Google is one of the biggest names on the Internet. Naturally, that leads many to assume that tools like Google Voice are automatically the best for the job—but that may not always be true. There are always limitations to consider and the sheer fact of whether or not you like the platform when selecting the right tools for your tech stack.
While Google Voice does offer voicemail, voice and text messaging, and call-forwarding features, there are some limits on what it can do. For example, it cannot handle emergency calls that contain seven digits, and the multimedia messaging (MMS) feature is unnecessarily complicated. So, if not Google Voice, then what?
The good news is that you’ve got a lot of options for alternatives to Google Voice, including free and paid Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. Here are the 20 best cloud-based virtual phone solutions if Google doesn’t hit the mark.
RingCentral
RingCentral is one of the oldest and best virtual communications tools. The service was launched in 2003, among the first to offer an alternative to expensive hardware-based business phone systems. Today, the tool offers:
- Business and toll-free numbers
- HD-quality video conferencing
- Availability in over 100 countries
- Conference calls
- Call forwarding and routing
- iOS and Android apps
- Local numbers in the U.S. and Canada
Plus, it offers a free trial and a discount on your plan when you pay annually, with plans starting at just $29.99 per month.
Nextiva
Nextiva is another leading VoIP provider dedicated to cloud-based scalability and creating flexible solutions for businesses of all sizes. Nextiva offers local and international numbers, call forwarding and routing services, and access to rich data that tracks interactions in real-time. It also includes:
- Local numbers in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Puerto Rico
- A free 30-day trial
- 20% discount on annual payments
- Multiple numbers
- Real-time client information
- Client feedback feature
Plans for Nextiva start at just $18.95 per user per month and can be scaled and customized to suit the needs of your business.
Ooma
Ooma offers business phone solutions based in the cloud, meaning you don’t need any special software (or expensive hardware) to get a business phone system up and running. It has a free option and includes a free 30-day trial of all features, with local and toll-free numbers available for Canada, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., China, and 55+ other countries. Other features include:
- Easy management from smartphones and mobile devices
- 24/7 customer support
- Multiple numbers available
- Call forwarding and call routing
- Virtual fax services
- Call blocking and other security
And plans from Ooma begin at around $19.95 per month, making it affordable to upgrade your business phone with this solution.
Vonage
One of the more well-known companies, Vonage, has been providing VoIP services for longer than most. They offer toll-free and business phone numbers, unlimited messaging, and other premium features. Desktop and mobile apps are available, along with several integrations. Other features include:
- Local numbers in more than 60 countries
- Multiple numbers
- Android and iOS apps
- 14-day trial
Plus, you can get monthly plans as low as $13.99 per user.
8×8
8×8 is an all-in-one communications solution based in the cloud. In addition to voice calling, it includes video calling, messaging, and call center services. It supports calling in to and from nearly 50 countries and offers toll-free numbers for businesses of all sizes. 8×8 also offers:
- H.D. video conferencing and screen sharing
- Customizable dashboards
- Advanced analytics
- Multiple numbers
- Discounts on annual payments
- 30-day free trial
If you like what you see with 8×8, you’ll find plans starting around $15 monthly.
Phone.com
Phone.com is another leading VoIP provider that makes it quick and easy to configure the perfect business phone. You’ll find local, international, and toll-free numbers with customization available, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, Phone.com offers:
- Service in more than 25 countries
- SMS messaging
- Call routing and forwarding
- Address book syncing
- Personalized greetings, messages, music, and more
This VoIP service starts at $14.99 monthly and offers a discount for annual payments.
Hushed
Hushed is an app designed to keep phone numbers secure by providing you with a local or international virtual number that you can use to call, text, and share multimedia messages. It offers local numbers in the U.S., UK, Puerto Rico, and Canada, and other features like:
- Customizable voicemail greetings
- Call forwarding and call routing
- Multiple numbers
- Integrates with Slack and DropBox
You’ll also find multiple plan options, with prepaid plans as low as $1.99 each, unlimited plans for $3.99 and up, and international plans starting at $4.99.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone is a VoIP platform allowing you to get a local business or toll-free number with call forwarding, call routing, and other features. There’s a user-friendly dashboard where you can see call history, transcribed voicemail, and text messages, and you can even set business hours so that the phone gets redirected when you’re not in the office. Plus, there are features like:
- Number porting
- Multiple numbers
- Call conferencing
- Auto-attendant
- Analytics and Reporting
- Integrations
Plans from OpenPhone start at $13 per user per month, and Enterprise plans are available with custom pricing.
Even More VoIP Alternatives
In addition to these top eight options for a Google Voice alternative, here are 12 more worth checking out if you want to explore even more options.
- Grasshopper
- Dialpad
- GoToConnect
- Iplum
- Aircall
- MightyCall
- ConXHub
- CallHippo
- Just call
- Line2
- OnSIP
- Monster VoIP
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of other options besides Google Voice if you want to get into a cloud-based VoIP solution. Take the time to check out both free and paid services to compare the options and get the best fit for your needs. Whether you end up paying or choose a free Google Voice alternative, you’ll surely find satisfaction with at least a few of these competitors.
And if you’re thinking of adding an SMS API to your communications solutions, ask how Esendex can help.
