Choosing the right communication tool for your business is critical, especially with the wide range of platforms available in the market today. Two popular options that UK businesses frequently consider are Google Voice and Skype. Both platforms offer unique features and pricing structures tailored to meet different communication needs. This article provides an in-depth comparison of Google Voice vs Skype, focusing on features, costs, and considerations to help you decide which platform may be best for your business.
Overview of Google Voice vs Skype
Google Voice is a cloud-based telephony service that integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, providing a straightforward solution for managing calls, texts, and voicemail. It’s designed to support users across devices and offers a flexible solution for business teams needing VoIP functionality within the Google ecosystem.
Skype, developed by Microsoft, has long been a leading choice for video conferencing, messaging, and voice calls. With its powerful brand recognition, Skype offers a flexible solution for businesses, enabling everything from one-on-one calls to large video conferences. Skype has evolved into Skype for Business (now part of Microsoft Teams), providing integration with Microsoft 365 and offering additional features beyond the classic Skype application.
| Feature | Google Voice | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | VoIP voice calls and text messaging | Voice and video calls, multimedia messaging |
| Voice calling | Unlimited calls within Google Voice plans (international calling available on Premier tier) | Pay-as-you-go or subscription-based calls, including international |
| Video conferencing | Integrated with Google Meet for video calls | Built-in video calling for individuals and groups |
| Messaging | Text-only messaging | Rich multimedia messaging (text, images, files, GIFs, and emojis) |
| Integration | Seamless with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Meet) | Integrates with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, OneDrive, Teams) |
| Device compatibility | Web, Android, iOS; seamless call transfer between devices | Available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and smart TVs |
| Call forwarding | Supports call forwarding across devices | Limited; focuses more on in-app calling rather than external forwarding |
| File sharing | Not directly available within Google Voice | Available, supports file and media sharing in chats |
| Screen sharing | Available via Google Meet | Built-in for both calls and video meetings |
| Security and compliance | GDPR compliant, end-to-end encryption, advanced Google Workspace security features | GDPR compliant, end-to-end encryption, enhanced security in Skype for Business |
| User interface | Simple, streamlined for business calling and texting | Comprehensive, includes call, video, and chat functions |
| Support for landline calls | Available on Premier plan | Available with subscription and pay-as-you-go options |
| International calling options | Only on Premier tier | Flexible options with World, Europe, and UK/Ireland subscriptions |
| Pricing structure | Subscription-based (Starter £8, Standard £16, Premier £24 per user per month) | Flexible (pay-as-you-go and subscriptions starting at £4.60 per month for UK calls) |
| Best suited for | Google Workspace users, businesses needing a VoIP-focused tool with simple calling features | Businesses needing versatile video, voice, and messaging, with frequent international communications |
Feature comparison
To choose between Google Voice vs Skype, it’s essential to consider how their features align with your business’s communication needs. Below is a comparison of the primary features of both platforms.
1. Voice calls and video conferencing
- Google Voice: Primarily focused on VoIP voice calls, Google Voice integrates with Google Meet for video conferencing. Voice calling within Google Voice is streamlined for internal calls, while Google Meet provides broader options for video communication, including screen sharing, recording, and live captioning. However, businesses requiring integrated voice and video conferencing might find the platform slightly fragmented.
- Skype: Skype’s legacy strength lies in its capability to offer both video and voice calls in one application. Skype supports one-on-one and group video calls, screen sharing, and background blurring, making it a versatile tool for varied communication needs. Additionally, Skype for Business includes more advanced options like meeting recordings, real-time polling, and integration with Microsoft 365 for calendar invites and scheduling.
2. Messaging and chat
- Google Voice: Text messaging is available as part of Google Voice, offering a straightforward approach to SMS messaging directly within the app. It’s simple, with limited multimedia capabilities, catering more to short, business-focused communications rather than extended chat functionality.
- Skype: In contrast, Skype provides robust messaging features, including multimedia sharing (files, photos, and videos), emojis, GIFs, and @mentions in group chats. This makes Skype suitable for businesses where team members may prefer a blend of professional and informal chat options.
3. Integration with productivity tools
- Google Voice: As part of Google Workspace, Google Voice integrates seamlessly with Google’s productivity suite, including Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Meet. This integration can be beneficial for businesses already within the Google ecosystem, streamlining tasks like scheduling, email correspondence, and call management.
- Skype: With its Microsoft origins, Skype integrates well with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, including Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams. This integration makes Skype particularly valuable for businesses using Microsoft 365, providing seamless scheduling and file sharing, as well as links to other productivity tools within the Microsoft suite.
4. Mobility and device compatibility
- Google Voice: Available on Android, iOS, and as a web application, Google Voice provides device flexibility, enabling team members to access the platform from almost any device. Google Voice supports call transfers between devices, making it ideal for teams needing to work from mobile and desktop devices interchangeably.
- Skype: Skype’s compatibility spans even further, with apps available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and even smart TVs. Skype supports both online and offline call functionality, allowing users to make calls from a landline or mobile number, which can be advantageous for businesses with a hybrid workforce.
5. Security and privacy
- Google Voice: As part of Google Workspace, Google Voice benefits from enterprise-grade security, including advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication. Google offers strong compliance certifications, such as GDPR and ISO 27001, making Google Voice highly secure and compliant for UK businesses concerned with data privacy.
- Skype: Skype also offers strong security features, with end-to-end encryption for calls and GDPR compliance. However, some businesses have noted concerns regarding Microsoft’s data sharing and usage policies, which could impact privacy. Skype for Business provides additional enterprise-level controls, which may be more appropriate for businesses with stringent security requirements.
Cost comparison – Google Voice vs Skype
Understanding pricing structures is essential when determining the suitability of Google Voice vs Skype for your business. Here’s a breakdown of each platform’s pricing model.
Google Voice pricing
Google Voice operates on a subscription model with three main tiers:
- Starter (£8 per user per month): Includes basic calling, voicemail, and messaging capabilities for small teams (up to 10 users).
- Standard (£16 per user per month): Adds multi-level auto-attendant, desk phone support, and eDiscovery, suitable for growing businesses.
- Premier (£24 per user per month): Includes advanced features such as advanced reporting and data retention for larger teams.
Each tier scales well, but the pricing may increase quickly as user numbers grow. Additionally, Google Voice only supports international calls on the Premier tier, which may limit its appeal for businesses with global clients.
Skype pricing
Skype offers a more flexible pricing model:
- Pay-as-you-go: Skype offers affordable rates for calling landlines and mobiles, making it cost-effective for businesses that don’t require extensive calling.
- Subscriptions: Businesses can choose from several subscription plans, such as:
- UK and Ireland Subscription (£4.60 per month): Unlimited calls to UK and Ireland.
- Europe Subscription (£6.90 per month): Unlimited calls across European countries.
- World Subscription (£11.50 per month): Unlimited calls to over 60 countries.
Skype’s tiered subscriptions cater well to businesses with international calling requirements, although the monthly cost can vary based on call usage. Skype for Business (now part of Microsoft Teams) provides more extensive options at additional costs but integrates within the Microsoft 365 suite.
Pros and cons summary
| Feature | Google Voice | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Integration with Google Workspace, simple VoIP setup | Robust video conferencing, multimedia messaging |
| Limitations | Limited video options, higher costs for larger teams | Lacks advanced VoIP features, security concerns |
| Best suited for | Businesses in the Google ecosystem, smaller teams | Flexible businesses needing video calling |
Making your decision
Ultimately, choosing between Google Voice vs Skype will depend on your business’s communication needs, team size, and existing tech stack:
- Google Voice may be ideal for smaller UK businesses already invested in Google Workspace, requiring straightforward VoIP calling, and only occasional video conferencing.
- Skype suits businesses needing versatile video and voice options with affordable international calling. Its wider device compatibility and multimedia messaging make it a more robust choice for mixed communication needs.
Verdict – Google Voice vs Skype
Selecting the right platform requires balancing features and costs against your business’s operational needs.
Google Voice offers a more streamlined VoIP solution within the Google ecosystem, while Skype’s versatility and international options can be advantageous for teams with diverse communication requirements.
By carefully weighing each platform’s unique capabilities, your business can make an informed choice that aligns with your communication goals, budget, and growth plans.
FAQ – Google Voice vs Skype
Skype is generally better for video calls as it offers built-in video conferencing with screen sharing, file sharing, and multimedia messaging. Google Voice focuses on voice calls and integrates with Google Meet for video, which may feel more fragmented for frequent video users.
Skype’s flexible pay-as-you-go or affordable subscriptions can be cheaper for businesses with light calling needs. Google Voice operates on a subscription model, which can be costlier, especially for larger teams, but includes more VoIP-focused features within each tier.
Skype offers more versatile international options through its World and Europe subscriptions, making it ideal for global communications. Google Voice supports international calling only on its Premier plan, which could limit smaller businesses needing frequent international outreach.
Google Voice integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Meet), which suits businesses already using Google’s ecosystem. Skype is best for Microsoft 365 users, with easy access to Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams, enhancing productivity within the Microsoft suite.
Both are secure, with end-to-end encryption and GDPR compliance. Google Voice benefits from Google Workspace’s extensive security protocols. Skype for Business includes enterprise-level controls but may raise privacy concerns around Microsoft’s data-sharing policies, which some businesses should review.
Skype supports rich multimedia messaging, allowing users to send images, files, videos, and emojis. Google Voice is limited to text messaging without multimedia features, making it less suitable for businesses needing extensive messaging options in a single platform.
Skype is highly compatible, available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, and smart TVs. Google Voice is accessible on Android, iOS, and via the web, and supports seamless call transfers, making it useful for mobile-focused teams within the Google ecosystem.
Skype offers in-chat file sharing, enabling users to send files, images, and videos within conversations. Google Voice doesn’t directly support file sharing, as its focus remains on voice and text, so businesses needing file-sharing features may prefer Skype.
Google Voice is simpler, designed with a clean, VoIP-focused interface ideal for straightforward calling and texting. Skype’s interface is more complex, with multiple functions for video, voice, and messaging, which can be advantageous for teams needing flexible communication options.
Google Voice includes call forwarding across devices, ensuring users can receive calls wherever they are. Skype has limited external forwarding options, mainly focusing on in-app calling features, so businesses needing flexible forwarding may find Google Voice more reliable.