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If you’re looking for a Google Voice vs OpenPhone comparison, you’ve come to the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you how the two VoIP providers compare when it comes to core business functionalities and capabilities.
But before we dive in, here are a few limitations you need to know regarding these services.
- Google Voice isn’t HIPAA compliant unless paired with a Workspace subscription.
- OpenPhone, on the other hand, is admittedly not HIPAA compliant. At all.
- Google Voice doesn’t offer toll-free numbers.
- OpenPhone and Google Voice rely on the internet for calls, so if your connection is weak, you’re bound to experience service interruption.
Do you know what this means?
It implies that, while the two platforms have their strengths, they may not be complete solutions for business communication.
Luckily, we’ve added iPlum into the Google Voice vs. OpenPhone comparison.
In the sections below, we’ll tell you why iPlum is a good alternative to OpenPhone and Google Voice when it comes to features, pricing, and overall value.
Sounds good?
Let’s start by comparing the features of the three platforms
Table of Contents
1. Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—A Side-by-side Feature Comparison
2. Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—What Do Users Say?
3. Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—Pricing
4. Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—Which Offers More Value?
5. How to Port Your Number to iPlum
6. Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Why Choose iPlum Over OpenPhone and Google Voice?
Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—A Side-by-side Feature Comparison
Google Voice, iPlum, and OpenPhone are unique in their own different ways—which is what we’ll flesh out in the section below.
But before we do, here’s a quick comparison table.
1. Texting
According to the Pew Research Center, up to 80% of customers prefer receiving text-based communications or want businesses to use texting.
So, if your business phone system doesn’t support this feature, you’re missing out on an essential channel of today’s business communication.
We compared iPlum, OpenPhone, and Google Voice’s texting capabilities, and here’s what we found.
Google Voice
Google Voice provides basic texting capabilities. You can send and receive SMS within the US. In Canada, however, this feature only works if you have a Canadian number.
It doesn’t offer bulk messaging or advanced features such as text scheduling, templates, or auto-replies.
Google Voice also ties conversations to individual users, which slows team collaboration on customer replies.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone includes texting in all its plans, covering US and Canadian numbers.
Unlike Google Voice, it offers message templates, snippets, auto-replies, and scheduled messages. These features save time, maintain consistency in interactions, and enable teams to collaborate in shared threads.
However, OpenPhone doesn’t provide a separate encrypted channel for secure two-way texting with clients.
iPlum
iPlum, by comparison, delivers a secure and business-ready texting experience.
Compared to OpenPhone, it adds a free customer account for encrypted messaging, making it HIPAA-compliant for healthcare providers and suitable for regulated industries such as finance or insurance.
It also supports group and broadcast messaging, scheduled texts, auto-replies, and templates right out of the box.
And unlike Google Voice, which limits texting to US-based customers, iPlum enables international texting and integrates it with compliance archiving.
2. Calling
A reliable calling experience is the foundation of any business phone system. Below is a comparison of the three providers on this front.
Google Voice
Google Voice provides VoIP calling in the US and limited international options.
The call quality is generally good with a strong internet connection. However, users often report issues such as one-way audio or dropped calls when Wi-Fi is weak.
While it integrates with Google Meet for video calls, it doesn’t offer advanced business calling features, such as phone trees or dual-mode calling.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone offers unlimited calling within the US and Canada across mobile, desktop, and browser apps.
With OpenPhone, teams can easily port numbers in and use shared phone lines for collaboration.
The platform also offers modern features such as call forwarding and voicemail transcription, giving it an edge over Google Voice.
However, OpenPhone relies solely on internet connections (VoIP), so call quality depends entirely on the strength of your Wi-Fi or data connection.
iPlum
iPlum takes a more versatile approach to calling.
Unlike Google Voice and OpenPhone, the platform uses dual-mode calling, allowing you to seamlessly switch between your mobile carrier’s network and Wi-Fi/data. That way, you can be sure of reliable calls even in low-signal areas.
iPlum also includes professional features such as a phone tree with auto-attendant and extensions, as well as call routing, which are not available in Google Voice and are limited in OpenPhone.
3. Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers offer businesses a professional image and enable customers to contact them easily without incurring a call charge. They’re especially valuable for customer service, sales, and nationwide reach.
Here’s how iPlum, OpenPhone, and Google Voice compare.
Google Voice
Google Voice doesn’t provide toll-free numbers.
Your account comes with either a local US number or a Canadian number, depending on where you register. While this may be suitable for personal or small business use, it imposes limitations for companies seeking to establish a nationwide presence.
Additionally, customers calling from outside to your Google Voice number will incur the cost of the call, which can deter inbound inquiries.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone allows businesses to add toll-free numbers for $5 per month. You can also port in existing toll-free lines.
The provider’s option enables companies to expand their customer reach and appear more professional, which is a notable upgrade from Google Voice.
iPlum
iPlum offers one of the most comprehensive toll-free solutions among business phone providers.
You can choose from all major prefixes, including 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, and 833, as well as secure vanity numbers (e.g., 1-877-GET-HOME) directly from the national registry.
These numbers work for both calling and texting, providing a wider reach without the need to purchase separate local lines. And, you can forward calls to mobile or landline, or manage them directly in the iPlum app.
4. Compliance and Security
A phone system without robust compliance and security can expose sensitive customer information and put your business at risk of regulatory penalties.
Google Voice, OpenPhone, and iPlum handle this differently, as outlined below.
Google Voice
Google Voice offers standard account-level protections like 2-Step Verification and a strong Google account password.
However, it doesn't provide HIPAA compliance or sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA)—at least not without a Workspace subscription.
In addition, its data is tied into Google’s broader ecosystem, which raises privacy concerns for companies that need to control how customer information is stored and shared.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone comes with basic safeguards and is SOC 2 compliant, ensuring adherence to specific data security standards. However, like Google Voice, it doesn’t offer HIPAA compliance or BAAs, and there is no encrypted channel for secure client communication outside of standard SMS/MMS.
iPlum
iPlum is a strong Google Voice and OpenPhone alternative for regulated industries.
It offers true HIPAA compliance with signed BAAs in the Professional and Premium plans, ensuring safe handling of patient information.
In addition, iPlum supports the requirements of the finance, insurance, and legal sectors, including call and text archiving for record-keeping.
Moreover, the platform also provides secure, encrypted messaging through free customer accounts, so clients can communicate without exposing sensitive data over unsecured SMS.
So, compared to Google Voice and OpenPhone, iPlum provides a far more complete compliance and security solution.
5. Call Recording
You can use call recordings to review customer interactions, resolve disputes, and for regulatory requirements. Here’s what you get with the three phone systems regarding this feature.
Google Voice
Google Voice offers ad hoc call recording. However, automatic recording is only available in its highest-tier “Premier” plan. While the Standard plan has this feature, you must manually start recordings. Furthermore, storage options are tied to Google’s ecosystem.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone offers automatic call recording on its Business and Scale plans, which cost between $23 and $35 per user per month.
Sure, you can access the recording on the lower Starter plan, but, like Google Voice, this feature is manual.
The most important thing to note here is that OpenPhone isn’t HIPAA-compliant. Therefore, call recordings may not meet regulatory requirements for industries that must securely store and retrieve recordings over time.
iPlum
iPlum includes call recording in its Premium plan for $19.99 per user per month, nearly 50% cheaper than OpenPhone’s highest tier.
In addition, the platform provides compliance-ready storage and archiving for up to one year.
Furthermore, iPlum allows for announcement messages to inform callers when the recording is active. Therefore, the service is iPlum suitable for healthcare, finance, and other regulated fields where proof of consent and record retention are essential.
6. Team Collaboration
Collaboration features are essential for teams that share customer communication duties. Let’s compare the three providers.
Google Voice
Google Voice is primarily a personal second-line app, so its collaboration tools are minimal.
Each user has their own number and inbox, which makes it difficult for teams to share customer conversations.
While Google does offer ring groups in higher plans, the lack of shared texting threads or internal notes means teammates can’t coordinate responses effectively.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone is a team-oriented platform that includes strong collaboration tools. Teammates can share numbers, reply together in shared threads, and leave internal notes on calls or messages.
Managers can also review conversations to coach staff and improve performance. OpenPhone’s shared inbox model is a significant advantage over Google Voice.
iPlum
iPlum combines collaboration with enterprise-grade phone system features.
First, the platform offers a shared number, a handy feature for customer-facing teams. Furthermore, admins can set user permissions, and you can route calls through a phone tree and an auto-attendant with unlimited extensions.
As a result, managers get visibility into calls and texts, while team members can coordinate without losing track of customer conversations.
Unlike Google Voice, which isolates users, and OpenPhone, which focuses primarily on shared inboxes, iPlum boasts a flexible structure designed for scalability.
7. Third-Party Integrations
Integrations extend the value of a phone system by connecting it with the tools a business already uses. Here’s what you get with Google Voice, iPlum, and OpenPhone.
Google Voice
Google Voice integrates mainly within Google’s ecosystem. It integrates with Google Calendar and Google Meet, simplifying scheduling and video calls. Beyond that, however, its integration options are notably limited.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone integrates with popular third-party platforms. It connects directly with HubSpot and Salesforce, ensuring call and text activity is logged automatically in customer records.
Meanwhile, OpenPhone’s Slack integration allows teams to receive call and text notifications where they already work, and Zapier opens up additional automation possibilities.
The platform also offers an API for custom workflows.
iPlum
iPlum delivers integration through its secure REST API, which allows users to connect phone data into existing systems, including EHR platforms for healthcare.
While it doesn’t have the out-of-the-box CRM integrations that OpenPhone offers, iPlum’s strength lies in its secure and customizable connectivity.
Learn More About iPlum Features
Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—What Do Users Say?
Customer reviews offer an honest assessment of how these platforms perform beyond marketing claims. Here’s a snapshot of what users say about Google Voice, iPlum and OpenPhone.
Google Voice Reviews
Google Voice has long been seen as a budget-friendly phone solution, but reviews often highlight its shortcomings for business use.
❌ Frequent dropped calls
“Sometimes when making and receiving calls on my phone (not on a strong Wi-Fi connection), audio quality is bad on the receiving end.” — Matthew C., G2
❌ Call and text limitations
“Limited integration with other apps […] may not integrate seamlessly with other apps or services you may use.” — Khalid C., Capterra
❌ Registration troubles
“They were not able to register our number to our business.” — A T., G2
✔ Affordable
“Google Voice is very affordable, especially compared to other VoIP services.” — Verified Reviewer, Capterra
OpenPhone Reviews
OpenPhone positions itself as a modern, team-friendly platform. On the flipside, reviewers point to technical issues, connection hiccups, and workflow bugs.
❌ Connection hiccups
“I experience occasional connection issues, resulting in delays and missed calls during conversations.” — OpenPhone Reviewer, G2
❌ Feature workflow glitches
“The phone system had a lot of technical problems. Auto attendant not working, CRM not working, SMS not working.” — Fred C., Capterra
❌ Number sharing workaround
Initially, we had hoped to use the same phone number and then redirect it to the correct company. There was a small workaround initially…” — Wagner G., Capterra
✔ Intuitive interface
“The platform is intuitive and easy to navigate … managing business communications seamlessly.” — Martha D., G2
iPlum Reviews
While some iPlum customers mention missing video conferencing, most agree iPlum delivers reliable, professional-grade features that address business communication needs.
✔ Responsive support
“I sent a support ticket and was responded to within the hour. The situation was fixed with really no disruption to my service.” — Lindsey Baker, Trustpilot
✔ HIPAA-compliant voicemail
“I am a therapist, and I needed a HIPAA-compliant voicemail. iPlum works so well for clients to leave messages securely.” — E W, Trustpilot
✔ Easy to use
“The interface is easy to use and I haven’t had any problems with phone calls or texts.” — Linden Alexander, Trustpilot
✔ Great for remote teams
“As a small business owner managing a remote team, iPlum exceeded my expectations… calls, texts, and voicemails stay completely separate from personal lines.” — Vidur Gupta, Trustpilot
⚠️iPlum doesn’t support video conferencing. The feature will be available soon, though.
Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—Pricing
Below is a break down of how iPlum, OpenPhone and Google Voice compare when it comes to pricing.
How Much Does Google Voice Cost?
Google Voice costs between $10 and $30 per month, depending on your plan.
Starter – $10 per user per month
The Starter plan includes calling and texting within the U.S., voicemail transcription, Google Meet integration, call forwarding, and a multi-level auto-attendant.
Standard – $20 per user per month
The Standard plan gives you unlimited users, ring groups, desk phone support, and advanced reporting. However, the plan is limited to domestic calling.
Premier – $30 per user per month
Offers all Standard features plus international location support, automatic call recording, and expanded reporting.
How Much Does OpenPhone Cost?
OpenPhone pricing starts at $15 for the lowest plan to $35 for the highest tier per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows
Starter – $15 per user per month
Includes mobile calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada, voicemail transcription, and one local or toll-free number per user.
Business – $23 per user per month
Builds on the Starter plan with additional tools, including call summaries, group calling, call transfers, phone menus, analytics, and auto-call recording.
Scale – $35 per user per month
Adds features such as conditional call routing and dedicated onboarding.
How Much Does iPlum Cost?
iPlum costs $8.99 to $19.99 per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows
Standard Plan – $8.99 per user per month
Includes mobile app calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada, voicemail, auto-replies, business hours, and phone tree.
Professional – $14.99 per user per month
This plan builds upon the Standard plan, offering web-based calling and texting, secure, encrypted texting, voicemail transcription, group and broadcast messaging, text archiving, and HIPAA compliance with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for healthcare.
Premium – $19.99 per user per month
Offers everything in the Professional plan, plus call recording and compliance features for finance, insurance, legal, sales, and support sectors.
Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—Which Offers More Value?
iPlum offers more value per dollar spent than Google Voice and OpenPhone.
At $8.99 per user, iPlum includes business hours, auto-replies, and a phone tree, features Google Voice offers in $20–$30 tiers.
OpenPhone pricing starts at $15 per user, yet businesses must pay $23–$35 (up to 4x iPlum’s cost) for call recording and menus.
Even iPlum’s Premium $19.99 plan is still 43% cheaper than OpenPhone’s Scale tier, while adding HIPAA compliance and compliance-grade recording.
When comparing cost against features, iPlum consistently delivers more functionality for 30–60% less.
How to Port Your Number to iPlum
You can easily transfer your existing Google Voice or OpenPhone number. Watch the video below for a quick guide.
Google Voice vs OpenPhone vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Google Voice offer toll-free numbers?
No. Google Voice only provides local US or Canadian numbers, so businesses can’t establish a nationwide or professional presence with toll-free calling.
Is OpenPhone HIPAA compliant?
No. OpenPhone is SOC 2 compliant but not HIPAA compliant, making it unsuitable for healthcare providers or businesses needing secure, regulated communication channels.
Does iPlum support international texting?
Yes. iPlum offers global numbers and texting in over 200 countries, giving businesses international reach without requiring separate providers.
Why Choose iPlum OpenPhone and Google Voice?
Google Voice and OpenPhone offer valuable features.
Google Voice, for instance, integrates easily with other Google apps. OpenPhone, on the other hand, allows swift collaboration with shared numbers and internal threads.
Yet, both drop the ball in areas like HIPAA compliance and reliance on the internet for calls.
iPlum carves a niche with innovative features, including reliable dual-mode calling, secure HIPAA-compliant texting, and toll-free and vanity numbers. The platform also comes with professional features like call routing and an advanced auto-attendant.
Furthermore, the service supports global communication, making it suitable for distributed teams.
Getting started with iPlum is straightforward. Click the link below to access the service.
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.
