Google Fi Coverage Map: How It Compares

Google Fi, formerly Project Fi, is a mobile virtual network operator selling service on the T-Mobile network. This gives Google Fi customers access to nation's largest 5G network. 

By using T-Mobile’s towers, Google Fi offers service on the country’s top 5G network and some incredibly fast data speeds. That said, it doesn't offer as much 4G LTE service as the Verizon and AT&T networks.

We’ll take a closer look at the Google Fi coverage map to help you understand if you are covered by its services and whether switching to Google Fi is a good choice for you.

Google Fi 4G LTE coverage maps

---

Google Fi and the T-Mobile 4G LTE coverage map

The main point you might take out of the first glance at Google Fi’s coverage is that it operates on T-Mobile’s network. While this means you get coverage from a major network, when it comes to 4G LTE, it means you get access to the third-best of the major three.

Covering 62% of the country, T-Mobile isn’t horribly behind AT&T and Verizon. Google Fi customers in larger metropolitan areas should get pretty strong cellular signals. However, those in rural areas might have a harder time getting service—T-Mobile has a notorious reputation for poor service in such areas.

Google Fi 5G coverage maps

---

Google Fi and the T-Mobile 5G map

While Google Fi customers have access to the third-best 4G LTE coverage, they also have access to the current leader in the 5G race. T-Mobile’s 5G coverage map shows a network covering over 50% of the country. This totally outpaces the competition. AT&T has about 23% covered and Verizon only has 12% coverage.

Keep in mind that 5G (no matter which network) has yet to really live up to its full potential. Most of the 5G we have access to today is only slightly faster than the 4G LTE we are very used to.

Google Fi coverage breakdown

---

Google Fi 4G LTE network

Here is how Google Fi on the T-Mobile network stacks up against the other major networks:

1. Verizon: 70%
2. AT&T: 69%
3. Google Fi via T-Mobile 62%

With 62% of the country covered by its 4G LTE network via T-Mobile, Google Fi gives customers access to the third-best 4G LTE. That puts Google Fi well below Verizon (70%) and moderately below AT&T (69%). The T-Mobile is especially known for having solid 4G LTE coverage in heavily populated metropolitan areas, but it lacks excellent coverage in rural areas which accounts for the gap between Google Fi/T-Mobile and the other two major networks. Curious how Google Fi compares to a major carrier besides its parent network? Peruse out Google Fi vs. Verizon guide.

Google Fi 5G network

Here is how Google Fi's network coverage through T-Mobile stacks up against other major networks:

1. Google Fi via T-Moble 53.79%
2. AT&T: 29.52%
3. Verizon: 12.77%

Great news for Google Fi customers or anybody thinking about switching to Google Fi. The MVNO provides access to the largest 5G network in the country. T-Mobile has utilized low-band 5G to develop a network that towers over the other major networks when it comes to coverages. AT&T (29.52% follows not so closely behind T-Mobile, and Verizon (12.77%) still has a lot more catching up to do sitting all the way back in third place. 

Google Fi plans

Google Fi offers simple plan options, including: Unlimited Essentials, Unlimited Standard, and Flexible. Each tier offers unlimited talk and text. 

The top-tier Unlimited Premium, at $65/month for one line, comes with 1000GB of priority data, 100GB of Google One cloud data storage, 1 year of YouTube premium, international data, and 50GB high-speed hotspot tethering. 

With the lower-tier Unlimited Standard plan, you'll enjoy a generous 50GB of priority data, a 25GB mobile hotspot, and data in Mexico and Canada for $50/month. However, you miss out on the cloud storage, streaming perk, and international use.

The Flexible plan starts at just $20/month for unlimited talk and text. But unlike Google Fi's unlimited tiers, you don't get any data by default. Each 1GB allotment of data costs $10. So, for example, a 6GB Flexible plan costs $80/month with the cost-per-gig added to the monthly plan price. Thankfully, bill protection lets you avoid additional fees by setting a self-imposed data cap. Our suggestion: take advantage of Wi-Fi calling. 

The Flexible Google Fi plan lacks premium features such as Google One cloud storage. However, it does come with high-speed hotspot tethering plus worldwide phone use outside of the U.S.—both features are notably absent on the Simply Unlimited tier. 

Google Fi vs. other MVNO carriers

---

Google's Fi's coverage map isn't going to look much different than other T-Mobile MVNOs like Mint. Comparing Google Fi to other major carriers' MVNO basically looks like a comparison chart between all three of the major carriers themselves. 

Google Fi vs. AT&T network carriers

Google Fi 4G LTE coverage falls behind AT&T MVNOs like Boost Mobile and Good2Go Mobile. This is due to the T-Mobile network's poor presence in real where AT&T has solid coverage (albeit not exactly the best).  Still, in urban areas, Google Fi and the AT&T MVNOs are not all that far apart. Google Fi customers do get access to the best 5G network, but AT&T MVNO customers can take some solace in knowing that they are on the second-best 5G network in the country. 

Google Fi coverage vs. Verizon network carriers

Anybody on a plan with a Verizon MVNO, like Visible or US Mobile, gets to take advantage of the best 4G LTE network in the country. The Verizon network is the strongest in both urban and rural areas covering about 70% of the country. T-Mobile is good, but just not that good. However, when it comes to 5G you can just go ahead and flip that script. Google Fi is on the biggest 5G network. Meanwhile,Verizon MVNO customers are stuck with the smallest 5G network. 

The best cities for Google Fi coverage

---

Because the former Project Fi operates on the T-Mobile network, its best cities are the best cities with T-Mobile coverage. 

T-Mobile has the best coverage in these cities:

• Washington D.C. (4G LTE and 5G)
• Atlanta, Georgia (4G LTE)
• Fort Worth, TX (4G LTE)
• New York, NY (4G LTE)
• Nashville, TN (4G LTE)
• Indianapolis, IN (5G)

Google Fi phones and coverage

---

Google Fi is a bit unique in that it’ll allow your phone to switch from different networks via the Google Fi app. However, this feature only works with phones designed specifically for Google Fi service. Considering that Google is in the name, you’d be absolutely right if you guessed that Google Fi phones are Android phones. Examples of Google Fi phones include the Google Pixels and the Samsung Galaxy S21. While iPhones aren’t able to take full advantage of Google Fi, they can be used on the MVNO’s services.

Google Fi international coverage

---

Google Fi has excellent international coverage and is one of the best MVNOs for international travel. International roaming is a standard part of the Google Fi Unlimited Plus and Flexible plans. Through agreements with various carriers across the world, you’ll get Google Fi coverage in over 200 countries and locations outside of the US. 

Google Fi Coverage: FAQs

---

How good is Google Fi coverage?

What towers and network does Google Fi use?

Is Google Fi as good as T-Mobile?

Read our Google Fi review for more information about the small carrier.

What are the disadvantages of Google Fi?