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Grasshopper vs Google Voice comes up for almost every new business that wants a separate work number. Both are easy to start with and work on your existing phone. The biggest differences are toll-free numbers, price and how each fits with the tools you already use.
Short answer: choose Google Voice if you want the cheapest reliable business line and you already use Google Workspace. Choose Grasshopper if you need a toll-free or vanity number, extensions for a small team at a flat price, or virtual fax.
Grasshopper vs Google Voice at a Glance
| Grasshopper | Google Voice | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | From $14 per month (annual) | $10 per user per month |
| Free version | No, 7-day trial | Yes, for personal use in the US |
| Toll-free numbers | Yes | No |
| Vanity numbers | Yes | Not offered as a product |
| Pricing model | Flat price per plan | Per user |
| Auto attendant | Greetings and extensions on all plans | From the Standard plan, $20 per user |
| Texting | US and Canada | US only |
| Virtual fax | Yes | No |
| Works with | Standalone | Google Workspace, Meet and Calendar |
| G2 rating | 3.9 out of 5 | 4.1 out of 5 |
| Capterra rating | 4.3 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 |
Pricing
Google Voice has three business plans: Starter at $10 per user per month for up to 10 users, Standard at $20 and Premier at $30. The team plans are an add-on to a paid Google Workspace subscription, so the real cost is the Voice price plus your Workspace plan. Google also sells Starter and Standard to single users with a personal Gmail account in the US.
There is also a free personal Google Voice. Google describes it as a consumer product, and it does not allow bulk or commercial messaging.
Grasshopper starts at $14 per month on annual billing. Public listings show Solo Plus at $25 and Small Business at $55, and the two higher plans allow unlimited users at a flat price.
For one person, Google Voice Starter is the cheaper option. For a team of five that needs a menu and extensions, Google Voice Standard is about $100 per month plus Workspace, while Grasshopper Small Business is about $55.
Toll-Free and Vanity Numbers
This is the clearest difference. Google states that Google Voice does not offer 1-800 numbers, and toll-free numbers cannot be ported into it. If you want an 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833 number, Google Voice is not an option.
Grasshopper offers toll-free, vanity and local numbers on every plan. Not sure which type you need? Read toll-free vs local number.
Features
Google Voice strengths:
- Low price per user
- Unlimited calls in the US and unlimited US texting
- Voicemail transcription on every plan
- Works with Google Meet and Google Calendar
- Ring groups and auto attendants from the Standard plan
- Desk phone support
Grasshopper strengths:
- Toll-free and vanity numbers
- Extensions and custom greetings on every plan
- Unlimited users on higher plans at a flat price
- Virtual fax
- Texting to Canada as well as the US
Neither is strong on CRM integrations. Google Voice is tied to Google’s own tools, and Grasshopper has no CRM connections.
Support
Paid Google Voice plans include access to Google support at any hour through the admin console. Free users rely on the help center and community forum.
Grasshopper advertises phone and chat support around the clock, although its reviews often mention long waits.
What Users Say
Google Voice scores 4.1 on G2 and 4.5 on Capterra. Users like the low cost, the simple setup and texting from a computer. Common complaints are a basic feature set, numbers that some verification services reject and support that is hard to reach.
Grasshopper scores 3.9 on G2 and 4.3 on Capterra. Users like how easily it separates work and personal calls. Common complaints are cancellation problems and slow support.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Google Voice if you:
- Already pay for Google Workspace
- Only need a local number
- Want the lowest cost per user
Choose Grasshopper if you:
- Want a toll-free or vanity number
- Need extensions for several people at one flat price
- Do not use Google Workspace
Read our full Grasshopper review, or see more options in our guide to the best toll-free number services.
FAQs
Is Google Voice free for business?
The free version is a personal product. Business plans start at $10 per user per month.
Does Google Voice have toll-free numbers?
No. Google’s help pages state that it does not offer 1-800 numbers.
Is Grasshopper better than Google Voice?
It is better if you need a toll-free number, extensions at a flat price or fax. Google Voice is better on price for a single local line.
Can I move my number between them?
Local numbers can usually be ported either way. Toll-free numbers cannot be moved into Google Voice.
Final Verdict
Google Voice is the budget choice for businesses that live in Google Workspace and only need local numbers. Grasshopper costs a little more for one user but gives you toll-free numbers and a small-team setup without per-user pricing.
Visit Grasshopper | Visit Google Voice
How we compared: this article is based on each provider’s published pricing, terms and help pages and on public user ratings, all checked on October 5, 2026. We have not tested call quality ourselves. Confirm current prices on each provider’s site before you buy.
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