Project Fi vs. Sprint Data Speed in Europe
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
After nearly a decade using Sprint as my cell phone carrier, my latest Sprint contract just expired. I've gotten rather poor service on Sprint — both in terms of reception and customer support — but the price I locked in years ago has been keeping me around. Now, the question is whether or not to switch. And, if so, which carrier I should switch to.
Up until recently, the obvious choice was T-Mobile, since the carrier offers free text and data overseas in 140+ countries and I often travel abroad. However, my wife Katie recently switched from T-Mobile to Google's Project Fi, and her experience has been excellent. Connecting to either GSM or CDMA service — depending on the country — has worked out much better than what she was able to get through her T-Mobile GSM-only phone.
Further complicating my decision, Sprint recently added free data and text overseas in many countries. So, before making a final choice, I decided to put two of my possibilities to the test: Sprint (on an LG G3) and Google's Project Fi (on a Nexus 5X) in Germany and Switzerland.
Test #1: Google Search in Frankfurt Airport
Our first test was soon after landing in Frankfurt Airport (FRA). While in the terminal, we put our phones side by side and started a Google search simultaneously. We both searched for "Frankfurt observation deck hours." Here are the results:
| Service | First Results | Fully Loaded |
|---|---|---|
| Project Fi | 3 seconds | 3 seconds |
| Sprint | 40 seconds | 47 seconds |
Test #2: Google Maps Search in the Frankfurt Airport Train Station
Next, we needed to get transit instructions to the InterContinental Frankfurt. We were both underground in the Frankfurt Airport train station, so we expected slower results. But, Google Maps doesn't seem to require much data, so we figured the results would be similar on Sprint and Project Fi.
| Service | Hotel Found on Map | Transit Directions Fully Loaded |
|---|---|---|
| Project Fi | 5 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Sprint | 8 seconds | 27 seconds |
Test #3: Google Search in Frankfurt
After checking in to our hotel, we wanted to look up the weather to see if we should bring a jacket when we headed back out. While both on cellular data, we Googled "weather underground Frankfurt."
| Service | Google Results Loaded | Website Fully Loaded |
|---|---|---|
| Project Fi | 2 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Sprint | 39 seconds | 202* seconds |
*Note that some graphics and images were still missing, even after the website stopped loading.
Test #4: The Points Guy Webpage in Zurich
While we were in downtown Zurich, we wanted to check in to see the latest on TPG. So, we each typed in "thepointsguy.com" into our Chrome browsers and hit go. Again, there was no competition.
| Service | Text Loaded | Website Fully Loaded |
|---|---|---|
| Project Fi | 2 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Sprint | 18 seconds | >180 seconds |
After three minutes, I couldn't wait any longer and ended up clicking away.
Test #5: Google Maps Search in Zurich
For our fifth and final test, we searched for Google Maps transit directions to the Zurich Airport. Since we had already done a few Google Maps searches, both of our phones were able to quickly find the airport in the seemingly cached map. But, actually loading directions is where Google Fi set itself apart.
| Service | Airport Found on Map | Transit Directions Fully Loaded |
|---|---|---|
| Project Fi | 2 seconds | 8 seconds |
| Sprint | 3 seconds | 19 seconds |
Conclusion
After traveling internationally for decades without a mobile internet connection, it's honestly great to have any kind of free data overseas. I think all of us international travelers appreciate that T-Mobile changed the game by offering free text and data in many countries. This raised the bar, forcing traditional carriers like Sprint to drop their punishing international text and data surcharges to compete.
As long as you don't need to load photo-intensive websites — and forget trying any sort of video — Sprint's 2G speeds are good enough for getting Google Maps directions and sending/receiving emails. It might be frustratingly slow at points, but it's eventually going to get the job done. However, if you're deciding between the two, Google's Project Fi is going to get the job done a lot quicker.
Plus, it might do so at a cheaper cost. Sprint is currently charging me $50 per month for unlimited text/data. Project Fi costs just $20 per month — or $15 per month if you join someone else's plan — before charging $10 per GB for data. So, I can get at least 3 GB of high-speed data anywhere in the world for the same cost as my current Sprint plan. The downside is that Google's Project Fi doesn't qualify for 5x on my Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card, while Sprint does.
As someone who needs to stay connected while traveling, I think the choice is clear. I'll be switching over to Google Project Fi today.
How does your cell phone carrier work overseas?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.