Google Fiber Internet Review
With the world shifting to a more digital way of life, having a fast internet connection is more of a necessity than a privilege. From professionals joining online meetings from home to business owners running their companies in the cloud and even people streaming their favorite shows, more people are looking for better internet solutions that cater to their needs.
This is what Google Fiber had in mind when it was established in 2015. The goal was to make people stop worrying about the internet and start thinking of new and better ways to do the things they love with it.
We’ve compiled information to answer the most common questions about its plans and availability, what industry experts say about its service, and how it compares with leading internet service providers (ISPs).
- Who is Google Fiber internet for?
- Key considerations
- What others say about Google Fiber internet
- How does Google Fiber internet compare to other providers?
Who is Google Fiber internet for?
Google Fiber has earned a reputation for offering blazing-fast internet speeds, which makes its packages a good fit for people who love to stream content and game online, along with anyone who works at home. Another reason some people prefer Google Fiber is that the company won’t charge additional fees if they decide to cancel their service.
Key considerations
How much does Google Fiber cost a month?
Google Fiber offers two plans:
- The 1 Gig plan costs $70/month with max speeds of 1000Mbps download and upload.
- The 2 Gig plan costs $100/month with max speeds of 2000Mbps download and 1000Mbps upload.
To understand how the two compare, downloading a 2.5-hour movie in 1080p resolutions takes 56.9 seconds for the 1 Gig plan and 28.5 seconds for the 2 Gig plan.
What’s included in each plan?
The 1 Gig plan comes with Google Wifi, although you can use any router of your choice. The 2 Gig plan includes a Wi-Fi 6 Router (allowing 30% faster speeds) and a Tri-band Mesh Extender. However, you cannot use your own router for the 2 Gig plan.
Both plans include free professional installation, but the 1 Gig plan gives you the option to install the service yourself.
Regardless of which plan you choose, you don’t have to worry about hidden fees, annual contracts, data caps or throttling. That means you can pay what you expect to and nothing more, use the internet for as long as you like without worrying about compromised speed, and unsubscribe anytime without incurring any penalties.
Where is Google Fiber available?
Compared to other leading ISPs, Google Fiber has a relatively small service footprint. At present, Google Fiber currently services the following major metropolitan areas in the US:
- Atlanta, GA
- Austin, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Huntsville, AL
- Kansas City, KS/MO
- Nashville, TN
- Orange County, CA
- Provo, UT
- Salt Lake City, UT
- San Antonio, TX
- The Triangle, NC
- West Des Moines, IA
While its current coverage area is limited, Google Fiber is expanding its service areas to other parts of the country.
What others say about Google Fiber internet
Google Fiber has a lot to offer, but before you sign on, you should dig deeper and find out if it’s the ISP you need:
CNET
In a review, CNET gave Google Fiber an impressive 7.4 out of 10 rating. The reviewer enjoyed the ISP’s fast speed and unlimited data. Also, the reviewer noted that the free equipment rental (particularly the Wi-Fi 6 router) and the lack of contract requirements help justify Google Fiber’s premium price.
PC Mag
Google Fiber earned PC Mag’s Reader’s Choice award in 2020 and 2021 for the best local ISP. Although only available in a few cities, Google Fiber received positive endorsements for its package options, speed, and customer service.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Google Fiber has earned a B+ rating from the BBB. The ISP has a strong track record of resolving customer issues, showing its dedication to quality service.
How does Google Fiber internet compare to other providers?
Google Fiber compares favorably against the top fiber internet providers in the country in terms of connectivity. Its 1 to 2Gbps internet speed isn’t as fast as AT&T Fiber (up to 5Gbps) but is comparable to plans offered by Spectrum (1.5 to 2Gbps).
More importantly, Google Fiber subscribers benefit from its simple and transparent $70 to $100/month fee and the absence of price increases after the first year. This is unlike what Spectrum and AT&T Fiber users will experience, since these ISPs increase the prices of their internet plans after the first 12 months of service.
*Pricing varies by location and availability. Speeds may vary. All prices subject to change; for current pricing and availability visit our internet service page. Prices as of 5/4/22.
Disclosure | Updater articles are based on our own data and research, independent from partner relationships. We are not compensated by partners for information and opinions presented here. Our Editorial Terms of Service can be found here.
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