When young and old compete against one another, only one carrier can win. Verizon, a leading US carrier with a bevy of plans and coverage, is available on the one hand. On the other hand, Google Fi’s distinctive network architecture helps it to expand. Only one of the two can serve as your primary provider of service due to their stark differences. Which carrier is best for you in the Google Fi vs. Verizon fight?
Verizon and Google Fi both offer acceptable performance. Although Google Fi is not a carrier in and of itself, Verizon is slightly more expensive.
In our category-by-category breakdown, we will take pricing, coverage, and promotions into consideration. Are you prepared to begin the opening round? Let’s get to it!
Google Fi Vs Verizon — Pricing
As one of the more expensive carriers, Verizon is a well-known fact. Comparing Google Fi and Big Red’s networks, you can expect to pay an additional $5 to $10 per month for an unlimited plan. Before we dig too deep into the prices, check out our handy table below:
Items | Google Fi costs | Verizon costs |
---|---|---|
Entry-level Unlimited Plan | $60 for one line $45 per line for two lines $30 per line for three lines $30 per line for four lines | Start Unlimited $70 for one line $60 per line for two lines $45 per line for three lines $35 per line for four lines |
Mid-level Unlimited Plan | Unlimited Plus $70 for one line $60 per line for two lines $50 per line for three lines $45 per line for four lines | Play / Do More Unlimited $80 for one line $70 per line for two lines $55 per line for three lines $45 per line for four lines |
High-end Unlimited Plan | None | Get More Unlimited $90 for one line $80 per line for two lines $65 per line for three lines $55 per line for four lines |
Other Plans | Flexible Plan $20 for one line $18 per line for two lines $17 per line for three lines $17 per line for four lines Plus $10 per GB of data used | None |
In terms of unlimited plans, Verizon’s Start Unlimited plan and Google Fi’s Unlimited Plus option are very similar. Each starts at $70, but Start Unlimited has a lower price point with four lines than Google Fi, coming in at $35 per line rather than $45 per line.
You’ll immediately notice a higher bill if you choose one of Verizon’s more expensive unlimited plans, though there are more benefits that come along with it. A new inexpensive plan called Welcome Unlimited is also provided by Big Red. Access to the 5G Nationwide network is included, but it starts at $65 per month and removes the majority of streaming benefits.
With a $60 starting price, Google Fi’s new Simply Unlimited plan undercuts Verizon. You’re looking at a monthly cost of $45 once you add a second line. You’ll have to pay $30 each for the third and fourth lines.
One unlimited plan can be easily contrasted with another, but Google Fi has another ace up its sleeve: the Flexible Plan. Each gigabyte of data you use will cost $10 in addition to your initial flat rate of $20 per month for a single line. If you don’t intend to do a lot of browsing, this strategy is excellent. Even if you use more than 6GB of data on a single line with Google Fi, you won’t be charged again.
Google Fi Vs Verizon — Coverage
The unique network configuration of Google Fi is one of its greatest advantages over Verizon’s dominant network. Fi combines T-Mobile, UScellular, and the remnants of Sprint for a comprehensive signal coverage, as opposed to relying on just one carrier. The best signal should be automatically switched between the three networks if your phone is built for Google Fi.
On the above map, the darker green areas represent Google Fi’s 4G LTE coverage, while the lighter areas represent 3G and 2G coverage. Despite the fact that Google Fi’s service isn’t perfect, it has improved greatly in recent years. You can use T-Mobile’s extensive nationwide network for no additional charge if your device is 5G-ready.
Conversely, Verizon’s 4G LTE network, which covers 70% of the country, is the biggest among major US carriers. For the majority of users throughout the nation, it offers dependable coverage and strong speeds. Despite the mmWave network’s limitations, Big Red also achieves some of the best 5G speeds.
Google Fi Vs Verizon — Phone Selections
Verizon offers an impressive selection of gadgets, just like many of the biggest US carriers. As long as it’s a CDMA device, Verizon probably supports whatever you can think of. You’ll see that a few of Verizon’s 5G devices are also set up with the UW name (ultrawide), indicating that they are specifically set up for Big Red’s mmWave network. Fortunately, the rollout of Nationwide 5G has made it simpler to bring a 5G-ready device or purchase a pre-unlocked model.
A staggering number of devices are supported by Google Fi, and almost all of them can be brought with you. The Pixel 7 Pro, the rest of the Pixel lineup, and now the entire S22 line, are all available directly from the carrier. The list of additional supported devices is provided below. Although the usual suspects Apple and Samsung are included, you might be more thrilled to learn that OEMs like Xiaomi and HUAWEI are also supported by Google Fi.
We’ve conveniently whittled down the top smartphones from Verizon and Google Fi to make it easier for you to choose from the vast selection offered by each carrier.
Which Carrier is Right for You?
The long-awaited response is finally here. Who will prevail in the battle between Google Fi and Verizon? It depends on your needs, which is unfortunately the answer. Although the cost of coverage is quite high, Verizon has a sizable network and a long list of benefits. The majority of the benefits that make a Verizon plan worthwhile will have to be forgone if you need a more affordable plan. There are only two plans and a few phones available on Google Fi. The use of T-Mobile and UScellular networks by Google Fi provides dependable coverage with seamless switching, making it a great choice for international travel as well.
Conclusion
We’ve established that Verizon and Google Fi are both trustworthy carriers, but they operate in different markets. Verizon is expensive but offers incredible perks and promotions, while Google Fi focuses on providing excellent network connectivity at a price that is affordable. So, your needs and budget are the only factors that determine which cellular provider is best for you.
The best choice if you have a limited budget is Google Fi. Its Flexible Plan starts at $20 for a single line and adds $10 for each GB of data used. With T-Mobile, you can get a fantastic 5G connection for a very reasonable price. Additionally, Google Fi enables you to make use of the services of other top carriers like Sprint and Us Cellular, ensuring that you always have the best network connection, regardless of where you are.
But the dominant player in the market is Verizon. Despite having better plans and benefits to meet your needs, its plans are more expensive than those of most mobile carriers. Its most expensive plan, 5G Get More, is amazing because it offers unlimited data usage along with premium benefits like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Apple Music. Verizon will therefore be a great choice if you don’t mind spending a little bit more on your plan.
FAQs
Does Google Fi Work Better Than Verizon?
If you live in an area with a top-notch 5G network, we advise choosing Google Fi. Verizon is a great choice to use its blazing-fast 4G LTE network if you plan to stay in rural areas with spotty 5G coverage.
Should I Switch from Verizon to Google Fi?
The affordable 5G coverage, dual networks with T-Mobile and US Cellular, and selection of flexible plans offered by Google Fi make the switch worthwhile. In our Google Fi review, we praised its affordable monthly price and support for network switching.
Does Google Fi Have More Coverage Than Verizon?
Customers of Google Fi have access to the third-best 4G LTE, with 62% of the nation being covered by the company’s 4G LTE network through T-Mobile. That places Google Fi significantly behind Verizon (70%) and slightly behind AT&T (69%).
Is Google Fi Worth Switching?
After years of using Google Fi, I can say that it’s a straightforward, affordable, and trustworthy phone plan that, in many cases, makes sense to pay for. Give Google Fi a look if you’re curious about the supported phones and feel your cell service costs are too high.