Choosing the right IP telephone service provider can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in 2023. Different businesses have different needs, so it's essential to find a service that fits your specific requirements. In this article, we will explore some of the top IP telephone service providers to help you make an informed decision. From ease of use to feature-rich platforms, there's something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- RingCentral offers a comprehensive cloud-based PBX platform ideal for businesses of all sizes.
- 8x8 eXperience Communications provides an affordable and secure VoIP solution, great for small businesses.
- GoTo Connect combines flexible VoIP and messaging with top-notch video conferencing capabilities.
- Intermedia Unite is known for its enterprise-class call volumes and robust customer support.
- Vonage Business Communications excels in delivering high-quality audio and a unified communications hub.
RingCentral
RingCentral is a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive VoIP solution. It offers a wide range of features and a solid selection of equipment. Here’s a closer look at what makes RingCentral stand out:
General Features
- Local and toll-free business numbers
- Unlimited calling across the U.S. and Canada
- High-quality audio and video conferencing
- Carrier-compliant MMS and SMS
- Interactive voice response (IVR)
- Advanced call handling (whisper, barge)
- Internet faxing
Pricing
RingCentral offers a free 14-day trial and three plans:
Equipment
RingCentral provides a variety of VoIP hardware and devices, including:
- Poly CCX series (1 line)
- Mitel 6940w (48 lines, 7” color display)
- Unify CP series (2-6 lines)
- Cisco 8861 (10 lines, 2 USB ports)
- Poly Edge (up to 66 lines)
- Yealink T series (4-16 lines, color display, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)
- Avaya J series (9 lines, 3.5” color display)
Additional Features
- Free phone or non-geo number starting at $19.99 per month
- Unlimited outbound minutes for $10 per month per user
- RingCentral Webinar starting at $63 monthly per host
- Push-to-talk licenses starting at $7 per month
Customer Reviews
RingCentral is popular among users for its wide range of features and convenience. However, some customers have reported issues with customer support, including long hold times and inconsistent communication.
RingCentral is ideal for businesses that need a robust VoIP solution with extensive features and equipment options. While it may be pricier than some competitors, the comprehensive features and integrations can offer good value for money.
8x8 eXperience Communications
8x8 eXperience Communications is a top choice for medium to enterprise-level businesses that frequently use cloud-PBX and VoIP services. It offers a comprehensive suite of features that cater to various business needs, from simple phone systems to complex contact center setups.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No hardware required
- All-in-one plans for video, voice, and chat
- Unlimited domestic and international calling to at least 14 countries
- Host A/V meetings with up to 500 participants
- Stream private and public meetings on YouTube
Cons:
- Access to apps isn’t automatic
- Pricing doesn’t favor very small teams
- Security measures can lead to frequent logins
Expert Scores
Best For
8x8 is ideal for businesses looking for a unified communications hub. It offers a unified experience for all business calls and conferencing, making it a forward-thinking choice for organizations wanting to maximize software-based calling and conferencing solutions.
8x8’s focus on UCaaS demonstrates its forward-thinking approach, making it attractive to any organization that wants to make the most of what software-based calling and conferencing solutions offer.
Pricing
8x8 offers five plans—two unified communications plans and three contact center plans. However, pricing information is not publicly available, and you will need to contact them for a quote.
Additional Features
- 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
GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect is a versatile IP telephone service that caters to businesses of all sizes. It offers two main plans: Basic and Standard. The Basic plan costs $27 per user per month, while the Standard plan is priced at $32 per user per month. The Standard plan stands out with its unlimited VoIP calling to over 50 countries, including popular destinations like China, Australia, and the UK.
What We Like
- High-volume international calling: The Standard plan supports unlimited VoIP calling to over 50 countries.
- Phone system customization: Unlimited usage of key call distribution tools such as auto attendants, custom dial plans, ring groups, and call queues.
- Dial plan builder: A drag-and-drop IVR flow builder that requires no coding, making it easy to create custom routing systems.
What We Don't Like
- Limited Basic plan: The Basic plan supports only one auto attendant, ring group, and call queue, which may restrict larger teams.
- SMS credit limits: Each plan offers a preset number of SMS credits per user, capping the number of texts a user can send per month.
Equipment
GoTo Connect offers several IP phone systems, including:
- Cisco 8861: $715, 10 lines, 5” WVGA screen
- Polycom VVX 601: $479, 16 lines, built-in Bluetooth, touchscreen
- Yealink T57W: $359, 16 lines, built-in Bluetooth
GoTo Connect is ideal for businesses looking for a comprehensive VoIP solution with extensive international calling options and customizable phone systems.
Intermedia Unite
Intermedia Unite is a top choice for businesses seeking a reliable VoIP communications system. It offers a unified platform that includes voice, video, chat, and file sync, making it a comprehensive solution for small to midsize businesses and enterprises.
Key Features
- Unified communications with voice, video, chat, and file sync
- Robust integration with third-party services
- Voicemail transcription
- SMS messaging
- Automatic call-back
- Call monitoring
- Voicemail to email
- Electronic fax
- E911 service
- SIP phone support
- Toll-free option
- Video conferencing
Pricing
Intermedia Unite's pricing starts at $27.99 per user per month. While it may not be the cheapest option, the features and reliability it offers make it a good value for businesses that prioritize reliability and security.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Free phone or headset with every user
- Includes advanced features like AI Assistant
- Simple approach to plans and pricing
Cons:
- Not as tech-forward as some competitors
- Important integrations only available with upgrades
- Toll-free numbers are add-ons
Intermedia Unite is designed for security and compliance, making it a trustworthy choice for businesses that need to ensure their data is safe and secure.
Customer Service
Intermedia Unite offers 24/7 customer service, which is highly praised for its professionalism and quick response times. This makes it a reliable option for businesses that need consistent support.
Who Should Use Intermedia Unite?
Intermedia Unite is ideal for medium to large businesses that need a comprehensive, all-in-one VoIP platform. Its straightforward pricing and robust features make it a strong contender for businesses looking to grow and scale their communications systems.
Vonage Business Communications
Vonage is a well-known name in the VoIP industry, offering a wide range of features for both administrators and users. Its long-standing presence in the market has allowed it to refine its offerings over time. Here are some key points to consider:
Pros
- Extensive list of features, including AI-based Virtual Receptionist
- Solid mobile and desktop apps
- Good training and self-help materials
- Unlimited SMS within the US and Canada
- Easy meeting setup and logs
- Wide availability of phone numbers, both domestic and international
Cons
- Importing contacts can be cumbersome
- Add-on features can quickly increase costs
- Lacks some advanced features like call management and analytics
- Call recording is an add-on feature
- Higher starting costs compared to some competitors
Pricing
Vonage Business Communication offers three plans, with pricing for 1-20 users ranging from $19.99 to $34.99 per user per month. Seasonal discounts may also be available.
Equipment
Vonage offers several desk phone options, but they are not included in service bundles. Here are some available models:
- Yealink SIP T48U (16 lines, 7” color backlit display)
- Yealink T57W (16 lines, multipoint touch screen, 29 touch keys)
- Polycom VVX 250 (4 lines, 2.8” color LED screen)
- Poly CCX 600 (54 lines, integrated WiFi and Bluetooth, 7” screen, noise reduction)
Vonage is ideal for small businesses with bigger budgets that want a custom VoIP solution. While the base plan offers essential features, the Premium plan provides better value with video conferencing, team messaging, and integrations.
Dialpad
Dialpad is a popular VoIP provider known for its advanced AI features and user-friendly interface. It offers a range of services including voice and video calling, team chat, virtual faxing, and SMS texting. The desktop app is particularly praised for its modern and spacious UI, making it easy to navigate through its many features.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Transcription: Dialpad includes live call transcription and real-time analytics, which are beneficial for both agents and supervisors.
- User Experience: The desktop app is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even with its extensive feature set.
- Scalability: Dialpad is flexible and can scale with your business needs, making it a good choice for growing companies.
Pricing
Dialpad offers competitive pricing starting at $15 per month, paid annually. While the Standard and Pro tier prices are publicly available, the Enterprise plan requires contacting the sales team for a quote.
Customer Reviews
Customers generally find Dialpad to be a reasonably priced service with great features. They appreciate the AI components, flexibility in day-to-day communication, and the ability to send and receive calls through PC and mobile devices. However, some customers have reported issues with call quality and billing transparency.
Dialpad's focus on technology and innovation makes it a strong contender in the VoIP market, especially for businesses looking for a cost-effective, feature-rich solution.
Microsoft Teams Phone
Microsoft Teams Phone is an excellent choice for businesses already using Microsoft Teams. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, making it a convenient option for many companies.
Key Features
- Cloud-based phone system
- Call transfer and call queues
- Multi-level auto attendants
- 24/7 customer support
Pros
- Robust integration with Office 365
- Strong mobile and desktop performance
- Affordable for Microsoft 365 subscribers
Cons
- Limited to 300 users
- Some admin tasks require PowerShell scripting
If your business already relies on Microsoft solutions, Microsoft Teams Phone is a great addition to your communication tools. The setup is quick, and you can easily manage your calls and meetings from any device.
Pricing
User Experience
Users find the service intuitive and reliable, especially if they are familiar with Microsoft products. However, it can be tricky to integrate if you're not used to the Microsoft ecosystem.
Nextiva
Nextiva is a robust VoIP service provider that offers a wide range of features to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Nextiva's software delivers on its claims of providing powerful VoIP software that's easy to install and use. The video and audio quality are clear, making it a reliable choice for communication.
General Features
- Unlimited voice and video calling
- Voicemail and internet faxing
- Toll-free numbers at no extra charge
- Unlimited conference calls with features like screen sharing and voicemail transcription
- Auto-attendant and Acoustic Echo Cancellation to eliminate echoes during calls
Additional Features
Nextiva’s vFAX starts at $7.95 per month for 500 pages, making it an affordable online fax tool. A HIPAA-friendly version is available for healthcare companies.
Customer Reviews
Nextiva is popular among users for its ease of use. However, some users have mixed experiences with the support team, and there are concerns about the difficulty in canceling the service.
Pricing
Nextiva offers flexible pricing plans:
Best For
Nextiva is best suited for medium to large organizations looking for a scalable VoIP solution. Small businesses might find more cost-effective alternatives like Google Voice or Grasshopper.
Nextiva's system is designed with usability and functionality in mind, making it easy to find the features you need as soon as you log in.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Great call quality
- Customizable auto-attendant
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Limited third-party integrations
- Buggy mobile app
- Lackluster video meetings
User Reviews
Nextiva has a rating of 4.4 on G2, indicating generally positive feedback from users.
Ooma Office
Ooma Office is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a reliable VoIP service. Starting at $19.95 per user per month, it offers a range of features without requiring any contracts. This can save you money by avoiding early termination fees and other hidden costs.
Key Features
- Unlimited domestic calls: Make as many calls as you need within the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.
- Add-on features: Options like international calling, pay-as-you-go calling, and voicemail transcription.
- Mobile and desktop apps: Stay connected with the Ooma Telo app, available for both mobile and desktop.
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Try the service risk-free for a month.
Customer Reviews
Customers generally praise Ooma Office for its phone quality and features. The customer support team is also highly rated. However, some users have noted that the service may not be ideal for sole proprietors and that older reviews might not reflect the current state of the product.
Pricing
Ooma Office offers three plans:
Customer Service
Ooma Office provides 24/7 customer support via phone or chat. They also offer a comprehensive knowledge base with guides and resources to help you troubleshoot any issues.
Ooma Office is a cost-effective solution with solid call quality and reliability, but it may lack some advanced features compared to enterprise-grade solutions. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for smaller businesses seeking an affordable communication solution.
Mitel MiCloud Connect
Mitel MiCloud Connect is a robust VoIP solution designed for businesses that need a reliable and feature-rich communication system. Mitel has a rating of 4.1 stars with 53 reviews, making it a solid choice for many organizations.
Mitel's MiCloud Connect aims to replicate the features of traditional, on-premises PBX systems. This makes it easier to interconnect remote offices, even when acting as a cloud service. However, it can be harder to set up compared to other VoIP services.
Why We Picked It
Mitel is a longtime player in business voice communications. Its guiding principle for MiCloud Connect has been to offer a robust LAN for optimal call quality. This makes it a great option for businesses bringing employees back into a central office.
Who It's For
Mitel MiCloud Connect is best suited for midsize to large businesses. Tiny shops might want to skip this one. It's also not ideal for highly distributed workforces. But if you're leveraging a well-managed LAN, Mitel's offering deserves a look.
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
Mitel MiCloud Connect offers a comprehensive set of features that can meet the needs of many businesses. However, the overall costs can rise quickly due to incremental charges for reports and modifications.
Mitel MiCloud Connect is your go-to solution for seamless communication. With features like AI-powered call handling and customizable voice agents, you can ensure that no customer call goes unanswered. Our service is designed to improve over time, adapting to your specific needs. Ready to transform your business communication? Visit our website to learn more and get started today!
Conclusion
Choosing the right VoIP service provider is crucial for any business, big or small. Each provider offers unique features and benefits, so it's important to understand your specific needs before making a decision. Whether you prioritize ease of use, advanced features, or cost-effectiveness, there's a VoIP solution out there for you. Take the time to research and compare different providers to find the best fit for your business. Remember, the right VoIP service can enhance your communication, improve productivity, and ultimately contribute to your business's success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VoIP and how does it work?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It allows you to make phone calls using the internet instead of traditional phone lines. Your voice is converted into digital data and sent over your internet connection.
Do I need special equipment to use VoIP?
Most VoIP services work with your existing internet connection and devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets. However, you might need a VoIP adapter for traditional phones or specialized VoIP phones for advanced features.
Is VoIP reliable for business use?
Yes, VoIP is reliable for business use. Many businesses use VoIP because it offers high-quality calls, advanced features, and is often more affordable than traditional phone services.
Can I keep my phone number if I switch to a VoIP service?
Yes, most VoIP providers allow you to port your existing phone number to their service. You should check with the provider to ensure this option is available.
What are the benefits of using VoIP for my business?
VoIP offers several benefits, including lower costs, flexibility, advanced features like call forwarding and voicemail to email, and the ability to make calls from anywhere with an internet connection.
How secure is VoIP?
VoIP can be very secure if proper measures are taken. Many providers offer encryption and other security features to protect your calls and data. It's important to choose a reputable provider and follow best practices for security.
