Are you struggling to determine which Google Voice plan best suits you? If yes, then it will be helpful to know the significant differences between the various plans most commonly offered on the market.
Google Voice is a VoIP phone that enables you to make calls and even send messages through the Internet. It is among the leading service providers that render its services to individuals and companies.
Although the personal and business versions differ, it may be unclear which version is better for you. Well, then, this blog is here to help.
This blog will help you distinguish between Google Voice Personal and Business, making it easy to navigate their features and acquire the right fit for the service.
What is Google Voice Personal?
Google Voice (personal) is your free phone that provides basic ringing and communication functionalities that interconnect with Google Calendar and Mail. It can be accessed on Android or iPhone / iPad and the internet.
functions of Google Voice Personal account:
You must also make a free call within the US with the Google Voice number. If you have to make consecutive calls, create a call schedule with the help of Google Calendar integration.
- Use an anonymous phone number while calling, but ensure your number is not revealed.
- Forward calls from any computer or cell phone, even if you’re away from your original calling device.
- You can effortlessly make calls while moving to areas with poor cellular networks since Google Voice makes calls over an active internet connection.
Google Voice personal is most suitable for this:
- Like independent workers who sometimes receive more than one call at a time and wish to host it on a particular device.
- Small businesses that make and receive few calls to and from other businesses or offices.
- Persons who prefer the ability to make a call from any device through an internet connection.
- Freelancers who have a fixed working cycle to deal with the customers and orders. It can help them develop a schedule and work towards their goals.
What is Google Voice for Business?
Google Voice for Business is a paid phone service that provides free phone numbers and income-generating services such as SMS, voicemail, and call forwarding. At an additional cost, you can also receive multiple phone numbers for Different departments within the business.
Google Voice (business) can be used on laptops, mobiles, and support desk phones, but not IP phones. This allows you to constantly connect with your customers and clients irrespective of the workplace, home, or even any part of the world.
functions of Google Voice business account:
- Send and receive customers’ and stakeholders’ information through Google Voice text or using the telephone.
- Connect with your new clients and use protected codes and number settings to avoid disclosing your number or place of residence.
- Keeping records of business calls for effective follow-ups, referencing and records.
- Pull all of your business phone data into a single handy area.
- Use auto-attendant to answer and handle inbound business calls so that you do not lose clients due to a lack of availability.
Google Voice business serves is most suitable for:
- It is suitable for solopreneurs who wish to manage a reasonable number of calls and messages effectively.
- Small businesses are expanding and want to effectively handle their small customers and restricted business messages.
- Companies with a team and a medium number of employees can use different devices to work with the application and all the communication processes smoothly.
- People engaged in research activities to carry out general surveys.
Google Voice Personal vs Business:
Your selection of features is vital to the quality of your business communication that you handle and call management. To assist you in making the best decision, here, we capture the differences between the Google Voice individual and the Google Voice work.
In Google Voice personal features we have discussed all the features of Google Voice personal and all three plans in Google Voice for business. To get a snapshot –
- Pricing:
| Starter | Standard | Premier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per user | 10$ per month | 20$ per month | 30$ per month |
| Maximum users | Up to 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Customer support | 4/7 support | 4/7 support | 4/7 support |
| Text Messages | Unlimited, but only in the US | Unlimited, but only in the US | Unlimited, but only in the US |
| Locations | Upto 10 domestic | Unlimited domestic | Unlimited domestic and international |
This cost includes the price per user and many other ways. We say that because Google Voice business can only be accessed once one has signed up for Google Workspace, which starts at a monthly rate of $6 per user. To access Google Voice business, you must spend at least $16 per user per month, including $10 for the Starter plan and $6 for the Workspace.
- Accessibility:
- France
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Denmark
- Belgium
- Germany
- Portugal
- Canada
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Sweden
Pros and cons of Google Voice Personal
Utilizing Google Voice personal would reduce your communication expenses, but that must not be your sole concern. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of Google Voice personal, which will assist you in deciding without any biases.
Pros
- Affordability: This enables you to chat with others or companies without cost.
- Voicemail transcription: Record all your voicemails. The user does not need to listen to the whole message, which is time-consuming.
- Flexibility: It allows you to communicate using the device of your choice or the one readily accessible to you at that time, and you are not trapped when you cannot access your phone.
- Security: Hide your number once you dial it so you do not have to share your personal number with people you do not know.
Cons
- Limited location availability: It operates within the United States of America’s geographical borders and accepts only US phone numbers.
- Limited users: One or two people cannot simultaneously have multiple Google Voice personal accounts.
- Unorganized database: This does not offer a control centre that integrates call history and features.
- No basic features: It lacks minimal capabilities such as call conferencing, MMS and reporting.
Pros and Cons of Google Voice Business
Utilizing Google Voice personal would reduce your communication expenses, but that must not be your sole concern. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of Google Voice personal, which will assist you in deciding without any biases.
Are you seriously considering using Google Voice for business as your professional communication platform? If yes, you must consider the features, functions, and disadvantages before deciding.
Pros
- Number porting: You can even bring your old number to Google Voice for an additional $20 or use a Google Voice number if you don’t have one for free.
- Intuitive interface: The user interface is also easy to install and use it is one of the most straightforward user interfaces around.
- G Suite: Enables you to connect all your Google apps so that they can form one whole network.
- Switch devices: It allows users to switch from one device to another during an ongoing call.
Con
- Hindered privacy: The Google servers will store all your business and personal information.
- Few features: It doesn’t support an extensive set of advanced features. For instance, customer interactions cannot be self-served or coordinated with people.
- Inaccessible customer support: You cannot call or talk to Google Voice customer care in person. The only way to approach them is through the Google Voice customer care forum, meaning you cannot access them in cases of emergency.
No analytics: A notable limitation of Google Voice business is that you cannot analyze your calls or agent performance.
Google Voice: Business vs. Personal
Google Voice is an excellent tool for voice communications for individuals and businesses. Hence, you must select the most appropriate to your needs and pocket. You have to go with Google Voice personal if you are willing to make a few random calls in the US through your preferred device other than your cellular network.
However, if you need to communicate with stakeholders and customers (in different countries) then you have to sign up with Google Voice Business. Select the business version if the following factors are essential for your business –
- Managing your call data in one place.
- Allowing several employees to use one account depending on the distribution of calls.
- Using auto attendant when you cannot answer the call.
- With this understanding of Google Voice free vs. paid, you can now make the right decision.
Wrapping Up
This guide aims to eliminate all uncertainties concerning Google Voice free vs. paid, enabling an informed decision. Both have the functionalities for the specific needs it aims to solve.
At the same time, you may notice the absence of some essential business communication elements in Google Voice business, such as video calls that are possible globally, caller ID, automation, and workspaces for teamwork. Leverage the strength of a solid virtual phone system such as the CallHippo.
This VoIP service provider allows customers and stakeholders to interact with each other through their preferred devices at a one-off cost, regardless of where they are situated.
FAQS
Switching from Google Voice Personal to Business is possible only by creating a new account via Google Workspace.
However, for companies that heavily rely on communication, the extra features, the capability to expand the number of users, and increased security make up for it.
You can, but it may not have features such as call routing and account sharing, which are typical for business use.
Yes, the personal and business versions include international calls at comparatively low rates.
Google Voice Business provides additional security options, unlike Google Voice Personal, which has simple security features such as spam and call filtering.
