Google Fi vs. Mint Mobile: Coverage and Value Comparison for Each

Mobile communication is an essential part of life. The best mobile service plans allow us to keep in touch with colleagues, friends, and family. Google Fi and Mint Mobile are two top MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offering prepaid mobile plans.

Both offer SMS, mobile broadband, and calling services through wireless mediums like cellular networks and Wi-Fi. Despite providing similar services, Google Fi and Mint Mobile have different plans. In this article, we compare the coverage and value provided by each company in detail. We will also give our opinion on which company best serves your needs. Continue reading to learn more about Google Fi vs Mint Mobile services.

Google Fi vs. Mint Mobile: Side-by-Side Comparison

Google Fi vs. Mint Mobile: What’s the Difference?

Google Fi and Mint Mobile are MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). They both offer wireless prepaid mobile plans. Google Fi was launched on March 7, 2016, as Project Fi and rebranded to Google Fi on November 28, 2018. Since then, Google Fi has grown to be one of the biggest carriers in the US. However, Google Fi does not serve the US alone. Its plans include calls, texts, and data within the US, Mexico, and Canada. To achieve such extensive coverage, Google Fi uses T-Mobile networks to deliver its services. It also supplements it with US Cellular, where coverage gaps exist.

On the other hand, Mint Mobile began in 2016. However, it only gained popularity recently with more people looking for cheaper alternatives. Unlike Google Fi, Mint Mobile provides essential mobile services at affordable prices. That means their essential services, such as calls, texts, and data, are excellent, but they offer few perks. However, it has multi-line discounts in its family plans that are also much more affordable than its counterpart. Mint Mobile also uses the T-Mobile network as its primary network for better coverage while providing its services. 

Google Fi vs. Mint Mobile: What Are The Differences?

Let’s dive into the differences between these two MVNOs.

Prices

Often, pricing plays a crucial part when choosing a mobile virtual network operator. You typically want something more affordable and with good service. Of the two services, Mint Mobile is the cheaper option.  In contrast, Google Fi is wildly more expensive, with its plans being among the most costly on the market.

Mint Mobile Unlimited plan charges $30 monthly, offering 35GB of high-speed data and a 5GB mobile hotspot. Furthermore, the Mint Mobile Unlimited plan allows you to pay $90 for a three-month subscription. The subscription is inclusive of calls and messaging to Mexico and Canada.

On the other hand, the Google Fi Unlimited plan will cost you $50 per month for 35 GB of high-speed data and a 5GB mobile hotspot. This plan offers you unlimited national minutes, which include Canada and Mexico. You also get unlimited domestic and international (Canada and Mexico) text messages. 

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan has a mandatory $30 monthly fee for three months. Once the three months are up, you can sign up for a year’s service and get a flat $30 monthly fee. However, if you opt not to sign up, your monthly fee will go up to $40 per month, which is still more affordable than Google Fi. 

While Google Fi plans are more expensive than Mint Mobile’s, they also have more perks. These include YouTube Premium, international data to Mexico and Canada, and cloud storage. In contrast, Mint Mobile’s plans are reasonably basic, with few perks. 

Coverage

Google Fi and Mint Mobile mobile virtual network operators use T-Mobile’s Network to deliver services. T-Mobile is one of the biggest carriers in the US, with the fastest network and largest 5G footprint. So, when it comes to the network coverage front, Google Fi and Mint Mobile are practically identical. 

However, Google Fi also has access to the US’s cellular network, further expanding its coverage. Although the US cellular footprint is smaller than that of major networks (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon), it is still significant in several eastern and midwestern states. Therefore, accessing its network gives Google Fi the much-needed edge in coverage.

Google Fi allows phones to transition seamlessly between the two networks to achieve better coverage. Therefore, if you are in an area where T-Mobile’s coverage has gaps, your phone will automatically switch to the US cellular network to cover the gap.

Additional Perks

As mentioned earlier, Google Fi’s plans have more perks than plans available on Mint Mobile. One reason for this is that Mint Mobile subscriptions typically provide essential services. These include hotspot data, WiFi calls, and unlimited international text and talk services to Mexico and Canada. 

On the other hand, Google Fi has so many perks that can rival those of more prominent carriers. For example, besides essential services like WiFi calls and hotspots, Google Fi offers YouTube Premium. It also provides international data for over 200 destinations and 100GB of cloud storage.

These perks are valuable for people who frequently travel domestically or internationally. Although Google Fi has more perks than Mint Mobile, it limits them to its Unlimited Plus plan, which is considerably more expensive. This limitation means you must typically pay more to access its perks package.

Some of these perks may not be necessary, especially if you are already paying for such services. If you already have a cloud storage plan with a provider, you won’t need cloud storage services from an MVNO. Additionally, you will have little need for YouTube Premium if you rarely travel internationally.

High-Speed Data

Both MVNOs provide high-speed data in their plan options. However, neither has a plan with unlimited high-speed data. This means your speeds will drop once you exhaust your data allocation.

For instance, in the Mint Mobile Unlimited plan, you get 35 GB worth of data per month. Once you exceed this amount, your speeds will drop. On the other hand, Google FI’s Unlimited Plus plan guarantees you 50GB of data each month. Once again, your connectivity will slow down due to data caps.

Google Fi provides more high-speed data than its counterpart and could be the best option for people who use loads of data. On the other hand, Mint Mobile’s 35GB is typically enough for most average users, especially when they have WiFi in their homes.

Hotspot

Mobile hotspot is an essential part of any wireless subscription plan. For that reason, both MVNOs have tried to provide solid options. For limited data plans on Mint Mobile, your hotspot allocation directly ties to the data amount for the whole subscription plan. 

Using your hotspot typically deducts from your high-speed data allotment. If this is unsatisfactory, you can opt for the Unlimited plan, which provides a dedicated hotspot service. However, your hotspot allotment is just 5GB each month. This allotment is typically enough if you only use hotspots in emergencies; otherwise, you should look elsewhere.

Similarly, Google Fi provides a 5GB dedicated hotspot on its Unlimited plan. However, its allotment is considerably better in other plan options. For instance, on the Unlimited Plus option, Google Fi offers a hotspot allotment tied to its overall data plan.

You technically have an unlimited data hotspot tied to the 50GB allotment within the plan, after which it slows down. This flexible allotment is suitable for users whose hotspot use can vary from one month to another. Google Fi also offers flexible prepaid plans that allow users to buy data according to their needs often for $10 per GB. Such convenience plans also cater to mobile hotspots, making Google Fi the best option for hotspot users.

Family Plans

Google Fi and Mint Mobile have outstanding multi-line discounts and family plan options. It is also straightforward to join or leave the family plans.

Mint Mobile offers a Modern Family Plan with plan customization and multi-line discounts. Anyone with two to five lines automatically qualifies for the lowest cost of any Mint plan. That is regardless of the length of the subscription. 

You can also mix and match the lines according to the ideal plan. For instance, you can have unlimited data on your SIM and a capped plan for your children. You can combine the lines for a lower monthly cost in such instances.

Similarly, Google Fi has family plan options with multi-line discounts. Although Google Fi’s family plan provides better discounts for larger families, it is less customizable. For instance, Google Fi does not offer mix-and-match options, meaning you must pay separately for each line on the plan. 

Fortunately, its discounts grow incrementally with each added line. That means a family of four pays only $40 per line for the Unlimited Plus plan. This discount might seem minuscule compared to Mint Mobile’s $30. However, you can access higher speeds, 100GB of cloud storage, and a YouTube Premium subscription.

Phone Compatibility

Both MVNOs are compatible with most of today’s cell phone brands. However, Google Fi is primarily compatible with Android phones (Google’s mobile operating system). It even has special software that connects these phones automatically to its best Wi-Fi hotspots and network. Consequently, setting up your subscription will take several extra steps if you are an iPhone user. 

Customer Support

Most cell phone carriers often receive mixed customer service reviews, and Google Fi and Mint Mobile are no different. Both are online-only carriers, so getting hold of their customer service reps or support can be a real hassle as they operate online. With no available physical shops for in-person help, you typically rely on phone numbers, their website, and chatbots to contact customer support. Alternatively, you can download their mobile apps for easy subscription access.

Google Fi is known for its responsive and helpful customer support. They offer 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email, and their representatives are generally knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Where Google Fi really shines is the remarkable FAQ section and troubleshooting guides on its website — it is clear Google’s aim is for users to locate answers on its website and avoid the need to contact them directly. On the other hand, Mint Mobile is a smaller company and may not have the same level of resources as Google Fi, but they do offer support via phone, chat, and email, and their representatives are generally polite. However, there have been complaints about the wait times for answering inquiries and solving problems. 

Overall, while Google Fi has a stronger reputation for customer support, Mint Mobile’s support channels and resources are sufficient for most customers.

Google Fi vs. Mint Mobile: 8 Must-Know Facts

• Mint Mobile has more affordable plan options than Google Fi.
• Google Fi Unlimited Plus plan offers more perks than Mint Mobile, including YouTube premium, international data, and 100GB of cloud storage.
• Both Google Fi and Mint Mobile use T-Mobile network coverage. However, Google Fi also uses US Cellular, which increases its range of coverage significantly.
• Google Fi allows phones to transition seamlessly between T-Mobile and US Cellular for better coverage.
• Google Fi offers more high-speed data than Mint Mobile at 50GB and 30GB, respectively. 
• Google Fi provides more hotspot allocation than Mint Mobile.
• Mint Mobile’s family plan is more customizable than Google Fi’s.
• Google Fi’s family plan offers better discounts than Mint Mobil’s.

Google Fi vs. Mint Mobile: Which One Is Better?

Both MVNOs provide fantastic services and have their pros and cons. But which one should you choose between Googe Fi vs Mint Mobile?

For Frequent Travelers

Google Fi is ideal if you frequently travel through the US, Canada, and Mexico. Google Fi provides frequent travelers with perks such as YouTube premium and international data. Furthermore, the MVNO also provided a hotspot tied to the 50GB allotment on its Unlimited Plus plan. That means you can use your hotspot for up to 50GB.

For Basic Mobile Phone Services

If you only need essential mobile phone services, Mint Mobile is the suitable MVNO. Mint Mobile offers plans with essential services at a significantly affordable price. For instance, You will only pay $30 monthly for the Unlimited plan, which guarantees you 35GB of high-speed data and a 5GB mobile hotspot. You also get the basics such as Wi-Fi calls, hotspots, and unlimited international text and talk services to Mexico and Canada. 

While Mint Mobile has significantly affordable plans, Google Fi is generally more comprehensive. Furthermore, Google Fi has superior coverage, perks, discounts, hotspots, and high-speed data. Therefore, if you have a little to spare each month, Google Fi is your best bet.