Cricket Wireless vs Total Wireless

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

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

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless

AT&T network

$—/mo

0 plans available

Total Wireless

Total Wireless

Verizon network

$40/mo

3 plans available

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

Cricket Wireless vs Total Wireless: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

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

Cricket Wireless vs Total Wireless: Reviews

Cricket Wireless
Our Rating:
3.8/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ Multi-line discounts up to 5 lines
  • ✓ Taxes and fees included
  • ✓ Retail stores nationwide
  • ✓ eSIM compatible

Cons

  • ✗ Data speeds capped at lower tiers
  • ✗ No international roaming on basic plans
  • ✗ Higher priced than online-only MVNOs
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

Cricket Wireless vs Total Wireless: Plans

Cricket Wireless Top Plan

Unlimited

$55/mo

Powered by AT&T

See at Cricket Wireless →

Cricket Wireless 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 →

Cricket Wireless vs Total Wireless: Coverage

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T 5G & 4G LTE wireless networks.

View Cricket Wireless coverage map →

Total Wireless

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

View Total Wireless coverage map →

Cricket Wireless is powered by AT&T and Total Wireless is powered by Verizon. Coverage varies by location — check availability in your area.

Cricket Wireless vs Total Wireless: Features

Feature Cricket Wireless 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

Cricket Wireless is better for budget-conscious users who want plans starting at $0/mo on the AT&T 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 Cricket Wireless

  • ✓ You want the AT&T network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View Cricket Wireless 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 Cricket Wireless, 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

Compare Cricket Wireless vs Total Wireless — How Much Could You Save?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cricket Wireless or Total Wireless cheaper?
Cricket Wireless is cheaper, with plans starting at $0/mo. Total Wireless starts at $40/mo.
Which network does Cricket Wireless use?
Cricket Wireless uses the AT&T network. You get the same coverage as AT&T 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 Cricket Wireless 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 Cricket Wireless and Total Wireless offer 5G?
Most modern plans from both Cricket Wireless and Total Wireless include 5G access at no extra cost where the network supports it.