If you’re exploring prepaid cell phone options in the United States, you might encounter the name Total Wireless. Understanding its offerings and, crucially, its relationship with Verizon is key to deciding if it’s the right fit for you. This guide clarifies what Total Wireless is all about.
(Note: This brand was known as Total by Verizon for a period but reverted to the Total Wireless name in mid-2024. You might still see references to the previous branding.)
The Verizon Connection Explained
The link between total wireless verizon is direct and significant.
Owned by Verizon
Total Wireless is owned by Verizon. Verizon acquired TracFone Wireless and its portfolio of brands, including Total Wireless, in late 2021. Total Wireless now operates as part of the Verizon Value organization, alongside other prepaid offerings like Visible and Verizon Prepaid.
Read more about: what is visible by verizon
Powered by Verizon’s Network
As a Verizon-owned brand, Total Wireless operates exclusively on Verizon’s extensive 4G LTE and 5G networks. This means customers get access to the same underlying nationwide coverage that Verizon postpaid customers use. Select Total Wireless plans also include access to Verizon’s high-speed 5G Ultra Wideband network where available.
Understanding Total Wireless Plans
Total Wireless focuses on providing straightforward, no-contract wireless service.
Prepaid, No-Contract Service
All Total Wireless plans are prepaid, meaning you pay for your service month-to-month in advance. There are no annual contracts to sign and typically no credit checks required to get started.
Focus on Unlimited Plans
Total Wireless primarily offers unlimited data plans, usually structured in tiers with varying features and price points. While specific plan details can change, common offerings include:
- Base Unlimited: Often the most affordable tier, providing unlimited talk, text, and data. Data speeds may be temporarily slowed during network congestion, and access to 5G Ultra Wideband might not be included. Includes a small mobile hotspot allowance (e.g., 5GB).
- Mid-Tier Unlimited (e.g., Total 5G): Offers unlimited talk, text, and data with potentially higher priority on the network than the base plan. Includes access to 5G Ultra Wideband and a larger hotspot allowance (e.g., 15GB). Often includes a promotional Disney+ subscription (e.g., 6 months).
- Top-Tier Unlimited (e.g., Total 5G+): Provides unlimited talk, text, and prioritized data access on the network, including 5G Ultra Wideband. Comes with the largest high-speed hotspot allowance (e.g., 20GB, though some sources mention variations) and an ongoing Disney+ Premium subscription included as long as the plan is active.
Family Plan Savings
Total Wireless offers significant multi-line discounts, making it an attractive option for families looking for affordable plans on the Verizon network. Adding more lines progressively lowers the cost per line.
Key Features and Perks
Beyond basic service, Total Wireless plans often include:
- Network Access: Reliable coverage via Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G networks.
- Disney+ Inclusion: A standout perk is the inclusion of Disney+ Premium – either for a promotional period (e.g., 6 months) on mid-tier plans or ongoing with top-tier plans.
- Mobile Hotspot: All unlimited plans typically include data that can be used via mobile hotspot, though the amount of high-speed data varies by plan tier.
- International Calling: Options are available for calling internationally, sometimes included for specific countries on higher tiers or available via add-on calling cards.
Where to Find Total Wireless
Unlike some all-digital carriers, Total Wireless has a strong retail presence:
- Major Retailers: Plans, SIM kits, and phones are widely sold at stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy.
- Online: You can purchase service and manage your account directly through the Total Wireless website.
- Dedicated Stores: There may also be dedicated Total Wireless retail locations in some areas (potentially still branded as Total by Verizon).
Total Wireless vs. Verizon Direct vs. Visible
It helps to understand where Total Wireless fits:
- Compared to Verizon Postpaid: Total Wireless is a lower-cost, prepaid alternative. It lacks the premium features like large high-speed hotspot allowances, extensive international roaming, device financing deals tied to plans, and potentially the highest data priority found on Verizon’s direct postpaid plans.
- Compared to Visible (also Verizon-owned): Visible is all-digital (app-based) with no retail presence, includes taxes/fees in its pricing, and offers truly unlimited (but speed-capped) hotspot data. Total Wireless has a retail presence, includes Disney+ on higher tiers, offers family plan discounts more directly, and taxes/fees are usually extra.
Is Total Wireless Verizon Service Right for You?
Deciding if Total Wireless is the best choice involves weighing its pros and cons:
Choose Total Wireless If…
- You want reliable coverage on Verizon’s network without a contract or credit check.
- You are looking for affordable unlimited plans, especially for multiple lines (family plans).
- The included Disney+ subscription on higher-tier plans is appealing.
- You prefer the option to purchase or get support through physical retail stores like Walmart or Target.
Consider Alternatives If…
- You need the absolute highest data priority during network congestion (consider Verizon postpaid).
- You require large amounts of high-speed mobile hotspot data.
- You need extensive international roaming capabilities.
- You prefer an all-digital experience with taxes/fees included (consider Visible).
