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Grasshopper and Google Voice have many overlapping features. And unless you understand the differences, it can be hard to choose one over the other.
Both, for instance, give you a business number, calling features, and texting.
A close analysis, however, reveals differences that can affect how well and safely you can communicate using the platform.
Grasshopper, for example, doesn’t support crucial security features such as HIPAA compliance. Google Voice, while cheaper, doesn’t offer business tools such as bulk texting or 800 toll-free vanity numbers.
A Grasshopper vs Google Voice comparison, therefore, would not be complete or balanced without adding a third option that fills these gaps. That option is iPlum.
For starters, iPlum is a 2nd mobile line provider.
But unlike Grasshopper, it’s HIPAA compliant, allowing for a secure and reliable way to call and text without exposing your personal or private number.
Additionally, iPlum supports business texting with tools such as templates, auto-replies, and messaging scheduling, in addition to over 50 other features.
Moreover, iPlum’s base plan is nearly twice as cheap as Google Voice and Grasshopper.
Read on, as we dive into the three-way comparison, so you can choose the right phone system for your business from a point of information.
Table of Contents
1. Grasshopper vs Google Voice vs iPlum—A Side-by-side Comparison
2. Grasshopper vs Google Voice vs iPlum — User Reviews
3. Grasshopper vs Google Voice vs iPlum — Pricing
4. How to Port Your Number to iPlum
5. Grasshopper vs Google Voice vs iPlum — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Why Choose iPlum Over Grasshopper and Google Voice
Although Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum phone systems differ significantly in how they handle various functionalities.
Here’s a rundown of wha you should know about the three platforms' core features, especially for business communication.
We’ll start with a comparison table for a quick overview.
1. Dual Mode Calling
Call reliability is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a phone system.
Most VoIP providers run on the internet, which increases the risk of dropped calls, missed rings, or poor audio quality. That’s frustrating for customers and damaging for business.
How reliable are calls on Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum?
Let’s find out.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper uses internet-based calling.
In a stable office or home Wi-Fi setup, it usually works fine. However, Grasshopper reviews point to a service whose app doesn’t ring at times, in addition to low audio quality and dropped calls.
Google Voice
Google Voice, like Grasshopper, also relies heavily on Wi-Fi or mobile data.
When the signal is strong, calls sound clear, and voicemail transcription works well. But once the connection weakens, calls can cut off mid-conversation or experience delays.
iPlum
iPlum is notably different from Grasshopper and Google Voice here.
It offers dual-mode calling. For starters, this feature allows you to switch between Wi-Fi/VoIP and your carrier’s voice network.
As a result, you can enjoy clear calls even in rural areas, during power outages, while traveling, or in areas where there’s no internet connection. That’s something you don’t get with Grasshopper or Google Voice.
And the best part is that dual reliability is available in the Standard plan, which costs $8.99 per user per month.
2. Auto Attendant and IVR
An auto attendant is a valuable feature in any business phone system. It enables you to set up menus so callers can quickly reach the right person or department, without relying on a live receptionist.
How do Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum compare when it comes to allowing you to manage calls with menus and extensions?
Grasshopper
Grasshopper comes with a basic auto attendant.
You can create greetings and menu paths that route calls to the correct extension or number. However, you can only do so much with this feature.
There’s no true multi-level IVR, and features like professional greeting recordings incur an additional cost.
Google Voice
Google Voice does better here than Grasshopper.
Its Standard and Premier plans include a multi-level auto attendant with options like ring groups, text-to-speech greetings, and custom call flows. You can set rules for office hours and even add announcements.
Still, this level of functionality requires higher-tier plans and a Google Workspace subscription, which increases the overall cost.
iPlum
iPlum gives you access to robust call management features in its Standard plan.
Unlike Grasshopper and Google Voice, iPlum offers an advanced phone tree and auto attendant with extensions.
With this feature, you can create personalized greetings, set menu options, and forward calls to mobile phones, landlines, or other iPlum numbers.
If you’re a small business, professional, or solopreneur, this enables you to project a professional image and scale your routing setup at a cost that won’t hurt your budget.
3. Business Text Messaging
If your phone system supports texting, you can send customers quick updates and reminders. In fact, studies show that most clients prefer texting over phone calls.
But not all VoIP providers treat texting as a true business tool. Let’s see how Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum compare.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper offers SMS and MMS texting from both local and toll-free numbers.
You can also send group texts and share media. A nice extra is the Instant Response feature, which automatically texts new callers when you miss their call.
However, Grasshopper doesn’t support shared numbers for texting, which prevents multiple users from handling customer conversations on a given number.
Google Voice
Google Voice includes unlimited SMS in the U.S., but it’s basic.
The service caps group texting at eight participants and splits long messages into multiple shorter ones. Furthermore, its MMS is limited. You can send photos, but not video files. In addition, there are no scheduling tools or templates.
Sure, Google Voice works fine for casual messaging, but it doesn’t provide the polish businesses often need.
iPlum
iPlum messaging takes a new level with business texting features.
You can schedule messages, create templates for common replies, and set auto-responses for missed calls or after-hours inquiries.
Moreover, the platform stores texts securely, and on Professional and Premium plans, they’re encrypted and HIPAA-compliant.
Better yet, patients or clients can use iPlum’s free secure portal for two-way encrypted messaging, giving businesses in regulated fields an option neither Grasshopper nor Google Voice provides.
4. Business Phone Numbers
The type of phone number you choose says a lot about your business. Local numbers build trust in your community, toll-free numbers create a national presence, and vanity numbers make your brand memorable. Here’s how Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum compare.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper offers flexibility with various number types.
You can choose local, toll-free, or vanity numbers, and even mix them within the same account. Plans include between one and four numbers, depending on tier, with the option to add more for $9 per month each.
Google Voice
A Google Voice account comes with a single local U.S. number, and that’s it for most plans. Only the Premier plan expands options by allowing international numbers in 100+ countries. However, Google Voice does not offer toll-free or vanity numbers.
iPlum
iPlum offers a broader range than Grasshopper and Google Voice when it comes to number options.
It offers local U.S. and Canadian numbers, as well as 800-series toll-free numbers, including vanity options. It also supports roaming in over 200 countries, making it a fit for businesses with global clients.
What’s more, you can port in an existing line or purchase multiple numbers within the same account.
In addition, iPlum supports a shared number, enabling multiple team members to call and text from the same business line.
The feature can be handy for businesses or customer support teams that want one central number but still need accountability and visibility into all communications.
5. Voicemail and Transcription
On one hand, voicemail comes in handy when you want to back up missed calls. On the other hand, it can be a key part of customer service.
If your phone system supports voicemail transcriptions, you can quickly scan messages, respond promptly, and maintain accurate records without having to replay every call. That kind of efficiency is essential, especially when you’re juggling clients or managing a busy schedule.
Let’s look at how Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum handle voicemail.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper includes voicemail and transcription on all plans.
Each extension has its own voicemail box, and you can forward messages to up to 15 email addresses.
If you want professional greetings, however, Grasshopper sells them through its Voice Studio at $75 per recording. One drawback is that voicemail storage is limited to 30 days, which isn’t ideal if you need long-term records.
Google Voice
Google Voice also offers voicemail transcription.
A unique perk is its integration with Google Calendar, a feature that automatically routes calls to voicemail during meetings or after hours.
You can store unlimited messages, create multiple greetings, and get transcripts delivered to Gmail. However, Google user reviews reveal that call quality issues sometimes carry over into voicemail recordings, making them more difficult to review.
iPlum
iPlum combines voicemail with business-centric tools.
First, the platform offers voicemail and mobile notifications on all plans. Meanwhile, the Professional and Premium tiers offer voicemail transcription and text-to-email forwarding, allowing you to skim messages without needing to dial in.
In addition, iPlum stores your transcriptions and audio securely, ensuring HIPAA compliance to protect sensitive information.
6. Regulatory Compliance
If you’re in a regulated industry, such as healthcare, finance, or legal, using the wrong phone system can put sensitive data at risk and create liability issues.
Here’s how Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum compare when it comes to security and regulations.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper does not offer HIPAA compliance. It transmits calls and messages using standard protocols without the encryption required for regulated industries.
Google Voice
Google Voice can meet HIPAA requirements, but only under certain conditions.
First, you must subscribe to Google Workspace. In addition, you need to request a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). The setup adds extra cost and complexity, especially if you only want a phone system and don’t need Workspace tools like Gmail or Drive.
Without the BAA, Google Voice is not HIPAA-compliant.
iPlum
iPlum comes with HIPAA compliance already integrated into its Professional and Premium plans.
Calls, texts, and voicemails are encrypted, and iPlum provides a signed BAA at no extra charge. Unlike Grasshopper, it meets compliance standards out of the box.
And, compared to Google Voice, iPlum doesn’t require an additional subscription. So, if your organization handles protected or sensitive information, iPlum is a safer and simpler option than Grasshopper and Google Voice.
7. Analytics and Reporting
Analytics may not be the first thing you think about when choosing a business phone system.
However, having visibility into calls and texts can make a big difference to your business. Reports, for instance, can help you spot trends, manage workloads, and improve customer service.
Here’s how the three providers compare.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper provides three types of reports—usage, detail, and activity.
These cover call volumes, lengths, transfers, and outcomes, including voicemails or hang-ups. While helpful, the reports have a significant limitation— Grasshopper deletes data after 90 days.
So, if you need long-term insights or compliance archiving, that’s a drawback worth considering.
Google Voice
Google Voice offers basic call logs showing caller ID, time, and call direction. On its own, this is fairly limited.
For deeper insights, you need to be on the Premier plan and connect with Google BigQuery. Although this enables you to access advanced analytics, it requires extra setup and a bit of technical know-how, so there’s that.
iPlum
iPlum has a built-in Report Center that provides detailed usage data for calls, texts, and voicemails.
With iPlum, you can track trends, measure activity, and export reports for record-keeping.
Unlike Grasshopper, the platform doesn’t purge reporting data after a short period. And, compared to Google Voice, you don’t need to set up additional accounts or pay for subscriptions to access detailed reports.
Furthermore, iPlum integrates with CRMs and EHRs via API, making it a fit for both general businesses and regulated industries that require secure, long-term reporting.
Grasshopper vs Google Voice vs iPlum — User Reviews
When looking for a business phone system, it’s always good to read independent customer reviews. Why? … because you can tell from user sentiment what you’re likely to experience with the service.
That said, here’s a snapshot of some Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum reviews sourced from platforms such as G2, Capttera, and Trustpilot.
Grasshopper Reviews
Although Grasshopper is popular with small businesses, reviews often highlight hidden costs and reliability issues.
Here’s what customers actually say about their experience.
❌ Expensive for features
"The software is terrible and hard to use. You can’t cancel through the website or the app." — Justin B., G2
❌ App glitches
"It freezes a lot. Sometimes calls drop. Then it freezes and we have to restart the app." — Samuel M., G2
❌ Poor voicemail system
"Poor call quality. Often it takes several attempts to make an outgoing call. The voicemails do not stay for more than 30 days." — Verified User, G2
✔ Easy setup
"Ease of setup and maintaining, changing settings." — Verified User, G2
Google Voice Reviews
Google Voice may be attractive for its low price and easy integration with Google apps. However, many users find it too limited for business use.
Here are some customer opinions.
❌ Weak customer support
“Customer support is not up to par, the number of features is lacking compared to modern VoIP providers." — Kevin K., G2
❌ Hard to manage accounts
“Unable to access from multiple phones or use more than one account on the app." — Verified User, G2
❌ Spam calls
“The phone number I got before was getting a lot of spam texts." — Chie C., G2
✔ Second number option
“Google Voice allows me to have a second phone number instead of using my own personal phone number.” — Carlos C., G2
iPlum Reviews
iPlum earns consistently strong feedback from professionals in healthcare, counseling, and small business.
Most cite its HIPAA compliance, quick customer support, affordability, and ease of use. Below are some of those reviews.
✔ Fast customer support
“I sent a support ticket and was responded to within the hour. The situation was fixed, the numbers were interchanged 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
✔ Simple to use
“I’ve been using iPlum for a few months now and have had a positive experience.” — Linden Alexander, Trustpilot
✔ Great for work-life balance
"This app helps me separate my business from my personal life. It is a great way for my patients to feel that they have a connection with me.” — Dannel M Doyle, Trustpilot
✔ Affordable and reliable
“So far, the service is working great and has been very helpful for my business because I really needed a second line just for that.” — Arash Eskandari, Trustpilot
⚠️ iPlum doesn’t offer video conferencing yet, but the feature is scheduled for release soon.
Grasshopper vs Google Voice vs iPlum — Pricing
As you’d expect, Grasshopper, Google Voice, and iPlum package their offering differently. Let’s now see how much each costs and the features available for different tiers.
How much does Grasshopper cost?
Grasshopper is available for $14 to $55 per month, depending on your plan as outlined below.
True Solo – $14 per month
Designed for one user, the plan comes with one phone number and a single extension.
Solo Plus – $25 per month
Created for unlimited users, the plan includes a phone number and up to three extensions in addition to the True Solo features.
Small business – $55 per month
The plan packs unlimited users, four phone numbers, and unlimited extensions, plus the Solo Plus features.
How much does Google Voice cost?
Google Voice costs between $10 and $30 per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows:
Starter – $10 per user per month
You get U.S. and Canadian calling, voicemail transcription, and SMS within the U.S.
Standard – $20 per user per month
The plan comes with the Starter plan features as well as a multi-level auto attendant, ring groups, and desk phone support.
Premier – $30 per user per month
The plan includes everything in Standard, as well as international locations and ad-hoc call recording.
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, texting, voicemail, auto-text reply, business hours, phone tree, and extensions.
Professional – $14.99 per user per month
This plan builds upon the Standard plan with web calling, texting, encryption, archive, transcription, and healthcare HIPAA compliance.
Premium – $19.99 per user per month
The plan includes everything in the Professional plan, plus call recording and text compliance in finance, insurance, legal, sales, and support.
How to Port Your Number to iPlum
You can transfer your existing Grasshopper or Google Voice number in a few easy-to-follow steps as described in the video below.
Grasshopper vs Google Voice vs iPlum — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a VoIP phone with Grasshopper?
Yes. Grasshopper works with VoIP phones through its desktop and mobile apps.
Does Grasshopper work without internet?
No. Grasshopper requires a stable internet or Wi-Fi connection for calls. If your signal drops, so does service. iPlum, by comparison, offers dual-mode calling through both VoIP and your carrier’s network.
Is Google Voice 100% free?
Yes, Google Voice is free for personal use. Paid plans cost $10 to $30 per user per month. Yet, even at this fee, Google Voice isn’t HIPAA compliant, so you can’t use it for business communication.
Why Choose iPlum Over Grasshopper and Google Voice
Grasshopper and Google Voice are, by all means, capable VoIP phone providers.
Grasshopper can be ideal if you’re in for a virtual number, coupled with a few extensions. Google is a good phone system for users who already work inside Google Workspace.
However, the two services may not meet today’s dynamic business communication needs. Grasshopper, for instance, isn’t HIPAA compliant, while Google Voice requires extra Workspace subscriptions for partial compliance.
iPlum, on the flip side, delivers dual-mode calling for reliability, encrypted texting with a signed BAA, and advanced features like call recording and auto-attendants—all at prices cheaper than Grasshopper and Google Voice.
Click the link below to experience the iPlum difference.
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.
