In today's connected world, making the right mobile carrier decision is critical. It can be daunting filtering through the options to find something that works for you and your bank account. Two of these, Xfinity Mobile and Total Wireless, are both strong competitors on price and swear by different methods to appeal or retain subscribers. In This Article we will compare both carriers in this guide and help you pick the best service for your needs based on features, rates, coverage, etc.
Company Background
2.1. Xfinity Mobile
Comcast is one the biggest telecommunications companies in US, Xfinity Mobile belongs to them. Xfinity Mobile only launched in 2017, and it quickly scored more subscribers than Google Fi because Comcast has so many existing customers to sell affordable mobile service. This leverages Verizon's expansive 4G LTE and 5G network, promising reliable coverage coast-to-coast.
2.2. Total Wireless
Total Wireless (which is owned by TracFone) started as a prepaid mobile service provider way back in 2015. That, and it depends on Verizon for the coverage. As a no-contract, value-priced carrier specializing in low monthly prices for people who just want their wireless service to work without any fuss or muss – that's Total Wireless.
Network Coverage and Reliability
Xfinity Mobile
Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon's network, which has a great footprint across the U.S. Depending on device compatibility and location, that includes access to both 4G LTE streaming or one of a handful of 5G services. It also comes with millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots and save a lot on your mobile data by connecting to an available hotspot.
Total Wireless
Total Wireless is a Verizon-based network, similar to Xfinity Mobile in that regard from an urban and rural perspective. Even though Total Wireless isn't as 5G-obsessed as Xfinity Mobile, it shares Verizon's network compatibility.
Comparison of Coverage
Xfinity Mobile and Total Wireless both ride on one of the better networks in Verizon. However, any customers who do have 5G from Xfinity Mobile will be fortunate enough to likely see slightly better performance in most places where Comcast offers service thanks to the help of a strong portfolio of urban mmWave airwaves. Verizon and AT&T perform more or less the same in rural areas, with Verizon having pervasive coverage across almost all of America.
Plans and Pricing
Source : cnet.com
Xfinity Mobile
Xfinity Mobile hastwo main divisions of plans provided.
By the Gig: Kicks off at $15 a month for 1GB, best if you don't use your phone much
Unlimited: Available for approximately$45 per line/month. No tax, no fee billing.
These plans are only eligible to current Xfinity Internet subscribers so that could be a setback for some users.
Total Wireless
Total Wireless offers an assortment of no-contract plans, including unlimited talk and text from as low as $25 per month (data options differ).
Single-line plans with 5GB of high-speed data: Under its trial program T-Mo sells single-line plans with 5GB of high-speed data at an introductory price around $35 per month.
Family plans: Share data across 2+ lines, from $60 for two.
Total Wireless also bundles taxes and fees into this pricing to make billing straightforward.
Cost Comparison
For those who don't use that much data, Xfinity's pricing can be more economical.
Total Wireless is better for Family Plans or Moderate Users
While both carriers are offering competitive plans, Xfinity Mobile requires you to be an existing Comcast customer while Verizon is open to everyone.
Data Speeds and Throttling
Xfinity Mobile
Where available, Xfinity Mobile customers will benefit from 5G network data speeds to help them get connected and enjoy more of what they may love on their devices even faster. That being said, speeds may be reduced after 22GB of data per line during congestion periods. Speeds are never throttled to customers on the By The Gig plan, but if total data usage as compared with a maximum Overage Safety Limit is off the charts high in comparison.
Total Wireless
In fact, all of the plans from Total Wireless are running on 4G LTE. Data may be deprioritized during times of network congestion / During peak usage, data will not have the same priority as other traffic. Otherwise data is reduced to 2G after the high-speed limit, which may be less appealing for heavy users but not as big a deal otherwise.
Speed Tests and User Experience
In everyday tasks, not bristling media streaming or even high-load internet relay Xfinity Mobile and Total Wireless perform respectably in real-world tests. That said, Xfinity Mobile's ability to access 5G may serve them well in busy urban zones with data congestion.
Device Selection and Compatibility
Xfinity Mobile
Xfinity Mobile carries many of the top smartphones, from newest iPhones to Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixels. The carrier plan also allows unlocked mobiles that are compatible and supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
Total Wireless
The selection of Total Wireless cell phones includes models from brands such as Apple and Samsung. BYOD program is an option, but device support may be more limited. This is why it makes sense to check on their website before you decide to switch.
Device Financing Options
There's also a 0% interest financing for those customers that like to pay their phones off over time. Total Wireless, on the other hand generally asks that you pay up front for devices which may not be so convenient for some customers.
Customer Service and Support
Xfinity Mobile
Xfinity Mobile offers online chat, phone support and in-person help at their retail locations. Customer service is mixed, but some have noted long wait times.
Total Wireless
Total Wireless has phone and online chat support. Support in person is limited, this airline operates on their budget carrier roots. Customer service reviews are less consistent, with some users reporting slow and ineffective response times.
Overall Customer Experience
Both carriers could stand to improve on customer service For those who need a bit more service, Xfinity Mobile has the extra leg up thanks to its physical retail footprint and hands-on support than does Total Wireless.
Extra Features and Benefits
Xfinity Mobile
A killer feature of Xfinity Mobile is that it taps into the 18+ million (and counting) Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots out in the wild, which can do wonders for saving on your monthly mobile data usage. Combine that with the ability to manage account, data usage and bills directly from within the Xfinity Mobile app.
Total Wireless
Total Wireless For personal services without frills. Notability: They have a certain appeal when it comes to international calling, and their data add-ons might be an attractive proposition for those of you who want actual flexibility.
Unique Selling Points
If that Xfinity/Comcast household has one of the faster packages, then their internet/wifi experience at home could also be something like 75% or more cheaper than US average pricing. So it's almost a no-brainer to choose these mobile plans w/X1 service IMO. By contrast, Total Wireless is better suited for customers who want no-contract prepaid plans without any frills.
Pros and Cons Summary
Xfinity Mobile Pros and Cons
Pros: 5G service available, Xfinity WiFi hotspots praised by our readership, Bang for your buck prices on data plans.
Cons: Xfinity Internet customers only; customer service reviews.
Total Wireless Pros and Cons
Pros: Uses Verizon's network, few phones to choose from.
Cons: No widespread 5G discounts, spotty customer service response times and performance, financing makes you pay for all of your device before making a change.
Quick Comparison Chart
Feature
Xfinity Mobile
Total Wireless
Network
Verizon (5G)
Verizon (4G LTE)
Plan Type
Postpaid
Prepaid
Starting Price
$15/month
$25/month
5G Access
Yes
Limited
Hotspots
Yes
No
Device Financing
Yes
No
Customer Service
In-store, online
Online, phone
Conclusion
Overall, whether Xfinity Mobile or Total Wireless is best for you will depend on your specific needs. The Xfinity Mobile line tied into an existing internet customer account: Good for web customers, 5G+WiFi as it should be While the no extra es is on offer from Total Wireless, it might be a fantastic option for people who desire an easy prepaid cellular card and also at[ancelledtory obligations. When making your decision, think about how much data you use each month and which plan might fit within your own personal or professional budget along with the type of customer service support available for that carrier.
FAQs
What is the main difference between Xfinity Mobile and Total Wireless?
Xfinity Mobile — Postpaid plans with 5G access and only for Xfinity Internet customers,
Total Wireless — Prepaid plans using the four major networks and no contracts
Can I bring my own phone to either carrier?
Yes, Xfinity Mobile and Total Wireless are both BYOD for those using an unlocked compatible phone.
Which carrier offers better customer service?
Xfinity Mobile has a slight edge with in-store support options, but its customer service reviews are no more positive or negative than those of other carriers.
Are there hidden fees with either Xfinity Mobile or Total Wireless?
All pricing is before taxes and fees but note that both carriers do include taxes and fees in all their advertised prices.
Which carrier is better for international travel?
There are a few international calling options available through Total Wireless so it's slightly more travel-friendly than his other recommendation. But it would still be a good idea to compare individual plans and rates between the two companies.
Overall, whether Xfinity Mobile or Total Wireless is best for you will depend on your specific needs. The Xfinity Mobile line tied into an existing internet customer account: Good for web customers, 5G+WiFi as it should be While the no extra es is on offer from Total Wireless, it might be a fantastic option for people who desire an easy prepaid cellular card and also at[ancelledtory obligations. When making your decision, think about how much data you use each month and which plan might fit within your own personal or professional budget along with the type of customer service support available for that carrier.
