PureTalk vs Total Wireless

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

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

PureTalk

PureTalk

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 PureTalk or Total Wireless is better? Within this guide, you'll be able to compare PureTalk and Total Wireless coverage, features, plans, and prices side-by-side, so you can decide which carrier offers the best deal.

PureTalk vs Total Wireless: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

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

PureTalk vs Total Wireless: Reviews

PureTalk
Our Rating:
3.5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ AT&T 5G & 4G LTE network coverage
  • ✓ US-based customer service
  • ✓ No contract required
  • ✓ Veteran-owned company

Cons

  • ✗ Higher priced than some MVNOs
  • ✗ Limited data options
  • ✗ No unlimited premium data
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

PureTalk vs Total Wireless: Plans

PureTalk Top Plan

Unlimited

$55/mo

Powered by AT&T

See at PureTalk →

PureTalk 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 →

PureTalk vs Total Wireless: Coverage

PureTalk

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

View PureTalk coverage map →

Total Wireless

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

View Total Wireless coverage map →

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

PureTalk vs Total Wireless: Features

Feature PureTalk 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

PureTalk 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 PureTalk

  • ✓ You want the AT&T network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $0/mo
  • ✓ 0 plan options to choose from
View PureTalk 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 PureTalk, 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 PureTalk vs Total Wireless — How Much Could You Save?

Calculate your savings now

Answer the 3 questions above before proceeding

See Your Savings →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PureTalk or Total Wireless cheaper?
PureTalk is cheaper, with plans starting at $0/mo. Total Wireless starts at $40/mo.
Which network does PureTalk use?
PureTalk 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 PureTalk 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 PureTalk and Total Wireless offer 5G?
Most modern plans from both PureTalk and Total Wireless include 5G access at no extra cost where the network supports it.