Compare top VoIP service providers in 2025 offering cost-effective solutions to boost communication, collaboration, and productivity. This guide details features, pricing, and suitability for businesses of all sizes.
By Brad Nakase, Attorney
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VoIP services are replacing traditional landlines as more businesses adjust to constantly shifting market conditions and technological advancements. Through their integration with other software, these cloud-based applications can help reduce expenses, enhance remote collaboration, and boost productivity.
There are numerous VoIP services, each with unique features and costs. It can be challenging to match your company’s needs with a suitable service. I conducted extensive research and testing to compile a thorough rating list of the top VoIP services for smaller companies for this blog article.
Editor’s view
Google Voice is a great tool for small company owners looking for an effortless way to connect with clients, suppliers, and colleagues. I’ve used it on a regular basis for work-related purposes. If users find the free version of Google Voice works well for them, the company also offers reasonably priced premium services.
“I enjoy its user-friendly design and seamless connection with Google Workspace, but I loathe its limited set of features in comparison to enterprise-grade alternatives,” said David Idle of Bigleaf Networks, a major developer of network optimization solutions, about Google Voice. I think it’s great for smaller businesses looking for an easy, affordable answer overall.
General Features
Upon signing up, I was given a free local contact from Google Voice, which I moved to my own number. Note that in order to utilize Voice, you must already have a phone number. Receiving calls may experience a small delay since you must push a button to indicate that you accept it; if you are not quick enough, the call may not connect and the caller may be routed to voicemail. Due to the possibility of lost commercial opportunities, this particular detail can be annoying.
In addition, voicemail transcription and call forwarding are included. Unlimited texting is provided to US customers, which is especially helpful in circumstances where you must interact with someone but are unable to make calls.
Additional features
As far as I could tell, Voice lacked any obvious add-ons. It is a terrific method for a small group to set up a free comprehensive collaboration center, and since it is a component of the Google suite of offerings, connecting it to other cloud collaboration tools like Meet or Chat is rather simple. The addition of the SIP Link subscription might be feasible, however, this choice is limited to some nations that do not have first-party call capabilities.
By creating a GoogleWorkspace account, you may add Voice as an additional feature.
Customer reviews
It’s evident from reading Google Voice ratings on the internet that happy users value the call quality and mentions how good the phone system is overall, particularly considering the cost. Others valued the simplicity with which they could transfer their personal number to a professional local number, saving them the money and trouble of purchasing an additional phone or subscribing to a different phone service. Some appreciated that they could use their PCs to make calls instead of only their phones.
Some consumers did not appreciate that porting was required, even though it might be a convenient choice when compared to rivals that assign numbers without requiring you to have a current phone subscription. Others ask why this isn’t available and would want to receive alerts on their PCs. Despite the criticisms, Voice succeeds because of Google’s global presence and reasonable price. Despite several issues, the majority of users appear to value the service.
Pricing
Since Google Voice is free, a one-person operation or small business team may be able to set up an account and use their funds for other things. With $10 monthly premium voice rates, Google Voice is one of the most affordable VoIP service options.
Mobile & Desktop apps
Although it can be downloaded for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Google Voice does not have a desktop app. Voice was really simple to use on both my mobile device and a web browser.
Customer service
I believe that Google Voice support is not as simple as it could be. You can search Google’s library of support pages by using the “Help” option within the app. I’ve found that the community board is the closest thing to real help; there, you may simply explain your issue and hope that one of the board members or an administrator can help you find the solution.
Although the functionality is simple enough that you may not need real-time help in the same manner that you would with another VoIP provider, Google’s customer care is arguably its worst feature. Nevertheless, Google Voice may not be a suitable choice if dependable customer service is a top priority.
Who needs to make use of it?
Any owner of a small to medium-sized company that wants to grow above the Google Voice free-of-cost model.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
The standard of calling service provided by RingCentral and the simplicity with which I could arrange for cross-channel communication—from text and phone to chat & video conferences—left me incredibly impressed. To further enhance the potential to design a VoIP experience that is genuinely comprehensive, RingCentral provides a multitude of third-party integrations.
The powerful service provided by RingCentral was also mentioned by Bob Mesas, the VP of Sales at Central Business Systems: “With respect to features, RingCentral is arguably the most sophisticated VoIP application available for consumers.” It works with a laptop, desktop, tablet, and phone. There are numerous plugins for CRM programs, including Salesforce.com, and it also directly interfaces with Microsoft Teams.
You can phone RingCentral directly from Salesforce by just clicking a button if you are logged in to Salesforce. No matter how many users you have—a few, hundreds, or thousands—this is a tremendously scalable solution. In my opinion, RingCentral’s features and service adequately make up for its somewhat higher price compared to a few of the others.
General Features
Together with unlimited calling throughout the US and Canada, RingCentral gives local & toll-free business numbers upon signup. I heard excellent voice quality throughout the service test, and I confirmed this by using RingCentral’s video conference program afterward.
MMS (Multimedia messaging service) and SMS (short message service) that comply with carrier standards are a few of the additional functions. An indication that RingCentral considers carrier compliance thoroughly and is pursuing messaging transparency is the regular reminders I received for registering with TCR (The Campaign Registry). Advanced call management features including barge or whisper, internet faxing, and IVR (interactive voice response) are additional helpful functions.
Even while the most capabilities you could possibly need for a respectable VoIP service are included in the entry-level Essentials package, other services, such as call recording and third-party apps like Smarsh or Canva, are only available with other plans.
Additional features
I mostly concentrated on testing the standard functions of my selected plan when I tested RingCentral. That being said, RingCentral provides a number of add-on services to enhance the communication capabilities of your company. Get a non-geo number or free phone for voice for as little as $19.99 a month. For $10 a month per user, you can add limitless outbound calls to your account. This is a very cost-effective option for businesses who anticipate making a lot of calls each month.
For new users, RingCentral Webinar offers a free trial that allows you to get the most out of its features without having to buy an add-on right away. The service starts at $63 per host per month. Push-to-talk licenses, for example, begin at $7 a month.
Customer reviews
Numerous websites have thousands of user reviews for RingCentral, an incredibly well-liked VoIP service. Customers are happy with the extensive call, chat, text, and video services. Their comments mostly matched my personal experiences with the service. Furthermore, the happy clients reported that RingCentral was a really practical all-in-one solution and that it saved them dollars.
In the meantime, users’ negative reviews frequently brought up their bad support encounters. Some reported, for example, sporadic contact or a dearth of available agents.
Pricing
RingCentral’s $20 monthly starting price is higher than several VoIP service providers’ offerings. For example, Zoom and Google Voice both offer free plans in addition to $10 premium ones. But RingCentral has additional functionality and can integrate dozens of third-party applications with your service.
I believe that RingCentral’s array of services may ultimately make it a decent investment, so if your business has the funds, you should give it some thought.
Mobile & Desktop apps
I downloaded the desktop and mobile apps for RingCentral to test it out. I found the software to be consistently functional on all platforms, so I could initiate communication on my computer and carry on with it on my mobile device without any interruptions. When you start a conversation or chat on one device and need to pick it up on another, I believe this degree of flexibility is quite helpful.
Customer service
Unless you consider an AI (artificial intelligence) chatbot to be an agent, I don’t think it’s accurate to argue that RingCentral offers 24/7 help. Despite being always accessible, I found that the chatbot wasn’t always able to give me the precise information I required. Additionally, I discovered that contacting a live service agent was challenging.
Who needs to make use of it?
RingCentral is the ideal choice for companies in need of a feature-rich, all-inclusive VoIP service.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
The way Dialpad incorporates AI into its offerings and elements is really well-executed. For example, it provides time-saving call plus meeting summaries, and actual time transcription. The remainder of Diapad’s adaptable cloud communication options complement these resources nicely.
The following are the opinions of Jason Elliott, proprietor of Elliot System Partners, a company that advises companies on contact centers and phone systems:
“Dialpad is a uniquely technologically sophisticated phone system solution. Far ahead of the current trend, the corporation started developing its own AI (artificial intelligence) technology a few years ago. Dialpad’s security is now stronger than that of the majority of its rivals thanks to this calculated move. Additionally, Dialpad has a wide range of native integrations designed especially for CRMs, which simplify and improve the working environment for staff members and improve customer experiences.”
General Features
I tried out the audio conferencing and calling features of Dialpad, and I really liked the number-forwarding function that prevented missed calls and made sure the calls I made reached the right person. I thought the software interface was sleek and contemporary, and the call & video quality was excellent. Unlimited domestic calling, business texting, personalized call routing, visual voicemail, and other features are all offered by Dialpad.
Additional features
Although I wasn’t required to add a local business number because the service package I tested already included one, you may purchase extra local, international, or toll-free phone lines for $5 a month if your company needs them. A line for online faxing is another option available to you. There is a $15 per month charge for a dedicated conference line.
The existing alternatives seem fair in my opinion, even though I was unable to locate as many upgrades for Dialpad as I could with some rival VoIP service companies.
Customer reviews
Numerous user reviews describing both past and current interactions with Dialpad, a well-known VoIP operator, can be found online. Remarkable features and fair pricing are two things that happy consumers have said about Dialpad. Consumers appreciated that calls could be made and received via both desktop and mobile devices, that daily communication was flexible, and that AI was included. Dialpad’s scalability was also praised by several.
Customer dissatisfaction was attributed to inaccurate language translation and call problems. A number of issues were raised in relation to the transparency of the billing. Customers reported having trouble canceling their services in a few different instances.
Pricing
For most small enterprises, the $15 monthly starting fee, paid annually, makes it worthwhile. The costs of Dialpad’s Standard and Pro tiers are open to the public, but if you’d rather have an Enterprise plan, you’ll need to get an estimate from the sales staff.
Mobile & Desktop apps
I reviewed the mobile and desktop apps available for Dialpad. I liked that voice and video communication between various devices was simple. Smart devices running iOS and Android as well as Windows and Mac OS can all run the apps from Dialpad.
Customer service
I spoke with Dialpad’s support staff as part of my evaluation process to gain a better understanding of their client service experience. I contacted them with a query regarding a call functionality to find out how the representative would address my issue. The staff member answered all of my questions with professionalism and thoroughness.
I must emphasize that while this describes my experience, it might not apply to everyone because your particular service package might prevent you from having access to some support services. I also discovered that, although Dialpad’s AI bot is great for simple difficulties, it might not be as effective for more complex situations that eventually call for a member of the human support team.
Who needs to make use of it?
Businesses in need of a complete VoIP solution with superior integrations and AI should choose Dialpad.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
Transparent pricing and an extensive array of helpful features are provided by Intermedia Unite. It makes this list because, in my opinion, it is the most comprehensive Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) option available. UCaaS is a cloud delivery system that unifies features like file sharing, chat, video conferencing, and calls into one central location.
Intermedia United is favored by CPO David Idle of Bigleaf Networks, a top supplier of network optimization solutions, who says of the platform, “It features a powerful unified communications platform with reliable performance.” Although it may cost more than some of its rivals, it’s a good option for sectors where security and dependability are top priorities.
General Features
I experimented with Intermedia Unite’s many audio, video, and chat communication channels on mobile and desktop platforms. Although there was some small static heard from the other side, the call clarity was respectable. Intermedia offers cloud-based call systems, internet faxing, voicemail to email, audio and video conference with actual time screen sharing, and limitless calling to enterprises.
UCaaS services and pricing are handled simply by Intermedia Unite, which is what pleased me the most about it overall. Every plan has a clear description of what you will receive. I do believe it is a poor decision to charge clients more for meetings via video when other companies provide them as usual, if not complimentary. To use third-party applications like Salesforce, NetSuite, ServiceNow, and Microsoft Dynamics, or to conduct conferences for up to 200 people, you need to upgrade.
Additional features
Though I tried out the Intermedia Unite primary plan features, I did find a few helpful business add-ons. The monthly cost of a fax line is $12.99, that of exchange emails is $7.49, and that of resource lines is as little as $9.99. For an estimate, get in touch with the sales department for certain supplementary features such as Unite Archiving and an additional phone line.
Additionally, Intermedia offers a particular package that starts at $15.99 a month and integrates Microsoft Teams with Unite for Communications. E911, contact sync, basic PBX (private branch exchange), and other features are included in this add-on.
Customer reviews
As a communications company, Intermedia has taken decades to establish a solid reputation, which has led to recent excellent reviews. Happy users appreciated Intermedia’s clear pricing and reported positive experiences with the service. Minor problems including language hurdles and the incapacity to handle email spam were mentioned in the unfavorable customer ratings. Poor reception when traveling was also mentioned.
Pricing
Although I liked how straightforward Intermedia’s two options were, at $27.99 a month, it is one of the priciest VoIP providers. Numerous substitutes are available that come with annual agreement savings or are less expensive on a monthly basis. However, I believe that its features and capacity to serve as a practical all-in-one communications center can make it a worthwhile investment for certain companies.
Mobile & Desktop apps
Using mobile and desktop computers, I downloaded & tested Unite. iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and Windows PCs can all run its apps.
Customer service
Customer service, in my opinion, provided assistance in a very competent and helpful manner. I had to wait a little while before speaking with a team representative on the phone, which took about 20 seconds. Regarding my service issue, I also got a fast email answer.
Who needs to make use of it?
The best use cases for Intermedia Unite’s capabilities and price models are medium-sized to large organizations.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
It was simple to get started with Nextiva. My NextivaONE app was downloaded to my mobile and desktop computers in a matter of minutes after the setup procedure was completed. Making calls, adding others to the account, and setting up a personalized phone system were all comparatively simple processes. Depending on your prior VoIP experience, the whole experience may differ, but for the majority of prospective users, I think Nextiva is a wonderful place to start.
General Features
Unlimited voice, voicemail, video calling, and online faxing are all features of Nextiva. Free toll-free numbers are provided to customers. You can have an infinite number of conference calls with voicemail transcription, screen sharing, auto-attendant, and other capabilities by upgrading.
I had clear audio and visuals throughout video conferences and phone calls. The ability to remove echoes during calls—a vital feature when several devices close to one another are on a single call—was one that I found particularly helpful.
Although Nextiva offers integrations with other applications, I discovered that in order to use it, you had to upgrade because its most basic plan only connects to Google Contacts and Microsoft Outlook.
Additionally, our board member and VoIP service specialist Alex Aristides says, “This firm provides a wonderful all-in-one bundle, but lacks numerous voice capabilities and easy usage in comparison to the various other companies here.”
Additional features
For companies looking for an inexpensive online fax solution, Nextiva’s vFAX, which starts at $7.95 a month for 500 pages, is a fantastic choice. Furthermore, it gives healthcare organizations an additional avenue for communication and it comes in a HIPAA-compliant version.
Customer reviews
Customers have largely given Nextiva, a well-known VoIP company, positive evaluations. Users think using the software is simple. Mixed reviews were made of the support staff; some claimed to have had positive interactions with support and sales agents, while others expressed frustration. The reports of having trouble canceling services were one thing that worried me.
Pricing
The initial monthly cost of Nextiva, invoiced annually, is $20 per user. Though I believe Nextiva is built for scalability, medium-sized to large enterprises are the best fit financially. Google Voice and Grasshopper are affordable options for very small businesses.
Mobile & Desktop apps
Android, Macintosh/iOS, and Windows devices can all use NextivaONE, their app. Although using NextivaONE via a computer or phone gives you some freedom, it’s important to remember that every user’s experience is unique.
For example, although I could easily enter the NextivaONE application using my web browser, there were moments when the application would take some time to load or, in other situations, you would be routed to the mobile website and back to the app during a log-in loop.
Customer service
I tested the product without speaking with Nextiva’s customer support directly. It is noteworthy, nonetheless, that all plans provide consistent round-the-clock assistance. That implies you should anticipate being able to speak with a live agent regardless of the tier you choose. Notably, Nextiva’s assistance is available via phone, chat, and email, which distinguishes the service from many rivals who charge more for access to live agents.
Who needs to make use of it?
For mid-sized to large organizations in need of an intuitive user interface and a feature-rich VoIP solution, Nextiva is the ideal choice.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
Although some VoIP providers concentrate on bigger, enterprise-level enterprises, I like that Grasshopper still gives small businesses and sole proprietors top priority. Grasshopper is an excellent option if you are an entrepreneur who is new to VoIP and is looking for a quick and easy solution to set up a basic phone system.
Proprietor of Elliot System Partners, a company that advises companies on contact centers and phone systems, Jason Elliott, gave us his opinions:
“Designed especially for small enterprises, especially startups, Grasshopper is a unique and affordable solution. Its straightforward, user-friendly interface makes navigating it easy. Unless text-based communication via the Grasshopper business contact is required, the simplified call-forwarding feature eliminates the need to download apps. Moreover, callers no longer need to use their own mobile devices for leaving messages because incoming voicemails may be easily sent.”
General Features
You may switch across VoIP and Wi-Fi calling, send and receive unlimited domestic calls, and send business SMS messages with Grasshopper. My testing of these capabilities revealed that, despite the occasional fuzziness in the sound, Grasshopper had acceptable call quality. You can select a local or toll-free business contact with your plan, but you’ll need to transfer it to a current number first.
The tool’s fast response feature, which allows you to promptly send text messages in the case of a missed call, struck me as a very helpful feature.
Additional features
Grasshopper was tested using the business contact that was provided with the account. Although the majority of plans only provide one phone line, you can add more for $9 a month.
You can make international calls, but they won’t count against your service plan’s allotted minutes. To activate it, get in touch with Grasshopper’s support staff.
Customer reviews
For individuals and startup owners, Grasshopper is a well-liked VoIP choice. Customers that were happy with the service often expressed how straightforward and simple it is to use, and that it offers all the tools required to facilitate remote work or virtual businesses. In addition, many comments on how reasonable the pricing is and how convenient it is.
Poor call quality was a problem for some clients. Additionally, I saw that some Grasshopper users were having trouble interacting with live operators.
Pricing
With an annual contract, Grasshopper’s per-month cost is $14. Pricing for its plans is tailored to small enterprises, startups, and solopreneurs. Grasshopper is a cost-effective solution that offers good value for money if you’re searching for a straightforward method to establish a business contact using a compact phone system.
Mobile & Desktop apps
There are mobile and desktop apps for Grasshopper. Following the creation of your account, Grasshopper will connect your personal phone number to the newly created company number so that you can use the desktop or mobile app to make calls. Grasshopper apps work with Apple & Android-capable devices as well as Windows and Mac desktop computers.
I put Grasshopper to the test on a computer and a phone, and it operated flawlessly on both.
Customer service
I’ve found that it sometimes takes some time to acquire the proper help through Grasshopper’s customer service. It necessitates going to the support article that best addresses your problem. You are instructed to click the “Contact Us” option if the article is unable to resolve your issue. A case number will then be sent to you. By calling the toll-free support line, you have the option to omit some steps. In a matter of seconds, a member of the support team answered my call.
Who needs to make use of it?
When looking for a simple VoIP solution with capabilities like call forwarding & extensions, Grasshopper is the ideal choice for solopreneurs and small organizations.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
Considering how affordable Zoom Phone is in comparison to the other VoIP services I’ve examined, it’s a great pick for small businesses on a limited budget. Some consumers may believe that the calling experience could be improved even if it is reasonably priced.
“It offers seamless connectivity with Zoom’s video conference platform,” said David Idle (CPO) of Bigleaf Networks, a top supplier of network optimization solutions, in reference to Zoom Phone. However, given that it’s a relatively new product, it might not include all the latest features. I believe that companies who now use Zoom for collaborating purposes would benefit from it the most.
General Features
I opted for the $15/month US and Canada Unlimited subscription to reap the maximum benefits of the evaluation experience. Although there are outgoing call fees, the Metered plan has a cheaper monthly starting price of $10. Zoom Phone includes call recording capabilities as well as video conferencing assistance. Contact center functions include barge & takeover, call whispering, and monitoring.
The quality of Zoom’s calls was not consistently good, in my opinion. I was able to hear the other person rather clearly, though. But occasionally, I had trouble getting through to the person I was reaching out to. Comparing calls made through Zoom to conventional calls, I could clearly hear the other party’s audio quality declining.
Additional features
I called domestic numbers while I was testing Zoom Phone. Obtaining a toll-free number was a simple process for me because the monthly cost is only $5. In addition, Zoom provides international and local phone numbers for as little as $5 per month. An additional $120 is charged annually for special international calling services. You must acquire a quote from Zoom’s sales team if you wish to add premium developer support or reserve a virtual workspace.
Customer reviews
In the aftermath of the pandemic, Zoom stays at the forefront in the cloud communication space as seen by the generally excellent reputation it enjoys among VoIP and video conferencing users. Positive feedback on Zoom’s call quality has been received by customers. Not only do they find the service user-friendly, especially for those who are accustomed to digital video and audio meetings, but they also appreciate the integrations that are offered.
A few users thought there were better-looking and less cumbersome interface options. As they were unfamiliar with Zoom, several clients had a little learning curve. Zoom was said to have had problems with connection quality, which makes me believe that people without a reliable high-speed internet connection would want to consider other options before choosing Zoom.
Pricing
Zoom is among the most affordable VoIP services available, with monthly costs as low as $10 or $120 annually. Zoom Phone is one of the easiest-to-understand VoIP service prices I’ve ever seen, even if there are no savings when transferring between monthly and yearly contracts. Zoom can work well for you if you’re looking for reasonable up-front costs.
Mobile & Desktop apps
Zoom offers downloadable apps for both mobile and desktop platforms, working with Android and iOS on phones and tablets, and for Mac and Windows on PCs. Though I wish the calling experience had been a bit better, I still liked that Zoom could be used to make calls from computers or cell phones.
Customer service
I requested assistance with my account from Zoom’s support staff. The agent was courteous and informed, and my experience was good, but depending on your service package, you might not be able to easily get in touch with a support team person. Zoom does provide independent phone customers with round-the-clock assistance.
Who needs to make use of it?
Small teams and solo business owners on a limited budget.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
For companies looking to have access to a variety of contact center products, I highly suggest 8×8 as a VoIP & UCaaS solution. I considered it to be a scalable service that could accommodate most organizations’ needs and finances when I first assessed it, but new modifications to its contract structure may make it more appropriate for enterprise-level firms.
During the assessment, I was able to make the most of the service, although there was a minor learning curve for people who were unfamiliar with VoIP and UCaaS, and signing up was not very easy.
The founder and president of HiredSupport, Joel Wolfe, utilized 8×8 for his business, saying, “I find 8×8 to be a wonderful alternative for engaging with my marketing department. We communicated easily without having to transfer platforms thanks to an in-app function. Although I was caught in traffic, the quality of the call was good and there was no surrounding noise.”
General Features
8×8 offers a range of services including contact center and unified communication capabilities. I like its excellent visual and auditory components and personally tested its phone, business chat, & video conferencing features. The ability to broadcast meetings live on YouTube struck me the most since it allows businesses to reach a far larger audience than they could with traditional conferencing technologies.
Moreover, 8×8’s services encompass contact center functions, unified communication, SMS and MMS, and virtual faxing.
Additional features
I had the availability of “hot” storage, which allows you to keep data for a maximum of 130 days, during the testing process. Some companies, however, must retain data for far longer periods of time. The 8×8 cold storage add-on, which allows you to archive or recover items for as long as ten years, is what I suggest in that scenario.
Secure Pay, which provides safe client payment processing, is another important addition to the feature set. With the use of artificial intelligence (AI), you may provide your clients self-help services through an intelligent customer assistant. This can be especially helpful for small teams without a strong customer care staff.
Customer reviews
With decades of experience serving companies of all sizes, 8×8 has become one of the most well-known UCaaS suppliers. Customers praised 8×8’s exceptional call quality & plan features in the majority of the positive feedback I found. Also praised, given that it matched my personal experience, was 8×8’s customer service and the way that representatives helped resolve any problems as they emerged.
Perceptions about 8×8 have recently changed, especially in regards to whether or not smaller enterprises should use it. Customers who express discontent with 8×8’s lack of transparency in costing and plan details think the company primarily targets enterprise-level businesses. Their numbers are growing.
Pricing
I saw that 8×8 has removed all public pricing for its service plans. For a quote, prospective consumers must get in touch with 8×8’s sales team, despite the fact that different service tiers are offered. Due to the brand’s recent shift toward a larger-enterprise-focused business strategy, small businesses looking for an affordable VoIP service are unlikely to find its price and plan structure appealing.
Mobile & Desktop apps
8×8 provides downloads for desktop as well as mobile applications. I had the opportunity to try out the 8×8 Work smartphone software, which offers voice, text, voicemail, parked call, and call recording functions. Similar functionality, including the ability to call, chat, or text across several devices, is also offered by 8×8 Work for desktop users.
Customer service
8×8 customer service was, in my opinion, really informed and supportive. Testing the customer assistance for VoIP services was quick, easy, and one of the best experiences I’ve had. To get help, I was able to speak with 8×8 support by chat and phone.
Who needs to make use of it?
8×8 works well for medium-sized to large enterprises that frequently use VoIP and cloud-PBX services.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
In addition to providing numerous crucial cloud communication services like limitless calling and business messaging, Aircall is a leading VoIP service provider. This cloud communication service is among the priciest that I have evaluated. Still, I believed that Aircall’s features and quality of service justified its consideration, especially for larger businesses without the financial restraints that a smaller company would have.
Aircall is a great tool for facilitating employee involvement, as Joel Wolfe, the founder and president of HiredSupport, said while discussing his own experience with it. For a mere $6 a month, I was able to add six local numbers to my contact list. That’s what makes it unique: its simplicity of usage. Using the dashboard, I can make all the necessary adjustments.
General Features
In addition to call center solutions, Aircall provides cloud-based business telephone systems. I got to try out its calling functions, and I thought they were rather good. How easy it was to set up a basic sequence of actions to route callers to the appropriate department or person was something else I found pleasing. I received a local number and business messaging capabilities from Aircall along with unlimited calling. You can also reach toll-free numbers.
The primary focus of Aircall is text and audio communication, even if it easily interacts with scores of third-party apps. Since Aircall doesn’t include video conferencing capabilities, I don’t think it will be useful for companies looking for a single communications solution rather than dividing these features across several vendors.
Additional features
Aircall offers an AI license for $9 per month, which is one of my preferred add-on features. Together with talk-to-listen ratios and AI-powered voicemail, I like its transcription and summary features, which might save a lot of time for team members who must brush up on forgotten information.
The analytics tool, available for $15 a month, is another great add-on that works with all current licenses. This tool provides granular data for important metrics, like missed calls, in addition to unlocking powerful filters and dashboards. It also offers easily interpreted visualizations, “heat maps,” and a limitless history.
Customer reviews
The majority of Aircall’s customer reviews are favorable. Clients think the UI is sleek and contemporary. Many reviews think Aircall offers good value for the money, even though some think its prices are a little high. The calls and performance difficulties were the main topics of the unfavorable reviews I did locate. Some former clients, for example, did not enjoy that there was no call protection against spam. Others, meanwhile, thought that small company owners and solopreneurs weren’t a good fit for Aircall.
Pricing
When compared to other well-known VoIP providers that are not just half as expensive but also offer free breakout forum discussions and video conferencing, Aircall’s $30 monthly license, and yearly pricing are difficult to understand. In fact, relative to Google Voice and Zoom Phone—which both start at one-third of the monthly rate—it would be difficult for extremely small enterprises to find a better deal.
Aircall’s pricing prevents me from seeing it viable for solopreneurs or small teams, but it would be a decent choice for enterprise-level companies looking for a dependable cloud-based messaging and calling solution.
Mobile & Desktop apps
Google Play & the App Store offer downloads for the Aircall apps. The service also offers desktop software that is compatible with Mac and Windows computers, but not with Linux or Chromebooks.
Customer service
I contacted the customer support department to request assistance with creating an Aircall account. The team member gave me all the information I needed to use the service and was incredibly patient and helpful. In addition, I think Aircall’s information repository in the help center is rather thorough and helpful for making the most of their product.
Who needs to make use of it?
The ideal clients for Aircall are enterprise-level companies with a healthy budget and experience with VoIP technology.
Pros
Cons
Editor’s view
Ooma Office is an excellent choice for your business if you are wary of signing long-term contracts and dislike the thought of tying yourself into a VoIP service. Ooma allows you to cancel at any moment and has no obligations.
David Idle, Chief Product Officer of Bigleaf Networks, a top supplier of network optimizing solutions, offered his opinions about Ooma Office: “In contrast to enterprise-grade systems, it may be less feature-rich, but it’s still a reasonably priced option with good call quality and dependability. In general, it’s a dependable option for smaller companies looking for a cost-effective communication system.
General Features
After a quick and easy registration process, I was given a toll-free number. When I used Ooma’s calling options, the audio quality was respectable. However, I found it disappointing that you had to pay extra to have access to essential collaboration tools like messaging and video conferencing, considering they are free of charge for many of their competitors. You do, however, have unlimited calling to the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, & Mexico.
Additional features
Ooma Office offers a respectable selection of add-on options, such as voice-to-text, a personal phone number, and international & “pay-as-you-go” calling. Additionally, you can link a current phone number to the Ooma account.
Customer reviews
Consumers who were pleased with the functionality and phone quality of Ooma Office expressed gratitude for the software. Reviews expressed appreciation for the customer service staff and thought the VoIP company provided excellent service all around. While the majority of reviews from customers have been good, others argue that previous ratings do not accurately reflect Ooma Office’s current offering and express concerns about a potential decline in quality.
Certain disgruntled consumers complained that Ooma’s applications and accounts don’t connect properly across devices, which has a negative effect on user experience (UX). Some have also mentioned that Ooma may not be a suitable choice for independent contractors.
Pricing
Monthly fees for the Ooma Office start at $19.95 for each user. Ooma’s VoIP service has the distinct benefit of not having a contract, even though some other providers offer somewhat lower pricing. You might save cash by preventing charges for early termination and other extra expenses because there are no required commitments.
A 30-day refund policy further reduces the risk if you sign up for one month of service just to test Ooma and discover it is not the greatest fit for your VoIP needs.
Mobile & Desktop apps
Ooma offers a downloaded version of its Ooma Telo smartphone app. Telo can be accessed for free by current users, while new users can only utilize it after making a single purchase. You can effortlessly check your voicemails, prevent missing calls, and possibly even save money on foreign calls with the help of this software.
Customer service
The sales and support staff at Ooma was really helpful, in my opinion. To make sure I had the greatest experience possible with their service, the company was really proactive. For example, I received a call from a member of the sales team shortly after signing up to inquire about the success of the procedure and to find out if I required any VoIP hardware.
In the end, I did contact support about a problem with my account. The support agent who helped me was incredibly educated and polite, and it just took just a few moments to settle everything up.
Who needs to make use of it?
Small and medium-sized enterprises that want VoIP functionalities but are not committed to yearly agreements.
Pros
Cons
I know there are more VoIP companies worth taking into consideration, even though I’ve narrowed down my selection to the ten I believe to be the greatest options accessible right now. These are some more suggestions that are listed below.
1. Cisco Webex Calling
Apart from unlimited local & domestic long-distance calling, the service plans offered by the company encompass other features like auto-attendants, call forwarding and waiting, six-way conferencing, visible voicemail, and more. Additionally, calling customers receive usage of Webex Free, a free conferencing tool that allows users to hold meetings for a maximum of forty minutes with up to 100 participants.
In general, I think Webex Calling might be a reasonably priced choice for businesses looking for collaboration and virtual phone solutions.
2. Openphone
Customers in Canada and the United States can use Openphone for unlimited calling and messaging. Along with features like call recording, voicemail transcripts, and AI message responses, accounts also include a local and toll-free number. I think most organizations looking for a dependable VoIP provider can afford Openphone, as its monthly starting price is only $15. That being said, you’ll need to try a different provider if video conferencing is a need as it isn’t supported.
3. Line2
Like similar VoIP providers, Line2 offers its clients in the United States and Canada unlimited calls and messages. However, I discovered during my assessment of the product that call blocking & caller ID are also convenient features. It is a passable cloud phone service even though it might not offer collaboration features like online faxing, video conferencing, or chat. When invoiced annually, Line2 begins at $13.75, each month.
VoIP equipment and hardware are the gadgets and add-ons required to place and receive a VoIP call. There are four basic kinds of equipment, though this changes depending on the provider.
Typically, the following equipment kinds are required for VoIP:
Generally speaking, service providers provide a range of equipment alternatives. While some providers incorporate the price of the equipment in their plans, others might charge extra or demand that customers buy it separately.
Also, businesses can utilize their current gear—such as analog phones—by using an adaptor. As opposed to using an IP phone made especially for VoIP systems, the call quality might not be as excellent.
Making the correct VoIP system selection is the first step in a lengthy setup process. Select a provider that provides the hardware support—such as phones—that your workplace will require.
Determine how many lines you’ll require. Considerations like transferring an existing phone number to the new system should be taken into consideration while choosing a supplier. Keeping your numbers consistent is crucial if your company has been in operation for some time. Make sure you inform the provider of this when you register for the service.
Connecting the system is the next step after selecting a provider and giving them permission to handle the initial setup. This is establishing an internet connection between the computer or phone and the communications equipment. Your supplier will guide you through the configuring process to guarantee that calls are correctly going over the network. Run a system test to determine what problems require troubleshooting.
Since VoIP is a complete solution, which most providers give, you can ask for add-ons to tailor your company’s needs and make it unique.
Numerous businesses and industry scenarios can benefit from the many applications of VoIP technology. Typical use scenarios include the following:
There are numerous regulatory issues with VoIP. VoIP services in the United States are governed by rules set forth by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). In addition to fostering market competition, these rules are meant to guarantee that customers have access to dependable and reasonably priced VoIP services. Here are a few major regulatory issues with VoIP:
To prevent any fines or penalties, it is crucial for businesses to be mindful of these requirements and to abide by them. Guidelines and comprehensive information are available on the FCC’s website. As the laws can shift over time, make sure you check them periodically.
1. Which VoIP provider is ideal for businesses?
Nowadays, RingCentral, Dialpad, & Zoom Phone are the top 3 VoIP phone solutions for businesses. At a low monthly cost of as little as $10, these companies include voicemail transcription, toll-free numbers, and other well-liked VoIP features.
2. What VoIP phone system requirements are there?
You must have a dependable and quick internet connection to use VoIP. You wouldn’t be able to utilize it if there was no internet service because the tool is cloud-based.
3. Do VoIP and Wi-Fi calling function the same way?
VoIP & Wi-Fi calling work similarly. VoIP transfers digital data packages over the internet, which the recipient’s end converts to analog phone signals. Instead of using a cell tower, Wi-Fi calling makes a phone call over the internet.
4. Are VoIP phones safe to use?
VoIP phones, especially VoIP cell phones, are generally quite secure to use. To further raise the security, there are measures you may take. They include making sure your VoIP provider provides an encrypted connection, setting up a firewall with SIP capability to filter all incoming calls for any information that could endanger your system, and having IT professionals set up a VLAN (virtual local area network) for all the company’s internal calls so that they don’t get compromised by outside sources.
Make sure your employees use their VoIP phones with diligence to prevent hazards like voice phishing, commonly known as vishing.
5. How can I subscribe to a VoIP phone plan?
It is necessary to locate a VoIP provider in your area and register for service in order to receive VoIP phone service. Alternatively, you might consult your Internet service provider, ask around, or conduct an Internet search. You will get the required hardware and setup instructions for the service from the provider when you have selected one.
6. I already have a number; can I port it to VoIP?
It is possible to transfer the number you currently have to the majority of VoIP companies. It might be advantageous for both people and organizations to be able to maintain their present phone number while transferring to a VoIP service. If there are any extra fees or prerequisites to the number porting procedure, find out from the supplier.
7. Is VoIP faxing possible?
Using a fax device or a PC with a fax modem, you can send and receive faxes over VoIP. You are able to exchange faxes via email with the help of certain VoIP providers’ fax-to-email solutions. It’s essential to inquire with the supplier about any extra fees or conditions associated with this service, though.
8. Do VoIP phones function without internet access?
A steady, dependable internet connection is necessary for VoIP phones. You can’t make or receive calls with them without the internet. Because VoIP performance is essential to ensure that communication between your company and its stakeholders goes well every time, the speed of your internet needs to be fast and steady enough to avoid interfering with it.
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