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

Feature Comparison

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

Plans Side by Side

Tello Plans

Unlimited Talk & Text

Talk & Text · 5G

$8

1GB

1GB · 5G

$9

2GB

2GB · 5G

$10

5GB

5GB · 5G

$14

10GB

10GB · 5G

$19

15GB

15GB · 5G

$24

Unlimited

Unlimited · 5G

$25

Total Wireless Plans

Unlimited Base

Unlimited · 5G

$40

Unlimited

Unlimited · 5G

$50

Unlimited+

Unlimited · 5G

$60

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 →

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.