Google Voice is a VoIP phone system that uses VoIP technology to manage calls from internet-connected devices. It was launched on March 11, 2009, and offers advanced features such as voicemail transcriptions and SMS management. Since then, it has become a popular and trustworthy communication service for businesses and individuals. 

Google Voice offers two distinct plans, Personal and Business. The Personal plan is designed to manage personal calls and text messages, allowing you to make and receive calls for free. On the other hand, the business plan is tailored for professional use, providing greater flexibility and advanced features at a cost-effective price. 

On the other hand, Google Voice is also an easy-to-use and cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. It provides greater flexibility to make and receive calls from anywhere using the Internet, offering a valuable communication tool at a reasonable price. 

In this blog post, we will delve into the details of Google Voice for both personal and business use. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the features and benefits of each plan and the distinction between Google Voice personal vs business, helping you make an informed decision about which one is best for you. 

So, let’s get started without any delays. 🚀

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice is a VoIP service that enables unified communication, including voice calling, video calling, video conference, and instant messaging, all accessible from anywhere via the Internet.

However, its benefits extend beyond effective business communication. For businesses, Google Voice offers the advantage of making international calls at significantly cheaper rates, a feature that can lead to substantial cost savings. 

Additionally, it allows you to block unwanted callers and personalize voicemail greetings, ensuring effective calling cultures in the business. Its advanced features make it a powerful tool for iOS and Android smartphones and web applications, offering a range of capabilities to enhance your business communication. 

Google Voice is free for personal use but has limited features. For advanced business phone services features such as call forwarding, Google Workspace, ring groups, and auto attendant, you need to subscribe to Google Voice, which costs USD 10 monthly.

How does Google Voice work?

Google Voice uses Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to make and transfer calls and text messages. VoIP connects users by converting voice into a digital signal and transmitting it over the Internet. It lets you make calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of an analog phone line.

It provides Free PC-to-phone calling benefits to people residing in the US and Canada and accessible PC-to-PC audio and video calling worldwide. It gives you a virtual phone number, allowing you to make national and international calls using your mobile devices or web browser.

To stimulate the Google Voice, all you need is:

• A device: computer, smartphone, or tablet.
• Stable Internet connection: Wi-Fi or data plan.

What you need for Google Voice

You need a valid Google Account and a US or Canadian mobile or landline phone number to set up Google Voice. It officially supports operating systems like Windows, MacOS, and ChromeOS. 

You can also use Google Voice from any web browser, including Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. 

To use the Google Voice calling features effectively, one must have a working microphone and speaker on their computer. However, this is optional if the sole purpose of your Google Voice is to send text messages. 

How Much Does Google Voice Actually  Cost? 

Google Voice is free for anyone with a Google Account but has limited features. It is ideal for personal use or for solo entrepreneurs who need a business phone number. However, small, medium, or enterprise users can upgrade to the paid version to unlock multiple advanced features. The availability of the service and its features may vary depending on the region in which you live. Here is the Google Voice Pricing and Plans:

	Starter	Standard	Premier
Cost per user per month	$10/month	$20/month	$30/month
Number of users	Up to 10	Unlimited	Unlimited
Domestic Location	Up to 10	Unlimited	Unlimited
International location	None	None	Unlimited
Best For	A small business that uses VoIP service for domestic calls.	Medium companies that require advanced VoIP features for calls in Canada and the U.S.	Ideal for Enterprises.
Features	Calls to the US and Canada.Usage and Activity Reporting	Desk supportRing groups	Advanced ReportingAutomated user call recording
Privacy and Security	Custom and secure	Custom and secure	Custom and secure
Support	24/7 forum	24/7 forum	24/7 forum

Why Should You Use Google Voice for Your Business?

Google Voice plays a significant role in Google Voice business, providing the flexibility to make and receive calls from anywhere using any internet-connected device. It is a VoIP service that operates via the Internet or Wi-Fi without depending on the physical telephone line. It enables international calling at cheaper rates. The additional reasons to use Google Voice for business include:

1. Get unlimited texts for free

You can send unlimited text messages to US and Canadian numbers for free using mobile devices or web browsers. This is a massive benefit because instant messaging simplifies sharing updates or follow-up messages. 

2. Call forwarding

It enables you to forward your Google Voice number to several phones. This flexibility is valuable when switching to a new service provider or getting a new phone. It improves accessibility and promotes uninterrupted call flow irrespective of the team location. No missed calls enable the business agents to provide improved customer service to their customers and clients.

3. Transcribe voice messages

Google Voice provides advanced transcription features that improve accessibility for deaf individuals. Voice transcription is converting voicemails into a readable format using advanced technologies. 

4. Record your calls

You can effortlessly record calls using Google Voice and end the recording with a simple click. These recordings can be retrieved and used whenever you choose, making them a great alternative to large phone meetings. Saving them will allow you to access them whenever you need them.

How to set up Google Voice for your small business?

It is fast and straightforward to set up Google Voice for your business. You can follow the steps provided to set up Google Voice successfully.

Step 1: Search and Go to the Google Voice website

Step 2: On the Google Voice landing page, you will see an option to sign in to your Google account in the upper-right corner. So, sign in to Google. 

Step 3: Select a Google Voice Phone number. Type the city name or area code to see the available phone numbers and choose the one you want. 

Step 3: To complete the setup, click the Verify button to verify your existing phone number.

Step 4: Provide the number to which you want Google to forward your calls.

Step 5: Click the “Send code” button.

Step 6: Enter the code you received via the call or message in the box.

Step 7: Enter “verify”.

Step 8: Enter “claim” to confirm that this is the number you want your calls to be forwarded.

Step 9: Click” Finish” twice and finish the setup

Step 10: Then, Download the Google Voice application to get started.

What are the limitations of Google Voice for business needs?

Google Voice plays a significant role in supporting businesses of all sizes.  Despite its vast advantages, companies must overcome a few limitations with Google Voice. The limitations include: 

1. Limited functionality: It does not provide toll-free and vanity numbers, critical features of the telephone service business. 
2. Integration with workplace apps: It is a disadvantage for the company that needs integrations with CRM and other sales or team tools. 
3. No analytics: Advanced analytics are missing from the starter and standard packages. They are only available for the premier users.
4. Few upgrades: Business phone services are continually evolving, but Google Voice is not updated as much to keep up with the market’s growth

Point out the key differences: Google Voice Personal vs Business

Google Voice is suitable for both personal and business usage. It is free for personal use as it comes with limited features, but for the company, the advanced features are a must for the smooth operation and growth of the business. The significant differences include:

	Google Voice for Business	Google Voice for Personal
Availability	It is available outside the US.	It is not available outside the US.
Number of phone numbers	It provides you with multiple phone numbers based on your business requirements.	It provides you with a single phone number.
Maximum number of users.	1o to unlimited	1
Cost	It starts at $16 per user per month.	It starts at $0 per user per month.
Porting	Free	$3 for port out and $20 for port in
Unlimited calls in Canada and the US.	It allows you to call only the US and Canadian numbers.	Google Voice is free for personal use, but to make the call outside Canada and the US, you must pay the per-the-minute rate, depending on the country.
Integration	Google apps only	The integration option is not available for personal use.

FAQ

What are the Pros and Cons of Google Voice personal?

The Pros of Google Voice personal include: 

1. Affordability
2. Flexibility
3. Voicemail Transcription
4. Flexibility
5. Security

The Cons of Google Voice personal include:

1. Limited location availability
2. Limited users
3. No advanced features like call conferencing or reporting.

Is Google Voice secure for business use?

The user data is stored in Google’s top-notch data centers to save your data from potential security threats. Therefore, Google Voice is secure and easy for your business. 

Is it possible to use Google Voice on an iPhone?

Yes. The Google Voice app for iPhone (or iPad) is free and can be downloaded from the App. You can also send text messages, call, and listen to voicemails within the app, just as you can on the Android app.

Can we port the number on Google Voice?

You can port your current number to Google Voice, which will forward your phone number to Google Voice. You can also forward phone calls to a number other than your Google Voice number.