A second number that answers.
Google Voice vs Vicem: when each fits
Google Voice gives you a free US number that rings your devices, then takes voicemail. Vicem is an AI with its own number that answers, in any country and 37 languages.
Dated.
What are the facts?
| Question | Google Voice | Vicem |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Google VoiceNo charge for personal use in the US; Starter $10 a month | VicemFrom $24 a month, your US or Canadian number included. Free for 3 days. |
| Countries | Google VoicePersonal: US only. Workspace: more countries | VicemLocal numbers: 68 countries. Forwarding in many countries |
| Languages it answers in | Google VoiceDoesn’t answer callers | Vicem37 languages |
| A number of its own to give out | Google VoiceYes, a US number | VicemYes, with an email and a page |
| Works with your phone off | Google VoiceTakes a voicemail | VicemYes |
| Answers the caller, or only screens | Google VoiceRings you, then takes a voicemail | VicemAnswers and talks with the caller |
| Tells callers it’s an AI | Google VoiceDoesn’t answer callers | VicemYes, on every call |
| Books appointments | Google VoiceNot listed among its features | VicemYes, into your calendar |
| Tells you what happened | Google VoiceVoicemail written out, searchable like email | VicemA summary of every call; urgent ones reach you at once |
Checked on October 12, 2026
When the other is better.
Which one fits you?
Choose Google Voice when:
- You’re in the US and want a free second number. Google support, Google Voice for personal accounts
- You want calls and texts on all your devices. Google support, Google Voice for personal accounts
- You’re happy to read voicemail and call back. Google support, Google Voice voicemail
Choose Vicem when:
- You want the number to actually answer.
- You live outside the US.
- You want scam calls turned away for you.
Credit where it’s due.
What does Google Voice do well?
- One number on all your devices, with unlimited US calls and texts. Google support, Google Voice for personal accounts
- The personal plan has no charge. Google support, Google Voice for personal accounts
- Voicemail is written out, and searchable like email. Google support, Google Voice voicemail
- In the US, you choose your own number. Google support, Google Voice voicemail
In their own words.
Where does Google Voice stop?
- Personal plans are US only, with US numbers.Google support, Google Voice plans for personal accounts
- Unanswered calls go to voicemail; nothing answers the caller.Google support, Google Voice voicemail
- Unused for three months, a free number can be taken back.Google support, Google Voice acceptable use policy
Checked on October 12, 2026
Missed a call?
A second number rings you, then voicemail takes over.
Vicem answers in the caller’s language and tells you what they wanted.
How do they compare?
| What it does | Google Voice | Vicem |
|---|---|---|
| Works when your phone is off | Google VoiceVoicemail only | VicemYes |
| Books into your calendar during the call | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Emails the caller back | Google VoiceYou reply yourself | VicemYes |
| Its own number, email and page | Google VoiceA number only | VicemYes |
| Speaks the caller’s language | Google VoiceNo | Vicem37 languages |
| Asks you before anything important | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Anyone can check what it did | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Works on any phone | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Calls for you | Does not apply | VicemYes, with Vicem Plus |
| Waits on hold for you, up to the time you set | Does not apply | VicemYes, with Vicem Plus |
| Cancels a subscription for you and gets the reference | Does not apply | VicemYes, with Vicem Plus |
| Spam calls it turns away never count against your minutes | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Junk calls and texts are handled without interrupting you | Google VoiceSpam calls, filtered | VicemYes |
| Tell it who you’re expecting: they ring straight through | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Always an AI, never a call center | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Never gives out your passwords or codes | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Never says yes to extras you didn’t approve | Does not apply | VicemYes |
| Never gives out your address or where you are without asking you | Does not apply | VicemYes |
Only what Vicem does today; a dash means not stated or doesn’t apply.
Step by step.
How do you switch?
- Get your Vicem: your first US or Canadian number is included.
- Give out your Vicem number instead of your Google Voice one.
- Or keep your own number and forward missed calls to Vicem.
- Call yourself from another phone and let it ring out.
What do people ask?
Is Vicem a Google Voice alternative?
For missed calls, yes: both give you a number; Vicem answers it.
Do I need a new number?
No: keep yours and forward missed calls, or give out Vicem’s.
Does Vicem say it’s an AI?
Yes: every call starts by saying it’s an AI.
Want it answering your calls?
Vicem is an AI that answers your phone when you can’t. Free for 3 days.
Start free trial