Is Google Voice Free to Use?

  • 16 January 2025
  • 9 mins read

Table of Content

Table of Contents

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. 

What is Google Voice?

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. 

  • It allows you to make calls over the internet, send text messages, and voicemails. 
  • Google Voice has some advanced features like call screening, call blocking, and voicemail transcriptions. 
  • The basic service is free, but for additional features and benefits, a premium version is available.  

Is Google Voice Free?

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.   

How Much Does Google Voice Actually Cost?

Personal Use

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.

Business Use 

There are different plans for business depending on the needs:

  • Starter: $10 per user a month
  • Standard: $20 per user a month
  • Premier: $30 per user a month

These plans include advanced features like multi-level auto attendants, call routing, and integrations with Google Workspace.

How to Use Google Voice for Personal Use

Here’s how:

  1. Sign up for Google Voice

Visit the Google Voice website > Sign in to your Google account > Choose a number based on your location or preferences. 

  1. Make and Receive Calls

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.

  1. Send Text and Voicemails

You can use the service to send or receive texts and voicemails, which are automatically transcribed for convenience.

How to Use Google Voice for Business

  1. Set up a Professional Number

Businesses can get a Google Voice number to handle customer inquiries and communication with the team.

  1. Call Forwarding and Routing

You can route calls to specific team members or departments, ensuring flawless customer services.

  1. Collaboration 

Use shared numbers or voicemails for team collaboration. Google Voice collaborates with Google Workplace tools like Calendar and Gmail.

  1. Flexibility 

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. 

Pros of Google Voice Compared to Other Apps 

  • It’s free of cost in only the US and Canada, with an affordable rate for international calls.
  • Manage calls, messages, and voicemails accessible across multiple devices.
  • Enhance productivity by integrating Google Voice with your Google Workplace.
  • Change your devices or move to a different location while the number remains the same.

What Else Can You Do with Google Voice

  • Screen Calls: Advanced screen calls features to decide which call to answer.
  • Voicemail Transcriptions: Receive transcriptions of voicemail sent to your email.
  • Group Messages: Send group texts, a best option for personal and business updates.
  • Custom Greetings: Personalized voicemail greetings can be set up for different callers.
  • International Calls: At competitive rates, make calls to different countries. 

Limitations at Workplace of Google Voice

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.

Get Privacy Settings across all Social Media platforms

With PurePrivacy’s first-ever social media privacy manager, you can auto-scan & fix privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, LinkedIn, Google and YouTube. In just $5.83/month, connect your social accounts with our app & get automatic social privacy settings and recommendations.

Topics that may interest you

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is Google Voice free for international calls?

    Plus

    No, international calls are charged, starting from $0.01/minute.

  • Can I port my existing number to Google Voice?

    Plus

    Yes you can, but for personal accounts, there is one time fee of $20.

  • Can I use Google Voice on multiple devices?

    Plus

    Yes, Google Voice is available across multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.

  • Does Google Voice support group calling?

    Plus

    Yes, it supports group calling and group messages.

Wrap Up!

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.