What is the Difference between Google Voice Personal and Business? Explained

As a cloud telephone service, Google Voice provides 2 account types or plans, i.e., Personal and Business. While Google Voice for Business is a paid service, the other is free to use. Identifying the difference between Google Voice Personal vs Business is important to make the best choice for a venture, organization, or individual. Though both are suitable to facilitate communication over calls, messages, and voicemails, there are certain variations to observe. These account types provide virtual numbers to users as per their locations, i.e., USA, Canada, the UK, or other countries. Besides, pricing, features, and plan availability differ too.

What is Google Voice Personal?

Google Voice Personal is an account type as part of Google Voice, a significant virtual number service. Mainly, it is available on iOS and Android devices as well as the web. It offers free call features to users but invites certain limitations. This kind of account is inclusive of integration with the calendar and mail.

What is Google Voice Business?

Available as a cloud-based system, Google Voice Business is a service that gives a cost-free contact number to users. It is a part of Google Workspace that involves buying a subscription to access 1 phone number for free and any additional ones for extra charges. Besides, it offers extended functionality through SMS, voicemail, etc.

5 Main Differences: Google Voice Personal vs Business

There are several differences between Google Voice Personal vs Business, mainly including pricing and features. In addition, the locations across which the services are available, the number of users under each account, etc., are other points of differentiation.

In all, there are 5 main contrasting factors to look at, prior to selecting the ideal Google Voice account type.

As per Location Availability

Concerning the difference between Google Voice Business vs Personal, the availability of each, as per locations, is important to look at.

The Google Voice Business plan is accessible to users within and outside the United States. However, its specific features are available for use within the US and Canada. In the USA, businesses can access MMS and SMS functionalities. Besides, in Canada and the United States, calling is unlimited only through Canadian and US numbers.

In the case of Google Voice Personal, currently, there is no availability outside the United States. There are also limitations to calling unlimited or sending messages for purposes beyond personal use.

Considering User Capacity

An important difference between Google Voice Personal vs Business is the user capacity each account type supports. Under the personal account type, it is possible to add 1 user. The alternative account enables adding 10 users or even unlimited.

Thus, while Google Voice for Personal is more suitable for a compact team, the business account type is more apt for emerging ventures or established companies.

Note: To add users under either plan, subscribing to Google Workspace is necessary.

Concerning Types of Pricing Plans

While choosing between Google Voice Business and Personal, pricing is essential to consider. For self-use, one can avail of Google Voice for Personal at no charge. It is devoid of paying for a number of extra features. However, for international calls or to port numbers, the plan charges fees.

Contrastingly, Google Voice for Business offers 3 pricing plans. These include Premier, Starter, and Standard plans. On a per-user and per-month basis, the charges range from $10USD to $30USD. As per the plan, the number of features, user capacity, location restrictions, and other aspects differ.

In the context of Google Voice Personal vs Business pricing plans, one can choose to pay for features in sync with one’s business or personal requirements. The location from which to access the solution is additionally vital when selecting a plan.

Taking Plan Availability into Account

When selecting either a Google Voice Business or Personal account, it is important to note that plan availability differs. Thus, even when a user or business is considering to invest in a specific pricing plan, checking whether it is available is crucial.

Looking at Google Voice Personal vs Business in terms of plan availability, know that the former type is for users in the United States. Thus, they can’t buy the virtual number from outside the USA. In case they want to get a US phone number from outside the US, they can rely on trusted virtual number providers such as Teldrip Connect.

On the other hand, Google Voice for Business offers solutions to users outside the United States. But keep in mind that the plan is accessible in 10+ locations. Some of these are Germany, Spain, the UK, Italy, and the Continental US.

According to Features

A crucial point of difference between Google Voice Personal vs Business includes going through the main features of each.

Google Voice for Business provides auto-attendants to users. They help transfer calls to the right business departments. Besides, transferring calls to a different number, integrating with Google Meet, syncing with Google Calendar, using ring groups, etc., are the other features available.

In contrast, Google Voice for Personal has voicemail transcripts as one of its top features. Additionally, its users can avail of call forwarding to linked phone numbers, sending messages or multimedia for self-use, etc.

Thus, with the personal account of Google Voice, users get features mainly for self or limited use. A business account, however, ensures access to a greater number of features to manage different organizational processes. Majorly, they simplify communication among employees as well as between clients and business agents.

Endnote,

Though both Google Voice for Business and Personal are useful accounts, there are several differences to note. When choosing between Google Voice Personal vs Business, it is crucial to consider these. Concerning different features, pricing, and location accessibility, the former is suitable for users within the US. For professionals outside the United States, the business account is a better choice.