Looking for Google Voice alternatives in 2022? Whether you’re looking for a more flexible virtual phone number system, want to lower costs, or just want to explore your options, here are some of the top tools and services for VoIP and PBX systems. With features like unlimited calling, customizable plans, and advanced call management features, these Google Voice alternatives are sure to meet all your business needs. So whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to set up a virtual office, or a remote worker in need of reliable communication tools, choose the right Google Voice alternative today and take your business calls to the next level.
Even though business communication has predominantly moved online, telephony is still a necessity for many businesses. The good news is that internet technology now allows businesses to make phone calls over the internet (VoIP), which is often cheaper and more efficient than regular landlines.
Google Voice is a top service used by businesses to manage their phone needs, however, it might not be the best option for many businesses. The virtual telephone service offers features such as voice calls, voicemail, call forwarding, and text messaging, yet companies that need a more robust solution are often looking for Google Voice alternatives.
Google Voice is well-known, but we rounded up the best alternatives so you can make sure your business gets exactly what it needs in terms of features and services.
What is Google Voice?
Since 2009, when Google Voice was first introduced to the public after being bought from GrandCentral, it has become a popular virtual phone service for businesses and individuals alike. Though it may appear simplistic when compared to some competitors, Google Voice can actually be quite versatile – especially when used in conjunction with other Google tools such as Hangouts, Calendar, and Meet.
There is a free plan available for individuals on Google Voice, but businesses are charged per user and per month. All plans include some standard features, with additional options unlocked in more expensive plans.
Although Google Voice has proved effective for many businesses, some areas still need improvement. For example, compared to other VoIP providers, Google falls short in offering personalized support. While there are several reasons why a business might not choose Google Voice, what alternatives are available and how do they stack up?
Why Google Voice?
Google Voice is cheap and can be set up in minutes. It will allow you to make calls to any U.S. or Canadian phone number, and international calls are very affordable. You can also text from your Google Voice account which makes it great for small operations. Another bonus of Google Voice is that it integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Google Hangouts, and your calendar, meaning you don’t have to waste time switching between apps when checking your voicemail or sending a text message. It’s a good option for very small businesses that don’t need sophisticated or scalable solutions. Thankfully, if you’re looking for more features and flexibility, there is a wide range of Google Voice alternatives that can provide what you need.
What are some of the best Google Voice Alternative Apps?
To help you find the right phone service for your business, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites. Some of the best Google Voice alternative apps include:
- Monster VoIP
- Carolina Digital
- Skype
- Ring Central (formerly Dialpad)
- Vonage
- Grasshopper
- Nextiva
- Sideline
- Openphone
- Hushed
- Ooma
Below we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each Google Voice alternative. We’ll also talk about what separates it from Google Voice and whether or not it’s a good option for your business.
Monster VoIP
Looking for Google Voice alternatives that are ideal for small to medium businesses? Look no further than Monster VoIP. With a suite of powerful features, flexible pricing, low costs, and industry-leading software, Monster VoIP makes it easy to harness the power of phone communications for your business. Whether you’re looking for transparent pricing or customizable solutions to meet your specific needs, you can trust Monster VoIP to deliver an unparalleled customer experience. And with dedicated customer support from a team of experts, you can rest assured that all of your questions will be answered quickly and efficiently.
With the scale-on-demand services from Monster VoIP, it’s easy to customize your business technology. There is no need to miss out on essential features or pay for anything that you don’t use with the ability to fully personalize everything according to the needs of your business. You’ll also receive support from a dedicated customer care team for an exceptional customer experience.
Related: Increase Sales by Moving Your Phone System to the Cloud
What makes Monster VoIP better than Google Voice?
- Flexible low-cost pricing.
- It’s a cloud-based solution with a national geo-redundant network.
- Monster VoIP is more secure than Google Voice because it uses encryption and authentication technologies to ensure that your calls are private.
- For business owners, there are additional features such as voicemail announcements and faxing capabilities that can help your business grow by making it easier for clients to reach out to you.
- Monster VoIP Integrates with more than 50+ brands you trust and use.
- Monster VoIP offers fully customizable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Carolina Digital Phone
Carolina Digital Phone offers an all-in-one solution for your business’ local phone service needs. 24/7 support from a local team means that your customers can always get the help they need, whenever they need it. One key area that makes this provider stand out is its customer service and attention to detail. On those rare occasions when you may need to call in to support, chances are, they will know you by name – not a customer number.
With their clear pricing, you’ll never have to worry about being nickel-and-dimed on costs – what you’re quoted is what you pay. And on top of that, reliability and security are always included in their services. The service provides many features such as unlimited calls within the US and Canada, caller ID, voicemail and text messaging, and video conferencing for four participants – all with a month-to-month no-contract option!
Not only does the company offer excellent service, but they also have a number of great upgrades that clients can take advantage of. These include video conferencing capabilities, faxing options, and even a call center add-on to cover all your customer service needs.
What makes Carolina Digital better than Google Voice?
Carolina Digital is a business-focused solution for businesses of all sizes. They offer integrations with your CRM via a chrome extension, have convenient iOS & Android apps so you can see all of your data from anywhere, and it’s a scalable solution for young businesses that intend on expanding.
RingCentral
RingCentral provides cloud-based services such as calls, video conferencing, and team messaging. Some of the notable features include call forwarding, HD-quality video, and the ability to host up to 100 people in a meeting.
If you’re running a business that needs to be able to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world, then Global Call is a much better option than Google Voice. With local dialing plans available in more than 100 countries, it’s perfect for businesses with employees or customers in multiple time zones. The pricing may be higher than some other options, but the initial plan allows up to 20 users, which makes it ideal for small-to-medium-sized businesses.
The RingCentral Quality of Service (QoS) reports are a useful feature that can be used to improve your service. Details are provided at both the call and user levels for clear insights. There is also a good choice of third-party integrations available, including Zendesk, Salesforce, Slack, and Canva. These integrations make teamwork and collaboration more accessible.
What makes Ring Central better than Google Voice?
Google Voice was revolutionary, but Ring Central has brought it into the modern era. Here’s why:
- Ring Central offers more features than Google Voice. With Ring Central, you can receive texts and calls on your mobile phone through your computer or tablet. You can also send texts from your computer so there’s no need for a separate app.
- Google Voice has an outdated user interface that isn’t as intuitive. RingCentral has a sleek design that makes it easy to navigate through messages, call logs, and contacts lists without having to hunt through menus or scroll down pages of options.
- The customer service experience with Ring Central is also better than Google Voice. Downtime can be catastrophic for businesses. With RingCentral, there are real human beings working that can help when something goes wrong which means you can get back up and running much faster.
Vonage
Vonage offers many phone features and integrations. Its features range from voice calls and SMS to team messaging and video conferencing. It’s rated highly for its reliability and its numerous integrations mean you can connect with Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, G Suite, and more. Local numbers can be obtained in more than 60 countries, making it a more suitable option for businesses that carry out a lot of global activity or have international customers.
Vonage offers the benefit of a desktop app and a mobile app. Its customer service has also been rated slightly higher than Google Voice, although neither rate above 3.5 out of 5, according to tech.co. Vonage does benefit from some good training features, although some of its extra features cost more to add to your package. Vonage has a greater range of business features, but Google Voice typically rates better for security.
What makes Vonage better than Google Voice?
Google Voice has less-than-ideal customer service, and the only way to get help is through email or by going through complicated steps to get in touch with someone. On the other hand, Vonage offers live chat support on its website which is excellent if you’re in a pinch and don’t want to spend your day waiting for support to get back to you.
Vonage is also a more scalable solution with more useful features and integrations. Google Voice is a good solution for smaller businesses but when you need scale in your phone system, Vonage has more integrations and better solutions to help you when you get stuck.
Grasshopper
If you aren’t familiar with VoIP, Grasshopper is a name you might know. With features like local phone numbers, call management, and multiple extensions available, it provides similar options to Google Voice.
Although, there are some disparities between the two products. For example, Grasshopper’s integration with G Suite is cheaper than Google Voice. Also, it has a virtual receptionist tool to help manage your calls by directing them correctly, taking messages if need be, and utilizing recorded greetings–an option that many businesses find quite useful. A lot of reviews have commended the quality of voice talent used for this service. So if you’re looking to better your business’ image then Grasshopper may be a good pick for you
The only downside to Grasshopper when compared with Google Voice is that international calls are more expensive. Payment for Grasshopper is monthly, but there is no charge per user. The number of numbers and extensions offered varies in each plan.
Related: Best Strategies for Effective Business Communication
What makes Grasshopper better than Google Voice?
Both Grasshopper and Google Voice look similar on the surface. They both offer call management options, local numbers, and multiple extensions. However, there are a few key differences between the two.
Grasshopper, for example, requires an initial down payment of $500 for international calling. It also integrates with the same G-Suite apps, but at a lower price point. A big advantage that Grasshopper has over Google Voice is that you can have a live receptionist that handles your inbound calls. It’s just like hiring a full-time receptionist to answer and forward calls but for a fraction of the price.
Nextiva
If you’re doing business in the US or Canada, Nextiva’s VoIP services may be a great fit for you, especially if you have a larger operation. With some features that Google Voice doesn’t offer, including excellent customer service and auto-attendance, it might be the perfect Google Voice alternative. You’ll also get SMS capabilities and access to a CRM feature with Nextiva. While the plans do start at a higher price point than some competitors, the first plan includes unlimited voice and video calls.
Nextiva has mixed reviews, with some people feeling it’s one of the best Google Voice alternatives and others having complaints. It largely depends on the size of your business; this service is much better for big enterprises than small businesses or solopreneurs. Plans and features can be customized to fit larger businesses’ needs, but it may not be as practical for smaller-scale companies.
What makes Nextiva better than Google Voice?
Nextiva does have some features that Google Voice doesn’t, namely:
- Better customer support
- They offer auto attendant options.
- Unlimited calling within the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
That being said, Nextiva does have contracts that can be a pain to leave, customers have reported the CRM feature being a bit buggy, and customer support not being as responsive in handling technical problems.
Skype
Since its establishment, Skype has been a leading figure in the VoIP industry. The brand continues to be recognized with virtual calls and video conferences. Even though Zoom might have taken over as the big name during COVID-19 for video conferencing, Skype is still an important part of VoIP communications.
Skype is more than just a way to call landlines and cell phones; it can also be used to send text messages, among other things. The basic version of Skype is free, but businesses that want access to all its features, need to sign up for Skype Number. Since Microsoft bought Skype in 2011, it has become a good choice for people who use other Microsoft tools since they can be integrated with Skype.
Skype’s desktop app is a huge selling point, something that Google Voice doesn’t have. Furthermore, Skype gives users the option to create international phone numbers in 26 countries as opposed to only 12 with Google Voice.
What makes Skype better than Google Voice?
Skype has a lot of the same features as Google Voice, but it also has a few more. The most obvious difference between Skype and Google Voice is that you can use it to make video calls. That means you can see your friend’s and client’s faces when you talk to them on Skype, which is pretty useful these days.
In addition to being able to make voice calls from your computer or phone, Skype also lets you do group calls with up to 100 people at once (including video). You can even share screens during these group calls so that everyone is looking at the same thing at once and can work together on projects or presentations.
8×8
This one platform gives you everything you need if your business needs phone-calling cloud-based solutions. You can call almost 50 countries, plus there’s HD video conferencing. The great thing is that the features are totally customizable according to what your company needs – anything from call conferencing and forwarding to routing and recording calls. And if you’re worried about affordability, don’t be – local numbers in 15 countries cost way less than with other options out there!
You can test out 8×8 with a free trial, which is always great when considering new software. You could also get a discount with a yearly subscription–it’s really up to you! This Google Voice alternative is not only affordable for international businesses, but it provides unlimited calling options as well. Have no fear about those Microsoft or Google integrations either because they’re smooth and effortless.
What makes 8×8 better than Google Voice?
When comparing 8×8 to Google Voice, a few things jump out. First, you can video conference in HD quality with 8×8, something you can’t do with Google Voice. Further, they have unique features like team chat and API integrations. And if you’re wondering about customer support, they have live agents to help you troubleshoot problems.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone is a great choice for small businesses and startups that want to manage calls and SMS messaging. If you’re looking for a call center solution for your business, OpenPhone offers the functionality that Google Voice can’t provide. With features like CRM integration and customer data tracking, OpenPhone gives you everything you need to effectively manage your customers and sales team.
OpenPhone is one of the best phone services on the market, and they are continuously improving its features. With voicemail transcription and auto-attendant already available, they are now offering dedicated customer support to help manage the porting process if you’re currently using Google Voice but would like to switch over to their service.
What makes Openphone better than Google Voice?
Like Google Voice, OpenPhone is an easy way for your entire organization to communicate with customers and prospects through voice and text messaging. However, OpenPhone allows multiple people from various departments within your company to share one business phone number. You can also route incoming callers to the correct department or individual with a few easy taps on the screen.
Additionally, OpenPhone provides a lightweight CRM and integrates with both Hubspot and Salesforce so you can manage contact information more easily. If considering switching from Google Voice to OpenPhone, they also provide an easy porting process. The usability of OpenPhone beats out Google Voice in our opinion but isn’t as scalable or high quality as Monster VoIP.
Hushed
The WiFi calling phone number app offers an alternative to Google Voice that might suit your needs. Their service uses VoIP technology and provides prepaid plans, unlimited subscriptions, and pay-as-you-go international plans. As a simple service, it only provides voice and text communication but also has several additional features available too. Customers can benefit from call forwarding, call routing, and custom voicemail greetings, which are all managed through the app so you have full control of your calls.
Some other features that come with Hushed are automatic replies to messages, the ability to use it on multiple devices, and integrations with DropBox and Slack. If you’re in the market for a cheaper, more simplistic Google Voice alternative, go with Hushed. It’s perfect for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs but might not have enough Advanced Features for bigger companies. That being said, it does provide numbers from the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.
What makes Hushed better than Google Voice?
Some of the better features that come with Hushed are automatic replies to messages, the ability to use it on multiple devices, and integrations with DropBox and Slack. If you’re in the market for a cheaper, more simplistic Google Voice alternative, go with Hushed. It’s perfect for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs but might not have enough advanced features for bigger companies. That being said, it does provide numbers from the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom.
Sideline
If you’re looking for something similar to Google Voice, but better, look no further than Sideline. And while Sideline isn’t technically a VoIP system, it offers many of the same features.
Unlike Google Voice, Sideline works over your existing mobile data plan. This means you get excellent call quality and reliability with your business phone calls. The downside of this is that you’re also using your carrier minutes which can add up if you’re not on an unlimited minutes plan with your provider. Fortunately, most network plans are limited these days so that shouldn’t be a problem.
What makes Sideline better than Google Voice?
Sideline is a great alternative to Google Voice, but what makes it better? Sideline calls are more reliable. Google Voice has a reputation for being unreliable, particularly when it comes to making outgoing calls. Sideline uses the same signal that your cell phone provider uses, so if you’re having trouble with your cell phone service, chances are you’ll be having trouble with Sideline too. That being said, your phone is a stable way to make calls which means reliability shouldn’t be a problem. However, Sideline uses minutes so you want to make sure you’re on an unlimited phone plan before using Sideline.
Ooma
When it comes to choosing a VoIP provider, there are many factors to consider. Some people want something simple, like a phone number that works everywhere, while others want to use the latest technology. If you’re looking for a reliable solution that won’t break the bank, Ooma might just be what you’ve been searching for.
The company was founded in 2004 in Palo Alto, California, where it still resides today. Today, Ooma offers a wide variety of products and services that cater to both consumers and enterprise customers alike.
What makes Oomah better than Google Voice?
Both companies offer similar products, although there are some differences. First, Ooma has a wider set of features. For example, Ooma has a desktop app, a virtual receptionist option that can transfer calls, and call recording to name a few. You can also set up a multi-ring or “round-robin” feature that allows calls to ring multiple lines at the same time. For larger companies, Ooma offers desk phones, video meetings, API integrations, and much more. When compared to Google Voice, Ooma is a much more robust option for businesses.
Google Hangouts VS Google Voice
Google Voice and Hangouts are both great tools for staying in touch over the phone. They both offer free calling plans, and you can make and receive calls over the Internet. But there are some key differences between the two that could sway your decision about whether to choose one or the other. Here are a few things to consider:
Hangouts doesn’t give you a phone number
Google Hangouts is one of the most popular messaging apps out there. But it doesn’t come with a dedicated telephone number that you can use to make or receive calls. In fact, you have to tap each person individually to initiate a call with them through the app itself. This makes it difficult to reach someone quickly and isn’t an easy way for customers to contact you.
If you want to be able to receive calls and texts on your phone, you’ll need to use Hangouts as an extension of your Google Voice account. If you’re looking for something more comprehensive, but don’t want to pay for a full-on VoIP service like Ooma or MagicJack, then FreeTalk is still worth checking out.
Google Voice doesn’t support video calls
Google Hangouts is an advanced solution for easy video conferencing – especially if your organization is on Google Workspace. You can add up to 150 people on a call making it a great way to communicate within an organization. Google Voice, on the other hand, doesn’t have video conferencing options.
Hangouts is not designed for business
Google Hangouts isn’t a business-centered solution from a customer-facing perspective. It’s an excellent tool for team collaboration and bringing your team together. However, it’s not designed as a solution for customer communication. Additionally, it’s possible that Hangouts will become obsolete and be replaced by Google Meet and Google Chat.
You can’t add a phone number or email address to the contacts list in Hangouts, so you can’t call or message your contacts from their phones or email addresses unless they are also using Google Voice. There is no way to export contacts from Hangouts to Excel and other formats like Skype does offer.
Our Top Pick For The Best Google Voice Alternative
Looking for Google Voice alternatives? Whether you’re a small or medium-sized business, there are plenty of great options out there. With offerings like Monster VoIP, Carolina Digital Phone Cloud-Based PBX phone services, Dialpad, and OpenPhone, you can find the perfect solution for your company’s needs and probably lower the cost of your service. These services offer affordable rates, flexible and scalable cloud-based solutions, reliability and security features, and much more.
Monster VoIP offers various services, VOIP plans, and much more! If you need assistance in enhancing your company’s unified communications, contact Monster VoIP today to find out how we can help. Monster VoIP provides the best business phones for small businesses, which ensures effective communication throughout the organization with the best business phones for small businesses.
Related: Business Phone Systems can Help improve Collaboration in an Organization
