Google Fi plans include unlimited calling and texting, but the data charges can rack up quickly. If you’re a heavy data user, Google Fi can end up costing more than you’d pay for an unlimited plan with a different provider. Google Fi’s unlimited plan costs more than the average prepaid unlimited plan at $50/month, but gets you access to Google’s Pixel Pass (if you have a Pixel phone). So, if you ended up using 2 GB of data in a month, this is what your bill would look like: But if you do use the full amount, or more, bill protection can save you from disaster. You won’t ever need to pay more than $70/month for your Google Fi service, but if you’re paying that much, your money would be better spent going with a premium plan from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. After all, those big carriers can give you perks like free streaming subscriptions and hotspot data. There’s a bit of a catch, though. You’ll still get unlimited texts in Google Fi’s international coverage areas, but there is an extra 20¢ per minute charge for voice calls. The data rates stay exactly the same. That’s still a pretty good deal as long as you don’t narrate every step of your vacation to Mom back home. Overall, Google Fi is a pretty convenient deal for casual travelers. But die-hard globetrotters may find better international rates from other carriers. If 15 GB isn’t a high enough data cap for you, you’ll want to check out other carriers. For example, Verizon lets you have up to 50 GB of unthrottled data, and T-Mobile gives you 100GB—yes, 100!—of unthrottled data. Long story short, we strongly recommend not going with an unlimited plan with Google Fi, considering you can find cheaper alternatives that are just as good or even better. Okay, but what about non-unlimited data plans? Let’s say you wanted a cell phone plan with 2 GB of data a month. Let’s see how Google Fi compares to the competition:
Pricey
Compared to other prepaid carriers, Google Fi’s unlimited plan feels a bit pricey at $50/month. For example, Mint Mobile (which also uses T-Mobile’s network), only costs $30/month for unlimited talk, text, and data. Visible, which uses Verizon’s network, only costs $40/month for the same service. Take a look at how Google Fi’s unlimited plan compares with other options: Currently, you’d pay $70 a month for a 2 GB family plan on Google Fi. Since it costs $40 a month for an individual plan with 2 GB of data, you’d only be paying an extra $30 for two extra lines. Translation: family plans are always cheaper per line. Bill protection will cap your bill after a certain point (depending on how many lines you add), but keep an eye on it, because everyone on your plan shares from the same data pool. We would not recommend using Google Fi with any data hogs. Seriously, your teenager (or anybody really) could rack up tons of data before you know it and push your monthly charge up to $110 a month for three lines. At that point, you’d be better off getting a wireless family plan with a different carrier. Speaking of which . . . After Project Fi rebranded as Google Fi, the company opened up its service to almost all phones, including Android devices and iPhones (if you bring your own). Sadly, Google Fi is behind the times with most of its compatible devices. Most of the latest Apple devices mentioned on Google Fi’s website are only available as a beta test. Google Fi is most certainly playing favorites with its own devices and allows all the latest Google Pixel devices without any sort of “beta” baggage. So if you’re going to go Google Fi, we don’t recommend going with an Apple device—look at Pixels instead. But if you don’t have a “designed for Fi” phone, then you’re stuck on T-Mobile’s network. It’s not bad, but those in the midwestern and western states will definitely lose out. If you want to see how Google Fi’s coverage looks in your area, use their coverage map tool here. And for those who love fast data, phones with 5G capability can access Google Fi’s 5G coverage and speed. Unfortunately, Google Fi doesn’t buck the trend when it comes to poor customer service. You can find a slew of complaints online, especially about payment issues, long waiting times, and inconsistent answers. But Google Fi is a young company, so there’s still time for it to turn around and establish a positive reputation.
Google Fi’s single plan gives you unlimited talk and text for a flat fee of $20 a month, plus $10 per GB of data you use in a month, which caps at $70 a month. Since Google Fi piggybacks on the T-Mobile network, your coverage should feel reliable in most areas. Google Fi’s unlimited plan isn’t as affordable as other unlimited plans, but you can sign up for the Pixel Pass with bundles subscriptions like YouTube Premium for a more affordable price. If you’re a low-data user or your data use fluctuates from month to month, then Google Fi’s plan may be just what you need. Others may find its “unlimited” option too expensive and its phone selection too restrictive.
