When talking about business, reliable communication is critical for success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a small business owner, having an effective phone system can make a major impact. Two popular options for virtual phone services are Grasshopper and Google Voice. But which one is right for your business?
What is Grasshopper?
Small businesses and startups can use Grasshopper, a virtual phone system. Users can use a business phone number on any device, including their smartphone, thanks to this service. This service enables you to keep your personal and work calls separate without the need for an additional phone.
What is Google Voice?
Google provides Google Voice as a free or low-cost virtual phone service. It offers individuals and small teams the ability to make and receive calls from a single Google number. Google Voice, like Grasshopper, is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and laptops, making it ideal for customers who want to stay connected from anywhere.
Grasshopper vs Google Voice: Differences
Features
Grasshopper Features
- Multiple Extensions: Grasshopper allows you to add several extensions under one business number, which is ideal for teams or departments.
- Custom Greetings: You can create professional greetings that give your business a polished image when customers call.
- Call Forwarding: Grasshopper automatically transfers calls to your device, so you never miss a crucial call.
- Voicemail Transcription: The service transcribes your voicemail messages and delivers them to your email, allowing you to read them rather than listen to them.
- Grasshopper Call Recording: This feature allows you to record important business conversations for quality control, training, or compliance purposes.
- Business Texting: Grasshopper allows you to send and receive text messages using your business phone line.
Google Voice Features
- Google Integration: Google Voice effectively connects with other Google resources such as Gmail and Google Calendar, making it a good choice for businesses that already use Google Workspace.
- Voicemail Transcription: Like Grasshopper, Google Voice transcribes voicemail and delivers it to your email.
- Call Forwarding: You may route calls to any device, so you’re always available.
- Text Messaging: Google Voice allows for texting from your Google number, giving you flexibility in how you communicate with clients.
- Multiple Devices: You can use Google Voice on multiple devices, such as smartphones and computers, to ensure you never miss a call.
- Low International Rates: Google Voice offers affordable international calling rates, which is great for businesses with global clients.
Pricing
Pricing is often a deciding factor when comparing Google Voice and Grasshopper, especially for small businesses or startups.
How Much is Grasshopper?
Grasshopper offers three different pricing plans:
- True Solo: $14 per month (billed annually); $18 per month (paid monthly)
- Solo Plus: $25 per month (billed annually); $32 per month (paid monthly)
- Small Business Plan: $80 per month (billed annually); $92 per month (paid monthly)
All Grasshopper plans include unlimited minutes and texts, custom greetings, and Grasshopper call recording.
How Much is Google Voice?
Google Voice offers different pricing tiers based on the user type:
- Starter Plan: $10 per user per month (up to 10 users, U.S. only)
- Standard Plan: $20 per user per month (unlimited users, includes international calls)
- Premier Plan: $30 per user per month (unlimited users, advanced features)
For businesses, Google Voice plans are part of Google Workspace subscriptions, making it an attractive option for users already in the Google ecosystem.
Call Recording
One notable limitation of Grasshopper is that it doesn’t include built-in call recording. For businesses like those in customer service or sales, this feature is important for quality control or training. Since Grasshopper doesn’t offer this, users need to depend on third-party apps or tools for call recording.
On the other hand, Google Voice includes call recording as one of its standard capabilities. Users can easily record calls by pressing a button during the conversation, making it a more convenient option for those who need this capability.
Customer Support
Both Grasshopper and Google Voice offer customer support, but there’s a key difference.
Grasshopper is known for providing responsive 24/7 customer care, ensuring that assistance is always available when needed. Google Voice, however, relies more on online resources, FAQs, and community forums, which might not be as direct or timely for users needing assistance.
Integrations
When it comes to software integrations, Grasshopper falls behind compared to Google Voice.
Grasshopper has limited compatibility with external tools, which can be a drawback for businesses that depend on customer relationship management (CRM) systems or project management software. Google Voice interacts more easily with other services, particularly if you use Google Workspace.
Scalability
Grasshopper may not be the best option for businesses planning to scale, as its pricing structure is less flexible for growth. As your team expands, the cost can become a limitation. In contrast, Google Voice supports unlimited users in its higher-tier plans, making it a better choice for larger or growing businesses looking for a scalable solution.
Google Voice vs Grasshopper: Pros and Cons
Grasshopper Pros
- Tailored for Small Businesses: Grasshopper is designed specifically for small businesses, offering essential features like call recording and custom greetings.
- Grasshopper Call Recording: This feature allows you to easily record business calls for training and compliance purposes.
- Multiple Extensions: Grasshopper offers multiple extensions, making it a good fit for businesses with teams or departments.
Grasshopper Cons
- Higher Price: Compared to Google Voice, Grasshopper’s plans are more expensive, which may be a drawback for smaller businesses.
- Limited Integrations: Grasshopper doesn’t offer as many integrations as Google Voice, especially with tools like Google Workspace.
Google Voice Pros
- Google Integration: Seamless integration with Google services is a major benefit for businesses using Google Workspace.
- Affordable or Free Plans: Google Voice offers a free plan for personal use, which is ideal for entrepreneurs or small businesses on a budget.
- Low International Calling Rates: If your business makes international calls, Google Voice’s affordable rates are a plus.
Google Voice Cons
- Limited Business Features: Google Voice lacks certain advanced features like Grasshopper call recording and multiple extensions.
- Customer Support: Google Voice customer support is limited, which can be frustrating if you encounter issues that need immediate attention.
Which Should You Choose: Grasshopper or Google Voice?
The right choice depends on your specific business needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Pick Grasshopper if:
- You need a phone system tailored for small businesses.
- You want special phone numbers, like toll-free or vanity numbers, to enhance your brand’s image.
- You’re looking for an easy setup without much technical hassle.
- You need advanced call management features like call forwarding and custom greetings.
Pick Google Voice if:
- You’re already using Google Workspace and want everything to integrate seamlessly.
- You make a lot of international calls and need competitive rates.
- You want your phone system to sync easily with your email and other Google apps.
- You’re looking for a free option for personal use or a low-cost solution for basic business needs.
Making the Right Choice for Your Business Communication
Both Grasshopper and Google Voice offer unique features suited to different types of users. Grasshopper is great for small businesses that require personalized phone numbers, advanced call management, and multiple extensions.
On the other hand, Google Voice works well for individuals or small teams already using Google Workspace, who make international calls or need a free or budget-friendly option. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific business needs, budget, and the importance of certain features like call recording and integrations.