Google Fi Review: My experience as a long-time Google Fi customer

Google Fi is an MVNO that provides fast, reliable coverage through T-Mobile’s nationwide 4G LTE and 5G networks. In addition to its affordable family plans and competitive international coverage, Google Fi sets itself apart as an MVNO free from deprioritization—the slowing of data speeds when the network is busy. While other small carriers offer cheaper unlimited plans, Google Fi delivers on its promises. 

Based on my years-long experience with the carrier, I would recommend Google Fi for people who travel frequently, need more than one line, and live in an urban area.     

I tested both of Google Fi's unlimited plans and never hit data limits or encountered network slowdowns. I even used the carrier for two months in Southeast Asia, encountering little to no issues with coverage. The only drawback is that Google Fi can be pricey for single-line users

Since I tested Google Fi's Simply Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans, both have been renamed and upgraded to Unlimited Standard and Unlimited Premium. In spite of the name change, my experiences should still be representative of what you can get on Google Fi's improved plans.

Read on for my experience as a Google Fi customer and to see if this MVNO is right for you.

What plans does Google Fi offer?

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With several phone plans to choose from, Google Fi has an option to meet the budget and data needs of any type of customer. Best of all, you can turn any plan into a family plan with up to six lines, which is something you don’t always see in an MVNO. 

I tested Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus and Simply Unlimited plans, which are no longer available at Google Fi. Both plans I evaluated were revamped and upgraded to Unlimited Premium and Unlimited Standard respectively, doubling premium data and high-speed hotspot allowances. 

Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan is ideal if you're looking for unlimited data at home and abroad. For $65/month, you used to get 50GB of unlimited premium data, unlimited hotspot tethering, 100GB of storage with Google One, a 6-month subscription to YouTube Premium, and a host of international benefits that make this one of the best cell phone plans for international travel. 

Though pricey for one line, Unlimited Plus dropped to $55/month per line with 2 lines and even lower with 3 lines or more. My husband and I had Unlimited Plus for two years at home and abroad and had very few complaints. With unlimited data and texting in over 200+ destinations and calls at 20¢/min outside the US, Canada, and Mexico, Unlimited Plus had everything you needed, no matter where you were.

Unless you added more than one line, the average person would have been wise to stick with Google Fi’s $50/month Simply Unlimited plan, which included 35GB of premium data, a 5GB hotspot, free talk and text from the US to over 200 destinations, and unlimited data, talk, and text in the US, Mexico, and Canada. I had this plan for 6 months and never maxed out my data or hotspot. (More on this later). 

Although less popular, the Flexible plan is still great for those with low data needs, such as grandparents, or for students traveling and using Wi-Fi for most of their internet needs. These customers can get unlimited calls and texts for as low as $20/month with the option of adding data at $10/GB. 

Google Fi family plans

You can build a family plan using any of Google Fi’s phone plans. But, if you want line customization, meaning a different phone plan for every line, Google Fi might not be right for you. Here is what you can expect to pay for a family plan.

Google Fi by the WhistleOut metrics

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How much do Google Fi plans cost?

Google Fi's prices are reasonable for comprehensive international coverage and/or 2+ lines. Comparable MVNOs can’t quite compete with Google Fi’s international offerings, even if they offer cheaper unlimited plans. If you’re looking for an unlimited family plan or hoping to travel in the near future, it might be worth spending a little more for Google Fi.

Score: 4 out of 5 

Do Google Fi plans offer a lot of value? 

With Google Fi, are you getting what you pay for? It depends. With two lines on Google Fi's top-tier unlimited plan, you get 100GB of premium data at home, unlimited international data, and complimentary texting while abroad, all for only $55/line per month. However, if you are going it solo and don't plan planning on traveling or communicating with loved ones abroad, the price might not be worth it. All this to say, if you’re truly taking advantage of all Google Fi has to offer, the cost-to-value benefit is just right.

Score: 4 out of 5 

How fast are Google Fi's data speeds?

Google Fi is known for it’s speeds thanks to T-Mobile’s expansive 5G network and freedom from deprioritization. As a Google Fi customer, I experienced fast, 5G coverage in nearly all urban environments. When standing near a T-Mobile cell tower, I came close to download speeds of 400Mbps and upload speeds of 138Mbps. 

 

Rural areas proved less reliable. While I seldom dropped below one bar, I experienced slowdowns in small towns, woodland areas, along the coast, and in the bay. In these areas, speeds slowed to 1-5Mbps.

Score: 3.5 out of 5 

Coverage and network reliability

With the largest 5G footprint in the U.S., T-Mobile is known for reliable speeds, especially in urban areas. However, T-Mobile has one of the more limited 4G LTE networks and lacks coverage in more rural environments. 

If you live in an urban environment, Google Fi will connect you to the fastest T-Mobile coverage in your area. In addition, those with Pixel devices running on Android 12 or newer can also access Google Fi’s W+ network—a high-quality Wi-Fi network that improves your speeds in congested areas where coverage wanes. Keep in mind that data used on W+ counts towards your monthly data allotment, even though it’s a Wi-Fi network. 

I have an iPhone, and outside a few random dead zones (notably, my local Trader Joe's), I’ve never had an issue with Facetiming, texting, browsing, or calling. Although I never entirely lost coverage in rural areas, I had issues browsing social media, loading maps, and making calls.

Score: 3.5 out of 5 

Is Google Fi's customer service actually helpful? 

Google Fi knows how to streamline customer service. When I had questions, I called the customer service number and used the online chat feature. Both times, I connected with a representative in under three minutes. When I called Google Fi to ask for help removing a line from my family plan, the representative walked me through the process in under five minutes. 

Score: 4 out of 5 

Google Fi international coverage

As an MVNO, Google Fi sets itself apart with its generous international coverage. All Google Fi plans include unlimited talk and text in Mexico and Canada and free texting from the US to over 200+ destinations Here is how the remaining international coverage breaks down by plan.

Google Fi international coverage

Plan	Calls from U.S. to 200+ destinations	Data outside U.S./Mexico/Canada	Text & calls outside U.S./Mexico/Canada
Unlimited Essentials	None	None	None
Unlimited Standard	Free to Mexico and Canada	Free in Mexico and Canada	Free texts to Mexico and Canada
Unlimited Premium	Free to 50+ destinations, 20¢/min for other destinations	Free to over 200+ destinations	Free texts, 20¢/min for calls
Flexible	Free to Mexico & Canada	$10/GB in over 200+ destinations	Free texts, 20¢/min for calls

With Google Fi’s international coverage, you won’t need to pay for an international SIM card or worry about overcharge fees. Your phone will automatically connect to a reliable network the minute you arrive at a new destination, and wah-lah, you’re a local (at least according to the network). Be aware that you can’t use international coverage consecutively over 90 days, and you need to join Google Fi at least one day before travel.   

I used Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan in six different Southeast Asian countries for over two months and had reliable coverage in urban areas. Google Fi proved effective even in the lesser-traveled regions in Vietnam and Cambodia. I never used the 20¢/min calling feature and opted for voice messaging alternatives like Marco Polo when connected to Wi-Fi.

Coverage waned in rural areas, just as it might at home, but my lodging always provided Wi-Fi.

How easy is it to switch to Google Fi?

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Switching to Google Fi is easy, and the process is intuitively designed. From signing up to using the app, Google Fi keeps things simple. To begin, sign up for Google Fi and follow the step-by-step instructions. This process will include checking your phone for compatibility, unlocking your phone, choosing between an eSIM or SIM card, and picking a phone plan. Google Fi supports eSIM for newer phone models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series. For a full tutorial, follow our guide on switching to Google Fi.

Managing my plan

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Managing your Google Fi plan using a desktop or mobile app is a breeze. If you use other Google applications, like Gmail, Drive, or Google Photos, Google Fi will look and feel familiar, and familiarity can be helpful when navigating cell coverage.

From your account main page, you can see how much data you’ve used, which plan you’re on, and what your plan includes. You can add or remove additional lines, switch plans, or visit Billing, Support, or Voicemail.

Google Fi mobile app

The Google Fi app tells you what you need to know without overcomplicating things. You can view the most pertinent information from your home screen, including your data usage and phone plan. In the top right corner, you can even see the days left in your data cycle.

The billing feature is one of the most transparent I’ve seen from any service provider. Here, you can view your monthly bill, including taxes and fees, as well as your history of payments. Additionally, you can see how much data each person on your account uses each month, giving you a good idea of how much data you really need. Hint: it’s probably not as much as you think.

Canceling my plan

While testing,I had removed a line from my account (my husband's) and can speak to this process. Unfortunately, it was not as simple as I hoped. I ended up calling customer service to clarify the process and access my husband's account PIN to port his number to another carrier. Thankfully, accessing customer service was quick and easy, but I couldn’t see how I would have managed the process independently.

That said, leaving Google Fi appears to be as simple as following a couple of steps if you are the account holder. Simply open the mobile app, go to Manage my plan, choose Leave Google Fi, and let Google Fi walk you through it.

Which plan did I like better: Unlimited Plus or Simply Unlimited?

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Unlimited Plus felt well worth the price for two lines, while Simply Unlimited feelt a little expensive for one. Let’s compare the top features of each plan.

Data allotment 

Both Google Fi plans promised more than enough data for the average user. Simply Unlimited came with 35GB of premium data, and Unlimited Plus included 50GB. Considering how often you can hop on Wi-Fi at home and abroad, even the highest data user will be hard-pressed to use up their data allotment. This last month, I attempted to blow through 35GB by switching off my Wi-Fi, streaming music nonstop during my eight-hour workday, and binging episodes of Dawson’s Creek on my iPhone. Even then, I hardly used half of my data allotment. It’s also worth noting that in 3+ years' time with Google Fi, my husband, a big-time data user, never surpassed 23GB.

Mobile hotspot

Simply Unlimited included a 5GB mobile hotspot, and Unlimited Plus offered unlimited hotspot. I used my hotspot on both plans to Zoom, stream videos, and access the web at local parks and coffee shops. In these urban areas, I never had an issue with speeds.

I attempted to use my hotspot at a more rural state park but experienced delayed loading times, which wasn’t a surprise, as the network was already weak in that area.

Streaming

I didn't experience any delays while streaming music, videos, or Hulu in areas with a strong signal, i.e. in urban areas. However, Spotify was glitchy while driving through rural areas where coverage waned. 

Google Fi vs. the competition

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Mint Mobile and U.S. Mobile stand out as two of Google Fi’s closest competitors. These MVNOs offer access to T-Mobile’s network and include affordable unlimited plans and international coverage.

With Mint Mobile’s Unlimited Plan, you’ll pay only $15/month for unlimited data (with potentially slower speeds if you surpass 50GB) and a 20GB hotspot with the option of adding international coverage through its Minternational program. That said, $15/month is an introductory rate, with prices rising to $30/month after the first three months. You can lock in the $15/month rate by opting for a 12-month plan, but you won’t have the flexibility to switch plans if you’re unhappy with the carrier. Still, Mint is cheaper than Google Fi and great for short international trips as you can pay for an Minternational pass in increments of $5, $10, or $20, depending on how many days you need. Check out our Mint Mobile versus Google Fi guide for a closer look at how these two match up.

With US Mobile’s Unlimited Premium Plan, you’ll have access to T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon’s networks. For $44/month, you’ll get unlimited premium data and a 50GB hotspot for the same price as one line on Google Fi’s Simply Unlimited. Plus, Unlimited Premium offers 20GB of international data, with more for purchase if needed.

Recap: Would I recommend Google Fi?

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I recommend Google Fi for people who want affordable access to T-Mobile’s network, comprehensive coverage abroad, and a cheap family plan. Having had the carrier for over three years, I can attest to Google Fi’s ultra-fast data speeds, easy-to-access international coverage, and accessible user experience. That said, there are cheaper alternatives if all you want is unlimited data on T-Mobile’s network.    

Some questions to ask yourself if you are considering Google Fi: 

• Am I traveling abroad for more than a week this year or communicating with someone internationally on a regular basis?
• Do I have good T-Mobile coverage where I live?
• Do I need more than one line on my account? 

If the answer to these questions is yes, then a Google Fi plan might be right for you. 

Alternatively, if you answered no to any of these questions, it might be worth finding a cheaper MVNO that offers international add-on packages for infrequent travel. In addition, you may need an MVNO running on AT&T or Verizon’s network if T-Mobile wanes in your area. Lastly, if you’re looking for a single-line plan and don’t need international coverage, you may be better off with an MVNO like Mint, U.S. Mobile, or Tello for cheaper one-line unlimited plans.