Google Voice vs VPN by Private Internet Access
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Google Voice
Get a dedicated phone number for calls, texts, and voicemail that syncs across all your devices. Enjoy features like spam filtering, call forwarding, and transcribed voicemails. Make international calls at competitive rates.
- Dedicated phone number
- Cross-device syncing
- Spam filtering and blocking
- Voicemail transcription
- International calling
- SMS and group messaging
Read full descriptionHide full description
Google Voice gives you a phone number for calling, text messaging, and voicemail. It works on smartphones and computers, and syncs across your devices so you can use the app in the office, at home, or on the go. NOTE: Google Voice only works for personal Google Accounts in the US and Google Workspace accounts in select markets. Text messaging is not supported in all markets. You’re in control Get spam filtered automatically and block numbers you don’t want to hear from. Manage your time with personalized settings for forwarding calls, text messages, and voicemail. Backed up and searchable Calls, text messages, and voicemails are stored and backed up to make it easy for you to search your history. Manage messages across devices Send and receive individual and group SMS messages from all your devices Your voicemail, transcribed Google Voice provides advanced voicemail transcriptions that you can read in the app and/or have sent to your email. Save on international calling Make international calls at competitive rates without paying extra for international minutes with your mobile carrier Keep in mind: • Google Voice is currently only available in the US. Google Voice for Google Workspace users is available in select countries. Check with your administrator for access. • Calls made using Google Voice for iPhone can be placed through a Google Voice access number. All access number based calls use the standard minutes from your cell phone plan and may incur costs (e.g. when traveling internationally).
VPN by Private Internet Access
Enhance your online privacy and security with a robust VPN service. Enjoy fast, secure connections, ad blocking, and the ability to stream content without limitations. Protect all your devices with a single subscription.
- Ultra-fast 10-Gbps servers
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker (MACE)
- Smart Kill Switch
- Split Tunneling
- Wireguard protocol for speed and security
- Open-source applications
Read full descriptionHide full description
PIA VPN puts you in control of your online experience with unparalleled privacy features and ultra-fast servers. Trusted by Tom's Guide, TechRadar, and millions of users worldwide! Why PIA VPN Is a Top Choice For The USA? ▶ 7-Day Free VPN Trial Test PIA risk-free for seven days and explore the full feature set with our 30-day money-back guarantee. ▶ Stream Sports Without Limits Catch every game, race, and match with lightning-fast 10-Gbps servers across all 50 US states and 90+ countries. Enjoy lag-free sports streaming in UHD, no matter where you are. ▶ Advanced Privacy with No-Logs Policy Stay private with PIA’s independently audited no-logs policy. Your browsing history and online activity are never tracked or stored. ▶ Block Ads With MACE Enjoy faster, safer browsing by blocking ads, trackers, and malware using PIA’s built-in MACE feature. ▶ One Subscription, Multiple Benefits Protect your phone, tablet, laptop, and more with one PIA subscription. Works on iOS, macOS. Top Features to Enhance Your Online Freedom: ■ Transparent and Open Source PIA’s apps are 100% open-source, so you can trust and verify the code that protects your privacy. ■ Smart Kill Switch Automatically block internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, ensuring your data stays protected at all times. ■ Split Tunneling Customize your VPN use by routing certain apps through the VPN while others connect directly to the internet. ■ Better Speed & Security Our Wireguard protocol ensures faster VPN speeds and more secure connections. ■ Download PIA VPN Today Join millions of satisfied users and experience the ultimate blend of privacy, speed, and security. Privacy Policy https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/privacy-policy Terms of Service https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: VPN by Private Internet Access at 88% against Google Voice's 14%. VPN by Private Internet Access also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and device support (5 vs 2). Google Voice's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. VPN by Private Internet Access sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Google Voice asks for nothing beyond the download.
VPN by Private Internet Access holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 62K and 150K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 14% of Google Voice's written reviews are positive against 88% of VPN by Private Internet Access's.
Google Voice ships an update weekly, VPN by Private Internet Access every 10 days. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.
| Parameter | Google Voice | VPN by Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.3 (62K ratings) | 4.7 (150K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 14.0% of reviews | 87.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 62K | 150K — better |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 10 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #38 — better | #102 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.1 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 230 MB | 62 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Private Internet Access, Inc. | |
Customer experience
Google Voice
VPN by Private Internet Access
User reviews
Google Voice
From 62K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Excellent service for 20+ years
- 📞 Free calls and texts with WiFi
- 🔒 Ability to block/filter numbers
- 🔍 Helpful for business/privacy needs
- 🌐 Works well internationally
Room to improve
- 🌍 Not available in some countries
- 🔍 Contacts management issues
- 🐛 Unstable connection, call drops
- ⏱️ Slow app performance and lag
- 🔇 Poor call quality at times
VPN by Private Internet Access
From 150K App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Fast and reliable
- 🔒 Secure and private
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💰 Great value for money
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent disconnections
- 🔌 Impacts internet connectivity
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🤖 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
Bugs and requests
Google Voice
Reported bugs
4 issues- App crashes frequently
- Inconsistent behavior when answering calls
- Voicemail transcription issues
- Syncing problems between app and web version
Requested features
4 requests- Separate ringtone/notification for Google Voice calls
- In-app contact management
- Improved call reliability and quality
- Expanded international availability
VPN by Private Internet Access
Reported bugs
3 issues- Inability to connect or stay connected
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Broken features after recent updates
Requested features
4 requests- Dark mode option
- Improved server selection and location information
- Automatic reconnection when network changes
- Better integration with other apps and services
In-app purchases
Google Voice
No in-app purchases
VPN by Private Internet Access
- Month of VPN Service$6.991 Month
- Month of VPN Service$9.991 Month
- Month of VPN Service$11.991 Month
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Year of VPN Service7 Days trial2 variants$39.991 Year
- 12-month plan7 Days trial$47.991 Year
- Year of VPN Service7 Days trial$49.991 Year
- Month of VPN Service$6.99
- Month of VPN Service$9.99
- Year of VPN Service$39.99
Questions
Is Google Voice free?
Is VPN by Private Internet Access free?
Which has better reviews, Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access?
Do Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access have ads?
Which is updated more often, Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access?
Which is more popular, Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access?
Other comparisons















