Google Voice gives you a free US phone number that works over the internet for calls, texts, and voicemail on your phone or computer.
What it is
Google Voice gives you a free US phone number linked to your Google account. It works over the internet or by forwarding to your real phone. Paid Workspace plans are available for business.
What it does
- Calls and texts from the app or web.
- Voicemail with transcription.
- Call forwarding to linked numbers.
- Spam filtering.
- Free calls and texts in the US and Canada.
Setup
Download the app (iOS or Android), sign in, choose a number by area code and link your existing phone.
Requirements
A US phone number is needed for verification.
Limits
No emergency (911) calling that works like a regular phone, and some international calls cost money.
Use
Good for a second line, privacy or business.
What it is
Google Voice is a free telephone service from Google that gives you a US phone number linked to your Google account. It works over the internet and forwards calls and texts to your existing phones. It launched in 2009, evolving from GrandCentral, which Google bought in 2007.
What it does
- Gives you one number that rings on your mobile, landline or computer.
- Makes and receives calls and text messages through the app or web.
- Voicemail with transcription sent by email or text.
- Call blocking, screening, and do-not-disturb schedules.
- Free calls and texts to the US and Canada, and low international rates.
- Paid plans for business: Voice Starter ($10 per user per month), Standard ($20) and Premier ($30) for Workspace accounts, adding ring groups, auto attendants, and international calling.
Setup
- Sign in at voice.google.com or install the app for Android or iOS.
- Choose a number by area code or city.
- Verify an existing US mobile or landline number that you link to the account. Google sends a code.
- Choose which linked phones ring.
- Set up a voicemail greeting.
Requirements
You need a Google account and a US phone number to verify. Google Voice is available in the US for personal accounts, and in several other countries for Workspace accounts. You need an internet or data connection to make calls through the app. The number can be ported from your carrier for a fee of about $20.
Limits
- Emergency 911 calls are not supported in the same way as for regular lines, so you need a regular mobile or landline for emergencies.
- Number may be reclaimed if inactive for 6 months.
- Some services block verification codes sent to VoIP numbers like Google Voice.
- Spam and fraud: scammers use Google Voice numbers; never share the verification code Google sends you.
- Call quality depends on your connection.
Use
Common uses include keeping a personal number private, a number for a small business or side job, a second line for dating and marketplaces, and travel. Check the Google Voice help center for current features.
Features and costs
Google Voice gives a US phone number that works over the internet and rings your linked phones or the app. Personal accounts are free for calls and texts within the US and Canada, and calls to other countries are billed per minute. It requires a US phone number to verify, and you can get one in a chosen area code at no cost. Features include voicemail transcription, call forwarding, spam filtering, call screening and group messaging. Google Voice for Workspace is paid, starting at 10 USD per user per month on the Starter plan in recent pricing. You can port your existing mobile number for a one time fee of 20 USD. Google Voice is not designed for emergency calls, and 911 service has limits. Some banks and services do not accept VoIP numbers for verification. Install the app on Android, iPhone or use voice.google.com on a computer.
Based on data from Google Voice Help documentation
