When setting up a business phone system, many small and mid-size companies gravitate toward what feels easy and familiar. That’s why Google Voice often becomes the default choice. It’s free (at first), integrates with Gmail, and seems like a simple solution for calls and texts.
But here’s the reality: while Google Voice might suit solo entrepreneurs or very basic use, it quickly shows its limitations when a business begins to grow. Lack of support for multiple users, limited features, and call management restrictions are just a few of the roadblocks companies run into. And in today’s fast-moving, customer-first landscape, those limitations can cost you.
So what should a business do when it outgrows Google Voice?
Fortunately, the market has evolved. There are now robust, cloud-based VoIP alternatives specifically built for small to mid-size businesses—solutions that go far beyond the basics, offering advanced call routing, SMS, team collaboration features, and more, often at competitive prices.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Google Voice alternatives for business users who want reliable, scalable, and professional-grade phone systems—without enterprise-level complexity.
Is there a better Google Voice alternative?
The short answer is: yes. The long answer is: yes, but it all depends on your business communication needs.
When looking for the best Google Voice alternatives, you need to keep a list of relevant topics in mind:
| Call Quality: Including voice quality, jitters and voice delays during phone calls |
| Core Features: Such as call forwarding, call transcription, SMS & MMS |
| Advanced Features: IVR (Digital Receptionist), CRM integrations, etc. |
| User Experience: Navigability and usability, installation process, device compatibility |
| Scalability: How the provider allows you to grow and adapt your system |
| Reliability: 99.9% of uptime, customer service, even disaster recovery |
To make this even easier for you, we broke down the main alternatives in a handy table with pricing and other important information.
| Company Name | Starting Pricing* (Monthly Individual, USD) | Pricing (Monthly Est. 40 Employees, USD) | Key Features | Unlimited Calling to US & Canada? Yes/No |
| VoIP.ms | $0.85 per DID monthly fee + Pay per use | Avg. Monthly Spend $ 34.58 | VoIP.ms Digital Receptionist (IVR) | No limits, pay per use |
| SMS & Messaging | ||||
| Calling Queues | ||||
| Call Forwarding | ||||
| Call Recording | ||||
| Voicemail to Email | ||||
| Call Transfers & Call Parking | ||||
| Ring Groups | ||||
| International Calling | ||||
| Virtual Fax | ||||
| Nextiva | $36 | $1440 | 100 Business SMS | Yes, US and CAN |
| Voicemail to Email | ||||
| Team Messaging & Collaboration | ||||
| Call Forwarding & Call Transfer | ||||
| Auto Attendant (IVR) | ||||
| Call Recording | ||||
| Multi-Level IVR | ||||
| Call Analytics & Reporting | ||||
| Mobile & Desktop Apps | ||||
| Ooma | $19.95 | $798 | Desktop App (without calling) | Yes. Unlimited calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. |
| Mobile App (iOS & Android) | ||||
| Virtual Receptionist | ||||
| Call Park | ||||
| Ring Groups | ||||
| Music on Hold | ||||
| Simultaneous Ring | ||||
| Voicemail-to-Email Audio File | ||||
| Virtual Fax | ||||
| RingCentral | $30 | $1200 | AI Assistant | Unlimited within the US and Canada |
| 25 Business SMS and MMS | ||||
| Call Menu (IVR) | ||||
| HD Video Meetings (100 participants) | ||||
| Google, Microsoft Integrations | ||||
| Single Sign-On | ||||
| Shared Voicemail | ||||
| Real-time QoS Analytics | ||||
| Developer Platform & API Access | ||||
| 100 Toll-Free Minutes | ||||
| Grasshopper | $25 | $1000 | Unlimited Business Texting (Registration required) | Not explicitly offered |
| Mobile + Desktop Apps | ||||
| Call Forwarding | ||||
| VoIP + WiFi Calling | ||||
| Virtual Fax | ||||
| 1 User & 1 Business Phone Number | ||||
| Voicemail + Read Your Voicemail | ||||
| Instant Response & Custom Greetings | ||||
| 24/7 Support | ||||
| No Call Recording, Call Transfers, or Simultaneous Call Handling | ||||
| Dialpad | $27 | $1080 | Unlimited Ai Meetings for up to 150 participants | Yes. Unlimited inbound and outbound calls within your country, the US and Canada. |
| SMS, MMS & team messaging | ||||
| Ai-powered call & voicemail transcriptions | ||||
| Google Workspace & Microsoft 365 integrations | ||||
| Real-time analytics & reporting | ||||
| Web & chat support | ||||
| 1 Phone Number | ||||
| Custom call routing | ||||
| Call forwarding to other devices |
*Note: As of May 2025, VoIP.ms do not offer pricing bundles and offer a Pay-as-You-Go model, meaning rates are calculated considering average monthly spent by companies. Other providers follow different business models.
The 6 Best Paid and Free Alternatives to Google Voice
Now that we have a bird’s eye view of the best alternatives to Google Voice, let’s break them down further so you can make an informed decision.
VoIP.ms
| Company Name | Pricing (Individual) | Pricing (40 Employees) | Key Features | Best Known For |
| VoIP.ms | $0.85 per DID + Pay-per-use | Avg. Spend $34.58 | IVR, SMS & Messaging, Call Queues, Call Forwarding, Call Recording, Voicemail to Email, Virtual Fax, Ring Groups | Cost-effective, pay-per-use VoIP solution with extensive customization options |
VoIP.ms is a feature-rich VoIP provider known for its flexible and cost-effective pricing model. Unlike traditional per-user plans, VoIP.ms operates on a pay-per-use system, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking for granular control over their phone expenses. With an average monthly spend of $34.58 for a 40-employee company, it offers a scalable solution without locking users into high fixed monthly fees.
Why is VoIP.ms a good alternative to Google Voice?
VoIP.ms stands out as a Google Voice alternative due to its extensive feature set and cost efficiency. Businesses benefit from advanced capabilities such as a digital receptionist (IVR), SMS and messaging, call recording, voicemail to email, and international calling. Additionally, its integration with Microsoft Teams and API-based CRM connectivity ensures seamless workflow adaptability. While Google Voice offers flat-rate pricing, VoIP.ms provides a more flexible, pay-as-you-go structure, making it an excellent option for companies prioritizing cost control and customization.
Nextiva
| Company Name | Pricing (Individual) | Pricing (40 Employees) | Key Features | Best Known For |
| Nextiva | $36 per user | $1,440 | Unlimited calls (US & Canada), Business SMS, Voicemail to Email, Team Messaging, Multi-Level IVR, Call Recording, Mobile & Desktop Apps | Comprehensive business phone system with collaboration tools |
Nextiva is a comprehensive VoIP phone service provider that offers unlimited calling across the U.S. and Canada, making it a strong choice for businesses seeking predictable monthly costs. With a starting price of $36 per user and an estimated monthly cost of $1,440 for a 40-employee company, Nextiva provides an all-in-one communication platform designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
Why is Nextiva a good alternative to Google Voice?
Nextiva offers a robust set of features that go beyond Google Voice’s capabilities, including multi-level IVR, call analytics, and team messaging with collaboration tools. It also provides mobile and desktop apps, call recording, and voicemail-to-email functionality, making it a well-rounded solution for businesses of all sizes. While Google Voice is a budget-friendly option, Nextiva’s unlimited calling and advanced business tools make it a better fit for companies that need a more complete unified communications platform.
Ooma
| Company Name | Pricing (Individual) | Pricing (40 Employees) | Key Features | Best Known For |
| Ooma | $19.95 per user | $798 | 50+ VoIP features, Virtual Receptionist, Call Park, Ring Groups, Music on Hold, Voicemail-to-Email, Mobile & Desktop Apps | Small business-friendly VoIP with simple setup and reliable service |
Ooma is a user-friendly VoIP provider that delivers over 50 standard VoIP features at an affordable price. With a starting cost of $19.95 per user and an estimated monthly expense of $798 for a 40-employee company, Ooma provides outgoing and incoming calls to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, making it a great choice for businesses with North American operations.
Why is Ooma a good alternative to Google Voice?
Ooma offers a broader range of business-focused features compared to Google Voice, including a virtual receptionist, call park, ring groups, and music on hold. It also supports voicemail-to-email with audio attachments, mobile and desktop apps, and virtual fax capabilities. While Google Voice is more basic in its functionality, Ooma’s extensive VoIP feature set and unlimited calling make it a strong alternative for businesses seeking a more professional and scalable phone system.
RingCentral
| Company Name | Pricing (Individual) | Pricing (40 Employees) | Key Features | Best Known For |
| RingCentral | $30 per user | $1,200 | AI Assistant, Business SMS, HD Video Meetings (100 participants), Call Menu (IVR), Real-time QoS Analytics, API Access, Toll-Free Minutes | Feature-rich unified communications platform with AI-powered tools |
RingCentral is a leading VoIP provider known for its AI-powered features and extensive business communication tools. With a starting price of $30 per user and an estimated monthly cost of $1,200 for a 40-employee company, it offers unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada, making it a solid choice for businesses that need a reliable and scalable phone system.
Why is RingCentral a good alternative to Google Voice?
RingCentral goes beyond what Google Voice does by offering AI-powered assistance, real-time QoS analytics, shared voicemail, and HD video conferencing for up to 100 participants. It also integrates seamlessly with Google and Microsoft, includes a built-in Microsoft Teams integration, and provides developer API access for advanced customizations. While Google Voice is a basic VoIP solution, RingCentral is a full-featured unified communications platform designed for businesses that need more robust collaboration and analytics tools.
Grasshopper
| Company Name | Pricing (Individual) | Pricing (40 Employees) | Key Features | Best Known For |
| Grasshopper | $25 per user | $1,000 | Unlimited Business Texting, Call Forwarding, Virtual Fax, Voicemail Transcription, Custom Greetings, Mobile & Desktop Apps | Easy-to-use virtual phone system for entrepreneurs and small businesses |
Grasshopper is a VoIP service tailored for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking for a simple and mobile-friendly phone solution. With a starting price of $25 per user and an estimated monthly cost of $1,000 for a 40-employee company, Grasshopper offers essential business calling features without the complexity of larger VoIP platforms.
Why is Grasshopper a good alternative to Google Voice?
Grasshopper provides a straightforward, no-fuss alternative to Google Voice, featuring unlimited business texting, call forwarding, virtual fax, and voicemail transcription. It includes mobile and desktop apps, making it easy for users to stay connected on the go. While it lacks advanced features like call recording and call transfers, its simplicity and 24/7 support make it an excellent option for small businesses that need a reliable phone system without unnecessary extras.
Dialpad
| Company Name | Pricing (Individual) | Pricing (40 Employees) | Key Features | Best Known For |
| Dialpad | $27 per user | $1,080 | AI-powered call & voicemail transcriptions, Unlimited AI Meetings (150 participants), SMS/MMS, Google & Microsoft 365 Integrations, Real-time Analytics | AI-driven VoIP system with smart automation and advanced analytics |
Dialpad is a modern VoIP provider that leverages AI to enhance business communications. With a starting price of $27 per user and an estimated monthly cost of $1,080 for a 40-employee company, Dialpad offers unlimited inbound and outbound calling within the U.S. and Canada, making it a competitive option for businesses seeking an AI-driven phone system.
Why is Dialpad a good alternative to Google Voice?
Dialpad sets itself apart from Google Voice with AI-powered features such as real-time call and voicemail transcriptions, unlimited AI meetings for up to 150 participants, and advanced analytics. It also integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, ensuring seamless workflow connectivity. With additional tools like team messaging, custom call routing, and call forwarding to other devices, Dialpad provides a more feature-rich experience for businesses that need smarter, data-driven communication solutions.
What’s the Best Free Google Voice Alternative?
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger provides free voice and video calling, along with text messaging, through its app and desktop platform.
It integrates seamlessly with Facebook, making it a convenient option for businesses that engage with customers via social media. Messenger supports group calls, media sharing, and chatbots for customer interactions.
However, it doesn’t offer direct phone number support or advanced business VoIP features like call forwarding or call recording, making it better suited for informal communication or personal use rather than structured business operations.
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging and calling apps worldwide, offering free calls and video chats over WiFi, internet connection or mobile data. It supports individual and group calls, end-to-end encryption, and multimedia messaging.
While WhatsApp is ideal for personal and small business use, it lacks key VoIP features such as call routing, voicemail transcription, and integrations with business tools that allow effective call management.
However, WhatsApp Business provides additional features like automated responses and business profiles, making it a viable option for entrepreneurs and small teams.
Line
LINE is a popular messaging app, particularly in Asia, that offers free voice and video calls, text messaging, and multimedia sharing. It includes unique social features such as stickers, timeline updates, and in-app payments.
While it lacks traditional VoIP functions like IVR or CRM integrations and other phone features, LINE can serve as a cost-effective alternative for individuals and small businesses with a global customer base.
Pros and Cons of Google Voice
If after everything you still believe Google Voice is a good choice for you and your business, here’s a breakdown of it’s pros and cons.
Pros
If, after everything, you still believe Google Voice is a good choice for you and your business, here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons.
- Great security features: Their security standards are impressive, and Google Voice has not only compliance certifications but also user permissions and multi-factor authentication to ensure account safety.
- Affordable pricing: When it comes to pricing, Google Voice is on the more affordable side of the scale, with its starter pricing plan at $10 per user/per month.
- 24/7 Live support: If you ever need to troubleshoot their services, Google has an impressive support system in place.
Cons
Now, let’s take a look at the cons:
- Must have a Google Workspace subscription: To be a Google Voice user, you need a Workspace subscription as well, which will add around $7 per month to your billing.
- Not-scalability friendly: We said this before, but Google Voice is not ideal if you’re looking to scale your business. It’s a good start for beginner-level companies, but it may limit growth after a while.
- No toll-free or local numbers: Even though this service provides you with a Google Voice number, this is a fairly common (and important) feature for most VoIP providers, including the ones listed above, but that Google Voice doesn’t offer.
Good news is: VoIP.ms is a Pay-As-You-Go, Bring-Your-Own-Device service that offer over 70 features to help you scale your business, toll-free and local number options for you to create the perfect telephony system. And what’s best: you can sign up for free!
How to Choose a Google Voice Alternative
Considering everything we mentioned in this post, here’s what you actually need to keep in mind when looking to ditch landlines and choosing a Google Voice alternative:
- Assess your needs: Identify which Voice over Internet Protocol features your business requires so you can make an informed decision. Is it just calling and texting? Calling Queue? Virtual Fax? Call centers have different needs than startups, for example, so have that list ready before signing up.
- Consider pricing and fees: Check for plans or subscription models that work best for your company and remember to assess one-time charges, extra fees, and number of team members you’ll need to connect with your phone system.
- Confirm compatibility: If you already have the devices you’ll need, ensure VoIP services and the software you’ll use are compatible.
- Check for call quality and reliability: Again, it’s important to look for 99.99% uptime and confirm voice calls are clear and without jitters or delays.
- Portability and new phone numbers: Can you port your number to your chosen provider? What are the number porting options? What’s their policy on new phone numbers, and do they offer numbers with your area code?
- Check customer support: Confirm the provider offer reliable customer support and which channels you can use in case of issues with your service or account. Multiple methods (such as live chat, email and phone number) is always better.
VoIP.ms is the best alternative to Google Voice
When it comes down to creating a tailored and customizable communications solution for small businesses (or businesses of any size, really!), VoIP.ms offers the best options:
- Pay-As-You-Go policy: Pay only for what you use, no extra or hidden fees!
- Bring-You-Own-Device model: Use the devices you have for guaranteed flexibility.
- Over 70+ features: From Call Forwarding to Call Transcription, IVR (Digital Receptionist) and Virtual Fax, we have every feature your business needs to ensure call monitoring and scalability.
- 20 years of service: VoIP.ms has served over 100,000 customers globally since 2007.
FAQ
Don’t see a question you need answered? Ask it directly to our Sales Team!
Is there an alternative to Google Voice in Canada?
Yes. VoIP.ms is a great alternative to Google Voice in Canada. A Québec-based company that offers low-cost Cloud PBX and SIP Trunking, with over 70 features and add-ons to choose from, and offers portability for existing phone numbers, toll-free and local numbers.
Can you use Google Voice for a small business?
Yes, you can use Google Voice for a small business. It has three tiers, with starting price at $10 per month, per user, offering unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada, Google Meets and Google Calendar integrations, Voicemail Transcription and others.