Total vs Mint Mobile: Which Carrier is Better?

Trying to choose between Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile? Both carriers bring distinct advantages, with Mint Mobile offering affordable plans with great value and Total Wireless providing reliable coverage on Verizon’s network, making them both solid choices for budget-conscious users.

In this article, we’ll highlight the key benefits of each carrier, providing you with the information needed to make an informed choice. After thoroughly reviewing smartphones and cell phone plans from major providers, we’ve gathered the most reliable details. Here’s what you can expect:

• A comprehensive coverage comparison between the two carriers
• A breakdown of pricing and features for each plan
• An overview of the standout perks offered by each carrier

Compare Mint Mobile to other Carriers

• PureTalk, an AT&T MVNO, offers affordable, no-contract plans with nationwide 5G coverage.
• Spectrum Mobile, a Verizon MVNO, offers affordable mobile services exclusively to Spectrum Internet customers.
• US Mobile, a flexible MVNO on Verizon and T-Mobile networks, offers customizable plans to fit a wide range of needs.
• Xfinity Mobile, a Verizon MVNO, is exclusively available to Xfinity Internet customers and offers affordable plans with access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots nationwide.
• Boost Infinite, owned by Dish, offers postpaid unlimited plans with nationwide coverage, leveraging Dish’s growing 5G network.

Total Overview

Total is an MVNO that runs on Verizon’s network, offering great service, reliable coverage, and a solid selection of cell phone plans. While its plans can be on the pricier side, the multi-line savings make them a more attractive option. This MVNO has plenty of positives to offer, known for its no-contract cell phone plans and impressive multi-line discounts, starting with a prepaid plan is a great way to experience Total's service firsthand.

Mint Mobile Overview

Mint Mobile, a prominent MVNO, gained widespread attention after being acquired by Ryan Reynolds. The Mint Mobile app plays a crucial role in managing the service, including checking data usage and adding international roaming credits, and guides users through the setup process after activating a SIM card. Using T-Mobile’s nationwide network, it delivers reliable coverage along with competitively priced plans. The Mint Mobile network is known for its call and text reliability, ensuring consistent performance across various regions. Unlike many providers, Mint Mobile rewards customers who opt for longer-term contracts rather than offering discounts for multiple lines.

Total: Speed and Coverage

Total by Verizon utilizes Verizon’s network to provide users with some of the fastest speeds available. As an MVNO, Total by Verizon buys coverage from one of the major network providers, in this case, Verizon, while other MVNOs may rely on AT&T or T-Mobile’s networks. Verizon's network can be significantly congested in many areas, leading to poor performance for even basic tasks for users in densely populated regions.

The ideal coverage depends largely on your location, so it’s important to compare coverage maps for your specific area. Total by Verizon offers a coverage map that allows you to view the locations of cellular towers and determine which carrier’s network provides the best service in your region. By comparing coverage information, you can identify which of the top three network providers best meets your needs.

Mint Mobile: Speed and Coverage on T Mobile's Network

Mint Mobile operates on T-Mobile’s extensive 5G and 4G LTE networks, offering reliable coverage throughout most of the United States. The Mint Mobile plan includes features such as international calling options and access to T-Mobile's network, providing affordability and flexibility with options like international roaming credits and calls to Mexico and Canada. By leveraging T-Mobile’s infrastructure, Mint Mobile provides access to high-speed data and reliable 5G service. T-Mobile is working to expand its 5G coverage to reach over 90% of the country in the near future, and while this goal isn’t fully achieved yet, T-Mobile’s extensive network of towers already ensures strong connectivity in many regions.

T-Mobile customers benefit from faster data speeds, especially in congested areas, which could affect the overall experience of users relying on essential applications and calls. For the best experience, check Mint Mobile’s coverage map to confirm service availability in your area.

Coverage Comparison

Total by Verizon offers more consistent coverage in rural areas thanks to Verizon's infrastructure, while Mint Mobile excels in areas with strong T-Mobile service. The best choice depends on your location—be sure to check coverage maps to see which provider offers better service where you live.

Total Prepaid Plans

Unlimited+

The Unlimited+ plan is Total by Verizon’s top-tier offering, providing the most value for customers. This plan includes unlimited data with full-speed access until you hit the 30GB cap. After that, speeds drop to 2G, which allows you to browse social media and send emails or texts, but streaming and gaming without Wi-Fi may become challenging. You also get 20GB of mobile hotspot data, which slows down once the cap is reached. As a bonus, this plan includes a premium Disney+ membership for as long as the plan remains active.

The Unlimited+ plan costs $60 for one line, or $57 with the Autopay discount. At full price, you get 50GB for $1.20 per GB.

Pros: Separate hotspot data, Disney+
Cons: Low data cap for the price (excluding hotspot data)
Best for: Ideal for frequent travelers.

Unlimited

The Unlimited plan is another solid option, offering unlimited data with 30GB of high-speed data. Once the 30GB cap is reached, data speeds drop to 2G, making it hard to stream or game without Wi-Fi. This plan comes with 10GB of mobile hotspot data, which also slows after the cap is reached, plus 6 months of Disney+ premium access.

The Unlimited plan costs $50 for one line, or $47.50 with the 5% Autopay discount. At full price, you get 40GB for $1.25 per GB.

Pros: Separate mobile hotspot data
Cons: Limited Disney+ access
Best for: Great for average data users.

15GB

The 15GB plan provides 15GB of full-speed data, and speeds slow to 2G once the cap is exceeded. You can also use the 15GB for hotspot data, but the hotspot access will stop once the data cap is reached.

This plan costs $40 for one line, or $38 with the Autopay discount. At full price, you get 15GB for $2.67 per GB.

Pros: Hotspot access, decent data amount
Cons: Data deprioritized after the cap
Best for: Light to average data users.

5GB

The 5GB plan offers the smallest data allotment but is the most expensive on a per-GB basis. It provides 5GB of full-speed data, with 2G speeds once the cap is reached. Hotspot access is included, but it stops after you hit the data cap.

The 5GB plan costs $30 per month for one line, or $28.50 with the Autopay discount. At full price, you get 5GB for $6 per GB.

Pros: Hotspot access
Cons: Expensive compared to other plans
Best for: Light data users.

Family Plan Options

Total by Verizon offers discounts on multiple lines. You can add up to 5 lines to one account, with discounts applied per line depending on how many lines you purchase on the 15GB, Unlimited, and Unlimited+ plans. However, the 5GB plan does not offer any line discounts

Mint Mobile Plans

Unlimited Data (40GB)

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Data plan offers 40GB of high-speed data, making it an excellent choice for heavy data users. After reaching the 40GB cap, speeds drop to 3G, which supports texting, emailing, and light browsing but may struggle with streaming or gaming without Wi-Fi.

Pricing starts at $30/month for the first 3 months, then $40/month for every 3-month renewal. Opting for a 6-month package costs $35/month, while the 12-month option reduces the rate back to $30/month, equating to just $0.60 per GB for 50GB of data.

Pros: 40GB of high-speed data, 10GB mobile hotspot
Cons: 480p SD streaming
Best for: Heavy data users seeking affordability.

20GB Plan

The 20GB plan caters to average users, aligning with the typical monthly data usage. For the first 3 months, the plan costs $25/month. A 6-month renewal increases the rate to $35/month, but the 12-month plan reduces it back to $25/month, making it $1.25 per GB.

Pros: 20GB of full-speed data
Cons: No dedicated hotspot or unlimited data
Best for: Moderate data users.

15GB Plan

Ideal for light to average data needs, the 15GB plan offers flexibility, with all 15GB available for mobile hotspot use. The first 3 months cost $20/month, then $35/month for subsequent 3-month renewals. The 6-month option is $25/month, while the 12-month package returns to $20/month, equating to $1.33 per GB.

Pros: High-speed data with hotspot capability
Cons: Limited to 15GB
Best for: Light to moderate users.

5GB Plan

This 5GB plan is best for those who rely primarily on Wi-Fi and need minimal mobile data. All 5GB can be used as hotspot data. Pricing begins at $15/month for the first 3 months, increases to $25 for 3-month renewals, and costs $20/month for a 6-month package. The 12-month plan reverts to $15/month, totaling $3 per GB.

Pros: Extremely budget-friendly
Cons: Limited data allowance
Best for: Light data users or those relying heavily on Wi-Fi.

Family Plan Options

Mint Mobile’s family plans offer flexibility and affordability, accommodating up to 5 lines per account. Each line can select its own data plan, whether unlimited or as low as 5GB. Pricing remains consistent with Mint Mobile’s standard rates—for instance, unlimited data costs $30/month per line. Family plans are available in 3-month increments, ensuring savings and adaptability for families.

Plan Comparison

Total by Verizon plans offer more premium options, especially for those who need higher data caps and more mobile hotspot data, while Mint Mobile plans stand out for its budget-friendly pricing, especially on longer-term plans.

Key Differences Between Total and Mint Mobile

Unlimited Data Prioritization and Throttling

Total's Unlimited Data plans provide high-speed data up to a certain limit (30GB or 40GB). Once you hit the cap, speeds are reduced to 2G, which may impact activities like streaming or gaming. This throttling is designed to manage network traffic and maintain service quality for all users. However, if you're a heavy data user, you might notice slower speeds once you reach the cap.

Mint Mobile, as an MVNO, relies on T-Mobile’s network, which can experience slower speeds during peak congestion times, especially in large cities like New York and Chicago. In these high-traffic areas, heavy usage from locals and commuters can strain the network, resulting in slower data speeds. Special events, such as concerts or sports games, can exacerbate congestion, affecting all users. Mint Mobile customers may notice slower speeds compared to those on major networks.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Total by Verizon offers customer service exclusively through remote channels, as they don’t operate physical stores. You can reach their support team via chat or phone, both of which are available daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST. Whether you prefer online messaging or speaking directly with a customer service representative, Total’s customer support is designed to assist you efficiently without the need for in-person visits.

Mint Mobile offers reliable customer service with convenient support options, including a dedicated phone line at 1 (800) 683-7392 and a live chat feature on their website. Unlike some carriers where customer service can be frustrating, Mint Mobile stands out for providing helpful and efficient assistance. Whether you need help with plan issues, coverage concerns, or device problems, their support team is generally quick to resolve issues, making the experience smoother and more pleasant compared to other providers. Mint customers generally appreciate the straightforward customer support, user-friendly app, and reliable service.

The Verdict

Total by Verizon is a solid choice for users seeking reliable coverage and premium service, leveraging Verizon’s extensive network for fast speeds and dependable performance. It’s especially ideal for families, with multi-line discounts and flexible options. However, users may find the plans on the pricier side, and throttling after reaching data caps can be a downside for heavy data users.

On the other hand, Mint Mobile is a great option for budget-conscious users who prioritize flexibility and are comfortable with throttled data after their high-speed limits are exceeded. With competitive pricing, especially for those willing to commit to multi-month plans, Mint offers good coverage through T-Mobile’s network, although users in high-traffic areas may experience slower speeds.

Ultimately, both carriers offer strong plans, but your decision may come down to which features matter most to you—whether it's Total by Verizon’s premium coverage and reliability or Mint Mobile’s budget-friendly pricing and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best plan for heavy data users: Total by Verizon or Mint Mobile?

Total by Verizon’s Unlimited+ plan offers 40GB of high-speed data before throttling, making it ideal for heavy data users. Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Data (40GB) plan is another great choice, offering a cheaper price while running on the T-Mobile network. Both plans provide reliable service, but Total may perform better in congested areas, while Mint helps save money.

How do the coverage options compare between Total by Verizon and Mint Mobile?

Total by Verizon relies on the Verizon network for extensive coverage, especially in rural areas, with fewer dropped calls. Mint Mobile runs on the T-Mobile network, which performs well nationwide but may slow in high-traffic zones. Both networks offer strong service, but Total may suit Verizon customers better, while Mint appeals to budget-conscious users.

Which carrier offers better customer service: Total by Verizon or Mint Mobile?

Phone service is crucial when evaluating options such as Mint Mobile and Total Wireless, as understanding which phone service might be the best choice for consumers can significantly impact their experience. Mint Mobile provides efficient customer support through phone and online chat, quickly addressing issues like Wi-Fi calling or Mint SIM activation. Total by Verizon offers similar options, but Mint’s customer service representatives are often faster, helping new customers within about a minute.

Which carrier offers better international roaming options?

Mint Mobile includes affordable international roaming and free calling to select countries, ideal for saving money. Total by Verizon offers robust international coverage through Verizon’s global partnerships but may cost more. Mint is better for budget travelers, while Total benefits frequent flyers who need more data.

Can I switch between Total by Verizon and Mint Mobile without penalties?

Yes, both carriers allow switching without penalties. Mint Mobile operates on prepaid plans, so refunds for unused data aren’t offered. Total by Verizon offers flexibility but requires users to ensure their phone’s compatibility. Always review your current provider’s terms before switching.