In today's tech-savvy world, finding the right IP telephone service provider can be really tricky. With so many options out there, how do you know which one to pick? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we'll look at some of the top IP telephone service providers you should consider right now. From their features to their pricing, we'll help you make an informed choice.
Key Takeaways
- RingCentral offers a wide range of features suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Ooma Office is best known for its traditional PBX capabilities.
- Mitel MiCloud Connect excels in customer support and is ideal for call centers.
- Freshdesk Contact Center is perfect for very small businesses looking for a simple solution.
- Cisco Webex Calling is a reliable option with extensive features.
RingCentral
RingCentral is a top choice among IP telephone service providers, known for its reliability and high call quality. It offers a wide range of features, including a multilevel auto attendant and interactive voice response (IVR). The Core tier even includes video conferencing for up to 100 attendees.
RingCentral MVP, which stands for "messaging, video, and phone," showcases its shift from basic voice services to a more comprehensive UCaaS approach. This service is particularly reliable at handling high call volumes, a challenge for many competitors. Additionally, its AI-backed transcription and call analysis features are noteworthy.
RingCentral Webinar starts at $63 monthly per host and includes a free trial for new subscribers. Other licenses, like push-to-talk, start at $7 per month.
RingCentral is easy to set up and onboard employees, offering a variety of built-in features and optional integrations. It also provides unique reporting metrics that can benefit small businesses.
Ooma Office
Ooma Office is a great choice for small businesses that need dependable customer service. The support team is available any day and anytime by phone or chat, which is a big selling point for companies that need a reliable partner to help troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Ooma Office offers over 50 features, including hold music, ring groups, and a virtual receptionist. If you need more advanced web conferencing and calling features, you can upgrade to Ooma Office Pro.
Pricing
Ooma Office allows you to pay as you go without committing to a contract. While the pricing is slightly expensive, it offers flexibility for businesses that don't want long-term commitments.
Additional Features
Ooma Office includes 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.
Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate the features and overall quality of communication tools. However, some felt the connectedness across devices could have been better.
Mitel MiCloud Connect
Mitel MiCloud Connect is a robust VoIP system designed to replicate the features of traditional, on-premises PBX systems. This makes it ideal for midsize to large businesses that need to interconnect remote offices. While it can be harder to set up than some other business VoIP services, it offers real advantages in call quality and reliability.
Pros
- Handy Bluetooth handset
- Contact import from CSV plus Google and some Microsoft 365 syncing
- Long list of available CRM integrations
Cons
- Fixed number of reports; modifying or adding new ones costs extra
- Overall costs can rise quickly due to incremental charges
Mitel MiCloud Connect is best for businesses that are bringing employees back into a central office and want to leverage a well-managed LAN for optimal call quality.
Freshdesk Contact Center
Freshdesk Contact Center is a top choice for organizations with high call volumes, especially those focused on customer phone support. Its call monitoring and management options are exceptional, ensuring a high-quality customer experience. Freshdesk integrates seamlessly with various e-commerce, help desk, and CRM systems, including its own suite of tools. This makes it a robust solution for large-scale calling operations.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Easy to configure
- Great feature set for a low-cost call center solution
- Call transcription support
Cons:
- Limited support for desktop phone equipment
- Lacks external syncing, so contacts must be imported using a CSV file
- Transcription only available at the Enterprise pricing tier
Freshdesk Contact Center is ideal for businesses that need a reliable and feature-rich call center solution without breaking the bank.
Line2
Line2 is a simple and straightforward VoIP service, making it a great choice for small business owners who want to avoid confusion and adopt new technology quickly. The price point is just right at $15.99 per month per user. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of other providers, it covers most of the essential features needed by small businesses.
Line2 offers unlimited calls and texts to customers in the U.S. and Canada. It also includes useful features like call blocking and caller ID. However, it lacks collaborative tools such as video conferencing, chat, and internet faxing.
If you're looking for a no-frills VoIP service that gets the job done without overcomplicating things, Line2 is worth considering.
Cisco Webex Calling
Cisco Webex Calling is a solid choice for businesses looking for a mix of virtual phone and collaboration tools. It offers unlimited local and domestic long-distance calling along with features like auto-attendants, call waiting, call forwarding, six-way conference calls, and visual voicemail. Additionally, users get access to Webex Free, a no-cost conferencing solution that allows meetings with up to 100 attendees for 40 minutes.
Webex Calling is backed by Cisco's years of trusted experience and expertise. While its video calling platform is excellent, the calling features cover many VoIP needs. However, it might not be the best choice if you need a very robust platform that's easy to set up.
Pros
- Unlimited local and domestic long-distance calling
- Auto-attendants, call waiting, and call forwarding
- Six-way conference calls and visual voicemail
- Access to Webex Free for meetings
Cons
- No free trial on paid plans
- Limits cloud recording to 10 GB unless on a custom Enterprise plan
- Not as comprehensive as some other options
Best For
Webex by Cisco is ideal for businesses that need both video meeting and calling features. The calling-only plan, which includes all the video features from the free plan plus additional calling features, is available for just $17 per license per month.
Webex Calling could be a cost-effective option for companies seeking both virtual phone and collaboration tools.
Intermedia
Intermedia offers a robust VoIP solution that combines Unite for Communications with Microsoft Teams, starting at $15.99 per month. This add-on includes essential features like basic private branch exchange (PBX), E911, and contact sync.
Intermedia Unite is known for its reliability. With audited and compliant data centers, 99.999% uptime guarantees, and strong privacy controls, your information is secure. This makes it a great choice for businesses needing dependable service.
Intermedia supports both physical and virtual softphone systems. You can access and sync with its mobile or desktop apps, and even expand communication to include SMS and inter-team chats.
General Features
- Unlimited calling
- Cloud-based phone systems
- Video or audio conferencing with real-time screen sharing
- Internet faxing
- Voicemail to email
Intermedia has a solid reputation for service and support, with high average ratings across review sites. Many customers are very satisfied with their experience.
1-VoIP Residential
1-VoIP Residential is a top choice for home VoIP services, offering a range of features that make it stand out from traditional phone services. With 1-VoIP, you can enjoy lower costs and more features compared to standard phone lines.
Key Features
- Caller ID: Know who's calling before you pick up.
- Voicemail: Never miss an important message.
- Call Waiting: Handle multiple calls with ease.
- E911 Support: Access emergency services quickly.
- Three-Way Calling: Talk to two people at once.
Additional Benefits
1-VoIP Residential also offers intelligent call routing and virtual numbers. You can even keep your current phone number through a process called "porting."
If you're looking for a reliable and feature-rich home phone service, 1-VoIP Residential is a great option to consider.
Poly VVX 601
If you're looking for a reliable VoIP phone, the Poly VVX 601 should be at the top of your list. This model combines a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, 16 line keys, and video capabilities with crystal clear sound quality. It's a significant upgrade from a traditional landline.
The Poly VVX 601 is highly dependable, securing an average rating of 4.4/5 in its Google reviews. Should any downtime occur, Polycom’s flexible help and support options are designed to get you back up and running quickly.
Key Features
- 4.3-inch color touchscreen
- 16 line keys
- Video capabilities
- Crystal clear sound quality
Pricing
The Poly VVX 601 starts at $199. However, full packages can cost upwards of $300, making it a bit pricier than some competitors.
For businesses looking for a dependable telephony system, the Poly VVX 601 is a solid choice. Its hardware is crafted to a high standard, and its user base is consistently satisfied with its performance.
Cisco 7841
The Cisco 7841 is a great choice for businesses looking for a reliable and affordable VoIP phone. This model is known for its quality and performance across various needs, making it a solid all-rounder. Cisco is a respected name in the business telephone industry, so choosing this VoIP hardphone means you're in safe hands.
For businesses that need a basic hardphone setup, the Cisco 7841 is dependable. It features a high-resolution grayscale display, four-line keys, and a full-range speakerphone. While it may not have all the advanced features of other models, it is more than enough for businesses with basic VoIP needs.
Key Features
- High-resolution grayscale display
- Four-line keys
- Full-range speakerphone
Pricing
The Cisco 7841 is priced from $88, making it the best value IP phone according to our research. This makes it a great choice for smaller businesses or those looking to keep costs down.
If your business needs more advanced calling features or frequent video calls, the Cisco 7841 might be too basic for your needs.
The Cisco 7841 is a reliable and user-friendly phone that ensures you never miss an important call. With features like call forwarding and AI-powered answering, it’s perfect for businesses of all sizes. Want to see it in action? Try our demo now and experience the difference!
Conclusion
Choosing the right IP telephone service provider can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. However, by focusing on what features matter most to you, such as pricing, customer support, and specific functionalities, you can narrow down your choices. The providers we've discussed offer a range of services that cater to different needs, whether you're looking for something basic or feature-rich. Take your time to compare and find the one that fits your requirements best. Remember, the right VoIP service can make a big difference in your communication experience.
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 traditional 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. However, its performance can depend on your internet connection. A strong, stable internet connection will provide the best results.
Can I use VoIP for international calls?
Yes, you can use VoIP to make international calls. Many VoIP providers offer affordable rates for international calling.
Do I need special equipment for VoIP?
You might need a VoIP-compatible phone or an adapter for your existing phone. Some services also work with a computer or mobile app.
Is VoIP cheaper than traditional phone services?
Often, VoIP can be more cost-effective than traditional phone services, especially for long-distance and international calls.
