your pocket while offering a reliable service built by direct customers.