How Google Voice
works, and what it leaves out.
Google Voice gives you a free number that forwards calls and takes voicemail. Frontdesk goes further, answering calls with AI and logging them to a CRM. Start for free.
How Google Voice works, step by step.
Google Voice gives you a free phone number linked to your Google account. Calls to that number ring your existing phones, voicemail is transcribed to text, and you can send basic SMS, all from the app or the web.
Where it ends is answering. If you do not pick up, the caller hits voicemail. There is no AI to handle the call, no booking, and no CRM to record who reached out.
Frontdesk works the same way for the caller, a number that reaches you anywhere, but an AI receptionist answers what you cannot, books appointments, and logs every conversation. Start for free.
Everything a great Google Voice does. At 1/10th the cost.
Beyond forwarding
Businesses get an AI receptionist that answers and books, not just call forwarding and voicemail.
A number on any device
Like Google Voice, your line works on phone and computer, with no SIM.
Calls and texts
Voice and SMS from one business number, with shared context.
CRM built in
Every call and text is saved to a contact, which Google Voice does not offer.
Managed support
A team behind your setup instead of a self-serve consumer tool.
Start for free
Business pricing with the AI, SMS, and CRM included.
Google Voice tuned to your business.
Pre-trained workflows, industry-specific FAQ libraries, and CRM mappings for the most common verticals.
Popular use cases
Google Voice vs Frontdesk.
| Capability | Google Voice | Carrier forwarding | Frontdesk AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| When you miss a call | Voicemail | Voicemail | AI answers |
| Booking | , | , | Yes |
| CRM logging | , | , | Built in |
| Support | Self-serve | Carrier | Managed |
| Pricing | Free / per user | Carrier fees | Free |
FAQ
Google Voice FAQs
Common questions about Google Voice. If you don't see your question, our team can walk you through it.
Contact supportYes. Calls to your Google Voice number forward to the phones you link. If you miss them, they go to voicemail.
Get more than call forwarding.
A line that answers.
AI answering, texting, and a CRM on a business number. Start for free, free 7-day trial.