Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband
Which is better where you live? Coverage, speed, price and customer ratings, side by side
Check which is available at your address
Whether you’re researching Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.
Which is better, Google Fiber or Mercury Broadband?
Google Fiber is faster and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 27,459 people), Google Fiber has the faster top speed for 100% of homes.
| Google Fiber |
|---|
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| Price: $70.00 - $150.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 45 - 8,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fiber and fixed wireless |
Rating (Reviews): (99) |
| Mercury Broadband |
|---|
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| Price: $69.00 - $240.00 / mo. |
| Speed: 150 - 5,000 Mbps |
| Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber |
Rating (Reviews): (4) |
Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband at a glance
| Measure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Available to | 7.7 million people in 18 states | 2.8 million people in 5 states |
| Main technology | Fiber 93%, fixed wireless 7.9% | Fixed wireless 99%, fiber 2.2% |
| Top download speed filed with the FCC | 8,000 Mbps | 5,000 Mbps |
| Fastest plan we list | 8,000 Mbps down, 8,000 Mbps up | 5,000 Mbps down, 5,000 Mbps up |
| Starting price | $70 a month | $69 a month |
| Cheapest plan, first 2 years | $1,680 (1,000 Mbps plan) | $1,656 (100 Mbps plan) |
| Customer rating | 4.2 of 5 (104 reviews) | 2.8 of 5 (4 reviews) |
| Rated for speed | 4.4 of 5 | 2.2 of 5 |
| Rated for price | 4.0 of 5 | 3.2 of 5 |
| Where both are offered | About 27,459 people (1% of Mercury Broadband's area); Google Fiber is faster for 100% of them | |
Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.
Where Google Fiber and Mercury Broadband are available
Google Fiber and Mercury Broadband have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.
Both Providers Available | Google Fiber Available | Mercury Broadband Available | No Coverage
Google Fiber currently offers internet service in 261 cities and 60 counties across 18 states, reaching approximately 7,693,419 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Kansas City, MO; San Antonio, TX; and Austin, TX.
Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Google Fiber, Mercury Broadband or both are offered at your home.
Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband Speeds and Technology
Google Fiber and Mercury Broadband utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.
In terms of potential speeds across the country, Google Fiber offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 6,766 Mbps compared to Mercury Broadband’s average speed of 258 Mbps.
The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Google Fiber’s premium Fiber service reaches 92.7% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Mercury Broadband’s top-tier Fiber is available to 2.2% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.
Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband Plans and Prices
Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Google Fiber and Mercury Broadband, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table.
Provider representatives can send plan or pricing updates through our contact page; verified changes publish shortly after review.
Google Fiber Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gig | $70.00 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 3 Gig | $100.00 | 3000 Mbps | 3000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 8 Gig | $150.00 | 8000 Mbps | 8000 Mbps | Fiber |
Sourced from pricing published on Google Fiber's official website, last verified June 2026. These provider-reported typical speeds reflect plan-specific expectations, while speed metrics elsewhere on our site measure maximum available performance across areas. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Mercury Broadband Internet Plans & Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Typical Download Speed | Typical Upload Speed | Connection Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Fiber | $69.00 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps | Fiber |
| Enhanced Fiber | $89.00 | 500 Mbps | 500 Mbps | Fiber |
| Gigabit Fiber | $99.00 | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 2 Gig Fiber | $135.00 | 2000 Mbps | 2000 Mbps | Fiber |
| 5 Gig Fiber | $240.00 | 5000 Mbps | 5000 Mbps | Fiber |
Compiled from current advertised pricing across industry sources, last verified June 2026. Typical speeds shown are the advertised tier speeds. Pricing is subject to change and may not be available in all areas.
Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.
Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.
Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband Customer Ratings and Reviews
Compare how real customers rate Google Fiber and Mercury Broadband based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.
Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband Fees and Details
Beyond advertised monthly rates, additional fees and service details significantly impact your total internet costs. The tables below outline equipment charges, installation fees, contract terms, data caps, and other important factors to consider when comparing these providers. Understanding these details helps you avoid unexpected costs and choose the plan that offers the best overall value.
Google Fiber Service
Fee
Not Provided by Google Fiber
Mercury Broadband Service
Fee
Not Provided by Mercury Broadband
Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.
When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.
Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband Pros and Cons
Google Fiber
From 53 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.
Pros
- Reliable connection: praised in 26 of 53 written reviews. "My service is consistent and fast"
- Fast speeds: praised in 22 of 53 written reviews (9 call it slow). "The speed is great, especially when you share service with roommates"
- Good value: praised in 19 of 53 written reviews (5 call it overpriced). "They are very cost effective, provide great service"
Cons
Mercury Broadband
Too few written reviews to sum up yet (3); these lines come from our data.
Pros
Cons
Google Fiber vs. Mercury Broadband Top Cities
Google Fiber serves 261 cities while Mercury Broadband is available in 1,146 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.
Google Fiber Cities
- Availability: 67.08%
- Avg. Download Speed: 7,992 Mbps
- Availability: 35.78%
- Avg. Download Speed: 5,618 Mbps
- Availability: 36.66%
- Avg. Download Speed: 7,583 Mbps
- Availability: 58.90%
- Avg. Download Speed: 7,976 Mbps
- Availability: 47.29%
- Avg. Download Speed: 7,869 Mbps
Overlapping Cities
- Google Fiber Avg. Speed: 7,992 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Google Fiber Avg. Speed: 8,000 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Google Fiber Avg. Speed: 8,000 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Google Fiber Avg. Speed: 7,989 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
- Google Fiber Avg. Speed: 8,000 Mbps
- Mercury Broadband Avg. Speed: 150 Mbps
Mercury Broadband Cities
- Availability: 8.25%
- Avg. Download Speed: 150 Mbps
- Availability: 3.43%
- Avg. Download Speed: 636 Mbps
- Availability: 82.95%
- Avg. Download Speed: 150 Mbps
- Availability: 4.81%
- Avg. Download Speed: 205 Mbps
- Availability: 97.50%
- Avg. Download Speed: 150 Mbps

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