Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber: Comparing Internet Speeds, Pricing, and More In the Fiber Fight

Is Google Fiber or AT&T Fiber better?

We recommend Google Fiber if performance and cost are your biggest internet concerns. Across the board, Google Fiber has cheaper plans than AT&T Fiber, which is why we’ve given it our editor’s choice award. But if you’re shopping for an AT&T bundle or need a value-friendly internet setup, AT&T offers customers a deeper catalog of internet plans and bundle deals without tying you to an annual contract.

Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber deals

Google Fiber doesn’t offer much when it comes to deals, but you can get a $30 monthly internet discount if your household qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

AT&T regularly offers deals like free gift cards and discount codes for new fiber internet customers. Qualifying AT&T Wireless customers can also save $20 monthly on AT&T Fiber. Check out our AT&T deals guide for this month’s best AT&T deals.

Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber head to head

As fiber internet service providers (ISPs), Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber share much in common. Both providers offer blazing-fast download and upload speeds and features like unlimited data and no-contract pricing. However, the biggest differences between the ISPs lie in their fine print. Here’s what you need to know if you’re deciding between AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber.

Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber plans and prices

Google Fiber 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 keeps things simple when it comes to its internet plans.

It technically has four plans, but its 5 Gig and 8 Gig plans aren’t widely available yet—Google Fiber is gradually rolling out 5 Gig and 8 Gig services across its network. (And considering Google Fiber itself isn’t widely available either, consider yourself lucky if you’re in an area with Google Fiber and 5 Gig or 8 Gig.)

Most Google Fiber customers will be limited to its 1 Gig or 2 Gig plans, although they’re miles better than competing cable internet plans. On cost alone, Google Fiber’s 1 Gig and 2 Gig plans are more affordable compared to AT&T. You’ll be paying around $10 to $25 more monthly on AT&T, although Google Fiber’s upload speeds cap off at 1,000Mbps compared to AT&T’s symmetric transfer speeds.

However, one of Google Fiber’s biggest blind spots is its lack of an affordable internet plan. Most ISP plans cover various price points—for instance, you’ll typically see a $30 budget plan, $50 mid-range plan, and a $70 premium plan from competing ISPs.

But Google Fiber’s starting plan is equivalent to a premium internet option for most households. 1 Gig offers excellent performance, but it’ll be overkill for homes with basic internet needs or budget concerns, and we wish Google Fiber offered a sub-$50 internet plan for these customers.

AT&T Fiber plans and prices

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

*Plus taxes. Price after $5/mo Autopay & Paperless bill discount.

Internet 300 and Internet 500 are great starter internet plans for most households, while 1 Gig Internet has the same specifications as Google Fiber’s 1 Gig plan. As with Google Fiber, 2 Gig and 5 Gig Internet are gradually being rolled out across AT&T’s fiber internet footprint, and availability varies depending on your location.

2 Gig Internet offers symmetric upload and download speeds, so it’s an upgrade compared to Google Fiber’s 2 Gig plan, which offers 2Gbps download speeds but caps uploads at 1Gbps. However, AT&T’s plans are pricier than Google Fiber across the board—you’ll pay $25 more monthly for 2Gbps speeds and a whopping $100 more for 5Gbps speeds.

Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber fees and extra charges

Google Fiber fees and extra charges

As with most fiber ISPs, Google Fiber is fee-free—you won’t have to deal with hidden price increases after 12 months, data overage fees, installation fees, or equipment rental charges. Google has some penalty fees that are limited to issues like equipment replacements.

AT&T Fiber fees and extra charges

AT&T has also streamlined its fee structure to simplify things for fiber internet customers. AT&T Fiber has no contract, equipment, or data overage fees, so you’ll get straightforward monthly pricing. AT&T also offers free installation, but you may have to pay an additional fee if you initially decline and later request technical support.

Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber specs and features

Download speeds and pricing are a big part of any internet shopping decision, but they’re not the only factors worth considering. Here’s how AT&T and Google Fiber stack up against each other.

Customer satisfaction

In this year’s CableTV.com Internet Customer Satisfaction Survey, Google Fiber earned multiple top-three finishes in areas including customer support and reliability. AT&T Fiber didn’t land as many top spots in our survey but consistently finished around the top-10 range.

TV and internet bundle options

Neither provider offers TV service, so you’ll have to pair AT&T or Google Fiber with a third-party live streaming or cable TV service if you want to watch live TV with your internet plan. AT&T also has a $20 monthly discount when you bundle AT&T cell phone service with your AT&T Fiber internet plan.

Availability

AT&T Fiber laps Google Fiber by a considerable margin when it comes to service availability. Google Fiber is currently available in more than 20 cities across the U.S.

Google Fiber cities

• 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

AT&T Fiber is available across 21 states, but exact availability varies depending on your location. AT&T is currently building out its fiber internet network, so you’ll need to check with AT&T to confirm availability in your neighborhood.

AT&T Fiber states

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana

• Michigan
• Wisconsin
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nevada
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Texas

Google Fiber vs. AT&T Fiber FAQ