Google Fi Unlimited Essentials Review
The cheapest way onto Fi's multi-network coverage — 30GB of high-speed data for $35, with the hotspot and the international data stripped out.
At a Glance
How Google Fi Unlimited Essentials Scores
We scored Google Fi Unlimited Essentials against the same four pillars we use for every plan. Here’s how it broke down.
Pricing: cheap for Fi, expensive for the market
$35/mo single-line plus taxes, falling per line at two or more. Within Fi's own lineup that's a real saving — $15 under Unlimited Standard and $30 under Premium — and 30GB of high-speed data covers the large majority of single-line use.
Against the wider market it's a harder sell. Visible is $25 all-in with unlimited hotspot and Boost is $25 with 30GB of premium data, both cheaper than this before you add Fi's taxes. What you're buying at $35 is the multi-network switching, and nothing else.
What You Get
What You Don't Get
How Google Fi Unlimited Essentials compares
The in-lineup decision is what the $15 step up to Standard actually buys.
Who should choose Google Fi Unlimited Essentials
Who should skip it
Final Verdict
The tier to take if you want Fi's multi-network coverage and nothing more — 30GB of high-speed data at $35 is adequate, and Canada and Mexico are included. The missing hotspot allowance is the problem: it makes Essentials unusable for anyone who tethers even occasionally, and Standard at $50 is a steep jump to fix that. Buy it for the network switching on a phone-only line; otherwise Visible or Boost deliver more for less.
See plan details →Frequently asked questions
How much is Google Fi Unlimited Essentials?
$35/mo for a single line plus taxes and fees, with the per-line price falling at two or more lines. It's Fi's cheapest unlimited tier, $15 below Unlimited Standard.
Does Unlimited Essentials include hotspot?
No, and that's the main reason to look at a higher tier. There's no dedicated hotspot allowance on Essentials. Unlimited Standard includes 25GB and Premium includes 50GB.
How much data does it include?
30GB of high-speed data per cycle, after which speeds drop to roughly 256 kbps. Talk and text are unlimited, and there are no overage charges.
Does it work internationally?
Canada and Mexico are included at full data speeds with free calls and texts. Other countries require a Fi day pass, or Unlimited Premium, which includes 200+ destinations.
Is Unlimited Essentials worth it?
Only if you specifically want Fi's multi-network switching on a phone-only line. At $35 plus taxes it's more expensive than Visible or Boost at $25, both of which include hotspot. The network flexibility is the whole value case.
Is this the plan that used to be Simply Unlimited?
No. Simply Unlimited was renamed Unlimited Standard and now costs $50. Unlimited Essentials is a cheaper tier below it at $35, and the lineup runs Flexible, Essentials, Standard and Premium.
Related comparisons & plans
Other Google Fi plans we’ve reviewed
Same carrier, same network — different price and data. Here’s how the rest of the Google Fi lineup scored.
Same budget, different carrier
Plans priced within a few dollars of Google Fi Unlimited Essentials, from carriers we rate independently. Worth a look before you commit.