Google Fi vs. AT&T: A Breakdown of Their Prices, Plans, and Features

In recent years, services like Google Fi have been rising in popularity, with some people ditching traditional operators to switch over to Google’s offering. While Google Fi is a great product for certain people, it’s not the best choice for everyone.

For people considering making the switch to Google Fi from a major carrier like AT&T, here’s what you need to know.

Overview

First off, Google Fi is a MVNO, which stands for mobile virtual network operator. Companies that operate as MVNOs don’t own their own infrastructure, instead choosing to lease the signal, coverage, and network of one of the big three carriers: T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. This allows them to offer their services at a lower cost. Other popular MVNOs include Cricket and Mint Mobile.

AT&T is one of the biggest carriers in the U.S. As such, it offers extensive coverage and a variety of plans and features, though it is generally more expensive overall.

Prices and Plans

Google Fi offers three plans. Its entry-level plan starts at $18, though the price can quickly go up if you use a lot of data. The plans all include hotspot tethering, and the more expensive plans feature add-ons like free YouTube Premium, Google One, and shareable data with tablets.

Flexible: $18 for one person + pay $10 per GB you use. Slower data after 15 GB
Simply Unlimited: $40 for one person / Unlimited data, throttling begins at 35 GB
Unlimited Plus: $65 for one person / Unlimited data, slower data begins at 50 GB

Unlike Google Fi, AT&T offers a variety of plans. The company also lets you mix and match its plans, so it’s a little harder to compare them side-by-side. In general, its plans fall into two categories: Unlimited and others. AT&T’s Unlimited plans nearly all offer true unlimited data with no throttling. They also offer at least 5GB of hotspot data per line per month.

While AT&T is great for people looking for family plans, contracting the service as a single person can get expensive. However, the company does offer discounts for teachers, members of the military, and doctors.

Features

One of Google Fi’s most popular features is its international connectivity. Fi offers free data, calls, and texts on its plans within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Its Unlimited Plus plan offers free roaming at over 200 destinations.

As for AT&T, I included its true unlimited data above, but it bears mentioning here, too. This is especially important to consider if you or someone in your household watch a lot of video or live events. Most people don’t need unlimited data, but it’s great to know that your speed won’t get throttled after you reach a certain limit.

Coverage

AT&T is one of the big three carriers, so you shouldn’t have problems with coverage or reception anywhere in the U.S. The company offers LTE and 5G coverage, which will ensure you have high-speed Internet.

Although Google Fi leases its network, that doesn’t mean your speed will suffer. Google mainly relies on T-Mobile for its coverage, and the fellow big three carrier gives Fi customers access to its 5G. It’s important to note that during times of high congestion, carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T are likely to prioritize their own customers instead of those on MVNOs.

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Bottom Line

If you’re single, looking to spend the least money as possible, and don’t use a lot of data, Google Fi is probably the best choice for you. It’ll provide you with everything you need and give you the best bang for your buck.

There’s one caveat, though. If you have an iPhone, you’ll lose out on some functionalities on the Google Fi network, but you’ll need to set up SMS and MMS manually and say goodbye to end-to-end encryption on calls. (You won’t have this problem on AT&T).

On the other hand, if you’re shopping for a family plan and want a good deal for the best service, AT&T is probably the way to go. It’ll give you unlimited data, good hotspot support, and perhaps even a discount if you work in certain sectors. Notably, because you can mix-and-match its plans, you can also end up with a more personalized solution for your needs.

Image | Xataka On