Best Google Fi Wireless alternatives 2024

Of the many best Google Fi alternatives that exist, picking the right one can often get a little tricky. Utilizing T-Mobile's network, the Google-backed Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is quite unique in terms of its offerings. Google Fi (Wireless) has a trio of feature-laden plans to choose from, with each offering solid international use benefits, shareable data, support for a vast network of Wi-Fi hotspots, and more.

That's all well and good, but as feature-packed Google Fi Wireless is, it's not without competition. There are quite a few (mostly prepaid) carriers that offer plans with everything from international perks to multi-line discounts, all at very competitive prices.

Our top pick is Mint Mobile, the popular Mobile Virtual Network Operator that's now fully owned by T-Mobile. It offers exceptional 5G network coverage and offers mobile service in chunks of three, six, or 12 months. We also like the Verizon-backed Visible, as its two straightforward plans have just about everything you could possibly want.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket

At a glance

Best overall

While most wireless service providers require you to pay your bill month-to-month, Mint Mobile takes a different approach by requiring you to buy three, six, or 12 months of service upfront at a time. Of course, this means you have to pay more initially, but it could also result in significant savings over time.

Mint Mobile's data plans come with unlimited talk and text, and depending upon the one you pick, 5GB, 15GB, or 20GB of 5G/4G LTE data. If you find you need additional data for a month, you can get an extra 1GB for $10, or 3GB for $20. Mobile hotspot data is also included with all plans, and we suggest checking your existing phone bill to get an idea of how much data you use.

If you need a bit more, Mint Mobile's Unlimited plan is a solid option. It comes with 40GB of high-speed data as well as 10GB of dedicated hotspot data. It's worth noting that video streaming is limited to SD quality (480p) like most unlimited offerings. The unlimited plan is also discounted more if you pay for a longer duration of service, so if you regularly use more than 40GB of data in a month, this plan might be the perfect fit for you.

Mint Mobile is now owned by T-Mobile, and uses the latter's LTE and 5G networks, so you can bring over virtually any unlocked GSM phone and it'll work just fine. This also makes Mint Mobile a great way to test out the largest 5G network in the country.

Best for simplicity

Visible is, without a doubt, the simplest wireless carrier in the country. From setting up your phone to picking the right plan, this prepaid operator makes things easy as pie. Visible offers two unlimited plans, namely Visible and Visible Plus. We tested the first (base) plan in our Visible Wireless review and found the speeds to be generally very good. Still, this plan struggles in really dense areas where many users are often connected to a tower. This is where the higher Visible Plus plan comes to the rescue, offering 50GB of premium high-speed data.

Although both of Visible's plans give you completely unlimited data on Verizon's LTE and 5G networks, Visible Plus should average out to be the faster option, since it can connect to Verizon's Ultra-Wideband network. Granted, most users won't need these extra speeds, but it's a nice option to have. Both plans have unlimited hotspot data at 5Mbps as well.

If you're looking for international support, Visible is much more limited than Google Fi, but Visible Plus does come with roaming in Mexico and Canada, as well as 500MB of high-speed data per day. You also get 500 minutes each month for calling to over 30 countries around the world.

Best for customization

US Mobile has three main plans worth checking out. While two are unlimited plans, the third is a basic plan ideal for light users. Having unlimited talk, text, and data, the two higher plans — Unlimited Starter ($29 per month) and Unlimited Premium ($50 per month) — give you 35GB and 100GB of data, respectively. Both also come with lots of hotspot data, international calling and texting benefits, and more. US Mobile utilizes the networks of both T-Mobile and Verizon and as we saw in our US Mobile Review, you can expect great speeds and reliable coverage with it.

The third basic plan offered by US Mobile is only available as an annual offering, with a monthly cost of just $15. For this price, you get unlimited talk, text, as well as 10GB of premium data. International calling and texting are also included, but hotspot use is shared with your data allotment. There are no multi-line discounts either, as there are with the two unlimited plans. If you get multiple lines with US Mobile, you can also choose to get a bundle offering multiple subscription services at an additional cost of $15 per month. These include Audible, Apple Music Family, Disney Plus, Xbox Gamepass, and many more.

US Mobile also offers a light plan at $10 per month for basic users. It includes 1GB of data and unlimited talk and text, and you can save up to 40 percent by paying for an entire year of service. Additional data (e.g., 2GB, 12GB) can be purchased too, and it can be shared across multiple lines and devices.   

Best for families

As you might've guessed, Metro by T-Mobile is owned by T-Mobile and consequently, has some of the best prepaid options on the magenta carrier. Metro offers excellent compatibility with phones that work with T-Mobile, and even has some solid multi-line discounts that you can take advantage of.

Metro lets you choose from three unlimited plans that all offer unlimited high-speed data (with speeds getting reduced after 35GB of usage), 'ScamShield' for preventing scam calls, as well as access to the 'T-Mobile Tuesdays' promotions. In addition, you also get a free one-year subscription to ViX Premium, a Spanish-language streaming service, with all plans. The two higher plans further include hotspot data, and 100GB of cloud storage via Google One.

One of the advantages of Metro is that all prices include taxes and fees, so what you see is what you pay. As mentioned before, signing up for multiple lines can help you save a lot of money. If you prefer to bring your own phone to the network, you can go for the $25 per month plan that includes most of the above-mentioned perks. All plans include video streaming in SD (480p) quality, and you can customize your plan with a variety of international usage, data, and other add-ons.

Best international perks

As AT&T's prepaid brand, Cricket Wireless doesn't tick every box for those who want an alternative to Google Fi, but it comes quite close. For example, it offers excellent nationwide 5G coverage, high-speed data, as well as unlimited talk, text, and picture messages in the United States. You also get extreme compatibility with the majority of unlocked phones, and Cricket Wireless has done away with the speed caps that it had in place a while back. In fact, its top-of-the-line plan offers unlimited data that doesn't slow down and a variety of extra benefits.

Cricket Wireless offers a number of simple yet flexible plans, with 5GB, 10GB, and Unlimited (basic and premium) data. Mexico and Canada usage is included with both unlimited plans, as well as the 10GB plan in case of new customers. Not just that, the unlimited plans come bundled with unlimited texting from the U.S. to 37 countries around the world.

While all of Cricket's plans offer 2GB cloud storage, the highest plan bumps this to 150GB, while also throwing in ad-supported (HBO) Max in the mix. The monthly cost for Cricket's plan ranges from $30-60 and includes taxes and fees, so you pay exactly what you see and not a penny more.

Best on a budget

Tello is a carrier you might not have heard about before, but that's something you should change. That's because it's hands down one of the most interesting players in the mobile space, and as an alternative to Google Fi, offers a lot to like. It also has a referral plan with a reward of up to $10 credit for you, as well as a friend or a family member that you bring over to the network.

Perhaps the best thing about Tello Mobile is its 'Build Your Own Plan' tool, which lets you choose exactly what you need in your phone plan. Whether you want unlimited minutes or just a hundred and 1GB of data or unlimited, you can pick what you like and build a plan for yourself. Of course, you can also choose from a number of pre-made plans, all of which come with unlimited talk and text.

For example, if you're an extremely light user, you can customize your plan with 1GB of data and 500 minutes of talk time, for just $8 per month. On the contrary, you can go all-in with unlimited minutes of talk time and data for $25 per month. Regardless of what you choose, you'll get perks such as 5G access, international calling (pay-per-use) to more than 60 countries (pay-per-use), shared hotspot use, and much more.

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Lots of options

Get the Google Fi alternative that's right for you

It probably won't be an exaggeration to say that there's nothing in the United States quite like Google Fi Wireless. Sure, it might be a bit more expensive than others, but goodies like solid roaming benefits to network switching make the extra cost almost seem justified. Many of the best Android phones will work with Google Fi's network with full 5G support, so it's the ideal choice for many users.

That said, there's no shortage of awesome Google Fi alternatives in the U.S., with our best pick being Mint Mobile. The MVNO is now fully owned by T-Mobile and requires you to pay for multiple months of service in advance. While this does mean you pay more from your pocket initially, you end up saving a lot in the long term. Mint Mobile offers high-speed 5G access, free mobile hotspot use, and a plethora of other features. Plans start at just $15 per month (with a minimum of three months), and there are typically plenty of great Mint Mobile deals that can help you save some extra cash when buying a new smartphone such as the Google Pixel 8 Pro through the carrier.

Then there's Visible, which is backed by Verizon and makes stuff extremely simple by letting you choose from two fully loaded plans. While the basic plan will more than suffice for everyone's needs, the higher plan comes with benefits such as access to Verizon's Ultra-Wideband network, international usage, and much more.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost | Tello | Cricket