Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

Head-to-head comparison of plans, features, and pricing

Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular

T-Mobile network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Total Wireless

Total Wireless

Verizon network

$40/mo

3 plans available

Looking to switch carrier but not sure if Consumer Cellular or Total Wireless is better? Within this guide, you'll be able to compare Consumer Cellular and Total Wireless coverage, features, plans, and prices side-by-side, so you can decide which carrier offers the best deal.

Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

  1. 1. Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Reviews
  2. 2. Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Plans
  3. 3. Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Coverage
  4. 4. Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Features
  5. 5. Our Verdict
  6. 6. FAQ

Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Reviews

Consumer Cellular
Our Rating:
3.5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ No contract required
  • ✓ AARP member discounts
  • ✓ Excellent customer service ratings
  • ✓ Simple plans for seniors

Cons

  • ✗ Higher prices than some MVNOs
  • ✗ No unlimited hotspot
  • ✗ Limited phone selection
Total Wireless
Our Rating:
3.3/5
See Deals → View Plans

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

Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Plans

Consumer Cellular Top Plan

Unlimited

$50/mo

Powered by T-Mobile

See at Consumer Cellular →

Consumer Cellular Plans

Total Wireless Top Plan

Unlimited

$40/mo

Powered by Verizon

See at Total Wireless →

Total Wireless Plans

Unlimited Base

Unlimited · 5G

$40

See Plan →

Unlimited

Unlimited · 5G

$50

See Plan →

Unlimited+

Unlimited · 5G

$60

See Plan →

Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Coverage

Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular is powered by T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Consumer Cellular coverage map →

Total Wireless

Total Wireless is powered by Verizon 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Total Wireless coverage map →

Consumer Cellular is powered by T-Mobile and Total Wireless is powered by Verizon. Coverage varies by location — check availability in your area.

Consumer Cellular vs Total Wireless: Features

Feature Consumer Cellular Total Wireless
Networks — Verizon
Data Speed — 5G & 4G LTE
3G Network — CDMA
Mobile Hotspot — ✅
5G — ✅
VoLTE — ✅
WiFi Calling — ✅
Visual Voicemail — ✅
Bring Your Phone — ✅
Keep Your Number — ✅
Contract — No Contract
Credit Check — ❌
Taxes Included — ❌
Multi-line Discounts — ✅
Multi-month Discounts — ❌
Money Back Guarantee — ❌
Customer Service — Mon-Sun 8am-11:45pm ET
International Calls — Yes - As add-on
International Roaming — ❌

Our Verdict

Consumer Cellular is better for budget-conscious users who want plans starting at $0/mo on the T-Mobile network. Total Wireless is better if you want plans on the Verizon network starting at $40/mo. Both carriers offer the same tower coverage as Big Wireless at a fraction of the price.

Who Should Choose Consumer Cellular

  • ✓ You want the T-Mobile network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View Consumer Cellular Plans →

Who Should Choose Total Wireless

  • ✓ You want the Verizon network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $40/mo
  • ✓ 3 plan options to choose from
View Total Wireless Plans →

Why You Can Trust This Comparison

I've spent years helping people ditch overpriced phone plans by exposing hidden fees and carrier tricks. At MoneySavingPro, we go beyond the fine print, testing and comparing real-world network performance so you don't have to.

I've personally tested Consumer Cellular, Total Wireless, and other low-cost providers, comparing their speeds, coverage, and pricing to the Big 3. If there's a smarter way to save, you'll hear about it here first.

— Rob Webber, Founder & Editor

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Consumer Cellular or Total Wireless cheaper?
Consumer Cellular is cheaper, with plans starting at $0/mo. Total Wireless starts at $40/mo.
Which network does Consumer Cellular use?
Consumer Cellular uses the T-Mobile network. You get the same coverage as T-Mobile customers at a lower price.
Which network does Total Wireless use?
Total Wireless uses the Verizon network. You get the same coverage as Verizon customers at a lower price.
Can I keep my phone number if I switch to Consumer Cellular or Total Wireless?
Yes. Both carriers support number porting. You can transfer your existing phone number in about 10-30 minutes during the sign-up process.
Do Consumer Cellular and Total Wireless offer 5G?
Most modern plans from both Consumer Cellular and Total Wireless include 5G access at no extra cost where the network supports it.