Republic Wireless Review: Everything You Need To Know

Review

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I have been a Republic Wireless user for over 2 years now. This is my review of its perks, benefits, phone choices and plan prices. See how Republic Wireless stacks against the competition and what makes it special.

Update: Good news! Republic Wireless supports the new Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones!

Republic Wireless

What Is Republic Wireless?

Republic Wireless is a hybrid cellular service provider that uses both WiFi and cell for talk and text. That way they’re able to provide cheaper service and extra coverage in places where cell can’t always reach – even abroad. They combine fast nationwide 4G LTE cell service with WiFi for talk and text, more coverage, and incredible savings. When there is WiFi, the phone uses internet for talk and text. In absence of WiFi it automatically switches back to cellular. The process of “switching” is seamless and barely noticeable to the end user but is the reason why their phone bills can be as low as $15/month.

Benefits of using Republic Wireless

Republic Wireless Phones

Republic supports some of the best Android smartphones in the market right now. To name them all, they are:

  • Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, S6, J3
  • LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P
  • Moto X, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus

Republic Wireless phones selection

You can purchase the phone at Republic in which case everything (phone, SIM, cellular) comes already installed hassle-free. OR you can buy one of those phones elsewhere and pop in Republic’s SIM card. Once the SIM is activated, it will work both on Wi-Fi and Cellular. Before they added the Nexus and Samsung phones to the fleet, they had Moto phones which is what I have been proudly using so far. I might get the Nexus 5X or Samsung S7 very soon.

Republic Wireless Plans

Republic rolled out their glorious new plans recently which are easier to understand and easier to afford. 🙂

Republic Wireless Plans

You can add more cell data whenever you need it – right from the Republic app on your phone. They don’t charge any fees if you use all data for that month. Upgrading to higher plan only cost the difference between your old plan and the new plan you choose. If you ever want to switch to a lower wireless plan, you can do that too for your next billing cycle.

PS: You can use the app to change your plan, add/remove cellular data, change your phone number, or cancel your service entirely. The app has all these functionality.

Republic Wireless Network & Coverage

They rely on T-Mobile for the cellular service and data so coverage should not be a problem. Click here to check network coverage in your area, for when you don’t have WiFi. Once you’ve verified coverage – pick your phone, choose a plan, and place order. Your shiny new phone will be delivered at your doorstep within 2-3 business days.

AND here’s the best part: at times when you do not have cellular service – say when you’re working in your basement bunker – the phone will still be able to place/receive calls if there’s WiFi around. This for me has been the biggest delight because there’s WiFi when I travel internationally. Last month I was at the Dubai airport and was able to call my friends from my US phone number over the WiFi without roaming charge! There is no roaming charge.

Republic Wireless phones make international travel really easy.

Republic Wireless vs Google Fi

I guess everyone wants to know the verdict. Which is better? Republic or Fi? I have looked at both these services and while I cannot say how good Google’s cellular coverage is, I can say that Republic Wireless is more affordable in the long run. The cost of cellular data per GB is cheaper at Republic. For instance, at RW 1GB plan costs $20/mo ($30/mo at Fi) and base plan w/ no-data at RW costs $15/mo ($20/mo at Fi).
Google Fi provides same features but costs about $10/month more.

The only difference between Fi and RW is that Fi refunds the money worth of unused data at each month’s end. On the other hand, RW supports more phones than Fi. (Fi only supports Nexus phones) The reason why I am not using Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T is their $50+ per month phone bills. At Republic, I pay about $25. I get comparable service at low cost and I can work my way over Wi-Fi in absence of regular cell coverage. There’s no roaming fees as well.

Things To Note

Republic Wireless needs at least Android 6.0 or the latest stable android version. If you buy supported phones from outside, make sure you have the Android 6.0 Marshmallow at least. Then you can download their app from the Play Store and activate the SIM. If you buy the phone from their website, everything will be pre-activated and already working.

The phones at Republic Wireless are unlocked and free to be used with other carriers. Just plug in SIM cards from other companies and you’re good to go!

Conclusion: For me, it is a 10/10

For being affordable yet trustworthy. For being hybrid so I can still use my phone over WiFi when in an unreachable area. For providing great service without great expense. Republic Wireless is a perfect 10/10 for me. The only thing I’d say that’s missing is apple devices. Republic Wireless does not support iPhone or any non-android phones at the moment.

Finally, I want to spread the word about Republic Wireless’s affiliate program. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which generate a little revenue for this website when users buy through them. With that said, I am not being paid to write this review and all the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. I would not be using Republic myself if they were not worth my time and money. Overall they are perfect for customers. They also have 14 days full-refund return policy just in case. I have been very satisfied with their service and I highly recommend Republic Wireless to anyone who’s looking for affordable cellphone plans!

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