Quick Answer: Globe vs PLDT
Globe Telecom is the Philippines’ largest telecom by subscriber count with over 63 million mobile and broadband subscribers. GFiber plans range from 300 Mbps at PHP 1,499 to 1 Gbps at PHP 2,499 per month with WiFi 6 modems included.
PLDT is the oldest and largest fiber provider in the Philippines with 3.2 million FTTH subscribers. Home Fibr plans start at PHP 899 for 35 Mbps and reach 10 Gbps on premium tiers. The Fiber Unli All bundle includes Netflix, Cignal TV, and HBO Max.
Quick verdict: Globe for faster base speeds at mid-range pricing. PLDT for cheaper entry plans and entertainment bundles.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Globe and PLDT are the two dominant telecoms in the Philippines, each with different strengths across fiber and mobile services.
| Feature | Globe Telecom | PLDT |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers | 63M+ (mobile + broadband) | 3.2M+ (fiber) |
| Founded | 1935 | 1928 |
| Parent Company | Globe Telecom Inc. | PLDT Inc. |
| Fiber Brand | GFiber | Home Fibr |
| Entry Plan | 300 Mbps - PHP 1,499/month | 35 Mbps - PHP 899/month |
| Mid-Tier Plan | 500 Mbps - PHP 1,699/month | 200 Mbps - PHP 1,699/month |
| 1 Gbps Plan | PHP 2,499/month | PHP 3,199/month |
| Max Speed | 1.5 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Prepaid Fiber | PHP 1,299/30 days (100 Mbps) | PHP 23.30/day (50 Mbps) |
| WiFi Technology | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 |
| Mobile Network | 4G LTE, 5G | Via Smart (subsidiary) |
| Entertainment | Disney Plus (Plan 1699+) | Netflix, HBO Max, Cignal TV |
Test Your Globe Speed | Test Your PLDT Speed
Speed Comparison
Fiber Broadband Speed
PLDT offers a wider range of speed tiers from entry-level 35 Mbps to premium 10 Gbps. Globe starts higher at 300 Mbps but offers better value at the 1 Gbps tier.
Globe GFiber Plans:
- GFiber Plan 1499: 300 Mbps - PHP 1,499/month
- GFiber Plan 1699: 500 Mbps - PHP 1,699/month
- GFiber Plan 2499: 1 Gbps - PHP 2,499/month
- Prepaid: 100 Mbps - PHP 1,299/30 days
PLDT Home Fibr Plans:
- Fiber Plan 899: 35 Mbps - PHP 899/month
- Fiber Unli Plan 1699: 200 Mbps - PHP 1,699/month
- Fiber Unli All Plan 2499: 700 Mbps - PHP 2,499/month
- Fiber Unli All Plan 3199: 1 Gbps - PHP 3,199/month
At the same PHP 1,699 price point, Globe delivers 500 Mbps while PLDT delivers 200 Mbps. At PHP 2,499, Globe offers 1 Gbps while PLDT offers 700 Mbps. However, PLDT includes entertainment services at the higher tiers.
Mobile Network Speed
Globe Mobile:
- 4G LTE: 10-30 Mbps typical download
- 5G: Up to 500 Mbps in supported cities
PLDT/Smart Mobile:
- 4G LTE: 10-30 Mbps typical download
- 5G: Up to 500 Mbps in supported cities
Both networks deliver similar mobile speeds in Metro Manila. Performance varies significantly by location across the archipelago.
Run Speed Test Now to check your actual connection speed.
Coverage Comparison
Fiber Coverage
PLDT has the larger fiber-to-the-home footprint in the Philippines with 3.2 million subscribers and decades of infrastructure investment since 1928. PLDT fiber reaches more areas outside Metro Manila, including provincial cities and growing municipalities.
Globe GFiber is expanding rapidly but has a smaller installed fiber base. Globe’s coverage is stronger in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other major urban centers. Coverage gaps exist in smaller cities and rural areas.
Mobile Coverage
Globe operates its own 4G LTE and 5G mobile network covering major population centers. PLDT provides mobile service through its subsidiary Smart Communications. Both networks have similar coverage in urban areas, with differences appearing in rural and provincial locations.
Key Difference
Fiber availability in the Philippines is highly address-specific. Two houses on the same street may have different provider options. Always check availability at your exact address with both Globe and PLDT before making a decision.
Pricing Comparison
All prices are in Philippine Pesos (PHP) per month. Both providers offer postpaid and prepaid fiber options.
Postpaid Fiber Plans
| Speed | Globe | PLDT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 Mbps | Not available | PHP 899 | PLDT only |
| 200 Mbps | Not available | PHP 1,699 | PLDT only |
| 300 Mbps | PHP 1,499 | Not available | Globe only |
| 500 Mbps | PHP 1,699 | Not available | Globe only |
| 700 Mbps | Not available | PHP 2,499 | PLDT + Netflix/HBO/Cignal |
| 1 Gbps | PHP 2,499 | PHP 3,199 | PLDT includes streaming |
Globe offers better speed-per-peso at mid-range tiers. PLDT includes entertainment bundles at higher tiers that add significant value.
Prepaid Fiber
| Feature | Globe | PLDT |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 100 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
| Price | PHP 1,299/30 days | PHP 23.30/day (~PHP 699/30 days) |
| Installation | One-time fee | PHP 999 (includes 7 free days) |
| Contract | No lock-in | No lock-in |
Globe prepaid fiber is faster. PLDT prepaid fiber is cheaper per month and offers more flexible daily pricing.
Entertainment Value
PLDT Fiber Unli All plans (PHP 2,499+) include Netflix, Cignal TV, and HBO Max. At regular subscription prices, these streaming services would cost PHP 1,000+ per month separately. This makes PLDT’s higher pricing competitive when you factor in the bundled entertainment.
Globe GFiber Plan 1699 includes Disney Plus access. Higher tiers add Home Squad service and VIP hotline support.
Pros and Cons
Globe Telecom Advantages
- Better speed-per-peso at mid-range tiers (500 Mbps for PHP 1,699)
- 1 Gbps plan at PHP 2,499 is PHP 700 cheaper than PLDT 1 Gbps
- WiFi 6 modem supporting up to 30 devices
- No lock-in option available on some plans
- Over 63 million total subscribers
- Disney Plus included with Plan 1699 and above
- Prepaid fiber at 100 Mbps (faster than PLDT prepaid)
Globe Telecom Disadvantages
- No entry-level plan below PHP 1,499 per month
- Fewer entertainment bundle options compared to PLDT
- Smaller fiber footprint outside Metro Manila
- Installation wait times can be lengthy in high-demand areas
- Customer service quality varies by region
PLDT Advantages
- Cheapest entry plan at PHP 899 for 35 Mbps
- Largest fiber footprint in the Philippines with 3.2 million subscribers
- Fiber Unli All bundles include Netflix, Cignal TV, and HBO Max
- Plans available up to 10 Gbps for premium users
- Prepaid fiber from PHP 23.30 per day for budget flexibility
- Always On backup (PHP 299/month) for automatic 4G LTE failover
- Longest market presence since 1928
PLDT Disadvantages
- Lower speed per peso at mid-range tiers (200 Mbps vs Globe 500 Mbps at same price)
- 1 Gbps plan at PHP 3,199 is PHP 700 more than Globe
- Higher premium tier pricing (Gigabit plans up to PHP 49,999/month)
- Lock-in periods on most postpaid plans
- Installation and activation delays reported in some areas
Which Should You Choose?
The table below matches common use cases for Philippine internet users.
| Use Case | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Entry | PLDT | PHP 899 for 35 Mbps (cheapest fiber) |
| Best Speed per Peso | Globe | 500 Mbps for PHP 1,699 vs PLDT 200 Mbps |
| 1 Gbps Speed | Globe | PHP 2,499 vs PLDT PHP 3,199 |
| Entertainment Bundle | PLDT | Netflix, HBO Max, and Cignal TV included |
| Prepaid Fiber | PLDT | PHP 23.30/day for flexible daily use |
| Provincial Area | PLDT | Larger fiber footprint outside Metro Manila |
| Metro Manila | Check both | Address-specific availability varies |
| Streaming Family | PLDT | Entertainment bundle saves PHP 1,000+ monthly |
| Remote Worker | Globe | Faster speeds at mid-range pricing |
| Gaming | Globe | Better speed tiers for lower latency |
How to Run a Fair Speed Test
To compare Globe and PLDT accurately, test under the same conditions. Use the same device, the same room, and an ethernet cable for each test.
Quick test steps:
- Connect via ethernet cable directly to the modem or router.
- Close all other applications, streaming, and downloads on all devices.
- Run 3 tests during off-peak hours and 3 during peak hours (7 PM to 11 PM).
- Compare download, upload, and latency together.
- Note your plan tier for each provider.
Important for Philippine users: Power fluctuations and brownouts can affect modem performance. Run speed tests when power is stable. If you use a UPS for your modem, test during normal conditions to get a reliable baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Globe GFiber faster than PLDT Home Fibr?
At the same price point, Globe offers faster speeds. Globe delivers 500 Mbps for PHP 1,699 while PLDT delivers 200 Mbps at the same price. At PHP 2,499, Globe provides 1 Gbps while PLDT offers 700 Mbps. However, PLDT includes streaming services in its higher-tier bundles.
Which has cheaper fiber plans?
PLDT has the cheapest entry plan at PHP 899 for 35 Mbps. Globe’s cheapest plan starts at PHP 1,499 for 300 Mbps. If you need basic internet, PLDT is more affordable. If you want faster speeds without paying for premium tiers, Globe offers better value per peso.
Can I get prepaid fiber from both providers?
Yes. Globe GFiber Prepaid offers 100 Mbps for PHP 1,299 per 30 days. PLDT Prepaid Fiber starts at PHP 23.30 per day for 50 Mbps. Both require one-time installation fees. PLDT is more flexible with daily pricing. Globe is faster at 100 Mbps.
Which is better for Netflix and streaming?
PLDT Fiber Unli All plans include Netflix, Cignal TV, and HBO Max in the monthly price starting at PHP 2,499. Globe does not include Netflix but offers Disney Plus with Plan 1699 and above. If you want multiple streaming services bundled with your internet, PLDT provides better entertainment value.
How do I check fiber availability at my address?
Visit globe.com.ph for Globe GFiber availability or pldthome.com for PLDT Home Fibr availability. Enter your complete address including barangay. Availability is highly address-specific in the Philippines. If one provider is not available, the other may be. Some addresses have both options.
What is PLDT Always On backup?
PLDT Always On is a PHP 299 per month add-on that provides automatic 4G LTE internet backup during fiber outages. When the fiber connection drops, the service switches to mobile data automatically. This is useful in areas with frequent power interruptions or fiber maintenance. Globe does not offer an equivalent backup service.
Summary
Globe and PLDT divide the Philippine fiber market with different strengths. Globe delivers better speed per peso at mid-range tiers, offering 500 Mbps for PHP 1,699 where PLDT provides 200 Mbps at the same price. Globe’s 1 Gbps plan at PHP 2,499 is PHP 700 cheaper than PLDT’s equivalent.
PLDT wins on entry-level affordability with the PHP 899 plan for 35 Mbps and on entertainment value with Netflix, Cignal TV, and HBO Max bundled into Fiber Unli All plans. PLDT also has the larger fiber footprint across the Philippines, reaching more areas outside Metro Manila.
Check availability at your exact address before choosing. Fiber coverage in the Philippines varies street by street. Test your current connection to see what speeds you actually receive and compare against the plans available in your area.
Test your speed: Globe Speed Test | PLDT Speed Test
Last Updated: February 12, 2026 Data Sources: Globe Telecom official website, PLDT Home official website, Philippine telecommunications data