Google Fiber Review 2023: Plans, Prices, and More

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

Jump to:

• Deals and discounts
• Plans and prices
• Competition
• Specs and features

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

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 vs. competition

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Google Fiber’s pricing is higher than competing fiber internet providers because it lacks an entry-level plan. Google Fiber’s plans start at 1,000 Mbps, which’ll be enough for most households, but it won’t come cheap at $70 monthly. By comparison, competitors like CenturyLink and AT&T have slower entry-level plans, but they’re much more affordable than Google Fiber and priced around $30 to $50.

At the same time, Google Fiber’s plans are faster than the competition. Most Google Fiber households will top out at the provider’s 2,000 Mbps plan, but some areas can qualify for Google’s 5,000 Mbps and 8,000 Mbps plans. AT&T tops out at 5,000 Mbps, while CenturyLink hasn’t gotten on the multi-gig internet train yet.

Google Fiber specs and features

Google Fiber might be a specialty internet provider, but it covers many of the same bases as standard providers. Here’s what you’ll need to know before signing up for Google Fiber.

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.

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.

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

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.