Google Voice at a Glance
Google has a reputation for quality, and Google Voice certainly lives up to the company’s high technical standards. In fact, Google Voice is one of Forbes’ picks for the best VoIP phone Services.
With Google Voice, you can set up a business or personal phone number that works on your smartphone, landline or the web using an internet connection.
To get started with Google Voice, you’ll need to choose the business or personal plan that’s right for you. You can port an existing phone number or select from a list of numbers with specific area codes from around the country.
Not surprisingly, Voice works seamlessly with other Google Workspace apps, including Meet and Calendar. If your business is already using Google’s business software suite, Google Voice is a logical and user-friendly addition to your company’s tech toolset.
Prices and Plans
Google Voice plans with a personal Google account are free. If you’re a freelancer or solo entrepreneur who just needs a dedicated business phone number, the free plan might work for you. There are three Google Voice business plans, and each offers basic features such as voice mail transcription, call forwarding, unlimited SMS in the U.S. and 24/7 support.
The best plan for you will depend on your unique business requirements. For example, if you conduct a great deal of business internationally, you’ll likely need to go with the Premier plan. The chart below breaks down the top features and costs of each Google Voice plan.
Other Benefits
Google has invested in both improving and expanding business features for its VoIP solution over the years. Google Voice comes with a number of benefits that make it a strong option for anyone considering VoIP for their business.
- Call forwarding. Forward your Google Voice phone number to up to six linked phone numbers to receive a call on any mobile, VoIP or landline device.
- Familiar, user-friendly interface. If you’ve ever used any Google Workspace apps, you’ll likely find that the Google Voice user-friendly interface feels familiar.
- Ring groups. Create a ring group (a.k.a. a hunt group) so that team members can take turns answering calls coming into a single Google Voice telephone number.
- Multilevel auto attendant. Set up an automated attendant (menu, e.g., “for sales, press one”) to direct callers to the department or person within your organization that can best help them.
- Mobile and desktop apps. Google Voice works with both mobile and microphone-equipped desktop devices.
- Missed call troubleshooting. You are alerted should you ever miss a call due to a poor internet connection, which allows you to make appropriate connection changes.
- Conference calls. Google Voice is compatible with popular conference call devices from Poly.
Fine Print
One downside to Google Voice is that it does not offer toll-free numbers, which can be a disadvantage for businesses whose clientele are geographically dispersed.
Also, Google Voice lacks built-in team messaging features offered by some VoIP providers (group chats are limited to seven people). However, Google Chat, another app in Google Workspace, delivers team collaboration and communication features. Chat is available to anyone with a Gmail address or Google Workspace account.
Finally, while you can make and receive calls with the Google Voice web or mobile app virtually anywhere with an internet connection, you can only link Google Voice with a number through a U.S.-based carrier. International rates—which vary by location—apply to international calls (except to Canada) made with Google Voice.
How Google Voice Stacks Up
Google Voice compares favorably with other popular VoIP alternatives in terms of low prices and basic features offered. One somewhat surprising miss with Google Voice is that it does not provide a virtual fax solution, though that isn’t necessarily a problem for most businesses these days.
Is Google Voice Right for You or Your Business?
Google Voice is a smart option for small businesses that already use Google Workspace. It’s also ideal for freelancers on a tight budget who need a separate, free phone number to conduct business.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Google Voice really free?
Google Voice offers a free personal plan with limited features as well as paid business plans that come with a host of popular workplace tools and call management functions.
Is Google Chat the same as Google Voice?
Google Chat and Google Voice are different products. Google Voice is a VoIP telephone service that allows you to make calls and send texts. Google Chat is a web- or app-based messaging tool that lets people chat and share documents privately or in groups.
How good is the call quality with Google Voice?
Most users report that the audio quality on Google Voice is exceptional. Of course, connection quality with any VoIP service is tied to the internet or cell phone data service you are using.
Does Google Voice change your phone number?
With Google Voice, you’ll get a distinct phone number from a U.S. area code of your choice. You can link up to six existing U.S.-based phone numbers to make and receive calls from associated devices using your Google Voice number. You can also have calls to your Google Voice number forwarded to any or all of your linked numbers.
Is VoIP the same as Wi-Fi calling?
VoIP and Wi-Fi calling are similar. VoIP sends digital data packets over the internet that are converted to analog phone signals at the recipient’s end. Wi-Fi calling connects a phone call through the internet rather than a cell tower.
What features do VoIP services offer?
The most basic VoIP services include unlimited calling and voicemail, while more advanced features include visual voice mail, call forwarding, toll-free numbers and customer relationship management (CRM) integrations.
