OpenPhone vs Google Voice: A Quick Comparison

As many people know, the internet is a powerful tool for communication. With so many ways to connect with others in cyberspace such as with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), it can be hard to decide which software is best for your needs.

Whether you're considering using these types of services for personal use or business use, it is essential to investigate both so you can determine which one will suit your needs the best.

Google Voice is the seasoned veteran in this fight, but that doesn't mean a newer service like OpenPhone can't keep up. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between OpenPhone vs. Google Voice in the hopes of helping you decide which one reigns supreme. Will it be OpenPhone or maybe Google Voice? Perhaps not either one! More on that later.

OpenPhone Overview

OpenPhone came into the business world in 2017, making it the new kid on the playground of the VoIP world. However, it quickly gained enough recognition to make it a viable alternative to some industry giants claiming that where old services like Google Voice were designed to first be a consumer product, OpenPhone was built for and catered to entrepreneurs and professionals.

OpenPhone gives users the ability to have a personal virtual phone number that can be used to contact customers or clients wherever you are. The goal of the service was to do away with the landlines, and let users get out into the world, without worrying whether or not they would be reachable by phone.

Features

OpenPhone has many of the same features as Google Voice, but with the added bonus of OpenPhone's own customizations. The company prides itself on its customer service and goes above and beyond to ensure customers are satisfied with its product.

The main features of OpenPhone include:

• Business phone number
• Ability to call and text
• Group messaging for up to 10 contacts
• Call recording
• Mute calls during certain times (i.e. set business hours)
• Call transferring
• You can port a number
• Has many integrations with software such as Hubspot, Zapier, Slack, etc...

Pricing

Unlike Google Voice which offers free plans (which are intended for personal use), OpenPhone only offers paid plans. However, the service does give users the ability to try two of their plans for free before committing to a contract. Currently, the company offers 3 main programs that users can choose from based on their needs. These plans include:

• Standard Plan ($10 per month, per user): This plan offers most of the features an individual or a sole-proprietor would need.

• Premium Plan ($25 per month, per user): The premium plan offers increased call forwarding, CRM integration, and all of the features that come with the standard plan. The main difference between this plan and the Standard Plan is call transfer, CRM integration, and priority support.

• Enterprise Plan (Custom price based on a business’s needs - public pricing not available): The enterprise plan adds a dedicated account manager, but includes everything from the premium plan. An enterprise plan is a custom option tailored to each company. This allows it to fit the needs of your organization and infrastructure.

Ease of Use

OpenPhone offers a user-friendly interface, which makes it simple for users regardless of technical ability. The setup is relatively easy, but if you are new to virtual phone services, some learning may be required to understand how the features work.

Who is OpenPhone intended for?

This service is best suited for small to medium enterprises. If you have a virtual business or need to give customers, clients, or prospects a number they can use to contact you on the go, OpenPhone is a good solution.

Google Voice Overview

As a veteran in the VoIP world, Google Voice is one of the first companies to offer free phone numbers and free domestic calling. The service has since expanded its features to include business phone number technology, increasing its popularity among small businesses.

Features

• Free US Calling
• Can transcribe voicemails
• Google calendar integration
• Google meet integration
• Web application
• Call forwarding
• 24/7 support
• Free calling to the US to any country

Pricing

Google does offer a free plan, which allows users to choose a US phone number and read voicemail. However, the free version only provides basic features. Google Voice's paid plans offer many of the same features as OpenPhone but also have some additional features unique to Google Voice.

• Starter ($10 per user, per month): The starter plan offers the features we outlined above in the "Feature" section. This plan is designed for small businesses and sole-proprietors who need a virtual business phone number to conduct business.

• Standard ($20 per user, per month): The standard plan adds unlimited users, unlimited domestic locations, Ring groups, and desktop support.

• Premier ($30 per user, per month): The premier plan offers users all the standard plan features with the added benefit of unlimited international locations and advanced reporting.

Ease of Use

Because Google Voice has been around for so long, its user interface and ease of use run much like a well-oiled machine with any bugs found eradicated nearly as quickly as they are discovered. Like OpenPhone, it may require a slight learning curve if you are new to VoIP services and/or Google products.

Who is Google Voice for?

Google Voice can scale from individual to small business owner to medium to large enterprises alike. The only trouble is the more features you want, the higher the price tag. Still, many entrepreneurs consider it to be especially valuable for sole-proprietors who need to give their customers a phone number to access them 24/7.

For quick reference, here’s a comparison table that may help you decide between OpenPhone and Google Voice:

Why Ring4 is a Better Alternative

Google Voice and OpenPhone are great services that will give a new business owner or individual access to professional phone services. While both services are decent, Ring4 offers additional features, and lower pricing, that make it a better alternative.

Ring4 provides a virtual business phone solution that can work for companies that need a more robust system with easy-to-use functionality. It also allows you to operate remote teams both domestically and abroad with ease. With features like video conferencing, call recording, and an admin console that seamlessly allows businesses to monitor and manage their calls in a central place, Ring4 is the perfect solution if your business has needs outside of just having a phone number for someone to call you on.

Our VoIP app is designed to keep your team connected and your company growing. And, you can get your business phone numbers set up in as little as 30 seconds. But don’t take our word for it. Click here to learn more about what Ring4 can do for you.

FAQ's

1. What are the top features of OpenPhone?

The main features of OpenPhone include:

• Business phone number
• Ability to call and text
• Group messaging for up to 10 contacts
• Call recording
• Mute calls during certain times (i.e. set business hours)
• Call transferring
• You can port a number.

2. Is OpenPhone easy to use?

OpenPhone offers a user-friendly interface, which makes it simple for users regardless of technical ability. The setup is relatively easy, but if you are new to virtual phone services, some learning may be required to understand how the features work.