Google Fiber vs AT&T Fiber: The Right Choice in 2024?

If you've access to high-speed fiber connections from Google and AT&T, you are supposed to be confused about choosing between the two.

To start with, AT&T still has to cover some remote areas, whereas Google is making quite an impression with its relatively new line of fiber-based internet plans.

Therefore, comparing Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber across diverse parameters is appropriate, especially to establish an internet enrolment context.

I used these Fiber services simultaneously at home, only to compare and contrast them as per the choice of plans, speeds, pricing, reliability, and more. So let us not waste more time and deep dive into the fiber-based specifics.

Key Differences Between Google Fiber & ATT Fiber

Pressed for time? Well, you can quickly go over these few essential differentiating points to be able to make better and more informed decisions:

Google vs ATT Fiber: Internet Plans Compared

If you plan to compare Google Fiber with AT&T Fiber, internet plans are the first parameter to look at. Therefore, before I delve into the direct speeds, cost, value for money, and even customer reviews, let us look at the plans and rates.

*With the inclusion of taxes, pricing is subject to change.

While AT&T offers a wide range of fiber packages, the value-to-plan ratio is better handled by Google Fiber. The Internet 500 plan from AT&T is priced at $75, whereas the Google Fiber 1Gig package is priced at $70 — that is $5 cheaper by offering double the throughput.

Google Fiber vs AT&T Fiber: Detailed Comparison

Now that the package choices are out of the way, here is how Google Fiber compares with ATT Fiber across diverse parameters:

1. Internet Speeds

First, neither service provider has you worrying about the data caps. If that was a cause for concern, I hope it isn’t anymore.

Moving on to the speed choices, AT&T lets you get plans as slow as 300 Mbps or as fast as 5 Gbps. Depending on the AT&T coverage and throughput you seek, you can pick the right plan.

Also, AT&T doesn't allow you to use your own modem. Hence, you'd need to use their gateway (for which they charge $10 a month) and possibly pair a good WiFi router with AT&T to experience higher speeds & longer coverage.

Google Fiber offers something similar yet different. It provides you with two choices: one with 1 Gbps max throughput and the other multi-gig option with 8 Gbps as the peak limit. The pricing is competitive, and the choices are fewer than AT&T fiber.

2. Availability or Coverage

When it comes to AT&T fiber availability, it is widely accessible, covering close to 21 states. Some of the primary areas that are covered include Texas and California. And even though AT&T fiber internet isn’t available everywhere as some remote cities rely extensively on cable internet service providers, this internet behemoth is expected to cover all the major towns and cities.

In contrast, Google fiber availability extends to Seattle, Austin, San Diego, and other popular cities. If you are into specifics, Google Fiber covers close to 19 areas of importance.

3. Plans Pricing

The budget can be a troublesome factor if it exceeds the allotted limit. Yet, with AT&T and Google Fiber options, you are better positioned to select something that agrees with your pocket.

AT&T offers a wide range of choices, with internet plans starting at $55. In comparison, Google Fiber's internet plans start at $70. However, for an additional $15, you get over 700 Mbps of additional throughput.

4. Installation & Additional Cost

Let’s start with the better option here. Google Fiber is one internet service provider that lets you get past the installation and equipment fee altogether. You only need to pay for the internet plan, and Google takes care of the rest.

And if you need more features & control, you may also get a third-party WiFi router for Google Fiber.

For AT&T, though, things are a bit different. Despite setting you back by quite a decent sum, AT&T also asks for a standard equipment rental fee of almost $10 a month. And just like Google, you can also get your own router for AT&T fiber.

Yet, that isn’t the thing that pinches you. Wait, it does by you also need to shell out $99 at once as an installation fee. You might even need to shell out close to $50 as part of the network installation overhead.

5. Bundle Packages

If you are game for classic networking bundles: say an internet plan and a TV service — Google Fiber internet isn’t the most obvious option. Yes, Google doesn’t offer a lot of the mentioned services. The Fiber TV service isn’t active anymore. And even if the internet packages work efficiently, bundled plans or the inability to offer them leave a lot to be desired.

AT&T, on the other hand, is known for its bundled services. Starting from the DirectTV television package paired with the internet to live streaming internet packages, AT&T  offers everything of relevance.

6. Customer Reviews

Let's discuss the trickiest parameter of the Google Fiber vs AT&T Fiber comparison!

First of all, AT&T Fiber is an excellent service provider, regardless of the pricey internet plans. And these not-so-cost-effective plans do not usually go down well with the customers. Even though I enjoyed the coverage and plans offered by AT&T, not every customer has such an open mind. Even if you scour the internet carefully, some AT&T Fiber reviews aren’t always optimistic.

However, Google Fiber’s happy customer base doesn’t have much to complain about. Yes, bundles are scarce, but Google more than makes up for the same by following the three essential principles:

• Transparent pricing
• No hidden fees
• Minimal downtime
• Better speeds for lesser prices

And that is why Google Fiber Internet has a more devout following at its disposal.

Google Fiber Coverage

Despite having restricted coverage as compared to AT&T, Google Fiber manages to dig deep in the following areas:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• San Antonio, Texas
• Austin, Texas
• Huntsville, Alabama
• The Triangle, North Carolina
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Kansas City, Kansas/Missouri
• Orange County, California
• West Des Moines, Iowa
• Provo, Utah
• Salt Lake City, Utah

AT&T Fiber Coverage

You can find AT&T Fiber across the following states:

• California
• Oklahoma
• Kansas
• Missouri
• Nevada
• Texas
• Michigan
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Illinois
• Wisconsin
• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Alabama
• Georgia
• Florida
• South Carolina
• North Carolina

Just so you know, fiber connection isn’t all that widespread across the country. It only makes up 40% of the total high-speed internet-using populace.

Google Fiber Pros and Cons

Pros

• A better pricing structure
• Doesn’t have any hidden fees
• Lesser downtime
• More reliable connections

Cons

• Restricted availability
• No internet plans higher than the 2 Gbps
• A bit fuzzy on the bundles

AT&T Fiber Pros and Cons

Pros

• Top internet speeds of up to 5 Gbps
• Excellent availability
• Have plans suited for smaller houses

Cons

• Sizable installation overhead
• Yearly price hikes

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

As per the detailed comparison between Google Fiber and ATT Fiber, I can conclude that both are fast and reliable. While Google lets you with a more cost-effective internet plan and a snappier quality of connections, AT&T comes across as a better bet if you fixate on availability and peak speeds.

Still, if you want something for a smaller household or a set of fewer devices, AT&T is a better choice as it lets you pick low-speed internet plans. For standard households with abundant gaming or other bandwidth-intensive resources, it might just be the time for Google Fiber, owing to the consistent speeds and better sequencing of choices.

I hope this brief comparison helps you make an informed call. If you're interested in learning how Fiber Internet compares with cable-based Internet, check my detailed comparison between Google Fiber and Xfinity.