When it comes to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Google Voice tops the chart for its quick setup option for businesses and individuals. The free version is available for everyone who is looking to connect with others online for meeting or touch base with loved ones.
But how does Google Voice work? Is it the best option for your business? Read this guide to know about Google Voice, how it operates, its main features, cost, and drawbacks.
Google Voice is a telecommunication service that began in 2009. Initially, Google Voice was a free phone solution, but now they have expanded to a business plan as Google Voice for Google Workplace.
Google Voice is free to use for texts, calls, and voicemails in the US and Canada. International calls and certain premium features require additional charges. While most of the features are free, it’s important to check specific costs based on your unique needs.
Free for personal use in the US and Canada for local calls and texts. However, international calls start at a rate of $0.01/minute.
There are different plans for business depending on the needs:
These plans include advanced features like multi-level auto attendants, call routing, and integrations with Google Workspace.
Here’s how:
Visit the Google Voice website > Sign in to your Google account > Choose a number based on your location or preferences.
Once you’ve set the account, you can use the app or web to make or receive calls. Google Voice allows you to forward calls to your personal phone.
You can use the service to send or receive texts and voicemails, which are automatically transcribed for convenience.
Businesses can get a Google Voice number to handle customer inquiries and communication with the team.
You can route calls to specific team members or departments, ensuring flawless customer services.
Use shared numbers or voicemails for team collaboration. Google Voice collaborates with Google Workplace tools like Calendar and Gmail.
It's a flexible solution for startups and small and medium businesses where they can easily add or remove users based on the members on their team.
Google Voice doesn’t support emergency numbers in certain locations.cker to stay aligned with your financial goals.
Google Voice offers features for small to medium businesses, there are no advanced functionalities for larger corporations.
Stable internet connection is required for Google Voice to work.
Due to geographical restrictions, certain features may not be available in all countries.
No, international calls are charged, starting from $0.01/minute.
Yes you can, but for personal accounts, there is one time fee of $20.
Yes, Google Voice is available across multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Yes, it supports group calling and group messages.
Being a comprehensive and cost-effective communication tool, Google Voice can be used for personal and business use both. Its smooth integration with Google ecosystem, simplifies call management and enhances productivity.
Google Voice is free for personal use in contrast to the usage in business, where it provides paid plans to access the advanced features for a scalable communication solution. However, limitations with the workplace should be considered. Overall Google Voice is a reliable tool for fulfilling your communication needs.