Is Google Fiber Worth It? Plans, Prices, and Speed Analysis

 Google Fiber is a great choice for gigabit internet. Here's everything you need to know about Google Fiber internet, including how it compares to other major ISPs.

Google Fiber internet plans

Google Fiber internet services begin at the gig level, with speeds up to 1 gigabit, or 1,000 megabits per second, and only increase from there. A 2Gbps subscription is also available in all Google Fiber markets, with select places also offering 5Gbps and 8Gbps speed levels.

Google Fiber internet review

As someone who values high-speed internet and is ready to pay a bit extra for it, I believe Google Fiber is worth the premium. Few fiber carriers can match Google Fiber's speed, let alone cable or DSL service. When shopping for internet service in your area, you'll want to consider more than just speed, so here's a comprehensive overview of everything Google Fiber can offer.

A better value than most ISPs

Google Fiber services are attractively priced, however there are no cheap internet plans. Google Fiber's gig service costs $70 a month less than fiber providers AT&T, Quantum Fiber, and Verizon Fios, as well as major cable ISPs such as Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity (in limited areas).

A good indicator of value is the cost per Mbps, which can be calculated for any internet service by dividing the monthly rate by the maximum speeds. Google Fiber's 1 Gig package begins at $70 per month for speeds up to 1,000Mbps, resulting in an estimated cost per Mbps of 7 cents. The 2 Gig plan costs even less at 5 cents per Mbps.

A cheap cost per Mbps is frequently a terrific internet deal, and Google Fiber rates are comparable to or less expensive than most providers at any speed tier.

For instance, Spectrum's cheapest plan (in most markets) begins at $50 per month for speeds up to 300Mbps. While lower than Google Fiber, the cost per Mbps

Straightforward pricing with no added fees

A good indicator of value is the cost per Mbps, which can be calculated for any internet service by dividing the monthly rate by the maximum speeds. Google Fiber's 1 Gig package begins at $70 per month for speeds up to 1,000Mbps, resulting in an estimated cost per Mbps of 7 cents. The 2 Gig plan costs even less at 5 cents per Mbps.

A cheap cost per Mbps is frequently a terrific internet deal, and Google Fiber rates are comparable to or less expensive than most providers at any speed tier.

For instance, Spectrum's cheapest plan (in most markets) begins at $50 per month for speeds up to 300Mbps. While lower than Google Fiber, the cost per Mbps

Router included at no extra cost

Google Fiber includes a Multi-Gig Wi-Fi 6 router with all plans. Multi-gig speed tiers, that's 2-gig and above, come with Wi-Fi router plus up to two mesh access points, which extend the range and coverage of Wi-Fi service throughout your home up to around 3,000 square feet. If you need greater Wi-Fi coverage, additional access points are available to purchase for $100 each.

Google Fiber's growing availability

Google Fiber does not have the same level of coverage as competing fiber carriers such as AT&T, Verizon Fios, and Quantum Fiber, but it does serve several reasonably large markets.

Kansas City, Missouri and Huntsville, Alabama have the most availability, but service is also available in Mesa, Arizona; Orange County, California; Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte and the Raleigh/Durham area of North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; Austin and San Antonio, Texas; Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah; and, most recently, West Des Moines, Iowa.

Select cities, including Chicago, Denver, Miami, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Oakland, California, will only be able to get Google Webpass, a high-speed fixed wireless internet service comparable to Starry Internet. To qualify for service, consumers must reside in a structure thatis wired for Google Webpass.

Google Fiber expansion continues

The number of cities with access to Google Fiber is expanding, as is the availability in areas where Google Fiber is already available.


Google Fiber is still available to slightly more than 1% of US households, according to the most recent FCC data. There are optimistic indicators of growth, and rapid expansion continues in both existing and new markets, such as Lakewood, Colorado.

Furthermore, Google Fiber appears to be expanding outside of major city limits, which is exciting for a suburbanite like myself. For example, Google Fiber plans to extend into Concord and Matthews, North Carolina. I've lived in both Charlotte suburbs and would not have expected Google Fiber to be available so far from the city core. 

How does Google Fiber stack up against competitors?

If Google Fiber is available in your area, you may safely assume that you also have a cable provider and, possibly, another fiber provider at your address. In that case, you'll probably want to know how Google Fiber compares.

Google Fiber's beginning price will be higher than that of other fiber providers, or any ISP. AT&T Fiber ($55), Frontier Fiber ($45), Quantum Fiber ($50), and Verizon Fios ($50) all offer lower monthly starting pricing, but keep in mind that the lesser plans frequently have much lower speeds. If such speeds are sufficient for your home, a more economical package from AT&T or Verizon Fios may be your best option.

There's arguably no better gig or 2-gig provider

If you're interested in gig service, Google Fiber will be tough to beat, even among competing fiber providers. At $70 per month, the starting pricing for Google Fiber's gig service is lower than AT&T, Quantum Fiber and Verizon ($75 to $90 per month).

As for comparing gig service from Google Fiber to cable internet providers like Spectrum or Xfinity, not only will Google Fiber probably be cheaper, but it'll likely also be faster, especially when considering upload speeds, and more reliable.

Fiber internet has the potential to deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds, something cable internet can't do. In the case of Google Fiber's 2 Gig plan, you'll get maximum upload speeds of 1,000Mbps compared to maximum download speeds of 2,000Mbps, but that's still incredibly fast.

Upload speeds with cable internet top out at around 50Mbps, so you won't get anywhere near the same upload speeds with cable internet service. The connection quality of a fiber service is also typically better than a cable one, which can be susceptible to slowed speeds due to network congestion, especially during peak usage times.

Conclusion

After a thorough analysis of Google Fiber's plans, prices, and speeds, it's evident that Google Fiber offers a compelling option for those seeking high-speed internet. With its straightforward pricing structure and consistently high speeds, Google Fiber stands out in a crowded market.

The various plans cater to different needs, from basic internet usage to demanding high-speed requirements. The competitive pricing ensures that customers get value for their money, especially considering the symmetrical upload and download speeds that Google Fiber provides. Additionally, the absence of data caps and additional fees further enhances its attractiveness.

However, the availability of Google Fiber is still limited to select cities, which can be a significant drawback for many potential users. For those within the coverage area, Google Fiber is undoubtedly worth considering. Its reliability, speed, and transparent pricing make it a top contender in the broadband market.

In summary, if you have access to Google Fiber in your area, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to enhance their internet experience. The combination of high-speed performance, competitive pricing, and a customer-friendly approach makes Google Fiber a standout choice for high-speed internet service.