Total Wireless Vs Straight Talk: What To Choose? (Comparison Review)

Straight Talk and Total Wireless are popular budget carriers if you want to significantly reduce your monthly bills. They provide prepaid cellphone plans to suit a wide range of budgets. There are no contracts, which means you can cancel at any time of year with no repercussions.

Straight Talk and Total Wireless are both Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). They are both owned by the same company, TracFone Wireless.

While these cellular providers appear to have a lot in common, there are significant differences in their data plans, pricing, and availability, among other things. To assist you in selecting the best provider, we will compare Total Wireless vs. Straight Talk.

TRACFONE OWNS BOTH STRAIGHT TALK AND TOTAL WIRELESS

Straight Talk and Total Wireless are both Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) owned by TracFone. MVNOs are cellular service providers that purchase the right to use the towers of one of the big four cellular networks (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint).

However, there are significant differences between Straight Talk and Total Wireless in terms of plans, pricing, and retail availability, which we’ll go over in more detail below.

It’s important to note that just because TracFone owns Total Mobile doesn’t mean Straight Talk phones will automatically work on Total Mobile networks. Similarly, all billing, customer service, and other services are handled by individual providers (for example, you can’t call Total Wireless to refill your Straight Talk account).

WHAT IS STRAIGHT TALK?

Straight Talk is an MVNO that aims to provide dependable and affordable cellular services to people all over the United States. Straight Talk, unlike many of its competitors, takes a unique approach to service delivery.

This MVNO uses the networks of the big four cellular providers, which include T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. The best network for you is determined by coverage in your area. Straight Talk has more than 25 million customers, making it the largest no-contract provider in the United States.

The company’s target market consists primarily of heavy data users on a tight budget. Not every data-hungry individual has a lot of money to throw around. This is where low-cost cellular providers such as Straight Talk come in. Straight Talk also provides more personalized prepaid monthly plans.

You can select your preferred plan from official retail stores such as Walmart. The best part is that customers can keep their existing phones instead of purchasing new ones.

Straight Talk Pros

• There are no contracts or even a credit check
• You’re allowed to keep your old phone
• International calling
• Designed for the mobile data users
• There is a reward program
• Includes phone installment plans

Straight Talk Cons

• Absolutely no family plans
• Coverage mainly depends on the particular carrier network you select

WHAT IS TOTAL WIRELESS?

Total Wireless is a TracFone-owned alternative cellular carrier that was founded in 2015. Unlike Straight Talk, this one is only available on the Verizon Network. This means that it is primarily limited to CDMA-enabled devices. There may also be variations in call quality, which is largely dependent on the area.

Total Wireless has many advantages, including no activation fees, no monthly fees, personal and family plans, and low prices. It also ensures excellent coverage due to the Verizon network. While individual cell phone plans aren’t perfect, family plans are on another level. We will, without a doubt, get into the specifics later.

The cell phone plans are significantly less expensive than those offered by most competitors. Having said that, the plans lack many of the features found with other carrier providers.

Total Wireless, on the other hand, would be a good match if you’re comfortable with cell phone plans without all of the bells and whistles. Service plans and devices can be purchased from the official website as well as retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Dollar General.

Total Wireless Pros

• Contract-free
• Affordable family plans
• You can keep your old phone number
• Excellent coverage from Verizon’s network
• There are international calling options
• Reward program available

Total Wireless Cons

• No unlimited data plans
• There is no international texting
• Few options for the basic plans
• The plans don’t include mobile hotspots

SUGGESTED POSTS:

• How Does Straight Talk Phone Payment Plan Work? (Explained)
• How To Unlock Straight Talk iPhone? (4 Easy Method To Try)
• The 7 Best Consumer Cellular Unlocked Phones At Walmart Click Here

TOTAL WIRELESS VS. STRAIGHT TALK: PLANS

Total Wireless offers three different plan options. The good news is that all of its plans are low-cost. The silver lining, however, ends there because this cellular provider does not offer any unlimited data plans.

If you enjoy watching videos on your smartphone, Total Wireless may not be the best option for you. All of the plans include unlimited talk and text, which is reassuring. We previously stated that Total Wireless plans are reasonably priced when compared to other carriers such as AT&T and Verizon.

As a result, it’s the ideal cellular service for those on a tight budget. However, as with most low-cost items, there is a catch somewhere. In this case, you will have to forego the perks and notable features that are commonly provided by the major carriers.

Total Wireless, for example, does not provide unlimited music streaming, mobile hotspot data, or even caller ID. This means you won’t be able to enjoy the digital experience. Total Wireless will most likely work for you if you aren’t a heavy data user. It should be no problem to use your data for Google Maps or emailing.

In fact, the cheapest plan, which includes 1 GB of data, costs only $25 per month. It’s a fantastic deal that will undoubtedly serve its purpose.

If you need more data to complete online tasks such as streaming videos, there is a good solution available. Simply select the data add-on because it does not expire while your service is active. It’s actually a great way to save data because your extra data won’t be used.

Your plan’s data is basically depleted first. In addition, all unused data is rolled over to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Total Wireless offers the following individual plans:

Plan	Features	Price
$25 individual plan	No contracts1 GB of data	$25 a month
$35 individual plan	No contracts5 GB of data	$35 a month
$50 individual plan	No contractsUnlimited data	$50 a month

Straight Talk has an option for everyone when it comes to individual cellular plans. In fact, this is the main selling point for Straight Talk, which makes it popular among competitors. Straight Talk also provides the cheapest plans on the market by utilizing cell towers from major carriers.

Depending on your location, there’s a good chance you’ll find the best coverage. This could also result in slower data speeds. Straight Talk’s three main plans all include unlimited data. Until your monthly allowance is depleted, your data will be delivered at 4G LTE speeds.

After that, unless you add extra data or top-up, the speeds are reduced to 2G. With all plans, you also get unlimited calls and texts. We like Straight Talk’s cell phone plans because they are well-rounded and suitable for a wide range of users. Let’s take a look at the Straight Talk cell phone plans;

Plans	Features	Price
All You need Unlimited plan	100MB dataNo contract	$30 a month
10GB Unlimited plan	10GB dataNo contract	$35 a month
25GB Unlimited plan	Unlimited dataNo contract	$35 a month
Ultimate Unlimited data plan	Unlimited dataNo contract	$44 a month
Unlimited international plan	Unlimited dataNo contract	$55 a month
Platinum Unlimited data plan	Unlimited dataNo contract	$65 a month

When you compare the plans’ reasonably low prices to those of major carriers like Verizon, the plans become even more appealing. As a result, there is something for everyone in the house, including your children, grandmother, and video-streaming family members.

TOTAL WIRELESS VS. STRAIGHT TALK: FAMILY PLANS

Total Wireless offers the best way to save a few dollars each month with its family plans. Family plans are the real deal when it comes to lowering your wireless bill. If there are multiple people in the house, it is preferable to bundle your lines and save money.

The best part is that you can also get some perks, such as free mobile hotspot data. Total Wireless allows you to add up to four lines to your account. As a result, your spouse and two children would be completely covered.

Each additional line adds unlimited talk, text, and data to the shared data pot. Everyone is happy and fulfilled at the end of the day. After all, we live in a technologically driven world. Each line will be connected to Verizon’s network, which is the best in the country. As a result, you shouldn’t be concerned about getting good service.

The hotspot data would be an excellent addition. Each line added to the family plan receives 10GB of free hotspot data. When you think about it, this is more than enough to watch several Netflix movies. What about watching a movie on the bus or train? That’s pretty cool, huh?

Straight Talk, on the other hand, has made little progress in the category of family plans. Straight Talk offers an unlimited plan for two lines, but that’s the closest you’ll get to a family plan. In other words, this carrier does not provide family plans.

Because there are no deals for adding extra lines, you may have to move on and look for other options. Total Wireless easily wins in this category.

TOTAL WIRELESS VS. STRAIGHT TALK: COVERAGE

You won’t be able to use a cellphone unless you have a strong signal. You can’t even watch videos or send text messages. It all boils down to one thing: the importance of thorough coverage. Total Wireless is powered by Verizon, which means it has excellent coverage.

Verizon is one of the top carriers in terms of coverage in the country. Keep in mind that Verizon has the fastest data speeds. Straight Talk’s network, on the other hand, is comprised of all major carriers. As a result, the service can be a little perplexing.

Coverage is determined by the type of device you use with the service, whether CDMA or GSM. For example, if you transfer a phone from Sprint to Straight Talk, you must use a SIM card designed specifically for AT&T. Straight Talk phones operate on the GSM network, which is either AT&T or T-Mobile.

In this regard, you should check the coverage in your area. Choose the network that has the best coverage in your area. Most people, especially those who live in cities, should have no trouble getting coverage. The majority of these areas are covered by major networks, and you can easily find the right one.

Though data speeds are a whole different story and customers don’t always get what they want. Verizon has the best coverage and overall performance among all the big four carriers but things might be different depending on where you live.

STRAIGHT TALK vs TOTAL WIRELESS VS. : PERFORMANCE

People want a dependable cell phone service that will not let them down when they are most in need. Straight Talk’s strategy is to provide its customers with a reliable service by utilizing a patchwork of other companies’ networks.

Total Wireless, on the other hand, operates on the Verizon network. The network is everything when it comes to the performance of these wireless carriers. This is largely determined by where you live. Having said that, both carriers have comparable performance, particularly those on the Verizon network.

If Verizon is not available, you may want to consider AT&T. Keep in mind, there is a deprioritization issue but most customers don’t notice it. If this is a huge problem, you can always switch to a direct carrier provider as opposed to an MVNO.

TOTAL WIRELESS VS. STRAIGHT TALK: PHONE SELECTION

Have you attempted to purchase a new phone on any of these days? It is half the price, if not more, of a mortgage. Fortunately, you can still get a good deal. There are definitely some deals to be had if you decide to sign up for a plan from Straight Talk or Total Wireless.

As a result, users receive a new device for the service at a low cost. Straight Talk has a lot of new devices on the market, including the latest Samsung and Apple smartphones, which we like. For users looking to save money, the company also has some budget options from other phone manufacturers. They also allow customers to pay in installments. Doesn’t that sound good?

Straight Talk and Total Wireless are on par in terms of phone selection and available devices. They provide a good selection of the most recent smartphones on the market, giving users more options for getting what they want. This way, you’ll have the best device for you. The prices on both platforms are, for the most part, the same.

TOTAL WIRELESS or STRAIGHT TALK: INTERNATIONAL CALLING

International calling is also available from Straight Talk and Total Wireless. Total Wireless customers have the option of purchasing a prepaid calling card. They plan to use this to make international calls via a mobile app.

The mobile application essentially allows users to call their preferred international destinations from the United States. This operator also includes a $10 international calling card valid for 30 days.

Straight Talk has something else up its sleeve as well. Customers can make mobile-to-mobile calls from the United States to Canada, Mexico, China, and India in this case. If you want more, there is a plan that includes calls to over 1,000 destinations worldwide.

Another option is to purchase a calling card, especially if you do not make calls on a regular basis. The Global calling card, like the Total card, costs $10 and allows you to call at very low rates. So, if you’re looking for a one-time recharge card, both Straight Talk and Total Wireless can provide it. It would be a practical way to make international calls.

TOTAL WIRELESS and STRAIGHT TALK: CUSTOMER SERVICE

In terms of customer service, you can’t really expect much from a low-cost carrier. There are numerous complaints on the internet about the poor customer service provided by both cell providers. So, how does Total Wireless fare in this department?

It does not, however, compete with larger providers such as AT&T. If you require assistance, please call 1-866-663-3633 or visit their website. We’re beginning to believe that expecting excellent customer service from a telecommunications company is a pipe dream.

It’s just not in their nature. Having said that, some are faring better than others. According to the information we gathered online, Straight Talk’s customer service isn’t all that bad. Finally, some good news, but don’t get too excited! To reach a Straight Talk representative, dial 1-877-430-2355.

The majority of the time, you will be forced to solve problems on your own. Also, if you cancel your service and have unused funds in your account, Total Wireless will not refund you. You will have to proceed with nothing or spend all of your money before switching.

STRAIGHT TALK vs TOTAL WIRELESS: WHICH IS BETTER?

When comparing Total Wireless and Straight Talk, it’s clear that there are some similarities and differences. The decision between these two carrier services is based on your needs. On the one hand, Total Wireless offers simple plans and the best deals on family plans.

In fact, you have a better chance of saving money with Total Wireless’s family plans than with any other carrier provider. Straight Talk, on the other hand, has a plethora of plan options to keep customers satisfied. However, it simplifies things too much, and you will almost certainly miss out on the extra features.

However, the most significant difference is that Straight Talk offers unlimited data, whereas Total does not currently offer unlimited plan options. Customers receive a limited amount of data based on the plan they purchase. If you use a lot of data on a daily basis, Total Wireless might not be the best option for you.

Furthermore, Straight Talk does not offer family plans, which is a major disappointment for customers on a tight budget. Straight Talk and Total Wireless both allow users to easily switch to their network using old phones. As a result, they do not need to purchase new devices for the services.

There is no clear winner in the battle between Straight Talk and Total Wireless. They each have their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Always choose a network with better coverage and faster data speeds. Total Wireless uses Verizon’s network, which is known for its fast data speeds and robust network.

FAQs on TOTAL WIRELESS and STRAIGHT TALK