In today's fast-paced business world, staying connected is more important than ever. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems have become a game-changer for companies of all sizes. By using the internet for calls, these systems offer advanced features, easy integration with other tools, and can save you money. Let's dive into the top IP telephone service providers that can meet your business needs.
Key Takeaways
- VoIP services offer advanced features like call management, voicemail transcription, and integration with other business tools.
- Cost savings are a significant advantage of using VoIP over traditional phone systems.
- Scalability allows VoIP systems to grow with your business without needing major upgrades.
- Reliability and call quality are crucial factors when choosing a VoIP provider.
- Selecting the right VoIP provider can enhance your business communication and overall efficiency.
1. Nextiva
Nextiva is a top choice for businesses seeking a reliable VoIP service. Nextiva is recommended by 92% of customers and is rated highly by over 3,000 users. This platform offers a range of features that cater to various business needs.
Key Features
- NextivaONE App: Consolidate your business communication into one powerful app. Make and receive phone calls, send text messages, manage voicemail, and collaborate with your team from your smartphone or desktop.
- Business Text Messaging: Keep your finger on the pulse with commercial-grade SMS and MMS. Communicate with customers directly, send appointment reminders, and offer exceptional customer service.
- Auto Attendants: Never miss an important call again. Virtual receptionists greet callers professionally and route them to the right person.
- Unlimited Calling: Talk as much as you want for one low price. Unlimited calling plans throughout the United States and Canada let you focus on growing revenue and customer satisfaction.
- Phone Call Quality: Experience communication clarity like never before. Nextiva’s network uses best-in-class technology to deliver high-definition audio for every call.
- Local and Toll-Free Numbers: Get a toll-free business number to project a professional image and make it easy for customers to reach you nationwide.
Pricing
Nextiva offers several pricing plans to fit different business needs:
Customer Reviews
Nextiva is popular among users for its ease of use. However, some users have reported mixed experiences with the support team. The software is designed for scalability, making it ideal for medium to large businesses.
Nextiva’s software delivered on its claims of providing powerful VoIP software that's easy to install and use.
Who Should Use Nextiva?
Nextiva is best for mid to large businesses that need a comprehensive VoIP solution with an easy-to-use interface. Small businesses might find the pricing steep and could consider alternatives like Google Voice or Grasshopper for more budget-friendly options.
2. RingCentral
RingCentral is a top choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive VoIP solution. It offers a wide range of features that cater to various business needs, making it a versatile option for companies of all sizes.
Key Features
- Multilevel IVR: Set up routing menus with a visual IVR editor and route calls to voicemail, extensions, and external phone numbers. Each account supports up to 250 voice menus and submenus.
- Multisite Management: Support all your branch offices’ phone systems based on their unique needs under one account. Each site can have its own outbound caller ID, call handling rules, user roles, and auto-receptionist.
- Analytics Portal: Get real-time insights on adoption, usage, and quality of service with RingCentral’s analytics portal. Various call metrics let you set key performance indicators (KPIs), identify top performers, and track issues quickly.
Pricing
RingCentral's pricing starts at $20 per user per month if paid annually. Volume discounts are available for six users and above, making it a cost-effective option for larger teams.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers a free trial
- Integrations for Slack, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and more
- All plans come with unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada
Cons
- International calling costs extra
- No support for base plan
RingCentral is noted for its competitive call management and video conferencing options. It efficiently distributes calls to the right destination, ensuring a smooth call experience.
3. Ooma
Ooma is a straightforward VoIP service provider that focuses on basic call management, making it ideal for businesses with moderate call volumes. Ooma offers a no-frills cloud telephony service compared to competitors like RingCentral, which can be overwhelming for small teams.
Key Features
- Multidevice ring: Receive calls on any device and have multiple devices ring when an Ooma user is called.
- Extension monitoring: Monitor the status of other phone extensions and perform actions like call transfer or three-way calling.
- Distinctive ringtones: Add unique ringtones to call queues or ring groups to alert team members about the nature of incoming calls.
Pricing
Ooma offers three pricing plans:
Customer Reviews
Customers have praised Ooma for its reliable service and ease of installation. One user mentioned, "Ooma is one of the top 5 VoIP providers. I can say it's very reliable, easy to install, and the price is good."
Ooma is a great choice for small to medium businesses that want VoIP features without the need for annual contracts. The service includes unlimited calling to the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico, making it a versatile option for various business needs.
4. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system designed for small businesses and solopreneurs. It offers a simple and affordable way to set up a professional phone system. However, it lacks some advanced features like video meetings and team chat, which are available in other services like RingCentral or Nextiva.
Features
- Virtual receptionist service: By adding Ruby to your Grasshopper account, you get a professional phone answering service starting at $155.40 per month.
- Call transfer: Grasshopper allows both blind and supervised call transfers.
- Custom greetings: Record your own phone greetings or have a professional voice actor do it for you, starting at $75 per order.
- Unlimited domestic calling: Make as many calls as you need within the country.
- Business texting: Send and receive text messages using your business number.
- VoIP and Wi-Fi calling: Switch between VoIP and Wi-Fi for better call quality.
Pricing
Grasshopper offers three main plans:
Note: All plans include business SMS, call forwarding, voicemail, e-fax, call transfers, custom greetings, simultaneous call handling, and reporting.
Mobile and Desktop Apps
Grasshopper has apps for both desktop and mobile devices. These apps are compatible with Windows, Mac, Apple, and Android devices. Once you create an account, your personal number is linked to your new business number, allowing you to make calls from either the desktop or mobile app.
Customer Service
Getting help from Grasshopper's customer service can be a bit slow. You usually start by reading a help article. If that doesn't solve your problem, you can click the “Contact Us” link to get a case number. Alternatively, you can call their toll-free support number to speak with a support team member directly.
Grasshopper is a simple business phone with just calling and SMS. With a basic interface, Grasshopper makes a great option for solopreneurs and small teams that don’t need a phone system with bells and whistles.
Who Should Use It?
Grasshopper is ideal for small businesses and solopreneurs who need a basic VoIP solution with features like call forwarding and extensions. It’s especially useful for those who need multiple phone numbers without incurring extra costs.
5. Dialpad
Dialpad is a standout choice for businesses seeking a technologically advanced phone system. Its AI-powered features make it a top contender in the VoIP market.
Key Features
- Voice Intelligence: Dialpad's AI can transcribe conversations, track action items, and provide live coaching.
- Unlimited Calling: Enjoy unlimited calls within the US and Canada.
- Third-Party Integrations: Seamlessly integrates with tools like Zapier, Slack, and Google Workspace.
- Mobile and Desktop Apps: Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, allowing communication across multiple devices.
Pricing
Customer Service
Dialpad offers professional and thorough customer support. However, the availability of certain support options may depend on your specific service plan. The AI bot is useful for straightforward issues but may fall short for more complex problems.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Advanced AI features
- Flexible communication options
- Scalable for growing businesses
Cons:
- Toll-free numbers cost extra
- Hold queues not available on the lowest-tier plan
Dialpad is ideal for businesses that need a comprehensive VoIP solution with excellent integrations and AI capabilities. It offers great value for money and a modern interface, making it a strong choice for tech-savvy teams.
6. Vonage
Vonage is a well-known name in the VoIP industry, offering a range of features tailored to small businesses. Vonage allows you to customize your plan with various add-ons, making it a flexible choice for businesses with specific needs. However, the costs can add up quickly with each additional feature.
Features
- App Center: A self-service platform where you can view and purchase third-party apps like CRM systems and productivity tools.
- Admin Portal: Manage and customize your company's phone system, audit account changes, and track employee activity.
- Business Inbox: Access all your SMS, MMS, and Facebook Messenger messages in one unified inbox.
Pricing
Pros and Cons
Pros
- One-click integrations with third-party software
- Unlimited calling and SMS in the US and Canada
- Over 40 standard VoIP features
Cons
- High starting costs
- Add-on costs add up quickly
- AI features only available as add-ons
For businesses looking to optimize their communication, Vonage offers a customizable and feature-rich solution. However, be mindful of the additional costs that can accumulate with each add-on.
7. CallHippo
CallHippo is a user-friendly virtual business phone system that caters to over 5,000 brands, including Amazon and Shopify. With CallHippo, you can get a local number instantly and make calls to over 190 countries. It’s programmed to let you know the best time of day to call customers based on countries of origin.
Top CallHippo VoIP Features
- Free trial
- Sets up in fewer than 3 minutes
- Integrates with many popular plugins and software
- User-friendly call management setup
- Easy video conferences
- Power dialer that automatically dials from an uploaded list of numbers
CallHippo VoIP Pricing
Many add-ons are available at additional costs.
CallHippo is ideal for sales and support teams, as well as call centers, thanks to its real-time analytics and call monitoring features.
8. 8×8
8×8 is a robust IP telephone service provider, particularly known for its international calling capabilities. It offers unlimited local and global calling across 48 countries, making it an excellent choice for businesses with a global presence. Additionally, 8×8 provides SMS, team chat, and video meetings, ensuring comprehensive communication solutions for modern businesses.
Key Features
- Unlimited local and global calling across 48 countries
- SMS, team chat, and video meetings
- Integration with business productivity apps
- Livestream meetings via YouTube (X2 and X4 plans)
- Meeting capacity of up to 500 users
Pricing
8×8 offers five total plans: two unified communications plans and three contact center plans. However, they do not provide public pricing information, requiring potential customers to contact them directly for details.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Connects with business productivity apps
- International calling capabilities
- Plans combine phone and virtual meeting features
Cons:
- Lack of transparency in pricing and plan details
- Some advanced features missing compared to competitors
Customer Service
8×8 has a proactive approach to customer service, replying to negative reviews in less than 24 hours. This responsiveness is a testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction.
8×8's focus on UCaaS demonstrates its forward-thinking approach, making it attractive to organizations that want to leverage software-based calling and conferencing solutions.
9. Microsoft Teams VoIP
Microsoft Teams has taken over from Skype as Microsoft's official VoIP for business. This makes it one of the best business VoIPs because it looks like the popular internal Teams program, so many users are already familiar with it. It's also one of the best business phone services because it increases revenue. It offers streamlined, time-saving communications, low deployment and management costs, and flexibility in necessary devices, among other things.
10. Google Voice
Google Voice is a popular VoIP service, especially for small businesses and individuals. It offers a range of features that make it a convenient and cost-effective choice.
Key Features
- Free local number: Upon signup, users receive a free local number, which can be ported to a personal number.
- Call forwarding: Easily forward calls to different numbers.
- Voicemail transcription: Transcribes voicemails into text for easy reading.
- Unlimited texting: Available within the U.S., making it easy to stay connected.
- Integration with Google Workspace: Seamlessly integrates with other Google tools like Meet and Chat.
Pricing
Google Voice offers a free plan, making it an attractive option for small businesses. Premium plans start at $10 per user per month, which is very budget-friendly.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable starting cost.
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace.
- Voicemail transcription included.
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations.
- No toll-free numbers.
- Customer support is not very robust.
Who Should Use Google Voice?
Google Voice is ideal for small businesses that already use Google Workspace. Its low cost and easy integration make it a great choice for those looking to add VoIP without disrupting their current operations.
Google Voice is a straightforward solution backed by one of the largest tech companies in the world. Its low starting cost and integration with Google tools make it a valuable option for small businesses.
Customer Reviews
Many users appreciate the quality of calls and the ability to port personal numbers to a professional one. However, some find the mandatory porting process inconvenient. Overall, Google Voice is praised for its affordability and ease of use.
Google Voice is a powerful tool that can help you manage your calls efficiently. Whether you need to forward missed calls or get a new number, Google Voice has got you covered. To see how our AI agent can enhance your call management, try our demo today!
Conclusion
In today's fast-paced business world, having a reliable and efficient communication system is essential. VoIP phone systems have proven to be a game-changer, offering advanced features, seamless integration with business tools, and significant cost savings. As we've reviewed the top IP telephone service providers, it's clear that VoIP technology is not just changing how we communicate but also how businesses operate. From saving money to enhancing customer service, the benefits are undeniable. As companies continue to adapt to a digital-first environment, adopting VoIP systems is a smart move that can lead to greater success and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IP telephone service provider?
An IP telephone service provider offers phone services over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This is commonly known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Why should businesses use VoIP services?
VoIP services can save businesses money, offer advanced features like call forwarding and voicemail-to-email, and are easy to scale as the business grows.
What features should I look for in a VoIP service?
Look for features like high call quality, scalability, integration with business tools, transparent pricing, and good customer support.
How do I choose the best VoIP provider for my business?
Consider factors like pricing, features, call quality, customer support, and the ability to integrate with your existing business tools.
Is VoIP reliable for business communication?
Yes, modern VoIP services are very reliable, offering high uptime and clear call quality. However, the reliability also depends on your internet connection.
Can I use VoIP services on mobile devices?
Yes, many VoIP providers offer mobile apps that allow you to make and receive calls on your smartphone or tablet.
