Total Wireless vs US Mobile: Which Carrier is Better?

Deciding on Total Wireless vs. US Mobile? Total Wireless delivers reliable coverage and good service using Verizon’s network, perfect for users seeking simplicity and affordability. Meanwhile, US Mobile shines with customizable plans and access to multiple major networks, offering flexibility for diverse needs.

We’ve reviewed plans and devices from leading providers to bring you accurate insights. Here’s what you’ll find:

• A comprehensive coverage comparison for both carriers
• A breakdown of pricing and plan features
• A highlight of unique perks offered by each provider.

Compare US Mobile to other Carriers

• Mint Mobile, a T-Mobile MVNO, delivers affordable prepaid plans with nationwide 5G coverage, ideal for budget-conscious users seeking premium service.
• Visible, a Verizon-owned MVNO, provides affordable unlimited data plans with reliable nationwide coverage.
• Google Fi, a T-Mobile MVNO owned by Google, offers flexible plans with extensive international roaming.
• Boost Mobile, owned by Dish Network, is the fourth-largest wireless carrier in the United States, offering affordable prepaid plans with nationwide coverage.
• Verizon, one of the largest U.S. carriers, offers reliable coverage, fast 5G speeds, and a range of plans.

Total Wireless Overview

Total Wireless, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on Verizon’s network, delivers reliable service, excellent coverage, and a range of cell phone plans. While its prices might be slightly higher than some competitors, the value shines with its multi-line discounts. With no-contract options and family-focused savings, starting with a prepaid plan is a great way to experience what Total Wireless brings to the table. Additionally, Total Wireless plans can be a cost-effective option for users who want to avoid the inflated prices associated with new phone promotions from traditional telecom providers.

US Mobile Overview

U.S. Mobile is an MVNO leveraging both Verizon’s and T-Mobile’s networks, offering fast data speeds, generous data allocations, and hotspot access for its customers. With a wide range of plans at varying price points, there’s an option to suit every need. U.S. Mobile smartly utilizes the fastest available network in your area, seamlessly switching between Verizon and T-Mobile to ensure optimal performance. By leveraging T-Mobile's network, U.S. Mobile provides expansive 5G coverage, benefiting users with improved connectivity and speed.

Total Wireless Coverage

Total by Verizon operates as an MVNO, relying on Verizon’s network to deliver coverage, while other MVNOs may use networks like AT&T or T-Mobile. Coverage quality often depends on your location, so reviewing coverage maps is essential. Total by Verizon provides a coverage map that highlights cellular tower locations, helping you identify which network offers the most reliable service in your area. Comparing this information ensures you choose the network that best meets your needs.

US Mobile Coverage

US Mobile operates on both T-Mobile and Verizon’s networks, offering users fast and reliable connectivity. As an MVNO, US Mobile purchases access to these major networks, while other providers may rely on AT&T. T-Mobile is often recognized for its expansive 5G coverage, but the ideal network for you depends on your specific location. To determine which network suits your area best, you can use US Mobile’s coverage map. This tool allows you to evaluate network performance and ensure you’re connected to the most reliable provider for your needs.

Coverage Comparison

Total Wireless operates exclusively on Verizon’s network, delivering strong nationwide coverage and reliability, especially in rural areas. On the other hand, US Mobile leverages both Verizon and T-Mobile’s networks, offering flexibility and ensuring users connect to the fastest and most reliable network in their area.

While Total Wireless ensures consistent access to Verizon’s robust infrastructure, US Mobile provides an edge for users who value dynamic network switching for optimal performance. Your choice ultimately depends on the network strength in your specific location.

Total Wireless Plans

Unlimited+ Plan with Unlimited Data

The Unlimited+ plan is Total by Verizon's top-tier offering, providing the best value for users. If you're using a Verizon phone, ensure it's unlocked to use this plan. It features unlimited data with full-speed access up to 30GB. Once you hit the 30GB threshold, speeds drop to 2G, allowing basic tasks like social media browsing and messaging, but making streaming and gaming difficult without Wi-Fi. This plan also includes 20GB of mobile hotspot data, which slows down after reaching the cap. Additionally, you'll receive a Disney+ membership for as long as the plan remains active.

At $60 for one line or $57 with Autopay, the Unlimited+ plan gives you 50GB at $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 strong option, offering unlimited data with 30GB of high-speed access. After reaching the 30GB cap, speeds drop to 2G, making streaming and gaming challenging without Wi-Fi. The plan includes 10GB of mobile hotspot data, which slows after the cap, 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 balance of value and features.

15GB Plan

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

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, though it offers the smallest data allotment and is the most expensive per GB. You'll receive 5GB of full-speed data, with speeds dropping to 2G after the cap is reached. Hotspot access is included but 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 family 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. Discounts apply to the 15GB, Unlimited, and Unlimited+ plans, but the 5GB plan does not offer discounts for additional lines.

‍US Mobile Plans

Unlimited Premium

The Unlimited Premium plan is US Mobile's top-tier offering, providing an impressive 100GB of premium data each month. After reaching the 100GB cap, speeds slow to 3G, which allows basic tasks like texting, emailing, and browsing, but streaming and gaming will be slower without Wi-Fi. This plan also offers 50GB of hotspot data, with speeds slowing down once the cap is hit. Additionally, customers who purchase 3 or more lines with this plan can unlock a special perk.

Priced at $50 per month for one line, you get 150GB at an amazing rate of $0.33 per GB.

Pros: Incredible price for 100GB of premium data
Cons: Perk available only with 3+ line plans
Best for: Heavy data users

Unlimited Essentials

The Unlimited Essentials plan is US Mobile's second-best option, providing 50GB of premium data each month. After reaching the 50GB cap, speeds slow to 3G. It also includes 5GB of hotspot data, which will stop once the cap is exceeded.

At $40 per month for one line, this plan offers 55GB of data for $0.73 per GB.

Pros: Great value for the data
Cons: Limited hotspot data
Best for: Heavy data users who need a good balance

Unlimited Starter

The Unlimited Starter plan is the smallest unlimited option, offering 20GB of premium data each month. Once the data cap is hit, speeds slow to 3G. This plan does not include hotspot access, and multi-line discounts aren’t available.

Priced at $25 per month, you get 20GB for $1.25 per GB.

Pros: Premium data
Cons: No hotspot access
Best for: Average data users

Shared Data

US Mobile’s Shared Data plan offers a unique way to purchase data, allowing you to buy as much as you need. Each GB costs $2, and each line costs $8. Data is used until your purchased amount is depleted, with hotspot access included.

For example, purchasing 30GB gives you the option to buy an additional 10GB for $16.

Pros: Flexible data purchasing
Cons: High cost per GB
Best for: Users with varying data needs

12GB Plan

The 12GB plan is US Mobile's largest limited data offering (outside of Shared Data). It provides 12GB of full-speed data each month, with included hotspot access. Once you reach the 12GB cap, data and hotspot access stop.

At $25 per month, this plan costs $2.08 per GB.

Pros: Premium data
Cons: Data stops once the cap is hit
Best for: Light data users who need more than the basics

6GB Plan

The 6GB plan includes premium data and hotspot access, but once the cap is reached, both data and hotspot access stop. You’ll need to wait for the next billing cycle to continue using the network.

Priced at $18 per month, you get 6GB for $3 per GB.

Pros: Premium data
Cons: Data access stops after the cap
Best for: Light data users

1GB Plan

The 1GB plan is US Mobile's smallest option, offering 1GB of premium data with included hotspot access. After reaching the 1GB cap, data access stops completely.

At $10 per month, this plan offers premium data and hotspot access.

Pros: Affordable, premium data with hotspot access
Cons: Limited data and expensive per GB
Best for: Lightest data users

Family Plan Offerings

US Mobile allows for an unlimited number of lines on a single account, with discounts available for multiple lines on the Unlimited Premium and Unlimited Essentials plans. However, it's important to note that data is shared among all the lines on the account. For example, if you have 3 lines with the 6GB plan, the total 6GB will be shared between all three lines.

Pros: Unlimited lines, multi-line discounts
Cons: Shared data among all lines
Best for: Families or households needing flexible, affordable plans

Plan Comparison

Total Wireless plans offer a variety of high-speed data options, hotspot data, and multi-line discounts, making it ideal for users who need more data and extra perks. Their plans include up to 30GB of high-speed data with options for Disney+ memberships and hotspot access.

US Mobile plans, on the other hand, provide flexible higher data allowances, including up to 100GB of premium data on its Unlimited Premium plan. While Total Wireless is great for those seeking value and reliable coverage, US Mobile is better suited for heavy data users who need more flexibility and higher data limits, especially for those who want custom data purchases.

Phone Selection and Compatibility

US Mobile offers a wide range of cell phones to choose from, including the latest flagships from top manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google. Whether you’re looking for the newest iPhone, a high-performance Samsung Galaxy, or a cutting-edge Google Pixel, US Mobile has you covered. For those on a budget, there are also affordable options from brands like Motorola and LG, as well as refurbished devices that provide great value without compromising on quality.

One of the standout features of US Mobile is its BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. As long as your phone is compatible with Verizon’s network, you can bring your existing device and enjoy US Mobile’s affordable cell phone plans. This flexibility allows you to keep your current phone or purchase a new one from a third-party retailer, ensuring you have the freedom to choose the device that best fits your needs and budget.

In summary, US Mobile’s phone selection includes:

• Latest flagships from Apple, Samsung, and Google
• Budget-friendly options from manufacturers like Motorola and LG
• Refurbished devices for customers looking for a more affordable option
• BYOD options for customers who want to bring their own device to the network

Key Differences Between Total Wireless and US Mobile

Data Prioritization, Throttling, and Data Caps

Total's Unlimited Data plans offer high-speed data up to a specified limit (30GB or 40GB). After reaching the cap, speeds are throttled to 2G, which can affect activities such as streaming or gaming. This throttling helps manage network traffic and ensures consistent service for all users. However, heavy data users may experience slower speeds once the limit is exceeded.

US Mobile offers varying data prioritization and throttling policies. Premium plans receive higher network priority, ensuring faster speeds, while lower-tier plans may experience slower speeds during congestion. Data caps throttle speeds to 3G once exceeded, affecting activities like streaming and gaming. This helps manage network traffic and ensures fair access for all users.

Customer Service and Accessibility

Total by Verizon provides customer service exclusively through remote channels, as they do not have physical stores. You can contact their support team via chat or phone, both available daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. EST. Whether you prefer online messaging or speaking with a representative, Total's customer support is designed to help you efficiently without the need for in-person visits.

US Mobile provides customer service entirely online and over the phone, as they do not have physical stores. Their support is available 24/7 via chat and phone. You can reach chat support directly through their website or call their phone support at 1 (878) 205-0088 for assistance anytime.

The Verdict

Total by Verizon is a top choice for those seeking reliable coverage and premium features, leveraging Verizon's network for excellent performance. With perks like Disney+, multi-line discounts, and separate hotspot data, it’s ideal for families and frequent travelers. However, higher pricing and throttling after data caps may deter budget-conscious users.

US Mobile offers affordable, customizable plans with access to T-Mobile and Verizon networks. It’s great for light to heavy data users, with 24/7 support and flexible options. However, it lacks physical stores and perks for single-line plans.

Ultimately, Total by Verizon is ideal for those seeking dependable performance and family-oriented options, while US Mobile suits users looking for affordable, customizable plans with a balance of features. Your choice will depend on your priorities—be it premium service or cost efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between deprioritization and throttling in mobile phone plans?

Deprioritization happens when data speeds slow temporarily during network congestion to prioritize users on higher-tier plans. Throttling, by contrast, involves a permanent speed reduction for the rest of the billing cycle once you exceed your data cap.

Can I switch carriers if I’m currently on a Verizon prepaid plan?

Yes, switching carriers from a prepaid plan is possible. Ensure your device is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier, and verify if you need a SIM card or Port-Out PIN to transfer your number.

Do mobile phone plans always include hotspot data?

Not all plans offer hotspot access, particularly low-data plans. Before committing, review the details to confirm if mobile hotspot data is included and whether it counts against your unlimited high-speed data cap.

How does international calling or roaming work for mobile customers?

International calling and roaming options vary by carrier and plan. Some base plans include these features, while others offer them as add-ons. Research your plan’s terms to ensure compatibility for mobile use abroad.

Are there penalties for canceling annual plans or prepaid deals?

For the most part, prepaid plans have no cancellation fees since they are contract-free. However, unused balances or data typically aren’t refunded, so it’s essential to understand the terms before you pay upfront.