Google just opened the door for a group that has been asking for this for years. The Google Voice Starter plan, once limited to Workspace domains, is now something a regular Gmail user in the United States can buy. Anyone with a single-user @gmail.com account can sign up and get a paid version of Voice without needing a custom domain or an entire Workspace setup behind it.
The monthly price sits at ten dollars plus whatever taxes and regulatory fees apply. For that amount, the plan brings several upgrades that free Voice users do not get. You gain direct support from Google instead of relying entirely on community forums.
The in-call interface now includes simple options to transfer a call, set up a three-way call, place someone on hold, or record a call on the spot. Both inbound and outbound recording are supported, although users still need to follow their state’s recording laws. The Starter plan uses the same number provisioning system as Workspace, which means you can port a landline or mobile number straight into the account without any extra charge.
Google is pitching the expansion as a good fit for small operators. Think about people who run a one-person business, contractors who want a stable business number, or everyday users who simply want premium calling features without moving their entire digital life into Workspace. You also do not need to link a personal phone number if you do not want to. Paying for the plan removes the old claim-ticket style verification that free accounts rely on.
There are a few things to keep in mind. Each @gmail.com user can only have one Google Voice number under the Starter plan. Caller name information does not appear on outgoing calls, so recipients will only see the number. Messaging rules also remain strict. The same policies that limit bulk or automated texting on free Voice accounts apply here as well, and the plan does not change the long-running issue where some companies refuse to send two-factor authentication codes to VoIP numbers.
Google also pushed a small round of improvements a couple of days ago. Desk phone support has been added to the Starter plan, giving people the option to use compatible Poly desk phones or ATAs if they prefer hardware on a desk instead of an app. An easy record button during calls is now available and starts or stops recording instantly. These features bring the Starter tier closer in capability to Voice Standard and the higher Premier option.
A brief hiccup appeared on the Google Voice website when an Upgrade button showed up with an incorrect date and was quickly removed. Google says it will return once the fix is complete. When it does, existing consumer Voice users will be able to upgrade directly from their main Voice page. Nothing changes for anyone who prefers to stay on the free version.
The Starter plan is ultimately a tidy middle ground. It keeps the simplicity of a consumer Gmail account while adding the business-grade calling features that many users wanted but could not access without Workspace. For more details, you can check out the official help page.
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Dwayne Cubbins
1367 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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