The reason Fi is so expensive for these folks is that it wasn't meant for them — it was meant for people who use very little data (like me) because they're always around wifi. My data fee is usually $2, so on average I pay $24 a month, which is massively inexpensive.
Overall, Google Fi's coverage is decent, but it's not among the best coverage. Even with all three of its networks combined, Google Fi's coverage can't beat Verizon's, which is first in our ranking of mobile coverage.
Pricing. So far, Google Fi pricing has been fairly straightforward: Users pay $20 per month for unlimited calls and texts, and then they pay $10 for every gigabyte (GB) of data thereafter.
Unfortunately, Google has said that by using their Project Fi VPN, you may “experience slight slowdowns”, although they do try to match the speed of the user's connection. On top of this, Google has estimated that since all the data will be routed through Google, you will be using more mobile data – around 10% more.
Google Fi's Unlimited plan definitely has some major perks that its competitors aren't offering, such as international 4G LTE and unlimited mobile hotspot usage. But compared to the Flexible plan, there are pros and cons. Keep in mind before switching over that it just might not be worth it.
Google Fi's 4G LTE network speed is competitive with most providers — it's using their infrastructure, after all. On average, I see download speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 30Mbps. Upload speeds range from 1 Mbps to 6 Mbps. After several years of use on Google Fi, my average bill has only been around $43/month.
When you use Google Fi's Virtual Private Network (VPN) on a cellular or Wi-FI network, your internet traffic is encrypted and protected. Encrypted data takes up a little more space and uses about 10% more data. When your Wi-Fi connection is unusable, your phone will start using mobile data.
Setting up your deviceNext, Google Fi requires a special SIM card. To check whether you can have a phone that is "compatible" with Fi, use Google's checker tool, or see this full list of compatible phones. Most popular Android phones and iPhone models from 5S on up will work with Fi.
While Google Fi's network has better coverage thanks to sharing service from Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular, and it works internationally, if you use a lot of data the cost will balloon rather quickly. Still, a lot of people will prefer the flexibility and simplicity of Google Fi.
1. Easy: Activate Google Fi With a VPN (Windows) Your Google Fi account address needs to be listed somewhere in the United States like a co-working space or other address inside the country. OR Use Borderlinx to get an address for the shipping of the Google card + phone for activation.
The Unlimited plan includes full-speed hotspot tethering at no extra charge. Turn your phone into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot and share its Internet connection with up to 10 other devices at the same time.
Fi does require you to jump through some hoops. You'll have to switch your own SIM card, and you may have to untangle yourself from your current carrier and unlock your "big-four" phone. If you don't use a lot of cellular data and are willing to experiment with new technology, Fi may be a prudent choice.
5G now covers millions of people in the U.S. but there are a lot of reasons why 5G isn't worth it for many people. The promise of better speeds and more consistency is great but 5G phones are still some of the most expensive available and many 5G plans are overpriced.
All in all, the service is mostly easy to activate, is affordable, and has some interesting international calling features. If that has value to you, and you already own compatible and unlocked gear, Google Fi may be worth considering especially if you're a light user of mobile data.
Performance
| 2G | 5G |
|---|
| Typical Download Speed | 40-200 Kbps | 30-75 Mbps |
| Typical Upload Speed | 20-80 Kbps | 4-20 Mbps |
| Typical Latency | 400-900 ms | 30-50 ms |
Best Phones for Google Fi 2020
- Best Overall Phone for Google Fi: Google Pixel 5.
- Best Upgrade Pick Phone for Google Fi: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra.
- Best Value Phone for Google Fi: Google Pixel 4a.
- Best Value Google Fi Phone with 5G: Google Pixel 4a 5G.
- Best Battery Life Phone for Google Fi: Moto G Power.
Use Fi internationallyYou can use your phone in over 200 countries/regions. For international use: Cellular calls are $0.20 per minute. Texts are included.
To see if you're covered by Google's Project Fi, just visit fi.google.com/coverage and enter your location (state, city, ZIP) on the map — and no matter where you search, you can always zoom and scroll around to see what the surrounding area is like as well.
Even though Google Fi is targeted to the US, Canadians can still get this service. Here are the step-by-step instructions: Sign up for Google Fi with a US-based account in the US (or using a VPN).
The Fi Unlimited plan offers unlimited calls, texts and data for multiple members of your family, including some international calls. The plan covers free calls from the US to 50 countries, as well as free data and SMS messages when you are traveling in 200 destinations.
The caveats — and there are always caveats with unlimited plans — is that Google “may optimize” video streaming down to 480p and will also throttle data for any single user that goes over 22GB per month. (You can pay $10 per GB if you want un-throttled data over 22GB.)
Google Fi Flexible planBut while Google Fi's Flexible plan isn't the cheapest, it comes with a lot of perks. Pricing starts at a flat $20 per month for unlimited calls and texting and $10 for 1GB of data, but money for unused data is credited back to the user's account. Overages result in a charge of $10 per GB used.
