I tested Google Fi’s $35 unlimited data plan for a month — here’s my pros and cons

I’ve been on Visible for the last several years, and I don’t intend to ever go back to traditional postpaid plans from big names like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. Honestly, it truly has one of the best cheap cell phone plans around — and at $35 per month, it blows my mind that there are still people out there paying upwards of $60.

Recently, however, I discovered that Google is offering something equally competitive. Even though it launched a year ago to commemorate Google Fi’s 10th anniversary, its Unlimited Essentials plan offers unlimited calls, texts, and data for $35 per month for a single line.

With that in mind, I immediately started using it with my Pixel 10a before subsequently switching to the Galaxy S26. It’s been more than a month since I signed up for the plan, so here’s what I like and don't like about it.

Google Fi: Cell phone plan comparison

Google Fi Unlimited Essentials Plan: What I like

Easiest eSIM setup process ever

Phone makers and wireless carriers rave about the ease of eSIM, but in my experience, switching phones can be incredibly frustrating. I’m not the typical consumer, seeing that I’m constantly swapping devices to test the best phones around. That's why it’s incredibly rewarding that Google Fi makes the process painless.

In fact, I’ve switched between four devices since setting up my Google Fi plan — and each time was a breeze. I only have to install the Google Fi app, and it does the rest for me. Unlike other carriers that force me to hunt down the device's IMEI, the app handles everything. It’s the quickest eSIM setup I’ve ever experienced, and that’s saying a lot.

Blazing 5G speeds

Visible knows I’m a power user, which often makes me suspect my service is being throttled. Even though I’m new to Google Fi, it’s impressive how much faster my data speeds have been on the Unlimited Essentials plan.

In almost every location where I’ve performed a speed test, my Galaxy S26 on Google Fi beats my iPhone 17 Pro on Visible. The screenshot above is a perfect example: Google Fi hit 200 Mbps down and 3.38 Mbps up, while my iPhone managed only 62.5 Mbps down and 2.23 Mbps up.

I’ve noticed that Instagram and TikTok reels load much faster on my Galaxy S26, though I’m curious to see if these speeds hold up over the long run.

Smartwatch data included

MVNOs are notorious for not offering smartwatch data plans, which is one of the reasons I’ve stuck with Visible for so long. Fortunately, Google Fi is also one of the few that includes smartwatch data — and the $35 Simply Unlimited plan packages it in at no extra cost.

That means there’s no additional monthly fee to add a smartwatch, though it currently only supports Pixel and Galaxy watches. If you intend to use an iPhone with this plan, you won't be able to attach an Apple Watch to it. Nevertheless, I was able to activate my Pixel Watch 3, which allowed me to stream YouTube Music during my runs without needing my phone.

Easy to make plan changes

When I took on 30-day challenges to test Boost Mobile and Total Wireless, one of my main frustrations was that their apps weren't very helpful for making account changes. I often had to log into a web browser instead, which is an annoyance in itself.

With Google Fi, I can do practically everything through the app. This includes upgrading or downgrading my plan, checking my data consumption, setting up voicemail, and even pausing my service.

30GB of premium data

Although the Unlimited Essentials plan offers unlimited data, you actually get 30GB of premium data per month. That’s still quite generous for my needs, as I only really tap into cellular data during my commute or on weekends when I’m away from home. Otherwise, I’m pretty good at sticking to Wi-Fi to ensure I'm getting the fastest possible speeds.

While Visible doesn’t have a hard premium limit with my specific unlimited plan, it does deprioritize my data during network congestion. Google Fi works similarly once you hit that 30GB threshold, but honestly, it’s reassuring to know I’m guaranteed 30GB of the fastest speeds available before any slowdown occurs.

Google Fi Unlimited Essentials Plan: What I don’t like

Lacks hotspot tethering

As much as I appreciate the generous data with my Unlimited Essentials plan, it doesn’t include hotspot tethering — which is a disappointment since Visible does.

This means I can’t share my data with other devices at all, so it’s strictly for use on my phone. There isn't even an add-on option to include it, which would be a smart move on Google's part, as I frequently rely on hotspot functionality to get my laptop connected.

There’s no international data service

Finally, the Unlimited Essentials plan lacks international data roaming entirely. If you have friends or relatives outside the U.S., you’ll need to stick to services like WhatsApp to stay in touch.

In contrast, Google does include robust international features in its more expensive Unlimited Plus plan. For frequent travelers, you'll definitely need to upgrade if you want seamless phone and data service while abroad.

Google Fi Unlimited Essentials Plan: Bottom line

While I’m not too disappointed by the lack of international service on the Simply Unlimited plan, I really wish Google would open up hotspot tethering; I feel I should be able to use that 30GB of premium data any way I wish. Despite that drawback, I truly appreciate Google Fi’s simple setup, the ability to easily switch devices, and the inclusion of smartwatch data.

Based on my testing, Google Fi offers roughly the same coverage as my Visible plan. Would I ditch Visible completely for Google Fi right now? Not necessarily, but it remains one of the most affordable options I’ve found that combines unlimited data with smartwatch connectivity. If you’re an Android user with a Pixel or Galaxy Watch, this is easily one of your best options.

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