Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Which Carrier is Best?

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile - Which Carrier is Best

Want to know which Carrier is best, Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile? If yes, then you have stumbled upon the right article.

Total Wireless and Mint Mobile are both mobile virtual network operators using Verizon and T-Mobile to network infrastructure to serve their customers.

Being on countries’ best networks might cause confusion among customers in selecting the best provider for their needs.

Choosing the right phone plan can be a real headache. I was torn between Total Wireless and Mint Mobile.

Both seemed good, but which one was the best for me? I needed something affordable but didn’t want to compromise on coverage or speed, so I decided to do some research.

I looked at what both carriers had to offer, comparing their plans, prices, and what other people were saying about them.

Total Wireless had Verizon’s network backing it, which meant solid coverage. Their family plans seemed like a great deal, especially with discounts on added lines.

But then there was Mint Mobile with its super cheap plans and T-Mobile’s extensive network coverage, promising high-speed data and 5G access. Plus, people seemed to love Mint’s customer service.

After weighing everything, considering where I lived and how I used my phone, I made my choice.

It wasn’t easy, but in the end, I decided to go with Mint Mobile because it seemed just right.

In this article, I have shared my personal research of Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile. I have compared their plans, coverage, customer ratings etc. I hope it helps.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started.

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – A Quick Overview

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile - A Quick Overview
Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – A Quick Overview

Mint Mobile is a telecommunication service provider in the United States.

It is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses the T-Mobile network to serve people with affordable phone plans, including unlimited talk, text, and data.

Total Wireless, or Total by Verizon, is a prepaid wireless service provider offering various prepaid plans, including unlimited talk, text, and data.

It is a mobile virtual network operator that uses Verizon’s network to serve its customers.

Is Mint Mobile A Good Wireless Service?

Whether Mint Mobile is a good wireless service provider for individuals depends on many factors, such as its plan features, data speed, customer services, coverage, etc.

However, Mint Mobile has a good reputation for affordability, speed, plan flexibility, coverage, and customer service. It can especially be a good option for budget-conscious users.

New customers get a low-cost plan starting at $15 monthly, including unlimited talk and text, free mobile hotspots, free calling to Canada and Mexico, and no-cost Wi-Fi calling and texting.

Is Total Wireless A Good Wireless Service?

Similarly, whether Total Wireless is a good wireless service provider depends on aspects like how it works in your area, its coverage, speed, plan features, etc.

Based on customers’ reviews, Total Wireless is a good option for people who want cheap plans without contracts.

Customers have praised it for features like data roll-on from month to month and no-contract plans. However, its customer service support needs to be reliable.

All Total Wireless plans include access to Verizon’s nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network, which means good coverage in most parts of the country.

It offers simple plans, including unlimited talk and text at various price ranges, starting at $30 monthly and increasing with the number of lines and data included.

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Plans And Pricing

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile - Plans And Pricing
Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Plans And Pricing

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile offer some of the most reasonable phone plans, starting at $30 and $15 monthly.

Here are details about their plans.

Total Wireless Plans

Total Wireless offers the following phone plans.

You can choose any of the plans and activate your Total Wireless SIM card with it.

Plans Price (Monthly) Benefits included
5GB Plan $30/line
  • Unlimited talk and text.
  • 5Gb data with every line, and then data at 2G speed.
  • 5 GB Mobile Hotspot.
  • International calls and texts to Canada & Mexico.
  • Access to Verizon’s 5G network if you have a 5G compatible device.
15 GB Plan $40/line
($35 with Auto Pay)
  • Unlimited talk and text.
  • 15 GB data with every line, then 2G.
  • 15 GB Mobile Hotspot.
  • International talk and text to Canada and Mexico.
  • Access to Verizon 5G network with 5G support phone.
Unlimited Plan $50/line
($45 with Autopay)
  • Unlimited talk, text, and data.
  • 10 GB mobile hotspot each month.
  • International talk and text to any 5 countries.
  • Access to Disney+ Premium for the first 6 months.
  • Access to Verizon’s 5G network with 5G support phone.
Unlimited+ Plan $60/line
($55 with Auto Pay)
  • Unlimited talk, text, and data.
  • 20 GB mobile hotspot each month.
  • International talk and text to any 5 countries.
  • $10 international calling credit.
  • Access to Disney+ Premium (No Ads).
  • Access to Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband with a 5G compatible device.
5G Home Internet $60/line
($55 with Auto-refill)
  • Unlimited data
  • Download speeds range between 20-200 Mbps
  • No contract requirement

Mint Mobile Plans

Mint Mobile offers three plan categories. These are 3-month plans, 6-month plans, 12-month plans, and a separate family plan.

New customers get a discount on 3-month plans costing $15 monthly. After the promotional period ends, the plans are set to their regular price.

Each plan type has four options of monthly data allowances, including 5GB, 15 GB, 20 GB, and Unlimited (first 40 GB at 4G-5G speeds, then slows down).

All Mint Mobile prepaid plans include access to 5G and LTE data, unlimited talk and text, free calling to Mexico and Canada, and free Wi-Fi calling and texting.

Plan (data allowance ) Price (Monthly)
5 GB/month $15 ( $45 upfront payment required)
15 GB/month $20 ($60 upfront payment required)
20GB/month $25 ($75 upfront payment required )
Unlimited (first 40GB at 5G-4G LTE speeds and then slow speed) $30 ($90 upfront payment required )

After 3 months, new customers can renew their plan with a 3, 6, or 12-month plan.

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Coverage And Network Quality

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile - Coverage And Network Quality
Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Coverage And Network Quality

Total Wireless runs on Verizon’s network, which has extensive coverage across the United States and rural areas.

Verizon is generally considered to have the most reliable 4G LTE network, reaching almost every corner of the country.

However, its 5G network needs good coverage in the country.

Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, which is known for its strong 4G-5G signal in major cities and suburbs.

T-Mobile’s coverage has been rapidly expanding and improving but may not have the same reach in remote locations as Verizon. T-Mobile is generally faster in congested urban areas.

In conclusion, Total Wireless is likely to have superior coverage, especially in remote locations, due to Verizon’s wider reach.

Mint Mobile has good reach in urban locations but may have limited coverage outside of metropolitan areas.

Nonetheless, Total Wireless and Mint Mobile coverage in particular areas depends on many factors. The Total Wireless and Mint Mobile website’s coverage map can help you determine whether your area is covered.

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Data Speeds And Performance

Total Wireless running on Verizon offers 4G LTE and 5G coverage.

Verizon is known for excellent 4G LTE performance in its service areas. However, its 5G network is reported to have unsatisfactory performance, limited reach, and unreliability.

Moreover, Total Wireless’s plans that offer 2G speed after reaching a certain limit might be worse in some areas because Verizon has weak 2G and 3G networks.

This means decreased speed for customers without unlimited plans.

Additionally, during congestion, Total Wireless customers can be deprioritized over Verizon customers, leading to further speed reduction.

In comparison, Mint Mobile running on T-Mobile’s network offers robust 4G-5G speed.

T-Mobile leads national 5G availability and offers the fastest speeds.

However, since Mint is also an MVNO, like Total Wireless, its customers can experience deprioritization over T-Mobile’s postpaid users during congestion, affecting its overall speed.

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Customer Service And Support

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile - Customer Service And Support
Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Customer Service And Support

Total Wireless offers the following ways to contact their customer service.

  • You can live chat with their representative at the Total Wireless website and get answers to your issues from 8 AM to 11:45 PM (EST) seven days a week.
  • You can contact their customer support at 1-866-663-3633 from 8 AM to 11:45 PM (EST) seven days a week.

Mint Mobile’s customer service can be reached through

  • You can contact Mint customer care support by dialing 611 from your Mint phone or at 800-683-7392 to get personalized solutions for your issue.
  • You can chat with a customer care representative at their website from 5 AM to 7 PM PST, seven days a week.

Although Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile both carriers offer satisfactory customer service to investigate their subscribers’ problems.

Mint Mobile has received better customer satisfaction ratings for its customer support service than Total Wireless.

This means many customers are dissatisfied with Total’s customer service. Users have commended Mint’s customer service for being responsive to their issues.

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – Pros And Cons

Pros and cons
Pros and cons

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile have advantages and disadvantages. We will discuss both to understand their services clearly.

Total Wireless Pros and Cons

Pros Cons
Uses Verizon’s towers, offering extensive coverage and reliable data speeds. This is beneficial as Verizon has one of the country’s largest and most robust networks.
Due to data prioritization, direct Verizon customers might be given preference during times of high network
congestion, which might cause Mint Mobile data not working issue.
It offers reasonably priced plans that are particularly attractive for families or multiple lines, making it a
budget-friendly option.
While the plans offer “unlimited” data, only a portion of this is at high speed (4G LTE), after which speeds are
significantly reduced, potentially impacting streaming, music, and gaming experiences.
Total by Verizon plans do not come with contracts, so customers can change or cancel services as needed without penalties​.
Customer service experiences can vary, with some users reporting challenges in getting timely or effective support. It’s worth considering if customer service is a priority for you.

Mint Mobile pros and cons

Pros Cons
It is known for cheaper data plans, offering good value compared to major carriers. Plans start as low as $15
per month.
Requires payment for several months of service upfront, which might not suit everyone, especially if you’re unsure
about the service or need flexibility.
It utilizes T-Mobile’s network, providing broad and reliable coverage, including access to 5G, making it a strong option for connectivity​​​.
As an MVNO, during network congestion, Mint Mobile users might see slower speeds compared to T-Mobile’s direct
customers due to data prioritization after 40G.B​​.
Positive ratings for customer support, with many users appreciating the service provided​​.
While coverage is generally good, those in rural or remote areas might experience less reliability and should check
coverage maps in advance.

Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile – ReliefWatch Recommendation

Recommendation
Recommendation

If you want to switch your carrier and need help choosing between Total Wireless and Mint Mobile, you can consider these tips.

  • You can choose Mint Mobile if you want cheap mobile plans at an unbeatable price, prioritize good customer service, and want a reliable 5G network for your 5G support device.
  • Total Wireless is a good option for people needing unlimited data on a strong 4G LTE network and want to experience Verizon’s network at a much more reasonable price.
  • Check the coverage maps for Total Wireless vs Mint Mobile in your area to see which network is stronger for you, and then choose a carrier based on your priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which network does Total Wireless use?

Total Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses Verizon’s network to serve its customers.

Which network does Mint Mobile use?

Mint Mobile is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile’s network to provide prepaid phone services.

Is Mint Mobile 5G fast?

Yes. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, the country’s leading and fastest 5G network provider.

Does Total Wireless offer a 5G network?

Being on Verizon’s network, Total Wireless offers 4G and 5G networks. However, its 5G network has limited availability.

Can I bring my own phone to Mint Mobile?

Yes. You can bring your phone to Mint Mobile. However, it must be unlocked and compatible with T-Mobile’s network. You can check your phone’s compatibility on Mint Mobile’s website.

Is Total Wireless good for international calling?

Yes, Total Wireless offers international calling to Canada and Mexico or any five countries based on its plans.

About the author

Daniel Yu

Alex Jones is a tech-savvy editor at World-Wire, renowned for his expertise in writing detailed technical articles and user-friendly how-to guides. With a background in Information Technology, he excels in demystifying complex tech topics. His work is highly valued for its accuracy and practicality, earning him awards like "Innovator in Tech Journalism" in 2023. Alex's role at World-Wire is pivotal in making technology accessible to a broad audience.

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