Total Wireless vs TracFone: Which Carrier is Better?

Choosing between Total Wireless vs Tracfone? Total Wireless offers dependable coverage and good service on Verizon’s network, while Tracfone stands out with flexible plan options across multiple major networks. Both are great choices for budget-conscious users seeking affordable wireless plans.

We’ve analyzed smartphones and plans from top providers to deliver the most accurate details. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• A detailed comparison of coverage for both carriers
• A breakdown of plan pricing and features
• An overview of standout perks from each provider

Compare Total Wireless 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.

Total Wireless Overview

Total Wireless operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on Verizon’s network, providing dependable service, strong coverage, and a variety of cell phone plans. While its pricing may be higher than some competitors, the multi-line discounts add significant value. Known for its no-contract options and family-friendly savings, starting with a prepaid plan is an excellent way to explore what Total Wireless has to offer.

TracFone Wireless Overview

TracFone, a Verizon-owned MVNO, offers budget-friendly phone plans that operate on all three major U.S. networks. With access to 5G, it ensures reliable and fast coverage by connecting to the best available network in your area, including T-Mobile's network. Designed for cost-conscious users, TracFone emphasizes affordable plans with limited data instead of unlimited options. Leveraging the extensive reach of the major networks, TracFone provides comprehensive 5G service across the nation.

Total Wireless Coverage

Total Wireless by Verizon, an MVNO operating on Verizon’s network, delivers fast speeds and reliable service. While other MVNOs may use AT&T or T-Mobile's networks, Total by Verizon leverages Verizon’s extensive coverage. To determine the best option for your area, use Total by Verizon's coverage map to compare tower locations and assess which network meets your needs.

TracFone Coverage

TracFone operates as an MVNO, utilizing the Verizon network, T-Mobile, and AT&T networks instead of maintaining its own. While T-Mobile excels in urban areas, its rural coverage may be limited. By combining all three networks, TracFone offers extensive coverage options. Checking TracFone’s coverage map is essential to see which network serves your area best, helping you choose the right option for reliable service.

Coverage Comparison

Total Wireless exclusively uses the Verizon network, offering excellent coverage nationwide, particularly in rural areas where Verizon performs well.

TracFone, however, operates on all three major U.S. networks—Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T—providing greater flexibility and broader coverage. This multi-network approach ensures that users can connect to the strongest available signal in their area, making it a versatile option.

Ultimately, Total Wireless is a solid choice for those who value Verizon’s reliable network, while TracFone caters to users seeking flexibility and wider network compatibility.

Total Wireless Plans

Unlimited+ Plan with Unlimited Data

The Unlimited+ plan is Total by Verizon’s premium offering, delivering the best value for users. If you have a Verizon phone, ensure it is unlocked to use it with this plan. It provides unlimited data with full-speed access up to 30GB. After reaching the 30GB cap, speeds slow to 2G, allowing basic functions like browsing social media and sending messages but making streaming and gaming difficult without Wi-Fi. The plan also includes 20GB of mobile hotspot data, which slows down after the cap. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy a Disney+ membership as long as the plan stays active.

Costing $60 for one line or $57 with Autopay, the Unlimited+ plan gives you 50GB at a rate of $1.20 per GB.

Pros: Separate hotspot data, Disney+ Cons: Limited high-speed data after 30GB Best for: Frequent travelers who need reliable coverage and extra perks.

Unlimited Plan

The Unlimited plan is another solid choice, offering unlimited data with 30GB of high-speed access. Once you reach the 30GB cap, speeds slow to 2G, which can make streaming or gaming without Wi-Fi difficult. The plan also includes 10GB of mobile hotspot data, which slows once the cap is hit, as well as 6 months of Disney+ premium access.

At $50 for one line, or $47.50 with Autopay, the Unlimited plan offers 40GB at $1.25 per GB.

Pros: Separate mobile hotspot data
Cons: Limited Disney+ access
Best for: Average data users looking for a good balance of value and features.

15GB Plan

The 15GB plan provides 15GB of full-speed data, with speeds dropping to 2G after the cap is exceeded. The data can also be used for hotspot access, but the hotspot feature stops once the data cap is reached.

Priced at $40 for one line, or $38 with Autopay, this plan costs $2.67 per GB at full price.

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

5GB Plan

The 5GB plan is the most affordable but offers the smallest data allotment, and is the most expensive per GB. You’ll get 5GB of full-speed data, with speeds slowing to 2G after the cap is reached. Hotspot access is included, but it stops once the data is used up.

At $30 per month for one line, or $28.50 with Autopay, this plan costs $6 per GB at full price.

Pros: Hotspot access
Cons: High per-GB cost
Best for: Light data users on a budget.

Family Plan Options

Total by Verizon also offers discounts for multiple lines. You can add up to 5 lines on a single account, with savings per line depending on the number of lines added. The discounts apply to the 15GB, Unlimited, and Unlimited+ plans, but the 5GB plan does not offer any discounts for additional lines.

TracFone Mobile Plans

24GB Annual Plan

TracFone’s most comprehensive plan provides 24GB of high-speed data each month along with unlimited talk and text. Once the data cap is reached, speeds are reduced. This plan renews annually, requiring upfront payment for the entire year, making it a great option for those who prefer to lock in their service for a longer period.

Cost: $199 annually ($16.58/month)
Cost per GB: $0.69

Pros: 24GB of full-speed data
Cons: Data throttles after reaching the 24GB cap
Best for: Average data users who prefer an annual payment structure.

10GB Monthly Plan

The 10GB plan offers 10GB of high-speed data per month along with unlimited talk and text. However, it doesn’t include hotspot access, and data speeds will slow once the 10GB cap is reached.

Cost: $40/month ($35 with Autopay)
Cost per GB: $4

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Light data users who don’t need hotspot functionality.

5GB Monthly Plan

For $30/month ($25 with Autopay), this plan gives you 5GB of full-speed data, unlimited talk, and text. There’s no hotspot access, making it a good option for those who don’t use much data.

Cost: $30/month ($25 with Autopay)
Cost per GB: $6

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Light data users with minimal data needs each month.

3GB Monthly Plan

The 3GB Monthly Plan includes 3GB of full-speed data, along with unlimited talk and text. Data access ends once the 3GB cap is reached.

Cost: $25/month ($20 with Autopay)
Cost per GB: $8.33

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Users who need a small data allotment with unlimited talk and text.

2GB Monthly Plan

At $20/month ($15 with Autopay), the 2GB Monthly Plan offers 2GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and no hotspot access.

Cost: $20/month ($15 with Autopay)
Cost per GB: $10

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Light data users who don’t need much data.

750 Minutes, 1500 Texts, 2GB (3 Months)

This plan provides 750 minutes and 1500 texts along with 2GB of data each month. Once the data cap is reached, access is suspended until the next renewal.

Cost: $50 for 3 months ($16.67/month)
Cost per GB: $8.33

Pros: Ideal for minimal talk and text users
Cons: No Autopay discount
Best for: Light phone users who don’t need data-heavy plans.

1500 Minutes, 1500 Texts, 1.5GB (Annual)

For those who need minimal data but still want to keep their phone active, this annual plan includes 1500 minutes, 1500 texts, and 1.5GB of data each month.

Cost: $125 annually ($10.42/month)
Cost per GB: $6.95

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Users who need a basic plan with limited data.

750 Minutes, 1000 Texts, 1.5GB (3 Months)

This plan provides 750 minutes, 1000 texts, and 1.5GB of data per month. Once the cap is reached, data access is throttled.

Cost: $45 for 3 months ($15/month)
Cost per GB: $10

Pros: Suitable for minimal talk and text users
Cons: No Autopay discount
Best for: Light phone users seeking a flexible data option.

750 Minutes, 1000 Texts, 1GB (2 Months)

This plan offers 750 minutes, 1000 texts, and 1GB of data per month for light users.

Cost: $35 for 2 months ($17.50/month)
Cost per GB: $33.25

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Users with minimal talk, text, and data needs.

500 Minutes, 1000 Texts, 500MB (2 Months)

This basic plan includes 500 minutes, 1000 texts, and 500MB of data per month.

Cost: $25 for 2 months ($12.50/month)
Cost per GB: $6.25

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Very light phone users needing the essentials.

500 Minutes, 500 Texts, 500MB (Monthly)

TracFone’s most budget-friendly plan, it offers 500 minutes, 500 texts, and 500MB of data per month.

Cost: $15/month ($14.25 with Autopay)
Cost per GB: $30

Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Users with minimal phone usage and very light data needs.

Talk + Text, No Data (Monthly)

This plan offers unlimited talk and text with no data usage.

Cost: $15/month ($10 with Autopay)
Pros: Autopay discount
Cons: No data
Best for: Users who only need talk and text, without the need for data.

Family Plan Options

TracFone does not offer multi-line discounts, but it allows up to five lines on a single account, with each line billed separately. This provides flexibility for families to choose the best plan based on individual needs. TracFone also includes brands like Walmart Family Mobile, offering additional options for budget-conscious families.

Plan Comparison

Total Wireless plans offer a range of high-speed data options and multi-line discounts, making it ideal for users needing more data and flexibility.

On the other hand, TracFone plans provide more budget-friendly plans with lower data allowances, including options for light users and annual payment plans.

While Total Wireless is better for those seeking more data and family plan options, TracFone suits users looking for affordable, no-frills plans with minimal data needs.

Key Differences Between Total Wireless and TracFone

Data Prioritization, Throttling, and Data Caps

Total's Unlimited Data plans provide fast data speeds up to a set limit (30GB or 40GB). Once you exceed this limit, speeds are slowed to 2G, which may impact activities like streaming or gaming. This speed reduction is intended to help manage network congestion and maintain a stable service experience for all users. Heavy data users may notice a drop in speed once the cap is reached.

Tracfone operates on Verizon’s network but with the lowest level of data priority. During times of network congestion, such as at busy events or in crowded urban areas, Tracfone users may experience slower speeds as higher-tier Verizon customers are prioritized. In less congested locations, Tracfone customers can still enjoy high-speed data at an affordable price, making it a budget-friendly way to experience Verizon’s coverage.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Total by Verizon provides customer support entirely through remote channels, as they don’t have physical stores. Their team is accessible 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 representative, Total ensures efficient assistance without requiring in-person visits.

Tracfone provides multiple online options for customer support, ensuring convenience and accessibility. Customers can use the online chat service, available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST, for quick self-service assistance. For real-time help, phone support is also available during these hours.. While these channels offer extended availability, the lack of 24/7 support may be a drawback for those requiring assistance outside the specified timeframe.

The Verdict

Overall, Total Wireless is the better option for users who need more data, faster speeds, and flexible family plan options. Its connection to Verizon's network ensures reliable coverage, making it ideal for those who require robust service, especially for data-heavy activities.

TracFone, on the other hand, is a more budget-friendly choice, offering lower-cost plans with coverage from all three major networks (Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T). It’s perfect for light users or those who prefer a simple, pay-as-you-go structure. If you prioritize affordability with basic features, TracFone is a solid pick, while Total Wireless is better for users seeking more comprehensive services and coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should I consider when choosing the right mobile plan for my needs?

Consider data usage, coverage, and plan flexibility. Major networks like Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile's network offer broad coverage with Verizon towers providing strong service. If you travel frequently, look for international roaming options. For prepaid customers, brands like Tracfone Wireless and Simple Mobile offer cost-effective choices, while Verizon prepaid plans can provide added benefits.

How do I know if a mobile plan offers sufficient coverage in my area?

Check your carrier's coverage map for the best signal. Providers like T-Mobile's and Verizon's network are reliable, and Verizon towers ensure good coverage. If traveling abroad, ensure international roaming is available. For Tracfone service or Total Wireless stores, check if they use these major networks for optimal coverage.

What are the benefits of choosing a prepaid vs. postpaid plan?

Prepaid service like Tracfone brand and Simple Mobile offer flexibility without long-term contracts, ideal for budget-conscious users. Postpaid plans from Verizon Wireless or US Mobile typically include larger data allowances and family plans, making them ideal for heavy users or those who want more perks.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of when signing up for a new mobile plan?

Check for activation or overage fees. Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile's postpaid plans may have additional charges, especially for international calls or airtime. Prepaid customers often avoid these fees, but always check for costs related to SIM cards or activation with carriers like Tracfone Wireless.

How can I switch mobile carriers without losing my phone number?

You can "port" your number to a new carrier like Verizon Wireless or US Mobile. Just ensure your old account is active during the process. For Tracfone service users or those with unlocked phones, verify compatibility with your new provider to ensure a smooth transition.