Total Wireless review: What to consider before switching

Total Wireless (now Total by Verizon) scores 3.3/5 on MoneySavingPro. Family plan discounts on Verizon's network are appealing, but poor customer service holds it back.

Written by Rob Webber · 6 min read · Last updated January 18, 2025

At a glance

  • Value for money: Total Wireless offers Verizon coverage with family plan discounts at budget prices.
  • Coverage: Coverage on the Verizon network.
  • Customer experience: Customer service reviews are poor, similar to other TracFone-family brands.
  • Transparency: Plan pricing is clear, though some find the plan structure confusing.
  • Range of choice: Limited selection of plans with multi-line options.
Our editorial process
Total Wireless logo
3.3
MoneySavingPro rating
Value for money
3.5
Coverage
4.0
Customer experience
2.5
Transparency
3.5
Range of choice
3.0
See at Total Wireless →

Pros

  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • Multi-line family plan discounts
  • Available at retail stores
  • No contract required

Cons

  • Poor customer service ratings
  • Limited plan options
  • Data deprioritization
  • Now branded as Total by Verizon

Deep dive: An in-depth Total Wireless review

Jump to section ▾

What is Total Wireless?

Total Wireless (recently rebranded as Total by Verizon) is a prepaid wireless carrier that operates on Verizon's 5G & 4G LTE network. It's part of Verizon's TracFone family of brands.

Total Wireless is positioned as the family-oriented brand in the TracFone portfolio, offering multi-line discounts that make it competitive for households needing multiple lines.

Plans & Pricing

Is Total Wireless a good value?

Total Wireless can be a decent value for families needing multiple lines on Verizon's network. The multi-line discounts bring per-line costs down significantly.

For single lines, however, carriers like Visible or US Mobile offer better individual plan pricing on the same network.

Network Coverage

Total Wireless uses Verizon's network for nationwide coverage. Check the Total Wireless coverage map to verify service in your area.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

What is Total Wireless customer service like?

Customer service is a weak point, consistent with other TracFone-family brands. Reviews on Trustpilot and other platforms are poor, with common complaints about hold times and issue resolution.

My viewpoint: Is Total Wireless worth it?

Short answer: Total Wireless is best suited for families who need multiple lines on Verizon's network at a budget price. For single lines, you'll find better value elsewhere. Customer service is a known weak point — if that matters to you, consider US Mobile or Red Pocket instead.

Total Wireless customer reviews roundup

Best Total Wireless plans

Total Wireless

15GB Data Only

Verizon network · 15GB data
$30/mo
See at Total Wireless →
Total Wireless

Unlimited Base

Verizon network · Data-only data
$40/mo
See at Total Wireless →
Total Wireless

40GB Data Only

Verizon network · 40GB data
$40/mo
See at Total Wireless →
Total Wireless

Unlimited

Verizon network · Data-only data
$50/mo
See at Total Wireless →
Total Wireless

100GB Data Only

Verizon network · 100GB data
$50/mo
See at Total Wireless →
  • Switch online in minutes
  • Same Verizon coverage
  • Unlimited talk & text
  • No surprise price hikes
  • No long-term contracts

Get the same Verizon coverage 3× cheaper

Save $720/yr over Verizon Unlimited Plus direct

Total Wireless logo
Best value
Total Wireless
15GB Data Only
15GB
$30 /mo
$360/yr
4.4
4.4
Verizon
Big Wireless
Verizon direct
Unlimited Plus
Unlimited
$90 /mo
$1,080/yr
Same Verizon 5G & 4G LTE coverage. Higher monthly bill.

Cost over time — Total Wireless vs Verizon

Total Wireless
Verizon direct
1 year Save $720
$1,080
$360
2 years Save $1,440
$2,160
$720
3 years Save $2,160
$3,240
$1,080

Estimated cost based on advertised monthly price. Excludes taxes, fees, and one-time charges. Verizon Unlimited Plus retail price as of plan listing.

Total Wireless Coverage

Total Wireless uses the Verizon network. See our full coverage analysis:

Total Wireless Coverage Map →

Compare Total Wireless vs other carriers

How do Total Wireless plans compare?

Total Wireless
Verizon 4G & 5G
15GB data
$30/mo
$360/yr
See at Total Wireless
⭐ 4.4 on Trustpilot
Verizon
Verizon 4G & 5G
N/A
N/A/mo
Spectrum Mobile
Verizon 4G & 5G
1GB data
$20/mo
$240/yr
Flex Mobile
T-Mobile 4G & 5G
5GB data
$16/mo
$192/yr
See at Flex Mobile

Total Wireless FAQs

Is Total Wireless worth it?
Total Wireless earns a 3.3/5 on MoneySavingPro. Total Wireless (now Total by Verizon) scores 3.3/5 on MoneySavingPro. Family plan discounts on Verizon's network are appealing, but poor customer service holds it back.
What are the pros and cons of Total Wireless?
Pros: Verizon 5G & 4G LTE network coverage, Multi-line family plan discounts, Available at retail stores, No contract required. Cons: Poor customer service ratings, Limited plan options, Data deprioritization, Now branded as Total by Verizon.
How much does Total Wireless cost?
Total Wireless plans start at $30/mo. All plans are prepaid with no hidden fees.
Is Total Wireless better than Verizon?
Total Wireless uses the same Verizon network at up to 70% less per month. Coverage and call quality are identical — only the price is different.
Does Total Wireless have good customer service?
Total Wireless scores 2.5/5 for customer experience on MoneySavingPro. Customer service reviews are poor, similar to other TracFone-family brands.

Our verdict

Total Wireless (now Total by Verizon) scores 3.3/5 on MoneySavingPro. Family plan discounts on Verizon's network are appealing, but poor customer service holds it back.

Written by Rob Webber · 6 min read · Last updated January 18, 2025

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