Google Fiber Review 2023: Plans, Prices, and More
Google Fiber is one of the fastest and simplest internet services you can get—if you can get it.
Is Google Fiber good?
Unlike other big-name fiber-optic internet providers, Google Fiber isn’t an extension of a vintage telecom company—unless you count Google’s 24-year-old search engine as vintage.
Where it’s available, customers rightly rave about Google Fiber’s speed, price, and performance, as well as the simplicity of its internet service.
Unfortunately, Google Fiber doesn’t have the geographical reach of other fiber players like Verizon Fios, CenturyLink, and AT&T. Right now, Google Fiber is more of a boutique internet provider that only 23 US cities have access to.
But our recommendation on fiber-optic internet from any brand is always “If you can get it, get it.” That definitely applies to Google Fiber.
Google Fiber pros and cons
Pros
- Fast download and upload speeds
- Simple plans and pricing
- No data caps
Cons
- Limited availability
- Slow US build-out
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Google Fiber deals
If you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you can save up to $30 monthly on your Google Fiber internet bill. Check out Google Fiber’s ACP info page or our low-income internet guide for more information on this government subsidy.
On top of that, Google Fiber offers the built-in perks of free installation, no extra equipment charges, and no contracts. Sometimes the best deal is a straightforward one (although we wouldn’t say no to some sign-up freebies).
Google Fiber internet plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Download speeds up to | Upload speeds up to | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | $70.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps |
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| 2 Gig | $100.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps |
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| 5 Gig* | $125.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps |
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| 8 Gig* | $150.00/mo. | 8,000 Mbps | 8,000 Mbps |
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Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available in select markets only. Plus taxes and fees. Upload/download speed and device streaming claims are based on maximum wired speeds. Actual Internet speeds are not guaranteed and may vary based on factors such as hardware and software limitations, latency, packet loss, etc.
Google Fiber uses fiber-optic lines that transmit data through hair-thin glass fibers instead of the traditional copper wires of cable and DSL (telephone line) internet. As with all fiber internet providers, this results in speeds up to 100 times faster than what cable and DSL connections can hit, as well as fewer instances of neighborhood slowdowns during peak usage hours.
Google has just started to roll out its 5 Gig and 8 Gig internet plans, but they’re not yet available in every Google Fiber city.
Google Fiber internet plus phone plans and prices
| Package | Price | Download speeds up to | Upload speeds up to | Phone type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig + Google Fiber Phone | $80.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | Digital VoIP |
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| 2 Gig + Google Fiber Phone | $110.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | 1,000 Mbps | Digital VoIP |
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| 5 Gig + Google Fiber Phone | $135.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps | Digital VoIP |
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| 8 Gig + Google Fiber Phone | $160.00/mo. | 8,000 Mbps | 8,000 Mbps | Digital VoIP |
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Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
For an extra $10 a month, Google Fiber Phone service can be added to Google Fiber internet. It’s a standard VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) digital connection, though you’d have to provide your own landline telephone—yes, those are still a thing.
Google Fiber used to offer its own livestreaming TV service, too, but has since discontinued it. Instead, it now refers customers to YouTube TV (owned by Google, of course) or fuboTV, which are both solid alternatives for internet-based television.
Google Fiber internet equipment
With Google Fiber 1 Gig, you’ll have the option to use your own Wi-Fi router or get Google Wifi, which is Google’s mesh Wi-Fi system. Mesh Wi-Fi systems use a series of access points to deliver a consistent Wi-Fi signal across your home and they’re best suited for larger multi-story homes. The 2 Gig plan also comes with a Wi-Fi 6 router and mesh Wi-Fi extender.
There’s also a Fiber Jack, which is an ONT (optical network terminal) that converts the into-home fiber-optic signal to gigabit Ethernet that then runs into the Network Box. An ONT isn’t technically a modem, but it serves the same purpose as one. Both are factored into the Google Fiber bill and come at no extra cost, and installation (either professional or self-install) is free.
Final take: Is Google Fiber worth it?
While we wish it was more widely available—its build-out in the US has slowed considerably since its 2016 launch—Google Fiber is still an impressive internet contender. We also like Google Fiber’s simple plan pricing and no-contract approach almost as much as its blazing download speeds (almost).
If Google Fiber’s in your neighborhood, we highly recommend taking it for a spin. If not, start looking at other internet providers—it could be a looong wait before Google Fiber gets to you.
Google Fiber internet FAQ
Where is Google Fiber available?
Google Fiber is fully available in 20 major US cities, mostly in urban areas. Google’s next three locations are currently being built in Des Moines, IA, Lakewood, CO, and Mesa, AZ. Here’s the full list of Google Fiber cities once every location is fully integrated:
- Atlanta, GA
- Austin, TX
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Denver, CO
- Des Moines, IA
- Huntsville, AL
- Kansas City, KS
- Kansas City, MO
- Lakewood, CO
- Mesa, AZ
- Miami, FL
- Nashville, TN
- Oakland, CA
- Orange County, CA
- Provo, UT
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Seattle, WA
- The Triangle, NC
- West Des Moines, IA
Can you use your own Wi-Fi router with Google Fiber?
Google Fiber’s 2, 5, and 8 Gig plans come with a router. But you can use your own third-party Wi-Fi router with Google Fiber, as long as it’s able to handle 1,000 Mbps of incoming speed from the ONT Ethernet converter.
CableTV.com has some wireless routers recommendations (including Google Wifi), all of which meet the speed requirements of Google Fiber.
Is Google Fiber still a thing?
Yes, Google Fiber is still kicking! Google Fiber can power your home or office with fiber-optic internet service. There are four Google Fiber plans available:
- Fiber 1 Gig: Download/upload speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, no data caps, equipment included ($70/mo.)
- Fiber 2 Gig: Download/upload speeds up to 2,000 Mbps, no data caps, equipment included ($100/mo.)
- Fiber 5 Gig: Download/upload speeds up to 5,000 Mbps, no data caps, equipment included ($125/mo.)
- Fiber 8 Gig: Download/upload speeds up to 8,000 Mbps, no data caps, equipment included ($150/mo.)
Which is better: AT&T Fiber or Google Fiber?
AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber are fairly evenly matched—both 1 Gbps internet plans cost $70 per month overall and neither provider has data caps or annual contracts. AT&T Fiber doesn’t have a 2 Gbps internet plan like Google Fiber, but AT&T also occasionally bundles services like Max (formerly HBO Max) with its fiber internet plans.
Methodology
We analyzed the fine print for both Google Fiber home internet plans, rating them in value, features, and add-ons. We also compared Google Fiber to other fiber internet providers like AT&T and Verizon to see how it stacked up versus the competition. For more information on our methodology, check out our How We Rank page.
