Among the leading players in the VoIP services, Google Voice tops the chart. With more than 20% of the searches in the Google app done by the voice only, Google Voice can work on its dedicated app and other desktop devices. With so much to offer at the least investment, businesses often go for the Google Voice to scale their business functions. Nevertheless, it lags behind in several major aspects like call forward and routing, sharing virtual number, etc., which makes it a less sustainable business phone feature. This is the reason why companies nowadays are looking for Google Voice alternatives. Before proceeding, let’s know in brief about VoIP and the working of Google Voice.
What is VoIP?
Voice-over-Internet-Protocol or VoIP has been the trending technology in business communication now for more than a decade or so. The unbeatable benefits of VoIP over the traditional PBX systems have given the organizations the benefits of ultimate business connection and customer satisfaction. Do you know that the VoIP services market is set to cross 194.5 billion USD by 2024? Yes, it is a fact and this is the reason why organizations are heading towards the business phone features like Google Voice or its alternatives. But, before jumping to the top alternatives, it is important to understand the working of Google Voice.
How does Google Voice work?
Google Voice uses an internet connection like a data plan or Wi-Fi to share text messages and phone calls. It eliminates the use of desk phones and landlines. Google Voice works seamlessly on any smart device like laptop, desktop, tablet, mobile, etc., with a high-speed internet connection.
Further, there are no charges for using Google Voice. While it originated for personal communication only, Google Voice is widely popular among many startups and small businesses. The reason is clear and straightforward, as it offers generalized features of VoIP without pressing any financial burden on the growing businesses. Once clear with the Google Voice working, it is time to look at the top reasons that ask businesses to go for its powerful alternatives.
Why should you go for a Google Voice alternative?
Some of the reasons that any business may look for the top and competitive Google Voice alternative include:
- No availability of vanity numbers or toll-free numbers
- No availability of the features like IVR or auto-attendant
- No facility of call recording for Google Workplace accounts
- No customer support from tech giant Google
- Inferior call quality compared to other apps
- No availability of sign-ups outside the United States
- No facility to share business phone numbers within the teams
Top Five Google Voice alternatives
Businesses looking to get the benefits of the advanced VoIP functionality can go for the following top five Google Voice alternatives:
1. OpenPhone
An affordable Google Voice alternative, it is a useful service for managing sales, customer support, operations, etc. It is easy for businesses to collaborate on conversations and share data on a unified platform. Some of its key features include:
- Voicemail transcription
- Crystal-clear audio quality
- Multiple phone numbers tied to one account
- Dedicated customer support
- Availability to set business hours
- Auto-attendant (IVR)
- International and US calling
OpenPhone Pricing
- Standard: 10USD per user per month
- Premium: 20USD per user per month
- Enterprise: Custom-fit pricing
2. Nextiva
It is one of the most feature-rich options when it comes to choosing the Google Voice alternative. A simple, faster, and effective service, it is gaining popularity among the small and big businesses. Some of the key features are:
- International and US calling
- Dedicated customer support
- Auto-attendant
- 99.999% uptime Nextiva network
- Integrated CRM features
- Cross-team collaboration
- Ticket management
- Automated email and services
- Ideal for small businesses and startups
Pricing:
- Standard: 30.95USD per user per month
- Premium: 35.95USD per user per month
- Enterprise: 45.95USD per user per month
- Ultimate: 75.95USD per user per month
3. Telzio
It is one of the most preferred options when it comes to finding a Google Voice alternative. It uses the power of cloud technology and hence allows unlimited users onboarding from more than 50 countries. It is ideal for businesses that involve multiple features for different customers. Telzio is one of the all-in-one solutions for calls and messaging for different businesses. Some of its key features are as follows:
- Call recording
- Call analytics
- Toll-free numbers
- Zapier and Stripe integrations
Pricing:
- Standard plan starting at 50USD per month.
4. Ooma
This cost-effective Google Voice alternative supports calling to Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The availability of Ooma on mobile apps and desktops makes it easy for businesses to use it. Some of the key features of Ooma include:
- Toll-free numbers
- Auto-attendant
- Call forwarding
- SMS messages
- Call recording
- Voicemail transcription
- Video conferencing
- Desktop apps
Pricing:
- Office plan: 19.95USD per user per month.
- Office pro: 24.95USD per user per month.
5. 10DiGiTS
Last and the the best option is 10DiGiTS, It is an affordable Google Voice alternative for the sales and support team of different businesses. The makers market it as a reinvented phone system that helps teams to manage the customers. Some of its key features are:
- US, Canadian, and Toll Free Numbers
- Call forwarding
- Call recording
- Audio conferencing
- Video conferencing
- Auto Attendant IVR
- After hours and holiday greeting
- Skill and department based Call routing
- Call Queues
- Works with almost every Soft-phone
- Customer history access
- Web based user portal
- On demand Fax support
- Fast deployment
- Email and chat support
Pricing:
- Plan starts with 24.99 USD per user per month.
Wrapping Up
VoIP services are the key catalyst for unified communication in modern businesses. Google Voice is the preferred choice of many businesses when it comes to basic features with no investments. But, it succumbs when it comes to call forwarding, availability of vanity numbers, IVR support, and so on.
Evidently, businesses prefer seeking alternatives to Google Voice. The top Google Voice alternative choices like OpenPhone, Nextiva, Telzio, Ooma, Ringblaze, etc., make it easy for businesses to fetch the benefits of advanced features.