In the modern business world, it is essential to have reliable communication tools that ensure efficient workflow. As such, many companies opt for either Google Voice or RingCentral as their primary communication system. Both services offer similar features but differ in terms of pricing and user experience. In this article, we compare RingCentral vs Google Voice, taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages each one offers to businesses.
RingCentral VS. Google Voice
5 Key Feature of Ringcentral
RingCentral is a popular cloud-based communication and collaboration platform that offers various features to its users. Here are some of its most notable features:
1. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): RingCentral provides high-quality VoIP services that allow businesses to make and receive calls through the internet rather than traditional landlines.
2. Video Conferencing: In today’s digital age when remote work is on the rise, video conferencing has become more important than ever before. RingCentral provides HD video conferencing capabilities that enable professionals to connect remotely with colleagues, clients, or customers anywhere in the world.
3. Team Messaging: With team messaging, organizations can streamline their communication by having all information and messages in one place, which makes it easier for teams to collaborate and stay connected on projects.
4. Online Faxing: Online faxing through RingCentral allows businesses to send and receive faxes online without requiring a physical fax machine.
5. File Sharing: RingCentral also provides a file-sharing feature that allows users to share documents, images or other files securely within their organization or with external parties.
These are just some of the many useful features offered by RingCentral.
5 Key Feature of Google Voice
Google Voice Google Voice is another popular communication platform that offers a range of features. Here are five key features that stand out:
1. Free Calling: One of the best features of Google voice is the ability to make free calls within the US and Canada, using your internet connection. With this feature, you can also reduce long-distance and international calling costs.
2. Voicemail Transcription: Google Voice allows you to receive voicemails from which it transcribes the message to text or email for easy review or forward.
3. Call forwarding: This feature allows you to forward calls from your Google Voice number to multiple other phone numbers, such as your home, office, or mobile device.
4. Block unwanted callers: You can add any numbers you wish to block under settings in Google voice so their call will not come through.
5. Scheduling and Screening calls: You can manage when and how you receive calls with features like “Do Not Disturb”, “Screen Calls” or “Call scheduling”.
Related: How Does Google Voice Work?
| RingCentral VS. Google Voice | RingCentral | Google Voice |
| Free Trial | YES | YES |
| Unlimited Domestic Calls | YES | YES |
| Team Messaging | YES | YES |
| Video Conferencing | 200 participants max | No video conferencing |
| Integrations | More than 200 | Google Workspace |
| Service Level Agreement | 100.00% | 99.90% |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Both phone & chat support | 24/7 Both phone & chat support |
Cost Comparison
RingCentral Price
RingCentral offers a variety of plans at different price points. Here’s a breakdown of their current pricing:
1. Core Plan: This plan starts at $20 per user, per month and includes voice, video, and messaging features.
2. Advanced Plan: This plan starts at $25 per user, per month and builds on the Advanced Plan with additional features like unlimited internet faxing and auto-attendant.
3. Ultra Plan: This plan starts at $35 per user, per month and includes all the features in the core plan and advanced plans, plus advanced call management tools and integrations with popular business apps such as Salesforce and Zendesk.
It’s worth noting that these prices are based on an annual billing cycle, so if you choose to pay monthly instead your price may be slightly higher.
Google Voice Cost
Google Voice offers a free version that includes features such as voicemail, call forwarding, and texting. However, if you want to use Google Voice with an existing phone number, you’ll need to pay a one-time fee of $10.
In addition to the free version, there is also a paid version called Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) that includes additional features such as video conferencing and cloud storage. The pricing for this starts at $10 per user per month.
Google Voice for Business offers three different pricing plans:
1. Starter Plan: This plan costs $10 per user per month and offers features such as unlimited calling within the US and Canada, call screening, and voicemail transcription.
2. Standard Plan: This plan costs $20 per user per month and offers all the features of the Starter Plan plus additional features such as auto-receptionist, advanced reporting, and desk phone support.
3. Premier Plan: This plan costs $30 per user per month and includes all the features of the Standard Plan plus additional features like international roaming, access to APIs for custom integrations, and 24/7 customer support.
It’s worth noting that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on your location. Additionally, Google Voice for Business requires a G Suite subscription in order to use.
Pros & Cons Ringcentral
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Ringcentral offers a unified platform for communication and collaboration, allowing users to send messages, make calls, and host video conference meetings from one central dashboard. | 1. Some users have reported difficulty using the mobile app due to frequent crashes and freezes. |
| 2. It is user-friendly and easy to set up, with no hardware or downloads required. | 2. The setup process can be complex if you need custom integrations or require assistance from customer support representatives. |
| 3. It includes advanced features like call forwarding, virtual receptionists, auto-attendants, voicemail transcription, and more. | 3. Call quality can sometimes be spotty due to slow connection speeds or fluctuating bandwidth availability depending on your location or network connection. |
| 4. RingCentral is highly secure with multiple layers of encryption and authorization protocols in place. | |
| 5. Affordable plans are available for businesses of all sizes to choose from. |
Pros and cons of google voice
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. It is free to use with a Google account. | 1. Limited international calling options and rates are high in some countries. |
| 2. Offers voicemail transcription and personal greetings for incoming calls. | 2. Limited customization options for voicemail and messages. |
| 3. Automatically blocks unwanted calls. | 3. Not available in all countries or regions yet, including Canada and Hawaii in the US. |
| 4. Easy to set up, manage and use. | |
| 5. Can be used on multiple devices at the same time. |
Conclusion
Ringcentral and Google Voice are two excellent providers for business communication needs. Both offer a range of features and services, so it is important to consider your specific requirements before choosing one provider over the other. It’s also worth noting that both solutions have free versions, so you can try them out and decide which one works best for you. Take the time to research each solution carefully and make an informed decision – your business will thank you in the long run!
Frequently Asked Question
Is there a better app than Google Voice?
There are many alternative apps to Google Voice that you might find suitable depending on your specific needs. Here are some options:
1. RingCentral: RingCentral is a popular communication platform that provides voice, video, and messaging services for teams. Some notable features include team collaboration tools, unlimited SMS, and access to dedicated local or toll-free phone numbers.
2. Grasshopper: Grasshopper is another app that offers a virtual phone system for businesses. It has features such as call routing, voicemail transcription, and the ability to add multiple extensions for team members.
3. TextNow: TextNow offers free texting and calling within the US and Canada with additional paid plans available for more features like international calling and voice mail transcription.
4. Line2: Line2 is a cloud-based phone service that gives users a second phone line for business calls or personal use. It includes unlimited calls in the US and Canada, voicemail transcription, and support for mobile devices with iOS and Android operating systems.
Ultimately, it depends on what specific features you’re looking for in an app. Each of these options offers unique benefits and drawbacks compared to Google Voice. It’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs best!
What is RingCentral best for?
It is best suited for businesses of any size that require a reliable and comprehensive communication system to streamline their operations. By using RingCentral, businesses can unify their communication channels through a single platform while also benefiting from advanced features such as video conferencing, call routing, and analytics.
Is RingCentral considered VoIP?
Yes, RingCentral is considered a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) provider. This means that it uses the internet to transmit voice and other communication data instead of traditional phone lines.
Why is Google Voice shutting down?
Google Voice is shutting down as a result of their desire to concentrate on the development of more advanced communication technologies.
Can I use my own phones with RingCentral?
Yes, RingCentral is a cloud-based system that offers the capability of being able to use one’s personal device for its communications.
Does RingCentral use WiFi or cellular?
RingCentral is a cloud-based phone system that utilizes both WiFi and cellular networks to provide communication services.
Does RingCentral require a landline?
RingCentral is a cloud-based communications platform. It does not require the use of a traditional landline in order to utilize its services, as it operates through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology.
