I was looking for an inexpensive cell phone service mainly so I could receive/send sms and be able to use it from the computer. I have been using Google voice (which is free) but it doesn't work with some banks and other services for two-factor authentication.
So I signed up for Google Project fi, purchased an unlocked Nexus 5x phone. The basic cost is $20 per month (unlimited voice and text) + $10 per 1Gb data per month. It will automatically default to using any available wifi connection for voice, text and data then switch to cellular network (AT&T and T-Mobile) if wifi is not strong enough. They refund you $0.01 per 1Mb that you don't use over cell network. So my monthly cost has been $25 ($20 + tax and fees). Voice and sms messaging can be used from the computer using Google hangouts. I was able to setup two-factor authentication on all the sites I use for added security and receive the text message on Windows in Google hangouts. I can make and receive voice calls through hangouts. I have the cell phone I can use when we go out or during a power outage. it can be used as a wifi hotspot as well ($10/1Gb). It's been working good for me for what I need.
