Google Fiber Vs Spectrum: Which ISP is Best For You?
Whether it’s about sending emails or streaming videos, poor internet service can ruin your day. Hence, investing in a reliable internet service provider is crucial for endless connectivity. The choice of a trustworthy ISP depends on your needs.
If you are looking for one, consider Google Fiber or Spectrum in the crowd of many internet providers. But which one to choose between, Google Fiber Vs Spectrum? If your area has both ISPs, it can be more confusing for you.
While Google Fiber is known for extremely high speeds and seamless connectivity, Spectrum offers greater coverage and low pricing. To help you decide which one to opt for, we have compared both ISPs side-by-side. Also you can read our another comparison post which is Google Fiber vs Xfinity.
Jump Link: ISP Overview | Internet Service | Internet Speed | Plans and Pricing | Internet Coverage | Additional Charges | Contracts | Customer Experience | Add-On Services
An Overview of Google Fiber and Spectrum
Google Fiber is a fiber internet service brought to you by the tech giant Google. Google launched its fiber internet in 2010 in Kansas City. Since then, its service has been rolled out in select cities, including Atlanta, Nashville, San Antonio, and Salt Lake City. Google Fiber offers IPTV services in addition to fiber internet.
Conversely, Spectrum is probably next to Comcast on the list of cable Internet providers. Like Comcast, it delivers high-quality internet services through a hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network. Its cable network offers internet speeds like fiber.
| Advantages: Google Fiber Vs Spectrum Internet | |
| Google Fiber | Spectrum |
| 1. Gigabit and multi-gigabit internet plans 2. No contracts 3. No hidden fees 4. Reasonable price | 1. Internet speeds can be as high as 1Gbps. 2. Widely available service 3. Extensive availability 4. No contracts |
| Disadvantages: Spectrum Internet Vs Google Fiber | |
| Google Fiber | Spectrum |
| 1. Limited availability | 1. Price increases after one year 2. Expensive gigabit plans |
Google Fiber Vs Spectrum: Head-to-Head Comparison
Whether you choose Google Fiber or Spectrum, you should check both of these options. So, you can decide which one to opt for, between Spectrum or Google Fiber.
Internet Service Comparison: Google Fiber Vs Spectrum
Google Fiber has realized the growing need for faster internet, offering fiber internet to customers. It uses fiber optic cable and Google Fiber Webpass wireless millimeter wave technology to deliver the fastest internet to your home.
Read also: Google Fiber vs Xfinity: Which Provider is Best For You?
Conversely, Spectrum offers cable internet to customers. It depends on hybrid fiber-coaxial cable connections to deliver high-speed internet to your home. As cable internet is not fast as fiber internet, Spectrum is still better than other cable-type internet.
Internet Speeds Comparison: Google Fiber Vs Spectrum
Spectrum comprises low-latency internet with symmetrical download and upload speeds. The speed can be as high as 1Gbps to 2Gbps. On the other hand, Spectrum offers internet speeds ranging from 200Mbps to 1Gbps.
If your household doesn’t need high-speed plans, you can choose lower-tier plans by Spectrum. Conversely, Google Fiber is the best option if your internet usage justifies extremely fast speeds.
Before you decide between Spectrum or Google Fiber, you need to note how much internet your household needs. So you can understand what internet range work best for you.
Internet Plans and Pricing Comparison
Spectrum Internet Plans & Pricing
Like other cable internet providers, Spectrum offers low-tier plans at affordable prices. It provides simple plans with speeds like 300Mbps, 500Mbps, and 1Gbps. Spectrum 300Mbps plan is mostly enough for online activities.
If 300Mbps covers your internet needs, Spectrum will save you a lot of internet bills. This basic plan is also enough for households with several connected devices.
Moreover, if your household has multiple devices connected simultaneously, you might choose the Spectrum 1Gbps plan. This gigabit plan costs more than Google Fiber 1Gbps plan. Spectrum doesn’t have data caps on its plans.
Spectrum plans come at promotional prices, mostly for the first 12 months. After the promotional period ends, the cost for each plan increases up to $25 per month. Overall, the Spectrum plan’s price gets worse with time.
| Plan Tier | Download Speed | Promotional Price | Standard Price | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | 300 Mbps | $49.99/mo. | $79.99/mo. | N/A |
| Internet Ultra | 500 Mbps | $69.99/mo. | $99.99/mo. | N/A |
| Internet GIG | 1000 Mbps | $89.99/mo. | $119.99/mo. | N/A |
Google Fiber Plans & Pricing
Google Fiber offers fewer plans than Spectrum, offering only four fiber internet plans, including 1 Gig, 2 Gig, 5 Gig, and 8 Gig. These plans offer excellent speeds at the best value. Earlier, the price of this smaller internet service was higher.
However, currently, they are cheaper than gig plans of similar speeds. There is no promotional offer on Google Fiber plans. So, the price remains the same after 12 months. Google Fiber plans have no data caps.
| Plan Tier | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Price | Data Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $70/mo. | N/A |
| 2 Gig | 2000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | $100/mo. | N/A |
| 5 Gig | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | $125/mo. | N/A |
| 8 Gig | 8000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps | $150/mo. | N/A |
Internet Coverage Comparison
Having internet coverage in your area plays a significant role in deciding which one to choose. If there is no Google Fiber Spectrum in your area, then this discussion is of no value. So, you need to know if Google Fiber or Spectrum are available where you live.
When the comparison between Google Fiber Vs Spectrum Internet, only 1% of the US population is using Google Fiber. Conversely, 1/3 of the US population is using Spectrum Internet. It is clear that Spectrum has more coverage than Google Fiber.
However, Spectrum Internet GIG plan is not available everywhere. If you need this premium plan, check whether it is available in your area. Google Fiber 1 Gig and 2 Gig plans are available in most cities. But 5 Gig is available in Kansas City, Provo, and Salt Lake City.
Read also: Gateway Fiber Vs Spectrum: Which ISP Provider is Better?
Additional Charges
Additional charges like installation and equipment fees differ between internet options. You should consider these charges while making your buying decision.
Equipment Fees
Google Fiber doesn’t charge a penny for equipment. On the other hand, Spectrum charges a monthly fee for equipment rental. Spectrum Internet and Internet Ultra plan cost $5/month for WiFi rental and $3 for each WiFi pod. However, Spectrum Internet GIG plan doesn’t charge this fee.
Installation Fees
Google Fiber does not charge any installation fees either, while Spectrum does. Spectrum offers two options for installation; professional and self-installation. While you can perform self-installation for free, professional installation will cost you $49.99. Besides, Spectrum charges $19.99 for service activation.
Contracts
If you are worried about annual contracts, the good news is that both ISPs (Google Fiber and Spectrum) offer contract-free plans. They don’t charge an early termination fee for switching between internet providers.
Customer Experience
It is true that most of the ISPs fail when it comes to customer service. Spectrum is a bit different in this case. It offers promising service to its customers. The score of 63/100 on the ACSI (American Customer Satisfaction Index) ranking says it all.
Conversely, Google Fiber ranked above with its high speeds and reliability. The majority of the users are satisfied as it offers what it promised. Is Google Fiber better than Spectrum? Indeed, when it comes to customer experience.
Read also: Xfinity Vs Ziply: Is Ziply Fiber Better Than Xfinity?
Add-On Services & Bundling
Who does not like to get something extra? When it comes to ISPs, it feels good to get more than just an internet connection. Spectrum offers Spectrum Deals that allow you to bundle the internet plans with Spectrum Voice and TV Select.
You will get 125 standard cable channels for free. Spectrum also offers premium channels like SHOWTIME and HBO Max. But you have to pay for premium channels. On the other hand, Google Fiber has no add-on services or bundles.
Final Words
All things considered, the decision actually counts on to your requirements. If you need high-speed internet for your home or work, Google Fiber is all you gotta. However, Spectrum bundle services would be a good deal if you are a home person and entertainment fanatic.
Spectrum has better coverage than Google Fiber. You will likely get it anywhere you live. But if you live in an area where Google Fiber is available, you are indeed lucky. Lastly, we suggest comparing Google Fiber Vs Spectrum well and making an informed decision.
