Table of Contents
Google Voice and Ooma are two of the most popular, affordable options for business phone systems. Which one is better? We explain what each has to offer a small business owner.
The “ooma vs google voice residential” is a question that has been asked for quite some time. Ooma and Google Voice are both internet-based phone services, but which one will be better in 2022?
When comparing Ooma vs Google Voice, both companies provide voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) calling services, but their platforms are developed on distinct platforms. In an office setting, Ooma is meant to replace a team’s conventional landline phone infrastructure. Google Voice is better suited to supporting business calls on a person’s smartphone. So, in the Ooma vs. Google Voice argument, which one wins depends on your individual company requirements.
The following are the greatest use cases for Ooma versus Google Voice based on our comparison:
- Ooma: One of the top VoIP-powered phone systems for small companies, Ooma is a better alternative for office-based teams that want to take use of communications capabilities like as call flip and a multi-level auto-attendant.
- Google Voice: Google Voice is a well-reviewed virtual phone system that is ideal for solopreneurs and small, remote teams. It’s also a wonderful choice for Google Workspace app users, since it allows for seamless Voice-Workspace app interaction.
A Quick Comparison between Ooma vs Google Voice
*This plan level is restricted to a maximum of ten users.
Google Voice is the most cost-effective option.
When it comes to cost, Google Voice comes out on top. It has a free version for solopreneurs as well as three different premium plans with many of the features that enterprises would want. Ooma only offers two options, both of which provide a number of business phone system capabilities that may be handy.
While Google Voice’s Starter plan is just $10, it comes with constraints that are unlikely to be acceptable to a mid-sized business. This tier, for example, limits you to a maximum of 10 users. Given that Ooma’s lowest tier is $19.95, you’ll see a difference in plan value between the two providers and which plans are the most similar.
The Ooma Office Plan, which is equivalent to Google’s $20 Standard plan, has no user limitations. Nonetheless, Google Voice wins out in terms of affordability since it offers a $10 subscription. Furthermore, Google Voice offers substantially lower prices for services such as number porting—porting costs $20 per number with any plan against $39.99 with Ooma. Read our Google Voice review to determine whether it’s the best choice for you.
Ooma has the best calling features.
Both Ooma and Google Voice provide a broad range of calling capabilities to its consumers. Unlimited domestic calling and texting inside the United States and Canada, voicemail, and call forwarding are all included. Ooma also provides unlimited calling to Mexico, a country where Google Voice does not provide unlimited calling.
Ooma also wins when it comes to features like call flip, which enables you to switch to your favorite device in the middle of a conversation. This makes it much simpler to deal with consumers on the fly and avoids lost calls when switching from a battery-drained mobile to a corded phone.
Both companies do a good job with call routing. Both Ooma and Google Voice, for example, provide a multi-level auto-attendant that directs calls to the appropriate department or extension. Customers may also access important corporate information via these systems, but neither provider offers a specialized interactive voice response (IVR) routing system that allows for voice input and self-service.
Consider a system like GoTo Connect if you want a more advanced call routing provider. A dial plan editor in GoTo Connect is a very handy tool for small enterprises.
Ooma is the best option for Calling from Outside the US.
Ooma is the greatest alternative for a company that often contacts outside of the country when it comes to Calling from Outside the US. There is a free alternative with calling rates comparable to Google Voice, but if you subscribe for the service, you can call up to 70 countries for simply the monthly charge. You can only make free calls to the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico using Google Voice.
Some countries are not covered by Ooma’s plans, but if you don’t make frequent calls to excluded locations, Ooma’s Calling from Outside the US plans will save you money in the long run. You can receive the Ooma World Plan for a year for $9.99 per month if you buy an Ooma Telo for $99.99, which is hardware that you can use to make calls. When comparing Ooma with an Ooma Telo vs. Google Voice without any hardware, it’s evident that Ooma is the superior option.
Google Voice is the most reliable in terms of uptime.
When it comes to running a company, uptime is crucial since any downtime means you might be losing out on business possibilities or lowering client satisfaction. As a result, many VoIP providers provide a service level agreement (SLA), which assures that your service will be up and running for a specified percentage of the time.
Most companies begin with a 99 percent uptime guarantee. Because Ooma does not give an uptime SLA, Google Voice is the obvious victor in the Ooma vs Google Voice comparison. Service is assured 99.9% of the time with Google Voice, which is respectable in this regard.
It may, however, be better. You should anticipate roughly eight hours of downtime each year if you have this proportion. When you compare this to a service like RingCentral MVP, whose 99.999 percent SLA in the same time period equates to around five minutes, you can understand why Google’s promise may be better.
Ooma is the best option for virtual numbers.
DID numbers, often known as virtual numbers, enable your company to set up particular phone numbers that consumers may call. This is much more practical and less invasive than just giving customers your personal mobile phone number. Both Ooma and Google Voice provide virtual numbers, however the types of virtual numbers differ greatly. Here are a few to think about:
- Customers get a phone number with a local, recognizable area code when they use a virtual number. This allows them to contact you without incurring long-distance charges. This is also a good technique to create the idea that your company is closer to home than it is. Your company might be situated hundreds of miles away, but you can get a phone number from anywhere.
- Toll-free virtual numbers: Instead of providing the impression that your organization is local, toll-free numbers provide the impression that it conducts business nationally. Furthermore, callers will be able to contact you without incurring long-distance charges.
- Vanity phone numbers: 1-800-FLOWERS is a common example of a vanity number. This form of virtual phone number has a marketing advantage since it is considerably more remembered if it also spells anything. These are usually toll-free numbers as well.
- International virtual phone numbers give a way for clients from other countries to contact your company. They resemble local numerals in certain ways.
When it comes to virtual numbers, Ooma is the clear winner. While each user gets a local number, there are no choices for toll-free, vanity, or international virtual numbers with Google Voice. On the other hand, Ooma offers both local and toll-free phone numbers. Despite this, none has international or vanity number choices. If you’re seeking for them, Grasshopper, a more comprehensive virtual phone number service, could be a better option.
Best Alternatives to Ooma & Google Voice
Both Google Voice and Ooma provide competitive corporate communication options, but they aren’t suitable for every organization. Both lack features like as an IVR, foreign numbers, vanity numbers, and video conferencing with a large number of participants. Consider alternative virtual phone systems and VoIP options that could be a better match before choosing on one of these providers.
The following are some of the top Google Voice and Ooma alternatives:
- Nextiva: For enterprises, Nextiva is an excellent all-in-one communications solution. Calling from Outside the US, international numbers, iOS and Android applications, and high-capacity video conferencing for up to 250 people are all included. Nextiva also has a number of connectors that are particularly beneficial to small enterprises. Subscribers to Nextiva also get access to a far larger amount of toll-free minutes, since Ooma only offers up to 500, but Nextiva offers up to 12,500.
- Grasshopper: If you’re looking for a simple and flexible business phone system, Grasshopper is a terrific alternative. It outperforms both Ooma and Google Voice as a virtual number provider, due to features such as the option to define bespoke business hours and greetings. Grasshopper also includes a call hold function, which Google Voice lacks.
- 8: While both Ooma and Google Voice provide Calling from Outside the US, with Ooma providing unlimited Calling from Outside the US in 70 countries, neither service provides foreign numbers. 808 is the most comprehensive option for organizations that need limitless calling in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia, as well as international phone lines in more than 120 countries. This applies to both toll-free and local telephone numbers.
Still looking for more options? Check out our comprehensive list of Google Voice alternatives.
How Did We Compare Ooma with Google Voice?
Both Ooma and Google Voice are viable solutions, but their price structures and features may not be suitable for your company’s requirements. We looked at cost, Calling from Outside the US, calling features, uptime, integrations, and virtual numbers as we reviewed these companies and what they have to offer.
Here’s a rundown of everything:
25%
Calling from Outside the US
25% of the overall score
The monthly cost of each provider was factored in, as well as the number of tier options offered. We also assessed if any elements that most companies need were missing from the standard plan.
30% of the overall score
We compared the common calling options given by each company as part of our Ooma vs Google Voice comparison. Unlimited calling and text messaging, call forwarding, multi-ring, and virtual numbers were among the services available. We examined the tier at which an auto-attendant became accessible, as well as whether it was multi-tier. We also looked at each provider’s uptime guarantee as well as their integration choices.
25% of the overall score
Since both of these providers have competitive Calling from Outside the US rates, we also considered this feature during our evaluation of Google Voice vs Ooma. We looked into the free calling options and whether or not an extra fee is required to get unlimited calling.
20% of the overall score
The simplicity of use, popularity, value for money, and overall user experience are all factors in our expert assessment for these services. We examined user ratings and matched them to our own firsthand experience.
*Percentages based on total score
Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do both Ooma & Google Voice support traditional landline phones?
On both counts, yes. You’ll need an analog telephone adapter (ATA), such as the Poly Obi202, to use Google Voice. Because Ooma’s Telo device doubles as an ATA and comes with unlimited domestic calling, this is one of their primary selling features.
Is there a free plan available from any of these companies?
When it comes to Google Voice, anybody with a Gmail account may use the free version to make calls. If you’re a solopreneur or freelancer, this is very helpful. Still, for a firm with many workers that want several numbers with capabilities like as call forwarding, voicemail transcripts, and desk phone compatibility, this may not be the best option.
When you buy the gear for VoIP calling for a fixed charge of $99. Ooma also provides a free calling option through the Telo ATA. However, some of the sophisticated calling capabilities included in costlier Ooma small business phone plans are not included. This is still a realistic choice for some.
Is there a free trial for either?
When it comes to a free trial, neither offers a great experience. You can use the Google Voice platform for free if you use the personal version, but you won’t have access to many business-ready features. While Ooma provides a free trial of its Premier Plan, some organizations may find it excessive. Fortunately, you may sample any of the plans for 30 days and get a refund if you don’t like it.
Conclusion
With a supporting internet connection, Ooma and Google Voice are some of the best business phone systems for small to mid-size organizations. Each offers free or low-cost VoIP plans for basic business calling with options for scaling upward as needs arise. Each even allows for business overseas with options for Calling from Outside the US.
Still, Ooma comes out in the lead in our head-to-head comparison. This is thanks to more virtual number options, calling features, and unlimited Calling from Outside the US to 79 locations. There’s also better scaling with Ooma vs Google Voice as it’s easy to go from an Ooma Telo-based system to a system with more enterprise-level features.
Ooma’s money-back guarantee also helps companies determine whether it’s a suitable match for them, despite the lack of a free trial. See whether Ooma offers everything you’ll need for business in 2022 by reading our Ooma review.
Visit Ooma
The “ooma vs magicjack” is a question that has been asked many times in the past. In 2022, what will be better for your business?.
Related Tags
- ooma vs vonage vs google voice
- ooma vs google voice reddit
- ooma vs basic talk
- ooma vs spectrum voice
- vonage vs ooma vs magicjack
