Google Fiber vs. Spectrum – Which Is a Better Choice?

Finding the right internet provider can be a hassle if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Fortunately, we’re here to help by listing two amazing internet providers in the US, Spectrum and Google Fiber. We’re sharing a detailed guide on Google Fiber vs. Spectrum, making it easier for you to choose between the two. So, let’s check it out:

Availability-Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

As of now, Google Fiber is serviceable in 19 states, whereas Spectrum is available in 41 states. Spectrum holds the upper hand in terms of coverage and availability. You can read our blog on Spectrum Internet availability to know more.

Plans & Pricing – Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

Spectrum offers internet plans with speeds going as high as 1 Gig. Take a look at what it brings:

**Price for Gig speed additional. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/support/internet/compliant-modems-charter-network. ©2024 Charter Communications

You can also check our detailed blog on Spectrum Internet plans to learn more.

Now let’s take a look at the plans Google Fiber is offering:

Google Fiber plans start from 1 Gig and go up to 8 Gig, which is much higher than Spectrum’s. Moreover, the speeds offered by Google Fiber are symmetrical too.

Additional Charges

Let’s take a look at ‘additional charges’ for Google Fiber and Spectrum:

Equipment – Cost and Installation

You get a free WiFi 6 router with Google Fiber. Spectrum offers a router and a modem separately, and charges $5/mo. for the router though Spectrum Advanced is built with WiFi 6 as well.

You do have the liberty of buying your own router, which is great, in case you have an eye on a high-end gaming router that you always wanted. As for the installation, you can get the self-installation kit for $30 (including activation) or order professional installation for $65.

On the other hand, Google Fiber provides free modem-router combo as well as installation, which makes it more appealing than Spectrum. However, the process of installation, according to customers takes time (even months). Spectrum takes the lead by offering professional installation in no time.

Service Activation Fee

For Spectrum, if you’re opting for a self-installation kit, you’ll be charged an activation fee. If you’re choosing professional installation, everything is covered within the fee mentioned.

Google Fiber offers its plans without any service activation fee. All you need is to contact customer support, get a plan, and their team will come to install the connection/ equipment at your address, given it’s offering services in your area.

Package Costs

Some internet providers don’t bind you in contracts; however, they increase the price of the service after some time (mostly after 12 or 24 months). Hence, it’s important to know from the provider you’re opting for regarding such price increases.

Considering this, Spectrum does offer some plans that have fixed prices for 12 or 24 months. However, standard rates apply after the promo period. You can check out our blog to understand Spectrum billing in detail or read more about Spectrum Internet prices after 12 months.

Google Fiber, on the other hand, doesn’t increase the price of the services.

TV and Internet Bundle Deals – Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

When it comes to TV and internet bundles, Spectrum takes the lead as Google Fiber doesn’t offer any bundles.

You can check out Spectrum bundles below:

For 12 mos* when bundled with AutoPay. Availability varies by location.

In addition, check out Spectrum bundle deal below:

For 12 mos* when bundled with AutoPay. Availability varies by location.

Data Caps – Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

Data caps matter when it comes to buying a plan from any provider. Having a data cap limits your internet usage in the fear of data exhaustion, speed throttling, or data overages.

Good news, both Spectrum and Google Fiber don’t have any data caps; they offer limitless data with their internet plans.

Annual Contracts – Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

You need to know if the provider you’re considering has any contract policy or not. Although some providers offer discounts if you opt for a contract; yet, it binds you with the provider for at least 12 months. Fortunately, both Google Fiber and Spectrum do offer services without contracts.

Better Option for Gaming-Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

We can agree that no gaming is worse than gaming with lags. One of the core requirements for a smooth gaming experience is a fast, lag-free, and limitless internet connection. So, choosing the right provider in this case is quite important.

Spectrum offers plans with a max speed of 1 Gig, which is optimal for gaming. However, even with its 300 Mbps and 500 Mbps connection, your gaming experience will be smooth, given you don’t have too many devices using the internet simultaneously. Read more on how Spectrum is good for gaming.

On the other hand, Google Fiber offers plans with speeds going as high as 8 Gig. With such a high speed, you can run multiple gaming sessions simultaneously, and still, you’ll have enough speed and bandwidth to use multiple devices for separate tasks easily.

Safe to say that both providers do facilitate users in terms of their gaming needs by offering suitable plans. But, Google Fiber takes the edge by offering higher speeds.

Better Customer Service – Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

Both providers have their fair share of good and bad when it comes to keeping their customers satisfied. From disconnection to non-availability, speed, and plan issues, customers complain regarding service quality now and then to both providers.

This doesn’t mean that the providers are compromising on service quality. Both Google Fiber and Spectrum have plenty of positive reviews, which shows their commitment to excellence.

Quick Overview – Google Fiber vs. Spectrum

Final Verdict

It all comes down to this, which one is better in the battle of Google Fiber vs. Spectrum?

Google Fiber's fast fiber internet speeds come at no additional cost, but availability remains limited. Spectrum, on the other hand, has a larger coverage area, quick professional installation, and exclusive bundles and promotional deals.

So, for high Gig plans, choose Google Fiber if available, otherwise, Spectrum's up to 1 Gig plans are recommended.

FAQs

Which one is better Spectrum or Google Fiber?

Spectrum has wide availability and provides bundles and promo deals. Google Fiber offers pure fiber internet plans; however, it’s not widely available. So, we can say that Spectrum holds the upper hand among the two as long as it’s widely available.

Can you have Spectrum with Google Fiber?

It’s not recommended to have an internet connection from two providers in one location. You can get Google Fiber and pair it with Spectrum TV for a better streaming experience. Check out our blog on Google WiFi compatibility with Spectrum.

Is Google Fiber Faster than Spectrum?

Yes, Google Fiber offers more speed with its plans, starting from 1 Gig and going as high as 8 Gigs. Spectrum offers the highest speed of 1 Gig only.

Is Spectrum Gig worth it?

Yes, Spectrum Internet Gig is a great choice for many users as it offers speeds up to 1 Gig, which is good enough for gaming, streaming, working from home, and other internet needs. Read our extended blog to know more.