Google Voice was initially released in March 2009. Since then hundreds, if not thousands of companies have relied upon it to create business lines for their staff. Still, what brought you here is likely that you're considering a Google Voice alternative. In fact, you may have typed “Sideline vs. Google Voice” or some other VoIP service vs Google Voice into your favorite search engine to get here.

In this side by side comparison post, we’ll break down Sideline Vs. Google Voice. We’ll also share another option that may be better than both Sideline and Google Voice. There’s a lot to unpack, so let’s get right to it.

Sideline vs. Google Voice

Sideline offers similar features to Google Voice but with different pricing and capabilities. With any VoIP service, keep in mind that there are possible drawbacks with features for users to consider. It's crucial that you understand what each service does well before deciding which one is right for you.

What is Sideline?

Sideline is a business phone software that incorporates a second phone number to your current cell phone plan rather than an internet connection.

Sideline allows you to use your mobile phone number to make and receive calls, send and receive SMS messages, and manage voicemail all over Wi-Fi or data networks.

What is Google Voice?

Google Voice allows you to use a single number for all your phones, route incoming calls based on that number, and ring multiple phones with one call. You can also send and receive SMS messages and manage voicemail (and port your existing number) all over Wi-Fi or data networks.

Features of Google Voice vs Sideline 

Sideline has several unique features that Google doesn't, including:

• 7-day free trial
• Turning your mobile into a desk phone for business calls through a softphone app on iOS and Android.
• Connection based on your current mobile phone carrier
• In inbound toll-free number in the US and Canada
• Automatic replies for missed calls

Sideline has a lot to offer, but it lacks one crucial area: It does not integrate with other applications.

Google Voice Features

• The ability to forward incoming calls to multiple numbers/verified email addresses when busy or unavailable (and ring various numbers simultaneously).
• Free calls to Canada and the US
• Free calls to the US from international numbers
• The ability to create a virtual number for your business in any area code
• You can use the Wi-Fi connection to make calls over any Wi-Fi network
• Integrates with your Google Suite Apps
• The ability to use your current mobile phone number or get a free US or Canadian number, and have business calls forwarded to your mobile phone

Pricing - Sideline vs. Google Voice

The Sideline Standard Account, which is most comparable to Google Voice, is either $9.99 monthly, $49.99 for six months, or $99 annually. This tier includes a second business number, toll-free inbound numbers, call routing, and transcription services.

Google Voice will set you back at least $10 per user each month, in addition to the $6 per month, per user for your Workspace account that you must have to be able to create a Google Voice account.

While Google Voice and Sideline are comparable in many ways, Voice offers more features, better toll-free numbers, and is available in more countries. Sideline is more affordable and offers superior call forwarding and routing features, but if your company expands rapidly, you'll outgrow Sideline's capabilities quickly.

Between Sideline and Google Voice, Which One is Best?

Sideline is ideal for small businesses looking for an affordable solution to manage all their calls over data networks. 

Google Voice is great for businesses with the budget and infrastructure to support it. It's also more feature-heavy than Sideline, allowing you to forward calls based on your location or busy status, silence unwanted calls, set up call screening/filters, send SMS messages from one number across multiple devices, and much more.

For quick reference, here’s a comparison table that may help you decide between Sideline and Google Voice:

An Alternative You Might Not Have Considered

While Sideline and Google Voice both have their perks, Ring4 is a newer kid on the playground that is better than both combined! It's easy to use, includes free customer support, and has no long-term contracts or hidden fees.

Ring4 has quickly gained popularity in the industry with its innovative technology! It even integrates with Slack, Google Calendar and Chrome, Zendesk so your team's communication is real-time, accessible, and always in sync.

Benefits of Using Ring4

With more and more teams working remotely, any business must have their phone system set up in the cloud. This ensures that your team members can always be contacted, and you'll never miss a phone call.

Ring4 operates on both web console and their mobile app via Wi-Fi or data, so your team can use it on any device, from anywhere!

Using an app like Ring allows your business to save money that would otherwise be spent on hardware or long-term contracts for other VoIP services that don't meet all your needs. 

With Ring4, there are no hidden fees or equipment rentals, just one low monthly rate of $8 per user per month. What Ring4 does is provide an easy to manage system where everyone on the team can have their own number, voicemail inboxes, and calling capabilities, all from one dashboard! 

No more sharing numbers or forwarding calls!

Ring4 even offers free customer support, so if you ever have any questions or aren't sure how to use the service, ask their team, and they will be happy to help!

With everything Ring4 offers, it makes sense why Google Voice and Sideline are falling behind with their outdated technology.

Ring4 Plans and Pricing

Ring4 offers two straightforward plans: their Free basic plan and the Business Professional Plan.

The Free plan includes these features:

• Video conferencing (web)
• Up to 10 participants
• No software install needed
• Slack, Google Integrations

The Business Professional plan includes these features:

• Unlimited calls & texts plan (national)
• Mobile phone numbers for team members
• Available numbers in US, FR, CA, UK
• Voicemail, transcripts & call recording (app)
• International calls
• Video conferencing
• Premium support 24/7
• Ring4 app on any iOS or Android device
• Admin Console (manage team & billing)
• Web dialer (console)
• Shared call recordings (console)
• Shared call transcripts (console)

The Business Professional Plan starts at $8/mo per user if paid annually and offers a monthly payment option at $9.99/mo per user for unlimited calls and texts.

Why is Ring4 Better than Google Voice and Sideline?

Ring4 is easy to use, customers receive free customer support, and it integrates with the applications remote businesses depend on. It works on both web consoles and our mobile app, so your team can work from anywhere in the world!

It's no wonder Ring4 is quickly becoming the go-to phone service for businesses everywhere! It's time you try it out too. Click here to learn more about how Ring4 works.