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iPlum is the best Google Voice alternative if you’re looking for a 2nd mobile number that is HIPAA compliant right out of the box and is built for business.
Although Google Voice is one of the cheapest VoIP providers, it comes with some serious trade-offs, especially for business communication.
We’ll start by looking at what the platform offers to set the stage for this round-up of services like Google Voice.
Table of Contents
2. Google Voice Reviews—What Do Users Say
4. Why Consider a Google Voice Alternative?
5. Best Alternatives to Google Voice
6. How to Choose a Google Voice Alternative
7. How to Port Your Google Voice Number to iPlum
8. Best Google Voice Alternatives — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
9. Why Choose iPlum Over Other Google Voice Alternatives?
Google Voice Key Features
Google Voice's most notable feature collection for business communication includes:
- Calling – Allows you to make and receive calls on the 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 callers
Google Voice Reviews—What Do Users Say
Google Voice shortcomings are evident in its user reviews. Here’s a snapshot of what customers say about the service.
Not ideal for business scaling
“Not sure this is a great option if you plan to scale your team quickly.” – Destiny G., 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
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
On a brighter note, here’s what users think 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 Pricing
Google Voice pricing is structured in three tiers as follows:
- Starter Plan at $10 per user per month
- Standard Plan at $20 per user per month
- Premier Plan at 30 per user per month
Why Consider a Google Voice Alternative?
Google Voice is relatively easy to set up and use. However, it isn’t as feature-rich as most competitors.
That said, some of the reasons most users look for an alternative to Google Voice include:
- Limited customer support
- No availability of toll-free numbers
- Inconsistent call quality
- Limited international calling features
- Difficulties with number porting
- No group MMS support
- No native HIPAA or GDPR compliance
- Poor scalability
- Limited admin controls
Best Alternatives to Google Voice
Now that you have an overview of Google Voice and its shortcomings, let's zero in on top top-rated alternatives.
We’ll start with a quick comparison table.
1. iPlum — Best Value
iPlum is a mobile second number offering secure calling, HIPAA-compliant texting, call recording compliance, a virtual receptionist, and a collection of over 50 features.
Why is iPlum a good Google Voice alternative?
First, unlike Google Voice, which relies on the internet, iPlum offers a dual calling mode, a feature that allows you to switch between Wi-Fi and your voice network. That way, you can avoid dropped calls and distorted audio, two common complaints with Google Voice.
Privacy is another reason. Google Voice shares your data inside Google’s ecosystem, which can expose sensitive information to advertising use. In contrast, iPlum secures every call, text, and fax with true HIPAA compliance and will never share your data.
Moreover, iPlum, unlike Google Voice, is designed for business. While you can use Google Voice for basic calling and texting, the service doesn’t provide business features like an advanced phone tree, a free account for secure client communication or a shared number.
💡Read our in-depth Google Voice vs. iPlum comparison for more information.
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 comply with set 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 is available in three pricing tiers structured as follows:
- Standard Plan: $8.99 per user per month — Includes the iPlum mobile app calling, texting, voicemail, auto-text reply, business hours, phone tree, and extensions.
- Professional Plan: $14.99 per user per month — Comes with everything in the Standard plan as well as web calling, texting, encryption, archive, transcription, and healthcare HIPAA compliance.
- Premium Plan: $19.99 per user per month — Includes everything in the Professional plan as well as call recording and text compliance in finance, insurance, legal, sales, and support.
2. Dialpad Connect
Dialpad Connect is a cloud-based phone system that leans heavily on AI-powered call insights, voice transcription, and real-time analytics.
Why is Dialpad a good Google Voice alternative?
Dialpad Connect thrives on its AI-powered capabilities, which include call transcription and smart call routing.
It also beats Google Voice in terms of integration, connecting with more third-party apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Slack.
However, Dialpad’s AI tools are tied to the higher plans. In addition, the provider offers limited international numbers compared to some Google Voice competitors like iPlum.
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 Pricing
Dialpad is available in three pricing tiers as follows:
- Standard plan: $15 per user per month
- Pro plan: $25 per use per month
- Enterprise plan: Custom pricing
3. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that offers local, toll-free, and vanity numbers. The service positions itself as one that helps you separate your personal and business calls using a second mobile number.
Why is Grasshopper a good Google Voice alternative?
First, Grasshopper is a more structured business system compared to Google Voice. It allows you, for instance, to greet callers with custom messages, route them through extensions, and manage calls on the go.
In addition, Grasshopper’s call handling is more advanced than Google Voice. It allows call forwarding, screening, and blocking to help you avoid communication bottlenecks such as missed client calls, unanswered inquiries, or wasted time on spam numbers.
Furthermore, Grasshopper has business texting and voicemail transcription. And, unlike Google Voice, Grasshopper offers vanity and toll-free numbers to help you build brand credibility.
That said, Grasshopper doesn’t provide call recording, video, or third-party integrations. It is not HIPAA compliant, either.
Key Features
- Phone Numbers: Allows you to choose local, toll-free, or vanity options.
- Extensions: Route calls to individuals or departments.
- Call Management: Allows you to forward, transfer, screen, and block calls.
- Business Texting: Enables you to send and receive texts from your business number.
- Voicemail Transcription: Lets you read messages instead of listening.
- Simultaneous Call Handling: Enables you to manage multiple calls at once.
Grasshopper pricing
Grasshopper pricing is available in three tiers as follows:
- True Solo plan: Starts at $14 per user per month
- Solo Plus plan: Starts at $25 per user per month
- Small Business plan: Starts at $55 per user per month
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4. RingCentral
RingCentral is a unified business phone system that combines voice, video, and messaging all in one system. While it's more expensive than Google Voice, the service also packs more features.
Why is RingCentral a good Google Voice alternative?
For starters, RingCentral boasts advanced features like auto-attendants, call analytics, and app integrations—none of which Google Voice supports well.
It also allows 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 enables you to record calls, use multi-level call routing, and access AI-generated call summaries on higher plans.
That said, RingCentral is relatively 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
RingCentral pricing is structured as follows:
- Core plan: Starts at $20 per user per month
- Advanced plan: Starts at $25 per user per month
- Ultra plan: Starts at $35 per user per month.
5. Ooma
Ooma is a VoIP phone service that offers a free home plan with unlimited U.S. calling, plus paid options with call routing, virtual faxing, and toll-free numbers.
Why is Ooma a good Google Voice alternative?
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 offers 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.
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 pricing is structured in three tiers as follows:
- Essentials plan: Starts at $19.95 per user permonth
- Pro plan: Starts at $24.95 per user per month
- Pro Plus plan: Starts at $29.95 per user per month
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6. 8x8 — Best for International Reach
8x8 is another strong alternative to Google Voice, especially if you're looking for global reach, integrated video, and better administrative control.
is 8x8 a good Google Voice alternative?
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
8x8 pricing is available in three tiers as follows:
- Express Plan: Starts at $15 per user per month
- X2 Plan: Starts at $24 per user per month
- X4 Plan: Starts at $44 per user per month
7. GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect is an integrated cloud-based phone system that bundles voice, video, and AI-powered communication tools. On this website, GoTo Connect promises to make it refreshingly simple to communicate and collaborate.
Why is GoTo Connect a good Google Voice alternative?
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.
And, unlike Google Voice, GoTo Connect 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 true compliance offered by Google Voice alternatives like iPlum.
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 Connect pricing
GoTo Connect offers three main pricing tiers based on business size and needs:
- Phone System plan: Starts at $26 per user per month
- Connect CX plan: Starts at $34 per user per month
- Contact Center plan: Priced at $80 per user per month
How to Choose a Google Voice Alternative
The choice of one service like Google Voice over the other may vary from one user to another. Still, when choosing the best Google Voice alternative should offer the following>
Call Reliability
The last thing you want with a business phone system is poor call quality, something Google Voice customers often complain about. Therefore, look for a service that offers both Wi-Fi and carrier network calling to ensure consistent high quality.
Privacy and Compliance
Google Voice is natively HIPAA-compliant. You need to pair it with a Google Workspace subscription.
And, if you work in healthcare, finance, legal, or any other regulated industry, that’s a problem. Thus, choose a phone system that offers HIPAA compliance or industry compliance to keep conversations secure.
The Ability to Give Your Business a Professional Image
You want a phone system with features like auto-attendants, toll-free numbers, and custom greetings to establish trustworthiness.
Robust Call Management
Forwarding alone isn’t enough for business. The best Google Voice alternative should offer features such as call screening, transfers, extensions, and recording.
Business Texting
SMS is too basic for business use. A good Google Voice alternative should let you send business texts, group messages, and even secure client communication.
Scalability
Your business will grow. And a Google Voice number won’t grow with you. Hence, choose a service that lets you add numbers and extensions easily to avoid switching later.
How to Port Your Google Voice Number to iPlum
Transferring your Google Voice or any other provider is easy. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide.
Best Google Voice Alternatives — Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Why Choose iPlum Over Other Google Voice Alternatives?
Google Voice works for light calling and texting needs.
At the same time, Google Voice lacks advanced features and isn’t built for business.
And while the Google Voice alternatives in this roundup pack some decent capabilities, iPlum offers more value.
It gives you true HIPAA-compliant texting, call recording compliance, toll-free numbers, and a dedicated voice network at a lower price than most Google Voice competitors.
So, if you want a phone service like Google Voice designed to grow with you and protect your communication, iPlum is the go-to choice.
Get started today and upgrade your business line with iPlum.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and may not reflect the most current features or capabilities of the products or companies mentioned. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources of each company.
