Total Wireless vs Metro by T-Mobile: Which Prepaid Carrier Offers Better Value in 2024?

When comparing Total Wireless and Metro by T-Mobile, the decision often depends on your coverage needs and family plan preferences. Both carriers, owned by Verizon and T-Mobile respectively, offer unlimited data and various perks, but they differ in pricing, features, and coverage.

Total Wireless
Owned by Verizon, Total Wireless offers three simple, unlimited data plans, with options for multi-line discounts, making it a great choice for families. Some standout features include unlimited data on all plans and hotspot data availability. However, its base 5G plan offers slower speeds compared to the higher-tier options, and it lacks discounts for single lines.

• Pros:
  • Unlimited data across all plans
  • Hotspot data included
  • Multi-line discounts for families
• Cons:
  • Base 5G plan has slower speeds
  • No multi-month savings for single-line plans

Prices start at $40/month, but you can get discounts if you add more lines, with the price dropping to $25/line for a family of four.

Metro by T-Mobile
Metro, T-Mobile’s prepaid option, offers several unlimited plans and adds valuable extras like 100GB of Google One cloud storage with its unlimited plans. While it’s a bit pricier than Total Wireless, it provides additional perks such as Amazon Prime with its top-tier plan.

• Pros:
  • Unlimited data on all plans
  • Google One storage included
  • Multi-line discounts for families
• Cons:
  • Expensive for single-line users
  • All video streaming limited to SD quality

Plans start at $40/month, but the best value is found when you opt for more lines.

Carrier Features Comparison
Both Total Wireless and Metro offer unlimited data, but the quality of the service can vary. Total Wireless uses Verizon’s robust network, while Metro relies on T-Mobile’s extensive 5G coverage. In rural areas, Verizon generally offers superior coverage, though T-Mobile has an edge in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Hotspot Data and International Coverage
Total Wireless provides hotspot data with its plans, with the Base plan offering 5GB and the more expensive ones providing 15GB or unlimited 5Mbps hotspot speeds. Metro’s plans include hotspot data as well, with up to 25GB on its top plan. International roaming is available with both providers, but Total Wireless stands out with its roaming options in 15+ countries, including Mexico and Canada.

Plans and Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Total Wireless offers a simpler structure. The Base 5G Unlimited plan is priced at $40/month, with multi-line discounts bringing it down to $25/line for four lines. If you need faster speeds, the Total 5G Unlimited plan costs $50/month for a single line, with discounts for multiple lines.

Metro’s plans, on the other hand, start at $50/month for the Flex Start plan, which includes 8GB of hotspot data and unlimited data, but it can get quite expensive as you move to the higher-tier plans.

Phone Compatibility and Coverage
Both carriers offer extensive phone compatibility, with Total Wireless supporting the latest devices, including iPhones and popular Android phones. Metro, known for better support for niche and international models, is also a good option if you’re looking to use a unique or international phone.

In terms of coverage, both networks are solid, but Verizon’s network (used by Total Wireless) has the edge in rural areas, while T-Mobile (Metro’s network) is generally better in urban centers and offers more widespread 5G coverage.

Which is the Better Value?
Overall, Total Wireless offers better value, especially for families, due to its affordable pricing and larger multi-line discounts. It’s a great choice if you need international coverage and enjoy the simplicity of Verizon’s network. On the other hand, Metro by T-Mobile is a strong contender for those who want additional perks like Google One storage and Amazon Prime but may find it pricier for single-line users. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable plan with unlimited data and great family options, Total Wireless is the better value.

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