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iPlum is the best Google Voice alternative if you’re looking for a 2nd mobile number app that can do more than casual personal calls.
That’s not the only reason you’d want to choose iPlum over Google Voice, though. (More on iPlum vs Google Voice below).
In this post we’ll walk you through the best alternatives to Google Voice and why iPlum tops the list.
But first:
Google Voice Reviews—What Are Users Saying About Google Voice?
Users have mixed opinions on Google Voice’s capabilities, strengths, and drawbacks. Let’s sample some Google reviews by real users from the web.
Not ideal for business scaling
“Not sure this is a great option if you plan to scale your team quickly.” – Destiny G., GetApp
Contact limitations
“Google Voice only allowed for a specific amount of contacts. We met the limit fairly fast.” – Chandler W., GetApp
Unreliable call notifications and ring delays
“Delay with the ringers sometimes… depending on your Wi-Fi, it can disconnect without warning.” – Courtney G., Capterra
No control over after-hours texts or calls
“Although it has a ‘Do not disturb’ feature… I would love it if I could set office hours or send automated replies after hours.” – Jacob W., SoftwareAdvice
No auto-replies or contact management
“Not auto-replies. Not even a built-in contact list.” – Desiree P., G2
Privacy concerns with Google data usage
“As with all Google services, Google can use your personal information in ways that you may not agree with.” – Verified User, G2
Missing basic features
“It lacks features that other products have. The Auto-Attendant menu is limited.” – Verified User, G2
No real customer support
“Porting a number is super hard, there is zero customer support.” – Verified User, Capterra
On a brighter note, users had this to say about Google Voice:
Free to use for basic needs
“It is free.” – Verified User, Capterra
Works with other Google products
“If you use Google Workspace or products, the ease of just one more Google product.” – Shelle P., Software Advice
Google Voice Features
Google Voice's most notable feature collection for business communication includes:
- Calling – Allows you to make and receive calls on web or mobile.
- Texting – Lets you send and receive SMS within the U.S.
- Voicemail – Enables you to get voice messages with transcripts.
- Call forwarding – Lets you send calls to another number.
- Mobile and web access – Gives you access from your phone or browser.
- Call blocking – Helps you stop unwanted call.
Google Voice Pricing
Google Voice pricing is structured in three tiers as follows:
- Starter Plan at $10/user/month — Includes up to 10 users with basic features like domestic calling, voicemail transcription, text messaging, and Google Workspace integrations.
- Standard Plan at $20/user/month — Comes with everything in Starter plus unlimited users, ring groups, desk phone support, and multi-level auto attendants for team-based routing.
- Premier Plan at $30/user/month — Adds international location support, eDiscovery, advanced reporting via BigQuery, and ad-hoc call recording on top of all Standard features.
Why Consider a Google Voice Alternative?
While Google Voice is relatively easy to set up, many users say it’s not up to par compared to some competitors.
Some of the reasons to consider an alternative to Google Voice include:
- Limited customer support: You want a business phone system with real-time help, not one that relies on forums and outdated help articles..
- Inconsistent call quality: You can’t afford dropped calls and connection issues, especially when smooth client interactions are important to your business.
- Limited international calling features: You’re better off with a business phone system that offers global reach beyond the U.S and Canada.
- Difficulties with number porting: You want a smooth transition from one provider to another, not long delays or failed port requests.
- No group MMS support: You can’t rely on Google Voice if your team needs to send group messages with images or files.
- Not HIPAA or GDPR compliant: You need a phone system that meets industry regulations, especially if you work in healthcare or legal fields, right out of the box.
- Poor scalability: You may start small, but when your team grows, you’ll need features like a phone tree and call queues.
- Limited admin controls: You need better control over users, permissions, and call routing, which Google Voice doesn’t offer.
Top Google Voice Alternatives
Before we dive in, here’s a quick comparison table of popular Google Voice alternatives.
1. iPlum (Best Value)
iPlum is a business-centric 2nd number app offering secure calling, HIPAA-compliant texting, call recording compliance, a virtual receptionist, and more.
Unlike Google Voice, iPlum caters to professionals who need reliability, privacy, and advanced features.
iPlum vs. Google Voice
Google Voice may work for personal use but lacks the tools professionals and businesses need.
For starters, iPlum offers a dedicated voice network mode for clear calls without relying on the internet. Google Voice, on the other hand, runs purely over VoIP, so call quality depends primarily on your internet connection.
Hence, Google Voice calls can drop or sound choppy if you’re in an area with weak Wi-Fi or spotty mobile data.
iPlum’s voice network mode ensures reliable, high-quality calls even when internet service is poor or unavailable. It is a good Google Voice alternative for users looking for a reliable 2nd line provider.
Let’s talk about privacy.
Google Voice may use your data for advertising. iPlum, by comparison, guarantees full data security and HIPAA compliance.
Feature-wise, Google Voice provides only basic calling and texting, while iPlum boasts 50+ advanced features, such as auto-attendant, virtual extensions, and professional voicemail.
Even where they share similar functionalities, iPlum executes them better—for instance, its call forwarding and number porting process is smoother and more business-friendly than Google Voice’s limitations.
iPlum Key Features
- HIPAA Compliance Solution – Allows businesses and healthcare professionals to communicate securely and meet legal and privacy regulations.
- Mobile Call Recording Compliance – Enables users to record calls and abide by set compliance rules.
- Cloud Phone System – Provides a full-featured virtual phone system with voicemail, call routing, and business-friendly tools.
- Mobile 2nd Line (US and Canada) – Allows users in the U.S. and Canada to use a separate mobile line without needing an extra device.
- 800 Toll-Free Vanity Line – Helps businesses establish a professional image with a custom toll-free number.
- Fax Compliance Solutions – Allows users to securely send and receive HIPAA-compliant digital faxes.
iPlum Pricing
iPlum pricing starts at $8.99/user/mo compared to Google Voice’s $20/user/month for premium features. The real difference? iPlum delivers 2x the features at nearly half the cost of Google Voice’s business plans.
2. Dialpad Connect
Dialpad Connect is a cloud-based phone system for users keen on AI-driven call insights, voice transcription, and real-time analytics.
Compared to Google Voice, which offers only basic calling and texting, Dialpad Connect is big on AI, leveraging the technology to enhance communication.
Dialpad Connect vs Dialpad
Dialpad Connect thrives on its AI-powered capabilities, which include call transcription and smart call routing. It also beats Google Voice on the integration front, connecting with more third-party apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Slack.
However, Dialpad’s AI tools come at a premium. In addition, the provider offers limited international numbers compared to some Google Voice competitors like iPlum.
Dialpad Connect Key Features
- AI-Powered Voice Transcription – Allows users to convert highly accurate searchable text.
- Seamless Business Integrations – Connects with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Slack, and CRM tools.
- Smart Call Routing and Analytics – Uses AI to optimize call handling and provide real-time performance insights.
Dialpad Connect Pricing
Dialpad pricing starts at $15/user/month, higher than iPlum ($8.99user/month) and Google Voice ($10/month). Although it offers AI-powered features, iPlum is still a better fit, especially if you want a cost-effective, compliance-ready mobile 2nd line.
3. Ringblaze
Ringblaze is a business phone system for teams that need shared phone numbers and real-time collaboration tools.
Different from Google Voice, which is a solo-user service, Ringblaze allows multiple team members to manage and respond to calls from a single dashboard.
It’s ideal for businesses that need efficient customer support, sales coordination, and internal team communication.
Ringblaze vs. Google Voice
Ringblaze has built-in workflow tools, making it a worthy mention among the best Google Voice alternatives offering more than standard VoIP.
The system packs features like call ownership and comments, allowing teams to assign calls, add context, and ensure smoother follow-ups—capabilities Google Voice lacks.
In addition, Ringblaze’s custom branding options let you personalize voicemails, hold music, and caller experiences, creating a more professional presence.
Where Google Voice provides a basic call service, Ringblaze compensates by integrating real-time customer interaction directly from a website, a feature designed to increase conversions.
Ringblaze Key Features
- Team Collaboration Dashboard – Centralizes call management for teams.
- Custom Branding – Allows you to personalize voicemails, hold music, and caller ID.
- Website Call Widget – Lets customers call directly from a website.
- Shared Call Inbox – Enables multiple team members to access and respond to calls.
- Call Ownership and Comments – Assigns calls and adds notes for better follow-ups.
Ringblaze Pricing
Ringblaze pricing starts at $15/user/month, making it more expensive than iPlum ($8.99/month) and Google Voice ($10/month).
While it’s a strong alternative to Google Voice for team-based call management, iPlum offers reasonable pricing, compliance, and mobile access, making it a better option for users who need more flexibility.
4. RingCentral
RingCentral is a popular alternative to Google Voice for businesses needing more than just basic calling. It’s designed for teams that want voice, video, and messaging all in one system.
RingCentral vs. Google Voice
Google Voice is simple and low-cost, but that simplicity becomes a limitation as your needs grow.
RingCentral, on the other hand, provides advanced features like auto-attendants, call analytics, and app integrations—none of which Google Voice supports well.
RingCentral also enables team collaboration with built-in messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing for up to 200 participants.
You won’t find these in Google Voice. It even allows you to record calls, use multi-level call routing, and access AI-generated call summaries on higher plans.
That said, RingCentral is more expensive and may be overkill for individuals or small teams. But for growing businesses that want to centralize communication and scale quickly, it’s a good fit.
RingCentral Key Features
- Multi-level Auto-Attendants – Direct calls based on caller needs
- Call Analytics – Monitor call volume, durations, and team activity
- Built-in Messaging and File Sharing – Communicate internally without switching apps
- Video Conferencing – Host secure meetings with HD video and collaboration tools
- AI Transcription – Get searchable summaries and call notes
RingCentral pricing
Plans start at $30 per user per month, with higher-tier plans offering deeper integrations, analytics, and team management tools.
While it’s costlier than Google Voice and iPlum, it’s far more powerful for teams.
5. Ooma
Ooma is a VoIP phone service tailored for home-based freelancers and small businesses. It offers a free home plan with unlimited U.S. calling, plus paid options with call routing, virtual faxing, and toll-free numbers.
Ooma vs. Google Voice
One of the reasons to consider Ooma as a Google Voice alternative is its inclusion of VoIP hardware. This allows you to connect traditional desk phones, offering a more familiar setup for businesses that prefer physical phone systems—something you won’t get with Google Voice.
It also includes toll-free numbers and built-in virtual faxing, making it more suited for business communication than Google Voice.
Furthermore, Ooma’s paid plans include call monitoring, call parking, and advanced routing to help teams manage calls more efficiently.
And, even though Google Voice integrates with Google Workspace, Ooma’s no-monthly-cost home plan is ideal for freelancers and small businesses.
Ooma Key Features
- Call Monitoring – Allows supervisors to listen to live calls for quality control.
- Call Parking – Lets you place calls on hold and retrieve them from any device.
- Business SMS – Enables sending and receiving texts using your business number.
- Toll-Free Numbers – Helps establish a professional presence with a custom toll-free number.
- Virtual Faxing – Allows you to send and receive faxes online securely.
Ooma Pricing
Ooma offers a free home phone plan, but you’ll need to make a one-time purchase of the Telo VoIP adapter for $99.99. Ooma pricing starts at $19.95 per user monthly, significantly more expensive than iPlum’s $8.99/user/ month.
6. 8x8
8x8 is another strong alternative to Google Voice, especially if you're looking for global reach, integrated video, and better administrative control.
8x8 vs. Google Voice
Google Voice doesn’t support international numbers or global communication tools. 8x8 does. It provides local phone numbers in 100+ countries, making it a top choice for businesses with global teams or international customers.
While Google Voice offers simple voicemail and SMS tools, 8x8 gives you video meetings, team messaging, and real-time analytics—all within one platform. You also get call recording, voicemail transcription, and customizable call flows.
Where Google Voice offers basic management via Google Workspace, 8x8 provides a full admin portal with user permissions, device settings, and call routing—all without needing extra Google tools.
8x8 Key Features
- Global Phone Numbers – Establish a presence in 100+ countries
- Video Conferencing – Built-in HD video and screen sharing
- Advanced Call Management – Skills-based routing and IVR
- Team Messaging – Internal collaboration across teams
- Real-Time Analytics – Monitor performance and call trends instantly
8x8 Pricing
Pricing starts at $24 per user per month. While that’s more than Google Voice’s base plan, you get enterprise-grade communication tools in return.
It’s a good fit if you’re outgrowing the limitations of Google Voice.
7. GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect is a fully integrated cloud-based phone system that combines voice, video, and AI-powered communication tools. On this website, GoTo Connect promises to make it refreshingly simple to communicate and collaborate.
GoTo Connect vs Google Voice
What sets GoTo Connect apart from Google Voice is its AI optimization. It provides post-call summaries, sentiment analysis, and topic detection to improve call handling and customer interactions.
In addition, the platform features a visual Dial Plan Editor, which allows you to customize call flows with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. This feature isn’t natively available with Google Voice.
Furthermore, GoTo Connect integrates with popular third-party business tools, allowing you to transition between CRM systems and productivity apps quickly.
Unlike its competitors, Google Voice's standard plans include advanced call management tools like auto attendants, hot desking, and virtual faxing.
However, while GoTo Connect offers a robust suite of features, it comes at a steep price and may not suit budget-conscious businesses. Plus, it lacks the compliance focus of Google Voice alternatives like iPlum.
GoTo Connect Key Features
- AI-Powered Call Summaries – Generates post-call notes.
- Advanced Call Routing – Enables custom scheduling and call-handling rules.
- Built-in Video Meetings – Allows you to host video calls without switching apps.
- Voicemail Transcription – Converts voicemails into text for easy access.
- Softphone and Mobile App – Lets you make calls from any device.
GoTo Pricing
GoTo Connect starts at $27 per user/month. While it’s packed with features, you should weigh whether its higher cost aligns with your needs to avoid paying for features you won’t use.
Best Google Voice Alternatives — FAQ
Is There Anything Better Than Google Voice?
Yes, there is something better than Google Voice. iPlum, for instance, beats Google Voice in terms of call quality, compliance, and business features.
It also offers HIPAA-compliant texting, call recording compliance, toll-free numbers, and a dedicated voice network mode—all of which Google Voice doesn’t.
How to Get a U.S. Toll-free Number?
There are various ways to get a U.S. toll-free number. iPlum, for instance, allows you to get 800, 888, or other toll-free vanity numbers quickly and without breaking your budget.
What Is the Disadvantage of Google Voice?
Google Voice, while popular, lacks advanced business features like toll-free numbers, call monitoring, and extensions. It also doesn’t integrate with CRMs, lacks built-in collaboration tools, and has a complex process for securing international numbers.
Best Alternative to Google Voice — The Bottom Line
Google Voice may be a budget-friendly option, but it doesn’t meet the threshold regarding professional-grade features.
Therefore, Google Voice won't cut it if you’re in for a full-featured business call system with features like call monitoring, phone extensions, and toll-free minutes.
iPlum, in particular, is a robust pick if you’re looking for affordable Google Voice alternatives that offer capabilities like HIPAA-compliant texting, a dedicated voice network, mobile call recording, and more.
Plus, switching is easy.
You can transfer your existing Google Voice number to iPlum and upgrade to a more secure, feature-rich business phone system.
You can also sign up below to enjoy iPlum’s next-level business communication features today.
