In 2023, finding the best IP telephone service provider can be tricky with so many choices out there. To make it easier, we've researched and listed the top providers for you. These services are known for their great features, reliability, and customer support. Whether you run a small business or a large company, there's something here for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- RingCentral offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features.
- Nextiva is known for its excellent customer service and reliable performance.
- Vonage provides flexible plans that can fit various business sizes.
- 8x8 includes advanced security features to keep your calls safe.
- Ooma is budget-friendly while still offering robust features.
RingCentral
RingCentral is a top choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive IP telephone service. It offers competitive call management options, including a multilevel auto attendant and interactive voice response (IVR). Additionally, RingCentral’s Core tier provides video conferencing for up to 100 attendees.
RingCentral MVP, which stands for "messaging, video, and phone," highlights the company's shift from basic voice services to a more unified communication approach. This service is reliable even at high call volumes, a feature that many competitors struggle with.
RingCentral Webinar starts at $63 monthly per host and includes a free trial for new subscribers. This allows users to experience the service without an immediate commitment. Other licenses, such as push-to-talk, start at $7 per month.
- Discounted rental price: $1 per phone, per month for the Poly Edge 220 model, which includes integrated Bluetooth and AI noise blocking.
- Integration with Microsoft Teams and various CRM applications.
RingCentral is probably the most refined VoIP application on the market in terms of the features it offers. You can put it on a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop.
Nextiva
Nextiva's system is designed with ease of use and functionality in mind. It divides its tools into communication, sales, and service, making it easy to find what you need right away. Nextiva offers a built-in contact list management and calendaring system, VoIP calling, video conferencing, team messaging, and SMS texting.
Key Features
- Thread conversations
- Meeting rooms
- File sharing
- Multi-level auto attendant
- Unlimited calling in the US and Canada
Nextiva also integrates with popular platforms like Outlook, Google Contacts, Salesforce, Hubspot, and Zendesk, especially on the Professional plan.
Administration and Analytics
Nextiva provides comprehensive call analytics and straightforward administration functions. The graphical call-flow builder allows admins to set up automatic call routing and interactive voice response (IVR) trees. It can also sync contacts with address books from Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
General Features
- Unlimited voice and video calling
- Voicemail and internet faxing
- Toll-free numbers at no extra charge
- Unlimited conference calls with screen sharing and voicemail transcription
- Auto-attendant
Nextiva is known for its impressive desktop app that combines business phone, texting, team chat, routing, caller ID, and customer experience tools, making it a top choice for businesses.
Vonage
Vonage is a VoIP phone provider known for its high-quality service and stylish design. It offers over 40 powerful features with its plans, making it a strong choice for small to mid-sized businesses.
Why We Picked It
Vonage stands out due to its exceptional service quality and great uptime for unlimited calling and texting. As a VoIP pioneer, it has had the time to refine many features that newer companies are still working on. Vonage also offers a good selection of third-party software integrations, including Salesforce, and supports custom applications that integrate with its platform.
Best For
- Small to mid-sized businesses
Pricing/Line/Month
Vonage offers a flexible "Build Your Own" plan, allowing businesses to add features and phone lines on top of unlimited calling and no long-distance charges. This plan is ideal for businesses of any size to take advantage of Vonage's quality and calling features.
Features
- VoIP calling
- Video meetings
- Team chat
- SMS
- IVR
- Analytics
- Call groups
Vonage’s Business Communications platform includes a desktop and mobile app, enabling users to make unlimited calls and texts within the US, Canada, and Mexico. The platform also offers basic routing features like IVR, analytics, and call groups.
What We Like
We were impressed with Vonage’s offerings for virtual numbers, which include plenty of toll-free and local options from across North America and dozens of other countries. However, some of the best features, like the shared messaging inbox, are reserved as add-ons.
8x8
8x8 is a well-known VoIP provider, especially favored 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. The service includes SMS, team chat, and video meetings, providing a comprehensive communication solution.
Pricing
8x8 offers several pricing plans to cater to different business needs:
- Express: $15 per user/month
- X2: $28 per user/month
- X4: $57 per user/month
Features
8x8 is packed with features that make it a strong contender in the VoIP market:
- High recording quality
- Convenient message alerts
- Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)
- Frontdesk feature for small businesses
Best For
8x8 is ideal for businesses that handle a large volume of international calls and are looking for a long-term contract. Its focus on UCaaS makes it a forward-thinking choice for organizations wanting to leverage software-based calling and conferencing solutions.
Despite some concerns about its focus on enterprise-level companies, 8x8 remains a robust option for small to midsize businesses looking to scale their customer service operations.
Ooma
Ooma Office is a UCaaS platform designed for small businesses. It supports VoIP calling across North America and Mexico, SMS texting, and video meetings with up to 25 participants. One standout feature is the free toll-free number and 500 toll-free minutes included with each account signup. However, the interface feels slightly outdated and lacks some useful phone features.
Plans and Pricing
Ooma Office offers three plans ranging from $19.95 to $29.95 per user per month:
- Essentials Plan: Mobile-only phone system with IVR, ring groups, and unlimited calling across North America and Mexico.
- Pro Plan: Adds video conferencing and a desktop app.
- Pro Plus Plan: Includes call queueing and CRM integrations.
Phone Options
Ooma provides various phone options, including:
- Ooma 2603: $79.99, 3 lines, HD audio
- Ooma 2613: $99.99, 6 lines, 24 programmable keys
- Ooma 2615W: $179.99, 10 lines, WiFi and Bluetooth
- Yealink T33G: $119.99, 4 lines, electronic hook switches, backlit color display
Additional Features
Ooma Office includes a range of add-on features such as international and pay-as-you-go calling, a personal phone number, and voice-to-text. You can also port an existing phone number to your Ooma account.
Ooma stands out because its product can be used without a computer, and it also sells separate hardware like IP desk phones.
Customer Service
Ooma offers customer support through a FAQ page, issue reports on their website, or via email. However, customer reviews indicate that support is not always readily available.
User Reviews
Ooma has a user rating of 3.3 on G2. While it offers convenient contracts that freeze the same price for years, it lacks short-term options and has limited customer support availability.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a distinctive and cost-effective solution tailored specifically for small businesses, particularly startups. It boasts a simple, user-friendly interface that facilitates seamless navigation. The streamlined call-forwarding functionality enables the elimination of app downloads unless the need arises to engage in text-based communication through the Grasshopper business number. Furthermore, incoming voicemails can be conveniently emailed, thereby obviating the necessity for callers to
Grasshopper’s layout is known to be simple and easy to use thanks to its experience on the market.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Their website suggests using the FAQs and Documentation to solve problems. If this doesn’t fit your criteria, there’s an option to
“Call Support” at the end of relevant FAQ articles.
PROS & CONS
GRASSHOPPER - BEST BASIC MOBILE CALLING AND TEXTING
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. The desktop and mobile interface includes a
voicemail, call logs, messaging history conversation, and basic call controls like forwarding and hold.
PRICING
Grasshopper starts at $14 monthly with an annual agreement. Its plans are priced to suit solopreneurs, startups and very small
businesses. If you are looking for an easy way to set up a professional contact with a simple phone system, Grasshopper represents
an affordable option with decent value for money.
MOBILE AND DESKTOP APPS
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Grasshopper is a popular VoIP option among individuals and small business owners. Satisfied customers frequently mentioned that
they enjoyed how simple and easy the service is while providing everything necessary to support a virtual business operation or
remote work. They also enjoy its convenience and mention that it is priced fairly.
Some customers had issues with poor call quality. I also noted a few Grasshopper customers found it difficult to connect with live
agents.
PRICING
Mitel
Mitel has been a key player in business voice communications for a long time. Its MiCloud Connect VoIP system aims to replicate the features of traditional, on-premises PBX systems. This makes it easier to connect remote offices. Even though it works as a cloud service, it prefers a central office setup to use a strong LAN. This can make it harder to set up compared to other VoIP services, but it offers real benefits.
Who It's For
Mitel's PBX-focused approach is better for midsize to large businesses. Small shops might want to look elsewhere. Distributed workforces might not get as much from MiCloud Connect as they would from other services. But if you're bringing employees back to a central office and want to use a well-managed LAN for top call quality, Mitel is worth considering.
Specs & Configurations
- Voicemail Transcription
- Software Phone
- SMS Messaging
- Automatic Call-Back
- Call Monitoring
- Voicemail to Email
- Electronic Fax
- E911 Service
- SIP Phone Support
- Toll-Free Option
- Video Conferencing
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Handy Bluetooth handset
- Contact import from CSV, Google, and some Microsoft 365 syncing
- Long list of CRM integrations
Cons:
- Can be harder to set up than other VoIP services
- Not ideal for very small businesses or highly distributed teams
Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is a complete VoIP phone system for businesses. It includes features like team chat, call monitoring, call queues, IVR, and call analytics in every plan. The desktop and mobile apps are easy to use, and team chat supports file sharing and emoji reactions. Zoom Phone’s voice quality is above average, likely due to their use of the Opus codec.
Pricing
Features
- Team chat
- Call monitoring
- Call queues
- IVR
- Call analytics
- Voicemail and transcription
Pros
- Solid integration with Zoom Video
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
- Automatic and on-demand call recording with transcription available
Cons
- Limited to Zoom ecosystem
- Some features may require additional costs
We previously considered Zoom to be a video-focused platform, but we changed our minds while using the software. While video is still the solution’s strong point, we felt that Zoom Phone’s breadth of features make it a well-rounded option.
Dialpad
Dialpad is a standout in the world of IP telephone services, especially for businesses looking for a software-based communications service. While it does support hardware handsets, its main focus is on its softphone, which gets updated every two weeks. This means you always have the latest features and improvements.
One of the key strengths of Dialpad is its use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. This technology helps enhance the service, making it more secure and efficient. Dialpad's AI technology was developed years ago, giving it a head start over many competitors.
For those who work remotely, Dialpad is compatible with many desk-based phones and has partnered with Jabra and Poly to integrate with various headsets. This makes it a versatile choice for different work environments.
Price-wise, Dialpad Talk is very competitive. There's also an option to integrate with the identity management platform Okta, adding another layer of convenience.
Dialpad's collaborative software is modern and sleek, making it a great, affordable option for small businesses that want an all-in-one communication hub.
GoToConnect
GoToConnect is a simple and secure VoIP provider, designed especially for users who aren't very tech-savvy. It's a popular choice for many businesses due to its user-friendly interface and reliable service.
Pricing
GoToConnect offers three main pricing plans:
Features
Some of the key features include:
- Cloud PBX
- Custom hold music
- Call management
- Advanced ring strategies
- One-click screen sharing
Best For
GoToConnect is ideal for solopreneurs with a small call volume. The Basic plan is perfect for small teams, while the Standard plan offers unlimited use for teams of any size.
GoToConnect's pricing varies based on the number of employees, making it a flexible option for businesses of all sizes.
Equipment
GoToConnect provides several IP phone systems to its customers, ensuring you have the right tools for your communication needs.
GoToConnect ensures you never miss a call from your customers. With our AI-powered agents, you can forward missed calls or get a new number, and we'll handle the rest. Our service is customizable to fit your needs, whether it's booking appointments or answering FAQs. Plans start at just $49 per month, and there's no commitment, so you can cancel anytime. Ready to see it in action?
Conclusion
Choosing the right IP telephone service provider can make a big difference for your business. With so many options out there, it's important to find one that fits your specific needs. Whether you need advanced features, great customer support, or cost-effective plans, there's a provider out there for you. Take your time to compare the top providers we've reviewed and make an informed decision. Remember, the right VoIP service can help your business run more smoothly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows you to make phone calls using the internet instead of a regular phone line.
How does VoIP work?
VoIP converts your voice into digital signals and sends them over the internet. When the signal reaches the recipient, it is converted back into sound.
Is VoIP reliable?
Yes, VoIP is generally reliable as long as you have a stable internet connection. However, call quality can be affected by internet speed and network congestion.
Can I keep my current phone number with VoIP?
Yes, most VoIP providers offer number porting, which lets you keep your existing phone number when you switch to their service.
Do I need special equipment for VoIP?
You might need a VoIP adapter if you want to use a regular phone. Otherwise, you can use a VoIP phone or even your computer or smartphone.
Is VoIP cheaper than traditional phone service?
Typically, VoIP services are more affordable than traditional phone services, especially for long-distance and international calls.
