12 Paid and Free Google Voice Alternatives in 2023

Gone are the days when businesses used phone systems for just making and receiving calls. Today, the phone service market has grown extraordinarily and provides organizations the flexibility to connect with their customers in any way they like.

Google Voice in 2023

Google Voice, one of the most utilized cloud-based phone services, brings an array of impressive capabilities to the table. As a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system, Google Voice has been reshaping the telecom landscape since its inception in 2009. Key features include text and voice messaging, call forwarding, and voicemail, along with a call termination facility for users with Google accounts.

Google Voice provides a robust service for individuals and small businesses, such as unlimited calls and messages to any US number, voice recording, and the ability to receive international calls. However, what sets Google Voice apart from its competitors is its seamless integration with the broader Google Workspace. Being an integral part of the Google ecosystem, it interconnects effortlessly with other apps like Google Calendar for scheduling calls, and Google Meet for managing virtual meetings.

While it remains free for individuals, Google Voice has evolved to meet the growing needs of businesses, offering an assortment of pricing plans as of 2023. This flexibility in pricing and its impressive feature set make Google Voice a top choice for businesses and individuals seeking an integrated, cloud-based communication solution.

Google Voice Pricing

8 Reasons to Look for a Google Voice Alternative

Google Voice, upholding the company's high technical standards, offers an impressive suite of features, leading Forbes to recognize it as one of the best VoIP services. It provides a versatile phone number service that can be utilized across smartphones, landlines, and the web via an internet connection. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Google Voice, while robust, does have certain limitations that may necessitate considering alternatives as your business scales.

1. Google Voice's core demographic includes individuals, small businesses, startups, and freelancers. While this focus brings numerous benefits, it could potentially limit the platform's scalability for larger corporations.
2. The service's reliance on an internet connection can sometimes lead to compromised call quality, particularly when WiFi connectivity is unstable.
3. While Google typically provides quality support, some users have found Google Voice's customer service less than stellar when compared to its competitors.
4. Google Voice allows multimedia messaging, though the process can occasionally be complex and convoluted.
5. It does not offer vanity or toll-free numbers, a feature that businesses with a geographically diverse clientele might require.
6. The service is primarily available to users in the US, as only a U.S.-based carrier can link with Google Voice. International rates apply for calls outside the US and Canada.
7. While Google Voice lacks some advanced features, such as IVR and Auto-attend, it does integrate seamlessly with other Google Workspace apps like Meet and Calendar, reinforcing its value for businesses already using Google's suite.
8. Despite Google Voice lacking built-in team messaging for larger groups (limited to seven people), Google Chat, another Google Workspace app, offers team collaboration and communication features to anyone with a Gmail address or a Google Workspace account.

In essence, Google Voice, despite some limitations, remains an excellent VoIP service, particularly for businesses integrated into the Google Workspace ecosystem. Nevertheless, as your business expands, it is wise to remain aware of these constraints and consider alternatives that may better align with your growing needs.

12 Free & Paid Alternatives to Google Voice : Pros & Cons

If you want to avoid these limitations, you should give a try to some Google voice alternatives that can bring the same or even more superior range of features and consolidate your business communication needs. In this list, we have enlisted the top 12 free and paid tools that can be used as an alternative to Google Voice for business which are free and paid.

WhatsApp

If you're exploring free alternatives to Google Voice, WhatsApp emerges as an unparalleled contender. As one of the world's most popular apps, WhatsApp is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface, alongside its secure and comprehensive solutions for international business communication. Compatibility with Android, iOS, and KaiOS means it caters to a broad spectrum of smartphone users.

WhatsApp offers numerous benefits for businesses. These include the ability to expand your global reach due to its massive user base, enhance customer experience through seamless support, and increase employee satisfaction due to the convenience of its messaging platform. It can even contribute to improved profitability by streamlining customer service and reducing operational expenses.

Additional tools such as Textr Team can be used to obtain an OTP code with a free US number for WhatsApp verification, enhancing its utility for businesses. These features collectively make WhatsApp an excellent, cost-effective alternative to Google Voice.

Benefits of using WhatsApp for businesses include:

• Expand global reach due to a massive user base.
• Enhance customer experience through a seamless support platform.
• Increase employee satisfaction due to the convenience of its messaging platform.
• Potential for increased profitability by streamlining customer service and reducing operational expenses.

Business-specific features include:

• Profile optimization and digital catalogs creation.
• Status feature for content sharing similar to social media stories.
• Tools for innovative marketing campaigns.
• Capability to replicate core business processes on WhatsApp.
• Integration with Facebook and Instagram ads to facilitate customer interactions leading to sales.
• Can be used with additional tools such as Textr Team to get OTP code with a free US number for WhatsApp verification.

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Textr Team

Textr Team is a comprehensive business texting and calling app designed to streamline communication for sole proprietors, start-ups, and small businesses. With Textr Team, your team can collaborate and communicate seamlessly on a single platform, regardless of the device they use. The app offers multiple local numbers from the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom, including toll-free numbers, allowing you to establish a professional presence for your business. It is an ideal solution for businesses looking to enhance their communication capabilities and improve collaboration among team members. Its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing make it a valuable tool for effective business communication. Here are the key features of Textr Team:

1. Enable Texting on Landline: Allow you to receive and send SMS/ MMS with your mobile phone instead of your landline business phone in Canada or U.S. Retain your current phone number while enjoying enhanced VoIP functionality and convenience.
2. Automated Attendants: Set up IVR system to handle calls and provide information when employees are unavailable in less than 10 mins. This feature ensures a professional and seamless experience for callers.
3. VoIP Number: Obtain a unique number of your choosing that can be dialed from anywhere, enhancing accessibility and allowing customers to easily reach your business.
4. Connection: Offer local calling within the US & Canada as low as $0.007 USD per minute. International
5. Pricing: No tier separation. All functions are available from the get-go.
6. Bulk Messaging: Send SMS notifications to clients for lead generations for $0 to $0.008 USD per message within the country.

Textr Team offers individual downloads of its software, requiring users to download the app to their devices. Pricing for phone numbers per user varies based on the selected country.

• United States & Canada - $6.99 per month per phone number per user.
• United Kingdom plan is priced at $14.99 per month per phone number per user.

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Skype

Skype is a comprehensive call management application that supports free online calls for up to 50 participants, making it a potent alternative to Google Voice for businesses of all sizes. It facilitates video chats and voice calls across various devices like mobile phones, tablets, and computers. However, to access certain features like sending SMS, or calling mobile or landline numbers, a paid Skype number is necessary.

This tool, which is accessible to anyone seeking a no-commitment video conferencing solution, is highly versatile and can be effectively utilized by individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises for remote team management, enhancing team communication, or customer engagement.

Despite offering free Skype-to-Skype calls, the application charges additional fees for premium features such as voicemail, SMS texts, or calls outside of Skype. The pricing structure for these features can be somewhat complex, with rates varying based on the country being called, not the country from which the call is being made.

Skype offers four main pricing options:

1. Subscriptions: These are monthly calling plans providing unlimited or fixed-minute calls to landlines, ideal for users making frequent calls. An example of this would be the "North America" subscription, offering unlimited minutes to mobiles and landlines across eight destinations at $8.39 per month.
2. Skype Credit: A pay-as-you-go option where users can buy credit according to their needs. For instance, calls to numbers in the United States cost $.028¢ per minute.
3. Skype Number: This is a monthly paid phone number, allowing other people to call you from their mobile or landline, with you answering from within Skype. Pricing varies based on the country for which you want the Skype Number and the subscription duration.
4. Skype to Go: Another pay-as-you-go option that enables you to call people globally for the price of a local call.

Please note that deciphering what you'll pay for the extra features might be a bit tricky due to the complexity of Skype's pricing structure. The tool does lose some points for this complexity, despite its overall cost-effectiveness and simplicity of use.

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Sideline

Sideline is a robust phone solution geared towards solopreneurs and small business owners. It provides a second, professional business line that helps users separate personal and work communications. Leveraging your carrier network for superior call quality, Sideline guarantees a reliable communication experience without the dependence on internet connectivity alone. With advanced text messaging tools, users can automate responses, customize SMS content, and organize contacts with ease. Here are the key features of Sideline:

1. Auto-reply: Automate responses to incoming messages, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency.
2. Shared Number: Share a single phone line among multiple users, perfect for small teams or businesses.
3. International Calling: Make unlimited calls to 165 countries, ensuring global reach without exorbitant costs.
4. Business Texting Tools: Leverage these for streamlined mass SMS campaigns, boosting customer interaction.
5. Web Texting: Extend your communication beyond mobile devices to the convenience of your desktop or laptop.
6. Voicemail: Never miss a message with this standard feature, keeping you updated on all communications.

Sideline's pricing is straightforward and affordable, tailored to the needs of small businesses and solopreneurs. It offers:

• Standard Plan: At $9.99 per user per month, this plan gives access to Sideline's core features, including unlimited texts, group messaging, and voice calls.
• For businesses that require more than one phone number, this plan is priced at $9.99 per line per month.

Sideline also offers annual discounts, providing further financial flexibility for users. While it requires an existing phone line to register, its comprehensive suite of features and competitive pricing makes Sideline an excellent choice for businesses seeking an efficient and reliable communication solution.

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Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a leading voice-over-IP (VoIP) solution ideally suited to small businesses looking for a straightforward and efficient virtual phone and call management system. With its user-friendly features and versatile apps for desktop and mobile, Grasshopper enables you to manage calls, text messaging, custom greetings, extensions, and inbound fax from any location at any time. Moreover, you can rely on their dedicated 24/7 support access through multiple channels like phone, email, social media, and chat. Here are the key features:

1. Unlimited extensions: With Grasshopper’s unique flat-rate monthly plans, you gain access to unlimited extensions. This feature allows your entire sales team to share a single phone number, each with a specific extension, saving you considerable account fees and simplifying your communications.
2. Instant response: This feature mitigates the risk of losing potential customers due to unanswered calls. When you're unavailable to pick up, Grasshopper automatically sends an SMS message to your customer, assuring them that they've dialed the right number and you'll return their call soon.
3. Voicemail: All Grasshopper plans include a comprehensive voicemail feature. Callers can leave messages for you, which you can conveniently receive as MP3 recordings.

Grasshopper offers three primary plans, each with a flat monthly rate, not per user:

• Solo: Priced at $31 per month, this plan includes one phone number and three extensions.
• Partner: For $51 per month, you get three phone numbers and six extensions.
• Small Business: At $89 per month, this plan provides five phone numbers and unlimited extensions.

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Phone.com

Phone.com is a comprehensive Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution designed for businesses seeking to work from anywhere. Established in 2008 and headquartered in New York, the platform currently serves over 30,000 customers worldwide. The solution not only facilitates calling but also offers business-grade features like Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), and call queues. It also provides a mobile app, ensuring connectivity on the go using 3G/4G data or a Wi-Fi connection. Here are the key features:

1. Call Management: Includes features like call recording and customized phone settings.
2. Web Conferencing: Supports browser-based web meetings for up to 100 participants (for Pro Users) with no downloads required.
3. Collaboration Tools: Offers an in-app whiteboard and other collaboration features.
4. Call Queuing: Provides light call center functionality by routing incoming calls to specific groups.
5. Premium Features: Offers optional features like live receptionist service, call recording, international dialing, and global phone numbers, among others, at an additional cost.

Phone.com offers a range of pricing editions to meet various business requirements:

1. IP Phone Connection: $4.99 per month, per device.
2. Phone Numbers: $4.99 per month.
3. Call Recording: $7.99 per month.
4. Basic Users: $12.99 per user, per month.
5. Plus Users: $19.99 per user, per month.
6. Pro Users: $29.99 per user, per month.

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OpenPhone

OpenPhone is a VoIP solution that simplifies the process of obtaining a separate work phone number or porting over an existing one at no cost. The solution offers key features designed to provide privacy, flexibility, and efficiency for businesses. It allows users to maintain work-life balance, streamline business communications, and enhance customer interactions. Here are the key features:

1. Personal Privacy:  Enable you to keep your personal numbers private, eliminating spam calls on personal phone numbers.
2. Call Identification: Distinguish between personal and business calls, helping maintain work-life balance.
3. Integration: Connects to over 3000 applications via Zapier.
4. Contact Management: Sync Google Contacts, import contacts via CSV, or connect with any CRM through Zapier.
5. Shared Inbox: Numbers can be used across multiple phones for a collaborative approach to customer interaction.

OpenPhone offers two subscription plans:

• Standard Plan: Available at $13 per user per month.
• Premium Plan: Available at $25 per user per month.

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Line2

Line2 is a streamlined business voice-over-IP (VoIP) service primarily targeting small teams. It offers a simple solution to add a secondary number to your existing phone with its greeting and voicemail. Over time, it has grown to include all basic features you'd expect from a voice-only business VoIP service. Although it lacks third-party integrations and doesn't offer video conferencing, it's a suitable option for small teams requiring a straightforward software voice client for desktops or mobile devices. Here are the key features:

1. Unlimited Calls and Texts: Offers unlimited calls and texts even at the entry-level tier.
2. Call Scheduler: Enables automatic call forwarding based on the time of day (available in the Growth plan).
3. Auto-Attendant: A feature that automatically manages calls (included in the Growth plan).
4. Analytics and Reporting: Allows analysis of call data (included in the Business tier).
5. Call Recording: Enables recording of calls for future reference (included in the Business tier).
6. Voicemail Transcriptions: Transcribes voicemails into text (included in all plans, with the Business tier offering unlimited transcriptions).

Line2 offers three tiers of pricing:

1. Starter Plan: $14.99 per user per month, includes unlimited calls and texts.
2. Growth Plan: $19.99 per user per month, adds auto-attendant and call scheduler to the Starter plan.
3. Business Tier: $24.99 per user per month, offers analytics-style reporting, call recording, and unlimited voicemail transcriptions on top of Growth plan features.

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RingCentral

RingCentral is a user-friendly VoIP solution used by both local and remote employees. Its seamless functionality has been appreciated across teams, aiding in smooth remote working. While the initial setup may have a learning curve, especially when configuring different groups, the platform has a dedicated customer success team to assist and simplify the process. Here are the key features:

1. Remote Employee Friendly: RingCentral provides an efficient setup for remote employees, enabling them to connect by simply logging in.
2. Call Routing: Ensures seamless communication for remote employees with effective call routing.
3. Usability: Users find it easy to change caller ID and appreciate the integration with Salesforce.
4. Dedicated Customer Support: Offers support via phone and assists in getting started and ongoing needs.
5. Meeting Start-Time Restrictions: If a meeting doesn't start within 5 minutes of logging in, the system may kick the user out, requiring a restart.

RingCentral offers three tiers of pricing:

• Essentials (up to 20 users): $19.99 per user/per month, on-premise.
• Standard: $27.99 per user/per month, on-premise.
• Premium: $34.99 per user/per month, on-premise.

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Nextiva

Nextiva is a comprehensive cloud-based communication solution that focuses on VoIP services. It offers a unified platform for engaging customers and collaborating with team members. With plans starting as low as $17.95 per month per user, Nextiva provides a range of features to enhance communication and productivity. Here are the key features:

1. Unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada
2. Free online faxing
3. Toll-free number
4. Video calls with a duration of up to 45 minutes
5. Video conference recording
6. Voicemail-to-email notifications
7. Microsoft and Google contact integrations
8. Seamless migration for existing phone numbers at no additional cost

Nextiva is available as a downloadable desktop application called NextivaONE, as well as a mobile app compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The software can be easily accessed and used through popular web browsers like Google Chrome.

Nextiva offers flexible pricing plans to suit different business needs:

• Essential: Starting at $23.95 per user per month.
• Professional: Starting at $27.95 per user per month.
• Enterprise: Starting at $37.95 per user per month.

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Telzio

Telzio is a modern business phone service designed to meet the communication needs of busy teams. It offers unlimited users and customizable call routing, providing a seamless calling and texting experience across various devices. With Telzio, businesses can enjoy industry-leading call quality, enterprise security, and reliable service with flawless uptime.

1. Calling and texting features: Telzio's Mobile App and Webphone offer advanced calling and texting capabilities, ensuring efficient communication within teams.
2. Collaboration tools: The platform provides features like call recordings, voicemail transcriptions, auto attendants, call queues, and live technical support to enhance collaboration and productivity.
3. Scalable pricing: Telzio offers scalable pricing options suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, enterprises, and nonprofits, allowing organizations to pay for the services they need without unnecessary overhead costs.

Telzio offers United States plans starting at $50 per month. For specific details about pricing plans and to explore additional features and options, it is recommended to visit the Telzio website or contact their sales team for more information.

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OnSIP

OnSIP is a leading provider of hosted VoIP solutions, offering a range of communication services designed to simplify the way businesses connect with their customers. With an emphasis on simplicity and ease of use, OnSIP enables businesses of all sizes to set up and utilize VoIP technology without hassle.

As an Intrado solution that has been acquired by Ooma in 2022, OnSIP brings a wealth of experience and expertise in delivering reliable and efficient communication solutions. Whether you are a large enterprise, mid-sized business, nonprofit organization, public administration, or small business, OnSIP offers flexible and scalable VoIP plans to meet your specific needs.

Key Features of OnSIP:

1. Hosted VoIP solutions: OnSIP provides a range of hosted VoIP solutions, allowing businesses to leverage the power of cloud-based communication systems.
2. Easy setup and configuration: OnSIP is known for its user-friendly setup process, making it simple to get started and deploy VoIP services within your organization.
3. Seamless communication: OnSIP enables businesses to connect with customers through various communication channels, including voice calls, video calls, instant messaging, and more.
4. Reliability and performance: With a focus on delivering reliable service, OnSIP ensures high call quality, uptime, and enterprise-grade security for your communication needs.

OnSIP offers pricing plans starting from $18.95 per month, providing businesses with flexible subscription options. They also offer a free trial, allowing users to experience the features and benefits of OnSIP before committing to a subscription.

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Ooma

Ooma is a business communication solutions provider catering to both SMBs and enterprise-level companies. It offers products like Ooma Office, an all-in-one office phone service with SMS messaging and video conferencing, and Ooma Enterprise, a more advanced Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) system, and call center software. Despite also offering residential services, this review focuses primarily on their business software solutions.

1. All-In-One Office Phone Service: With Ooma Office, users get a comprehensive communication system that includes phone service, SMS messaging, and video conferencing.
2. UCaaS System: Ooma Enterprise offers advanced unified communications as a service system for more complex business needs.
3. Call Center Software: Ideal for businesses with high customer interaction, allowing efficient handling of calls.
4. Customer Service: Ooma is known for its accessible customer service, although some users have reported issues with account maintenance and problem resolution.

Ooma offers affordable plans for businesses of all sizes, with flexibility and scalability in mind. There are no contracts or long-term commitments, providing businesses with the flexibility they need. Here's a look at their pricing model:

• Local Phone Number: $9.95 per user/per month.
• Toll Free Number: $9.95 per user/per month.

The Bottom Line

Google voice is undoubtedly a great tool for small businesses and startups, but it’s even better to consider some Google Voice alternatives that can serve your business in a more comprehensive way. Here, we have provided the 10 best alternatives to Google Voice for business that offers many standard and advanced features. All you need to do is to check your preferences and pick the one that best suits your requirements.

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