Google Fiber and Metronet are competing against one another in a handful of states by providing multi-gigabit internet connections made entirely of fiber-optic cables.
But to find out which one is the best choice, we have to look into every aspect of each provider’s service, including monthly fees, extra costs, data limitations, contracts, and regional/ national coverage.
We will uncover every little detail about these two fiber internet providers in this Metronet vs Google Fiber comparison blog, and eventually help you pick a winner for your home or business internet.
- Google Fiber
- Metronet
- Internet Service Comparison – Google Fiber vs Metronet
- Plans & Pricing Details – Google Fiber vs Metronet Internet
- Additional Costs – Metronet vs Google Fiber Internet
- Data Caps & Overage Fees
- Perks – Google Fiber vs Metronet Internet
- Installation Options – Google Fiber vs Metronet
- Better Option for Gaming – Google Fiber or Metronet?
- Wider Coverage Area – Google Fiber or Metronet?
- Better Customer Service – Google Fiber or Metronet?
- Final Verdict – Is Google Fiber Better than Metronet?
Google Fiber
Google Fiber, also known as GFiber, is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., providing fiber-rich internet services to U.S. homes and businesses.
Since 2019, they have been offering two internet plans – 1 Gig and 2 Gig only, but now they have increased their maximum speed to 8,000 Mbps. However, these recently introduced higher-speed plans are offered in selected locations, with the infrastructure capabilities to handle hyperfast multigigabit speeds.
GFiber plans start at $70 per month and include unlimited data, Wi-Fi 6E routers, mesh extenders, and free professional installation with performance verification.
The following are some of the pros and cons of Google Fiber Internet.
Pros
- 100% fiber-optic network
- Speeds start at 1 Gbps
- No equipment fees, data caps
- Multi-Gig internet
- Free expert installation
Cons
- Limited availability
- Plans are not budget-friendly
Metronet
In 2005, Metronet entered the market with its first fiber-optic network in Greencastle, Indiana. Metronet operates in more than 250 communities across 16 states and aims to expand further.
Metronet Internet plans start at $29.95 per month and provide up to 8 Gbps (8,000 Mbps) of upload and download speed. Unlike Google Fiber, Metronet Internet plans are reasonably priced. However, there is no price guarantee. The plan’s price is expected to increase by $10 each time after 12, 24, and 36 months.
The following are some of the pros and cons of Metronet Internet.
Pros
- 100% fiber internet
- Free eero router
- No data caps
- Symmetrical speeds
- A $100 Amazon gift card on gigabit and multi-gig plans
Cons
- A $10 price increase every year
- Limited availability
Internet Service Comparison – Google Fiber vs Metronet
| Features | Google Fiber | Metronet |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Internet | Fiber-optic | Fiber-optic |
| Price Range | $70 – $150/mo. | $29.95 – $109.95/mo. |
| Speed Range | 1,000 – 8,000 Mbps | 100 to 5,000 Mbps |
| Availability | 19 states | 16 states |
| Contracts | Not required | Not required |
| Data Caps | Unlimited Data | Unlimited Data |
| Installation Fee | FREE | $75.00 |
| Bundles | Available | Available |
| Perks | Free mesh extenders | $100 Amazon Gift Card |
| Customer Rating | 4.03 out of 5 stars | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Equipment Fee | Included | Included |
Plans & Pricing Details – Google Fiber vs Metronet Internet
Google Fiber offers four competitively-priced plans with speeds starting from 1,000 Mbps and reaching up to 8,000 Mbps. However, its 5 Gig and 8 Gig plans are not widely accessible to every user and are currently only available in select areas. However, the provider aims to roll out both plans to all markets.
In comparison, Metronet is relatively cheaper and meets the needs of most users with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 5,000 Mbps.
The only drawback is that Metronet increases by $10 every 12, 24, and 36 months.
Google Fiber Internet Plans
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | $70.00/mo. | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 2 Gig | $100.00/mo. | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 5 Gig | $125.00/mo. | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 8 Gig | $150.00/mo. | 8,000 Mbps | Fiber |
Metronet Internet Plans
| Plans | Starting Price | Max Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Mb | $29.95/mo.* | 100 Mbps | Fiber |
| 500 Mb | $39.95/mo.* | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| 1 Gig | $49.95/mo.* | 1,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 2 Gig | $89.95/mo.* | 2,000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 5 Gig | $109.95/mo** | 5,000 Mbps | Fiber |
**5 Gigabit internet is limited to selected markets.
Additional Costs – Metronet vs Google Fiber Internet
| Additional Cost | Google Fiber | Metronet |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Fee | FREE | $75.00 |
| Equipment Fee | $0.00/mo.* | $9.95/mo.** |
| Early Termination Fee | N/A | N/A |
| Late Payment Fee | N/A | $25.00/mo. |
**Metronet’s add-on whole-home Wi-Fi equipment costs $9.95 per month.
Data Caps & Overage Fees
A data cap is a monthly limit on the data you can use with your chosen plan. Whereas, a data overage fee is the additional amount you are charged for exceeding that data limit.
However, Metronet and Google Fiber offer unlimited data to their customers. It means you can perform all kinds of data-intensive online activities, like heavy file downloading, non-stop video streaming, professional multiplayer gaming, and cloud-based content creation, without hitting a data cap and paying an overage charge.
Perks – Google Fiber vs Metronet Internet
Google Fiber’s value-added internet deals include exciting perks, like free Wi-Fi 6E routers, mesh extenders, professional installation with performance verification, and standard pricing. Previously, customers had access to 1 TB of Cloud storage. However, early this year, that policy was overturned, and customers no longer have access to free Cloud storage.
On the other hand, Metronet provides a $5–$15 per month student internet discount, depending on the package. And new subscribers of its gigabit and multigigabit plans get a $100 Amazon.com gift card.
Installation Options – Google Fiber vs Metronet
The professional installation fee for Metronet Internet is $75. However, Metronet may waive this fee for new fiber internet customers.
On top of this service charge, customers must pay a Tech Assure fee of $12.95 per month. This fee covers all the equipment-related issues, such as repairs and replacements, for the entire service tenure. It is unclear if Metronet allows self-installation of its Eero routers.
In contrast, Google Fiber does not charge equipment or installation fees. Customers of Google Fiber get free professional installation service when they sign up for the service.
Better Option for Gaming – Google Fiber or Metronet?
Fiber internet’s symmetrical upload and download speeds and reduced latency make it the best internet connection for online gaming.
According to PCMagazine, Metronet is the best fiber internet provider for “Gaming Quality” in 2024 due to its low latency and jitter rate. The only drawback is Metronet’s limited availability compared to other fiber internet connections.
Interestingly, the same survey lists Google Fiber as the best “Overall” fiber internet provider for Gaming in 2024. So, if you have both Google Fiber and Metronet available at your address, choose GFiber for top gaming performance.
| Internet Provider | Average Latency |
|---|---|
| Google Fiber | 19.08 ms |
| Metronet | 26.57 ms |
Wider Coverage Area – Google Fiber or Metronet?
As per the report of the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), 43% of American households are connected to fiber internet. So, even though Metronet and Google Fiber offer 100% fiber connection, they are not widely available.
While Metronet’s regional coverage is restricted to over 250 communities across 16 US states, Google Fiber is fully operational in only 24 cities across 19 states. It has yet to build a fiber-optic network in the remaining 15 cities listed on its website.
| States Where Google Fiber & Metronet Coverage Overlaps | |
|---|---|
| Colorado | Missouri |
| Florida | Nebraska |
| Illinois | North Carolina |
| Iowa | Texas |
Better Customer Service – Google Fiber or Metronet?
If we compare the customer service of Metronet and Google Fiber, then according to the J.D. Power survey, Google Fiber ranks the highest in the South region for customer satisfaction. It scored 839 points out of 1,000.
However, in the American Customer Satisfaction Index 2024, Google Fiber received a below-average rating in the ‘fiber internet service providers’ category. It scored 76 out of 100 points, which is 1 point less than the industry average of 77.
Despite Metronet’s inability to be featured in major national customer satisfaction surveys (due to its regional position), the Better Business Bureau has given it an A+ grade, or 97 out of 100 points, based on its grading criteria.
Final Verdict – Is Google Fiber Better than Metronet?
Metronet and Google Fiber are the best fiber internet providers in their regions, with no data caps and contracts. Customers can receive hyperfast multigigabit and mirrored speeds with advanced equipment to handle wireless, multi-device connectivity around the house.
However, if the price point is your main concern, then it would be best to opt for Metronet. Its lower-than-market price guarantees optimal savings, at least in the first year of service. Moreover, you can get a $100 Amazon gift card on the 1 Gig plan and higher.
Now, that you are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of Google Fiber and Metronet, we hope you will select the best home internet.
