VoIP 
Google Voice marked a milestone in business phone service when it launched over a decade ago. But times have changed.
While Google Voice still offers flexible VoIP service for small businesses, its development and features have stagnated recently.
At first, Google Voice checks all the boxes: It lets you make free calls, works with Gmail, and gives you one number for calling and texting. However, its features and capabilities can start to feel limited if you’re using it as a business phone system.
For businesses seeking alternatives, a host of new and improved cloud-based phone systems have sprung up.
These VoIP phone services give you more advanced call routing, better call quality, more integrations, and other features that Google Voice just doesn’t offer.
Now, let’s take a look at the top Google Voice alternatives and what sets them apart to help you find the right fit.
6 Best Google Voice Alternatives
When evaluating VoIP phone services, it’s essential to assess them based on several standard criteria to see how they measure up. This is our list of factors we considered:
- Call quality (voice clarity, including delays or jitter)
- Core features (call forwarding, voicemail, call recording)
- Advanced features (Interactive Voice Response, integration with CRM tools, voicemail-to-email or transcription)
- User experience (ease of use, installation and setup, device compatibility)
- Scalability (ability to add users or lines without hassle)
- Reliability (99.9%+ uptime, disaster recovery)
The best Google Voice alternatives in a nutshell:
- Nextiva: Best for any sized business needing a secure, scalable communications system with enterprise-level capabilities and support.
- Grasshopper:Best for startups that want an affordable, feature-rich virtual phone system that’s simple to manage.
- Ooma: Best for mid-market companies that want productivity-enhancing phone tools without high costs or complexity.
- Zoom Phone: Best for organizations conducting regular video meetings, training, and events.
- Skype: Best for small teams and international collaborators who appreciate low-cost video meetings.
- Sideline: Best for field teams and remote workers needing an extra business line with robust call control.
Top Google Voice alternatives compared in a handy table:
| Solution | Key Features | Pricing (Starting) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nextiva | HD calling, conference calls, video meetings, IVR | $30/month | Enterprises needing reliability, customization |
| Grasshopper | Vanity numbers, extensions, auto attendant | $14/month | Essential features at low cost |
| Ooma | Ring groups, virtual receptionist, call recording | $19.95/month | Easy to use with competitive pricing |
| Zoom | Video meetings, webinars, messaging, file sharing | $149.90/year | Video communications and real-time collaboration |
| Skype | Video/audio calls, file sharing, instant messaging | $2.99/month | Affordable global communication |
| Sideline | WiFi calling, unlimited text, custom numbers, auto-replies | $14.49/month | Reliable call quality without constant internet availability |
1. Nextiva
Nextiva is a leading cloud communications platform that outperforms Google Voice with more advanced capabilities for businesses. It provides excellent reliability, scalability, security, and support.
Key reasons to choose Nextiva over Google Voice:
- Richer Features: Nextiva offers a robust suite of phone, video, collaboration, and CRM tools in one solution. This includes voicemail transcription, automated workflows, call monitoring and recording, integrations, and more missing from Google Voice.
- Scalability: It easily accommodates both growing small businesses and large enterprises. Teams can start small and add users and features as needed.
- Reliability & Security: Nextiva delivers 99.999% uptime using carrier-grade infrastructure and security.
- Top-Tier Support: Offers 24/7 amazing service and customer support via phone, email, and chat.
Nextiva pricing:
Plans start at $20 per user/month. Tiers are available for small to large teams, with advanced functionality like unlimited video conferences, call recording, and compliance features added in higher tiers.
Bottom Line: Nextiva excels for any sized business needing a secure, scalable communications system with enterprise-level capabilities and support.
2. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a VoIP provider that offers essential business phone features like extensions for incoming calls, supervised phone call transfers, call routing, voicemail transcriptions, customizable voicemail greetings, text messaging, and fax capabilities.
It stands out for its ease of use, quick setup, and budget-friendly VoIP calling tailored to small teams.
Why is Grasshopper a good Google Voice alternative?
Compared to Google Voice, Grasshopper is more optimized for professional use cases with additional capabilities like vanity, local numbers, toll-free numbers, virtual phone numbers, call management features, auto attendants, and more robust administrative controls.
While Google Voice offers the basics, Grasshopper better supports customized business phone solutions.
Pricing: Starts at $14 per user per month based on number of extensions needed.
Best for: Startups, solopreneurs, and teams that want an affordable, feature-rich virtual phone system that’s simple to manage.
3. Ooma
Ooma Office is a VoIP business phone service with over 50 business communication features for call routing, voicemail, analytics, integrations, and more.
It stands out for competitive pricing while delivering enterprise-grade capabilities that enhance productivity for growing teams.
Why is Ooma a good Google Voice alternative?
Ooma provides significantly more robust options for advanced call flows, real-time monitoring, and integrations with top business apps. Ooma also offers more personalized onboarding and US-based customer support not provided by Google.
Pricing: Plans start at $19.95 per user monthly with tiered features and support based on business size and complexity needs.
Best for: Solopreneurs to mid-market companies that want productivity-enhancing phone tools without high costs or complexity.
4. Zoom Phone
Zoom catapulted in popularity as the video conferencing platform of choice during the pandemic. But it also offers fully integrated voice, chat, and webinar capabilities for convenient collaboration.
Why is Zoom Phone a good Google Voice alternative?
Unlike Google Voice, Zoom Phone provides enterprise-grade reliability, security, and support options tailored for business use cases where real-time interaction at scale is critical. Zoom phone also enables video meetings and content sharing for more impactful virtual meetings.
Pricing: Plans start at $149 annually for comprehensive video capabilities, management controls, transcription tools, and more.
Best for: Organizations conducting regular video conferences, training, and events.
5. Skype
Skype is a globally recognized platform for free voice and video calls along with group messaging and file sharing. It offers basic unified communications tailored to casual users and small teams.
Skype can be easily installed on cell phones, computers, laptops, and tablets.
Why is Skype a good Google Voice alternative?
Skype enables group video conferences for up to 100 people simultaneously. Skype also makes it easy to connect with contacts overseas on a freemium model, while Google Voice lacks free international calling options.
Pricing: While Skype has free personal use options, paid plans start at $2.99 per month for voice-over-IP calling and other premium business features.
Best for: Solopreneurs, small teams, and international collaborators who appreciate low-cost video meetings.
6. Sideline
Sideline augments existing mobile plans by providing additional phone numbers to segment professional and personal calls. This “second line” also enables productivity features like auto-replies when on another call.
Why is Sideline a good Google Voice alternative?
Unlike Google Voice’s web-based system, Sideline uses carrier networks like Verizon and AT&T to deliver reliability. This means connectivity even in areas with no wireless internet access.
Sideline also enables WiFi calling, conference lines, shared inboxes, and SMS alerts that Google Voice lacks.
Pricing: Plans with unlimited domestic talk and text start at $14.49 per additional number per month.
Best for: Field teams, remote workers, and entrepreneurs needing an extra business line with robust call control.
Why Businesses Use Google Voice
Google Voice is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that provides users with a dedicated Google Voice number for local and international voice calls, texts, and voicemails.
Though Google Voice has limited capabilities compared to other VoIP solutions, its features are straightforward and useful. This includes voicemail transcription, call blocking, and call screening.
Many businesses choose Google Voice because of the following key benefits:
💰Cost-effectiveness
Google Voice offers a free plan for personal use and affordable business plans starting at just $10 per month. This makes it one of the most budget-friendly solutions on the market, cheaper than traditional landlines.
For US and Canada-based businesses, Google Voice also provides unlimited domestic calls, significantly reducing long-distance charges.
🤝 Convenience and flexibility
Google Voice gives each user a single phone number accessible across devices, using a web browser on your computer or laptop or a mobile app on your iOS or Android phone. This streamlines communication and ensures employees can be reached anytime, anywhere.
With Google Voice, teams are no longer tied to their desks and can conveniently take calls remotely over WiFi. This flexibility is invaluable for remote employees and distributed teams.
✅ Seamless integration with Google Workspace
Many businesses already use Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Meet, and other Google apps.
Google Voice integrates seamlessly into Google Workspace, unifying communication and collaboration under one platform. This enhances efficiency, eases use, and simplifies the tech stack.
However, for businesses needing more advanced VoIP phone service, Google Voice has its limitations.
Let’s explore why Google Voice falls short for some use cases.
Reasons to Look for a Google Voice Alternative
Growing businesses often outgrow Google Voice’s capabilities and require a more robust VoIP phone service provider. Here are some of the key limitations and why you may want to look for a Google Voice alternative:
Feature limitations
Google Voice provides only basic features that can feel restrictive as a business scales. For example, it has limited support for international calls, which can be problematic for global companies.
It’s also only available in select countries outside the US and Canada, lacking the geographical coverage needed for worldwide teams.
Other missing features include toll-free numbers, vanity numbers, call analytics, and more.
You can’t port an existing toll free number into Google Voice.
Limited customer support
According to some Google Voice review on G2 offers very minimal customer service for free personal plans. Even documentation is often outdated, making issues difficult to resolve. This lack of support can leave businesses frustrated.
Not ideal for high call volumes
Google Voice struggles with high call volumes, with even individual users reporting disabled accounts due to excessive usage. For busy enterprises, Google Voice may simply not be robust enough.
No integrations with other platforms
Google Voice only seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace itself. It doesn’t integrate with third-party software tools or platforms.
While competing VoIP solutions focus on custom integrations, Google Voice does not.
For businesses needing more advanced features, strong customer support, high call capacity, and integration with existing systems, Google Voice alternatives are worth considering instead.
How to Choose a Google Voice Alternative
Here are some tips for choosing the best Google Voice alternative:
- Consider your usage needs. Do you need just basic calling and texting? Voicemail transcription? Video calling? Identify the VoIP features that are most important to you so you can narrow down services.
- Look at pricing and fees. Many services have free basic plans and then charge for more advanced features. Calculate total costs based on your anticipated usage. Services like Skype and Sideline tend to offer competitive pricing.
- Check carrier and device compatibility. You’ll want to pick a service that works seamlessly with both your mobile carrier and the devices you plan to use it on. This usually includes compatibility information on the service provider’s website.
- Assess call quality and reliability. Check reviews and tests of the voice call quality for services you’re considering. Also, research the uptime and reliability. You want a provider like Nextiva whose network can deliver consistently good call connectivity.
- Consider number choices and porting. If you want to keep your existing number, check if the service allows number porting from your carrier. Also, see what new number choices they offer in your area code if signing up for a new number.
- Check out customer support options. Do they offer 24/7 customer service or online support via chat or email tickets only? Make sure they provide multiple contact methods that work for your needs.
The Best Google Voice Alternative: Nextiva
While Google Voice works for basic calling and texting needs, its features come up short for many business users. If you find yourself needing more advanced telephony solutions, it may be time to upgrade to the best Google Voice competitor: Nextiva.
Key communication features like auto attendants, call queues, IVR, call recording, voicemail transcription, online faxing, SMS, MMS, and video conferencing make it a top choice for enterprise functionality.
In addition to enterprise-grade call quality, reliability, and key features, Nextiva also appeals to small business owners through solutions intentionally designed for that segment. These include budget-friendly pricing plans, streamlined feature sets, and self-service management portals.
Some key things you’ll like about Nextiva:
- Dedicated account management and 24/7 exceptional customer support. Nextiva’s technical and customer service teams truly understand the needs of growing businesses.
- Tighter integration options with popular CRM, helpdesk, collaboration, and productivity tools . Nextiva plays well with solutions you may already use like Salesforce, Zendesk, and Microsoft Office 365.
- Easy number porting. Nextiva also makes it easy to port your existing phone number and get set up on its VoIP platform. The intuitive interface means less training time to get users up to speed.
Start growing your business.
Nextiva offers powerful VoIP features to deliver better customer experiences.
Google Voice Alternative FAQs
Google Voice offers a free version that provides users with a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. This service works on smartphones and computers, syncing across devices for seamless use. However, it’s important to note that Google Voice is available only to personal Google account holders in the U.S. and Google Workspace accounts in select markets. Plus, the free version is not HIPAA compliant.
Apple does not have a direct equivalent to Google Voice, which offers features like a dedicated phone number for calls and texts, voicemail transcription, and call forwarding. However, there are some features within the Apple ecosystem that offer similar functionalities:
iMessage: Apple’s messaging service allows you to send text messages, photos, videos, and more to other Apple users. It’s integrated into your phone number, so you can receive calls and texts on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
FaceTime: Apple’s video calling service allows you to make video calls to other Apple users. It’s also integrated into your phone number.
However, these options are limited to Apple devices, whereas Google Voice users benefit from a cross-platform experience. You can download Google Voice on the App Store to use it on iPhones and other devices.
Google Voice has several downsides, including its reliance on a stable internet connection for phone calls, which can affect call quality. Additionally, it lacks advanced features commonly offered by other VoIP providers, such as sophisticated call routing and customer support. Users may also face limitations with texting and privacy concerns, making it less suitable for businesses with complex communication needs.
Yes, there are free VoIP providers that offer basic services for individuals and small businesses. For example, Google Voice allows free phone calls within the U.S., and platforms like Zoom and Skype provide free video meetings along with voice call capabilities. However, free plans often have limitations such as advertising, call duration limits, U.S.-only phone calls, or fewer features compared to paid plans.
