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Which Google Stock Should You Invest In?

Parshwa Turakhiya
Written by:
Parshwa Turakhiya
Chinmay Soni
Reviewed by:
Chinmay Soni
Mirjan Hipolito
Fact-checked by:
Mirjan Hipolito
Updated:
June 17, 2026

Editorial Note: While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for How We Make Money. None of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer.

GOOGL (Class A) comes with voting rights, allowing you to vote on company decisions like electing board members. On the other hand, GOOG (Class C) has no voting rights but usually trades at a similar price to GOOGL. For most investors, the voting power of GOOGL is not significant enough to affect long-term returns, so you can choose either based on your personal preference regarding voting or simply go for the stock with the lower price at the time of purchase​.

An investment in Google isn’t really questionable, especially considering its consistent growth and leadership in the tech industry. However, choosing between Alphabet's two types of publicly traded shares — GOOGL (Class A) and GOOG (Class C) — can be confusing. In this article, we’ll help you understand the differences and provide a step-by-step guide for choosing the right stock for your investment goals.

Choosing between GOOGL and GOOG

GOOGL (Class A) stock comes with voting rights — meaning you can vote on corporate matters such as electing board members and approving major company decisions. Each GOOGL share gives you one vote. GOOG (Class C) shares, on the other hand, do not come with any voting rights.

Should you care about voting rights?

For most retail investors, the voting power offered by GOOGL won’t significantly affect their investment. Major shareholders, such as Alphabet insiders who hold Class B shares (which have ten votes per share), control the bulk of the voting power​. If you’re an everyday investor, the absence of voting rights in GOOG shares is unlikely to impact your returns.

Company background

Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, and it quickly became the world’s most popular search engine. In 2015, Google restructured under the parent company Alphabet to better manage its growing list of businesses, from YouTube and Android to self-driving cars and cloud computing​.

Alphabet's market dominance and diverse revenue streams ensure its continued success, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world. Investors who choose Alphabet stock are betting on the future of technology, AI, and digital transformation.

Alphabet has three classes of shares:

  • GOOGL (Class A): Publicly traded with 1 vote per share.

  • GOOG (Class C): Publicly traded with no voting rights.

  • Class B: Held by insiders like founders and employees, with 10 votes per share, and not publicly traded​.

While GOOGL shareholders can vote at company meetings, their influence is usually minimal due to the controlling power of Class B shareholders. GOOG shareholders, meanwhile, enjoy the same financial benefits without any voting power.

Price differences between GOOGL and GOOG

Historically, the price difference between GOOGL and GOOG has been minimal​. Any fluctuations typically result from temporary market factors, so for most investors, the choice between these two stocks comes down to personal preference about voting rights rather than price​.

Check current stock prices

Before investing, compare the real-time prices of GOOGL and GOOG shares on major stock exchanges like NASDAQ. Both stocks are highly liquid, meaning they can be easily bought and sold on public markets.

Long-term investment focus

Alphabet’s stock has shown consistent long-term growth due to its leadership in search, advertising, and its push into innovative technologies like cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Whether you choose GOOGL or GOOG, both stocks are well-suited for long-term investors.

Factors to consider for beginners

  1. Understand the voting rights
    For beginners, the lack of voting rights in GOOG isn’t a deal breaker. Most retail investors hold too few shares for their votes to make a difference in corporate decisions​.

  2. Fractional shares for small investors
    If the price of Alphabet stock seems high, you can buy fractional shares from brokers that offer the facility. This allows you to start small and grow your investment over time.

  3. Long-term growth focus
    Beginners should focus on Alphabet’s long-term growth potential rather than short-term fluctuations. Alphabet’s dominant position in the tech industry makes it a stable choice for long-term investors.

Pros and cons of investing in Google stocks

  • Pros
  • Cons

  • Market leader. Google is the dominant search engine and a leader in digital advertising​.

  • Revenue growth. Alphabet has shown consistent revenue growth, thanks to its diverse business lines.

  • Strong financials. Alphabet boasts a strong balance sheet and significant cash reserves, making it a resilient investment.

  • High share price. Alphabet's stock price may be prohibitive for smaller investors, though fractional shares can mitigate this.

  • Limited voting influence. Even with GOOGL, retail investors have limited impact on corporate governance.

  • Short-term volatility. Alphabet's stock can experience sharp price swings, especially in response to market news.

How much can I earn by investing in Google stock?

Since its IPO in 2004, Google’s stock has delivered significant returns to long-term investors. For example, a $10,000 investment in Google in 2004 would be worth more than $1 million today​. While past performance is not indicative of future results, Alphabet’s diverse revenue streams and dominance in the tech industry position it for continued growth​.

<span translate="no">Google</span> historical performanceGoogle historical performance

How to buy Google stock: a step-by-step guide

  1. Choose a broker. Find a reliable online broker. We have researched the top options and prepared a comparison table below for you to make a choice.

Best brokers to Invest in GOOG and GOOGL
Demo Stocks Account min. Interest rate Basic stock/ETF fee Min. stock/ETF fee Open an account

eToro USA

Yes Yes 50 3,75 No No Go to broker
Your capital is at risk.

Plus500

Yes Yes EUR500 No $0.006 Not specified Go to broker
80% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

eOption

Yes Yes No 8.95% $0 $0 Study review

Revolut

No Yes No 0%-4% 0.12%-0.25% £1.00/€1.00 Study review

Fidelity

Yes Yes No 4.97% No No Study review

  1. Open a brokerage account. Set up an account with the chosen broker​.

  2. Deposit funds. Add funds to your account.

  3. Buy alphabet shares. Purchase GOOGL or GOOG shares based on your research​.

  4. Monitor your investment. Regularly review your portfolio and make adjustments as necessary.

Risks and warnings

  1. Market volatility
    As with any stock, Alphabet shares are subject to market volatility. Short-term investors need to be prepared for fluctuations​.

  2. Regulatory challenges
    Alphabet is frequently under scrutiny from regulators regarding its data practices, antitrust issues, and monopoly status. Any adverse rulings could negatively affect its stock price.

  3. Regulatory pressure on AI and data. Governments are cracking down on how companies use personal data, and Google’s AI-driven ad business could take a hit from new privacy laws, especially in Europe.

  4. Declining search dominance. Fewer people are Googling everything. AI-based alternatives and social media searches are chipping away at Google’s search business.

  5. Emerging market risks. Google’s growth in places like India is uncertain due to unpredictable regulations and competition from local players.

  6. Costly innovation bets. Google’s investments in futuristic projects like Waymo are exciting but risky, with long timelines and no guarantee of payoff.

  7. Ad market saturation. Digital ad space is crowded. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are taking away younger audiences, which could shrink Google’s ad revenue over time.

Focus on the stock that’s priced lower

Anastasiia Chabaniuk
Anastasiia Chabaniuk Educational Content Editor

For most retail investors, the difference between GOOGL and GOOG is minimal. Both stocks track the performance of Alphabet, and historically, they’ve moved in almost perfect sync. The decision ultimately comes down to whether you care about participating in shareholder votes. If you’re planning on holding these shares for the long term, then either stock can be a solid investment.

If you’re new to investing or prefer simplicity, I’d suggest focusing more on the stock that’s priced lower at the time you’re ready to buy. Alphabet’s core business is strong, with its dominance in digital advertising, cloud computing, and new ventures like AI offering long-term growth potential. Whether you go with GOOGL or GOOG, what matters more is your timing, your investment horizon, and your ability to ride out short-term market fluctuations. Long-term, Alphabet has proven to be a resilient and profitable stock in my experience.

Also, don't overlook the basics — stay informed about the company's financial health, follow quarterly earnings reports, and keep an eye on major news that might impact stock performance. Diversification is key too; even with a tech giant like Alphabet, it’s always smart to spread your risk across different sectors.

Conclusion

When deciding between GOOGL and GOOG, the key differentiator is voting power—GOOGL shareholders have the right to vote on company matters, while GOOG investors do not. For those who value a say in the future direction of Alphabet Inc., GOOGL is the clear choice, even if it trades at a slight premium. However, investors solely interested in price gains may find GOOG just as compelling, given their near-identical financial performance and growth prospects. Ultimately, the most powerful takeaway is that both stocks offer exposure to Google’s robust growth engine, but your investment should align with your priorities: influence through voting rights or maximizing returns. In the world of tech giants, even a small difference in shares can shape your role in the company’s evolution.

FAQs

What are the primary differences in shareholder rights between GOOGL and GOOG stock classes?

GOOGL (Class A) shares provide shareholders with one vote per share, allowing them to participate in corporate decisions such as electing board members. GOOG (Class C) shares do not offer any voting rights. However, retail investors generally have limited influence, as most voting power is held by insiders owning Class B shares.

How does Alphabet’s corporate structure impact the control individual investors have over the company?

Alphabet’s corporate structure includes three classes of shares: Class A (GOOGL) with one vote per share, Class C (GOOG) with no voting rights, and Class B (not publicly traded) with ten votes per share held mainly by company founders and insiders. This structure concentrates most voting power with insiders, limiting the influence of typical investors.

What long-term investment considerations should be evaluated before choosing between GOOGL or GOOG?

Investors should focus on Alphabet’s strong leadership in technology, consistent growth, and resilient financials. Since both GOOGL and GOOG track Alphabet’s performance similarly, the choice often rests on whether voting rights are valuable to the investor or which stock is currently priced lower.

What are the main risks associated with investing in Alphabet stock, regardless of share class?

Key risks include market volatility, regulatory challenges related to data privacy and anti-competition, uncertainties in emerging markets, intense competition in digital advertising, and the uncertain payoff of costly innovation projects. These factors can affect stock performance for both GOOGL and GOOG.

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Team that worked on the article

Parshwa Turakhiya
Parshwa Turakhiya
Editorial Standards Specialist

Parshwa is a content expert and finance professional possessing deep knowledge of stock and options trading, technical and fundamental analysis, and equity research. As a Chartered Accountant Finalist, Parshwa also has expertise in Forex, crypto trading, and personal taxation.

Learn about our editorial policies
Chinmay Soni
Chinmay Soni
Head of Fact-Checking Department

Chinmay Soni is a financial analyst with more than 5 years of experience in working with stocks, Forex, derivatives, and other assets. As a founder of a boutique research firm and an active researcher, he covers various industries and fields, providing insights backed by statistical data.

Mirjan Hipolito
Mirjan Hipolito
Cryptocurrency and stock expert

Mirjan Hipolito is a journalist and news editor at Traders Union. She is an expert crypto writer with five years of experience in the financial markets.

Glossary for novice traders
CFD

CFD is a contract between an investor/trader and seller that demonstrates that the trader will need to pay the price difference between the current value of the asset and its value at the time of contract to the seller.

Diversification

Diversification is an investment strategy that involves spreading investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographic regions to reduce overall risk.

Index

Index in trading is the measure of the performance of a group of stocks, which can include the assets and securities in it.

Volatility

Volatility refers to the degree of variation or fluctuation in the price or value of a financial asset, such as stocks, bonds, or cryptocurrencies, over a period of time. Higher volatility indicates that an asset's price is experiencing more significant and rapid price swings, while lower volatility suggests relatively stable and gradual price movements.

Crypto trading

Crypto trading involves the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, with the aim of making a profit from price fluctuations.

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