11 Best Google Voice alternatives for business communications

If you’re in the market for a Google Voice alternative for your small business, you’ve come to the right place. 

As you probably know, Google Voice is a virtual telephony service available free for personal use and via comparatively inexpensive plans for business communications. It provides voice calling, call forwarding, voicemail, and text messaging over an internet connection. 

The free service and Starter plan have become popular with small businesses in particular. But when it comes to growth, the tool is likely to come up short. 

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives out there.  Read on to learn about:

• Google Voice limitations
• How to choose the best Google Voice alternative
• Features to look for in a Google Voice alternative
• The 11 best Google Voice alternatives
  • RingCentral RingEX – The most feature rich Google Voice alternative
  • Openphone
  • Grasshopper
  • GoToConnect
  • MightyCall
  • Virtual PBX
  • Aircall
  • JustCall
  • Telzio
  • Freshcaller – A free Google Voice alternative
  • Skype – A free Google Voice alternative

📱 Need video meetings with your business phone? Find out how to get the most bang for your buck with our checklist.

Google Voice limitations: Why you may be looking for an alternative to Google Voice

Like many other business communication tools, Google Voice uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, requiring only a basic WiFi connection to make calls. That means there’s no need for any permanent hardware such as landlines or desk phones. 

Google Voice offers a free version for anyone with a Google account. This is designed for personal use, so freelancers and solo entrepreneurs will find it useful. A very small business could also use it. However, the tool does have limitations, including the fact that it doesn’t include video calling or team messaging. 

For small businesses and startups looking to grow, it’s often lacking in features needed for continued scaling. You can upgrade to a paid plan, but even then it’s limited—as only the higher-priced plans have features like auto-attendants and call recording.

Some key limitations include:

Google Voice isn’t available in every country

Google Voice is only available in some regions.  As of the writing of this blog, it’s available in: the US (excluding some US territories), UK, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

It’s linked to your existing phone number

Google Voice requires that you already have a US-based cell number. It does then give you a free local number (your Google Voice number) to give out to your work contacts, but calls are still forwarded to your personal line.

Some users have mentioned that incoming calls from unknown numbers are not identified as Google Voice calls, making it impossible to know if it’s a work or personal call.¹

No toll-free or vanity numbers

Google Voice does not support toll-free or vanity numbers—you’re limited to local numbers. If you want a more memorable number to make your business stand out and encourage clients to call you, you’re out of luck.

Some of the controls are clunky

According to Forbes Advisor, users may experience a slight delay when receiving calls. You have to press a button to confirm acceptance of the call, and if you don’t do this quickly enough, the caller will be directed to voicemail instead. Not great when you’re trying to build a business.

Luckily there are many VoIP alternatives better suited to business functions. As business communications providers continue to grow and innovate, more tools (with more functionality) are becoming available.

RingCentral RingEX®, for example, is an all-inclusive business communications solution that includes cloud-VoIP calling alongside comprehensive messaging and video tools. Read on to find out why it could be the best alternative to Google Voice for you.

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How to choose the best Google Voice alternative

If Google Voice has stopped working for your business, it’s time to rethink. But where should you start when considering an alternative? 

Your criteria should be based on your own unique business communication needs, rather than a generic list. So, before investing in a new software service, it’s time to do some self-analysis. Ask yourself what features you want and how much money you’re willing to part with in order to get them. 

If you’re still not sure how to choose the right VoIP provider, start by identifying your operational needs. Ask yourself these questions:

• How much can your business afford to spend each month?
• Do you make frequent international calls?
• What type of phone number does your business need (toll-free, local, international)? 
• Will you require a call routing solution?
• How is your workforce organized (in-house or distributed remotely)? 
• Do you also need video functionality? 
• Do you have other business tools that need to be integrated?

Features to look for in a Google Voice alternative

So, what are some of the best features to look out for in your new VoIP application? We’ve whittled it down to a fundamental checklist.

Here’s what to look for in Google Voice competitors:

1. Competitive international call rates
2. Good call quality and connectivity 
3. Reliability and coverage 
4. Easy installation and management 
5. Affordable monthly subscription costs 
6. Excellent customer service 
7. Advanced features—including phone features and other channels
8. Possibility of upgrades
9. Telephone number porting

There’s a lot to consider, so take your time to shop around (and be sure to ask about these top features). Luckily for you, we’ve already put in the groundwork and selected our top 11 alternatives for Google Voice users looking for a new direction.

Google Voice alternatives in summary

Looking for a quick indication of where we rate our selection of leading Google Voice alternatives? Use the summary table below, then proceed to the individual breakdowns.

11 Best Google Voice alternatives

We’ve come up with a list of business communication providers, based on all of the key criteria we’ve just covered. This includes a couple of free alternatives to Google Voice alongside affordable paid-for solutions.

1. RingCentral: The most feature-rich Google Voice alternative

RingCentral has designed a business VoIP alternative that goes above and beyond. It’s not just a single-function tool—it works in harmony as part of a fully comprehensive cloud-based communications solution. 

RingCentral RingEX is an all-in-one software solution that helps businesses streamline their communications from one secure platform, boosting efficiency and productivity and improving overall workflows. 

It’s designed to help you communicate effectively and  get more done with fully integrated messaging, video meetings, and phone calls—all on any device of your choice. 

Let’s take a look at what you get.

Messaging and collaboration:

• Team messaging 
• File sharing 
• Task management
• Agenda sharing
• Search tools, keywords, and filters
• Live collaborations 
• Messaging to video in a click 
• Loads of app integrations, such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365

Video: 

• Video meetings (up to 200 people) 
• Invite by link, email, or text
• Join, host, and invite in a click
• HD audio and video 
• Password-protected meetings
• Screen sharing 
• Meet on any device 
• Flip from call to video with one click
• Switch between devices mid-meeting

So, whether you’re just looking for a cloud phone system, or something more, RingCentral has you covered. Your business will be fully equipped to streamline workflows, get organized in teams, and communicate from absolutely anywhere. 

That’s why we think  it’s the best alternative to Google Voice, but if you’re not sure, read on for some other options.

2. Openphone

Openphone’s business phone software is all about collaboration, with each business number having an inbox where you can see your team’s conversations with contacts. 

Users can record calls, transcribe voicemails, and see call logs alongside texts in a unified view. There’s no free plan but you can have a free trial.

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Features include:

• Shared phone number
• Team communication
• Snippets and auto-replies
• Analytics (in higher tiers)
• Call recording 
• Group messaging 
• Global calling and messaging
• Message transcription

However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one phone and video platform, Openphone might not be the best option. There’s no video tool, and even the integrations don’t include a video platform unless you do it though Zapier.²

It’d be much more efficient to deploy an all-in-one business communications solution (like RingCentral!) where everything can be found in one place.

3. Grasshopper

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Grasshopper supplies virtual phone numbers for solopreneurs and small organizations, which you can use across multiple devices (including iPhone, iOS, Android, and landline). 

Basic call management features such as forwarding, transfer, screening, and blocking are included, although not recording.

Features include:

• Toll-free, vanity, and local numbers
• The option to port your current number
• 24/7 US-based support 
• Custom greetings
• Extensions 
• Business texting
• Voicemail transcription
• Simultaneous call handling

Grasshopper primarily uses your service provider’s cellular network for incoming and outgoing calls, although WiFi and VoIP calling options are available.³ The big downside is that there’s no video or messaging feature, and no direct integrations with third-party tools.

4. GoToConnect

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GoToConnect is a business communications tool that combines calls, meetings, and messaging in a unified platform. 

The Phone System plan includes unlimited users, video meetings for up to 250 people, and customizable call management. You can also access customer engagement tools in some plans.⁴

Features include:

• Toll-free, local, and vanity numbers
• International calling
• Custom hold music
• Caller ID
• Screen sharing 
• Call and meeting recording
• Analytics
•  24/7 customer support

No pricing is shown on the website, which is tricky when you’re comparing vendors. You’ll have to get in touch with GoToConnect to find out. 

Online reviewers have mentioned that there’s a learning curve and that the UI can be tricky to navigate, and there are a few issues with customer support.⁵

5. MightyCall

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MightyCall is a virtual phone system with options for call center management. Users get unlimited calling and SMS/MMS messaging alongside features like routing, queueing, and forwarding. You can also design your own call flow, while call monitoring is available in the higher tiers.

Features include:

• Make and receive calls from any device 
• Toll-free and local numbers
• Multi-level IVR
• Voicemail transcription
• Audio conferencing
• Call notes and recording
• Caller ID

There’s no free plan, but a free trial is available. Like many of the vendors on this list, MightyCall doesn’t provide video or messaging, while the only integrations are with CRMs. Users refer to a few glitches and clunky features, and the initial setup taking longer than expected.⁶

6. Virtual PBX

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Virtual PBX is a virtual communication tool that includes voice calling, video conferencing, and SMS. It offers features like unlimited local minutes, call forwarding and recording, and auto attendant, plus optional contact center capabilities such as ACD queues and agent monitoring.

Features include:

• Voicemail transcription
• Auto attendant
• Ring groups
• Call forwarding
• Call logs
• Digital fax
• Audio conferencing
• 24/7 customer support

However, there’s no team messaging feature, while SMS and video calls are only available in the higher-priced plans—it’s the same with integrations.7 Even small businesses may find the basic plan a little sparse. Some users say they’ve experienced problems with the digital fax feature.⁸

7. Aircall

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Aircall is a business phone system that’s aimed at sales and support teams. It includes SMS/MMS messaging alongside voice calls, and comes with call management features such as recording, ring groups, click-to-dial, and audio conferencing. Users can assign and leave comments on calls to give context.

Features include:

• Unlimited calls in US/Canada
• Toll-free numbers
• International numbers
• Call and voicemail transcription
• Call routing 
• Interactive voice response (IVR)
• Custom music and messages
• Analytics

Aircall doesn’t offer video conferencing or team messaging tools. Despite that, the plans seem more expensive than some Google voice alternatives, and the lowest-priced tier only gives you basic analytics.9 AI-powered tools like call summaries are charged as an add-on. Reviewers refer to occasional problems with call quality.¹⁰

8. JustCall

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JustCall’s unified cloud phone system includes voice calling, SMS, email, and WhatsApp, with a single dashboard to view your conversations. With AI tools for coaching and training, the system is suitable for sales and support teams. There are integrations with other CRM, help desks, and other tools.

Features include:

• Local and toll-free numbers
• Number porting
• Call recording
• Caller ID
• Call tracking
• Custom greetings
• Integrations
• Analytics

One downside, however, is that while audio conferencing is supported on this application, video conferencing is not. The Basic plan is indeed basic, with no integrations, IVR, or toll-free numbers. For smart routing and call monitoring you’ll need the Pro tier, which is quite pricey. And an upgrade to the AI Suite is required for things like transcription and conversation intelligence.¹¹

9. Telzio

Telzio provides a VoIP business phone system for voice calling and SMS/MMS across multiple devices. It has a minimalist interface and a wide range of call management functions, as well free internal calling and unlimited users. Telzio also provides desk phones and lets you bring existing phones from your current provider.

Features include:

• Number porting
• Automatic call distribution
• Auto attendants
• Voicemail transcription
• Call queues
• Call monitoring 
• Call recording
• Personalized greetings

There’s no video or team messaging, while conference calls are limited to three people unless you use a conference bridge. Pricing looks a little confusing—choose either bundled minutes or “committed use” plans (for unpredictable usage), then pick a local or toll-free number plan. There’s also custom pricing for enterprises.¹²

Free Google Voice alternatives

10. Freshcaller

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Freshcaller is a cloud phone system that’s geared around contact center management. It includes call handling features like customizable routing, custom greetings, and automated call distribution—alongside dashboards and coaching tools for supervisors.

Features include:

• Local, toll-free, and vanity numbers
• Multi-level IVR
• Message alerts
• Call notes
• Power dialer
• Audio conferencing
• Call recording and metrics 
• Inbound caller ID

There’s a free plan that gives you the basics, but you’ll need to pay for things like call recording, transfer, and voicemail.13 Freshcaller doesn’t offer video or messaging capabilities, nor are they available as native integrations. Reviewers mention that it’s expensive and not as intuitive as it could be.¹⁴

11. Skype

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Skype is well known as a platform for video calls with friends and family but is also often used by small businesses for professional communications purposes.

Features include virtual meetings for up to 100 people (video or audio), landline calling, and Meet Now (which lets users start calls directly from their Windows 10 taskbar).

Features include:

• Desktop and mobile apps
• Audio and HD video calling 
• Smart messaging
• Screen sharing
• Call recording
• Live subtitles
• Local numbers available
• International calling

Skype is a popular free alternative to Google Voice, but may lack the necessary features for rapid scalability. Larger businesses will need to swap to Microsoft Teams in Microsoft 365—which is quite an investment. There’s limited emergency calling capability, while online reviews mention connectivity issues.¹⁵

How we came up with the list

While there’s no such thing as a perfect service comparison, we aimed to make ours as useful as possible by exploring the features of different platforms and being realistic about their strengths and weaknesses. 

Yes, we rate RingCentral the highest, but not for the sake of it—and if you do additional research, you’ll see that it’s consistently rated at or near the top of comparable comparisons throughout the internet.

We chose the platforms covered here because we deemed them the most relevant. Anyone who starts looking for a Google Voice alternative will likely end up looking at some or all of them, and they all have something reasonable to offer. 

We also wanted to cover solutions with different approaches and foundations, rather than listing ten or twenty tools likely to appeal to exactly the same markets.

Accordingly, there are countless options that we don’t cover (Nextiva, Dialpad, Ooma, etc.), and the list never stops increasing. We believe you’ll find what you need here on our shortlist, but if you need more information, we recommend pairing our list with other lists on other sites. The more opinions you get, the easier you’ll find it to make a good decision.

As for how we explored the features of these platforms, we used a combination of testing and considering user analysis. The goal was to focus on the things that really matter rather than dwelling on too many minor details. 

Here’s some more information about the key elements we took into account:

• User experience. How easy is a given platform to set up? How steep is the learning curve? How reliable is it once it’s fully operational? And to what extent does it improve productivity, efficiency, economy, and/or morale? A powerful system with a terrible user experience will ultimately fail to deliver on its potential.
• Pricing & value. Low costs don’t make a service worth paying for, just as high costs don’t make a service undesirable. Pricing is, however, undeniably important. We look into pricing structures (considering subscription fees, add-ons, and any additional costs) and gauge the level of value users can expect.
• Features. How good are the features, and how wide-ranging are they? A strong solution in this category must nail the essentials (call management, voicemail, business texting, etc.), so that’s where we focus our attention, but we also look into any advanced features such as real-time transcription or offering a virtual receptionist to determine how well they fare.
• Integrations. Being able to integrate seamlessly with a wide variety of software tools makes a phone service even more useful, as does having a straightforward and accessible API. In particular, we look for compatibility with CRM systems like Zendesk Sell and Salesforce and popular platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
• Customer support. Timely and effective customer support can make or break the user experience, especially given how important telephony is to so many businesses. We evaluate the quality of customer service, the availability of support channels, and the resources provided for troubleshooting and onboarding.
• Security. Online telephony services must be extremely secure, not least because a lack of security can lead a business to fall foul of regulations. Given the importance of encryption and other protective measures, we won’t typically include any VoIP solution that doesn’t meet security standards in any of our comparisons.
• Scalability. For a cell phone service, proving suitable at a small-business level is one thing, and passing muster at the enterprise level is another thing entirely. To support operational growth, a phone solution should make it easy to add users, configure integrations, and support remote use, among other things.

We don’t give each of these criteria equal importance, of course (indeed, as noted, security is a must-have). Instead, we prioritize the most significant factors so our comparisons reflect the things that really matter. And since we want to keep our information accurate, we re-test at appropriate internals to ensure we’re being maximally helpful.

Google Voice alternatives: Is it time to make the switch?

While Google Voice’s free phone service might have seemed like an attractive package for startups, there comes a time in every young business’s life when scalability becomes top priority. If that sounds like you, it’s time to think about switching to powerful business communications software that will grow with you. 

Start by thinking about what your business needs, and work from there. For maximum efficiency and workload optimization, it’s best to pick  an all-in-one communications solution like RingEX. 

That way you’ll be able to manage your calls, messages, and video conferencing all from one place, rather than adding in different apps as your needs expand. There are also tons of integrations, making it easier to adopt alongside your pre-existing software stack.

Google Voice alternative FAQs

Are there any other apps like Google Voice?

Yes, there are a lot of apps similar to Google Voice. Some offer free plans, while others require a paid subscription. Whether you’re planning a move away from Google Voice or you’re looking at phone systems for the first time, you’ll need to do some research to compare the options and find the best one for your business.

What are the benefits of Google Voice alternatives?

Google Voice can be a solid tool for small businesses, but it has its limitations. With the alternatives, you’ll get a lot more features in terms of call management, and (if you pick the right solution) video calling and team messaging, too.

What’s the best free Google Voice alternative?

If you definitely want to stick with a freemium plan, Skype is a good option because it includes video and messaging. But if you’re looking for scalability for a growing business, you’re best off with a feature-rich paid-for solution.

What’s the best alternative for Google Voice?

That would be RingCentral RingEX, which combines multiple communication channels and call management features into one handy platform. You can also benefit from AI-powered tools and conversation intelligence, plus top-notch security and customer support.

Is Google Voice free?

That depends on whether you’re using it for personal use or for business. If it’s the former, you get a Google Voice number and use it freely within the US and Canada or pay standard phone rates to place international calls. If it’s the latter, you’ll need to pay between $10 and $30 per user, per month to use Google Voice.

Is RingCentral free?

While the RingCentral app is free to download, the RingCentral phone service, called RingEX, is not free to use. The Core tier, which costs $9.99 per user, per month if paid annually, offers an array of features and unlimited domestic calls.

Can I get my own number with RingCentral?

Yes, absolutely. You can choose what type of number you set up: you can pick a standard business number, a local number, a toll-free number, or even a vanity number. You can then configure additional numbers whenever required.

Footnotes:

1.   https://www.g2.com/products/google-voice/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&order=most_recent
2. https://www.openphone.com/integrations
3. https://grasshopper.com/voip/
4. https://www.goto.com/pricing/connect
5. https://www.g2.com/products/goto-connect/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&order=most_recent
6. https://www.g2.com/products/mightycall/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&order=most_recent
7. https://www.virtualpbx.com/products/plan-comparison/
8. https://www.g2.com/products/virtualpbx/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&order=most_recent
9. https://aircall.io/pricing/
10. https://www.g2.com/products/aircall/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&order=most_recent
11. https://justcall.io/pricing/
12. https://telzio.com/prices
13. https://www.freshworks.com/freshcaller-cloud-pbx/pricing/
14. https://www.capterra.com/p/165078/Freshcaller/reviews/
15. https://www.g2.com/products/skype/reviews?utf8=%E2%9C%93&order=most_recent

Originally published Jul 21, 2024, updated Sep 23, 2024