We Tried Two of The Most Popular Phone Plans for Digital Nomads: This Was Our Favorite

Last Updated: September 2025

If you've ever gotten hit with a $300+ roaming bill or been locked out of your bank account because SMS codes won't arrive abroad, you're not alone. With so many countries to explore in today's connected world, no digital nomad should be trapped by outdated phone plans. The good news is you don't have to be: Just use a global phone plan.

Basically it's a service that works seamlessly across countries without roaming fees, so you only have to worry about one monthly payment. Instead of juggling local SIM cards or paying shocking international charges, the plan handles it for you.

Are they necessary for nomads? We think so. While some carriers offer "international" options, they're generally not reliable or affordable for people who actually live globally due to travel restrictions and hidden fees.

There's a handful of global phone plans out there, and knowing which one to pick can feel confusing, so we tasked our team to find the top two and compare them.

Popcorn and Google Fi have been the most talked-about options in nomad communities. Popcorn launched recently with bold promises about true global connectivity, and Google Fi has been the go-to choice since 2015.

While both offer international coverage and peace of mind, when we tested them for ourselves across multiple countries, there was a clear favorite.

Get Popcorn for $69/Month

Key Similarities

• Both work in 150+ countries without traditional roaming fees
• Both use eSIM technology for easy setup
• Both offer unlimited talk, text, and data

Key Differences

• Popcorn has no travel time restrictions and costs $69/month flat
• Google Fi has a 90-day international limit and costs $50/month + potential overage fees
• Popcorn's customer service includes direct founder access
• Google Fi requires periodic returns to the US for "re-certification"

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1. Pricing

Popcorn has one simple pricing tier: $69/month for unlimited everything, everywhere. Google Fi has multiple tiers, but their Unlimited Standard plan at $50/month is the closest comparison. However, Fi's "unlimited" comes with restrictions that can make it much more expensive in practice.

Winner: Popcorn

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2. Setup Process

Popcorn

Getting started is incredibly simple: Download the Popcorn app and create an account with just your email address. Then install the eSIM directly through the app—no waiting for physical cards or store visits.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and you're immediately connected to local networks wherever you are. We tested setup from three different countries and it worked flawlessly every time.

Google Fi

Google Fi setup is also straightforward through their app. You create a Google account (if you don't have one), order a physical SIM or download the eSIM, and activate service.

The process is smooth initially, but the complications come later when you hit their travel restrictions and need to "re-certify" your US usage periodically.

Winner: Popcorn

Get Popcorn for $69/Month

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3. Coverage & Speed

Popcorn

After six months of testing across 12 countries, Popcorn delivered consistent performance everywhere we went. Speed tests averaged 45 Mbps download and 22 Mbps upload, with reliable connectivity in both urban and remote areas.

Google Fi

Google Fi performed similarly well in terms of raw speed and coverage. Our tests showed comparable download speeds (around 38 Mbps average) and solid connectivity across the same countries.

Both services leverage partnerships with local carriers, so the actual network performance is quite similar in most locations.

Winner: Tie

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4. Real-World Reliability

Popcorn

The standout feature was reliability for two-factor authentication. Banking, payment apps, social media—every SMS code arrived instantly, which is crucial for nomads who need constant access to their accounts. We never experienced the connectivity anxiety that plagues most international travelers.

Google Fi

Google Fi performed well for the first 90 days of international use. SMS delivery was reliable, and the service worked consistently across most countries we tested.

However, the experience changed dramatically when we hit their travel limit. The warning emails, service suspensions, and forced returns to the US for "re-certification" made long-term international use practically impossible.

Winner: Popcorn

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5. Customer Service

Popcorn

This is where Popcorn truly shines. When we had questions, we messaged through their app and received responses from actual team members—including the founder—within minutes. No phone trees, no chatbots, no frustration.

For a service that's literally your lifeline when traveling, having responsive, knowledgeable support is invaluable.

Google Fi

Google Fi's customer service follows the typical Google model: mostly self-service with limited human interaction. While their help articles are comprehensive, getting actual support when things go wrong can be challenging.

The re-certification process, in particular, involves confusing automated systems that treat legitimate international usage as suspicious activity.

Winner: Popcorn

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Overall Winner: Popcorn

Popcorn and Google Fi are both solid choices for international connectivity, but which one is right for you depends on how you actually travel.

If you take occasional international trips (less than 90 days per year), Google Fi's lower base price might work. But if you're a true digital nomad, expat, or frequent traveler, the restrictions make it impractical.

Popcorn costs more upfront but delivers what it promises: true global connectivity without restrictions, surprise fees, or forced travel interruptions. After extensive testing, it's the only plan that actually works for the nomad lifestyle.

Try Popcorn risk-free with their 30-day guarantee

Get Popcorn for $69/Month

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