Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (2024)

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In this post:

  • Key Differences Between Google Fiber and Xfinity
  • Internet Plans Comparison
  • Google Fiber vs Xfinity: Detailed Comparison
  • Pros and Cons of Google Fiber
  • Pros and Cons of Comcast Xfinity
  • Emilia Harris
  • Gabriel Scott
  • Jayden Perez
  • Hannah Clark
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion

Xfinity and Google Fiber are top-shelf internet providers in the US. While Google is Fiber Optic, Comcast mostly offers cable internet. Both fiber and cable internet have their own dominance and flaws, which I’ll discuss in this detailed comparison.

Both providers differ in most aspects, be it internet plans, availability, down & up speeds, and associated costs. In this article, I’ll compare Xfinity and Google Fiber head-to-head, and help you choose the right ISP.

Key Differences Between Google Fiber and Xfinity

Choice of Plans:Xfinity offers a range of plans and bundles, including internet, TV, and phone services. In contrast, Google Fiber has 4 plans — 1 Gbps, 2 Gbps, 5 Gbps, and 8 Gbps.

Download & Upload Speed:Google Fiber uses fiber-optic technology, which allows for faster and more reliable speeds. Xfinity, on the other hand, uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial network, which may not be as fast as fiber-optic, especially in uploads.

Data Cap:Google Fiber doesn’t have a data cap, whereas some Xfinity plans may have it, which can result in additional fees if customers exceed their allotted bandwidth.

Availability:Google Fiber is available in limited cities. Xfinity, on the other hand, has a lot wider coverage with availability in most major cities and towns.

Contract Length:Google Fiber has no-contract options, meaning customers can cancel it at any time without any penalties. Comcast typically requires customers to sign a contract for a specific period, such as one or two years, which can result in early termination fees if youcancel Xfinity Internet.

Cost:Fiber internet is generally more expensive than cable internet, and there’s no exception to it when it comes to Xfinity vs Google Fiber. Also, prices can vary depending on the location and the plan selected.

Installation:Google Fiber provides professional installation by a technician, which is included in the subscription. In contrast, with Comcast, you can either opt forXfinity self-installor Pro installation at an additional cost.

Customer Service:Google is known for better customer service while Xfinity has mixed reviews in this regard, with occasional delays.

Internet Plans Comparison

Google Fiber Plans

Speed TierPriceEquipment Included
1 Gig$70/moNest Wifi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E
2 Gig$100/moMulti-gig Wi-Fi 6E router, up to 2 Mesh Extenders
5 Gig$125/moMulti-gig Wi-Fi 6E router, up to 2 Mesh Extenders
8 Gig$150/moMulti-gig Wi-Fi 6E router with 4 ports, 2 Mesh Extenders

At a reasonable cost, Google Fiber provides incredibly fast speeds. There are only two plan options, but both have transparent pricing and provide excellent value.

They come with unlimited data, no contract requirements, and no equipment fees. They are suitable for households that prioritize fast speeds and have no hidden pricing.

Xfinity Internet Plans

PlanDownloadUploadPriceData Cap
Connect75 Mbps10 Mbps$19.99–$30.00/mo.Yes (1.2TB)
Connect More200 Mbps10 Mbps$25.00/mo.Yes (1.2TB)
Fast400 Mbps10 Mbps$39.99/mo.Yes (1.2TB)
Superfast800 Mbps15 Mbps$59.99/mo.None if using Xfinity Equipment
Gigabit1000 Mbps20 Mbps$69.99/mo.None if using Xfinity Equipment
Gigabit Extra1200 Mbps35 Mbps$79.99/mo.None if using Xfinity Equipment
Gigabit Pro6000 Mbps6000 Mbps$300/mo.No

From affordable basic plans to more advanced ones, Xfinity offers varying internet plans. However, compared to Google Fiber, Xfinity’s faster plans tend to be pricier.

Now you may ask, does Xfinity have fiber internet?

Well, yes but a single plan named Gigabit Pro which offers a maximum download speed of 6,000 Mbps. However, unlike Google Fiber, you need to pay installation charges, equipment fees, and other charges.

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: Detailed Comparison

Google Fiber uses fiber-optic technology for faster and more reliable internet, while Xfinity uses hybrid fiber-coaxial technology with wider coverage and more packages.

I used both service providers for over 3 months and have compiled all the crucial information about my experience. So let’s start without any further ado.

Note: I have also compared Google Fiber with Spectrum, a close rival of Xfinity.

Speeds and Latency

In real life speed test with Google Fiber 2 Gig plan, my ASUS GT-AX11000 clocked 1951 Mbps in download and over 1839 Mbps in upload. The speed test was performed at 25 feet distance from the internet setup.

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (1)

These are excellent and close to the advertised speed. The latency was as low as 2 ms, which is great for gaming and data intensive activities.

As far as Xfinity internet speed is concerned, with the highest speed, 1200 Mbps plan, my MacBook Air M2, clocked 1038.91 Mbps in download and 35.17 Mbps in upload. The latency was also quite low at about 9 ms.

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (2)

Winner: If you prioritize higher speed and lower latency, Google Fiber is for you. If you seek affordability and multiple choices, Xfinity is better.

Performance & Reliability

Well, both offer great speeds, but who is more reliable? I did the speed test multiple times and while Google Fiber was delivering consistent speeds, Xfinity was showing different download and upload speeds every other time.

I tried playing some multiplayer games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Valorant on both networks and both of them did a great job. There were no lags or latency issues from either of them.

I was able to stream 4K movies and shows on multiple screens, make video calls, and play games all together on both the ISPs without any issues.

Google Fiber is generally considered more reliable than Xfinity. Xfinity’s network is also reliable but may be more prone to outages in certain areas or during extreme weather conditions. Nonetheless, I did not face any issues with either of them.

Winner: Both the providers are good in this, however, if I had to pick one, I’d pick Google Fiber.

Availability / Coverage

Google Fiber is available in select cities across 18 states. However, within each state, the coverage is limited to specific cities, so not all residents within a state will have access to Google Fiber.

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Below is a list of states where Google Fiber is available:

States:

ArizonaIdahoMissouriSouth Carolina
CaliforniaIllinoisNorth CarolinaTexas
ColoradoIowaOhioUtah
FloridaKansasOklahoma
GeorgiaKentuckyOregon

Cities:

AtlantaIrvineOrange CountySan Francisco
AustinKansas CityPortlandSeattle
CharlotteLouisvilleProvoThe Triangle
DenverMiamiSalt Lake City
HuntsvilleNashvilleSan Antonio

Xfinity Availability

In contrast, Xfinity is available in almost all 50 states and has a much wider coverage than Google Fiber. However, the availability of specific plans and speeds may vary by region.

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Below is a list of states where Xfinity by Comcast is available:

States:

AlabamaIowaNebraskaRhode Island
ArizonaKansasNevadaSouth Carolina
ArkansasKentuckyNew HampshireSouth Dakota
CaliforniaLouisianaNew JerseyTennessee
ColoradoMaineNew MexicoTexas
ConnecticutMarylandNew YorkUtah
DelawareMassachusettsNorth CarolinaVermont
FloridaMichiganNorth DakotaVirginia
GeorgiaMinnesotaOhioWashington
IdahoMississippiOklahomaWest Virginia
IllinoisMissouriOregon
IndianaMontanaPennsylvania

Winner: Xfinity may be a more practical choice due to its wider coverage area.

Pricing & Other Costs

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (5)

Google Fiber offers two main plans – the 1 Gbps plan and the 2 Gbps plan, with the former priced at $70 per month and the latter at $100 per month. They do not charge anything extra for the equipment.

Google also offers free installation as well and there are no hidden charges.

On the other hand, Xfinity offers a range of plans with varying prices depending on the speed and location. The fiber plans start at about $70 a month and goes up to $300 a month. Some of their plans come with one/two-year contracts.

They also charge equipment rental fees. In addition to the base price, Xfinity also charges a variety of fees, such as installation fees and early termination fees if the customer cancels their contract early.

Xfinity also frequently offers promotional deals and discounts for new customers, which can provide significant savings.

Winner: Google Fiber has a more transparent pricing. Additionally, Google Fiber offers unlimited data usage on all of its plans, whereas Xfinity may charge extra fees for exceeding data usage limits.

Installation & Setup

New Google Fiber customers can benefit from a free professional installation. You may be required to make a $10 deposit, but it can be used towards your future bill payments.

On the other hand, Xfinity offers professional installation for a fee of $89.99. But they also offer self-installation for free.

The professional installation includes a technician who will install and set up the equipment, test the connection, and ensure that everything is working correctly.

I feel that Google Fiber installation is better as it’s included in the subscription. Moreover, I felt that the Google technician was a bit more friendly and helpful when I asked him to remove the old ISP cable.

Winner: Google Fiber offers better installation than Xfinity by Comcast.

Pros and Cons of Google Fiber

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (6)

Pros

    • Reliable and fast internet speeds
    • Affordable cost
    • No hidden fees
    • Easy plan selection
    • No data caps
    • No early terminations fee

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (7)

Cons

    • Limited availability
    • No budget plans

Pros and Cons of Comcast Xfinity

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (8)

Pros

    • Fast internet speeds
    • Widely available
    • Pricing is competitive
    • Budget plans
    • Various bundle options

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (9)

Cons

    • Slower plans come with data caps
    • Inconsistent speed
    • Poor customer service

Customer Service & User Reviews

Both Google Fiber and Xfinity offer customers multiple options to reach their customer support team for assistance.

Customers can call Google support at (866) 777-7550 to speak directly with a representative for support. They also have the option to chat online or send an email to the support team and receive a response within 24-48 hours.

Xfinity users can call the support team at 1-800-391-3000 and speak with an agent. They also have the option for live chat. Or you can also download the Xfinity app to get help.

Xfinity has mixed reviews regarding their customer service, in contrast, Google Fiber has one of the best ratings when it comes to customer satisfaction.

Also, Comcast has received criticism for its average customer service and internet throttling. I personality didn’t face any issues, but something I found while going through Xfinity internet reviews.

User Reviews

Here’s what Google Fiber users have to say about the service:

I am happy with their excellent service, with no contracts and the lowest prices in the market, making it a highly recommended option. The company does not send junk mail or emails nor spam calls me.

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (10)

Emilia Harris

As shared with ApprovedModems

The internet service is consistently reliable and fast with both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections through their router working seamlessly. Google Fiber has given me a positive experience and met my needs for reliable and fast internet access.

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (11)

Gabriel Scott

As shared with ApprovedModems

Here’s what Xfinity users have to say about the service:

The internet service is very reliable and consistent, ensuring a constant connection. Despite being slightly more expensive compared. to other services, I do not want to switch to a different provider.

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (12)

Jayden Perez

As shared with ApprovedModems

I suddenly received a notification of a 40% increase in my internet bill without prior notice. Upon attempting to contact the provider by phone, we were unable to speak with a representative and had to resort to a 90-minute chat to resolve the issue.

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (13)

Hannah Clark

As shared with ApprovedModems

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Google Fiber better than Xfinity?

In terms of internet speed and reliability, Google Fiber generally offers faster and more consistent speeds than Xfinity. However, its availability is limited to select cities, while Xfinity has wider coverage across the country.

Furthermore, Xfinity may offer more package options, including bundle deals with television and phone services, whereas Google Fiber focuses solely on internet service.

How much does Google Fiber cost?

Google Fiber offers limited internet plans at different price points, depending on your location. It starts at $70 for a 1 Gig connection and goes up to a $100 plan where you get a 2 Gig connection speed.

How much does Xfinity cost?

Xfinity offers multiple plans to fit almost every budget of the user. The plan starts at just $19.99–$30.00/month for a 75 Mbps speed and goes all the way up to $300/month for a 6,000 Mbps speed.

What is the downside of Xfinity?

Some Xfinity internet plans come with data caps, which can limit the amount of data you can use each month. Xfinity has a reputation for not-so-good customer service, with long wait times and difficulty resolving issues like slow Xfinity internet.

Conclusion

Nowadays, selecting an ISP involves factors like availability, package speeds, contract terms, and monthly fees, in addition to the price.

  • Xfinity is ideal for users who prioritize fast internet speeds, require bundled services, and have a limited budget.
  • Google Fiber is a better option for users who prioritize reliability and consistency in internet speeds and have a more flexible budget
Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? (2024)

FAQs

Google Fiber vs Xfinity: The Better ISP in 2024? ›

Is Google Fiber better than Xfinity? In terms of internet speed and reliability, Google Fiber generally offers faster and more consistent speeds than Xfinity. However, its availability is limited to select cities, while Xfinity has wider coverage across the country.

Is fiber internet better than Xfinity? ›

Overall, keep in mind that AT&T Fiber uses fast and reliable fiber-optic technology, which is faster than Xfinity's cable technology.

What is the most reliable internet provider? ›

The 10 Best Internet Providers of 2024
  • AT&T Internet: Best Overall.
  • T-Mobile Home Internet: Best Pricing.
  • Comcast Xfinity: Best Plan Selection.
  • Verizon Fios: Best Value.
  • Cox Communications: Best Custom Plan Options.
  • Charter Spectrum: Best for Affordable Bundles.
  • Google Fiber: Best Fiber Internet.
  • Kinetic: Best for Rural Areas.
May 15, 2024

Who is the largest fiber provider in the US? ›

AT&T is widely recognized as the largest fiber optic company in the USA. With its extensive network infrastructure and nationwide coverage, AT&T has established itself as a leading provider of fiber optic services in the country.

Is Google Fiber better than regular internet? ›

Fiber internet has the potential to deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds, something cable internet can't do. In the case of Google Fiber's 2 Gig plan, you'll get maximum upload speeds of 1,000Mbps compared to maximum download speeds of 2,000Mbps, but that's still incredibly fast.

Is there a downside to fiber internet? ›

One of the main cons of fiber optic internet is that it can be more expensive than other internet plans. However, the faster speeds and other benefits may be worth the extra cost for some people.

Should I switch to fiber-optic internet? ›

With fiber internet, you can say goodbye to buffering and slow speeds. Fiber internet's faster speeds and reliability mean that everyone in your household can use the Internet simultaneously without any issues. This is especially beneficial for households with multiple people who work from home or attend school online.

What is the strongest WiFi provider? ›

Our Fastest High-Speed Internet Service Providers
  • Fastest ISP: Google Fiber.
  • Best DSL Provider: Kinetic Internet.
  • Best Fiber Availability: AT&T Internet.

Is fiber the most reliable internet? ›

A fiber connection offers a more reliable internet connection compared to other internet connection types, such as cable internet. This is because data is transmitted through fiber-optic cables in the form of charged LED lights.

Which internet connection is the most reliable? ›

Fiber is truly the fastest, most reliable, and most high-tech internet around. Unlike internet connections like cable and DSL, it doesn't rely on older or potentially outdated communications infrastructure. Instead, it carries data over light signals through its own spiffy network of fiber-optic cabling.

Who is the number 1 ISP in USA? ›

We asked U.S. consumers about "Most used internet providers / brands" and found that "AT&T" takes the top spot, while "Kinetic by Windstream" is at the other end of the ranking.

What is the fastest fiber internet in the US? ›

The 5 Fastest Internet Providers of 2024
  • Google Fiber: Best overall.
  • Xfinity: Best plan options.
  • AT&T Internet: Best bundling deals.
  • Verizon Fios: Best all-fiber provider.
  • Cox Communications: Best trial period.
Feb 8, 2024

What state has the best fiber optic internet? ›

States With the Highest Fiber Optic Penetration
StateFiber CoveragePopCovered
Nevada9.91%291308
New Hampshire17.06%228722
New Jersey62.57%5589292
New Mexico7.45%160937
48 more rows
Nov 10, 2015

What is the benefit of Google Fiber? ›

Google Fiber Internet Speed

Google Fiber Internet offers plans with 1, 2, 5, and 8 Gbps download speeds, with all having symmetrical upload speeds except for the 2 Gig plan, which offers upload speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Fiber is a dedicated connection, meaning it's not shared like a cable connection is.

Is Google Fiber still expanding? ›

Google Fiber continues to grow - Next Up: Westminster, Colorado, and Chandler, Arizona! In 2022, Google Fiber kicked off expansion in five new states, and started the ball rolling in Mesa, Arizona, Omaha, Nebraska, and Lakewood, Colorado.

Why is my Google Fiber slow? ›

Out-of-date hardware

The type of hardware you use, age of the device, operating system, web browser, network interface card (NIC) and other applications running on your device all affect upload and download speeds.

Which is better, fiber or cable internet? ›

Transmitted with flashes of light through strands of glass, fiber-optic internet is the most advanced broadband technology available. Because data can travel faster across greater distances with glass than with cable, the connection speed is much faster with a 100% fiber-optic network.

Is fiber internet really faster? ›

Is fiber-optic internet faster than DSL? The short answer is yes. Fiber-optic internet speeds are significantly faster than other options, including digital subscriber line internet. The average download speed for a DSL connection ranges from 1 to 10 Mbps, while the average upload speed is up to 20 Mbps.

Which is better WiFi or fiber-optic internet? ›

Some may consider fiber internet connected to a computer with ethernet the best internet option because it is faster than Wi-Fi. Fiber internet is the fastest data connection available on the market currently, which makes it the ideal choice for streaming content and gamers who need lag-free connections.

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