Is there a better alternative to Google Voice?

macher · Dec 17, 2012, 12:26 PM

Currently I have the GV Connect app and have my Google Voice # in my aList. For those that don't know aList is where you can put any number and the call is free via AT&T. So when I make a call I use the GV Connect app and it calls me back via my GV # resulting in free unlimited calling.

However I'm finding that the call quality with GV is hit it miss.

Is there a better alternative?

takeshi74 · Dec 17, 2012, 02:00 PM

Better in terms of just call quality or do you have additional criteria? I've never had call quality issues with GV.

macher · Dec 17, 2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takeshi74

Better in terms of just call quality or do you have additional criteria? I've never had call quality issues with GV.

Often times the other party has trouble hearing me because of lag.

FixBrokeni · Dec 18, 2012, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macher

Often times the other party has trouble hearing me because of lag.

Honestly I've been using GV for years and never had this issue. If you're looking for another free alternative I think Google Voice is better than all of the competition.

A paid alternative would be Twilio, or another VOIP provider.

macher · Dec 18, 2012, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FixBrokeni

Honestly I've been using GV for years and never had this issue. If you're looking for another free alternative I think Google Voice is better than all of the competition.

A paid alternative would be Twilio, or another VOIP provider.

Do you dial direct from GV or do you have GV Connect app call you back?

Applejuiced · Dec 18, 2012, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macher

Often times the other party has trouble hearing me because of lag.

That might have to do with the quality, speed and reliability of the wifi network you're connected to.

macher · Dec 18, 2012, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Applejuiced

That might have to do with the quality, speed and reliability of the wifi network you're connected to.

Mostly on data network.

Applejuiced · Dec 18, 2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macher

Mostly on data network.

That too.
Carrier data networks sometimes have deadzones or very slow data speeds available.
So if it cant communicate fast enough you will have freezes and cut outs.

FixBrokeni · Dec 18, 2012, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macher

Do you dial direct from GV or do you have GV Connect app call you back?

I do both, typically I have the app call me back but I never experience poor quality.

BigMcGuire · Dec 18, 2012, 05:44 PM

I was one of the original beta testers of Google Voice - had it years before it went public beta. The quality of Google Voice seems to be taking a big down turn imo as more and more people use it. The biggest problem I have is the damn service not alerting me of calls - I'll get a voicemail and never be notified I got a call... or it'll ring once then BAM voicemail. I don't have big issues with lag but there is a little delay - as with most VOIPs. I use my Google Voice # as my home telephone that I give out to everyone then reserve my Cellphone for close friends/family because Google Voice can block an unlimited # of telephone numbers.

Since it's a relay service, not sure what you mean by lag - since the iPhone is really talking to Verizon THEN to Google Voice - yeah there's a little delay and sometimes its pretty bad but not too often. I haven't used those new apps like Talkatone. I've had big issues with reliability with those things so I tend to stay away from them.

No, don't know of any service to replace Google Voice. I'd be happy to try one!

I'm VERY disappointed with Google Voice. Before going public beta it removed TONS of features that we alpha? testers had for years (international SMS, etc...). It never added MMS and hasn't had much done to it for the last few years. Serious thumbs down imo.

macher · Dec 20, 2012, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Applejuiced

That too.
Carrier data networks sometimes have deadzones or very slow data speeds available.
So if it cant communicate fast enough you will have freezes and cut outs.

But I don't think GV goes on WiFI or data network when it calls you back. I know you need an internet connection so the GV Connect app can be accessed.

When it calls me back it's calling me back via voice. I get a call back.

takeshi74 · Dec 20, 2012, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macher

But I don't think GV goes on WiFI or data network when it calls you back.

GV definitely does not use data for voice calls.

macher · Dec 20, 2012, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takeshi74

GV definitely does not use data for voice calls.

That's what I thought.

When I get a callback then answer it then it rings to the number I called, what is the voice network?

benfica88 · Dec 20, 2012, 10:38 AM

Talkatone

macher · Dec 20, 2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benfica88

Talkatone

I tried and the quality is horrible.

BigMcGuire · Dec 20, 2012, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macher

I tried and the quality is horrible.

My experience too. Plus pissed that they change my status to an advertising message for them.

Mrbobb · Mar 22, 2013, 08:37 PM

Despite GV popularity with some people, it seems lackadaisical. The iPhone GV app gets, which seems essential for all features offered, only gets a 2 stars at the apps store, no obvious replacement.

Is GV the next MobileMe?

617aircav · Mar 22, 2013, 08:46 PM

GV quality is the same as your regular phone calls. If you are using it as a voip with another app, like talktone, that service is to blame as the call is routed over data. That has nothing to do with GV itself.

Mrbobb · Mar 22, 2013, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 617aircav

GV quality is the same as your regular phone calls. If you are using it as a voip with another app, like talktone, that service is to blame as the call is routed over data. That has nothing to do with GV itself.

Yeah no, am not concerned about VOIP.

Am more concerned about having full access to GV's capabilities though my mobile handset than have to open up my laptop to do these management tasks.

vistadude · Mar 23, 2013, 10:06 PM

Use vonage to make calls. It makes calls over data and the quality is as good as a regular call for me. You can only make calls, not receive calls, but it saves a lot of minutes for me. You can use either your regular phone number or google voice for the outgoing caller ID and you get 3000 free minutes per month to any US number.

Dec 17, 2012, 12:26 PM	#1
macher macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2012	Is there a better alternative to Google Voice? Currently I have the GV Connect app and have my Google Voice # in my aList. For those that don't know aList is where you can put any number and the call is free via AT&T. So when I make a call I use the GV Connect app and it calls me back via my GV # resulting in free unlimited calling. However I'm finding that the call quality with GV is hit it miss. Is there a better alternative?
	0

Mar 22, 2013, 08:37 PM	#17
Mrbobb macrumors 68020 Join Date: Aug 2012	Despite GV popularity with some people, it seems lackadaisical. The iPhone GV app gets, which seems essential for all features offered, only gets a 2 stars at the apps store, no obvious replacement. Is GV the next MobileMe? __________________ Solution: FREE, Explanation: Is gonna cost ya.
	0

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Dec 17, 2012, 02:00 PM	#2
takeshi74 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Feb 2011	Better in terms of just call quality or do you have additional criteria? I've never had call quality issues with GV.
	0

Dec 18, 2012, 05:44 PM	#10
BigMcGuire macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2012	I was one of the original beta testers of Google Voice - had it years before it went public beta. The quality of Google Voice seems to be taking a big down turn imo as more and more people use it. The biggest problem I have is the damn service not alerting me of calls - I'll get a voicemail and never be notified I got a call... or it'll ring once then BAM voicemail. I don't have big issues with lag but there is a little delay - as with most VOIPs. I use my Google Voice # as my home telephone that I give out to everyone then reserve my Cellphone for close friends/family because Google Voice can block an unlimited # of telephone numbers. Since it's a relay service, not sure what you mean by lag - since the iPhone is really talking to Verizon THEN to Google Voice - yeah there's a little delay and sometimes its pretty bad but not too often. I haven't used those new apps like Talkatone. I've had big issues with reliability with those things so I tend to stay away from them. No, don't know of any service to replace Google Voice. I'd be happy to try one! I'm VERY disappointed with Google Voice. Before going public beta it removed TONS of features that we alpha? testers had for years (international SMS, etc...). It never added MMS and hasn't had much done to it for the last few years. Serious thumbs down imo.
	1

Dec 20, 2012, 10:38 AM	#14
benfica88 macrumors regular Join Date: Nov 2008	Talkatone
	0

Mar 22, 2013, 08:46 PM	#18
617aircav macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2012	GV quality is the same as your regular phone calls. If you are using it as a voip with another app, like talktone, that service is to blame as the call is routed over data. That has nothing to do with GV itself.
	0

Mar 23, 2013, 10:06 PM	#20
vistadude macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2010	Use vonage to make calls. It makes calls over data and the quality is as good as a regular call for me. You can only make calls, not receive calls, but it saves a lot of minutes for me. You can use either your regular phone number or google voice for the outgoing caller ID and you get 3000 free minutes per month to any US number.
	0