If you’ve ever searched for Alphabet Inc. stock—the parent company of Google—you’ve probably noticed something confusing: two different ticker symbols, GOOG vs GOOGL. At first glance, this looks like two separate companies, but in reality, they are simply different share classes of the same company.This blog will walk you through the differences between GOOG and GOOGL, why Alphabet created two stock classes, and which one might be better for you as an investor in 2025.
Alphabet Inc. – The Parent Company of Google
In 2015, Google restructured its business and created a new parent company called Alphabet Inc.. This allowed Google to separate its core search and advertising business from its experimental projects like Waymo (self-driving cars) and Verily (healthcare technology).
Alphabet trades on the NASDAQ exchange and is one of the world’s most valuable companies. To maintain founder control while allowing investors to participate, Alphabet issues different classes of shares.
GOOG vs GOOGL Explained
Alphabet has three share classes, but only two trade publicly: GOOG (Class C) and GOOGL (Class A).
What is GOOGL (Class A shares)?
1. Ticker: GOOGL
2. Voting rights: One vote per share
3. Who buys it: Retail and institutional investors
4. Typical price: Sometimes slightly higher than GOOG
GOOGL shares give investors a voice in company decisions, such as electing board members. However, the actual impact is limited because founders hold special Class B shares with far more power.
What is GOOG (Class C shares)?
1. Ticker: GOOG
2. Voting rights: None
3. Who buys it: Investors who don’t care about voting rights
4. Typical price: Sometimes slightly cheaper than GOOGL
GOOG stock trades almost identically to GOOGL, but with no voting rights. Many short-term traders prefer GOOG since voting power doesn’t affect stock performance.
What About Class B Shares?
Class B shares are not publicly traded. They are owned by Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and a handful of insiders. Each Class B share carries 10 votes, giving founders overwhelming control of Alphabet’s strategic direction.
Key Differences Between GOOG and GOOGL
Here’s a quick comparison:
The differences are mostly structural, not financial. Both track Alphabet’s business performance closely.
Why Does Alphabet Have Two Stock Classes?
Alphabet’s dual-class structure is about control. Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin wanted to ensure they could raise capital without losing decision-making power.
1. Prevents hostile takeovers.
2. Gives founders long-term vision protection.
3. Allows investors access without shifting control.
This structure is common among tech giants like Meta, Snap, and Zoom.
Which Stock Performs Better: GOOG or GOOGL?
Historically, both stocks have moved almost identically. The only difference is a tiny price gap—GOOGL often trades slightly higher due to its voting rights.
For most investors, performance is the same. Traders sometimes exploit small arbitrage opportunities, but long-term returns are nearly identical.
Should You Buy GOOG or GOOGL in 2025?
For Long-Term Investors
If you care about voting rights, GOOGL is the better choice. But realistically, with founders holding Class B shares, your influence is limited. Index funds like Vanguard and BlackRock hold both.
For Traders and Short-Term Investors
GOOG may be more appealing since it’s often a touch cheaper. Many brokers, such as Fp Markets, EightCap, Octa, Tickmill, and IC Markets, provide access to both tickers through stock trading or CFDs.
Analyst Opinions
Most analysts agree: Don’t overthink it. Both shares provide equal exposure to Alphabet’s growth.
How to Trade Alphabet Shares (GOOG vs GOOGL)
You can trade Alphabet shares directly on NASDAQ or through global brokers.
Steps:
1. Open an account with a regulated broker (e.g., Fp Markets, EightCap, OctaFX, Tickmill, IC Markets).
2. Fund your account.
3. Choose between buying GOOG or GOOGL shares directly or trading CFDs.
4. Apply risk management strategies such as stop-loss orders.
CFDs allow traders to speculate on Alphabet’s price without owning the stock—useful for short-term strategies.
Pros and Cons of Each Share Class
GOOGL Pros & Cons
✅ Voting rights
✅ Inclusion in many index funds
❌ Usually slightly pricier
GOOG Pros & Cons
✅ Sometimes cheaper
✅ Equal financial exposure
❌ No voting rights
Expert Tips for Investing in Alphabet Stock
1. Don’t stress about the small price gap.
2. Focus on Alphabet’s fundamentals (advertising, cloud, AI).
3. Consider ETFs if you want diversified exposure.
4. Always trade with regulated brokers like Fp Markets, EightCap, Octa, Tickmill, or IC Markets.
Conclusion – GOOG vs GOOGL in 2025
The bottom line: GOOG vs GOOGL are nearly identical. The main difference is voting rights, which matter more in theory than in practice. Both give you exposure to Alphabet’s strong business model and growth potential in AI, cloud computing, and digital advertising.If you value voting rights, choose GOOGL. If you want slightly cheaper entry, go with GOOG. Either way, you’re investing in one of the world’s most influential companies.
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