The all-rounder
Google Fi
From $20/mo. at Google Fi
Pros
- Free international roaming
- Lower starting price
- Shared network
- Supports most GSM devices
- Multi-line savings
Cons
- 2G speeds after 15GB on Flexible plan
- Expensive data
Google Fi offers two plans on a combined Sprint, T-Mobile, and US Cellular network in the United States. With a choice between a flexible plan and an unlimited plan, there’s a solution for any user. You can also save on your monthly bill if you bring multiple lines.
Cheap and unlimited
Visible
$40/mo. At Visible
Pros
- Simple plans and pricing
- Huge Verizon Wireless LTE network
- Unlimited hotspot (5Mbps)
- Save with Party Pay
Cons
- No international options
- Videos stream at 480p
A flat fee and lots of coverage make Visible an excellent option for a user that never wants to think about minutes or gigabytes. With a growing list of compatible Android phones and the huge Verizon network behind it, there has never been a better time to try Visible.
Google Fi offers more options for more people, including people that want to bring the whole family. Google Fi also lets you travel internationally for no additional rate with data access. Visible keeps things as simple as possible with a single plan and no family savings options. Visible makes up for its shortcomings by offering an unmatched amount of data and even includes an unlimited hotspot. For most people, despite the higher price, Google Fi is a better fit with greater phone compatibility.
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, though only its LTE network. Visible has no support for 3G or roaming, so if you are in an area with spotty Verizon coverage, you won’t have a fallback. 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. Check Visible’s coverage map to be sure.
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, which includes 5G support. Check your Google Fi coverage to know which network will be best for you.
| Network | Sprint T-Mobile US Cellular | Verizon Wireless |
| Data cap | 2G speed at 15 GB Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Hotspot | Yes (shared) | Yes (5Mbps) |
| International | 200+ countries | None |
Visible vs. Google Fi Pick your Google Fi plan
Google Fi has two plans, with the major distinction being the amount of data you get. 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 an Unlimited plan that comes with 22GB of high-speed data. After 22GB, your connection is slowed. Your video streaming quality is also limited to 480p. 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 a base 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. 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. 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.
If you’re looking for a family plan, you’re out of luck though you can still save some money by joining a Visible party. With Party Pay, you can join up to three other accounts in a party to reduce your bill to as low as $25 per month. It can be easy to find parties on sites like Reddit.
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 Sprint or US Cellular if the connection is stronger. Check the compatibility web page to see how the phones stack up. 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 unlocked phones if you have solid T-Mobile coverage.
Visible supports more devices all the time and even sells some of the newer ones. Needless to say, a phone on Visible will need to support Verizon’s LTE network. Check your device to see if it works on Visible here.
Visible vs Google Fi So what should you get?
Visible is an excellent bargain if you have a compatible phone or are willing to buy one through Visible. For the majority of customers, Visible will have all of the coverage and features you need to stay connected. If you are after simplicity and consistency, there’s not a better option. Visible is still one of the best MVNOs you can get.
Google Fi is the way to go for people that care more about speed and flexibility. Support for a vast number of phones makes it easier to switch, especially if you already have an unlocked phone. If you utilize data-saving features and Wi-Fi at home, there’s room to save money, and there are still plenty of options for an enthusiast or someone that wants to bring multiple lines.
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. Call and texts are free plus international roaming.
A big network for less
Visible
Never worry about gigabytes again
$40/mo. At Visible
Visible is as simple as possible with a single unlimited plan on Verizon’s LTE network. Save by linking up with other customers.
