Ahoya

Alternatives · Google Voice

The AI receptionist alternative to Google Voice

Google Voice is great for a second number with voicemail and forwarding, but it doesn't answer calls — missed calls still go to a voicemail most callers won't leave. An AI receptionist picks up every call, answers questions, books appointments, and follows up by text, so the call turns into a customer instead of a voicemail.

Google Voice

Per user / month
Number, voicemail, forwarding
  • Answers every call: Voicemail only — no answering
  • Simultaneous calls: No
  • Books appointments: No
  • After-hours & weekends: Goes to voicemail
  • Setup: Quick
  • Cost: Per user, per month
Best value

Ahoya

$49/mo
Flat rate · free trial
  • Answers every call: Yes — 24/7, natural voice
  • Simultaneous calls: Unlimited at once
  • Books appointments: Yes, into your calendar
  • After-hours & weekends: Always answered
  • Setup: Live in minutes from your site
  • Cost: $49/mo flat

Why businesses switch from Google Voice

It answers, not just records

Google Voice sends missed calls to a voicemail most callers never leave. The AI actually picks up — answering the question, booking the appointment, capturing the lead — so the call becomes a customer instead of a dead voicemail.

Works after hours and at capacity

Google Voice can't answer when you're busy or closed. The AI covers nights, weekends, and simultaneous calls, so the enquiries that arrive outside nine-to-five don't quietly slip away.

Follows up by text automatically

A missed Google Voice call just sits in an inbox. The AI texts the caller and your team a summary right away, so follow-up happens while the lead is still warm rather than a day later.

Switching from Google Voice to Ahoya

  1. 1

    Keep your Google Voice number — there's nothing to port or give up.

  2. 2

    Forward unanswered (or all) Google Voice calls to your Ahoya number.

  3. 3

    Paste your website so the AI answers from your real business details, and you're live.

When Google Voice is still the right choice

Google Voice is still all you need if you rarely miss a call and are happy handling every one yourself — it's a solid, cheap second number with voicemail and forwarding. The moment missed calls start costing you customers, an AI receptionist fills the gap Google Voice was never built to cover: actually answering.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ahoya a replacement for Google Voice or an add-on?

Either. Many businesses keep Google Voice as their published number and forward unanswered calls to Ahoya, so their number and workflow stay the same while every call now gets answered live.

Does Google Voice have an auto-answer or AI feature?

No — Google Voice offers voicemail, forwarding, and basic transcription, but it doesn't answer calls conversationally or book appointments. That gap is exactly what an AI receptionist fills.

Can I keep my Google Voice number?

Yes — you can forward your existing number (Google Voice or any line) to Ahoya, so calls you can't take are answered instead of going to voicemail.

What does an AI receptionist do that Google Voice doesn't?

It actually answers and handles the call — questions, booking, lead capture, and a text follow-up — rather than only taking a voicemail.

Is Google Voice enough for a small business?

It's a solid second number with voicemail and forwarding, and for a solo operator with light call volume it may be all you need. The gap shows when calls drive revenue: Google Voice can't answer a question, book an appointment, or save a caller who won't leave a voicemail.

Can I use Google Voice and an AI receptionist together?

Yes — a common setup keeps Google Voice as the published number and forwards unanswered calls to the AI receptionist, so every call is answered live while your number and workflow stay exactly the same.

See it answer a call for your business

Paste your website and get a working AI receptionist in minutes.

Start free