Mint Mobile vs Google Fi: plan prices, phones, and network coverage

As a start, let’s keep things simple and get straight to the point. Both carriers have their strong sides, but they also come with trade-offs that are worth knowing upfront. Here is a quick breakdown of where Google Fi and Mint Mobile shine – and where they fall short.

Google Fi pros

Price and plan flexibility play a gigantic role when choosing a carrier, and this is one area where Google Fi and Mint Mobile take very different approaches.

Mint Mobile is known for being one of the cheapest options out there, while Google Fi clearly sits on the pricier end of the prepaid spectrum. That said, Google Fi does run promotions from time to time, sometimes cutting prices by up to 50%. To keep things fair and simple, the best comparison here is Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan versus Google Fi’s Unlimited Standard plan.

Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan is priced at $30 per month, but new customers can lock it in for just $15 per month by committing to a 12-month plan. The plan includes unlimited premium data, though speeds may slow after 50 GB in a month, along with 20 GB of mobile hotspot data.

Since Mint Mobile keeps things pretty barebones, you won’t find many extras bundled into its plans. Once the introductory pricing ends, signing up for a full year keeps the monthly cost at $30. If you prefer a shorter commitment, the three-month option jumps to $40 per month – still less than Google Fi’s comparable plan.

Google Fi’s Unlimited Standard plan is similar on paper but offers a bit more breathing room. It comes with 50 GB of premium data, a larger 25 GB hotspot allowance, and a monthly price of $50. What helps justify the higher cost are the added perks, including six months of YouTube Premium (for the Unlimited Premium plan), cloud storage, and international data support, such as included usage in Canada and Mexico – benefits Mint Mobile simply doesn’t offer.

Over time, Mint Mobile is clearly the cheaper option. If you are a single-line user and don’t burn through tons of data, Mint makes more financial sense. However, frequent travelers may find Mint limiting, since international features aren’t really its strength. In that case, Google Fi becomes the better fit.

Google Fi also pulls ahead for multi-line users. Its family plan discounts are much more aggressive and can help balance out the higher starting price. Mint does allow multiple lines under one account, but it doesn’t offer per-line discounts. Instead, it just lets users pay in three-month chunks while keeping the yearly rate.

And if perks matter to you – even if it means paying more – Google Fi easily comes out ahead.

Coverage comparison

Coverage is one of the most important things to look at when choosing a new carrier. In this case, Mint Mobile and Google Fi both run on T-Mobile’s network. However, that doesn’t mean their coverage looks exactly the same. Actually, Google Fi shows stronger reach across more areas. Yep, you can check their coverage maps below to see the differences for yourself.

Google Fi also handles connectivity differently depending on your device. To minimize extra costs from T-Mobile, it often routes calls over Wi-Fi when supported. This setup can help boost data speeds in busy spots like airports or crowded city areas.

Reliability

Google Fi usually comes out ahead when it comes to reliability, thanks to the way it manages connections. Most Google Fi plans include Premium Data, which gives you the same priority on the network as T-Mobile’s own customers. That means even in crowded spots like airports, concerts or any big event, your data is more likely to stay fast and responsive.

Meanwhile, Mint Mobile users might notice slower speeds in congested areas. Without the premium priority, data can get throttled until the network clears up, so Fi has an edge in high-traffic situations. However, this rarely happens, so I think most users will never notice any slow downs in day-to-day use.

Features and perks

Ah, perks, something which only the post paid carriers have nailed down. MVNOs are typically a different story. Mint Mobile, for example, sticks to the basics. Its plans generally include a hotspot allowance, talk and text to Canada and Mexico, and Wi-Fi calling – nothing extra, but it covers what most people need.

Google Fi takes a different approach, offering perks that rival larger carriers. With its most expensive plan, along with hotspot and Wi-Fi calling, Google Fi bundles in things like a YouTube Premium subscription (although only for 6 months), 100 GB of cloud storage, and international data access in over 200 countries.

Phone selection

When it comes to picking a phone, neither carrier gives you a huge range, but there are some key differences. Mint Mobile offers devices from Apple, Google, and Samsung, while Google Fi sticks to Google, Samsung, and Motorola – so, yeah, no iPhones through Fi (still, you can bring your own iPhone and still use Google Fi).

However, both carriers do carry the latest Galaxy S phones, Galaxy Z phones and Pixel models, so you are covered if you want a current Android flagship.

Still, Google Fi tends to be more generous with deals. You’ll find trade-in offers, discounts, and flexible payment plans regularly, whereas Mint Mobile’s promotions are smaller and less frequent.

And if you are rocking a Pixel or consider yourself an Android power user, Google Fi might feel like the better fit. The carrier often offers better pricing and deals for new Pixel devices, keeping its own ecosystem users well taken care of.

Customer service

Since neither Mint Mobile nor Google Fi has physical stores, any issues have to be handled online. Mint Mobile has a solid app for support, and Google Fi has recently improved its digital help options, too.

That said, customer service is limited to phone lines, chatbots, and website support. Overall, based on user reviews and forum feedback, it looks like Mint Mobile currently edges out Fi slightly in overall customer satisfaction.

If you are the type who likes walking into a store to get hands-on help with a broken phone or billing questions, these online-only carriers probably aren’t for you. In that case, sticking with a postpaid carrier like T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T is the safer bet.

• T-Mobile vs Verizon vs AT&T: Reliability, plans, coverage

Which carrier should you choose?

This is always the tricky part. Honestly, it mostly comes down to your budget, how many lines you need, and how much value you place on extras. Your location and personal usage also matter, of course.

If you often travel, want strong family plan discounts, or care about perks like YouTube Premium and international data, Google Fi is probably the better fit.

On the other hand, if keeping costs as low as possible is your top priority – even if that means paying upfront – or if you want an iPhone through your carrier and just need a single line, Mint Mobile is the smarter choice.

FAQ

Which is better, Google Fi or Mint Mobile?

If you want the absolute cheapest option for domestic use and don’t mind paying upfront, Mint Mobile is your best bet. But if you travel often, need family or multi-line discounts, or want faster data in busy areas, Google Fi is the smarter choice.

What carrier does Google Fi use?

As of 2026, Google Fi primarily runs on T-Mobile’s network.

Who is the #1 cell phone carrier?

It depends on the report, but T-Mobile generally leads when it comes to 5G coverage, reliability, and speed.

Why switch away from Google Fi?

If you feel like you are paying for perks and international data you don’t use, moving to Mint Mobile could save you money.

Does Google Fi have a good signal?

Yes – in 2026, Google Fi offers solid signal and coverage.

Is Google Fi losing UScellular?

Yes, Google Fi has dropped UScellular as a dedicated partner. However, because T-Mobile now owns UScellular’s assets, you still get that coverage through the main T-Mobile network.