For years, Google Voice has been one of the most popular free VoIP services. It lets users call, text, and send messages from one number all at once. Because Google Voice is so adaptable, people regularly search for things like "how to get a Google Voice phone number" or "can I use a Google Voice number for WhatsApp?"
But by 2025, more consumers will be seeking for different ways to get a Google Voice number. Companies demand more advanced capabilities, freelancers need a second phone number that is always available, and those who worry about their privacy want alternatives that can be tossed away.
This article will discuss:
How to get a Google Voice number
Why Google Voice is one of the best services
Apps that are great for both work and play, like Google Voice
If you can use WhatsApp with a service like Google Voice
The finest Google Voice replacements for every requirement
If you're new to the service, you might be asking yourself, "How do I get a phone number from Google?" The good news is that the steps are simple:
Go to voice.google.com
Sign in with your Google account
Select "Get a Google Voice number"
Choose a number that works in your location
To connect, check your current phone
When you're done, you'll have a Google Voice phone number. You can phone people, send texts, and even set up Google Voice text forwarding to your main number with it.
One of the most common inquiries is, "Can I use a Google Voice number for WhatsApp?"
Yes, sometimes the answer is yes. When you sign up for WhatsApp, it usually works with Google Voice numbers, but not always. It depends on where you are and how many there are.
If you can't get Google Voice WhatsApp to operate, you'll have to find other Google Voice services that provide you real phone numbers that WhatsApp will accept.
Google Voice is fantastic, but it does have some issues:
A lot of people search for "Google Voice forward SMS" or "Google Voice text message forwarding" because it doesn't always work right.
Only a few areas in the world have it.
Not the greatest choice for businesses that need to control calls better.
There is no guarantee that it will be stable for a long time, since Google has a history of shutting down services.
That's why you should look into programs like Google Voice that provide you more control, better support for international calls, and business-ready capabilities.
This year, you should think about these top Google Voice-like services:
You can make calls, send texts, have video meetings, and chat with your team using RingCentral, which is one of the best Google Voice alternatives.
Best for: Businesses and teams
Pros: Sophisticated call routing, analytics, and coverage all around the world
Weakness: Costs more than basic applications
Dialpad is one of the best Google Voice alternatives since it employs AI to listen to and write down calls.
Best for: Teams that work from home
Pros: Works with CRMs, Google Workspace, and Slack
Weakness: SMS doesn't work well in other countries
If you're a freelancer or small business owner looking for apps like Google Voice, Grasshopper is a terrific solution.
Best for: People who own their own company
Pros: Easy to set up, free phone numbers
Weakness: There aren't many methods to connect
Startups like OpenPhone because it offers shared numbers and a modern design.
Best for: Small groups
Pros: It's affordable and easy to use
Weakness: It doesn't cover a lot of countries
Ooma is a business phone service and a personal phone service that works like Google Voice.
Good for: People and small businesses
Pros: Calls that sound excellent and are easy to set up
Weakness: Some features cost more
If your organization needs to send calls and texts to other people, MightyCall includes tools like IVR menus and call recording that can help.
Best for: Companies who get a lot of phone calls
Pros: Call queues and call analytics
Weakness: Too much for personal use
Line2 is an excellent choice if you need a second number quickly. It's like Google Voice.
Best for: Individuals and persons who work for themselves
Pros: Inexpensive, allows you to make calls over Wi-Fi
Weakness: It doesn't have as many advanced features
These apps are free or cheap alternatives to Google Voice numbers that enable you get a temporary number.
Best for: Privacy and using only once
Pros: No cost or very low cost
Weakness: It doesn't last very long
So, which service should you choose?
RingCentral, Dialpad, and MightyCall are all helpful for helping businesses develop.
For freelancers: Grasshopper, OpenPhone, and Line2.
Ooma is great for residential use.
TextNow and Burner are good for privacy.
There are alternative options now, but Google Voice is still an excellent tool. The most crucial thing is to understand why you want to get a Google Voice phone number or look into other choices. Is it for work, personal, or privacy reasons?
To locate the best apps for 2025 and beyond, like Google Voice, check for features like SMS forwarding, WhatsApp compatibility, and coverage throughout the world.