Google Workspace has long been a staple of online collaboration thanks to its versatile suite of apps. These include Docs, Sheets, Drive, Meet, and many more. Perhaps less talked about is Google Voice.
There are certainly benefits to using a Google Voice for your VoIP needs since it’ll play nicely with the rest of your stack. That being said, companies that are focused solely on VoIP and unified communications tend to outperform it in certain areas.
Read on to learn about the top Google Voice alternatives so you can decide if it is right for you.
Here Are the Best Google Voice Alternatives
1. Nextiva
Nextiva is a popular bang-for-buck solution thanks to its reliable record and affordable plans.
Nextiva Features
Nextiva makes it easy to unify your business communications onto their platform with features like online faxing, native team chat, and number porting. This means your employees won’t have to toggle between tabs all day since everything is accessible through the Nextiva dashboard.
You’ll also get as many as 12,500 toll-free minutes on your monthly allowance depending on which plan you’re subscribed to. Toll-free numbers are a known credibility booster so being able to reap their benefits at a reduced cost is definitely a pro.
In terms of call management, Nextiva takes a very granular approach with its detailed analytics, call routing, conference calls, and auto-attendant. The platform also has an integration gallery that features plenty of popular tools that can streamline your workflow.
These include Google Workspace, HubSpot, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, Zendesk, and more. With Nextiva’s bulk plans being priced lower than many competitors, the amount of value they provide makes the platform a tempting choice for many SMBs.
Nextiva Pricing & Plans
| Essential | Professional | Enterprise | Ultimate | |
| Price | $31/month per user | $36/month per user | $46/month per user | $76/month per user |
| Integrations | Outlook and Google Contacts | Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zendesk | Microsoft Teams, Oracle Sales Cloud, and ServiceNow | All previous integrations |
| Video conferencing | 1-on-1 | 250 participants | Unlimited participants | Unlimited participants |
Nextiva Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Bulk discounts and annual billing incentives can reduce the monthly cost by 30%
- Features and integrations at an affordable price
- Large toll-free minute allowances
Cons:
- No video conferencing on entry-level plan
2. RingCentral
RingCentral is a one-stop-shop that combines native versatility with wide integration support.
RingCentral Features
RingCentral has many features to speak of but even its video conferencing alone is quite impressive. You’ll get in-meeting features like whiteboarding and screen sharing as well as the ability to launch breakout rooms in the middle of a session.
The OPUS Interactive codec is used to deliver HD audio and video to all RingCentral users — with user reviews backing up these claims of call quality through first-hand experience. Scheduling meetings is also extremely straightforward with RingCentral.
All you have to do is choose your preferred calendar integration then enable one-click scheduling. The various options include Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Zoho Calendar, and many others.
To add to its industry-leading UCaaS offering, RingCentral has useful team collaboration features as well. These include native task management as well as integrations for Asana and Monday.com which helps you use your existing software through the RingCentral platform.
RingCentral Pricing & Plans
| Essential | Standard | Premium | Ultimate | |
| Price | $40/month per user | $50/month per user | $55/month per user | $70/month per user |
| Integrations | None | Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack,
and more |
Salesforce, Zendesk, and more | All previous integrations |
| Video conferencing | None | 100 participants | 200 participants | 200 participants |
RingCentral Pros & Cons
Pros:
- OPUS Interactive codec offers superb HD audio and video
- One-click scheduling for top calendar solutions
- Team collaboration capabilities
Cons:
- Room for improvement on the mobile app
3. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a business phone service ideal for both in-house and remote teams needing to make a clearer distinction between personal and business phones.
Grasshopper Features
Grasshopper doesn’t have nearly as many features as its competitors nor does it claim to. However, its plans offer reliable service at an affordable price to customers who only want the calling-related benefits of VoIP technology.
You’ll be able to create toll-free, local, and vanity numbers through your Grasshopper account or use their Ruby virtual receptionist. Ruby ensures your customers are able to get help outside normal operating hours without you having to pay the salaries of a 24/7 team.
Agents will also be able to stay in touch with customers while on the go through Grasshopper’s iOS and Android apps. This ensures the calling and SMS experience remains consistent whether you’re on the desktop app or using a mobile device.
All call and SMS records from your Grasshopper number will be stored separately on your device which makes it easier to separate them from your personal call history. You can also send/receive faxes on mobile or read voicemail transcriptions.
Grasshopper Pricing & Plans
| Solo | Partner | Small Business | |
| Price | $29/month for one number | $49/month for three numbers | $89/month for five numbers |
| Integrations | Skype | Skype | Skype |
| Video conferencing | None | None | None |
Grasshopper Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The Small Business plan billed annually comes out at $16/month per user
- Separate record storage on mobile devices
- Ruby virtual receptionists 24/7
Cons:
- Lacks features and integrations
4. Dialpad
Dialpad is a popular choice for small teams due to its affordability and free video conferencing.
Dialpad Features
Despite being one of the cheaper providers on this list, Dialpad surpasses pricier alternatives in certain areas. For instance, the accuracy of Dialpad’s voicemail transcription tends to be more accurate than other solutions we’ve tested.
Dialpad also has a Chrome extension that lets you start calls and send texts without leaving your browser. It’s not a game-changing feature but it certainly makes using the service more convenient since you can access Dialpad from any tab.
Furthermore, Dialpad Meetings functionality is free for all users. Video conferences will be limited to 10 participants but getting free conferencing is already a bonus. You can also upgrade to the business version of Dialpad Meetings to increase meeting capacity to 100 participants.
Upgrading also makes it possible to create unlimited recordings of your video conferences which can make it easier to review highlights at a later date. Finally, you’ll get integration support for Google Workspace, Office 365, Salesforce, and Okta.
Dialpad Pricing & Plans
| Standard | Pro | Enterprise | |
| Price | $20/month per user | $30/month per user | Custom |
| Integrations | Google Workspace and Office 365 | Salesforce | Okta |
| Video conferencing | 10 participants | 10 participants | 10 participants |
Dialpad Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Free video conferencing through Dialpad Meetings
- Accurate voicemail transcription
- Useful Chrome extension
Cons:
- Maximum of 10 participants unless you upgrade
5. GoToConnect
GoToConnect is the cloud phone system offering from LogMeIn’s GoTo family of apps.
GoToConnect Features
GoToConnect — formerly known as Jive prior to its $350 million acquisition in 2018 — has quite a few points that make it attractive to users. First of all, it has a diverse integration gallery that features popular tools.
It may not be as large as the app gallery of Zoom, but you’ll still be able to integrate apps like Calendly, Zendesk, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, HubSpot, Zapier, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and more.
Another benefit is the wide hardware support that you’ll get with GoToConnect. In fact, it’s compatible with over 180 desk phone models. This means you’ll have a lot of options to choose from when buying new hardware as well as higher odds of compatibility with existing equipment.
You’ll also get HD video conferencing functionality regardless of which GoToConnect plan you choose. This saves you from having to pay additional monthly costs with a GoToMeeting subscription.
GoToConnect Pricing & Plans
| Basic | Standard | Premium | |
| Price | $24/month per user | $29/month per user | $39/month per user |
| Integrations | Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Zoho, Okta, ServiceNow, Zapier, Zendesk, Office 365, and more | Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Zoho, Okta, ServiceNow, Zapier, Zendesk, Office 365, and more | Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Zoho, Okta, ServiceNow, Zapier, Zendesk, Office 365, and more |
| Video conferencing | 250 participants (25 webcams) | 250 participants (25 webcams) | 250 participants (25 webcams) |
GoToConnect Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Diverse integration gallery
- Extensive hardware support
- HD video conferencing on all plans
Cons:
- Room for improvement on startup time, user interface, and customer support
6. Zoom
Zoom is one of the most popular video conferencing solutions with millions of daily participants. Apart from video conferencing, the company also has z VoIP solution, Zoom Phone.
Zoom Features
Zoom may have struggled to acquire customers during the early days of video conferencing, but it took the world by storm during the pandemic, becoming a sleeper hit. It has advanced features like live transcription, cloud recording, mid-meeting polling, and custom backgrounds.
Of course, you’re likely familiar with the 40-minute time limit that Zoom imposes on free users. However, they more than make up for it by letting free users access 1,000+ integrations on their app gallery without having to upgrade.
This includes tools like Slack, Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Calendar, MailChimp, Dropbox, Hive, and so many more that we could write an entire article on their integrations alone. In spite of this, there are still a lot of reasons why you would want to upgrade.
The time limit will be lifted but you’ll also get premium benefits like company branding, storage, and other perks that justify the monthly subscription cost. You can even get the Large Meetings add-on for $50/month to increase meeting capacity to 1,000 participants.
Zoom Pricing & Plans
| Basic | Pro | Business | Enterprise | |
| Price | Free | $15/month | $20/month | $20/month |
| Integrations | Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Hive, and over 1,000 more | Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Hive, and over 1,000 more | Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Hive, and over 1,000 more | Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Hive, and over 1,000 more |
| Video conferencing | 100 participants | 100 participants | 300 participants | 500 participants |
Zoom Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited access to 1,000+ integrations for both free and paid users
- Up to 1,000 participants with the Large Meetings add-on
- Widely adopted
Cons:
- 40-minute time limit when conferencing on the Basic plan
7. 8×8
8×8 is a unified platform which is great for serving international customers through its contact center, business phone, video, and chat.
8×8 Features
Analytics is one of 8×8’s strong suits. Admins can view real-time reporting that spans their entire organization. Features like recording, coaching, and speech analytics also help optimize the efficacy of agents.
However, where 8×8 really shines is international communication. All users on their X4 plan or higher will get unlimited calling to 48 countries. This can save a small fortune on international calling minutes and makes it easier to enter new markets.
While video conferences used to be limited to 100 participants, 8×8 has recently launched its 500-participant capacity for X Series plans to keep up with demand. Unfortunately, this capacity upgrade doesn’t extend to its entry-level 8×8 Express plan.
Finally, 8×8 leverages artificial intelligence on its platform to provide insights and improve workflows through machine learning. Using AI/ML technology to increase productivity will likely increase in popularity but 8×8’s early adopter status is a notable benefit.
8×8 Pricing & Plans
| 8×8 Express | X2 | X4 | |
| Price | $12/month per user | $24/month per user | $44/month per user |
| Integrations | None | Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Freshdesk, Zendesk, Zoho, HubSpot, Slack, Skype, ServiceDesk, Okta, Flowdeck, and more | Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Freshdesk, Zendesk, Zoho, HubSpot, Slack, Skype, ServiceDesk, Okta, Flowdeck, and more |
| Video conferencing | 1-on-1 | 500 participants | 500 participants |
8×8 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited calling to as many as 48 countries on X Series plans
- Up to 500 participants for X Series video conferences
- Detailed real-time analytics and coaching features
Cons:
- Historically subpar customer support
8. Ooma
Ooma started out as a popular residential provider but their business phone system is worth considering.
Ooma Features
Ooma Office has one of the easiest setup processes in the industry due to its focus on being an out-of-the-box solution. You can get it up and running in minutes with the auto-configuration technology that tunes the settings to match your system.
You can also use Ooma’s softphone capabilities through their mobile apps on the App Store and Google Play. This makes it possible to update account information, make/receive phone calls, and check your voicemails while on the go.
Managing inbound calls is also a lot easier with the virtual receptionist feature. You can set a custom greeting for your business, transfer calls to a target extension, or implement menus that help callers find the department they’re looking for.
Ooma plans come with free calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico which is very helpful for companies who serve the entire North American continent. While it may not have as many features, Ooma is a viable option when it comes to ease of use.
Ooma Pricing & Plans
| Ooma Office | Ooma Office Pro | |
| Price | $19.95/month per line + taxes & fees | $24.95/month per line + taxes & fees |
| Integrations | Google Workspace, Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Zendesk | Google Workspace, Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Zendesk |
| Video conferencing | 25 participants | 25 participants |
Ooma Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
- Auto-configuration shortens setup time
- Virtual receptionist functionality
Cons:
- Room for improvement on faxing features
9. Avaya
Avaya specializes in cloud communications, bringing its customers unified communications, contact center, and CPaaS solutions.
Avaya Features
Avaya has spent the past two decades as a telecommunications equipment provider but its recent partnership with RingCentral lets it offer software solutions to go with the hardware it still sells to customers.
You’ll get RingCentral benefits alongside hardware integration from Avaya. For instance, you’ll be able to use smart devices like Alexa to create always-on conference rooms that get the most out of the platform’s features.
Avaya Cloud Office Rooms lets you convert any physical workspace into a video conferencing room. Upon signing up, you can choose from three deployment options depending on your needs: cloud, on-premise, or hybrid.
Scaling up won’t be a problem either as Avaya lets customers scale to up to 250,000 users. This makes it possible for large enterprise companies to get their entire workforce on the platform. Avaya facilitates 15 million calls per minute so their servers can clearly handle it.
Avaya Pricing & Plans
| Essentials | Standard | Premium | Ultimate | |
| Price | $33/month per user | $43/month per user | $48/month per user | $63/month per user |
| Integrations | None | Office 365, G Suite, Slack,
and more |
Salesforce, Zendesk, Canvas, Smarsh, and more | All previous integrations |
| Video conferencing | None | 100 participants | 200 participants | 200 participants |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Cloud, on-premise, and hybrid deployment options
- Always-on conference rooms
- Up to 250,000 users
Cons:
- Deployments can be quite slow
10. OnSIP
OnSIP is a calling and meeting solution known for its pay-as-you-go pricing model.
OnSIP Features
OnSIP has most of the core VoIP features you’d want in a platform like voicemail, ring groups, auto-attendants, call recording, and a couple of third-party integrations. Its admin portal and voicemail to email options were particularly useful during our testing.
If you go for the Unlimited plan then you’ll get desk phones from Poly included in your subscription cost. While you won’t be getting the latest Poly Trio model, free hardware is always welcome.
Sadly, you’ll need to have at least five users if you want to use the Unlimited plan. Smaller teams will have to stick to the Pay-As-You-Go plan that has fewer features and pricier cost breakdowns.
The main drawback of OnSIP is the fact that you’ll have to pay additional fees based on the features you use. These costs can add up fast with auto-attendants costing $20 each and conference suites running you $50 for 10 rooms.
OnSIP Pricing & Plans
| Pay-As-You-Go | Unlimited | |
| Price | $50/month per user | $19/month per user |
| Integrations | HubSpot, Zendesk, and OODA | HubSpot, Zendesk, and OODA |
| Video conferencing | 5 participants | 5 participants |
OnSIP Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Poly phones included in subscription cost
- OODA integration for telemedicine
- Quick setup desktop app
Cons:
- Maximum of five participants in video conferences
Which Google Voice Alternative is the Best for Your Business?
RingCentral — Overall Winner
When it comes to well-rounded value and platform versatility, RingCentral proves itself as the best choice. Its native video conferencing and task management features are invaluable to businesses. Lastly, it also gives you an expansive integration gallery at an affordable price.
Nextiva — Value
Nextiva’s pricing model makes it the prime candidate for companies who want a cost-effective way to scale up. On the Professional plan, you’ll be getting 3,000 toll-free minutes and 250-participant video conferences all for only $31/month.
Dialpad — Budget
Dialpad has a few unique benefits like its handy Chrome extension and free video conferencing but affordable pricing is undoubtedly one of its best attributes. Small teams will be able to get features like voicemail transcription and an auto-attendant at a low monthly cost.
Grasshopper — Calling
Grasshopper has long focused on offering simplicity, affordability, and reliability instead of implementing extra features. It lacks the bells and whistles that most of its competitors add to their platforms, but it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a calling solution and a business number.
Zoom — Integrations
Zoom is unchallenged when it comes to integrations. Their gallery features over 1,000 integrations to choose from which ensures your entire tool stack will be compatible with Zoom. Finally, you can use an unlimited number of integrations on all tiers including the free plan.
GoToConnect — UCaaS
When combining GoToConnect with GoToMeeting, you’re able to unify calling, instant messaging, and HD conferencing onto a single account. Its call recording and analytics further add value to the UCaaS offering from LogMeIn.
8×8 — International
Companies with a global customer base will find that 8×8’s X Series plans are the ideal solution. These plans offer unlimited calling to as many as 48 countries which empowers business with international reach on an unmatched level.
Avaya — Hardware
Avaya got its start as a telecommunications equipment provider so it should come as no surprise that they’re still the top pick when it comes to first-party hardware. Their hardware, coupled with RingCentral’s software, is a truly potent combination.
Ooma — Analog
Ooma Office may not have as many notable features as its competitors but its analog support is a significant cost-saver. Companies with telephone handsets won’t need to buy new phones to use their Ooma subscription which cuts down on upfront expenses during the VoIP transition.
Why Google Voice?
Google Voice is a popular solution for individuals and businesses which provides you with a phone number for calls, text messages, voicemails and more. It has most of the features you’d need for personal or business use: domestic and international calling, call forwarding, video calls, mobile and web applications.
The mobile app is well-designed which makes for a seamless cross-platform experience. Also, it has integrations with Google Meet and Google Calendar that are available even on the $10/month entry-level plan.
Google Voice Limitations
User Caps
The $10/month price point of Google Voice’s Starter plan is a major selling point for the solution. Sadly, this plan is only available for teams with 10 users or less. If you want more than 10 users, you’ll have to upgrade to the $20/month Standard plan — priced closer to the industry average.
Desk Phones
Speaking of the limitations on the Starter plan, you won’t be able to use your desk phones with Google Voice unless you upgrade. This may be fine for casual users who prefer softphones, but businesses with VoIP hardware will be paying at least $20/month.
Inaccurate Transcription
The transcription feature on Google Voice definitely has room for improvement. It’s not so bad to the point of being unusable, but the number of errors in transcripts is higher than what you’d see with top VoIP providers.
Limited Integrations
While Google Voice does play nicely with other tools in the app family such as Meet or Calendar, it doesn’t have much in the way of third-party integrations.
Let’s take a look at some Google Voice alternatives that have more integrations and improve on other app limitations as well.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from if Google Voice isn’t the right fit for your business. While it does have affordable pricing, an intuitive interface, and an easy-to-use mobile app, other options may have a feature set better suited to your use case.
It all comes down to weighing your specific needs and evaluating which features will have the greatest impact on your day-to-day operations. In the end, you can’t go wrong with most of the providers in this article, so there’s no need to be intimidated by the vast array of options.