VoIP 
Businesses of all sizes are increasingly turning to cloud-based VoIP providers for their communication needs. Choosing the right phone system can be overwhelming, especially with the numerous options available on the market. How do you know which features you need? And what pricing is within your budget once you account for usage and implementation costs?
The right system for you will depend on your specific business needs. Small businesses, for example, will likely only need basic features and good call quality, while midmarket IT teams may need more comprehensive features.
In this post, we’ll help you decide whether Google Voice or RingCentral is best for you — or if another Google Voice alternative may be the right choice.
Google Voice vs. RingCentral: Key Differences at a Glance
Both Google Voice and RingCentral have business communication platforms and reliable VoIP services. We’re going to get into the nitty-gritty in this post, but here’s a quick overview comparing the key features and starting costs of both.
| Feature | Google Voice | RingEX |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $10 per user per month | $20 per user per month |
| Unified communications | No (voice and SMS only) | Yes (voice, SMS, video, and team messaging) |
| Video meetings and conferencing | Via Google Meet (separate app) | Native integration |
| CRM integrations | Google Workspace | 300+ integrations, including Salesforce and HubSpot |
| Advanced call handling | Basic (Ring groups and call forwarding) | Advanced (whisper, barge, and takeover) |
| Analytics and reporting | Limited (only on Premier plan) | Real-time and historical (Advanced plans) |
| Toll-free numbers | Not available | Available (fees apply) |
| International texting | Not supported | Supported (limited by plan) |
| Hardware compatibility | Limited (Poly only) | Extensive (Yealink, Cisco, Poly, and more) |
Feature Comparison Breakdown
One of the biggest differences between Google Voice and RingCentral is the feature discrepancy. Generally, RingCentral’s communication tools offer more advanced features than Google Voice.
Let’s compare the features available with the two different VoIP phone services.
Voice calling
Google Voice gives you free calling in the United States and Canada, automatic voicemail transcription, and spam call filtering powered by Google AI. Ring groups and multilevel auto attendants come with the Standard plan or higher.
RingCentral provides advanced voice services, including call flip, hot desking, and intelligent call routing. Features like call whisper, barge, and takeover make it a better fit for sales or support-heavy teams.
Video conferencing
Google Voice doesn’t support native video calling. You’ll rely on Google Meet, which is separate from your main VoIP interface. For small businesses, this might be fine, but it can be cumbersome for larger teams.
RingCentral’s VoIP app includes video in its Standard plan and above, offering AI-powered features like transcription, whiteboarding, and breakout rooms.
Call routing & auto attendant
Google Voice offers simple call flows and TTS-powered greetings in Standard and Premier plans. These are basic features that can help you streamline incoming call navigation and make a professional first impression.
RingCentral is more advanced. It gives you a drag-and-drop interactive voice response (IVR) editor, dial-by-name directory, and support for 250 IVR menus. If you have more complicated call flows, this can help customers navigate to the right department faster.
Analytics & reporting
Google Voice only offers advanced reporting via BigQuery on the Premier plan. There are no real-time dashboards.
RingCentral includes call logs for all users, with real-time and historical analytics in the Advanced and Ultra plans.
This can be an essential part of SMB customer management, giving your sales, support, and success teams the information they need to deliver personalized interactions and improve their own performance.
Integrations
Integrations can determine how well a business phone system interacts with your existing tech stack.
Google Voice only has native integrations with other Google Workspace products. For small and microbusinesses, that may be all you need.
RingCentral, however, integrates with over 300 apps, including major platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, and Microsoft 365.
Texting & messaging
Google Voice offers unlimited texting within the U.S. No international texting or MMS messaging is available, and there aren’t any automation options.
RingCentral offers SMS and MMS messaging options with usage caps per user (which may be 25 to 200 messages, depending on plan). Toll-free SMS is supported. However, delayed TCR registration is a common complaint to keep in mind.
Pros and Cons
Both Google Voice and RingCentral have distinct pros and cons to consider. Let’s review each.
Google Voice
Google Voice’s basic features and affordable pricing can work well for small businesses, but it may be too limited for those who want to scale or who have more complex needs.
The pros include:
- Affordable for startups, freelancers, and microbusinesses who want cost-effective business phone systems but don’t need advanced features.
- Seamless integration with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Meet.
- Simple, user-friendly UX for both calling and texting.
The cons include:
- No native video or third-party integrations.
- Limited analytics and hardware support.
- Not scalable beyond basic routing needs.
RingCentral RingEX
RingCentral is popular with small businesses and midmarket companies that need slightly more functionality or scalable potential.
The pros include:
- Full UCaaS suite of tools that includes voice, video, team chat, and text messaging.
- Strong CRM and app integration ecosystem to connect with your tech stack.
- Advanced call handling, call management, and call routing.
The cons include:
- RingCentral’s complex pricing structure.
- Texting limitations per plan can restrict usage.
- A bloated feature set that may overwhelm small teams.
- Slow customer support.
Like RingCentral’s more advanced features, but aren’t sold on the platform? Check out:
Use Cases and Best Fit
Ultimately, your use cases will heavily influence whether Google Voice or RingCentral is the better option for you. Make sure you account for features you need now and those that you may need if your business scales.
In general, Google Voice is a good option for businesses on tight budgets who only need ultra-basic features, like domestic calling and texting. Meanwhile, RingCentral may be a better option for mid-sized or growing businesses that need more advanced features.
Choose Google Voice if you:
- Only need basic calling and texting within the U.S.
- Already pay for Google Workspace and use its other tools like Google Calendar or Google Meet.
- Operate a small team with straightforward routing needs.
- Prioritize ease of use over advanced features.
- Want to minimize your phone system budget.
Choose RingCentral if you:
- Need unified communications, including voice, SMS messaging, video, and team messaging features.
- Want advanced contact center features like call monitoring, call recording, and smart call handling.
- Need strong integrations with your CRM, app, or workflow integrations.
- Run a midsized, enterprise, or growing business with diverse call flows.
You can compare RingCentral against more advanced platforms like Nextiva here: RingCentral vs. Nextiva
Is There a Better Option?
Does Google Voice feel too limited, with features that won’t scale with your business now or in the future? Does RingCentral feel too complex or have pricing that’s too high or too confusing?
You don’t have to settle for the functionality of these tools — RingCentral and Google Voice aren’t your only options. Nextiva may be a better solution, offering the best of both worlds for small businesses and growing organizations alike.
Why choose Nextiva over Google Voice or RingCentral?
Nextiva is a powerful UCaaS platform and VoIP provider. It offers full call center functionality and advanced features at affordable, transparent prices.
Key features of Nextiva’s business phone system include:
- All-in-one communication: Voice, SMS, team messaging, video, email, and even social media — all in one app.
- Real CRM integration: Integrated calls, emails, and interactions directly within platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot.
- Advanced IVR and routing: Dynamic call flows, round-robin routing, and intelligent automation.
- Scalable pricing: Flexible plans that don’t nickel-and-dime for basic features and the option to access more advanced features for ultimate scalability.
- Unmatched support: 24/7 customer support with industry-leading satisfaction.
- AI-powered insights: Real-time call summaries, customer sentiment analysis, and agent assist baked in.
- Mobile accessibility: Desktop and mobile apps available for both iOS and Android systems.
- Exceptional reliability: 99.999% uptime and high call quality.
Whether you need more advanced features right now or may need them down the road, Nextiva is ready to help. Learn more about NextivaONE today.
