| Our Score | 4.5/11 (Poor) |
| Best For | Almost nobody -- possibly families already using it who resist change |
| Price Range | $25-$50/month + taxes |
| Network | Verizon |
| Contract | No contract |
| Taxes Included | No |
Total Wireless sits on the same Walmart and Target shelves as its sibling brand Straight Talk, shares the same TracFone/Verizon corporate parent, and suffers from exactly the same problems. Overpriced plans with hard data caps, no two-factor authentication, no build-a-plan options, and customer service that reflects the priorities of a carrier that acquires customers through retail shelf placement rather than product quality.
Total Wireless markets itself as the family-friendly alternative in the TracFone portfolio. The multi-line discounts look attractive at first glance. But when Visible runs on the exact same Verizon network and offers unlimited data for $25 per month with taxes included, every Total Wireless plan becomes impossible to justify. You are paying more money for less data on the same towers because you happened to see the box at Walmart.
Bottom Line: Total Wireless scores 4.5/11 -- poor. It shares Straight Talk's fundamental problems: no 2FA, taxes not included, overpriced data, and hard caps. The family plan angle does not survive comparison to Visible, which offers unlimited data per line for $25/month flat on the same Verizon network. Tello offers family discounts with build-your-own plans on T-Mobile for even less. Total Wireless exists to capture uninformed retail shoppers. If you are reading this review, you are already too informed to be one of them. Switch to Visible or Tello immediately.
- Verizon network coverage (strong rural)
- SIM PIN protection available
- No data breach history
- Family multi-line discounts
- Unlimited talk and text on all plans
- No contract required
- Available at major retailers
- NO TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
- Taxes and fees NOT included
- No true unlimited data (50GB max)
- No build-a-plan options
- Poor customer service ratings
- Overpriced at every tier vs Visible
- Hard data caps on lower plans
- Same TracFone problems as Straight Talk
- Targets uninformed retail shoppers
The TracFone Family Problem
To understand Total Wireless, you need to understand TracFone. Verizon acquired TracFone in 2021, inheriting a portfolio of prepaid brands that includes Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Net10, Simple Mobile, and others. These brands are not meaningfully different products. They are different packaging for similar service, targeted at different retail segments.
Total Wireless is the "family plan" brand. Straight Talk is the "individual" brand. But the underlying infrastructure, customer service systems, and corporate priorities are the same. If Straight Talk scores 4.5/11 -- and it does -- expecting Total Wireless to meaningfully outperform it is not realistic.
The Verizon Irony
Verizon owns both Total Wireless and Visible. Both use the same Verizon towers. The same spectrum. The same 5G. Yet the products could not be more different:
| Feature | Total Wireless | Visible | Same Owner? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data | 50GB max | Truly unlimited | Yes -- Verizon |
| Price | $25+ tax | $25 all-in | Yes -- Verizon |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Yes -- Verizon |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Yes -- Verizon |
| Our Score | 4.5/11 | 10/11 | Yes -- Verizon |
Verizon is simultaneously selling you a premium experience through Visible and a budget-trap experience through Total Wireless. The network is identical. The difference is purely in pricing, features, and who they think is buying.
Plans and Pricing
Total Wireless offers individual and family plans:
Individual Plans
| Plan | Price | Data | Per-GB Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $25/mo + tax | 5GB | ~$5.80 |
| Standard | $30/mo + tax | 10GB | ~$3.30 |
| Plus | $35/mo + tax | 15GB | ~$2.53 |
| Premium | $40/mo + tax | 25GB | ~$1.72 |
| Unlimited | $50/mo + tax | 50GB* | ~$1.10 |
*"Unlimited" has a 50GB cap before data is deprioritized or stopped.
Family Plan Pricing
Total Wireless's family plans offer modest per-line discounts:
| Lines | Total Cost (est.) | Per Line (est.) | Data Per Line |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 lines | ~$60/mo + tax | ~$30 | Shared pool |
| 3 lines | ~$85/mo + tax | ~$28.33 | Shared pool |
| 4 lines | ~$100/mo + tax | ~$25 | Shared pool |
The Family Plan Math Problem
Let us compare a 4-line family on Total Wireless versus alternatives:
| Carrier | 4-Line Monthly Cost | Data Per Line | Taxes | Total Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Wireless | ~$110-$115 (with tax) | Shared 25-50GB | Extra | ~$1,320-$1,380 |
| Visible | $100 ($25 x 4) | Unlimited each | Included | $1,200 |
| Tello | ~$80-$100 ($20-25 x 4, with family discount) | 35GB each | Extra | ~$960-$1,200 |
A family of four saves $120-$420 per year by switching to Visible or Tello. Each family member gets more data. And they get 2FA protection that Total Wireless cannot provide.
The family plan positioning that is supposed to be Total Wireless's selling point is actually its biggest lie. The math does not work.
The Retail Trap
Like Straight Talk, Total Wireless relies on Walmart and Target shelf placement to acquire customers. The strategy is identical: catch shoppers who need a phone plan, have not compared prices online, and assume that a product sold at Walmart must be a good value.
Who Gets Caught
The same demographics most harmed by this model:
- Older adults who prefer in-store purchases
- Shoppers without reliable internet for research
- Rural customers with limited retail options
- Anyone who equates brand presence with brand quality
- Families looking for a "quick solution" at the store
These customers would save the most money by switching to Visible or Tello, and they are the least likely to discover those options.
Speed Test Results
Total Wireless uses Verizon's network. Performance matches other Verizon MVNOs:
| Location | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban | 60 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 30ms |
| Suburban | 45 Mbps | 7 Mbps | 35ms |
| Urban (rush hour) | 14 Mbps | 4 Mbps | 44ms |
| Rural | 28 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 54ms |
These are the same speeds Visible delivers -- because it is the same network. The difference is that Visible gives you unlimited data at these speeds for $25, while Total Wireless charges $50 plus taxes for a 50GB cap at the same speeds.
Same towers. Same coverage. Same deprioritization. Less data. Higher price. No 2FA.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Total Wireless | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Barely ($25 base before tax) | 0.5/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | No (requires $50 plan) | 0/1 |
| Data cap quality | Hard caps, limited | 0/1 |
| Unlimited talk/text | Yes | 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | No | 0/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | Yes | 1/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | No | 0/1 |
| Network coverage | Good (Verizon) | 1/1 |
| No data breaches | Clean record | 1/1 |
| True unlimited option | No (50GB max) | 0/1 |
| Good customer service | Poor ratings | 0/1 |
| Total | 4.5/11 |
Six criteria score zero. The half-point on pricing reflects that the $25 base plan technically qualifies, but taxes push it past $25 -- and for that price, you get only 5GB. That is not a plan. It is an insult.
Security Analysis
No Two-Factor Authentication
Total Wireless does not offer 2FA. This is a company-wide TracFone/Verizon subsidiary issue -- the TracFone portfolio has not implemented modern account security features despite being owned by one of the largest telecom companies in the world.
Your Total Wireless account is protected by a password alone. In an era of increasing SIM swap attacks and account takeovers, this is a serious risk -- especially for family accounts where multiple lines and shared billing create a larger attack surface.
Security Comparison
| Feature | Total Wireless | Visible | Tello |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIM PIN | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Yes |
| Data breaches | None | None | None |
| Account security | Weak | Strong | Strong |
| Parent company | TracFone/Verizon | Verizon | Independent |
Total Wireless earns two security points for SIM PIN and clean breach history. But those points do not compensate for the missing 2FA that every recommended carrier provides.
Total Wireless vs. The Competition
vs. Visible
| Feature | Total Wireless | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.5/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Network | Verizon | Verizon | Tie |
| Base price | $25 + tax (5GB) | $25 all-in (unlimited) | Visible |
| Best plan data | 50GB ($50 + tax) | Unlimited ($25) | Visible |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Visible |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Visible |
| True unlimited | No | Yes | Visible |
| Family value | Poor | Better (per-line) | Visible |
Verdict: This is the most straightforward comparison in our database. Same Verizon network. Same parent company. Visible wins in every single category. There is literally no reason to choose Total Wireless over Visible. Zero.
vs. Tello
| Feature | Total Wireless | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 4.5/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| Network | Verizon | T-Mobile | Depends |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | Tello |
| Data for $25 | 5GB + tax | 35GB | Tello |
| 2FA | No | Yes | Tello |
| International calls | Extra cost | 60+ countries free | Tello |
| Customer service | Poor | Excellent (4.5/5) | Tello |
| Family discount | Yes | Yes (10-20%) | Tello |
Verdict: Tello offers seven times more data at the same price point with full security features and better customer service. The only consideration is Verizon vs. T-Mobile coverage in your area -- and if you want Verizon, Visible is the obvious choice.
Who Should Get Total Wireless?
We struggle to identify a legitimate use case for Total Wireless in 2026.
The Only Conceivable Scenarios
- You have Total Wireless gift cards from Walmart with no other use
- You are on a family plan and everyone refuses to spend 15 minutes porting to Visible
- Your employer provides Total Wireless and you have no choice
- You are reading this review because you already have Total Wireless and did not know alternatives existed
Not Recommended For
- Families (Visible and Tello both offer better family value)
- Individual users (Visible is cheaper with more data on the same network)
- Budget-conscious shoppers (this is NOT a budget carrier)
- Security-minded users (no 2FA)
- Heavy data users (no true unlimited)
- Light data users (still overpriced per GB)
- Anyone who has access to the internet for carrier comparison
- Everyone else
How to Switch from Total Wireless
Leaving Total Wireless is one of the easiest upgrades in wireless. Here is how:
- Do not cancel Total Wireless first -- you will lose your phone number(s)
- Decide whether your family is switching together -- coordinate so all lines port simultaneously if possible
- Choose your replacement:
- Visible for Verizon coverage (same network, unlimited, $25/mo per line)
- Tello for T-Mobile coverage (build-a-plan, family discounts, full security)
- Get your Total Wireless account number(s) and PIN(s) from your online account or customer service
- Ensure all phones are unlocked -- Total Wireless phones may need unlocking first
- Sign up with your new carrier and request to port your number(s)
- Activate new service -- typically 10-30 minutes per line
- Enable 2FA immediately on every account
- Set up SIM PINs on all devices
- Calculate your savings -- you will likely save $120-$400+ per year for a family
Total Wireless cancels automatically when ports complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Total Wireless worth it in 2026?
No. Total Wireless scores 4.5/11. Visible uses the same Verizon network with unlimited data for $25/month, taxes included. Every Total Wireless plan is overpriced by comparison.
What network does Total Wireless use?
Verizon. Same towers, same coverage, same 5G as Visible and Verizon postpaid.
Is Total Wireless the same as Straight Talk?
They are sibling brands under TracFone/Verizon. Different branding, similar products, same corporate parent, same problems.
Does Total Wireless include taxes?
No. All prices are before taxes and fees. Add $2-5 per month per line depending on your state.
Does Total Wireless have unlimited data?
The top plan at $50/month includes 50GB, marketed as unlimited. After 50GB, data may be deprioritized or stopped. Visible offers truly unlimited for $25.
Does Total Wireless have two-factor authentication?
No. Total Wireless does not offer 2FA, leaving accounts protected by passwords only.
Is Total Wireless cheaper than Visible?
No. Total Wireless's $25 base plan (before taxes) gives you 5GB. Visible's $25 plan (taxes included) gives you unlimited data. Visible is cheaper and offers dramatically more.
Is Total Wireless good for families?
Despite marketing itself as a family carrier, the math does not work. Four lines of Visible at $100/month (taxes included, unlimited each) beats four lines of Total Wireless at $110+ (taxes extra, shared caps).
Can I keep my phone number when leaving Total Wireless?
Yes. Port your number(s) to your new carrier during signup. Do not cancel Total Wireless first.
Is Total Wireless customer service good?
No. Total Wireless shares TracFone's customer service infrastructure, which receives consistently poor ratings for long wait times and unhelpful resolution.
Does Total Wireless have 5G?
Yes, on compatible devices. But since it uses the same Verizon 5G network as Visible, you get the same 5G for less money with Visible.
Who owns Total Wireless?
Verizon, through its TracFone subsidiary. Total Wireless, Straight Talk, Net10, and Simple Mobile are all TracFone brands.
What is Total Wireless's data policy?
Lower plans hard-cap data when you reach your limit. The top plan deprioritizes or may slow data after 50GB.
Can I use my own phone with Total Wireless?
Yes, most unlocked phones compatible with Verizon work. The same phones also work with Visible.
Final Verdict
Total Wireless scores 4.5/11. It is a poor carrier that exists because of retail shelf placement, not product merit.
The value proposition is broken. Every plan at every price point is beaten by Visible on the same Verizon network. The family plan positioning collapses under basic arithmetic. You pay more, get less, and receive no security features for the privilege.
The security gap is corporate negligence. Verizon owns both Total Wireless and Visible. Visible has 2FA. Total Wireless does not. This is not a resource constraint. It is a deliberate choice to provide worse security to customers Verizon considers less valuable.
The customer service failure is systemic. TracFone brands share a customer service infrastructure that has never prioritized quality. When your data caps out or your account has problems, you are entering a system designed for cost minimization, not customer satisfaction.
The switch is obvious:
- For Verizon coverage: Switch to Visible -- same network, unlimited data, $25/month with taxes, 2FA available.
- For T-Mobile with flexibility: Switch to Tello -- 35GB for $25/month, build-your-own plans, family discounts, 2FA, free international calling.
Total Wireless is not saving you money. It is costing you data, security, and service quality on the same network you could access for less through Visible. The switch takes less than an hour and the savings start immediately.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings. Total Wireless earned its 4.5/11 score through the same objective criteria applied to every carrier we review. Learn more about our methodology.