Google Fi: Which plan is the best one for you?
Google Fi is hailed as one of the best mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), as they offer great deals and premium data at cheaper costs than other carriers. They provide their network services through T-Mobile, which offers the widest 5G coverage in the country. Google Fi offers several different plans, but which plan is best for you?
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What each Google Fi plan offers
- What deals Google Fi offers for its users
- Which Google Fi plan is the best deal
Unsure of what you need out of a phone plan? Read our guide on how to choose the best one to suit your needs.
What to expect from Google Fi
Google Fi offers premium data with all of their plans.
Unlike a lot of MVNOs, Google Fi offers premium data, which does not slow down no matter the amount of network traffic. Each plan offers a limited amount of premium data before slowing to 256 kilobits per second, or 2G speeds. This speed still allows you to send texts and emails or browse the internet, but it is difficult to stream video or play games without WiFi access. No matter what plan you choose, you get access to premium data. Google Fi plans renew monthly.
What makes Google Fi unique from their competitors is that they offer a flexible limited plan, which allows you to pay for as much data as you use. However, each GB costs $10, so you can easily spend a lot of money accidentally with this plan. Their limited data plan offers 4k Ultra HD resolution quality when streaming, and their unlimited plans offer the standard 480p Standard Definition streaming. All plans include a built-in VPN, and taxes are not included with the listed prices.
Coverage
Google Fi uses T-Mobile’s network to give users the fastest speeds.
As Google Fi is an MVNO, they buy coverage from one of the main network providers with their own infrastructure – specifically T-Mobile, while others buy from Verizon and AT&T.
T-Mobile is widely considered some of the best 5G coverage nationally, but the best coverage for you comes down to your location. It’s important to compare between providers on a coverage map of your specific city. Ookla’s coverage map allows you to see where cellular towers are located and which company owns them. Comparing tower locations can help you determine which of the big 3 network providers meet your needs.
The Plans
Google Fi plans all offer premium data until specific caps.
Google Fi offers two unlimited data plans, as well as a flexible plan where you choose how much data you purchase. All plans come with premium data. The average phone user uses about 20GB of data per month, so keep that in mind when deciding on a plan.
Flexible Plan
Simply Unlimited
Unlimited Plus
Let’s talk about each Google Fi plan individually, and what they offer for their customers.
Best Overall: Unlimited Plus
This is Google Fi’s biggest plan, and their best plan overall. They offer 50GB of premium data, which can be used for mobile hotspot access. Data access then slows to 2G speeds once you hit this cap. This plan comes with a free subscription to Youtube Premium and 100GB of Google One Cloud Storage.
This plan costs $65, and you get 50GB for $1.30 per GB.
Pros: premium data, several features included
Cons: no separate hotspot data
Conclusion: best for heavy data users
Runner Up: Simply Unlimited
The plan comes with 35GB of premium data, as well as 5GB of mobile hotspot data. After you use the 5GB of hotspot data, your access stops. With the monthly 35GB, data slows to 2G speeds after you hit this cap. This plan is also simpler than their Unlimited Plus plan, as it comes without features like Youtube Premium and Google One.
This article comes with 40GB per month, including the main 35GB and 5GB mobile hotspot data, for $1.25 per GB.
Pros: premium data, added hotspot data
Cons: no extra perks
Conclusion: Best for average or slightly above average data users
Flexible Plan
As it says in the name, the Flexible plan offers users the opportunity to choose exactly how much data they use and purchase. It's important to note that the plan does not come with data included, and each GB costs extra. However, after 15GB, data slows to 2G speeds.
The plan costs $20, and each GB costs $10.
Pros: your plan to works with your lifestyle
Cons: expensive depending on the amount of data you get
Conclusion: keep an eye on how much data you use
Family Plan Offerings
All Google Fi families use the same plan.
Google Fi allows up to 6 lines on one account, and users can bring their own phone when they switch. Users get a discounted rate for each line when they purchase more than one, and each line has access to all plan features.
Features
All of Google Fi’s offered features come with their Unlimited Plus plan.
Google Fi offers several features their users can take advantage of, which include:
feature
details
Customer Service
All Google Fi customer service takes place online or over the phone.
As Google Fi does not offer physical stores to purchase their plans and other products, all of their customer service takes place online and over the phone. There are several ways to contact their customer support lines:
chat support
phone support
Conclusion
Google Fi’s unlimited plans are the best option.
If you’re considering Google Fi for your new phone plan, their unlimited plans are the best option when it comes to price per GB. Their Unlimited Plus plan also offers several great features included, which makes this plan their best deal.
To have a comprehensive picture of how much data you use month to month and what plan you need, we’d recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan.
Want to compare other carriers?
Really.com helps users compare between features, coverage, price, reviews, and more!
Are you still unsure if you want to go with a Google Fi plan? Use really.com to compare your top choices and find the best deal to fit your needs. Really allows you to compare and sort between most phone plans on the market without the hassle!