Boost Infinite vs. Google Fi: Which carrier is better?

In the ever-evolving world of mobile connectivity, choosing the right carrier can feel like navigating a complex maze. Boost Infinite and Google Fi  have been recognized as compelling alternatives to traditional mobile networks, offering innovative plans that challenge the status quo. Both providers promise affordable pricing, flexible options, and unique features designed to meet the diverse needs of modern smartphone users.

But which carrier truly stands out? This comprehensive comparison will dive deep into the nuances of Boost Infinite and Google Fi, examining everything from network coverage and data plans to additional perks and pricing structures. Whether you're a budget-conscious consumer or a tech enthusiast seeking the best mobile experience, our analysis will help you make an informed decision. 

In this article, we plan to discuss the ins and outs of both carriers and what they offer. We’ll also cover:

• What the coverage of both carriers looks like
• How prices of their plans compare to how much data you get
• The features each carrier offers for their plans 

Coverage & Reception

Boost Infinite is on several networks, and Google Fi is on the T-Mobile network. 

Boost Infinite and Google Fi are mobile virtual network operators, or MVNOs. This means that they purchase service access wholesale from one of the three major networks that own infrastructure across the country – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile – giving customers service at a much cheaper price. Google Fi is an MVNO of T-Mobile, and Boost Infinite is an MVNO of AT&T, T-Mobile, and Dish. This means that if you choose Boost Infinite, you can choose which network you use when you sign up for your plan. Their Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans allow you to switch between services whenever you choose. 

Often, the quality of coverage comes down to your area. One carrier’s coverage may be better in New York, while another’s coverage may be better in California. 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. This coverage map provides information about coverage from 2G to 5G for several providers. 

However, T-Mobile’s 5G coverage and access is hailed as the best coverage overall. 

Plan Options

Boost Infinite offers three unlimited plans, while Google Fi offers premium data. 

Like most plans you’ll see on the market, both Boost Infinite and Google Fi offer unlimited talk and text across their plan offerings. Google Fi distinguishes itself by offering premium data that maintains consistent speeds regardless of network congestion. Boost Infinite counters with three distinct unlimited plans, each catering to different user needs. However, both carriers employ data deprioritization, which means customers may experience reduced connection speeds in high-traffic environments like concert venues and sports stadiums. This practice is common among mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and allows them to manage network resources efficiently while offering more affordable pricing compared to major carriers.

Boost Infinite Plans

Boost Infinite offers 3 unlimited plans for its users. 

Boost Infinite is a postpaid service, meaning you pay for the previous month of service after you use it. They offer 3 unlimited plans, with one allowing for a new iPhone upgrade each year. Additional add-ons, like hotspot access and extra high speed data, cost $10 per month. Their QCI tier is 7 on T-Mobile, 8 on AT&T, and 9 on Dish. With their Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans, you can switch between which service you use whenever you want. However, the regular Infinite Unlimited plan only allows you to choose one and stick with it.

You can have up to 5 lines on an account. If you purchase your phone from Boost Infinite, your device will be locked until you pay off your phone. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not with the advertised price. 

Infinite Unlimited

This plan offers 30GB of high speed data. 

This plan offers 30GB of high speed data before slowing to unlimited data at 512kbps, or 3G speeds. 3G speeds still allow you to browse the internet and send texts or emails, but streaming videos may be more difficult. The plan does not include hotspot access, but an add-on is available for $10 per month. You can use up to 30GB in hotspot data with the add-on. 

The plan costs $25 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $0.83 per GB. 

Infinite Unlimited Plus

This plan allows you to trade for a new iPhone when you sign up.  

This plan also offers 30GB of high speed data before slowing to unlimited 3G speeds. This plan doesn’t have hotspot access, but an add-on is available to add so you can use up to 30GB. You can also trade for a new iPhone when you sign up. 

The plan costs $50 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $1.66 per GB. 

Infinite Access for iPhone

This plan includes the latest iPhone each year. 

Like their other plans, this plan offers 30GB of high speed data before slowing to unlimited 3G speeds. This plan doesn’t have hotspot access, but an add-on is available to add so you can use up to 30GB. Every year, this plan allows you to get the newest iPhone available. When you sign up, there's no trade-in required to get access to the latest tech. 

The plan costs $60 per month. At this rate, you get 30GB at $2 per GB.

Google Fi Plans

Several plans offer unlimited data with premium data at a cap. 

Google Fi offers flexibility with two unlimited plans and a pay-per-use data option. Their unlimited plans provide a set amount of premium data before speeds are reduced, catering to different user needs. Each plan supports up to 6 lines and renews monthly, making it convenient for families or small groups. Positioned at QCI tier 6 of 9, Google Fi manages network prioritization to balance performance and affordability. The plans range from a pay-as-you-go model to more comprehensive unlimited options, allowing customers to select a plan that best matches their data consumption and budget. This variety ensures users can find a plan tailored to their specific mobile communication requirements.

If you purchase your phone from Google Fi, your device will already be unlocked. The plans they offer renew monthly, and taxes and fees are not included with the advertised price. 

Flexible 

This plan allows you to pay for the exact amount of data you use each month. 

Google Fi’s Flexible plan is unlike a lot of other plans on the market, as it allows you to pay a set amount per month for talk and text features. Users then pay for only the amount of data they use. After 15GB of data, your speed is slowed to 256 kbps, or 3G speeds. You can still send texts, emails, and use social media with little issues. Streaming video will be much more difficult. 

The plan also includes the ability to buy mobile hotspot data, and all plan data can be used as hotspot data. 

The plan costs $20 per month, plus $10 for each GB you use. For example, you’d pay about $70 per month if you used 5GB.

Simply Unlimited 

This plan gives you 35GB of premium data before slowing down. 

The Simply Unlimited plan gives you 35GB of premium data. Premium data means your data will not be deprioritized in times of high traffic and congestion. After 35GB, data slows down to 3G speeds. 5GB of hotspot data is also included in the plan, then stops after that allotment. 

The plan costs $50 per month. At this rate, you get 35GB at $1.42 per GB. 

Unlimited Plus

This plan is 50GB of premium data. 

Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan has 50GB of premium data. Connection is then slowed down to 3G speeds. You can use all 50GB of plan data as mobile hotspot data, but hotspot data stops after the 50GB. 

The plan costs $65 per month. At this rate, you get 50GB at $1.30 per GB. 

Features

Both carriers offer more features with their bigger plans.

When selecting a mobile carrier, the additional features can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Beyond basic talk and text services, carriers like Boost Infinite and Google Fi offer unique perks that can enhance your mobile connectivity. These extra features range from international calling capabilities to domestic roaming options, and can be crucial depending on your lifestyle and communication needs. Understanding the nuanced differences in these additional services can help you choose a plan that goes beyond standard cellular coverage. By carefully comparing the supplementary offerings of each carrier, you can find a plan that not only meets your core communication requirements but also provides added convenience and flexibility. 

Domestic Roaming Data

Google Fi offers domestic roaming data on their plans. Boost Infinite does not offer this feature. 

Mexico & Canada Connection

Boost Infinite’s Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans include talk, text, and data to Mexico and Canada. To get talk, text, and data to Mexico and Canada on their Infinite Unlimited plan, users can purchase an additional add-on for $10 per month. Google Fi offers talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada included with both its unlimited plans. However, only text is included in their Flexible plan. Talk and data are pay-per-use.

International Connection

Boost Infinite’s Infinite Unlimited Plus and Infinite Access for iPhone plans include international talk and text. To get international talk and text on their Infinite Unlimited plan, there is an additional add-on users can purchase for $10 per month. Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan includes international text and data. Calling internationally is pay-per-use outside the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The Simply Unlimited plan does not include international connection, and the Flexible plan includes international texting, but talk and data are pay-per-use. Calling costs $0.20 per minute. 

Video Streaming Quality

Google Fi offers 4k Ultra High Definition streaming for their Flexible plan and 480p Standard Definition streaming for their unlimited data plans. Boost Infinite’s plans stream at 480p Standard Definition.

Streaming Services

Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan offers a free subscription to Youtube Premium. Boost Infinite does not offer this feature.

Cloud Storage

Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus plan offers 100GB of Google One. Boost Infinite does not offer this feature.

Device Financing

If you buy a phone from either carrier, they allow you to pay for your device in installments over time.

WiFi Calling

Both carriers offer WiFi calling, which allows you to send and receive phone calls over a WiFi connection rather than cellular reception.

Spam Protection

All Google Fi plans offer spam protection included. Boost Infinite does not offer this feature.

Free Trial

Google Fi offers a 7 day free trial. Boost Infinite does not offer this feature.

Customer Service 

Boost Infinite and Google Fi do not have physical stores, leaving all of their customer service to online support.

As digital-only carriers, Boost Infinite and Google Fi handle all customer support through online channels. This means customers won't find traditional brick-and-mortar stores for in-person assistance. 

Boost Infinite provides customer support via phone at (833) 212-6678, allowing users to speak directly with a representative about their service concerns or questions. Google Fi offers a more comprehensive support approach, providing 24/7 customer support through both phone and chat channels. Users can reach Google Fi's support team by calling 1-844-TALK-2-FI.

The absence of physical stores means both carriers rely entirely on digital communication methods. This approach can be convenient for tech-savvy customers who prefer online interactions, but might pose challenges for those who value face-to-face customer service. Potential customers should consider their comfort level with digital-only support when choosing between these carriers.

The Verdict

Boost Infinite offers better deals.

After a comprehensive comparison, both Boost Infinite and Google Fi offer compelling mobile plans, but each carrier has distinct advantages that may appeal to different types of users. Boost Infinite stands out with its competitive pricing, particularly at $0.83 per GB for its base plan, and the innovative Infinite Access for iPhone plan that provides annual smartphone upgrades without trade-in requirements.

Google Fi, however, brings its own strengths to the table. Its Unlimited Plus plan offers more premium data, international features, and additional perks like YouTube Premium and Google One cloud storage. The ability to switch networks and domestic roaming could be significant for travelers and those in areas with variable cellular coverage.

Ultimately, the best carrier depends on your specific needs. Budget-conscious users might prefer Boost Infinite's lower-cost plans, while those seeking more features and international connectivity might lean towards Google Fi. We recommend carefully analyzing your data usage, travel patterns, and desired extras before making a final decision.

We’d recommend checking your data usage before committing to a plan.

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