The Truth About Google Voice Pricing: Is It the Best Deal for Your Business?

Are you a small business owner considering Google Voice for your communication needs? At first glance, Google Voice seems like an affordable VoIP solution, but is it really the best option for your business?

Pricing for VoIP services can be tricky. What looks like a great deal might come with hidden costs, limited features, or scalability issues. That’s why in this blog, we’re breaking down Google Voice’s pricing structure in detail and comparing Google Voice with Emitrr, a rising competitor that promises more value for growing businesses.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how Google Voice pricing works, what’s included (and what’s not) in each plan, how it compares to Emitrr in terms of cost and features and at last which option makes the most sense for your business.

Let’s get started!

How Much Does Google Voice Cost?

Google Voice offers three business phone plans: Starter, Standard, and Premier. Each plan follows a per-user, per-month pricing model and varies in terms of user limits, location restrictions, and included features. While the pricing may seem straightforward, there are key limitations and differences that businesses should consider before committing.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each Google Voice plan to help you understand what you’re getting at each pricing tier.

Name of the plan	Pricing if paid annually
Starter	$10 per user per month
Standard	$20 per user per month
Premier	$30 per user per month

Starter Plan

The Starter Plan is the most affordable option, but it comes with strict limitations. It is designed for small teams with basic calling needs. Businesses choosing this plan can only have up to 10 users and 10 domestic locations, making it unsuitable for growing companies or those with multiple offices. While it includes voicemail transcription, text messaging, and Google Calendar integration, it lacks advanced features like auto attendants and desk phone support.

Standard Plan

The Standard Plan removes the user and location limits, making it ideal for larger teams operating across the U.S.. In addition to the features in the Starter Plan, this tier adds an auto-attendant (virtual receptionist) to manage calls, desk phone support, and eDiscovery (for compliance and data retention). This plan is suitable for businesses that need scalability and more control over call routing but don’t require international calling.

Power Plan

The Premier Plan is the most feature-rich option, offering everything in the Standard Plan with the addition of international location support and call recording. This plan is best for businesses with global operations or those needing to keep records of customer interactions. However, it comes at a steep cost, and companies should assess whether the extra features justify the higher price per user.

Key Features Across Google Voice Plans

Regardless of which plan you choose, every Google Voice business plan includes the following essential features:

• Voicemail transcription – Converts voicemails into text so you can read messages instead of listening to them.
• Text messaging – Send and receive SMS within the U.S. (Note: Google Voice does not support international texting).
• Integration with Google Calendar – Syncs with your Google Calendar to help manage calls and scheduled meetings efficiently.
• Call forwarding – Redirects incoming calls to multiple devices, ensuring you never miss an important call.
• Ring groups – Allow multiple team members to answer calls from a shared business number, making it easier to handle customer inquiries.

Google Voice Pricing – Add-ons

Beyond its core plans, Google Voice offers optional add-ons that businesses can purchase to enhance their communication capabilities. While the base plans cover essential VoIP features, these add-ons help fill in gaps but often at an extra cost.

Here are some key upgrades businesses can consider:

• International Calling – Google Voice allows calls to international numbers, but rates vary based on the destination. While the Premier Plan includes international locations, businesses on the Starter or Standard Plans must pay per-minute rates for global calls. Before choosing Google Voice, it’s important to check their international pricing to avoid unexpected costs.
• Call Recording (Premier Plan Only) – Call recording is a crucial feature for businesses that need to monitor customer interactions, train employees, or maintain records for compliance. Unfortunately, this feature is only available in the Premier Plan, meaning businesses on the Starter or Standard Plan must upgrade to access it.
• Desk Phone Support (Standard & Premier Plans Only) – While many businesses rely on mobile apps and web-based calling, some prefer traditional desk phones for office communication. Google Voice only supports desk phones in its Standard and Premier Plans, so businesses needing hardware integration must choose one of these higher-tier options.
• Google Workspace Add-Ons – Google Voice integrates with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), but some advanced administrative and reporting tools may require additional Google services or third-party apps, which could increase costs.
• Compliance & Archiving (via Google Vault) – Businesses that need to store and archive call records, voicemails, and messages for legal or compliance reasons must use Google Vault, a separate Google Workspace tool. This isn’t included in any Google Voice plan, meaning businesses will have to subscribe separately for retention and auditing needs.

Google Voice Pricing vs Emitrr Pricing: Comparison

While Google Voice provides an affordable VoIP solution with multiple pricing tiers, its cost structure comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Below, we break down its pros and cons to give you a clear understanding of what it offers—and where it may fall short.

Pros of Google Voice Pricing

• Affordable Entry-Level Plan – Google Voice’s Starter Plan costs just $10 per user per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly VoIP options for small teams needing basic calling and messaging features. ​
  
• Seamless Google Workspace Integration – Google Voice is built to work smoothly with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Meet, making it an excellent choice for businesses already using Google Workspace.
  
• Unlimited Domestic Calling – All plans include unlimited calls within the U.S., helping businesses avoid unexpected calling charges when operating within the country.​

• User-Friendly Interface – Google Voice offers a clean and intuitive interface across desktop and mobile apps, making it easy for teams to navigate and manage calls.
  
• Scalability for Growing Businesses – While the Starter Plan has a 10-user limit, the Standard and Premier Plans allow for unlimited users, making it suitable for businesses planning to expand.​
  

Cons of Google Voice Pricing

• User and Location Limitations on Starter Plan – The Starter plan restricts businesses to a maximum of 10 users and 10 domestic locations, hindering expansion capabilities. ​
  
• Limited International Calling Features – International calling is not included in the Starter and Standard plans, and per-minute rates can apply, potentially increasing costs for businesses with global contacts. ​
  
• Absence of Advanced Features in Lower-Tier Plans – Essential features like auto attendants and desk phone support are unavailable in the Starter plan, limiting functionality for smaller teams.
  
• Call Recording Restrictions – Call recording is only available in the Premier plan, priced at $30 per user per month, which may be cost-prohibitive for some businesses. ​
  
• Limited Customer Support – Unlike other VoIP providers that offer 24/7 support, Google Voice only provides basic support options, leaving businesses without immediate assistance when needed.
  
• No Toll-Free Numbers – Google Voice does not offer toll-free numbers, which can impact a business’s professional image and accessibility.
  
• Limited Third-Party Integrations – Beyond Google Workspace, Google Voice does not integrate with popular CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot, limiting its usefulness for businesses that rely on customer relationship management tools.
  
• No Support for Emergency Calls in Some Regions – Google Voice may not support emergency calling (e.g., 911) in all areas, posing safety concerns.
  
• Potential Number Porting Issues – Users have reported challenges when attempting to port existing numbers into Google Voice, which can disrupt business operations.
  
• Limited Analytics and Reporting – Businesses looking for detailed call tracking and analytics may find Google Voice lacking, as it only offers basic call logs rather than comprehensive reporting tools.

• Hidden Costs for Essential Features – Features like call recording, desk phone support, and eDiscovery are only available in higher-tier plans, meaning businesses may end up paying more than expected for what they actually need.

While Google Voice is a cost-effective VoIP solution, its limitations in features and flexibility may not suit every business. For those seeking more automation and advanced capabilities, Emitrr could be a better alternative.

But how does its pricing compare? Let’s take a closer look.

Emitrr Pricing

Emitrr is a communication platform designed for small and mid-sized businesses that need a reliable and easy-to-use VoIP system. Instead of overwhelming users with complex features, Emitrr focuses on what matters most i.e. affordable pricing, automation, and seamless call management.

With AI-driven tools and smart automation, Emitrr helps businesses handle customer interactions more efficiently while keeping costs under control. It’s a great fit for local businesses, healthcare providers, and service-based companies looking for a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional VoIP providers.

Emitrr keeps its pricing simple, offering two straightforward plans:

Name of the plan	Pricing if paid annually	Pricing if paid monthly
Standard	$20 per user per month	$25 per user per month
Professional	$25 per user per month	$30 per user per month

Standard Plan

The Standard plan is a great option for businesses looking for an affordable VoIP system with essential features. It includes everything a small team needs to handle calls smoothly, keeping communication simple and efficient.

Key Features:

• Calling (1000 mins/user) – Unlike pay-per-minute pricing models, Emitrr provides a generous calling allowance so businesses can manage their communications without worrying about high costs.
• HD Voice – High-definition audio ensures every call is crisp and professional
• Call Hold Music – Keep callers engaged while they wait
• Manual Call Recording – Record conversations when needed for compliance or training.
• Call Queue Groups – Organize incoming calls into manageable queues for better efficiency.
• Call Extensions – Easily connect customers to different departments.
• Call Routing (During & After Hours) – Automatically direct calls based on business hours.
• Call Transfer & Forwarding – Seamlessly redirect calls when necessary.
• Number Porting – Businesses can keep their existing phone numbers when switching to Emitrr.
• Contact Sync & Personal Working Hours – Sync contacts and customize availability to ensure better workflow.
• Mobile App Access – Take calls from anywhere with a fully functional mobile application.

Professional Plan

For businesses requiring more automation, advanced call handling, and compliance support, the Professional Plan offers a complete communication suite designed to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Building on the Standard Plan, it adds powerful automation and call management tools, making it particularly valuable for industries with strict compliance requirements, such as healthcare, law, and finance.

Key Features: 

• Call Transcription – Automatically convert voice calls into text for easy record-keeping and review.
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response) / Call Tree – Direct customers efficiently using an automated call menu.
• Automated Call Recording – Capture all conversations without needing to start recordings manually.
• Missed Call Auto Text – Ensure you never lose a lead by instantly responding to missed calls via text.
• Call Conferencing – Easily connect multiple participants for team or client meetings.
• Voicemail Transcription – Convert voicemails into readable text, making it easier to respond quickly.
• HIPAA Compliance – Protect customer data with security measures like HIPAA compliance required for regulated industries like healthcare.
• Access Management – Control user permissions to ensure only authorized personnel can access certain features.

Google Voice vs Emitrr Pricing

Feature	Google Voice	Emitrr
User Limitations	Starter plan: 10 users max	No user limitations
Location Limitations	Starter: 10 locations; higher tiers unlimited	No location restrictions
Unlimited Calling (U.S.)	Yes	Yes
International Calling	Not included in lower tiers; extra charges	Included
Text Messaging	U.S. only	Available
Call Recording	Only in Premier Plan	Available in all plans
Auto-Attendant (IVR)	Standard & Premier only	Available in all plans
CRM Integrations	Limited (Google Workspace only)	Connects with CRMs like Salesforce, HubSpot
Third-Party Integrations	Limited	Supports multiple business apps
Toll-Free Numbers	Not available	Available
Voicemail Transcription	Yes	Yes
AI-Powered Automation	No	Advanced AI-powered automation tools available
Compliance & Security	Limited (Google Vault for extra cost)	HIPAA, SOC 2, GDPR compliance
Customer Support	Limited (No 24/7 live support)	24/7 support
Custom Workflows	No	Available
Call Routing & Forwarding	Yes, but limited	Advanced call routing & forwarding
Multi-Channel Communication	No (Voice & SMS only)	Yes (Voice, SMS, Email, Chat)
Number Porting	Limited and may have delays	Fast and hassle-free
Scalability	Limited for larger businesses	Designed for businesses of all sizes
Analytics & Reporting	Basic call logs only	Advanced insights and reporting
Best For	Small businesses needing basic VoIP features	Businesses needing automation & scalability

How Emitrr Offers Better Value for Money as Compared to Google Voice?

Choosing a VoIP solution isn’t just about cost; it’s about what you get for the price. While Google Voice may seem affordable upfront, its limitations in features, integrations, and automation can add hidden costs over time. Emitrr, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive communication platform designed to provide better value for growing businesses.

Here’s how Emitrr stands out:

• All-in-One Communication Platform – Unlike Google Voice, which primarily focuses on voice calls and SMS, Emitrr supports multi-channel communication including voice, text, email, and chat. This eliminates the need for multiple tools, making communication seamless and cost-effective.

• No Hidden Costs – Many essential features in Google Voice, like call recording, toll-free numbers, and advanced analytics, are only available in the highest-tier plan or require additional costs. Emitrr includes these in its standard offering, ensuring businesses don’t face unexpected expenses.

• Automation & AI-Powered Workflows – Emitrr leverages AI-driven automation to streamline tasks such as appointment reminders, follow-ups, and customer engagement. Google Voice lacks such automation, forcing businesses to handle these tasks manually or pay for third-party integrations.

• Better Call Management & Routing – Emitrr provides advanced call routing, forwarding, and IVR customization, allowing businesses to personalize customer interactions and optimize call handling. Google Voice offers basic call forwarding but lacks the flexibility needed for scaling businesses.

• Stronger Integrations & CRM Compatibility – While Google Voice is limited to Google Workspace, Emitrr integrates with multiple CRMs, business apps, and productivity tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Slack, ensuring smoother workflows without restrictive ecosystems.

• 24/7 Customer Support – One of the biggest drawbacks of Google Voice is its lack of live customer support. Emitrr offers round-the-clock assistance, ensuring businesses always have help when needed.

• Compliance & Security – Businesses in regulated industries like healthcare, law, and finance require HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR compliance features. Emitrr provides these features, while Google Voice lacks built-in compliance support.

• Scalability Without Restrictions – Google Voice’s Starter Plan limits users and locations, making it difficult for growing businesses to expand. Emitrr imposes no such restrictions, allowing businesses to scale seamlessly.

• Advanced Analytics & Reporting – Google Voice offers basic call logs, while Emitrr provides detailed reports, performance tracking, and insights to help businesses make data-driven decisions.

• Better Customization Options – Emitrr allows businesses to customize call flows, set up unique workflows, and create personalized customer interactions. Google Voice, in contrast, offers minimal customization.

• Multi-User & Team Collaboration Features – Emitrr provides shared inboxes, team messaging, and role-based access, making it ideal for teams handling customer communication. Google Voice lacks these collaborative features.

• Faster & More Reliable Number Porting – Businesses switching from another provider to Google Voice often face delays and complications. Emitrr ensures a smooth and hassle-free number porting process.

• Higher Call Quality & Reliability – Google Voice depends heavily on internet stability, which can result in inconsistent call quality. Emitrr offers high-quality VoIP calls with better uptime and reliability.

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, while Google Voice covers the basics, its lack of automation, limited integrations, and additional costs for essential features can make it a challenging choice for businesses looking to scale.

Emitrr removes these limitations by offering a fully equipped, automation-driven communication platform. With seamless integrations, multi-channel messaging, advanced call management, and 24/7 support, businesses gain a future-ready solution without the restrictions of tiered pricing or missing features. Thus, definitely, Emitrr proves to be the best Google Voice alternative.

If you’re ready for a VoIP system that elevates your business instead of holding it back, book a demo with Emitrr today and upgrade the way you communicate.