| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Our Score | 5.5/11 (Below Average) |
| Best For | International travelers only |
| Price Range | $20-$65/month + taxes |
| Network | T-Mobile (primarily) |
| Contract | No contract |
| Taxes Included | No |
| Founded | 2015 by Google |
| Data Breaches | Yes (customer data compromised) |
Google Fi launched in 2015 as Project Fi, promising a smarter approach to wireless: automatic network switching, transparent pricing, and the Google brand behind it. A decade later, the reality is a carrier that charges $10 per gigabyte on its base plan, has suffered data breaches despite being operated by one of the world's leading security companies, and delivers customer service that makes you wonder if anyone at Google actually cares about Fi. The international coverage is genuinely excellent. Everything else ranges from mediocre to actively bad.
Bottom Line: Google Fi scores 5.5/11 — well below average. The Flexible plan's $10/GB rate is borderline predatory when Tello offers 35GB for $25 on the same T-Mobile network. The data breach history is deeply ironic for a Google product. Customer support is poor. The only legitimate advantage is international data in 200+ countries. For domestic users, switching to Tello saves $480+ per year with zero coverage difference. For unlimited needs, Visible at $25/month crushes Fi's $65 offering.
Pros
- International data in 200+ countries at no extra charge
- True unlimited plan available ($65/month)
- SIM PIN protection available
- 2FA via Google account
- Seamless Google ecosystem integration
- Free data-only SIMs for additional devices
- Automatic network switching on Pixel phones
- Simple plan structure
Cons
- HAS HAD DATA BREACHES (customer data compromised)
- Flexible plan charges a staggering $10 per GB
- $65/month for unlimited is among the steepest in the market
- Poor customer service with long resolution times
- Taxes and fees NOT included in any plan
- No build-your-own plan customization
- Only 50GB premium data on unlimited plans
- Best features restricted to Pixel phones
The Google Paradox
Here is the fundamental contradiction of Google Fi: Google is arguably the most capable technology company on the planet. Gmail serves billions with industry-leading spam filtering. Google Cloud handles enterprise-grade security for Fortune 500 companies. Android's security model protects the majority of the world's smartphones. Chrome's sandboxing architecture is considered best-in-class.
And yet Google Fi — the carrier that handles your phone number, your call records, your location data — had customer data compromised in a breach.
This is not a startup that got hacked because it could not afford proper security. This is Google. The company that invented BeyondCorp zero-trust architecture. The company whose Project Zero team finds vulnerabilities in other companies' products. The disconnect between Google's security reputation and Fi's security record is not just disappointing — it raises real questions about how seriously Google takes its carrier business.
When a budget carrier like Tello (9.5/11) or Visible (10/11) can maintain clean security records with a fraction of Google's resources, something has gone wrong at Fi.
What Was Compromised
The Google Fi breach exposed:
- Customer phone numbers
- Account status information
- SIM card serial numbers
- Account activation dates
- Technical identifiers tied to mobile service
This is precisely the type of data that enables SIM-swap attacks — the single most dangerous threat to mobile account security. Coming from Google, it is inexcusable.
| Carrier | Data Breaches | Our Score |
|---|---|---|
| Visible | None | 10/11 |
| Tello | None | 9.5/11 |
| US Mobile | None | 9.5/11 |
| Google Fi | Yes | 5.5/11 |
Google Fi Plans and Pricing
Google Fi offers three plans. None of them represent good value for domestic users.
Flexible Plan — $20/month + $10 per GB
| Detail | Flexible Plan |
|---|---|
| Base price | $20/month (talk and text only) |
| Data cost | $10 per GB used |
| Bill cap | $80/month (at 6GB) |
| After 6GB | Data "free" but throttled at 15GB |
| Taxes | Not included |
The Flexible plan is marketed as "pay only for what you use." In practice, the $10/GB rate is one of the highest per-gigabyte costs in the entire wireless industry. If you use 3GB in a month, your bill is $50 before taxes — for 3GB. That is not flexible pricing. That is a penalty for using data.
Simply Unlimited — $50/month + taxes
| Detail | Simply Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Price | $50/month + taxes |
| Premium data | 50GB |
| After 50GB | Reduced speeds |
| Hotspot | Yes |
| Google One | Not included |
| International | Basic coverage |
Unlimited Plus — $65/month + taxes
| Detail | Unlimited Plus |
|---|---|
| Price | $65/month + taxes |
| Premium data | 50GB |
| After 50GB | Reduced speeds |
| Google One | 100GB storage included |
| International | Enhanced international perks |
| Hotspot | Yes |
The Math Problem: Google Fi vs. Tello
Both carriers run on T-Mobile. Same towers, same coverage, same 5G. The price difference is staggering.
| Monthly Usage | Google Fi Cost | Tello Cost | You Overpay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2GB data | $40 + tax | $14/mo | $26+/month |
| 5GB data | $70 + tax | $19/mo | $51+/month |
| 10GB data | $80 + tax | $23/mo | $57+/month |
| 35GB (unlimited) | $80 + tax (Flexible cap) | $25/mo | $55+/month |
| True unlimited | $65 + tax (~$75) | N/A (use Visible $25) | $50+/month |
At every data tier, Google Fi costs dramatically more for identical T-Mobile coverage. The annual overpayment ranges from $312 to $684 depending on usage.
Our 11-Point Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Google Fi | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price under $25/month | Only with near-zero data use | 0.5/1 |
| 35GB+ premium data | No (50GB only on $50+ plans) | 0/1 |
| Data cap quality | Below average | 0/1 |
| Unlimited talk and text | Yes | 1/1 |
| Build-a-plan options | No (preset tiers only) | 0/1 |
| SIM PIN protection | Yes | 1/1 |
| Two-factor authentication | Yes (Google account) | 1/1 |
| Network coverage quality | Good (T-Mobile) | 1/1 |
| No data breaches | NO — HAS HAD BREACHES | 0/1 |
| True unlimited option | Yes ($65/month) | 1/1 |
| Good customer service | No — poor support ratings | 0/1 |
| Total | 5.5/11 |
Google Fi fails on price, data value, plan flexibility, security, and customer service. It passes on basic table-stakes features like unlimited talk/text and having a true unlimited option — though that option costs $65 plus taxes.
Network Coverage and Speed Tests
Google Fi primarily runs on T-Mobile's network. On Pixel phones, it can switch between T-Mobile and US Cellular for marginally better rural coverage. On all other phones, you get T-Mobile only — the same network Tello uses for a fraction of the cost.
Real-World Speed Tests
| Location | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban | 85 Mbps | 15 Mbps | 28ms |
| Suburban | 60 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 32ms |
| Urban rush hour | 20 Mbps | 5 Mbps | 40ms |
| Rural | 15 Mbps | 3 Mbps | 62ms |
These speeds are typical T-Mobile MVNO performance. There is nothing Google Fi does to improve upon the underlying network. You will get essentially the same speeds on Tello, Mint Mobile, or any other T-Mobile MVNO — the difference is you will pay significantly less.
International Features — The One Bright Spot
Credit where it is due: Google Fi's international coverage is genuinely excellent and represents its only competitive advantage.
What You Get Abroad
- Data in 200+ countries and territories at no extra charge
- Calls from most countries at reasonable per-minute rates
- Free texting worldwide
- Phone works automatically when you land — no SIM swapping or plan changes needed
Who Actually Benefits
- Frequent international business travelers (monthly or more)
- Digital nomads working from multiple countries
- Expats maintaining a US phone number
- Long-term travelers spending months abroad
The Critical Question
If you travel internationally more than six to eight times per year, Google Fi's international coverage might justify the domestic price premium. For everyone else — and that is the vast majority of users — you are paying Google Fi prices every single month for a feature you use a few times per year.
A practical alternative: use Tello domestically (saving $40-50/month), and buy a local SIM or international eSIM when you travel. Services like Airalo offer international data eSIMs starting at $5. Even with occasional travel eSIM purchases, you will spend far less annually than paying Google Fi's domestic premium year-round.
Customer Service Issues
Google builds products that work so well you never need to call anyone. Search, Gmail, Maps, YouTube — they are largely self-service. The problem is that a phone carrier requires human support for porting issues, billing disputes, coverage problems, and account recovery.
Google Fi's customer support consistently receives poor ratings:
- Long response times for chat and email
- Account issues that take days or weeks to resolve
- Billing disputes that require multiple contacts
- Limited phone support availability
- Representatives who lack authority to resolve problems
When your carrier handles your phone number — arguably the most important digital identifier you have — poor customer service is not just inconvenient. It is a genuine risk.
Google Fi vs. The Competition
Google Fi vs. Tello (Same Network)
| Feature | Google Fi | Tello | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 5.5/11 | 9.5/11 | Tello |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Tie |
| Price (35GB) | $80+/mo | $25/mo | Tello |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Tello |
| Build-a-plan | No | Yes | Tello |
| Taxes included | No | Yes (approx.) | Tello |
| Customer service | Poor | Excellent | Tello |
| International | 200+ countries | Basic | Google Fi |
Verdict: Unless you need international data monthly, Tello wins on every metric that matters.
Google Fi vs. Visible (Unlimited Value)
| Feature | Google Fi | Visible | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 5.5/11 | 10/11 | Visible |
| Unlimited price | $65 + tax | $25 all-in | Visible |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Visible |
| Taxes included | No | Yes | Visible |
| True unlimited | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Network | T-Mobile | Verizon | Depends |
Verdict: For unlimited data, Visible delivers the same thing at $40+ less per month with a clean security record.
Google Fi vs. Mint Mobile
| Feature | Google Fi | Mint Mobile | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 5.5/11 | 4.75/11 | Google Fi |
| Network | T-Mobile | T-Mobile | Tie |
| Data breaches | Yes | None | Mint |
| SIM PIN | Yes | No | Google Fi |
| Price | Higher | Lower (prepaid) | Mint |
| International | Excellent | Extra cost | Google Fi |
Verdict: Both have significant issues. Tello (9.5/11) or Visible (10/11) are better choices than either.
Who Should Get Google Fi?
Google Fi makes sense if you:
- Travel internationally at least monthly
- Live abroad while maintaining a US number
- Are a digital nomad working across multiple countries
- Need seamless data in 200+ countries without SIM swapping
- Value Google ecosystem integration above all else
Skip Google Fi if you:
- Primarily use your phone domestically (massive overpay)
- Care about data security (breach history)
- Want affordable data (the $10/GB rate is absurd)
- Need good customer support
- Want plan flexibility or build-a-plan options
- Are budget-conscious in any way
How to Leave Google Fi
Switching away from Google Fi is straightforward and does not affect your Google account:
- Do not cancel Google Fi first — your number could be lost
- Choose your new carrier — Tello for T-Mobile coverage, Visible for Verizon unlimited
- Get your Google Fi account number from the Fi app under Account settings
- Port your number to the new carrier during their signup process
- Activate your new service — Google Fi cancels automatically when the port completes
- Confirm final billing to ensure no remaining charges
Your Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, YouTube, and every other Google service remain completely unaffected. You are only canceling the carrier service.
Important: Request your Google Fi account number and transfer PIN before initiating the switch. Some users report delays getting this information, so do it a day or two before you plan to port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Fi worth it in 2026?
For most people, no. Google Fi is overpriced for domestic use compared to carriers like Tello that offer the same T-Mobile network for 60-70% less.
Has Google Fi had data breaches?
Yes. Google Fi experienced a breach where customer phone numbers, SIM serial numbers, and account information were compromised. This is ironic given Google's reputation as a security leader.
What network does Google Fi use?
Primarily T-Mobile. On Pixel phones, Fi can switch between T-Mobile and US Cellular. On other phones, it is T-Mobile only.
Why is Google Fi so expensive?
The Flexible plan charges $10 per GB of data, making it one of the most expensive per-gigabyte rates in wireless. The unlimited plan at $65 plus taxes is also well above market rates.
Is Google Fi good for international travel?
Yes. This is Google Fi's only genuine advantage. Data works in 200+ countries without extra charges or SIM swaps.
Does Google Fi include taxes and fees?
No. All Google Fi prices are before taxes and fees. Your actual bill will be higher than the advertised price.
Is Google Fi better than Visible?
No. Visible offers true unlimited for $25/month all-in versus Fi's $65 plus taxes. Visible also has no breach history.
Is Google Fi better than Tello?
Only for frequent international travelers. For domestic use, Tello offers the same T-Mobile network with better prices, better support, and no security concerns.
Does Google Fi have good customer service?
No. Google Fi consistently receives poor ratings for slow responses, unhelpful representatives, and lengthy resolution times.
Can I use any phone with Google Fi?
Fi works with most modern phones, but network switching only works on Pixel devices. Other phones are locked to T-Mobile only.
What is the cheapest Google Fi plan?
The Flexible plan starts at $20/month for talk and text, but data costs $10 per GB on top. A more realistic minimum is $30-40 per month.
Does Google Fi have 5G?
Yes. Google Fi includes 5G access on T-Mobile's network at no extra charge.
Should I switch from Google Fi to Tello?
If you do not travel internationally frequently, yes. You will get the same T-Mobile coverage for $25/month versus $65+ on Fi, saving over $480 per year.
Is Google Fi the same as Google Voice?
No. Google Fi is a cellular carrier service. Google Voice is a separate VoIP product that does not require a cellular plan.
Can I keep my number when leaving Google Fi?
Yes. Port your number to your new carrier during their activation process. Do not cancel Fi first.
Does Google Fi work on iPhone?
Yes, but with limited features. Network switching between carriers only works on Pixel phones. iPhone users get T-Mobile coverage only.
Final Verdict
Google Fi scores 5.5 out of 11 — below average by a significant margin. The problems are structural, not superficial:
The core issue is value. The Flexible plan's $10/GB rate is among the worst in wireless. The unlimited plan at $65 plus taxes costs nearly three times what Visible charges for equivalent service. On the same T-Mobile network, Tello delivers 35GB for $25/month — that is a $40+ monthly savings, or roughly $500 per year back in your pocket.
The security failure is unacceptable. Google has the resources and expertise to run the most secure carrier in the country. Instead, Fi had customer data compromised. That breach undermines the trust that Google's brand name is supposed to represent.
The one exception: If you travel internationally multiple times per month and need seamless data in 200+ countries, Google Fi fills that niche. For this narrow use case, the convenience may justify the cost.
For the other 95% of users — anyone who primarily uses their phone in the United States — Google Fi is a poor value wrapped in a trusted brand name.
This review is based on our independent 11-point scoring methodology. We may earn commissions from affiliate links, but this never influences our ratings or recommendations. Google Fi earned its 5.5/11 score through the same objective criteria we apply to every carrier. Learn more about our methodology.