Tech Talk

Google Fi is a great choice for many people, especially those looking for some of the best coverage around. Google Fi's coverage isn't the best fit for everyone but with T-Mobile's growing network and expansive 5G coverage, it will likely improve. Google Fi also stands alone on international roaming, being the best carrier for traveling abroad. Visible is still a great choice with solid domestic coverage from Verizon. Visible's cheap unlimited data with no soft caps makes it one of the best cheap carriers for smartphones.

Visible vs. Google Fi: Get the right network

The biggest difference between these two carriers is the network. Visible is one of the best MVNOs that uses Verizon's network. Visible uses this network to great effect, with LTE and 5G support on select devices. Visible has no support for 3G or roaming, so you won't have a fallback if you are in an area with spotty Verizon coverage. Luckily, Verizon's LTE network is one of the densest and most consistent in the nation. Long story short, Verizon most likely has you covered.

Google Fi takes a different approach by enlisting the tech of three carriers. Phones specifically designed for Google Fi can utilize the Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular LTE 3G and 4G LTE networks, choosing whichever is best in an area. If you bring your own unlocked GSM phone to Google Fi, you will connect with just the T-Mobile network.

Both networks now include 5G coverage; however, Google Fi's T-Mobile network has much greater coverage and phone support. Visible only supports 5G on a handful of phones like the Galaxy S21 series.

Visible vs. Google Fi: Pick your Google Fi plan

Google Fi has three plans, with the major distinction being the amount of data you get and international features. The entry-level Flexible plan costs $20 per month for unlimited calling and texting. Beyond that, high-speed data is $10 per gigabyte, which includes a mobile hotspot. Data is added automatically until you hit the Bill Protections threshold.

Bill Protection on Google Fi is a feature that stops charging the standard data rate at 6GB of usage, and nothing changes unless you hit 15GB. At 15GB, your data is throttled, but you can add high-speed data at, you guessed it, $10 for 1GB. The maximum you'll pay without manually adding data is $80 per month, plus fees.

Google Fi also has two unlimited plans that come with 22GB of high-speed data. After 22GB, your connection is slowed. Your video streaming quality is also limited to 480p. The cheaper Simply Unlimited plan comes in at $60 per month for a single line. No hotspot data is included.

If you want all of the perks of the Flexible plan with more data, Unlimited Plus comes with the same 22GB as the cheaper unlimited plan but adds hotspot usage back in. You can also order a data-only SIM to put in another device. You do get 100GB of Google One cloud storage and free calling to more than 50 countries.

For each of these plans, you can bring up to six additional lines with shared data and plan savings on up to four lines.

If you plan to travel internationally, then there is no contest. Google Fi is the king of international service, offering the same data rates in 200+ countries in the Flexible and Unlimited Plus plans. SMS texts are free, and calling is billed by the minute, depending on the country. Typically, they are around $0.20 per minute.

Visible vs. Google Fi: Save with Visible's plan

Visible keeps things extremely simple, with a single plan coming in at $40 per month. This plan comes with unlimited LTE data and unlimited hotspot data at 5Mbps. Unfortunately, your video streams are also limited to 480p quality.

Visible does not include any international features, so if you need to call someone abroad, you'll need to use a separate SIM or switch to a VOIP service that uses data such as Google Duo, Facebook Messenger, or Line to use with Wi-Fi.

One of Visible's most appealing features is Party Pay. With Party Pay, when you join a party of three or more people, your bill comes down to $25 per month. That's $5 off per member. Visible also has a community feature on its site that allows people to join a party even if they don't know anyone else on Visible. So there really is no reason not to join a Visible party.

Visible vs. Google Fi: What phones can you get?

Google Fi supports most unlocked phones utilizing T-Mobile's GSM network. There are, however, some phones that support the entire network, including switching to US Cellular if the connection is stronger. You can even have a free data-only SIM card to put in another device if you like to carry a tablet or an extra phone.

If you're ready for a new phone, you can buy one from Google Fi that will work with the carrier's network switching or simply bring one of the best Android phones unlocked if you have solid T-Mobile coverage.

Visible's phone support is more limited due to Visible's nature as an all-digital carrier requiring phones to support Verizon's VoLTE. This list is growing and includes the most popular Android phones, such as the Galaxy S21 series and the Google Pixel series. Most iPhones after the iPhone 6 are supported as well.

Needless to say, a phone on Visible will need to support Verizon's LTE network. Visible will guide you through checking your phone's IMEI before you pay for service. If you're ready for a new phone, you can buy one directly from Visible or even swap an old Android for a new one with Visible Swap.

Visible vs. Google Fi: Which one works best for you?

Google Fi is a top choice for a lot of people, especially with multiple lines. Google Fi also has great phone compatibility making it easy to switch for just about anyone. The unique international roaming features won't make sense for many, but for the right people, it's unmatched. For most people, especially those that only need one line, Visible is the better choice. Even compared to Google Fi's multi-line plans, Visible is still one of the cheapest plans around. Its growing phone support makes it an excellent carrier for a new smartphone.

A big network for less

Visible

Never worry about gigabytes again

From $40/mo. at Visible

Visible is as simple as possible with a single unlimited plan on Verizon's network. Save by linking up with other customers.

The all-rounder

Google Fi

Plenty of headroom

From $20/mo. at Google Fi

Pay only for the data you use or go for unlimited if you need a lot of data. Calls and texts are free plus international roaming.