Google Fiber
The original gigabit provider
Viasat
High-speed satellite internet
Google Fiber vs Viasat
Quick Answer
Google Fiber is the better choice for most users in 2026. Google Fiber delivers fiber internet up to 8 Gbps starting at $70/mo, while Viasat tops out at 150 Mbps on Satellite from $70/mo. Fiber offers faster uploads, lower latency, and more consistent speeds.
Compare speeds, pricing, coverage, and features to find the best provider for your needs.
Google Fiber and Viasat are two of the most searched internet providers in the United States. Below, we compare their plans, pricing, speeds, coverage, and customer satisfaction to help you choose the best option for your home internet needs.
Quick Answer
Google Fiber wins the Google Fiber vs Viasat comparison in 2026. Google Fiber offers Fiber internet starting at $70/mo/mo with speeds up to 8 Gbps (no contract) and unlimited data. Viasat offers Satellite internet starting at $70/mo/mo with speeds up to 150 Mbps (contract required). The faster provider reaches 8 Gbps vs 150 Mbps.
Google Fiber vs Viasat: Key Findings
- Google Fiber is faster with speeds up to 8 Gbps vs 150 Mbps
- Both start at the same price of $70/mo
- Viasat has wider coverage: 26,093 vs 1,232 ZIP codes
- Technology: Google Fiber uses Fiber, Viasat uses Satellite
- Data caps: Google Fiber has no data caps; Viasat has a Varies by plan cap
- Overall winner: Google Fiber (3 of 5 categories)
How Google Fiber and Viasat Compare
Google Fiber and Viasat are both major internet service providers, but they take different approaches to delivering broadband. Google Fiber primarily uses fiber technology, while Viasat relies on satellite. This fundamental difference affects speed consistency, latency, and upload performance.
On raw speed, Google Fiber leads with a maximum of 8 Gbps compared to Viasat's 150 Mbps. However, the fastest plan isn't always the best value — consider whether you actually need speeds above 500 Mbps for your household. For most households of 2-4 people, a plan in the 200-500 Mbps range handles HD streaming, video calls, and general browsing with room to spare.
Both providers start at $70/mo, putting them on equal footing for budget-conscious shoppers. Google Fiber stands out here by not requiring a contract, while Viasat does require one. Google Fiber offers unlimited data, while Viasat has a Varies by plan cap — an important consideration for households that stream frequently.
Quick Verdict
Google Fiber
- Faster speeds (8 Gbps)
- No contract required
- No data caps
Viasat
- Wider coverage (26,093 ZIPs)
Google Fiber is a fiber-to-the-home internet service from Alphabet Inc., available in select U.S. cities across 12 states, offering symmetric speeds up to 8 Gbps. Viasat is a geostationary satellite internet provider serving all 50 U.S. states, offering speeds up to 150 Mbps with plans designed for rural and underserved communities.
| Feature | Google Fiber | Viasat |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 8 Gbps | 150 Mbps |
| Starting Price | $70/moPrice verified April 2026 | $70/moPrice verified April 2026 |
| Technology | Fiber (FTTH) | Geostationary Satellite |
| Contracts | No | Yes |
| Data Caps | No | Yes |
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Google Fiber | Viasat | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 8 Gbps | 150 Mbps | Google Fiber Wins |
| Starting Price | $70/mo | $70/mo | Tie |
| Coverage (ZIP Codes) | 1,232 | 26,093 | Viasat Wins |
| Primary Technology | Fiber | Satellite | Depends on needs |
| Contract Required | No | Yes | Google Fiber Wins |
| Data Cap | None | Varies by plan | Google Fiber Wins |
Pros & Cons
Google Fiber
Pros
- Faster max speeds (8 Gbps)
- No contract required
- No data caps
- Fiber technology (fastest, most reliable)
Cons
- Less coverage than Viasat
Viasat
Pros
- Wider coverage (26,093 ZIP codes)
Cons
- Slower than Google Fiber
- Contract required
- Has data cap (Varies by plan)
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choose Google Fiber if:
- You need the fastest speeds available
- You want fiber reliability and low latency
- You don't want to commit to a contract
- Google Fiber is available at your address
The Bottom Line
Choose Google Fiber if raw speed is your priority (up to 8 Gbps). Both providers start at a similar price point. Ultimately, the best provider depends on availability at your address, your speed requirements, and whether you prefer no-contract or contract plans.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, Google Fiber or Viasat?
Which is cheaper, Google Fiber or Viasat?
Do Google Fiber and Viasat have data caps?
Do Google Fiber or Viasat require a contract?
Which has better coverage, Google Fiber or Viasat?
Is Google Fiber or Viasat faster?
Is Google Fiber cheaper than Viasat?
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Sources & Methodology
This Google Fiber vs Viasat comparison uses pricing, speed, and coverage data from FCC Broadband Data Collection filings, provider-published broadband nutrition labels, and Ookla speed test measurements. Plans and pricing are verified against each provider's current public offerings. Pricing, speeds, and availability are verified against provider broadband nutrition labels and may vary by location. For a detailed explanation of our data collection and scoring process, see our methodology page.
Data Sources
Last verified: April 2026. InternetProviders.ai is an independent resource. We may earn commissions from partner links — this does not affect our editorial recommendations. See our methodology for details.
Source: FCC Broadband Data Collection, December 2024
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