HelloRoam vs Google Fi: which eSIM is better in 2026?
HelloRoam suits most travellers better. Plans start at £0.77, and unlimited options start at £1.29 a day. There are no monthly fees, so you only pay for your trip. The website comes in 63 languages and takes 31+ currencies. You can get a refund on an unactivated eSIM within 180 days. A 7-day France trip costs £4.47 with HelloRoam. Google Fi charges 65 USD a month for Premium or 10 USD per GB on Flexible.
HelloRoam Editorial Team
Google Fi
4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews)
200+ countries
HelloRoam
4.7/5 App Store
185+ countries
Google Fi Wireless is a US domestic carrier. It requires a US billing address to sign up, and non-US residents cannot create an account. If you live outside the United States, HelloRoam is the practical option, open to travellers from every country with no residency requirement.
Destination tip: for Japan, HelloRoam offers 1GB plans starting at £2.60 versus Google Fi's 10 USD/GB Flexible rate. In Japan, you need data for transit apps and maps.
Quick Verdict: Is Google Fi or HelloRoam the better eSIM?
HelloRoam is the better choice for most travellers. Plans start from £0.77 globally with no monthly subscription and no daily roaming fee. A casual traveller visiting France for a week pays £4.47 with HelloRoam versus US$65/month on Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan.
Google Fi works well for US residents who already use it as their primary carrier. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data across 200+ destinations. If you already pay for the plan, you get international coverage at no extra cost. The 90-day international limit and the US residency requirement make it unsuitable for non-US residents or long-stay travellers.
For travellers searching for the best eSIM for international data, HelloRoam covers more use cases at lower cost. Google Fi serves a niche: US residents who want one bill for home and abroad.
Google Fi | HelloRoam | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 1.4/5 (Trustpilot, 149 reviews) | 4.7/5 (iOS App Store) |
| Countries | 200+ | 185+ |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo + US$10/GB | £0.77 one-time |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| App Rating (Android) | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Best For | US residents who want one plan for home and abroad | Any traveller who needs affordable data |
HelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature ComparisonHelloRoam vs Google Fi eSIM: Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | Google Fi | HelloRoam |
|---|---|---|
| Countries Covered | 200+ | 185+ (local carrier networks) |
| Carrier Networks | T-Mobile + US Cellular | 212+ local carrier partnerships |
| Pricing Model | Monthly subscription (US$20-US$65/mo) | One-time payment, no subscription |
| Starting Price | US$20/mo base + US$10/GB international | £0.77 (fixed) / £1.29/day (unlimited) |
| Data Speeds | 4G LTE + 5G (T-Mobile roaming) | 4G LTE + 5G (local carriers, varies by country) |
| Fixed Data Plans | No (pay-per-GB or monthly tiers) | Yes (sizes vary by country) |
| City-Level Plans | No city-level granularity | Dedicated pages for popular travel cities |
| iOS App Rating | 4.1/5 (2,000+ reviews) | 4.7/5 |
| Android App Rating | 4.1/5 (56.6K reviews) | No public rating yet |
| Trustpilot | 1.4/5 "Bad" (149 reviews) | Growing (launched August 2025) |
| Customer Support | Phone + chat, Mon-Sat, English only | 24/7 live chat + WhatsApp, in your own language |
| Delivery | eSIM instant / SIM ships | Instant QR code via email |
| Refund Policy | No guarantee (prorated Flexible refund only) | 180-day refund (unactivated eSIMs) |
| Languages | English only | 63 website languages |
| Currencies | USD only (US credit card required) | 31+ with auto-detection |
| Hotspot | No hotspot on Essentials; blocked on iPhone internationally | Free on all plans, where your phone allows it |
| Data Usage Alerts | Data usage alert you set in the Fi app | Low-data email on fixed plans |
| Plan Recommendation | No recommendation engine | Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan |
| Founded | 2015 (as Project Fi, Google) | Launched 2025 (Future Syncs, founded 2024) |
Google Fi leads on US domestic coverage, a built-in VPN, and Alphabet backing. HelloRoam leads on no-residency signup, no 90-day cutoff, and clear fixed-price travel plans.
Pricing by Country: Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Google Fi prices show the flat US$10/GB Flexible plan rate. HelloRoam offers one-time plans on local carrier networks. Average savings: 66% with HelloRoam across all 6 countries.
| Country | Google Fi | HelloRoam | Saving with HelloRoam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
France | US$10/GB | From £2.98 | 60% | HelloRoam |
Japan | US$10/GB | From £2.60 | 65% | HelloRoam |
UK | US$10/GB | From £2.12 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Mexico | US$10/GB | From £2.60 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Thailand | US$10/GB | From £2.60 | 65% | HelloRoam |
Germany | US$10/GB | From £2.12 | 72% | HelloRoam |
Google Fi charges a flat US$10 per GB on the Flexible plan, wherever you go. HelloRoam prices vary by country, and each plan runs on local mobile networks.
Google Fi's Flexible plan charges US$10/GB for international data in 200+ destinations. The Unlimited Premium plan at US$65/month includes 50GB of high-speed international data. All Google Fi plans require an active US account. HelloRoam charges a one-off fee per trip with no monthly commitment. Prices verified June 2026 from fi.google.com and helloroam.com.
Find Your eSIM Plan
Browse affordable data plans for your next trip abroad
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Mexico.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Morocco.
From
Data eSIM Plan
Stay connected across United States.
From
£2.14
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Japan.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Turkey.
From
Unlimited eSIM Plan
Stay connected across China.
From
Asia
19 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Asia.
From
£4.83
Africa
29 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Africa.
From
£11.92
Europe
33 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Europe.
From
£2.98
Middle East
11 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Middle East.
From
£9.40
West Asia
6 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across West Asia.
From
£5.36
South America
20 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across South America.
From
£7.65
Global
127 destinations
1GB / 7-day eSIM Plan
Stay connected across Global.
From
£10.20
Speed Test Comparison
Android Authority tested Google Fi against a travel eSIM across 5 locations in Italy in 2026. This test compared Google Fi against a generic travel eSIM, not HelloRoam specifically.
Location
Milan
Venice
Florence
Rome (Test 1)
Rome (Test 2)
Google Fi
61.8 Mbps
42.3 Mbps
40.6 Mbps
306 Mbps
300 Mbps
Travel eSIM
89.5 Mbps
5.98 Mbps
50.5 Mbps
64.3 Mbps
135 Mbps
Who wins
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Travel eSIM
Google Fi
Google Fi
Local carrier networks: HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in each country. Many destinations include 5G, and the network type varies by plan.
Plan types: Choose a fixed data plan or a day-based unlimited plan.
Independent benchmarks: Independent speed benchmarks for HelloRoam are pending as the service launched in August 2025. Speed varies by destination and carrier.
Why HelloRoam Is the Better Choice for Travel
No subscription required.
HelloRoam is pay-as-you-go. Buy a plan when you travel, starting at £0.77. Google Fi requires a monthly subscription of US$20 to US$65 before you can access international data.
Open to travellers worldwide.
HelloRoam works for travellers from every country. Google Fi requires a US billing address. Non-US residents cannot sign up.
No 90-day cutoff.
Google Fi suspends international data access after 90 consecutive days abroad. HelloRoam has no such rule. Your data works for the full plan validity, however long you have been abroad.
Free hotspot on every plan.
HelloRoam includes free tethering on all plans, on phones that allow hotspot. Google Fi blocks hotspot on the Essentials plan and disables international hotspot on iPhones.
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs.
HelloRoam offers a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee. The Flexible plan only provides a prorated refund.
63 languages and 31+ currencies.
HelloRoam auto-detects your locale and shows prices in your local currency. Google Fi is English-only and USD-only, with a US credit card required at checkout.
Low-data email alerts.
On a fixed plan, HelloRoam emails you as your data runs low. You can then top up in time on plans that offer top-ups, or buy a new plan.
One recommended plan per destination.
The Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page. A data calculator helps you estimate how many GB you need. Google Fi has no recommendation engine.
City pages for popular destinations.
HelloRoam runs dedicated pages for popular travel cities, each showing the plans that work there. Google Fi has no city-specific coverage options.
Unlimited day slider with auto-configured APN.
On unlimited plans, HelloRoam's day slider lets you choose how many days you buy. The APN configures automatically on activation. No manual network settings needed.
Pros and Cons
Google Fi vs HelloRoam
Choose HelloRoam if:
- You want lower prices. Plans start at £0.77. Unlimited from £1.29/day. Compared with Google Fi's Flexible plan, HelloRoam saves 60% to 72% per GB in the 6 countries priced above.
- You want unlimited data without a monthly bill. Unlimited daily plans in most destinations, on local carrier networks. No monthly bill, no contract.
- You want refund protection. HelloRoam gives you a 180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. Google Fi offers no equivalent guarantee.
- You need support in your language. Support in your own language, 24/7 on WhatsApp and live chat. A website in 63 languages. Pay in 31+ currencies.
- You prefer smart app features. Data calculator, unlimited day slider, plan recommendation, preflight reminders, and low-data emails on fixed plans.
- You want flexible checkout. Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay. Referral credits can bring your checkout total to zero.
Choose Google Fi if you:
- Live in the US and want one plan for home and travel. Google Fi replaces your domestic carrier with unlimited calls, texts, and international data under one bill.
- Need a permanent US phone number. Many US services require a US number for two-factor authentication and banking. Google Fi provides one that works abroad.
- Travel less than 90 days at a time and already pay for it. If you already subscribe to Unlimited Premium at US$65/month, the international data comes at no extra cost.
- Use a Pixel phone. Google Fi is optimised for Pixel devices with a built-in VPN, encrypted calls, and automatic premium Wi-Fi connections.
The App Experience
What's in the HelloRoam app
The interactive data usage calculator estimates how many GB you need based on your activities. You stop guessing about plan sizes.
The Goldilocks pick highlights one recommended plan on each destination page.
Preflight notifications remind you to activate your eSIM before you board.
Low-data emails warn you before a fixed plan runs out.
The data dashboard shows how much data you have used and how much is left.
The device compatibility checker appears on every country page, not buried on a separate page.
Express checkout supports Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. You can also pay by Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB or UnionPay card.
The buy-for-someone-else feature sends a QR code to another person's email.
Data usage dashboard. A circular progress tracker, with a Top up button on eligible plans.
Buy for someone else. Send a QR code directly to another traveller's email.
Auto-configured APN. Your eSIM activates with network settings pre-loaded. No manual configuration needed.
Google Fi
Google Fi App Features
Manage your domestic and international plan from one screen.
Built-in VPN for Pixel phones with automatic secure connections.
Wi-Fi calling and text over any connection.
Usage tracking for calls, texts, and data in a single dashboard.
International data through T-Mobile partner networks in 200+ countries.
Key insight: Google Fi's app is built for US subscribers managing a combined domestic and international carrier plan. HelloRoam's app is built for international travellers: a recommended plan for each destination, a data calculator, and pre-flight reminders. For travel outside the US, HelloRoam handles more use cases while keeping setup equally fast.
Coverage and Network Comparison
Global coverage
185+ countries with 212+ verified carrier networks. Coverage built around the destinations travellers actually visit, not just contractual partner counts.
Carrier branding
Your phone shows "HelloRoam" in the status bar. You know exactly which service is active.
Instant connectivity
No manual network settings needed. Your eSIM connects to a local carrier the moment you land.
Free hotspot
Share your connection with a laptop or travel companion at no extra cost. Hotspot works on every plan, on phones that allow it, and uses your plan data.
City pages
Dedicated pages for popular travel cities, not just countries, each showing the plans that work there.
200+ country coverage
Google Fi provides international data in 200+ destinations on the Flexible and Unlimited plans. Coverage uses T-Mobile and US Cellular partner networks abroad.
Built-in VPN for Pixel
Google Fi includes a built-in VPN on Pixel phones with automatic secure connections on open Wi-Fi networks. This is unique to the Fi platform.
One bill for home and travel
Google Fi bundles US domestic calls, texts, and international data under one monthly subscription. US residents avoid separate charges for domestic and international service.
Permanent US phone number
Google Fi subscribers get a US phone number that works abroad, which is useful for two-factor authentication and US-based banking apps.
Alphabet / Google backing
Alphabet Inc., one of the largest technology companies in the world, runs Google Fi. That backing brings strong infrastructure and long-term stability.
Wi-Fi calling and texts
Google Fi supports Wi-Fi calling and texting from any connection. On Wi-Fi abroad, you can make US calls without paying roaming fees.
Is Google Fi Legit?
Google Fi Wireless is a legitimate US wireless carrier owned by Alphabet Inc. Google launched it as Project Fi on 22 April 2015 and rebranded it Google Fi Wireless in April 2023.
Trustpilot:
According to Trustpilot (June 2026), Google Fi has a 1.4 out of 5 rating based on 149 reviews. That is a "Bad" rating. Common complaints include billing disputes, customer service delays, and the 90-day international data cutoff catching travellers off guard. Trustpilot ratings for telecom companies often skew negative because satisfied customers rarely leave reviews.
Expert reviews:
WhistleOut gives Google Fi 4.0/5. Reviews.org rates it 4.8/5. Tom's Guide recommends it for travellers who already use Android and want domestic plus international under one bill.
HelloRoam trust signals
180-day refund on unactivated eSIMs. PCI DSS Level 1 payment security via Stripe. $0 activation fees. No hidden charges.
BBB complaints:
Google Fi falls under Google LLC's unaccredited BBB profile, which lists consumer complaints across Google's services. These cover billing disputes and activation failures.
Compatible Devices
HelloRoam Advantage: Built-In Device Checker
HelloRoam has an interactive device compatibility checker built into every country page. Search by brand (Apple, Samsung, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei) and find your exact model. No separate compatibility page. No guesswork.
All iPhones from iPhone XS (2018) and newer
Most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models (not the S20 FE or S21 FE), Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series
Google Pixel 4 and newer, plus some Pixel 3 and 3a models
Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other brands with eSIM support
iPads and tablets with eSIM capability
No country restriction: travellers from any country can buy and activate an eSIM plan. Every eSIM activates with an auto-configured APN, so you connect without manual network setup.
Google Fi Compatible Devices
Best experience: Pixel phones get automatic network switching, VPN, and encrypted calls
iPhones: XS and newer support eSIM. International hotspot does not work on iPhones.
Samsung: Galaxy S23 through S26 (unlocked North American versions)
Requirement: US billing address required. Non-US residents cannot sign up.
Key difference: HelloRoam removes the guesswork. Search your exact phone model, see instant confirmation, buy your plan. No band compatibility checks needed. Auto-APN means zero manual configuration.
Other eSIM Comparisons Worth Reading
See how HelloRoam compares with other top eSIM and carrier options for international travel.
HelloRoam vs Airalo
Airalo is the largest eSIM marketplace with 200+ destinations. Compare pricing, plan variety, and app experience.
HelloRoam vs Holafly
Holafly focuses on unlimited data with strong Europe and Latin America coverage. See how the unlimited plans stack up.
HelloRoam vs Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is a budget US carrier with limited international options. See why a dedicated travel eSIM often wins abroad.
Get connected in 4 steps
How to Get Your eSIM
- 1
Choose your destination
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Scan the QR code
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Install your eSIM
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Frequently Asked Questions
Google Fi is a US carrier that requires a US address and a Google account to sign up. Without a US address, you cannot register for Google Fi. HelloRoam is open to anyone worldwide, covering 185+ countries from £0.77 with no address requirements, and your QR code usually arrives by email within a few minutes of payment.
Google Fi is not worth it for most people who live outside the US, because you cannot sign up without a US address. Even if you have access, the monthly cost of US$20 to US$65 makes it poor value for occasional trips abroad. HelloRoam plans start at £0.77 as a one-off purchase, so you pay only for the trip you are actually taking.
HelloRoam is a practical Google Fi alternative for travel abroad. Plans start at £0.77, cover 185+ countries, and need no US address or monthly subscription. You keep your EE, O2, Vodafone UK or Three SIM active for calls and use HelloRoam for affordable data on your trip.
HelloRoam offers flat-rate plans that cover multiple EU countries under one purchase, with no monthly fee and no ongoing contract. Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan covers Europe but costs US$65 a month as an ongoing subscription. For a fortnight in Spain, France or Italy, HelloRoam gives you much better value than keeping a US carrier plan all year.
Yes. HelloRoam sells unlimited daily data plans with no US phone plan and no monthly contract. You buy one plan for your trip, it runs on local 4G and 5G networks in most countries, and a fair usage policy applies. Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan slows data abroad after 50GB a month and needs a US carrier subscription. Without a US phone plan, HelloRoam is the practical route to unlimited data abroad.
An eSIM is worth it for European holidays. A HelloRoam Europe regional plan covers multiple EU countries under one purchase, with no daily charges and no monthly bill. Fly from Heathrow or Gatwick to Spain, France, Portugal, or Greece and join a local network the moment you land.
Google Fi works on iPhones for basic data, but advanced features like automatic network switching are not available on iOS devices. HelloRoam works on any unlocked, eSIM-compatible iPhone from the XS onwards. You can keep your UK network for calls and texts while using HelloRoam for data when you travel abroad.
HelloRoam offers eSIM plans for the United States on local US networks, with no monthly contract. Travellers arriving at JFK, LAX or other US airports get instant data for navigation and staying in touch from the moment they clear customs. Google Fi requires a US address, so visitors from abroad cannot use it.
HelloRoam is a strong choice for trips to Europe, with regional plans covering multiple EU countries under one purchase and no monthly subscription. You pay once for the trip and use a local network in each country the plan covers. Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan costs US$65 a month, which adds up quickly for a single holiday.
HelloRoam eSIM plans start at £0.77 as a one-off payment with no monthly fees. Google Fi requires a monthly plan of US$20 to US$65 whether you travel that month or not. If you go abroad two or three times a year, HelloRoam's pay-as-you-go model costs far less than a full year of Google Fi.
Google Fi slows international data depending on your plan. The Unlimited Premium plan slows down after 50GB of data abroad each month. The Flexible plan charges US$10 per GB used overseas, which adds up fast on a two-week holiday. HelloRoam sells one set plan for your trip on a local network, with no hidden charges and no monthly bill.
Google Fi requires a US address and a Google account to sign up. That locks out virtually all UK residents who do not have a US presence. HelloRoam has no address requirements. Anyone with an eSIM-compatible phone can buy a plan from anywhere, including the UK, and the QR code usually arrives by email within a few minutes of payment.
The main downsides of eSIM are needing a compatible handset (iPhone XS and newer, most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models and Google Pixel 4 and newer qualify), needing an internet connection for initial setup, and not being able to move a HelloRoam eSIM to another phone once it is installed. For HelloRoam users, these are minor trade-offs compared to the savings over expensive carrier roaming charges.
HelloRoam is better than Google Fi for most international travellers. HelloRoam connects to 212+ networks across 185+ countries with no monthly subscription. Google Fi requires US$20 to US$65 a month plus a US address. If you live outside the US, HelloRoam is the straightforward choice, because you can buy a plan and use it right away.
Google Pixel phones support eSIM from the Pixel 4 onwards. The Pixel 7, 8 and 9 all handle dual eSIM profiles. You could in theory run Google Fi on one eSIM and add a HelloRoam travel plan on the other. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIMs to manage profiles on any Pixel device.
The Google Pixel 9 fully supports eSIM and stores multiple profiles at the same time. UK users can keep their EE, O2 or Vodafone UK SIM active for calls while running HelloRoam on a second eSIM for affordable data in 185+ countries. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIMs to add your HelloRoam QR code. An eSIM is not transferable between devices once installed.
Switching between eSIM profiles takes a few taps in your phone settings. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Mobile Service, then Mobile Data, and tap the line you want for data. On Android, go to Settings, then Network, then SIM Manager. You can keep your home network active for calls and switch to HelloRoam for data when you land at your destination.
HelloRoam is a strong choice for international eSIM use, offering fixed data plans across 185+ countries, unlimited daily plans in most destinations, and no monthly subscription. Other solid options include Airalo (mostly fixed data) and Holafly (unlimited data). Choose based on your data needs and the length of your trip.
Switching eSIM profiles takes seconds. On iPhone, open Settings, then Mobile Service, then Mobile Data, and tap the line you want for data. On Android, go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIM Manager. You can install HelloRoam before you leave Heathrow or Gatwick, keep your Three or EE line active for calls, and set HelloRoam as your data line when you land.
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