2. Google Voice for Business
Google Voice is a telephone service offered to all Google Account customers with limited functionality and on a subscription basis with full functionality. It syncs across all your devices, ensuring smooth, on-the-go calling, messaging, and voicemail.
It is a robust Grasshopper alternative from a household name. However, the service was originally called GrandCentral and was acquired by Google in 2007.
Unique characteristics
Google Voice offers a free phone number, like Grasshopper. But where it really shines is smart device compatibility; for example, you can take a call on a desktop and transfer it to a mobile device mid-conversation.
Features
- Advanced call routing
- Automated attendants
- Ring groups (one number for multiple users)
- Intelligent AI
- Usage and activity reporting
Integrations
As you can guess, Google Voice integrates with all the company’s products, including Google Calendar, Google Meet, and Gmail.
OS
Google Voice is compatible with Chrome OS, Apple Mac, Microsoft Windows, Android (latest two versions), and Apple iOS (latest two versions).
Pricing
- The Starter plan is $10/user/month (up to 10 users, up to 10 domestic locations).
- The Standard plan is $20 (unlimited users and domestic locations).
- The Premier plan is $30 (everything in Standard + unlimited international locations).
Best for
Google Voice is suitable for smaller businesses that have a budget for it, as well as for medium-sized businesses.
What makes it better than Grasshopper?
Google Voice has better pricing, even offering a few features like voice-only calling and voicemail for free. If you’re considering software like Grasshopper but you’re not sure whether it’s worth it, Google Voice is a better starting point.
Also, if you rely heavily on G Suite to do your work, choosing Google Voice is a no-brainer.