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Google Voice and Grasshopper are two well-established names in the business phone market. At a glance, both offer cost-effective VoIP services with calling and texting capabilities.
But each has some notable limitations that can significantly affect business communication.
Google Voice, for instance, offers a basic multi-level attendant that isn’t quite robust.
The platform, therefore, doesn’t allow you to create detailed call menus, assign multiple extensions, or ensure callers reach the right department quickly.
Grasshopper, on the other hand, is admittedly not HIPAA compliant.
The lack of regulatory compliance makes it impossible to use for handling sensitive medical, legal, or financial information.
So, while Google Voice and Grasshopper have their strengths, they may not be the best fit for every business.
That’s why we’re bringing in iPlum as a worthy Google Voice and Grasshopper alternative.
In addition to being HIPAA-compliant and having an advanced phone tree, iPlum also offers toll-free and vanity numbers, dual-mode calling for reliable connections, secure client messaging through a free portal, and more.
In the sections below, we’ll compare the three platforms’ capabilities, pricing, user reviews and more to help you decide which one works best for your business communication needs.
Table of Contents
1. Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—A Side-by-side Feature Comparison
2. Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—What Do Users Say?
3. Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Pricing
4. Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Which Offers More Value?
5. Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Why Choose iPlum Over Google Voice and Grasshopper?
Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—A Side-by-side Feature Comparison
Google Voice, Grasshopper, and iPlum differ in many ways. Let’s go over these differences, ranging from calling to texting, regulatory compliance and everything in between.
Let’s start with a comparison table.
1. Calling Quality and Reliability
Clear, reliable calling is essential for business. If your service depends only on Wi-Fi, you risk dropped calls when the signal weakens.
Let’s see how Google Voice, Grasshopper, and iPlum compare here.
Google Voice
Google Voice runs on VoIP. With a strong internet connection, calls sound clear, and voicemail transcription works well.
However, once the Wi-Fi connection drops, so does the call quality. In fact, Google Voice users complain about cutoffs, delays, or one-way audio.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper, just like Google Voice, also relies heavily on internet calling.
It works fine in most office and home setups, but mobile users report missed rings and calls being routed to voicemail when the app fails to connect.
And, for a provider that charges more than Google Voice, this inconsistency can be particularly frustrating for small business owners who expect reliability at all times.
iPlum
iPlum allows you to bypass the inconvenience of reliance on the internet for calls with dual-mode calling.
With iPlum, you can use VoIP when Wi-Fi is strong or switch to carrier voice mode if the connection is unstable. That means calls continue to work even in rural areas, during power outages, or while traveling.
For businesses that can’t afford downtime, this reliability gives iPlum a major edge over both Google Voice and Grasshopper.
iPlum also supports app and web calling via the portal.
2. HIPAA Compliance and Security
If you handle sensitive information, whether in healthcare, legal, or finance, your phone system must meet compliance standards.
Let’s see how the three platforms compare.
Google Voice
Google Voice is not HIPAA-compliant on its own.
To use it in a regulated industry, you need Google Workspace and must request a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to comply with relevant regulations.
That not only adds extra cost but also forces you to pay for services you may not need if you don’t need Google Workspace for your business.
Grasshopper
While Google Voice can be HIPAA compliant, Grasshopper, by comparison, doesn’t have this compatibility at all.
Its messaging and calls run over standard protocols without encryption safeguards required for patient or client data. It is, therefore, not suitable for businesses in healthcare or other regulated industries.
iPlum
iPlum includes HIPAA compliance on its Professional and Premium plans by default.
Calls and texts are encrypted, and the service provides a signed BAA at no extra charge. And, unlike Google Voice, you don’t need a separate Workspace subscription. Likewise, you don’t have to compromise on compliance, as is the case with Grasshopper.
3. Auto-Attendant with Extensions
An auto-attendant gives your business a professional image. It routes callers to the right person or department without needing a live receptionist.
That said, here’s how Grasshopper, Google Voice and iPlum compare on this.
Google Voice
Google Voice has a multi-level autoattendant. While you can forward calls, the feature doesn’t provide a true auto-attendant with extensions.
Furthermore, menu-based call routing is only available on higher Google Workspace-linked plans.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper does include extensions, and many users like its simple setup. However, just like Google Voice, the feature is tied to Grasshopper’s higher tiers, which increases monthly costs.
With Grasshopper, businesses that want multiple extensions often find they’re paying a premium for what competitors offer at lower price points.
iPlum
iPlum offers a phone tree and auto-attendant with extensions on its Standard plan at $8.99 per month.
The feature allows you to create greetings, set up menu paths, and forward calls to mobile phones, landlines, or other iPlum numbers.
With iPlum, you get a flexible phone tree that enables small practices or remote teams to look professional without expensive upgrades.
4. Client Messaging (Secure and App-less)
Clients want simple ways to reach you. And, for regulated industries, these conversations must also be secure and compliant.
Here’s what you need to know about Google Voice, Grasshopper and iPlum’s ability to secure conversations.
Google Voice
Google Voice supports SMS and MMS, but not encrypted messaging.
With the service, messages travel over standard carrier networks, which makes them unsuitable for patient or client data. In addition, you can’t invite clients into a secure portal.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper messages aren’t encrypted for compliance, and features like group messaging or scheduled texts are absent. For businesses that require professional and secure client communication, Grasshopper’s capabilities may not be sufficient.
iPlum
iPlum boasts a unique feature that you won’t find with Grasshopper or Google Voice.
It provides clients with a free, secure account for two-way encrypted messaging. You send an invitation, and clients can use the iPlum app or web portal at no extra cost.
These conversations are separate from regular SMS, meeting compliance requirements while maintaining convenient communication.
5. Number Options
The type of number you use shapes how customers see your business. Local numbers give a community feel. Toll-free numbers, on the other hand, add a national presence, and vanity numbers boost brand identity.
Here’s how the three platforms compare.
Google Voice
Google Voice only offers local U.S. numbers. While the platform allows international calling, it does not provide toll-free or vanity options.
So, if you want to project a nationwide image or build a memorable brand phone line, Google Voice won’t meet those needs.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper, unlike Grasshopper, offers local, toll-free, and vanity numbers.
It also allows international calling, although this feature requires activation and isn’t included in standard plans.
To use the feature, however, your account must be at least 60 days old, and you’ll be required to make a $500 deposit.
iPlum
iPlum offers local numbers in the U.S. and Canada. You also receive 800 toll-free vanity numbers in both countries.
In addition, iPlum allows roaming calls, with availability in over 200 countries. Moreover, you can port in your existing line in a few steps, as outlined in the video below.
6. Call Recording and Archiving
Recording calls can be useful for training, dispute resolution, or compliance. And, how your provider structures this feature can make a significant difference.
Here’s what you get with the three platforms.
Google Voice
Google Voice only offers call recording on its Standard plan and above. In fact, automatic recording isn’t available unless you’re on the Premier tier.
Although the recording feature in the lower plans will still get the job done, you have to enable it each time, and there’s no built-in compliance archiving.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper supports call recording. But, like Google Voice, the feature is available on the Solo Plus plan and above.
The most important thing to note is that this function will incur a cost of between $25 and $55 per user per month, depending on your chosen tier.
And because Grasshopper is not natively HIPAA compliant, archiving these recordings for regulated industries can be a source of concern.
iPlum
iPlum offers automatic and on-demand call recording as part of its Premium plan, priced at $19.99 per month, which is almost three times cheaper than Grasshopper’s top-tier plan.
The best part is that these recordings are stored securely with one-year compliance archiving included.
The functionality makes iPlum a reliable option for businesses in the healthcare, legal, or financial sectors, where maintaining a tamper-proof call history is essential.
7. Business Texting Features
SMS is one of the most effective communication channels, but businesses need more than simple send-and-receive.
You want a phone system that also has features like scheduling, templates, and auto-replies, to make texting efficient and professional.
Let’s compare Google Voice, iPlum and Grasshopper on this.
Google Voice
Google Voice has basic texting. You can send and receive SMS or MMS. However, there are no scheduling tools, templates, or automated replies available.
For casual use, it’s fine, but the lack of advanced business texting features also means you can quickly run into limits when they try to scale outreach.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper includes texting, but reviewers often describe it as underdeveloped. Furthermore, the platform doesn’t offer group messaging.
In addition, users report that messages can lag, and there’s no support for advanced automation. For the price Grasshopper charges, the texting experience feels barebones instead of a core feature.
iPlum
iPlum provides a more comprehensive set of texting features for business compared to Grasshopper and Google Voice.
You can, for instance, schedule texts, create reusable templates, and set up auto-replies for texts and missed calls. Texts are stored securely, and on Professional and Premium plans, they are encrypted and HIPAA-compliant.
Patients and clients can also communicate through iPlum’s secure portal, which keeps regulated conversations separate from regular SMS.
Other features for business include the ability to share an iPlum number to multiple users, assigning extensions, and controlling business hours.
Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—What Do Users Say?
User reviews often reveal more than feature lists. They highlight where a product works well and where it causes everyday frustrations.
Below is a closer look at what customers say about Google Voice, Grasshopper, and iPlum.
Google Voice Reviews
Google Voice users love the platform’s easy setup and reasonable pricing.
However, reviewers often point out its limits for business use. Complaints focus on unreliable call quality, missing business features, and poor customer support.
❌ Limited for business use
“It’s fine for personal calls, but as a business line it lacks features we need.” – Verified User, Capterra
❌ Dropped calls
“Sometimes calls just cut off mid-conversation if the internet connection dips.” – Andrea L., Google Play
❌ Poor customer support
“When there are issues, there’s no real support team to call. Very frustrating.” – Alan J., G2
✔ Protects privacy
“I like having a second number so I don’t have to share my personal one.” – Jessica M., Capterra
✔ Simple interface
“Easy to use and integrates with Gmail quickly.” – Verified User, G2
Grasshopper Reviews
Grasshopper customers like its simple app and professional call routing.
However, reviews also mention high costs compared to the features delivered, occasional glitches, and limited texting capabilities.
❌ Expensive for what you get
“For the price, I expected more features. You pay extra for basics like voicemail transcription.” – Verified User, Trustpilot
❌ Texting limitations
“SMS feels like an afterthought, not a real business messaging tool.” – Michael S., G2
❌ App performance issues
“Sometimes the app doesn’t ring, or calls go straight to voicemail.” – Kevin D., Capterra
✔ Professional phone image
“Having a toll-free number makes my small business look bigger.” – Rebecca T., G2
iPlum Reviews
iPlum reviews highlight reliable calling, HIPAA-compliant texting, and strong customer support.
✔ Quick and simple setup
“I had a new business number working in under 15 minutes.” – Verified User, G2
✔ HIPAA compliance included
“Perfect for my therapy practice—secure texting with clients at a fair cost.” – Kelly M., G2
✔ Strong call quality
“I switched from another VoIP service because of call drops. iPlum is much more reliable.” – James R., Trustpilot
✔ Feature-rich texting
“I use templates and scheduled texts daily. It saves me a lot of time.” – Dr. Carissa W., G2
✔ Excellent support
“Customer service was responsive even on the weekend and solved my issue right away.” – Verified User, Trustpilot
⚠️Some users say they’ve had problems setting up their account. However, iPlum has a minimalist interface, and you should have it up and running in a few minutes.
Plus, you can get quick help if you’re stuck.
Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Pricing
Google Voice, Grasshopper, and iPlum price their services differently, as outlined below.
How Much Does Google Voice Cost?
Google Voice has three paid plans ranging from $10 to $30 per user per month.
Starter – $10 per user per month
The plan includes calling within the U.S. and Canada, voicemail transcription, and unlimited SMS within the U.S. It is limited to 10 users and is only applicable to domestic locations.
Standard – $20 per user per month
Includes everything in Starter, plus multi-level auto attendant, ring groups, and desk phone support.
Premier – $30 per user per month
You get everything in Standard, and international locations, as well as ad-hoc call recording.
How Much Does Grasshopper Cost?
Grasshopper costs $14 to $55 per month based on your plan, as follows:
True Solo – $14 per month
The plan allows a single user, one phone number, and a single extension.
Solo Plus – $25 per month
The plan allows unlimited users, a phone number and up to three extensions in addition to the True Solo offering.
Small business – $55 per month
The plan allows for unlimited users, four phone numbers, and unlimited extensions, plus the Solo Plus features.
How Much Does iPlum Cost?
Plum costs $8.99 to $19.99 per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows
Standard Plan – $8.99 per user per month
The plan comes with mobile app calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada, voicemail, auto-replies, business hours, and a phone tree.
Professional – $14.99 per user per month
This plan builds upon the Standard plan, offering features such as web-based calling and texting, secure and encrypted texting, and voicemail transcription.
You also get group and broadcast messaging, text archiving, and HIPAA compliance with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for healthcare.
Premium – $19.99 per user per month
The plan includes everything in the Professional plan, in addition to call recording and compliance features for finance, insurance, legal, sales, and support sectors.
Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Which Offers More Value?
Google Voice ranges from $10 to $30 per user per month, but auto-recording and advanced features are only available at the $30 tier.
Grasshopper charges $14–$55, yet still lacks HIPAA compliance and call recording, making it up to 183% more expensive than iPlum for fewer capabilities.
iPlum, priced at $8.99–$19.99, offers HIPAA compliance, a full auto-attendant, and call recording, all at prices up to 70% lower than Grasshopper and 33% lower than Google Voice.
Feature for feature, iPlum often provides 2–3 times the functionality at half the cost, giving businesses more value for significantly less spend.
Google Voice vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you text on Google Voice?
Yes, Google Voice supports texting to U.S. and Canadian numbers. However, it excludes bulk messaging and short codes, which limits its usefulness for professional business communication needs.
Does Grasshopper work without the internet?
No, Grasshopper requires internet or Wi-Fi for calls. The functionality means poor connections can cause dropped calls, missed rings, and unreliable communication, especially for mobile or remote users.
Can I receive calls on iPlum?
Yes, iPlum provides a dedicated second number for reliable business calls. It also supports secure texting, voicemail, extensions, and dual-mode calling for dependable communication anytime, anywhere.
Why Choose iPlum Over Google Voice and Grasshopper?
Indeed, Google Voice and Grasshopper tick most boxes as VoIP providers.
Each platform offers most of the features needed for day-to-day communication. And, while Grasshopper is more feature-rich than Grasshopper, it may leave some gaps, especially for business communication, given its reliance on the internet and lack of HIPAA compliance.
By comparison, iPlum caters to modern business communication needs with features like true HIPAA compliance, business hours, a robust phone tree, and dual-mode calling for reliable connections.
It also includes toll-free and vanity numbers, secure client messaging through a free portal, easy number porting and built-in call recording with compliance archiving.
All of this comes at prices up to 70% lower than Grasshopper and 33% lower than Google Voice.
Click the link below to get started 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.
