As businesses increasingly turn to cloud-based communication solutions, two popular options have emerged: Google Voice and Microsoft Teams. Each offers a range of features that can help streamline communication and collaboration within your organisation, but which one is right for your business? In this analysis, we’ll compare the key features and costs of Google Voice vs Microsoft Teams, helping businesses make an informed choice.
Overview of Google Voice vs Microsoft Teams
Before diving into the specific features and costs, it’s important to understand the core offerings of both Google Voice and Microsoft Teams.
Google Voice is a cloud-based phone system that integrates with Google Workspace, offering voice calls, SMS, and voicemail management. It is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for small businesses or teams already using Google’s suite of productivity tools.
Microsoft Teams, part of the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem, is a collaboration platform that combines chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integration. It also includes a calling solution via Microsoft Teams Phone, which turns Teams into a fully-fledged phone system.
| Category | Google Voice | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Cloud-based VoIP system integrated with Google Workspace | Collaboration and communication platform integrated with Microsoft 365 |
| Calling capabilities | – VoIP, call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and SMS (SMS unavailable in the UK) – Suitable for basic calling needs | – Full VoIP solution with auto-attendants, call queues, voicemail, and group calls – Supports direct routing with existing telephony infrastructure |
| Collaboration tools | – Limited to voice calling – Integrated with Google Workspace but lacks full collaboration suite | – Robust collaboration suite with chat, file sharing, and project management – Integrates with Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive) and third-party apps |
| Video conferencing | – No native video conferencing (relies on Google Meet for video calls) – Suitable for small to medium meetings | – Built-in video conferencing with high-quality video, screen sharing, and meeting tools like breakout rooms and polls – Ideal for frequent video calls and large meetings |
| SMS and messaging | – Supports SMS in the US and Canada (unavailable in the UK) | – No SMS support – Extensive chat features with rich text, file sharing, and integration with apps like Planner and SharePoint |
| Call management and routing | – Basic call routing features like call screening, forwarding, and voicemail transcription – Geared towards smaller teams | – Advanced call routing with auto-attendants, call queues, and group calling – Suitable for businesses with complex communication needs |
| Integrations | – Google Workspace apps (Gmail, Google Calendar, etc.) – Limited third-party integrations | – Microsoft 365 apps (Outlook, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.) – Extensive third-party integrations for project management, CRM, and more |
| Ease of use | – Simple and easy to use – Best suited for businesses already using Google Workspace | – More complex to set up, especially if not already using Microsoft 365 – Highly customisable |
| Pricing (UK) | – Starter: $10 (~£8) per user/month – Standard: $20 (~£16) per user/month – Premier: $30 (~£24) per user/month (Prices in USD) | – Microsoft 365 Business Basic: £4.50 per user/month – Microsoft 365 Business Standard: £9.40 per user/month – Teams Phone with Calling Plan: £12 per user/month (add-on) – Business Voice Add-on: £12 per user/month (add-on) |
| Pros | – Affordable, simple solution – Seamless integration with Google Workspace – Suitable for small businesses | – Comprehensive collaboration and communication platform – Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and third-party apps – Advanced telephony features for complex needs |
| Cons | – Limited collaboration features – SMS feature not available for UK users – Lacks advanced call routing for larger businesses | – Higher costs, especially with add-ons – Complexity in setup and use for smaller businesses |
| Best for | – Small businesses already using Google Workspace – Teams needing a simple and affordable calling solution | – Larger businesses needing full communication and collaboration tools – Organisations already using Microsoft 365 with more complex needs |
Key features comparison
When comparing Google Voice vs Microsoft Teams, it’s essential to look at the features that directly impact business communication.
1. Calling capabilities
- Google Voice:
- Provides a straightforward VoIP solution with voice calling, call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and SMS.
- Easy integration with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Google Calendar.
- Offers basic call routing features, suitable for businesses with less complex communication needs.
- Microsoft Teams:
- Through Microsoft Teams Phone, you can turn Teams into a powerful phone system.
- Features include call queues, auto-attendants, voicemail, and group calls.
- Supports direct routing, allowing businesses to use their own telephony infrastructure while benefiting from Teams’ collaboration tools.
2. Collaboration tools
- Google Voice:
- Primarily focused on voice communications, with little in the way of collaboration beyond basic call functions.
- While it integrates with Google Workspace, it lacks the depth of collaboration tools that Microsoft Teams offers.
- Microsoft Teams:
- Offers a full suite of collaboration tools, including instant messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing.
- Integration with Microsoft 365 means seamless access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive.
- Extensive third-party app integrations, making Teams a hub for collaboration, project management, and communication.
3. Video conferencing
- Google Voice:
- Google Voice does not offer native video conferencing. For video calls, users rely on Google Meet, which is a separate tool within the Google Workspace ecosystem.
- Google Meet is suitable for small to medium-sized video meetings but lacks the advanced features found in some other platforms.
- Microsoft Teams:
- Teams includes video conferencing as a core feature, with high-quality video, screen sharing, and interactive tools like polls, breakout rooms, and meeting recordings.
- Excellent for businesses that need frequent video meetings with integrated chat and collaboration tools during and after the meeting.
4. SMS and messaging
- Google Voice:
- Supports SMS, but only in the US and Canada. For UK businesses, this feature may be unavailable or limited.
- Microsoft Teams:
- Does not support SMS, but offers extensive instant messaging capabilities within Teams.
- Teams chat supports rich text, file sharing, and integrates with other apps like Planner and SharePoint, providing a centralised workspace for business conversations.
5. Call management and routing
- Google Voice:
- Basic call routing and management features like call screening, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription.
- Geared towards smaller businesses or teams with straightforward call handling needs.
- Microsoft Teams:
- Advanced call routing capabilities, including auto-attendants, call queues, and group calling.
- Ideal for businesses with more complex telephony requirements, such as multiple departments or remote teams.
Pricing comparison – Google Voice vs Microsoft Teams
Cost is a key consideration when choosing a communication platform, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Google Voice pricing for UK businesses
Google Voice offers three main pricing plans:
- Starter: $10 (around £8) per user per month. This plan is ideal for small teams and includes calling within the UK and US, voicemail transcription, and basic call handling features.
- Standard: $20 (around £16) per user per month. Adds additional features like multi-level auto-attendants, desk phone support, and more robust call management tools.
- Premier: $30 (around £24) per user per month. Offers unlimited domestic calling within the UK, and international locations, plus advanced reporting and analytics.
These prices are in US dollars, and UK businesses may need to consider exchange rates and tax implications.
Microsoft Teams pricing for UK businesses
To unlock the full calling capabilities of Microsoft Teams, businesses need to add a Microsoft Teams Phone plan to their Microsoft 365 subscription. Teams Phone can be used with an existing Microsoft 365 or Office 365 plan.
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: £4.50 per user per month. Includes Teams, but without the advanced telephony features.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: £9.40 per user per month. Includes Teams with more features, but still requires an additional Teams Phone licence.
- Teams Phone with Calling Plan: £12 per user per month, on top of the Microsoft 365 subscription. This includes domestic and international calling.
Alternatively, businesses can choose the Microsoft 365 Business Voice add-on for £12 per user per month, which integrates calling with Microsoft Teams without needing a separate calling plan.
Pros and cons
Both Google Voice and Microsoft Teams have unique advantages and disadvantages for UK businesses.
Google Voice
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans for small businesses.
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace tools.
- Simple, user-friendly interface.
Cons:
- Limited collaboration features compared to Microsoft Teams.
- SMS feature not available for UK users.
- Lacks advanced call routing options for larger organisations.
Microsoft Teams
Pros:
- Comprehensive collaboration platform with chat, file sharing, and video conferencing.
- Highly customisable with third-party app integrations.
- Advanced call handling features like auto-attendants and call queues.
Cons:
- Higher overall costs, especially with Microsoft 365 and Teams Phone combined.
- May be more complex to set up for smaller businesses or those not already using Microsoft 365.
Which one should you choose?
- Google Voice is the better option for small UK businesses that are already using Google Workspace and need a simple, affordable VoIP solution. It’s ideal for teams that don’t require extensive collaboration tools or advanced call routing features.
- Microsoft Teams is a more robust option for larger businesses or those looking for a complete communication and collaboration platform. If your business relies on frequent video meetings, instant messaging, and document collaboration, Teams offers a powerful suite of tools with advanced telephony features.
In summary, the choice between Google Voice vs Microsoft Teams will depend on the specific needs of your business. If simplicity and cost are your main concerns, Google Voice is likely the better option. However, if you need a full-featured communication and collaboration platform, Microsoft Teams is a clear winner, albeit with a higher price tag.
FAQ
Google Voice is often better for small businesses needing a simple, affordable VoIP solution, especially if they already use Google Workspace. Microsoft Teams offers a broader range of collaboration features but may be more complex and expensive for smaller organisations with basic communication needs.
Google Voice does not support SMS in the UK, only in the US and Canada. Microsoft Teams doesn’t offer SMS functionality at all, but its messaging platform provides extensive instant messaging, file sharing, and collaboration features within its ecosystem.
Google Voice doesn’t include video conferencing; you’ll need to use Google Meet for that. Microsoft Teams, on the other hand, has built-in video conferencing with high-quality video, screen sharing, and tools like polls and breakout rooms, making it a more comprehensive solution for meetings.
Microsoft Teams offers more advanced call management features like auto-attendants, call queues, and direct routing, making it suitable for larger organisations. Google Voice provides basic call routing and voicemail transcription, better suited for small businesses with simple communication needs.
Google Voice integrates with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Google Calendar. Microsoft Teams integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive, offering a wider range of productivity tools and third-party app integrations for more extensive collaboration.
Google Voice generally offers more affordable pricing, starting at $10 (~£8) per user/month. Microsoft Teams requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, and adding Teams Phone increases the cost, making it more expensive but offering a more robust feature set for larger businesses or complex communication needs.
Google Voice does not support direct routing with existing phone systems. Microsoft Teams, through Teams Phone, supports direct routing, allowing businesses to integrate their own telephony infrastructure while benefiting from Teams’ collaboration and communication tools.
Google Voice is simpler to set up and use, especially for teams already familiar with Google Workspace. Microsoft Teams, while more powerful, requires more configuration, particularly for businesses implementing advanced telephony features through Teams Phone, which may require additional setup.
Microsoft Teams offers a full suite of collaboration tools, including chat, file sharing, video conferencing, and app integrations. Google Voice focuses primarily on voice communications and lacks the in-depth collaboration features that Microsoft Teams provides as part of its integrated platform.
Yes, both Google Voice and Microsoft Teams support remote work. Google Voice provides easy-to-use voice communication features, while Teams offers comprehensive collaboration tools, including messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing, making it the better option for businesses needing deeper collaboration and teamwork.