Google Fi vs HelloRoam: how do they compare for Irish travellers in 2026?

Yes, on some plans. Google Fi's Unlimited Premium plan includes 50GB of high-speed data abroad each month, then slows down. The Flexible plan charges USD 10 per GB abroad. HelloRoam runs on local partner networks with no monthly bill, and speeds depend on the local network. Fixed plans give you a set amount of data, and unlimited plans follow fair-use terms.

HelloRoam connects to 212+ networks across 185+ countries on local 4G LTE and 5G with no monthly subscription. Google Fi requires USD 20 to USD 65 per month plus a US address and a Google account, which blocks most Irish travellers from signing up.

Yes. Google says every Pixel 4 and newer phone works with eSIM, while older models have limits. The Pixel 7 and later can hold 2 active eSIM profiles at once, where your carrier allows it. You can run your Google Fi plan on one eSIM and add a HelloRoam travel data plan on the other. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIMs to manage your profiles.

Yes. The Google Pixel 9 fully supports eSIM and can store multiple eSIM profiles at once. You can keep your home carrier for calls while using a HelloRoam eSIM for affordable travel data in 185+ countries. Go to Settings, then Network and Internet, then SIMs, and scan your HelloRoam QR code to add the travel plan. An eSIM can't be moved to another phone 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. HelloRoam travellers typically keep their Eir, Vodafone IE, or Three Ireland carrier for calls and set HelloRoam as the data line the moment they land at their destination.

HelloRoam eSIM plans start at €0.89 as a one-time payment with no monthly fees. Google Fi requires a monthly plan (USD 20 to USD 65 per month) whether you travel that month or not. For Irish travellers who go abroad a few times a year, HelloRoam's pay-as-you-go model costs a fraction of what a full year of Google Fi adds up to.

It depends on your route. Inside the EU, your Irish plan already roams at no extra charge, up to your carrier's fair use limit. An eSIM is worth it when that allowance runs short, or when your trip includes stops outside the EU. Google Fi charges USD 20 to USD 65 a month for plans that include European data. HelloRoam's Europe regional plan is a one-time purchase with no monthly bill, and one plan works across borders on local networks in each country you visit.

An eSIM is worth it for most trips away. HelloRoam plans start at €0.89 with no subscription. Google Fi needs a monthly plan (USD 20 to USD 65) to use its international calling and data. If you go abroad a few times a year, a pay-as-you-go eSIM from HelloRoam costs far less than keeping a Google Fi plan all year.

The main downsides of eSIM are needing a compatible phone (such as iPhone XS and newer, most Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer models, or Google Pixel 4 and newer), needing an internet connection for the first setup, and not being able to move the eSIM to another phone once it's installed. For HelloRoam users, these trade-offs are small next to the savings over a Google Fi international plan and the freedom from monthly contracts.

HelloRoam sells eSIM plans for visitors travelling to the United States, running on local partner networks with no monthly bill. International travellers arriving in the US get instant data for navigation, transport apps and staying in touch from the moment they land. Google Fi requires a US address and a Google account, which rules it out for most visitors.