Bandwidth vs Google Voice For Business

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Our analysts compared Bandwidth vs Google Voice For Business based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Business Phone Systems, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Google Voice For Business Software Tool

Product Basics

Bandwidth is a cloud-based API provider that enables two-way calling, text messaging and video conferencing for leading unified communications platforms. Deployable in the cloud, on-premise or as a hybrid, it enables enterprise-level call tracking and analytics. Leveraging its robust architecture, developers can create video and video conferencing apps through WebRTC technology. Businesses can automate existing processes and call flows through its support for a wide range of codecs including VP9, VP8 and H.264. Integrating with major toll-free carriers, it ensures carrier redundancy for uninterrupted business workflows.

It ensures call security through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and phone number verification. Besides enabling click-to-call for customers, it provides intelligent call routing through IVR and automated SMS surveys for sustained customer outreach. In addition to phone number management through a dashboard, it provides number porting of up to 20,000 numbers. Working in the background, it powers integrations with Zoom, LogMein, Google, RingCentral and Microsoft through its powerful APIs.
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Google Voice For Business is a comprehensive communication tool designed to streamline business communication tasks such as calls, texts, and voicemail management. It is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized enterprises, remote teams, and industries that require robust communication solutions, such as customer service, sales, and tech support. The platform offers unique benefits like seamless integration with other Google Workspace applications, ensuring a unified communication experience.

Key features include automated call routing, voicemail transcription, and the ability to use a single number across multiple devices. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and the convenience of managing communications from a centralized platform. Compared to similar products, Google Voice For Business stands out for its ease of use and integration capabilities, although some users note that advanced features may be limited.

Pricing varies based on the number of users and specific needs, so it's recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. This ensures businesses get the most accurate pricing information for their unique requirements.

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Product Insights

  • Cost Efficiency: Bandwidth helps businesses save on communication costs by offering scalable solutions that adapt to their needs, eliminating the need for expensive traditional phone systems.
  • Flexibility: Users can manage calls, messages, and video conferences from anywhere, using any device, providing the flexibility needed in today's mobile and dynamic work environments.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Features like automated attendants, call routing, and analytics ensure that customer calls are handled efficiently, leading to improved satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Scalability: As businesses grow, Bandwidth easily scales to accommodate increased call volumes and additional features without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
  • Reliability: With robust infrastructure and redundancy protocols, Bandwidth ensures high availability and minimal downtime, so businesses stay connected with their customers and teams.
  • Enhanced Communication: Integrated voice, video, and messaging capabilities foster better collaboration among team members and more engaging interactions with customers.
  • Compliance and Security: Bandwidth adheres to industry standards and regulations, providing secure communication channels that protect sensitive information.
  • Insightful Analytics: Access to detailed call analytics helps businesses make informed decisions, optimize communication strategies, and improve overall efficiency.
  • Customization: The platform offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific operational needs and customer service goals.
  • Professional Image: Advanced features like custom greetings, on-hold music, and professional voicemail options enhance a company's image and customer perception.
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  • Cost Efficiency: Google Voice for Business offers competitive pricing, reducing the need for expensive traditional phone systems and long-distance charges.
  • Scalability: Easily add or remove users as your business grows or contracts, ensuring you only pay for what you need.
  • Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Google Calendar, enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows.
  • Mobility: Employees can make and receive calls from anywhere using their mobile devices, ensuring business continuity and flexibility.
  • Unified Communication: Consolidates multiple communication channels into one platform, simplifying management and improving efficiency.
  • Call Management: Advanced call forwarding, screening, and voicemail transcription features help manage calls more effectively and ensure important messages are not missed.
  • Security: Built on Google’s robust security infrastructure, providing encryption and protection against unauthorized access.
  • Local Presence: Obtain local phone numbers in different regions, helping to establish a local presence and build trust with regional customers.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Access detailed call logs and analytics to monitor usage patterns and optimize communication strategies.
  • Easy Setup and Management: User-friendly interface and straightforward setup process reduce the need for extensive IT support and training.
  • Reliability: Backed by Google’s reliable cloud infrastructure, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime.
  • Customizable Voicemail Greetings: Create personalized voicemail greetings for different departments or individuals, enhancing professionalism and customer experience.
  • Number Porting: Easily port existing phone numbers to Google Voice, minimizing disruption during the transition.
  • Global Reach: Make international calls at competitive rates, facilitating global business operations and communication.
  • Collaboration Features: Integrated with Google Meet for video conferencing, enabling seamless collaboration and communication within teams.
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  • Voice API: Build a custom voice calling solution for clients. Embed programmable voice directly into the application, network or product, without possessing a telecom infrastructure. Pay only for the time used and get access to pricing. Identify and address problems related to the quality and reliability of voice calls.
  • SMS API: Attain control, flexibility and insight and efficiently send messages to the tier 1 network. Get insights into which messages are getting delivered. Access real human support and eliminate the hassles attached to having a middleman.
  • MMS API: Send powerful and engaging text messages using images, videos, audio and GIFs even on toll-free and local numbers. Get charged the same price for an MMS irrespective of the number of characters.
  • Toll-Free SMS: Easily graduate from text messages to calls on the same number. Send high-volume messages using a single number, eliminating possible confusion amongst customers. Use it as an alternative to short code and connect with customers faster.
  • Group Messaging: Enable all the clients to be in the loop and quickly initiate group discussions without installing the app or possessing a smartphone. Connect to any network in the U.S. and Canada. Activate message-ready phone numbers.
  • Emergency Calling API: Provide accurate and reliable access to public safety without investing in expensive infrastructure. Connect users when required and automatically provide location information to the best-suited public safety agency.
  • Video API: Upgrade any web-based chat or call to video and create video applications powered by WebRTC. Enhance the customer engagement experience and facilitate personal interactions and connections. Use screen sharing and live video engagement. Access an easy-to-understand billing system, eliminating confusion. Attain Inbound and Outbound PSTN calling and support audio codecs, including VP9, VP8 and H.264.
  • Authentication API: Balance security with customized authentication messages and set a code expiration timeframe. Pay only for successful authentication. Safeguard brand equity by receiving one-time passcodes on existing numbers, eliminating the risk of sharing numbers with other businesses.
  • SIP Trunking: Enable high-quality calls using the cloud-based carrier network. Manage ports, order phone numbers and gain insights into telecom cost centers. Maintain compliance with 911 regulations. Access calling and billing details record (BDR). Get easy support from the 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC).
  • Duet: Enable companies to migrate their telecom to Teams-leverage dynamic location capabilities within Teams to identify the location. Route 911 calls across the secure and highly reliable network, ensuring user safety. Acquire advantages such as fail-over control, call forwarding and real-time re-routes.
  • VoIP Origination: Access a wide-ranging coverage with direct peering connections, facilitating quality calls. Enjoy a powerful phone number solution with number ordering, porting and management tools. Support required line features and instant 911 address provisioning.
  • VoIP Termination: Eliminate the hassle of jumping on and off PSTN, allowing a reliable calling experience. Employ the geo-redundant core network with priority Tier 1 peering relationships to achieve better quality calls and fewer hops. Enable interconnections using peering agreements with major carriers across the U.S., Canada and internationally, ensuring quicker, hassle-free calls.
  • SMS Gateway: Remain up-to-date and well-versed with current messaging rules and regulations with the help of experts. Send an SMS to customers who only provide a phone number and without the aid of a cell phone. Ensure reliable delivery and connections to all major carriers.
  • Phone Number Lookup API: Attain knowledge regarding the carrier mix before sending messages, enabling the prediction of costs and message and deliverability rates. Quickly sort phone numbers, ensuring that messages are sent only to those numbers that can receive them. Use the correct type of multi-factor authentication.
  • Local Phone Numbers: Carry out business more innovatively by giving customers a personal and local touch. Add brand personality, context and privacy along with number ordering and provisioning. Assure customers that they can secure better help and understanding by talking to a real person who understands the business. Access the Bandwidth Phone Number Dashboard to track which numbers are getting more usage.
  • CNAM: Enable the lookup to pick from a database full of caller ID information displayed when someone calls. Easily add, update or delete entries using the portal or API. Add a personal touch to sales calls, employ CNAM to look up any number and help minimize missed calls and spam calls.
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  • Cloud-Based System: Operates entirely in the cloud, eliminating the need for physical hardware and simplifying management.
  • Number Porting: Allows businesses to transfer existing phone numbers to Google Voice, ensuring continuity and ease of transition.
  • Call Forwarding: Routes incoming calls to multiple devices, ensuring that important calls are never missed.
  • Voicemail Transcription: Converts voicemail messages into text, making it easier to read and respond to messages quickly.
  • Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly integrates with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Google Calendar, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
  • Automated Attendant: Provides an automated system to greet callers and direct them to the appropriate department or individual.
  • Call Screening: Allows users to listen to a caller's name before deciding whether to answer, send to voicemail, or block the call.
  • International Calling: Supports international calls at competitive rates, making it easier for businesses to communicate globally.
  • Multi-Level Auto Attendant: Offers a multi-tiered menu system to guide callers through various options, improving call routing efficiency.
  • Spam Filtering: Automatically detects and filters out spam calls, reducing interruptions and enhancing productivity.
  • Custom Greetings: Enables businesses to create personalized voicemail greetings for different departments or individuals.
  • Call Logs and Reporting: Provides detailed call logs and analytics, helping businesses track call activity and performance.
  • Mobile App: Offers a mobile application for iOS and Android, allowing users to manage calls and messages on the go.
  • Do Not Disturb Mode: Lets users temporarily disable incoming calls and notifications, ensuring uninterrupted focus during critical tasks.
  • Text Messaging: Supports SMS and MMS messaging, enabling quick and efficient communication with clients and colleagues.
  • Call Transfer: Allows users to transfer calls to another number or extension, facilitating seamless communication within the organization.
  • Customizable Call Flows: Provides options to create and manage custom call flows, tailoring the system to specific business needs.
  • Emergency Calling: Supports emergency calling (911) in the United States, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  • Scalability: Easily scales to accommodate growing businesses, with flexible plans and features that can be adjusted as needed.
  • Security and Compliance: Adheres to industry-standard security protocols and compliance requirements, ensuring data protection and privacy.
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Product Ranking

#14

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#32

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Business Phone Systems

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 427 reviews
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92%
of users recommend this product

Bandwidth has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 427 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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Awards

Bandwidth stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Scalability: Bandwidth's platform is designed to grow with your business, allowing you to easily add new phone lines and features as needed. This scalability ensures that your phone system can adapt to your evolving communication requirements.
Cost-Effectiveness: Bandwidth offers competitive pricing plans, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. Their transparent pricing structure helps you understand your costs upfront, avoiding any surprises on your phone bill.
Reliability: Bandwidth has a strong reputation for reliability, ensuring that your phone system is always available when you need it. Their robust infrastructure and network redundancy minimize downtime and service interruptions.
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Simple Setup and Unified Communications: Google Voice is easy to set up and use, letting you quickly make and receive business calls without needing a separate business line. It seamlessly integrates with other Google services, allowing you to manage calls, texts, and voicemails directly from your Gmail or Google Calendar.
Cost-Effective Solution for Domestic Calls: Google Voice offers free local VoIP numbers and unlimited domestic calling within the US and Canada, making it a budget-friendly option for staying connected with clients and colleagues without incurring high call charges.
Flexibility and Accessibility: Google Voice works seamlessly across multiple devices, including smartphones, computers, and tablets, allowing you to make and receive business calls from anywhere with an internet connection, enhancing your flexibility and responsiveness.
Enhanced Voicemail Management: Google Voice provides convenient voicemail transcription, converting voice messages to text and sending them to your email. This feature saves you time and effort as you can quickly scan through messages instead of listening to each voicemail.
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Call Quality Issues: Bandwidth's call quality has been reported as inconsistent, with users experiencing dropped calls, choppy audio, and latency issues, particularly in areas with weaker internet connections. This can be disruptive and unprofessional for businesses that rely on clear and reliable communication.
Customer Support Challenges: Bandwidth's customer support has received mixed reviews, with some users finding it difficult to get timely and effective assistance. Long wait times and unhelpful responses can be frustrating for businesses that need prompt resolution to technical issues.
Limited Features: Compared to some competitors, Bandwidth's feature set may be perceived as lacking, particularly for businesses with advanced communication needs. Features such as call recording, voicemail transcription, and integrations with CRM systems may be limited or require additional fees.
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Limited Features: Google Voice lacks some advanced features that are essential for growing businesses, such as toll-free numbers for wider reachability and comprehensive call management options for efficient call handling.
Basic Auto-Attendant: The base plan offers a limited auto-attendant feature, which may not be sufficient for businesses that require multi-level menus and sophisticated call routing capabilities.
Customer Support Concerns: The free plan of Google Voice comes with limited customer support, potentially leading to longer resolution times for technical issues or questions.
Potential for Extra Costs: While Google Voice offers a free tier, businesses may encounter additional fees for unlocking certain features, which could affect their budget planning.
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Is your business phone system stuck in the dark ages? Need to expand your communications bandwidth? Bandwidth might be the solution you're looking for. User reviews from the past year highlight its strengths in call quality, reliability, and scalability, making it a top choice for businesses of all sizes. The platform's user-friendly interface and robust API integrations allow for seamless communication management, whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise. Users particularly appreciate the flexibility to port existing numbers and integrate with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. Bandwidth's competitive pricing and pay-as-you-go model also make it a cost-effective solution for businesses with fluctuating communication needs. However, some users have noted that customer support can be slow at times, and the initial setup process may require some technical expertise. Additionally, while Bandwidth offers a wide range of features, some advanced functionalities may require additional fees. Despite these minor drawbacks, Bandwidth remains a popular choice for businesses seeking a reliable and scalable communication solution. Its ease of use, extensive features, and competitive pricing make it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their communication processes and enhance overall productivity. If you're ready to ditch your outdated phone system and embrace the future of business communication, Bandwidth is definitely worth considering.

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Google Voice for Business has been making some noise in the VoIP market, but is it music to users' ears? User reviews over the past year reveal a somewhat discordant tune. While many appreciate its budget-friendly pricing and seamless integration with Google Workspace, which allows for easy call management directly within existing workflows, some users find the lack of advanced features, such as call recording and CRM integrations, a major drawback. This absence can be particularly limiting for businesses that rely heavily on these features for quality control, training, or sales automation. For instance, a sales team unable to record calls might miss valuable insights into customer interactions, hindering their ability to improve their pitch or track client engagement. Furthermore, the limited customer support for free plan users has left some feeling unheard. While the affordability is attractive, especially for small businesses or solopreneurs, the lack of reliable support can lead to frustrating experiences when technical issues arise. In essence, Google Voice for Business is like a basic smartphone - it handles calls and texts efficiently but lacks the bells and whistles of more sophisticated devices. Therefore, it's best suited for budget-conscious individuals or small businesses already deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem and who don't require advanced call management features. Larger businesses or those needing more robust functionality might find themselves hitting a sour note with Google Voice and should consider alternatives like RingCentral or Dialpad.

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Top Alternatives in Business Phone Systems


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Zoom

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