Google Fi Pros and Cons: All About Google’s Wireless Service

Originally soft-launched in 2015 under the name Project Fi, the now fully launched Google Fi Wireless has undergone a slow but mighty growth process over the last nine years. What started as an “invite-only” for the Nexus 6, then became open to the public around a year later working for Google phones like the Pixel and Pixel XL Smartphones. Nowadays Google Fi works with most new phone models including Samsung, Motorola, moto g, Google Pixel’s of course, and yes, iPhones. Now we will say that Google Fi Wireless works best with “Phones Designed for Fi” which you can take a look at through their website here.

Google Fi Wireless is a MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) which means that instead of having their own cell towers they instead piggyback signal off of a major network’s tower- in this case Google Fi uses T-Mobile’s widespread coverage. With a Google Fi phone plan you get access to one of the leading networks at cheaper costs. 

There are both upsides and downsides of signing up through a MVNO, but that’s what we’re here to discuss today: Google Fi pros and cons, along with a detailed look at their plans, and what you can expect when you sign up so you know if their service is right for you.

• How does Google Fi Wireless work?
• Google Fi Wireless Coverage
• Google Fi Phone Plans
• Google Fi Pros and Cons

How does Google Fi Wireless work?

Google Fi Wireless operates a little bit differently than other MVNOs and cell phone plans. While most phone plans through a MVNO will go through a thing called “data traffic deprioritization” which is when you’re in an area with lots of people like a sporting event or concert and your data speeds will start to slow because of all of that high traffic, with Google Fi Wireless you won’t have to go through this with their service.

• Tip: It is good to note that although Google Fi Wireless does not slow down in high traffic areas, your data speeds will still slow down when you’ve used over a certain amount of data in a month depending on your plan- more on that later.

And remember when we talked about phones that are “Designed for Fi”? Well, if you get a phone or have a phone that falls under that category and you have the Google Fi VPN then your phone will connect to the W+ Network.

According to the Google Fi Wireless Help Center, “W+ uses select secure, high quality Wi-Fi networks to improve your mobile data connection.” Meaning if you are in a place with lots of activity or low connection then your phone will connect to a secure Wi-Fi network to help improve your connection so you can use your phone at a better capacity. (You can visit the help center for more info regarding the W+ Network and compatibility).

Another bonus for those who buy a phone “Designed for Fi” or go shop for phones through fi.google.com will have access to not just one but multiple carrier networks when you sign up through Google Fi Wireless. Your network will be moved around to give you the best coverage no matter where you are, so for example if you happen to move or travel halfway across the country then Google Fi will move your service so you get the best Fi connection possible. 

If you’ve done your research on other MVNOs, then you’re probably already picking up on the small ways that makes Google Fi Wireless a bit different in how they work.

Google Fi Wireless Coverage

Let’s first take a look at a screenshot from their website of the full view Coverage Map:

And then here’s a closer look of all but two states:

Lighter green areas mark their “Extended” coverage, the middle green shade areas mark their 4G LTE coverage, and the darkest green- (which as you can see covers most of the map) shows off their 5G coverage potential. 

Now you might be confused as to what “Extended” coverage means, and so were we! So here’s what we found out:

According to a Google Fi forum, Jeff Kenton, a Gold Product Expert, stated that “Extended means that there is a roaming agreement between Fi Wireless and another service provider in that area.” Which means you’ll get the best possible coverage in those areas- normally you’ll find extended coverage to be in areas with wide spread out trees, hills, and deserts, but there isn’t necessarily a guarantee you’ll have the best possible speeds compared to 4G LTE areas and 5G areas.

• Insider Tip: 5G phones can use both 4G LTE and 5G technology, meaning if you are in an area where it’s primarily in those “medium green tones” which means it’s an area where 4G LTE is the primary, your 5G phone will work as intended in that area.

For the most part, Google Fi Wireless seems to have some pretty decent coverage all over the country with both their 4G LTE and 5G capabilities. T-Mobile is considered to be the best by some for 5G coverage and since Google Fi Wireless is working with them directly you know this MVNO will let your 5G phone flex its capabilities often.

• To view the full Google Fi Wireless Coverage Map click here.

Google Fi Wireless Phone Plans

Google Fi Wireless has three phone plans where you can have up to six lines: Flexible, Simply Unlimited, and Unlimited Plus.

Here’s an overview of each plan and what you can expect, starting first with the Flexible plan which can best be described as a plan for those looking to pay for the data you use:

Each Google Fi Wireless plan comes with a few “extras” which is nice, so here’s what comes with the Flexible plan:

• Hotspot Tethering (it does count towards your monthly data usage however)
• Shareable Data with tablets and other devices
• You can use your $10/GB from the US, Canada, and Mexico to make calls in over 200+ destinations
• Free texts from the US, Canada, and Mexico to over 200+ destinations
• 20¢ a minute for calls outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Your $10/GB of data can be used while traveling outside the US, Canada, and Mexico in those 200+ destinations- (though it is not intended for over 90 consecutive days which you can learn more about in the Help Center)

Next up we have the Simply Unlimited plan:

Their extras include:

• 5GB Hotspot Tethering
• You can use your data from the US, Canada, and Mexico to make calls in over 200+ destinations

As you can see the Simply Unlimited plan is more…simple than the other two on the list when it comes to extra features.

Finally we have the Unlimited Plus phone plan:

The Unlimited Plus extras are:

• Unlimited Hotspot Tethering (it does count towards your monthly data usage however)
• Shareable Data with tablets and other devices
• One year of Youtube Premium on us (as long as you are actively using Fi Wireless)
• 100GB of Google One cloud storage 
• You can use your data from the US, Canada, and Mexico to make calls in over 200+ destinations and for free in 50+ destinations
• Free texts from the US, Canada, and Mexico to over 200+ destinations
• 20¢ a minute for calls outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Your data can be used while traveling outside the US, Canada, and Mexico in those 200+ destinations- (though it is not intended for over 90 consecutive days which you can learn more about in the Help Center)

It seems like the Unlimited Plus plan seems to have the most going for it and is great for high data users as their threshold is 50GB before data speeds slow down which is a large margin. While Simply Unlimited is good for families and the Flexible plan is a pretty good bare bones plan for those looking for something more on the simple side.

Google Fi Wireless Pros and Cons

As we mentioned, like most phone plans, everything has its pros and cons, and that goes the same for Google Fi Wireless. So let’s first get started with their pros…

Pros:

• The W+ Network
• Larger than average data threshold
• Extra perks
• “Try Fi for free” program

The W+ Network

If you have a compatible phone and the Google Fi VPN enabled on your phone then you’ll get access to the W+ Network which allows for less data usage and more stable connection as you venture out into the world. Using “secure, high quality” wifi you’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing you’re being covered by some of the best tech has to offer. And those higher connection speeds are a great added bonus.

Large Data Threshold

You’ll find that a lot of the time when it comes to MVNOs their data allotments leave a lot to be desired. But we have to hand it to Google Fi for their Simply Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans specifically- (not counting the Flexible plan), their data speeds slowing down after 35GB and 50GBs respectively is nice as most data users won’t go through that in a month and you won’t have to experience those slower speeds unless it’s a higher usage month then you will have your speeds slow down to 2G speeds (which isn’t terrible as you can still send texts, emails, or Google that question you need answered).

Extra Perks

People will know that most MVNOs won’t come with perks, you’ll find perks from major wireless companies and only get your basics with a MVNO. But not with Google Fi Wireless! With their Unlimited Plus plan you get one year of Youtube Premium and cloud storage which is a nice addon for a phone plan.

Along with their easy to access international benefits and add ons, they are definitely keeping things as accessible as possible.

The “Try Fi for free” Program

If you’re interested in trying out Google Fi Wireless but don’t want to commit, they have a 7 day free trial where you can test out the wireless service alongside your current one.

To find out more info and sign up for yourself click here onto their try page. 

Cons:

• Expensive “flexible” plan
• Limited features for Simply Unlimited
• Slow data speeds after the cap

Expensive “flexible” Plan

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Google Fi Wireless’s “Flexible” plan is a pretty expensive option for a phone plan without all the cool features in the Unlimited Plus one. $20 a month baseline and then $10 per GB is pretty hard to wrap your head around- but if you aren’t someone that uses a lot of data a month and just relies on calls and texts, the basic stuff, then this might be a good fit. But we think it isn’t a great deal for those looking for more data from their plan.

Limited Features for “Simply Unlimited”

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The Simply Unlimited Fi plan is okay for the average customer, but it doesn’t have all the capabilities as the Unlimited Plus or even some offered from their basic Flexible plan which is a bit of a downgrade for the more money you’d be spending every month. But if you aren’t someone that cares about the extras, then you may like it.

Slow(er) Data Speeds

Even though Google Fi’s data threshold is pretty big, users will still experience slower speeds once they reach a certain cap. 15GB for the Flexible plan, 35GB for Simply Unlimited, and 50GB for Unlimited Plus. Again, a good sized cap but a cap nonetheless. If you’re looking for zero data reduction then you’ll need to pay the bigger bucks.

Google Fi Wireless seems to have a lot going for it, especially for a MVNO. With their extra perks and easy-to-follow plans, they might be a good option to pick for your new phone plan. But before you do:

If you want to compare and contrast Google Fi Wireless to over 1,200 other phone plans so you know you’re getting the service that’s right for you, then make sure to check out the REALLY compare page which allows you to look at pricing, coverage, what phone plans are available, current deals and steals, and how you can make the most of your potential phone bill.