Grasshopper vs Google Voice

Last Updated on April 14, 2025 by Ewen Finser

If you need a virtual phone system for your business, then Grasshopper and Google Voice are two solid options.

Both of these platforms offer VOIP services but their features, pricing, and overall functionality are very different.

I have experience with both Grasshopper and Google Voice, and thought I’d compare the two to help you better understand which solution best meets the needs of your organization.

Main Differences Between Grasshopper And Google Voice

Feature	Grasshopper	Google Voice
Business Phone Numbers	Offers local, toll-free, and vanity numbers. ‘Small Business’ plan includes unlimited extensions.	Offers local and international numbers but limits users to one number per account for outgoing calls/SMS/. Extensions aren’t supported
Call Management	Features call forwarding, simultaneous call handling, and virtual faxing.	Features call forwarding, ring groups( answer calls from the same number) automated attendant, and call recording.
Voicemail	Provides voicemail transcription delivered via email as MP3 files.  (All price plans)	Supports voicemail transcripts via Google account settings
International Calling	Can receive. Outgoing calls require activation fee and metered rates.	Supports international calling in 100+ countries. Low per-minute charges.
Pricing	Starts at $18/month for basic plans for one user.	‘Starter’ pack for $10 per user, per month. (Up to 10 users)

The main difference I’ve found between the two services is the more advanced features in Grasshopper. 

Unless you’re a solopreneur, you’ll almost certainly want additional extensions. The dashboard also offers better control over incoming calls relative to Google Voice, through features like enhanced call screening.

When it comes to pricing, Google Voice really stands out. Business plans start from $10 per month. You can even get a free VOIP number for personal use, complete with free calls/texts, though this probably isn’t suitable for business purposes.

Grasshopper vs Google Voice: Similarities

Having outlined the differences between these two business VOIP solutions, it’s only fair to list the main points they have in common, including:

• Both platforms support forwarding calls to other numbers, allowing easier access for colleagues working both on and off-site.
• Google Voice and Grasshopper can transcribe voicemails to email, allowing users to read messages conveniently via their chosen client.
• Both services offer mobile apps, so users can answer calls, texts and voicemails no matter where they are.
• The integrated auto-attendant for both platforms lets users set custom greetings and forward calls. You can also configure your business opening hours.
• Free, unlimited domestic calling (US & Canada) is supported by both platforms, no matter what pricing plan you choose.

What is Grasshopper?

This platform is tailored to small businesses who need a phone system without an overly elaborate setup. Grasshopper’s features include:

Business SMS

This works for both toll-free and business numbers in US & Canada. Texts are unlimited. Grasshopper also supports instant reply by SMS to first-time callers.

Call Forwarding

Users can forward calls from toll-free (800) numbers and local numbers. Each Grasshopper extension can forward calls to up to 15 numbers.

Voicemail Transcription

Grasshopper’s mobile apps can store text versions of voicemail. You can also have them forwarded to up to 15 email addresses for each extension.

Custom Greetings and Extensions

The number of extensions you get depends on your pricing plan. For example, the ‘Solo Plus’ plan offers up to 3. You can record different phone greetings for each Grasshopper number.

What is Google Voice?

The mighty search engine needs no introduction. Using ‘Voice’ means you’ll have good integration with other Google Workspace apps, including ‘Gmail’ and ‘Calendar’. Other key features include:

Ring Groups

This feature lets people in your organization answer calls made to the same number. Members take turns answering calls, so they must have their own assigned Voice license.

Auto-attendant

Though not as sophisticated as Grasshopper’s, Voice’s attendant can play messages (either a custom recording or text-to-speech) and provide callers with virtual menus. You can also configure specific ‘after-hours’ actions.

Voicemail Transcription

When callers contact Google Voice numbers voicemails are automatically transcribed to text. (This feature can be disabled.)

Low-cost International Calls

While Grasshopper also supports international calls, this is easier to set up on Google Voice. There’s no activation fee and metered rates are very reasonable. For instance, calls to most landlines in European countries are only $0.01 per minute.

Pricing Comparison

As we’ve learned, Google Voice costs less overall than Grasshopper both for subscriptions and placing international calls. 

Voice’s business plans are also on a per-user basis, unlike Grasshopper, which offers subscriptions for multiple numbers and users. 

Grasshopper also offers discounts of around 20% for users willing to pay annually. The prices listed below are the monthly rate for both platforms:

Plan	Grasshopper (Monthly)	Google Voice (Monthly)
Basic/Starter	$18 (1 user)	$10 per user
Mid-tier/Standard	$32 (unlimited users)	$20 per user
Premium/Premier	$70 (unlimited users)	$30 per user

Grasshopper vs Google Voice: Pros and Cons

Grasshopper Pros

Easy Setup and Friendly User Interface

Based on online reviews and personal experience, I know Grasshopper offers an extremely intuitive interface. You can set up custom greetings, call forwarding, and extensions in minutes.

Unlimited Users and Extensions

From just $32 per month Grasshopper supports any number of users. This means it becomes better value for money than Google Voice if you have four or more people in your organization. The mid-tier ‘Solo Plus’ plan supports one number with up to three extensions. 

Vanity, Local, and Toll-free Numbers

Unlike Google Voice, Grasshopper lets you set up both custom ‘vanity’ and toll-free numbers to give your business a professional image. You can also set up local numbers for customers to call your company inexpensively within the US.

Grasshopper Cons

Limited Analytics

As we’ve discussed, Grasshopper is aimed at small businesses. The platform supports logging and searching call history but detailed metrics like missed-call rates and FCR (first-call resolution) aren’t available.

No Outbound Faxing

Grasshopper supports receiving faxes to your virtual business number. These are delivered to your designated email address as a PDF attachment. However, the platform doesn’t support sending outbound faxes.

Google Voice Pros

Affordable Pricing

If you’ve a very small business setup, Google Voice can be more affordable compared to Grasshopper, as rates start at just $10 per user per month. Voice also offers excellent value for money on international calls. 

Good Workspace Integration

If your organization already uses Workspace apps like ‘Meet’ and ‘Calendar,’ Voice will integrate well into your existing ecosystem. 

Sold Business Features

Voice’s auto attendant with custom greetings and interactive menus offers everything a small business needs to process calls. ‘Ring Groups’ is also helpful for managing calls—e.g. to your sales team.

Google Voice Cons

Number Restrictions

Google Voice is limited to one number per user, per account.

Limited Customization

Voice doesn’t support vanity or toll-free numbers, nor can you assign extensions to different users.

• Talkroute: A very affordable alternative covering essential features like unlimited domestic calling, call routing, and business SMS.
• RingCentral: An advanced comms platform ideal for larger organizations.
• Dialpad: An affordable business VOIP solution for those seeking more AI-powered features.

Grasshopper vs Google Voice: Which to Choose

Which of these platforms you choose will depend very much on your business needs.

Grasshopper is best suited to growing businesses that prioritize professionalism, as it includes features like vanity numbers, extensions, and virtual faxes. It’s an excellent choice for startups that need a reliable, basic phone system.

Google Voice is ideal for businesses that already use Workspace tools and/or need international calling options. As it’s priced per user, it’s also a good choice for growing teams.