Tello vs Total Wireless

By Rob Webber • Founder & Editor

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

Tello

Tello

T-Mobile network

$8/mo

7 plans available

Total Wireless

Total Wireless

Verizon network

$40/mo

3 plans available

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

Tello vs Total Wireless: Coverage & Plan Comparison 2026

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

Tello vs Total Wireless: Reviews

Tello
Our Rating:
5/5
See Deals → View Plans

Pros

  • ✓ T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage
  • ✓ Free international calling to 60+ countries
  • ✓ Free mobile hotspot included
  • ✓ Excellent score on Trustpilot
  • ✓ eSIM compatible

Cons

  • ✗ No international roaming
  • ✗ No multi-line discounts
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

Tello vs Total Wireless: Plans

Tello Top Plan

Unlimited

$25/mo

Powered by T-Mobile

See at Tello →

Tello Plans

Unlimited Talk & Text

Talk & Text · 5G

$8

See Plan →

1GB

1GB · 5G

$9

See Plan →

2GB

2GB · 5G

$10

See Plan →

5GB

5GB · 5G

$14

See Plan →

10GB

10GB · 5G

$19

See Plan →

15GB

15GB · 5G

$24

See Plan →

Unlimited

Unlimited · 5G

$25

See Plan →
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 →

Tello vs Total Wireless: Coverage

Tello

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

View Tello coverage map →

Total Wireless

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

View Total Wireless coverage map →

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

Tello vs Total Wireless: Features

Feature Tello Total Wireless
Networks T-Mobile Verizon
Data Speed 5G & 4G LTE 5G & 4G LTE
3G Network GSM CDMA
Mobile Hotspot ✅ ✅
5G ✅ ✅
VoLTE ✅ ✅
WiFi Calling ✅ ✅
Visual Voicemail ✅ ✅
Bring Your Phone ✅ ✅
Keep Your Number ✅ ✅
Contract Prepaid No Contract
Credit Check ❌ ❌
Taxes Included ❌ ❌
Multi-line Discounts ✅ ✅
Multi-month Discounts ❌ ❌
Money Back Guarantee ❌ ❌
Customer Service Mon-Sun 8am-11:45pm ET Mon-Sun 8am-11:45pm ET
International Calls Yes - 60+ countries Yes - As add-on
International Roaming Yes - As add-on ❌

Our Verdict

Tello is better for budget-conscious users who want plans starting at $8/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 Tello

  • ✓ You want the T-Mobile network
  • ✓ Plans starting at $8/mo
  • ✓ 7 plan options to choose from
View Tello 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 Tello, 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 Tello or Total Wireless cheaper?
Tello is cheaper, with plans starting at $8/mo. Total Wireless starts at $40/mo.
Which network does Tello use?
Tello 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 Tello 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 Tello and Total Wireless offer 5G?
Most modern plans from both Tello and Total Wireless include 5G access at no extra cost where the network supports it.