Choosing the right business phone system depends on your company’s size, budget, and communication needs.
Both Google Voice and RingCentral are trusted VoIP solutions, but they serve different purposes. Comparing the two helps clarify which platform is the better fit for your situation.
In this article, we’ll compare the offers of these two business communication platforms. We’ll talk about their features, pros and cons, and perhaps introduce you to a better alternative than both.
Summary Table: Google Voice vs RingCentral vs Talkroute
| Provider | Starting Price (per month) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | $10 per user per month |
| Small teams already using Google services |
| RingCentral | $30 per user per month |
| Larger organizations need many features and global reach, but at a higher cost |
| Talkroute | $19 flat per month, no contracts or hidden fees |
| Businesses that want simple, predictable pricing with a full set of tools in one app |
What Is Google Voice?
Source: workspace.google.com
Google Voice is a cloud-based business phone system that helps companies and individuals stay connected across devices.
It works on mobile phones, laptops, and supported desk phones, giving you one number for calls, texts, and voicemails.
Unlike traditional phone services, Google Voice connects with popular Google services like Gmail, Google Meet, and Calendar.
This makes it easy for you to manage calls, schedule meetings, and even route voicemails to email, especially if you’re already familiar with the Google Workspace.
The platform includes helpful tools such as spam blocking, voicemail transcription, and call recording, giving teams more control over communication.
Admins can assign numbers, manage billing, and set up advanced features like auto attendants through a simple dashboard.
What Is RingCentral?
Source: ringcentral.com
RingCentral is an all-in-one communications platform designed for businesses of every size. It brings together phone calls, video meetings, messaging, and contact center tools into one easy system.
With RingCentral, you and your team can make unlimited calls and send messages from any device as long as there is an internet connection, making it simple to stay connected whether in the office or working remotely.
The platform also supports video calls, which help teams and customers connect face-to-face without switching apps.
Its AI features add value by blocking spam, providing real-time insights, and helping you with inbound call routing.
Recommended reading
RingCentral vs OpenPhone: Which One Offers More Value?
What Is Talkroute?
Talkroute is a virtual phone system built for small businesses, remote teams, and even enterprises that prefer straightforward tools to keep communication simple.
With Talkroute, you can run your entire phone system in one app that works on desktop, mobile, and the web.
That means you can make and receive calls, manage messages, and hold video meetings without switching between different platforms.
You can pick the right second phone number for your needs, whether that’s local, toll-free, vanity, or even porting your existing number.
The system also includes helpful features like voicemail transcription, text messaging, and call queues, so you never miss important customer interactions.
For a specific business setup, Talkroute offers customizable business greetings, extensions, and call routing that fit how your team works.
It even supports third-party integrations, making it easier to connect with the tools you already use.
Google Voice vs RingCentral: Comparison of Features
When comparing business phone systems, both Google Voice and RingCentral provide VoIP solutions, but are designed with different types of organizations in mind.
Google Voice tends to focus on simplicity and integration with Google services, while RingCentral includes a broader set of tools for business communications across industries.
Let’s do a breakdown of their key features.
Phone System and Basic Calling
Google Voice centers on basic calling with a simple, user-friendly interface.
It is closely tied to Google Workspace, so features like Gmail and Google Calendar link directly to calling and voicemail functions. This makes it suitable for teams already using Google’s ecosystem.
RingCentral expands the calling options by offering toll-free numbers, local numbers, and access to international calls and international texting.
It is structured more as a global VoIP provider, which may be more useful for businesses handling calls across different regions.
Call Management and Routing
The Google Voice features for managing calls include call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and spam filtering.
These functions work well for individuals or smaller groups who want simple call handling.
RingCentral includes more advanced call management options such as call monitoring, call queues, and multi-level auto attendants.
These features can help larger teams distribute calls and maintain oversight across multiple departments.
Recording and Compliance
Google Voice offers voicemail transcription and integrates with Vault for archiving, but its automatic call recording functions are more limited. This may be sufficient for small organizations without strict compliance requirements.
RingCentral includes call recording as part of its broader compliance and storage tools, giving businesses in regulated industries the ability to store and review records of their phone communication.
Collaboration and Integrations
Both services provide mobile apps, allowing calls and messages to be managed from different devices.
Google Voice is more directly connected to Google services, such as Meet and Gmail, which support smoother collaboration inside that environment.
RingCentral includes additional tools like video meetings, team messaging, online fax, and integrates with hundreds of third-party business apps.
This wider integration can support businesses that need to connect multiple workflows into one platform.
Scalability and Advanced Features
For small businesses, Google Voice provides a straightforward phone system with practical tools for daily use. Its features are best suited to teams that want simplicity and do not need extensive customization.
RingCentral adds more advanced features, such as advanced call management, broader business communications options, and integrations for larger or more complex organizations.
As a result, it may be more appropriate for companies that expect to scale and require additional oversight and flexibility.
Google Voice vs RingCentral: Pricing Comparisons
Pricing plays a big role when choosing a business phone system, especially for new users or a small team looking for the right fit.
Let’s discuss a comparison of their plans in detail.
RingCentral’s Core Plan vs Google Voice’s Starter Plan
Google Voice’s Starter plan is $10 per user per month and supports up to ten users in domestic locations.
It covers basic calling, voicemail transcription, ring groups, spam filtering, and direct integration with Gmail and Google Calendar. It is aimed at smaller businesses that want simple phone communication without extra complexity.
RingCentral’s Core plan, at $30 per user per month, has a higher cost but includes unlimited domestic calling, business SMS/MMS, video meetings, and mobile apps for all devices.
While it is a more expensive plan, it also provides many features you can use in one package, making it better suited to teams that need more than voice calling.
RingCentral’s Advanced Plan vs Google Voice’s Standard Plan
The standard plan from Google Voice costs $20 per user per month and removes user limits.
It adds support for desk phones, advanced call management with multi-level auto attendants, and more reporting tools. This makes it useful for growing businesses that need structure and flexibility.
RingCentral’s Advanced plan is $35 per user per month. It includes everything in Core plus auto call recording, multi-site support, and additional management tools.
Compared to Google Voice, RingCentral costs are higher, but they do add more advanced cloud phone features that may matter to larger organizations.
RingCentral’s Ultra Plan vs Google Voice’s Premier Plan
Google Voice’s Premier plan costs $30 per user per month. It introduces automatic call recording, advanced reporting through BigQuery, and international location support. This plan is best for businesses with compliance needs or global operations.
RingCentral’s offer for its most expensive Ultra plan is at $45 per user per month. It offers deeper analytics, 12 months of reporting history, and customization options for business communications.
When you compare RingCentral Ultra to Google Voice Premier, the difference lies in scale. RingCentral targets larger organizations with complex requirements, while Google Voice focuses on adding compliance and global tools at a lower price point.
The Pros and Cons of Google Voice and RingCentral
When weighing your options, it helps to look at real user experiences and feedback. Below is a breakdown of what customers highlight as strengths and weaknesses when you compare Google Voice with RingCentral.
Google Voice Pros and Cons
Google Voice is often praised for being simple and easy to use. Many users like that it provides a separate phone number, making it easier to keep personal and business calls apart.
Pros include ease of use, text messaging from both desktop and mobile devices, and quick setup that requires little technical skill.
Customers also value the ability to link it with Google Workspace, making it feel familiar and straightforward.
On the downside, reviews show that Google Voice has limited features compared to other providers. Some businesses mention connection issues, trouble registering numbers, or challenges with spam management.
While it works well for a small business or startup, it may feel too basic as teams grow and need more advanced tools.
RingCentral Pros and Cons
RingCentral receives positive feedback for its ease of use, broad set of features, and clear phone calls across devices.
Users highlight its role as an all-in-one system, combining calls, messaging, and video meetings.
Many find the platform reliable and helpful for teams that need to manage high call volume. Integrations with apps like Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace also add flexibility.
However, some reviews note that the system can feel complex, especially for new users. Others mention issues with customer support, from slow response times to inconsistent help.
Occasional call quality problems and a steep learning curve for advanced features are also common points. While the platform offers more depth, that complexity may be overwhelming for smaller organizations.
Talkroute: The Better Business Phone System
Talkroute gives businesses a flexible VoIP solution that feels modern and simple to use. Instead of juggling multiple tools, everything you need to talk, text, and meet is available in one place.
You don’t have to download a separate app for every task. Talkroute brings calling, messaging, video meetings, and voicemail together, so your team can stay connected no matter where they are working from.
One of the standout benefits is how it helps with managing overflowing calls. You can set up custom call forwarding, create extensions for your departments, and even build menus that guide customers to the right person.
Features like voicemail-to-email, VoIP call recording, and text messaging from your business number keep communication organized and professional.
For small teams or growing companies, Talkroute works as a practical phone system that combines ease of use with the right amount of customization. It’s designed to grow with your business, not hold it back.
Features You Can Enjoy With Talkroute
Talkroute is built to give your business the flexibility it needs to stay connected with customers and teams.
Whether you want a new phone number, keep your same number, or add toll-free numbers, the platform adapts to different business needs.
- Phone number options – Add new local, toll-free, or vanity numbers, or transfer an existing line into Talkroute
- Auto attendant – Create menus that route callers to departments or team members without manual handling
- Team messaging – Use built-in chat to keep staff connected and reduce reliance on outside apps
- Hot desking – Allow employees to log in to any device and handle calls as if they were on their own phone
- Voicemail management – Organize messages with custom mailboxes, voicemail-to-email delivery, and transcription
- Call recording – Capture both inbound and outbound calls to use for training, quality checks, or record keeping
- Video meetings – Hold online meetings with screen sharing, whiteboard tools, and up to 100 participants
- Custom routing – Forward calls based on schedules, user availability, or specific call paths to keep communication efficient
- Extensions – Create unlimited single or multi-digit extensions for team members, departments, or custom call flows
Talkroute’s Affordable Pricing Plans
Talkroute pricing is designed to stay simple and transparent. There are no extra taxes or hidden fees, and businesses can add additional numbers to any plan for $5 per month.
- Basic Plan: $19 per month – Supports one user and comes with one number, one mailbox, unlimited calling, text messaging, video meetings, and call forwarding. Comes with 24/7 support. It is a straightforward option for individuals or very small teams.
- Plus Plan: $39 per month – Includes three users, two numbers, and three mailboxes. It also introduces more features such as menus, single-digit extensions, simultaneous ring, live call transfer, and business hours settings. It works well for small businesses that want more control over how calls are handled.
- Pro Plan: $59 per month – Covers ten users and includes three numbers and ten mailboxes. It adds more features like submenus, multi-digit extensions, call recording, reporting, and scheduled call forwarding. This plan is better suited for teams that need advanced call management and detailed insights.
- Enterprise Plan: custom pricing – For 20 or more users. It offers ten or more numbers, 20 or more mailboxes, and additional support with SLA agreements and account management. Bulk pricing applies, making it scalable for larger organizations.
All plans are billed monthly with no contracts, giving teams flexibility to adjust as they grow. Please keep in mind that each plan has a set limit on the number of users included.
FAQs about Google Voice vs RingCentral
Is Google Voice better than RingCentral?
It depends on what you need. Google Voice gives you more tools for basic, low-cost calling and messaging, making it handy for small setups.
RingCentral is a full-stack communications platform with advanced features like video meetings, team messaging, and deep integrations, geared more toward growing businesses.
Is Google Voice being discontinued?
No, Google Voice isn’t being shut down. It’s evolving. Google phased out legacy features and moved to a new interface, but the service continues and even added updates like three‑way calling for Workspace users in 2025
Who is RingCentral’s biggest competitor?
While RingCentral competes with platforms like 8×8, Nextiva, Microsoft Teams Phone, Dialpad, and GoTo Connect, Talkroute stands out.
It offers essential call routing and business SMS tools without the costly tiers or hardware, making it a better alternative for small and mid-size businesses.
Is Google Voice a red flag?
Google Voice itself isn’t a red flag. But like any online tool, it’s been used in scams. Attackers may exploit verification or authentication messages to trick users. So, always be cautious and verify who’s messaging you.
Stephanie
Stephanie is the Marketing Director at Talkroute and has been featured in Forbes, Inc, and Entrepreneur as a leading authority on business and telecommunications.
Stephanie is also the chief editor and contributing author for the Talkroute blog helping more than 200k entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses.
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