Why Google Fi beats every carrier I've tried for Pixel owners

Published Oct 31, 2026, 7:00 PM EDT Jon Gilbert is a technology journalist with five years of experience covering mobile technology. He's covered smartwatches, tablets, smartphones, and Android accessories. He's attended CES to explore unique hardware like the Pebble Round 2 or Mudita Kompakt. His daily mobile tech life revolves around Pixel devices, which he has used since the Pixel 2 XL. Jon loves exploring the latest Android features, but is highly sceptical of anything related AI. Google Pixel owners in the US get first access to new features, but they usually trickle down to the rest of the world. While I miss easy access to Google's experimental tools, I appreciate not being used as a testing ground. However, while I can live without early access to Pixel features, I sorely miss Google Fi. It's arguably the best wireless carrier for Pixel owners, and I'd switch carriers for it in a second if I could. Google Fi's coverage is phenomenal I can't access the same level of international coverage When I travel, I usually pick up an eSIM for the destination country or region. This is the most affordable option for me, but it's still frustrating that I can't rely on my carrier for cheap international communication. Google Fi, on the other hand, covers over 110 countries. That means no extra fees, no hidden charges, just immediate connection. On Pixel phones, Google Fi automatically finds and switches to the best international network for constant connectivity. Temporary eSIMs often have connectivity issues, but I wouldn't have to worry about that with Google Fi. The cherry on top is that these connections are 5G-enabled, so you don't have to rely on old 3G networks. On top of this, Google Fi automatically connects to Wi-Fi networks when it can't get a strong cell signal. It's secure, immediate, and something I sorely need. The catch is that to receive the international connection perks, you must subscribe to an Unlimited Premium plan, which starts at $65 a month for one line. This is expensive; there's no way around it, but you also get a host of perks I don't see with my carriers of choice. Full connectivity for tablets, laptops, and select smartwatches is fantastic, and the Google One storage perk means I don't have to subscribe separately. I use a lot of data while traveling, but when I'm staying local, I can switch to a cheaper plan. Google Fi is a brilliant way to access unlimited data Unlimited with no catch All of Google Fi's main plans include unlimited data. That makes the service slightly more expensive than other MVNO plans, but unlimited data while traveling? Sign me up. Google Fi also has a unique edge over most MVNOs. The trade-off for using an MVNO is that the main carrier's users get priority network access over MVNO users. This can cause severe network slowdowns in busy areas. Google Fi uses T-Mobile's network, but unlike other MVNOs, it shares equal network priority with T-Mobile's users. So that's the highest-speed connections, around the world, at top priority. What's not to like? I rely on data, but being on an MVNO means I'm constantly frustrated by slow speeds. Major carriers are too expensive because I don't share a plan, so I'm stuck between two evils. I would happily pay $35 a month for unlimited data with the ability to switch to international roaming whenever I wanted. Unfortunately, I don't have a local solution as efficient as Google Fi. The catch with Google Fi is that you only get the best deals if you have a Pixel. For me, that's not a catch. Google Fi offers incredible deals for Pixel owners It's the obvious carrier Google hosts regular promotions for Google Fi, knocking 50% or more off the price. A recent deal brought the Unlimited Premium down to $17 a month for a year. Then there are the phone deals. As of now, Google is offering $1,100 off the Pixel 11 Pro XL if you stay subscribed for two years. On top of that, it takes $10 off each month's bill. I upgrade to a new Pixel phone every two years; this is exactly the kind of offer I would take advantage of. These offers vary in scope, but as you might expect from Google's carrier, you won't find better discounts on Pixel phones anywhere else. It also offers impressive deals on other phones. Alongside the Pixel 11 Pro XL promotion, Google is offering over $1,000 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. There's also a cheeky $300 off the Motorola G Stylus 2026. I'm desperate for Google to bring Fi international As an MVNO, Google can piggyback on any carrier it desires. That means international expansion is easier for it than for a major carrier, although the final prices and offers would certainly differ. Google has a brilliant plan with Google Fi, and as a longtime Pixel user, I'm tired of waiting for the perfect carrier.