Google (GOOGL) vs (GOOG): Which stock should you buy?
Think “Google,” and search results probably come to mind. But Alphabet—the parent company behind Google—touches far more than your browser. From Android to YouTube to cloud infrastructure, Alphabet plays a major role in how you connect, work, and even invest.
If you’ve ever looked up Google stock, you’ve likely come across two listings: GOOGL and GOOG. At first glance, they look identical. Both are tied to Alphabet, and both move in similar ways. So why do they have different tickers—and why aren’t their stock prices the same?
That’s the puzzle many investors face when deciding how to invest in Alphabet and Google. With confusing ticker symbols and minimal price differences, it’s easy to assume they’re interchangeable. But small differences in stock class can matter, especially if you care about having a voice in the company or want to understand where your money’s going.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly why Alphabet has two kinds of shares. We’ll explain what separates GOOGL from GOOG, how each has performed historically, and how to decide which one fits your investment goals. We'll also dig into key topics like stock classes, voting rights, historical returns, and what to consider before hitting “buy.”
Whether you're curious about GOOGL e stock or just trying to make sense of Google and stock market listings, you're in the right place. Let’s make sense of Alphabet’s share structure—one fact at a time.
What’s the difference between GOOGL and GOOG shares?
Alphabet’s share structure explained
Alphabet has three classes of shares, but most investors focus on two: GOOGL and GOOG. While they both represent ownership in the same company, there’s a key difference in structure.
GOOGL refers to Class A shares. These are listed as “GOOGL e stock” on some platforms and come with voting rights. GOOG, on the other hand, is Class C stock and does not carry any voting power. Alphabet also has Class B shares with super-voting power, but those are held mostly by the company’s founders and insiders and aren’t available publicly.
So if you’re investing in GOOGL or GOOG, you’re still buying into Alphabet and Google’s businesses—search, YouTube, Android, and more. But only GOOGL gives you a say (however small) in shareholder decisions.
Voting rights and shareholder control
GOOGL shares give you one vote per share in company matters like board elections or major acquisitions. GOOG shares give you none. This setup helps Alphabet maintain more centralized control, especially through Class B shares.
If you’re a long-term investor who values voting rights—even if they don’t swing big decisions—GOOGL might be your pick. These rights can matter more during close votes or when activist investors get involved. Think of it like attending a company meeting: GOOGL holders get a ballot, GOOG holders just sit in the room.
Impact on investors
Why do people still buy GOOG if it lacks voting rights? Often, it comes down to price. While GOOG and GOOGL usually trade close to each other, short-term gaps can happen based on demand, liquidity, or index fund activity.
Some investors don’t care about voting rights and just want exposure to Alphabet’s performance. Others may choose GOOGL when the price gap is narrow to gain a voice as a shareholder. It’s a minor distinction, but it can reflect your investment priorities.
Next, let’s see how GOOGL and GOOG have performed side by side over time and whether one has historically had an edge.
Historical performance comparison of GOOGL vs GOOG
Stock price trends over time
When you compare Google stock prices for GOOGL and GOOG over the years, you’ll notice they move almost in sync. Both track the performance of Alphabet and reflect the same underlying business fundamentals.
Since the creation of Class C shares in April 2014, price differences have been minimal—typically within a few dollars. For example, in 2023, GOOGL might trade at $133 while GOOG trades around $131, depending on market demand. These gaps aren't fixed and can change daily.
The reason prices stay so close is that traders look for arbitrage opportunities. If one stock is significantly cheaper than the other, institutional investors will buy it and sell the other, pushing prices back together.
GOOGL vs GOOG: volatility and return rates
Historically, neither stock has consistently outperformed the other over the long run. Their return rates differ by less than 1% annually in most years. You won't gain or lose much just by choosing one over the other based on past returns alone.
In the short term, GOOGL can sometimes be slightly more volatile. That’s because stocks with voting rights may attract long-term investors who react more to governance news. But these movements are usually modest and not predictable.
If you're trying to track performance for evaluation, check both tickers but don’t get too caught up in daily differences. Broad market trends and Alphabet’s earnings have a far bigger impact than share class.
Dividend and stock splits
Alphabet hasn’t paid a dividend on either GOOGL or GOOG, so income investors won’t see any difference there. The focus remains on capital gains.
The main historical event shaping this split was in 2014, when Alphabet issued Class C shares (GOOG) through a stock split. Existing investors received one GOOG share for each Class A share held, effectively doubling the number of shares without changing ownership proportions.
Since then, both tickers have moved in close alignment. When viewing the price of a Google stock, always check both symbols to understand market sentiment and trading activity.
Next, let’s look at how you can decide which Alphabet stock—GOOG or GOOGL—is better suited to your investment goals and preferences.
How to decide which Alphabet stock is right for you
What kind of investor are you?
Before picking between GOOGL and GOOG, you need to consider your investing style. Do you want a say in company decisions, or are you just looking for returns?
GOOGL, also known as Class A or "googl e stock", gives you voting rights. That means you can vote on shareholder proposals and board elections. If you value having a voice—even a small one—in Alphabet’s governance, GOOGL makes sense.
On the other hand, GOOG is a no-vote Class C share. It’s aimed more at investors focused purely on share price movements. So, if corporate voting isn’t important to you, GOOG may offer slightly more flexibility and liquidity.
Short-term vs long-term considerations
For short-term traders, the voting rights attached to GOOGL don’t carry much weight. Price differences between the two stocks are usually narrow and can shift quickly depending on trading volume.
But if you’re in it for the long haul—and especially if you believe in Alphabet’s leadership—having voting rights via GOOGL might feel more meaningful. You could influence business direction, however slightly, in areas like sustainability initiatives or executive pay.
Plus, if Alphabet ever begins paying dividends or changing share rights, holders of voting shares might be better positioned to react.
Brokerage and liquidity factors
Some brokerages may offer easier access or lower spreads on either GOOGL or GOOG depending on trading volumes. Liquidity can vary daily, though both stocks are widely traded on the NASDAQ.
Also check your ETFs or mutual funds. Some funds hold only one class of Alphabet shares. If you're already exposed to one—say GOOG through an index fund—you may want to buy the other for better balance.
The choice between GOOGL and GOOG often comes down to how you weigh control versus simplicity. Knowing your goals helps. Up next, let’s look at why Alphabet created this two-share setup in the first place.
Why does Alphabet have two different stock classes?
Maintaining control at the top
The main reason Alphabet has multiple stock classes is to let its founders and top executives keep control—without giving up access to outside investment. When Google reorganised in 2015 to become Alphabet, co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin wanted to prevent outside investors from influencing the company’s direction too heavily.
Here’s how they did it: they kept Class B shares for themselves—these aren’t available to the public and come with 10 votes per share. GOOGL (Class A) shares offer one vote each. And GOOG (Class C) shares have no voting rights. This structure allows public investors to access Alphabet and Google stock without diluting founder control.
This setup allows Alphabet to pursue long-term projects—like Waymo, Verily, or Google Cloud—without being pushed around by short-term shareholder interests. So even if you're buying shares listed on NASDAQ, GOOG or GOOGL, the real power stays with Class B holders.
The 2014 stock split and its legacy
The two-share structure stems from a stock split in April 2014. At that time, existing shareholders received one Class C share (GOOG) for every Class A (GOOGL) share they owned. This move created the GOOG stock to use for employee compensation and acquisitions—without giving up voting rights.
Since then, companies like Meta have followed similar models. Alphabet’s split was designed to reward employees and raise capital without weakening the founders’ grip on decision-making. If you're buying GOOG or GOOGL today, you're part of that structure.
Now that you know why Alphabet created the two classes, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to help you decide what fits your strategy best.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
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Think “Google,” and search results probably come to mind. But Alphabet—the parent company behind Google—touches far more than your browser. From Android to YouTube to cloud infrastructure, Alphabet plays a major role in how you connect, work, and even invest.
If you’ve ever looked up Google stock, you’ve likely come across two listings: GOOGL and GOOG. At first glance, they look identical. Both are tied to Alphabet, and both move in similar ways. So why do they have different tickers—and why aren’t their stock prices the same?
That’s the puzzle many investors face when deciding how to invest in Alphabet and Google. With confusing ticker symbols and minimal price differences, it’s easy to assume they’re interchangeable. But small differences in stock class can matter, especially if you care about having a voice in the company or want to understand where your money’s going.
In this blog, we’ll break down exactly why Alphabet has two kinds of shares. We’ll explain what separates GOOGL from GOOG, how each has performed historically, and how to decide which one fits your investment goals. We'll also dig into key topics like stock classes, voting rights, historical returns, and what to consider before hitting “buy.”
Whether you're curious about GOOGL e stock or just trying to make sense of Google and stock market listings, you're in the right place. Let’s make sense of Alphabet’s share structure—one fact at a time.
What’s the difference between GOOGL and GOOG shares?
Alphabet’s share structure explained
Alphabet has three classes of shares, but most investors focus on two: GOOGL and GOOG. While they both represent ownership in the same company, there’s a key difference in structure.
GOOGL refers to Class A shares. These are listed as “GOOGL e stock” on some platforms and come with voting rights. GOOG, on the other hand, is Class C stock and does not carry any voting power. Alphabet also has Class B shares with super-voting power, but those are held mostly by the company’s founders and insiders and aren’t available publicly.
So if you’re investing in GOOGL or GOOG, you’re still buying into Alphabet and Google’s businesses—search, YouTube, Android, and more. But only GOOGL gives you a say (however small) in shareholder decisions.
Voting rights and shareholder control
GOOGL shares give you one vote per share in company matters like board elections or major acquisitions. GOOG shares give you none. This setup helps Alphabet maintain more centralized control, especially through Class B shares.
If you’re a long-term investor who values voting rights—even if they don’t swing big decisions—GOOGL might be your pick. These rights can matter more during close votes or when activist investors get involved. Think of it like attending a company meeting: GOOGL holders get a ballot, GOOG holders just sit in the room.
Impact on investors
Why do people still buy GOOG if it lacks voting rights? Often, it comes down to price. While GOOG and GOOGL usually trade close to each other, short-term gaps can happen based on demand, liquidity, or index fund activity.
Some investors don’t care about voting rights and just want exposure to Alphabet’s performance. Others may choose GOOGL when the price gap is narrow to gain a voice as a shareholder. It’s a minor distinction, but it can reflect your investment priorities.
Next, let’s see how GOOGL and GOOG have performed side by side over time and whether one has historically had an edge.
Historical performance comparison of GOOGL vs GOOG
Stock price trends over time
When you compare Google stock prices for GOOGL and GOOG over the years, you’ll notice they move almost in sync. Both track the performance of Alphabet and reflect the same underlying business fundamentals.
Since the creation of Class C shares in April 2014, price differences have been minimal—typically within a few dollars. For example, in 2023, GOOGL might trade at $133 while GOOG trades around $131, depending on market demand. These gaps aren't fixed and can change daily.
The reason prices stay so close is that traders look for arbitrage opportunities. If one stock is significantly cheaper than the other, institutional investors will buy it and sell the other, pushing prices back together.
GOOGL vs GOOG: volatility and return rates
Historically, neither stock has consistently outperformed the other over the long run. Their return rates differ by less than 1% annually in most years. You won't gain or lose much just by choosing one over the other based on past returns alone.
In the short term, GOOGL can sometimes be slightly more volatile. That’s because stocks with voting rights may attract long-term investors who react more to governance news. But these movements are usually modest and not predictable.
If you're trying to track performance for evaluation, check both tickers but don’t get too caught up in daily differences. Broad market trends and Alphabet’s earnings have a far bigger impact than share class.
Dividend and stock splits
Alphabet hasn’t paid a dividend on either GOOGL or GOOG, so income investors won’t see any difference there. The focus remains on capital gains.
The main historical event shaping this split was in 2014, when Alphabet issued Class C shares (GOOG) through a stock split. Existing investors received one GOOG share for each Class A share held, effectively doubling the number of shares without changing ownership proportions.
Since then, both tickers have moved in close alignment. When viewing the price of a Google stock, always check both symbols to understand market sentiment and trading activity.
Next, let’s look at how you can decide which Alphabet stock—GOOG or GOOGL—is better suited to your investment goals and preferences.
How to decide which Alphabet stock is right for you
What kind of investor are you?
Before picking between GOOGL and GOOG, you need to consider your investing style. Do you want a say in company decisions, or are you just looking for returns?
GOOGL, also known as Class A or "googl e stock", gives you voting rights. That means you can vote on shareholder proposals and board elections. If you value having a voice—even a small one—in Alphabet’s governance, GOOGL makes sense.
On the other hand, GOOG is a no-vote Class C share. It’s aimed more at investors focused purely on share price movements. So, if corporate voting isn’t important to you, GOOG may offer slightly more flexibility and liquidity.
Short-term vs long-term considerations
For short-term traders, the voting rights attached to GOOGL don’t carry much weight. Price differences between the two stocks are usually narrow and can shift quickly depending on trading volume.
But if you’re in it for the long haul—and especially if you believe in Alphabet’s leadership—having voting rights via GOOGL might feel more meaningful. You could influence business direction, however slightly, in areas like sustainability initiatives or executive pay.
Plus, if Alphabet ever begins paying dividends or changing share rights, holders of voting shares might be better positioned to react.
Brokerage and liquidity factors
Some brokerages may offer easier access or lower spreads on either GOOGL or GOOG depending on trading volumes. Liquidity can vary daily, though both stocks are widely traded on the NASDAQ.
Also check your ETFs or mutual funds. Some funds hold only one class of Alphabet shares. If you're already exposed to one—say GOOG through an index fund—you may want to buy the other for better balance.
The choice between GOOGL and GOOG often comes down to how you weigh control versus simplicity. Knowing your goals helps. Up next, let’s look at why Alphabet created this two-share setup in the first place.
Why does Alphabet have two different stock classes?
Maintaining control at the top
The main reason Alphabet has multiple stock classes is to let its founders and top executives keep control—without giving up access to outside investment. When Google reorganised in 2015 to become Alphabet, co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin wanted to prevent outside investors from influencing the company’s direction too heavily.
Here’s how they did it: they kept Class B shares for themselves—these aren’t available to the public and come with 10 votes per share. GOOGL (Class A) shares offer one vote each. And GOOG (Class C) shares have no voting rights. This structure allows public investors to access Alphabet and Google stock without diluting founder control.
This setup allows Alphabet to pursue long-term projects—like Waymo, Verily, or Google Cloud—without being pushed around by short-term shareholder interests. So even if you're buying shares listed on NASDAQ, GOOG or GOOGL, the real power stays with Class B holders.
The 2014 stock split and its legacy
The two-share structure stems from a stock split in April 2014. At that time, existing shareholders received one Class C share (GOOG) for every Class A (GOOGL) share they owned. This move created the GOOG stock to use for employee compensation and acquisitions—without giving up voting rights.
Since then, companies like Meta have followed similar models. Alphabet’s split was designed to reward employees and raise capital without weakening the founders’ grip on decision-making. If you're buying GOOG or GOOGL today, you're part of that structure.
Now that you know why Alphabet created the two classes, let’s answer some frequently asked questions to help you decide what fits your strategy best.
Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or brokerage companies, and not of Winvesta. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
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Invest in 11,000+ US stocks & ETFs
