With a growing list of digital products and services, Google has been serving the requirements of the average business owner for a while now. However, while the platform does offer a range of helpful features, there are plenty of better options available, particularly when it comes to matters of reliability.
Whatsapp is the best Google Voice replacement, since it is free, popular, works on any smartphone, and offers a broad range of features and abilities. It's not the only alternative solution, though.
This guide details a range of VoIP phone apps and hosted communications solutions that you can use instead of Google Voice, many of which boast a wider range of unique features that can consolidate and automate your business communication needs.
Once you've figured out which one of these alternatives stands out above the rest, the biggest decision-making factor will likely be the price. Gathering VoIP price quotes tailored to your own business from the top vendors is essential, and you can start getting those price estimates in moments by using Tech.co's simple comparison tool.
Best Google Voice Alternatives Compared
Here, we've rounded up the top services, listing them along with their per-month starting prices, their starred rating, and a big key benefit that each one can offer your business, whether it's more flexible abilities, more robust support, or better specs.
| Price from The typical lowest starting price. The lowest price available for your business will depend on your needs. | Our Rating Relative score out of 5 | Core Benefit | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
RingCentral | Phone.com | Telzio | Grasshopper | |
 |  |  |  |  |
Free | $19.99/Month | $9.99/Month | $1.00/Month | $8.30/Month |
| 5/5 | 4.9/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Send files such as videos and documents easily | Very easy to set up and scale as necessary | Over 40 PBX functions available | Cost effective solutions | Feature rich phone systems |
It's a little counter-intuitive, but one of the biggest reasons to move away from Google Voice is if you find your operation increasingly relying on the service. Once a phone app is integral to your daily business, it's time to find a vendor that puts their service front and center, rather than offering it as an afterthought.
Switching from Google Voice
Although Google Voice has adequately supported numerous businesses for several years, competition is increasing from other firms who can deliver improved features, better quality, and increased reliability.
Here are the key considerations to make when switching.
Your Account
With Google Voice there are two types of account. The first is a light version which includes voicemail and other useful features, such as personalized greetings and transcription. The second is a full Google Voice account, which requires you to either port or create a telephone number. This functionality will allow you to forward calls to numerous phones, distribute text messages from your computer, and a host of other features.
The more advanced account can be slightly more difficult when it comes to switching. If you decide to change your provider you will either need to swap your Google Voice number to a new line or change your telephone number entirely. However, your new provider can take care of this for you once you've gotten everything set up.
Porting your Number
Whether you have ported a number into Google Voice or you have created a number when you signed up, you likely want to continue using this number with your new provider. Before you can do this though, you will have to unlock the number, which is a simple process that is either free or a mere $3 depending on how you set up your number.
Once you have gone through the steps to unlock the number from Google Voice, you can move your number to your new provider. If your new provider requests an account number to complete the porting process, just give them your Google Voice number.
It may take a few days to port your number to the new provider, but you can still use your Google Voice number while you wait.
Top 10 Google Voice Alternatives 2020: Reviews
The reviews below will help you decide who to switch to, instead of using Google Voice. You've likely already thought about your main frustrations with Google Voice, which is why you're here, so keep those in mind when reading each review to see which alternative best solves the problems you are looking to overcome.
If it's flexibility and global ease of use you're after, Whatsapp might do the trick. But if you're looking for a more reliable provider who can also boost your business efficiency and professionalism by offering advanced features, you'll want to consider a VoIP provider such as Ringcentral. You know your business best, so take a look and decide for yourself.
In This Guide:
- Whatsapp — A flexible service best for smartphones and popular around the world
- Ring Central — A professional solution that handles video conferencing and integrates with Microsoft and Google
- Phone.com — A well-priced phone service with great support and over 40 PBX functions
- Telzio — A cloud-based, feature-rich service that's paid by the minute and allows unlimited users
- Grasshopper — A productivity-focused alternative to Google Voice that's best for businesses
- Nextiva — A highly rated VoIP provider that's easy to use and easy to scale up
- Skype — A reliable brand name for calls and video meetings of up to 250 users at a time
- Line 2 — A simple service with automated features and unlimited calls within the US and Canada
- OpenPhone — An app that redirects professionals' business numbers to their personal phones
- Phonebooth — An all-around VoIP solution available without long-term contracts
Small businesses or sole traders just starting out will often search for low cost or free options for call management but they do not necessarily want to use Google Voice. As a tool which is growing in popularity, even more so than Google Voice, WhatsApp can be used with any smartphone making it a great solution for mobile businesses.
Once installed on your phone, the app allows you to create messages, send files such as video and documents, and make an audio call to another user of the app all for free, even internationally!
Switching from Google Voice to a VoIP provider is the most impactful communications upgrade your business can make. As a leading provider in VoIP communications, RingCentral helps businesses reach their full potential. The company states that they support in excess of 350,000 businesses with their telephone and communication requirements. Based on cloud technology, Ring Central offers a greater choice of services than a regular VoIP or virtual PBX system.
Ring Central currently offers six different solutions for business customers for a wide range of purposes across your business. Ring Central Office, for example, is the all-in-one phone system that integrates with CRM systems file sharing websites such as Dropbox, collaboration with Microsoft and Google and much more. Ring Central Meetings, on the other hand brings a powerful video conferencing tool to your business. You'll be able to host large meetings and even webinars with some of their options and there's even a free option for smaller teams.
Another VoIP service, Phone.com claims to offer some of the best prices when it comes to providing a business phone service. Featuring over 40 PBX functions and first class support, this company is a preferred choice for many small businesses.
Specialists in business phone systems, they help small firms develop and launch their own phone systems. Integrate the system with CRM software and use all of the standard call based features such as forwarding, recording and conferencing as well as text messaging, all of which are hosted on the cloud.
Many of the phone systems that are alternatives to Google Voice are managed on the cloud and Telzio is no different. An extremely affordable solution that is packed with features, this is certainly a rival for Google Voice. Unlike other plans, you don't pay per user; you pay based on how many minutes you use, and can add users to the platform without any added costs.
The costs are really quite low, starting from $0.119 per minute for incoming calls and $0.168 a minute for outbound calls. This is not ideal for everyone so if you don’t like pay as you go, this is not the company for you.
Grasshoppers systems offer a range of features that improve communications and increase productivity. You can define automated instructions so you can transfer customers to the right people first time. You'll be able to create and customize extensions to redirect to a home office, remote employee, or cell phone anywhere in the world. If you want your business to have a local presence, you can even use toll free or local numbers for your business.
Grasshopper Caller ID is one great function that makes it worth it. Instead of your mobile number displaying to the recipient, your Grasshopper ID will be displayed so customers won’t know that you are calling from your mobile. As Grasshopper uses digital technology for calls and they work with your existing home or office phones, you don’t have to invest in new equipment or devices to make it work.
As one of the top rated phone systems on the market today, Nextiva certainly deserves a spot on this list. Like RingCentral, Nextiva are a VoIP provider, and therefore can offer the most noticeable upgrade to your business communications. Choosing to switch from Google Voice to a provider like Nextiva will bring your business to the forefront of the industry's innovations and enable you to take advantage of all the latest features and benefits.
With an incredibly easy-to-use interface, comparable prices with other systems, and built-in scalability for growing companies, this phone system understandably boasts a number of big-name clients, including Taco Bell, Netflix, and DirectBuy.
In addition to ease of use and scalability, Nextiva boasts a wide range of helpful features designed to make your business more successful. In addition to an intuitive call center dashboard and comprehensive mobile app, Nextiva offers next level customer analytics to guide your business. You'll be able to track every stage of a potential customers engagement with your business, helping you see what works and, more importantly, what doesn't.
One of the older apps, Skype still offers a reliable call management solution. Skype charges per user per month and has a range of features which can be used on mobile devices and desktops. Suitable for business, Skype can coordinate online meetings, calls, video and messaging, supporting up to 250 people at one time.
Integrate with Outlook and schedule meetings and keep your communications secure with enterprise grade security and management of accounts. Skype's free tier ranks among the best free conference call services for small businesses, though larger ones will benefit more from the paid version.
Line2 provides business numbers which can be integrated with mobile devices. Their simple three step process can have you up and running in no time. Choose your number, configure your account, and connect with customers. It’s that easy. With the business plan, Line2 offers a comprehensive phone solution which offers unlimited texts and unlimited calling in the US and Canada all in a monthly price.
For larger businesses, seamlessly set up group conferencing and add 20 colleagues from a phone, tablet, or computer. Also include an automated message to direct customers to the right team. All of these features can be easily integrated into the system.
When starting a business, many of us end up running all of our business calls through our personal phones. That can mean extra stress, potentially embarrassing mix-ups, and tricky organization of your voicemail and contacts. OpenPhone is a brand seeking to change all that.
The OpenPhone app makes it easy for professionals and businesses to run a business phone number on their existing cell phones. There's no need for a second sim card or extra data plan with your network provider. With OpenPhone, you can be up and running with your business phone number in 30 seconds.
OpenPhone offers local US, Canadian and toll-free numbers and comes with unlimited talk and text. It offers professional features like business hours, voicemail transcription and more to give you full control over your business phone, from your personal phone.
For businesses looking for a more advanced solution than WhatsApp, Phonebooth offers its customers an all round VoIP solution. One of the great things about Phonebooth is that you are not tied to long term contracts like some of the other providers. For a small monthly fee, you can access unlimited local and long distance calls which is ideal for businesses who have international reach.
Easily route calls to a landline telephone or mobile selecting a number of your choice. What’s more, Phonebooth users will also receive a free local telephone number they can use to make calls which is great for a business user. Any call that is made to your Phonebooth number is automatically redirected to your chosen telephone number.
Final Thoughts
Google Voice is a super useful tool for those looking for a free way to call, but if you have a business with a demanding customer service function, there are plenty of VoIP alternatives that will better serve your requirements. From call forwarding and automated voice recordings through to integration with CRM systems, many of the alternatives to Google Voice are perfect for a growing business, offering the functionality and reliability that the modern day business needs to operate successfully.
Now you've read this far, it's time to take action and find your perfect VoIP provider. Use our comparison form for a free, no obligation quote.
Tech.co is reader-supported. Using Tech.co's comparison form, you can receive quotes from various suppliers, tailored to the needs of your business. If you enter into a contract with a provider, we may receive a payment for the introduction. Equally, if you make a purchase through the links on our site, we may earn a commission from the retailers of the products we have reviewed. This helps Tech.co to provide free advice and reviews. It carries no additional cost to you, and doesn’t affect our editorial independence.