Best Google Voice Alternatives in 2026
By Graham Thomson · Updated October 13, 2026
Short answer
Short answer: Google Voice is the right answer for a free second number, or a per-user phone system if you live in Google Workspace. Its published plans don’t advertise AI answering or AI calling. VeraDial from $14.99/mo per line includes a 24/7 AI receptionist that answers your calls and texts, STIR/SHAKEN A-level attestation on VeraDial numbers, recording, and SMS; Vera Plus and Business add outbound AI calling.
About 60 seconds · no signup · no install
Google Voice is a solid free second number, with paid plans that add business features like auto attendants and call recording. Its published plans don’t advertise an AI receptionist or AI that places calls. If you want a line that answers itself, here are the best alternatives.
Common Pain Points
Why people switch from Google Voice
No AI receptionist
Google uses AI for spam blocking and voicemail transcription, and Voice Standard and Premier add Gemini call notes. Its published plans don’t advertise an AI receptionist that answers callers or AI that places calls for you.
Google account required
Every plan needs a Google account. The free plan and the standalone paid plans are US-only; Workspace add-on plans are available in more countries.
Business features cost per user
Recording outbound calls, auto attendants, and Gemini call notes come with paid plans priced per user: Starter $10, Standard $20, Premier $30 a month.
Best for / Not for
When a Google Voice alternative is the right fit — and when it is not
Best for
- Anyone who needs AI calling, verified caller ID, or call recording
- Business operators who can’t afford "Spam Likely" answer rates
- Workflows that benefit from STIR/SHAKEN A-level attestation
- Phone work outside the Google Workspace ecosystem
Not for
- Free second numbers strictly for personal use
- Users deeply embedded in Google Workspace whose needs end at basic calling and texting
- People with no need for verified caller ID, AI features, or call recording
- Buyers whose hard constraint is $0/mo personal usage
Evaluation Criteria
What to look for in a Google Voice alternative
Call quality & verification
Does the provider use dedicated VoIP infrastructure? Do calls carry STIR/SHAKEN A-level attestation, the strongest identity signal carriers use when labelling calls?
AI & automation
Can the platform make calls on your behalf, or does it only transcribe after the fact? AI that acts is fundamentally different from AI that listens.
Caller ID control
Can you choose what number the recipient sees? For business calling, presenting the right number to the right contact builds trust and professionalism.
Pricing transparency
Watch for per-seat pricing that adds up, required add-ons for basic features like call recording, and long-term contracts. Know the total cost before committing.
Top Picks
The 6 best Google Voice alternatives
VeraDial
Our PickBusiness line with a 24/7 AI receptionist, verified caller ID, and call recording.
Best for: Solopreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners who want a verified business number with an AI receptionist that answers calls and texts — plus AI that can make calls on their behalf.
Strengths
- Vera answers inbound calls and texts 24/7: 100 receptionist minutes (about 170 calls) on Lite, 300 receptionist minutes (about 500 calls) on Plus
- AI agent makes outbound calls for you with full transcripts (Vera Plus and Vera Business)
- Verified caller ID — register an existing number as your outbound ID (B-level attestation) or use a VeraDial number with A-level attestation
- STIR/SHAKEN A-level attestation on VeraDial numbers; B-level attestation when you verify an existing outbound caller ID
- Call recording on any call, plus voicemail transcription
- Shared business lines with 1 teammate on Vera Plus or up to 3 on Vera Business, included in the plan
Limitations
- Team access requires Vera Plus or Vera Business; no built-in CRM
- No video conferencing or team messaging
Quo (formerly OpenPhone)
Modern team phone system, formerly OpenPhone, with shared numbers and built-in CRM.
Best for: Small teams that need shared numbers, a built-in CRM, and collaborative inboxes.
Strengths
- Shared phone numbers across team members
- Built-in CRM with contact management
- AI call summaries and transcription (Business and Scale plans)
- Clean, modern interface
Limitations
- Per-seat pricing adds up quickly for teams
- No autonomous outbound AI — Sona answers inbound (10 calls/mo included), it doesn’t place calls
- Outbound caller ID limited to numbers on your Quo account
Grasshopper
Virtual phone system that forwards calls to your personal phone.
Best for: Solopreneurs who want a basic business number layered on top of their personal phone.
Strengths
- Simple setup — runs on your existing phone
- Custom greetings and auto-attendant
- Multiple extensions on higher plans
- Well-known brand, long track record
Limitations
- Runs on your cell carrier’s network by default (VoIP and Wi-Fi calling optional)
- AI receptionist is a Smith.ai add-on (from $95/mo)
- Call recording starts on Solo Plus ($32/mo, or $25/mo billed annually)
- Business texting adds a $19.50 one-time registration fee plus $1.50/mo
TextNow
Free calling and texting app supported by ads.
Best for: Budget-conscious users who want a free second number and don’t mind ads.
Strengths
- Free tier with calling and texting
- Available on iOS, Android, and web
- Wi-Fi calling included
Limitations
- Ad-supported — ads in the app experience
- Business features, AI, and call recording not advertised
- Free-plan numbers can be recycled after inactivity
- Positioned for personal use
Sideline
Personal second phone number app with carrier-network calling and web messaging.
Best for: Individuals who want a simple second line without advanced features.
Strengths
- Simple, focused second number experience
- Unlimited calling, SMS, MMS, and group messaging (terms apply)
- Voicemail transcription, auto-replies, and web messaging
- Team Sharing for up to 5 members on one subscription
Limitations
- No AI receptionist or AI calling advertised
- Call recording on iPhone 15 or newer only, not Android
- Positioned for personal rather than business use
Hushed
Privacy-focused temporary and long-term phone numbers.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who need temporary or disposable numbers.
Strengths
- Strong privacy focus with temporary numbers
- Very affordable entry price
- Numbers from multiple countries
Limitations
- Marketed for personal privacy rather than business calling
- AI features and call recording not advertised in published plans
- Prepaid plans are usage-based; unlimited local talk and text needs an Unlimited plan
- Caller ID on a Hushed number can’t be changed
Quick Recommendations
Which Google Voice alternative is right for you?
Solo professional who needs AI calling and verified identity
VeraDial
A 24/7 AI receptionist answers your calls and texts on a STIR/SHAKEN-verified line from $14.99/mo; Vera Plus ($29.99/mo) adds AI agents that make calls for you.
Small team sharing a business number
Quo (formerly OpenPhone)
Shared numbers, built-in CRM, and team inbox make it ideal for collaborative calling.
Budget-conscious personal use
TextNow
Free tier covers basic calling and texting if you don’t mind ads.
Simple business number on your personal phone
Grasshopper
Call forwarding model is simple to set up and requires no app switching.
FAQ
Google Voice alternatives, answered
What’s the best Google Voice alternative for business?
VeraDial, from $14.99/mo per line. It includes a 24/7 AI receptionist (Vera answers inbound calls and texts, resolves routine questions, and hands you a transcript and summary every time), which Google Voice’s published plans don’t advertise, plus STIR/SHAKEN A-level attestation on VeraDial numbers and call recording. Vera Plus ($29.99/mo) adds outbound AI calling and live call translation. Plus voicemail transcription, business SMS, and a Call Map of where your customers actually are. 7-day free trial, no contract.
Why do some calls get marked as Spam Likely?
Spam labels come from each receiving carrier’s and call-screening app’s own analytics, which weigh call patterns, complaints, and number history alongside STIR/SHAKEN attestation. VeraDial-purchased numbers carry A-level attestation, but no provider can guarantee a call won’t be labeled.
Can I port a Google Voice number to another service?
Yes. Google supports porting a Google Voice number out to other carriers for a one-time $3 fee, and VeraDial transfers eligible US and Canadian numbers in with no VeraDial transfer fee, handled personally; support confirms the steps and timing for your number. You can also start on a new verified VeraDial number right away, verify a number you already own as your outbound caller ID (B-level attestation), or forward your existing line so your current provider keeps it.
Is there a free alternative to Google Voice with AI?
Not realistically. Real AI on the call layer has a real per-minute cost that no provider absorbs in a free tier. Vera Lite is $14.99/mo with the business line, 100 AI-receptionist minutes (about 170 calls), and 150 calling minutes; Vera Plus is $29.99/mo with 300 receptionist minutes (about 500 calls), 300 calling minutes, and outbound AI calling.
Try the #1 Pick
An AI receptionist that gets results.
VeraDial gives you a 24/7 AI receptionist that answers calls and texts, verified caller ID, call recording, and transcription — starting at $14.99/mo with a 7-day free trial.
Hear Vera in action.
Play a short sample call, follow the transcript, and move into a personalized live demo when you're ready.
Information based on publicly available data as of October 2026. Pricing and features may change. We recommend verifying current details on each provider's website.