Comparison

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.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Dedicated phone number
  • Cross-device syncing
  • Spam filtering and blocking
  • Voicemail transcription
  • International calling
  • SMS and group messaging
Features
Currently charting
Read 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).

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read 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

Google Voice4 screens
VPN by Private Internet Access4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Google Voice ships an update weekly, VPN by Private Internet Access every 10 days. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Google Voice versus VPN by Private Internet Access: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGoogle VoiceVPN by Private Internet Access
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (62K ratings)4.7 (150K ratings) — better
Positive reviews14.0% of reviews87.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings62K150K — better
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 10 days
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#38 — better#102
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — better
Requires iOS26.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size230 MB62 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGooglePrivate Internet Access, Inc.

Customer experience

Google Voice

All ratings61,996 ratings
Positive80.2%
Neutral5.8%
Negative14.0%
Written reviews1,346 reviews
Positive14.0%
Neutral9.3%
Negative76.7%

VPN by Private Internet Access

All ratings150,152 ratings
Positive92.4%
Neutral3.4%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews6,519 reviews
Positive87.7%
Neutral2.7%
Negative9.6%

User reviews

Google Voice

From 62K App Store ratings

What 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 ratings

What 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

None

Google Voice

No in-app purchases

9 purchases

VPN by Private Internet Access

Subscriptions6
  • Month of VPN Service$6.991 Month
  • Month of VPN Service$9.991 Month
  • Month of VPN Service$11.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • 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
One-time3
  • Month of VPN Service$6.99
  • Month of VPN Service$9.99
  • Year of VPN Service$39.99

Questions

Is Google Voice free?
Google Voice is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VPN by Private Internet Access free?
VPN by Private Internet Access is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access?
VPN by Private Internet Access is rated higher. Google Voice averages 4.3 out of 5 from 62K ratings, while VPN by Private Internet Access averages 4.7 from 150K ratings.
Do Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access have ads?
Neither Google Voice nor VPN by Private Internet Access shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access?
Google Voice ships an update weekly, and VPN by Private Internet Access every 10 days. Most recently, Google Voice was updated on November 7, 2026 and VPN by Private Internet Access on November 7, 2026.
Which is more popular, Google Voice or VPN by Private Internet Access?
Google Voice currently peaks at #38 in the App Store charts, and VPN by Private Internet Access at #102. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

Other comparisons