Google Voice and Line2 Compared
Services like Google Voice and Line2 are changing the entire industry of cellular devices. So what makes them special? They let you sign up and create a second number, then use a suite of services without any charges from your cellular carrier.
Those free services include texting, calling, voice-mail-to-email, and many other cool features. The cache? Well if you use Google Voice through your cell phone, the carrier will charge you for the minutes. Another is that they transcribe and keeps records of your voice-mail. Also, Line 2 charges $14.95/month. So now that you know what they are, should you choose Google Voice or Line2?
Google Voice is a service that began when Google bought Grand Central, and right now it's invitation only. So, what are some features for Google Voice?
- You can makes calls and texts from a single number that you create with them; inbound calls and texts to that number are forwarded to the phone of your choice
- Any voice mails received will be transcribed to text so you can read them
- Free text messages through the Google Voice app or web app
- Cheap international calling from your phone
- Integration with your device's contacts book or Google Contacts
- Custom greetings
- And if you're an iPhone owner, since Apple rejected their official app, you can go to google.com/voice and use their new web app
Line2 is the first dual mode cell/VoIP calling app for the iPhone. This is a great tool for business people looking to avoid carrying two cell phones. It's also great for small business who want might want to bring their office and personal phone numbers together to one place or for personal use. Features include:
- Separate Voicemail
- Dual-Mode (VoIP/Cellular)
- Call Waiting / Call Transfer
- Unlimited US/Canada VoIP Calls
- Low International Rates
- And they have conferencing supporting up to 20 people.
- Official iPhone app.
- It's only $14.95/mo which is not bad for a great service like this
So Which one to go for? Well these technologies could get along great. You could use Google Voice to get the free features and the number to distribute. You can use Line2 to avoid carrying two cell phones. Line2 has some of the best features of Google Voice and Skype, but adds business grade features. But that doesn't mean that it can't be for personal use.
I personally use Google Voice for my free features because I don't have another cell phone that needs the service of Line2. However, what do you guys prefer to use? Google Voice, Line2, or a service not mentioned in the article? Tell us your opinion by commenting below.
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