The 10 Best VoIP Services for Business in 2024

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Switching to the best VoIP service from a traditional landline can slash your monthly phone bills by up to 50%. VoIP also outperforms landlines, offering superior call quality and advanced call handling features, which can speed up the workflows of your agents while improving the customer experience.

I’ve tested the best VoIP service providers on the market, scoring them on factors like value for money, domestic and international minutes, and support for contemporary features like video conferencing and CRM integrations. Following my in-depth research, I compiled this list of the 10 best VoIP services for businesses.

The Best Business VoIP Phone Services Tested by Our Experts

Ooma — Best low-commitment VoIP service

60-day free trial
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RingCentral — Best enterprise VoIP phone system

14-day free trial
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MightyCall — Best business VoIP for call centers

7-day free trial
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Nextiva — Best VoIP provider for unified communications

7-day free trial
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OpenPhone — Best VoIP phone service for sales and recruitment

7-day free trial
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Voiply — Best low-cost VoIP service provider

30-day money-back guarantee
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Phone.com — Best VoIP phone system for small businesses

30-day money-back guarantee
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The 10 Best IP Phone Services for Businesses Ranked

  1. OomaBest low-commitment VoIP service
  2. RingCentral Best enterprise VoIP phone system
  3. MightyCallBest business VoIP for call centers
  4. NextivaBest VoIP provider for unified communications
  5. OpenPhone Best VoIP phone service for sales and recruitment
  6. VoiplyBest low-cost VoIP service provider
  7. Phone.com Best VoIP phone system for small businesses
  8. Vonage Best VoIP system for remote workers
  9. DialPad Best VoIP service with AI features
  10. 8×8 Best VoIP service provider for global teams

The 10 Best VoIP Providers Reviewed

Here, I’ll explore each of the top VoIP tools in more depth to help you choose one that’s best suited to your needs and budget.

1. Ooma — Best Low-Commitment VoIP Service

Ooma Logo

Starting Price $19.95/user/month
Free Version
Key Features No contracts, Easy installation, Free number porting
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support 24/7 phone support, Help articles
Why We Picked It

I selected Ooma as one of the top VoIP service providers because it offers a comprehensive cloud-based phone system with over 100 communication features, no long-term contracts, and a simple self-setup process.

Features

No Contracts — Ooma offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model, allowing you to sign up without committing to an annual contract. This is perfect for those new to VoIP, hesitant about switching from a traditional system, or are seeking a short-term solution. You have access to advanced calling features while retaining flexibility in case your circumstances change.

Easy Installation — Ooma offers a simple DIY installation process, so you can easily set up the service using your existing hardware. There’s no need to call an engineer or purchase new handsets because Ooma VoIP works with analog phones and smartphones. You can also opt for an Ooma IP phone, which is currently available as a buy one, get one free deal.

Free Number Porting — Another way Ooma simplifies its setup is by offering free number porting. This means you can keep the same business number as your previous system, minimizing disruption for your customers trying to reach you.

Pricing

Ooma offers three pricing plans for businesses of various sizes and budgets. Below, I’ve outlined each plan’s costs and features:

Plan Office Essentials Office Pro Office Pro Plus
Price $19.95/user/month $24.95/user/month $29.95/user/month
  • Office Essentials — Offers a range of 50 advanced call management features, which is generous compared to other entry-level plans on this list. It also supports unlimited domestic voice calling, but it doesn’t offer video conferencing, like 8×8’s cheapest plan, for instance.
  • Office Pro — Ooma’s mid-tier plan adds video conferencing to the mix with up to 25 participants; note that this is not as many participants as Vonage (200) or Nextiva (250) for the same plan tier. It also offers call recording and the ability to make and receive calls from the desktop softphone app.
  • Office Pro Plus — Ooma’s top-tier plan increases the video conferencing capacity to 100 participants. This is still less than the cheaper plans of other providers on this list, but for $29.95 per month, it’s a good deal for smaller teams. It also introduces online appointment scheduling and CRM integration.
Who it's Best For

Ooma is a great option for businesses that need a professional VoIP system but don’t want to commit to a long-term contract. It has an easy setup process and offers flexible contracts, making it ideal for businesses that require a phone line for temporary projects, such as seasonal businesses or pop-up stores. You can cancel the service at any time, as it operates on a monthly rolling contract.

However, it’s worth noting that monthly pricing can end up being more expensive than annual plans. For instance, most VoIP systems offer a discount of $5-$10 per month when billed annually compared to monthly billing.

Pros pros

  • Supports 70+ countries
  • AI receptionist with hold music
  • Offers call forwarding and call parking
  • Monthly rolling contracts

Cons cons

  • Limited features with the basic plan
  • More expensive starting plan than most providers

2. RingCentral — Best Enterprise VoIP Phone System

RingCentral logo

Starting Price $30/user/month
Free Version
Key Features Advanced integrations, Global coverage, Robust security
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support Phone, Chat, FAQs, Online training
Why We Picked It

I selected RingCentral as it offers an advanced VoIP solution for enterprise-level communication needs.

Features

Advanced Integrations — Most large enterprises will have a developed software stack to record and track the high volumes of inbound and outbound calls made each day. Therefore, it makes sense to adopt a phone system that can integrate with existing software. RingCentral offers hundreds of integrations with commonly used communication, productivity, and CRM tools like Salesforce, Microsoft 365, and Slack.

Global Coverage — In addition to offering unlimited calling within the US and Canada, RingCentral allows you to set up additional international virtual numbers in 99+ countries for just $5.99 per month. If you prefer to work with traditional phone lines, you can also set up a PSTN line in 45 countries.

Robust Security — It’s crucial for large enterprises to opt for highly secure VoIP systems. RingCentral complies with various global security regulations such as HITRUST, GDPR, PCI, and HIPAA. Additionally, it is hosted on a secure cloud platform, providing peace of mind that your data is safe.

Pricing

RingCentral offers three pricing tiers for a range of business sizes and budgets. Below, I’ve outlined what each plan includes and what it costs:

Plan Core Advanced Ultra
Monthly $40/user/month $45/user/month $55/user/month
Annual $30/user/month $35/user/month $45/user/month
  • Core — A suitable fix for small businesses, with features such as unlimited domestic calling, SMS and MMS, visual voicemail, IVR, unlimited video meetings, up to 100 participants with AI meeting transcription, summaries, and insights, SSO, Quality of Service analytics, and integration with Google, Microsoft, and custom platforms via API.
  • Advanced — For more advanced needs, this plan expands on the Core plan’s features with auto call recording, advanced call monitoring and handling, CRM integrations, cloud storage back-up, and custom roles and permissions.
  • Ultra — Building upon the previous plans, this plan offers customizable business analytics, unlimited AI video meetings for up to 200 participants, and unlimited storage for files and recordings.
Who it's Best For

RingCentral is a great fit for large businesses as it can handle complex communication needs at an enterprise level. It provides unlimited video calling, advanced call handling features, global calling, and strong security features.

Although the Core plan targets smaller businesses, at $30 per month it is relatively expensive when compared to competitors’ entry-level plans. For example, Ooma offers a plan at $19.95 per month and Vonage at $13.99 per month.

Pros pros

  • Offers 300+ app integrations
  • High security
  • Good reputation in the VoIP space
  • User-friendly mobile and desktop apps

Cons cons

  • High starting price, especially for smaller businesses
  • Lots of paid add-ons, like Push to Talk and additional numbers
RingCentral

3. MightyCall — Best Business VoIP for Call Centers

MightyCall Logo

Starting Price $15/user/month
Free Version
Key Features Call queue management, Detailed call analytics, Multi-level IVR
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support Live onboarding, Chat, Email, Phone, Ticket submission, Knowledge base
Why We Picked It

I included MightyCall as it is one of the best VoIP solutions for call centers due to its focus on high-volume incoming call handling.

Features

Call Queue Management — When your call volume outweighs the number of available agents, efficient call routing and queueing can alleviate the pressure. Call queuing keeps multiple callers on the line, while routing can pass calls through to alternate numbers, recorded messages, or voicemail if an agent is not available.

Detailed Call Analytics — MightyCall provides monitoring features, call barging, call recording, and call intercept so that you can analyze performance and protect your staff. Additionally, you can use previous calls for training purposes to standardize best practices.

Multi-Level Interactive Voice Response (IVR) — Multi-level IVR is an advanced automated menu that greets callers and directs them to the right department or language. This makes MightyCall an ideal phone system for larger businesses with various teams sharing a central phone line.

Pricing

MightyCall offers four pricing plans for various business sizes and budgets. Below, I’ve outlined what each plan costs and includes:

Plan Core Pro Power Enterprise
Monthly $20/user/month $30/user/month $40/user/month $50/user/month
Annual $15/user/month $23/user/month $30/user/month $50/user/month
  • Core — Advanced virtual phone system with unlimited calling and messaging, making it more generous than one of its closest price competitors, Phone.com. You get 2 business phone numbers integrations (also more than Phone.com), and API access.
  • Pro — This is a relatively well-priced call center solution. It has all Core features plus a supervisor workspace, live call monitoring, analytics, and reporting.
  • Power — An auto-dialing call center plan with all Pro features, plus a preview dialer, a progressive dialer, and a dedicated account manager.
  • Enterprise – Custom plan with all Power features, plus a predictive dialer, SIP trunking support, and custom integrations.
Who it's Best For

MightyCall is well-suited for larger businesses and call centers that handle high incoming call volumes across multiple departments.

It provides an impressive set of inbound and outbound calling features, ideal for customer service teams and external communications. It also prioritizes security, which is key for dealing with customer data.

However, it lacks certain features, like video calling and team chat, that would make it suitable for use as an internal team VoIP system, like Vonage and Ooma.

Pros pros

  • Excellent call recording features
  • Multi-level IVR and music on hold
  • An easy-to-use interface
  • World-class Amazon Web Services data centers
  • Connections are secured with SSL certificates providing 256-bit encryption

Cons cons

  • Doesn’t offer video calling
  • Limited third-party integrations
MightyCall

4. Nextiva — Best VoIP Provider for Unified Communications

Nextiva logo

Starting Price $20/user/month
Free Version
Key Features All-in-one platform, Flexible hardware, CRM integration
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support 24/7 phone, chat, knowledge base, email, ticket submission, webinars
Why We Picked It

Nextiva made my list of the best VoIP services for its contemporary ‘unified communications’ solution. It successfully combines various channels into one platform, including social media, website live chat, and review management.

Features

All-in-One Platform — Manage your website live chat, messaging apps, social media channels, and online reviews from one central location, along with your voice and video calls.

Flexible Hardware — Choose whether you’d like to operate Nextiva from mobile or desktop apps, conference phones, or VoIP desk phones.

CRM Integration — Nextiva integrates with leading CRM platforms like HubSpot, Zendesk, and Salesforce to help you provide well-informed customer service and promote consistency across all your communication platforms.

Pricing

Nextiva offers four pricing plans for various business sizes and budgets. Below, I’ve outlined what each plan costs and includes.

Plan Digital Core Engage Power Suite
Monthly $25/user/month $35/user/month $50/user/month $75/user/month
Annual $20/user/month $30/user/month $40/user/month $60/user/month
  • Digital — Supports start-ups wanting to centralize communication with customers on diverse channels — including live chat, messaging, social media, reviews, and digital helpdesk. This does not include voice calling like Ooma and Vonage, which are also cheaper.
  • Core — A small team solution for voice and video calling, SMS, screen, and file sharing. However, the 250-participant limit on video conferencing is rather generous.
  • Engage — A solution for growing teams with higher call volume, including features such as reporting, toll-free numbers, call queuing, and integration with MS Teams.
  • Power Suite — For sales and customer service-level call volume, this plan offers advanced IVR, intelligent call routing, and a unified team interface and supervisor dashboard to better manage teams of agents.
Who it's Best For

Nextiva is ideal for contemporary businesses that do not solely rely on voice calling to communicate with their customers. It recognizes that multi-channel communication is the new standard as more customers prefer to interact with businesses via messaging or social media. If you’re seeking an omnichannel solution, Nextiva is a great choice.

That said, it’s important to note that its entry-level Digital plan does not support voice calling. If you want to combine messaging platforms and voice calling, you’ll have to subscribe to the Core plan, which is pricier than some competitors at $30 per month.

Pros pros

  • Omnichannel communication solution
  • IVR and an auto-attendant
  • Integration with popular CRMs
  • Conference calling for unlimited users with HD video
  • Excellent voicemail transcription feature

Cons cons

  • Digital plan doesn’t include voice calling
  • Most integrations locked to highest-tier plan

5. OpenPhone — Best VoIP Phone Service for Sales and Recruitment

OpenPhone Logo

Starting Price $15/user/month
Free Version
Key Features Shared numbers, AI transcripts, CRM integration
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support Contact form, Email, Knowledge base
Why We Picked It

I chose OpenPhone as it offers an excellent VoIP service for inbound and outbound calling. It allows teams to provide a personalized service when closing deals or staying in touch with candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Features

Shared Numbers — Combining a shared inbound sales number with an IVR system allows multiple team members to handle incoming calls through the same number. This ensures that no lead is missed and supports collaboration on customer follow-ups. Using one number also ensures that clients and prospects receive a consistent brand experience.

AI Transcripts — OpenPhone’s AI call transcripts and summaries can record your sales and recruitment calls and build a paper trail of interactions. This is especially important when discussing quotes and proposals.

CRM Integration — OpenPhone integrates with leading CRM systems like HubSpot and Salesforce, allowing you to track interactions with leads in a centralized database linked to your phone system. When making calls, you can easily view customer profiles from your CRM.

Pricing

OpenPhone offers three pricing plans to suit a range of businesses and budgets. Below, I’ve outlined what each plan costs and includes:

Plan Starter Business Enterprise
Monthly $19/user/month $33/user/month Custom
Annual $15/user/month $23/user/month Custom
  • Starter — A straightforward plan for essential VoIP calling, including one new local or toll-free phone number per user, calling and messaging to the US and Canada, and voicemail transcripts.
  • Business — With more advanced features such as OpenPhone AI, group calling, call transfers, HubSpot and Salesforce integration, phone menus, auto call recording, and analytics and reporting, in addition to everything on the Starter plan.
  • Enterprise — If your needs are more complex, the Enterprise plan offers everything from the Business plan with the addition of a custom contract and pricing, a dedicated account manager, priority support, and an audit log.
Who it's Best For

OpenPhone is well-suited to client-facing calling, such as sales, recruitment, or customer service teams. It easily integrates with CRM systems and offers a breadth of features to simplify the handling of inbound and outbound calls.

It’s less suitable for internal communication within teams as it lacks video calling, like 8×8 or Ooma.

Pros pros

  • Simple yet intuitive
  • Excellent value for money
  • Incredible reputation
  • Highly customizable

Cons cons

  • Some settings are tricky to find on mobile
  • Could use more phone number options

 

6. Voiply — Best Low-Cost VoIP Service Provider

Starting Price $4.96/user/month
Free Version
Key Features Budget-friendly plans, Unlimited calling, Basic setup
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support 24/7 phone, Email, Ticket submission
Why We Picked It

I included Voiply as one of the best VoIP service providers because it offers the lowest prices in the industry and a host of helpful features for professional call management.

Features

Budget-Friendly Plans — With prices starting from just $4.96 per month, Voiply is the cheapest VoIP system I’ve encountered. This makes it ideal for smaller businesses and those prioritizing budgets.

Unlimited Calling — From its cheapest plan and up, Voiply supports unlimited calling in the US and Canada.

Basic Setup — Voiply’s simple, user-friendly interface allows you to set it up with minimal technical expertise. There’s no need for additional equipment as it can work with your smartphone or computer – as long as you have an internet connection.

Pricing

Voiply offers three plans for various business sizes and budgets. Below, you’ll find the details on what each plan costs:

Plan Starter Advanced Premier
Monthly $5.95/user/month $11.95/user/month $16.95/user/month
Annual $4.96/user/month $9.96/user/month $14.13/user/month
  • Starter — This plan offers solo entrepreneurs unlimited domestic calling, a mobile app, a free local number, the ability to port an existing number, voicemail to email, and text messaging —  at the cheapest price point on our list for any plan.
  • Advanced – Everything in Starter but better for small teams and still under $10, making it the most affordable mid-tier plan on this list. It includes the desktop app, supports up to 5 users, one new local and toll-free number, call blocking, custom auto attendants, ring groups, call recording, and conferencing.
  • Premier — This is a more robust solution with all Advanced features, plus support for VoIP desk phones, analytics and reporting, and call queues.  While this is the cheapest plan of this tier on my list, it still offers a decent range of advanced functionality.
Who it's Best For

If you’re a small business owner or simply want to minimize telecom expenses, Voiply is a great budget-friendly solution.

Due to its price, it lacks advanced features like complex analytics, integrations, and video calling. However, if you’re simply looking for a VoIP phone line with unlimited calling, Voiply can provide this for less than $5 per month.

Pros pros

  • 99.99% uptime
  • Options to customize
  • Free toll-free number
  • Most affordable option
  • Easy to set up and launch

Cons cons

  • More limited feature set than competitors
  • Limited call analytics

 

7. Phone.com — Best VoIP Phone System for Small Businesses

Starting Price $12.74/user/month
Free Version
Key Features Customizable phone menus, Business phone numbers, Video conferencing
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support 24/7 phone, Chat, Email, Ticket submission, Contact form
Why We Picked It

I included Phone.com as one of the best VoIP systems for small businesses, as it offers modest pricing plans without sacrificing key features.

Features

Customizable Phone Menus — The customized phone menu provides your customers with a top-tier calling experience, giving your business more credibility.

Business Phone Numbers — You can still take calls via your smartphone, but customers will have a different number. This can be a toll-free, local, or international number, depending on what works best for your customers.

Video Conferencing — You can host logo-branded virtual meetings that are protected with 256-bit encryption for 10-100 participants, depending on your plan. This means you can communicate face-to-face with your team and clients even when you’re geographically dispersed.

Pricing

Phone.com has three tiers for various business sizes and budgets. Below, you’ll find the details on each plan:

Plan Basic Plus Pro
Monthly $14.99/user/month $21.99/user/month $31.99/user/month
Annual $12.74/user/month $18.69/user/month $27.19/user/month
  • Basic — 500 minutes across the account, which isn’t as appealing as the unlimited calling of other similarly-price plans from Dialpad and MightyCall ($15 per month). You also get one number per account, video conferencing for 10 participants, 50 standard voice features, and access to mobile and web apps.
  • Plus — Unlimited calling kicks in for this plan, and you’ll now get 1 number per user. Plus allows for 25-participant video conferencing, making it less generous than most other mid-tier plans, but it is cheaper. You also voicemail transcription.
  • Pro — All Plus features, 100-participant video conferencing, call analytics, call recording, and CRM integration.
Who it's Best For

Phone.com is excellent for small businesses that want to present a professional image to customers calling with features like hold music, auto-attendants, and custom greetings without enterprise-level price tags.

If you’re needing a simple VoIP plan that supports cheap unlimited virtual calling I’s recommend Voiply instead. Phone.com’s unlimited minutes are only included from the Plus plan at $18.69 per month vs Voiply’s $4.96 per month.

Pros pros

  • Excellent call routing and call handling options
  • HIPAA compliant
  • Offers call transcription and voice tagging
  • Affordable plans

Cons cons

  • Unlimited minutes aren’t included on Basic plan
  • Fewer integrations than competitors

 

8. Vonage — Best VoIP System for Remote Workers

Vonage logo

Starting Price $13.99/line/month
Free Version
Key Features Mobile app, Collaboration tools, International numbers
Toll-Free Numbers ✅ for $39.99 per month
Customer Support Phone, Contact form
Why We Picked It

I chose Vonage, a leader in the CPaaS space because, according to Gartner’s 2024 report, it’s an ideal VoIP service provider for remote workers needing to maintain communication despite being geographically dispersed.

Features

Mobile App — Vonage’s mobile app provides remote teams with full access to the VoIP system from their smartphones, meaning they don’t need to be sitting behind a desk for seamless communication.

Collaboration Tools — It’s easy for your internal team to stay connected with features like team messaging, video conferencing, and integrations with Microsoft Teams and Slack.

International Numbers — You can add international numbers to your Vonage system so that your business’s presence outside of the US remains authentic and trustworthy to international customers.

International numbers will still be connected to your business’s main phone number via the virtual receptionist, so your customers will be routed to the correct place when calling from abroad.

Pricing

Vonage offers three pricing tiers for businesses of various sizes and budgets. Below, I’ve outlined each plan’s features and costs:

Plan Mobile Premium Advanced
Monthly $19.99/line/month $29.99/line/month $39.99/line/month
Annual $13.99/line/month $20.99/line/month $27.99/line/month
  • Mobile — An affordable, straightforward mobile and desktop solution for unlimited domestic calling, SMS, MMS, and voicemail. There’s no video calling on this entry-level plan like 8×8, RingCentral, or Phone.com.
  • Premium — Introduces unlimited video meetings with up to 200 participants, which is a lot more than Ooma’s 25 and for a lower price. It also offers team messaging, third-party integrations, and SSO.
  • Advanced — In addition to the previous plans’ features, this plan offers on-demand call recording, visual voicemail, and call groups. It’s not as feature-rich as the other top-tier plans on this list, including those of a similar price point like Ooma and Phone.com.
Who it's Best For

Thanks to its collaboration features, global calling, and user-friendly mobile app, Vonage is the ideal flexible VoIP service for remote or hybrid teams.

However, its Mobile plan, while affordable, lacks key features like video calling and access to the VBC app center. Therefore, I’d recommend the Premium plan to access a fuller suite of features while still paying a reasonable monthly fee of $20.99. This is only slightly more than Ooma ($19.95/mo) and Nextiva’s ($20/mo) entry-level plans.

Pros pros

  • Gartner-awarded leader status within the CPaaS industry
  • A unique adaptive routing feature
  • Access to local numbers in 76 countries
  • GDPR and HIPPA-compliant
  • The premium plan is similarly priced to competitors’ basic plans

Cons cons

  • No video calling on the Mobile plan
  • Toll-free numbers cost $39.99 per month

 

9. DialPad — Best VoIP Service with AI Features

dialpad logo

Starting Price $15/user/month
Free Version
Key Features AI transcriptions, Customer sentiment, Integrations
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support 24/7 phone, Chat, Ticket submission
Why We Picked It

Dialpad stood out to me for its AI features which offer real-time, automated suggestions for improvements, helping revolutionize the way you deal with customer and team communication.

Features

AI-Powered Transcriptions — Dialpad’s AI provides real-time transcription of your calls and meetings.

Customer Sentiment — You can analyze the overall sentiment of customer interactions, whether positive or negative. This will provide you with real-time actionable insights and can also be valuable for performance tracking and improvement.

Integrations — Dialpad offers an impressive suite of integrations, including leading CRM systems such as HubSpot and Zoho. These help you maintain a seamless flow when working across multiple platforms and personalize customer interactions.

Pricing

Dialpad has three plans to choose from. Below, you’ll find the details on what each plan costs and includes:

Plan Standard Pro Enterprise
Monthly $17/user/month $35/user/month Custom
Annual $15/user/month $25/user/month Custom
  • Standard — Dialpad’s entry-level plan offers unlimited calling and AI meetings with up to 10 participants, SMS, MMS, and team messaging, AI voicemail transcriptions, integration with Google and Microsoft, real-time analytics, and web and chat support.
  • Pro — In addition to the Standard plan’s features, the Pro plan introduces 24/7 live agent support, CRM integrations, multiple numbers per account, open API, global SMS and local numbers for 70+ countries.
  • Enterprise — By signing up as an enterprise customer, you’ll get a custom price plan that includes all the features of the Pro plan with 99.9% uptime, unlimited ring groups and office locations, dial-by-extension, SSO integrations, data retention policies, and priority live agent support.
Who it's Best For

Dialpad is suitable for those seeking an affordable phone plan with advanced AI features to enhance customer interactions and agent performance.

While it does offer international calling, it’s not the most extensive coverage compared to competitors such as 8×8. For this reason, it may fall short for larger businesses with a global reach.

Pros pros

  • Several CRM integration options
  • Impressive AI features
  • Easy VoIP number porting
  • Great customer support
  • Unlimited video meetings

Cons cons

  • Reports aren’t detailed
  • No access to 24/7 support on the basic plan

 

10. 8×8 — Best VoIP Service Provider for Global Teams

8x8 Logo

Starting Price Custom
Free Version
Key Features nternational calling, Multi-language support, Data compliance
Toll-Free Numbers
Customer Support 24/7 email and chatbot
Why We Picked It

8×8 deserves a spot on this list as it’s an industry-leading VoIP service with unparalleled support for international calling.

Features

International Calling — Depending on your plan, 8×8 includes unlimited calling to 14-48+ countries, making it ideal for those frequently calling abroad.

Multi-Language Support — Its interface is also available in multiple languages, which is perfect for larger enterprises with branches in different countries. The contact center’s chat function can also handle live translation so that agents can help customers in their native language, including English, Russian, German, Japanese, Spanish, French, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, and Polish.

Data Compliance — When working across borders, compliance can become complicated. Luckily 8×8 is compliant with international regulations like GDPR.

Pricing

8×8 no longer advertises its pricing, and you will need to contact its sales team directly for a custom quote. It does offer five plans, and this is what is included with each one:

  • X2 – Unlimited voice calling to 14 countries, HD video and audio conferencing for up to 500 participants, SMS, MMS and team chat, Microsoft Teams integration
  • X4 – Everything in X2, plus unlimited calling to 48 countries, 8×8 frontdesk for receptionists and operators, supervisor analytics, and monitor, whisper and barge.
  • X6 – All X4 features, skills-based routing, IVR, call recording, reporting and analytics, CX journey mapping, choice between metered and unmetered call bundles
  • X7 – Everything in X6, plus omnichannel support for social media, chat, email, SMS and video, and co-browsing
  • X8 – All X7 features, plus quality management and speech and text analytics.
Who it's Best For

8×8 offers a robust VoIP solution for larger businesses with globally distributed teams and client bases. It provides broader support for international calling than any of its competitors and generous capacity for video calling.

One drawback is that its pricing is not available online, making it difficult to determine whether it offers good value for money.

Pros pros

  • Sentiment analysis to detect the customer’s behavior
  • Unlimited international calling
  • Several integrations including Salesforce, Zendesk, and HubSpot

Cons cons

  • Complex setup
  • No transparency with pricing

 

The 10 Best VoIP Providers Compared

In this table, I’ve compared the 10 best VoIP service providers side-by-side on a number of key factors, including pricing, toll-free numbers, and the modes of customer support available.

Providers Ooma RingCentral MightyCall Nextiva OpenPhone Voiply Phone.com Vonage DialPad 8×8
Best  for No contract Enterprises Call centers Unified communications Sales and recruitment Low cost Small businesses Remote working AI features International calling
Free Version
Starting Price $19.95/user/month $30/user/month $15/user/month $20/user/month $15/user/month $4.96/user/month $12.74/user/month $13.99/line/month $15/user/month Custom
Toll-Free Numbers ✅ for $39.99 per month
Customer Support 24/7 phone support, help articles Phone, chat, FAQs, online training Live onboarding, chat, email, phone, ticket submission, knowledge base 24/7 phone, chat, knowledge base, email, ticket submission, webinars Contact form, email, knowledge base 24/7 phone, email, ticket submission 24/7 phone, chat, email, ticket submission, contact form Phone, contact form 24/7 phone, live chat, help center 24/7 phone, chat, ticket submission
Voicemail Transcription
Mobile Application
Methodology

How We Review And Test VoIP Services

We base our recommendations on first-hand testing. All the VoIP products we feature, have been tested based on the following criteria:

  • Features: We explore the platform’s general call and video conferencing capabilities and unique features like automation, call queuing, call recording, and IVR features.
  • Integrations: We assess whether it offers integration support for popular business apps such as CRMs, project management platforms, helpdesk software, and others.
  • Reliability: We test the call quality on offer with the VoIP platform, and we only include services that offer an uptime guarantee of close to 100%.
  • Security and Compliance: We check whether the platform offers industry-standard encryption, access controls, compliance with regulations like GDPR, and firewalls.
  • Numbers: We factor in whether the platform offers a variety of number options like local, toll-free, international, and vanity numbers.
  • Ease of Use: We test the VoIP service on its available platforms to ensure we can give accurate insight into its usability.
  • Value for Money: After our hands-on testing, we’re able to better analyze whether the price point is fair to offer insight into the feature-to-price value on offer.
  • Reviews and Reputation: Beyond our hands-on testing, we explore third-party reviews to see if we need to investigate certain aspects of the VoIP service further. This combined allows us to offer a good overview of what our readers can expect from the platform.

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a way to make phone calls using the Internet instead of traditional phone lines.

Instead of connecting through physical wiring, as with PSTN or POTS, your voice is turned into digital data that travels over the internet. This lets you make calls from any compatible device, including computers, smartphones, or special VoIP phones, often at a lower cost, with better call quality and advanced call handling features.

Types of Internet Phone Services

Within the larger umbrella of Internet phone services, there are different types available. Here are some of the core variations:

UCaaS

A Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) VoIP service offers greater versatility when it comes to communication. Beyond placing calls over the Internet, UCaaS supports text messaging, video conferencing and meetings, document sharing, social media integration, and voicemail transcription.

UCaaS is designed to bring together various modes of communication to promote a streamlined and centralized way of collaborating. Recognizing the importance of flexibility, cloud-based UCaaS can also be accessed from anywhere in the world and on any device with an internet connection.

Hosted VoIP

Hosted VoIP is a service in which a separate provider hosts and manages the VoIP system in the cloud. You access the service via the Internet and usually pay a monthly subscription fee. Instead of installing phone equipment in your office, all you need is an internet connection.

The provider takes care of the technical setup and maintenance. With hosted VoIP, you can make and receive calls through your computer, smartphone, or VoIP phone. These systems are popular among businesses because they require minimal upfront investment and offer great scalability and flexibility.

CPaaS

Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) allows businesses to easily incorporate communication features such as voice calls, text messaging, and video calls into their applications without having to develop these features from the ground up.

These services provide flexibility, scalability, and customization options, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications, including customer service chatbots.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best VoIP Phone Service

In this section, I’ll run through some key factors you should consider when making your decision, including cost and key features.

VoIP Cost

Below are the costs associated with setting up and maintaining your VoIP system. There are upfront costs to consider as well as some that may be unforeseen.

  • Installation — If you use your existing devices, installation costs are non-existent, as no additional hardware is necessary. However, you can choose to purchase new IP phones, which cost around $20-$50 each and would then incur set-up costs.
  • Type of Service — Your ongoing costs will depend on the complexity of the VoIP service you choose, whether it’s a simple voice calling system or one that supports advanced features such as analytics, high security, and third-party integrations.
  • Cost Per User — Most VoIP systems are priced per user, so the overall cost will increase depending on your team size.
  • Additional Fees — Your VoIP plan may include additional charges for international calling, add-on features, and extra phone numbers.

VoIP Features

Wondering what additional features you can enjoy with a VoIP system? Here, I’ll run through the main features you can look forward to beyond voice calling.

  • SMS/MMS — Send and receive text (SMS) or multimedia messages (MMS) through your phone system.
  • Automated Attendant — A virtual receptionist directs calls to the right department or extension automatically, without a live agent having to answer the call.
  • Video Conferencing — Host live video meetings with multiple participants over a secure internet connection.
  • Call Analytics — Provides data on call frequency, durations, and performance for better decision-making.
  • Call Queue — Places callers on hold in a waiting line when agents are busy, distributing calls in order, which is vital for call centers.
  • Ring Groups — Simultaneously rings multiple phones or extensions so that any available agent can answer.
  • Toll-Free Number — A number that allows customers to call your business for free, typically starting with 800.
  • Call Monitoring — Lets supervisors listen in on live calls for training or quality assurance.
  • Call Recording — Records calls for future playback, training, or compliance purposes.
  • Call Forwarding — Automatically sends incoming calls to another number or device.
  • Integrations — Connects your phone system with other software (e.g., CRM or helpdesk tools) to streamline processes.

Customer support

Most VoIP services promise 99.99% uptime, ensuring reliable connection, but technical issues can still occur and disrupt business operations. Therefore, reliable customer support is essential.

Different VoIP providers offer various customer support options, such as self-service knowledge bases, forums, chatbots, and round-the-clock phone support.

Your preferred type of support should be based on your business size and needs. For example, startups might require immediate hands-on support for troubleshooting initial setup, while larger businesses or call centers may need a dedicated account manager for continuous 24/7 support.

Security

Since VoIP is operated in the cloud and not on-premises, there are understandable concerns about its security. Operating over the internet can leave VoIP systems vulnerable to eavesdropping and hacking without proper security measures in place.

A VoIP provider with robust security features ensures that calls are protected from cyber-attacks and customer data isn’t compromised.

When analyzing the right VoIP provider for you, look out for security standards such as:

  • Firewalls — Network firewalls defend against unauthorized access and prevent malicious traffic from entering the system.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) — Adds an extra layer of protection by requiring more than just a password for system access.
  • End-to-End Encryption — Ensures that only the sender and receiver can access the content of communications, preventing interception.
  • Compliance Certifications — Look for compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, which show that the provider meets stringent data protection regulations.
  • Data Location — Depending on where you are located, you may want to look for a VoIP system that stores its data in the US/EU, as this implies which data protection regulations it is in line with.

When shopping for your VoIP system, look out for detailed descriptions of security features, security audits, and proactive 24/7 monitoring and support.

What Is a Softphone?

VoIP can be used on your existing devices because it uses software-based phones called softphones. Softphones allow you to make and receive calls on your smartphone, desktop, or tablet as long as you have an internet connection. They mimic the experience of using a traditional desk phone, without the financial investment.

Adding new users is also much cheaper than with traditional equipment; you simply have to update the plan rather than adding extra lines. This makes it easy for the phone system to grow along with you.

Using softphones frees you from having to work from a desk, as you can use your business phone line from a portable device. This better suits hybrid and remote working models, allowing employees to work from anywhere.

Softphones offer advanced features such as call forwarding, video conferencing, voicemail, SMS/MMS, call recording, and integrations with CRM software, enhancing team productivity and the customer experience. Many softphones also support UCaaS features, allowing businesses to integrate voice, video, chat, and collaboration tools into one platform.

The Difference Between VoIP and Landline

VoIP vs. landline, what’s the difference? Landlines are fixed phone lines that run independently of the internet, and although this has its advantages, VoIP solutions are quickly making landline connections obsolete.

While some landlines can have features like caller ID and call forwarding, VoIP services provide these and more.

VoIP’s advanced features include reporting, IVR options and call queue management. VoIP systems also let you streamline your communications by integrating with social media, video calling, and live chat.

Beyond features, a traditional landline offers little flexibility, whereas a cloud phone system like those reviewed here can be used on mobile or desktop devices with an internet connection.

VoIP is also easily scalable, as you don’t have to worry about installing new lines when your business grows (or the hefty initial and ongoing investments) — simply upgrade your subscription.

The Benefits of VoIP

The benefits of adopting a VoIP system are numerous. In this section, I’ll highlight some of the key benefits.

  • Save on call costs and landline bills — VoIP routes calls over the internet, often reducing call rates compared to traditional phone systems. This helps to significantly reduce your phone bill, especially for frequent or international communication.
  • Easy setup — VoIP systems are simple to install, requiring minimal hardware. Most setups involve connecting existing devices (computers, smartphones) to a network and installing software, which makes them hassle-free and faster than traditional phone installations.
  • Increased call quality — VoIP technology ensures crisp, clear audio. With a stable internet connection, you can experience better call quality than typical landline systems, minimizing misunderstandings and strengthening customer relationships.
  • Allows for flexibility — VoIP works from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to make and receive calls on mobile devices, laptops, or desktops. This flexibility is ideal for remote workers or businesses with multiple international locations.
  • Access to advanced features — VoIP offers features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, auto attendants, and integrations with CRMs. These tools boost productivity, streamline communication, and enhance customer service.

The Drawbacks of VoIP

While VoIP is an impressive technology, it’s not perfect. Here are some of the main drawbacks of a VoIP phone system.

  • Reliance on an Internet connection — Relying on the Internet can lead to dropped calls, poor audio quality, and interruptions. This can mean that VoIP is less reliable for those without access to a stable internet connection.
  • Security — Without the proper security measures in place, VoIP systems are vulnerable to cyber threats such as hacking, eavesdropping, and phishing. Robust security measures like encryption and secure authentication can reduce these risks and protect your data.
  • Regulatory Concerns — Since VoIP services operate in the cloud and are not geographically oriented in any singular region, this can lead to regulatory concerns relating to access to emergency services, number portability, and data privacy. To prevent legal issues, you should choose a phone system that complies with local and national regulations.

Preparing for Landline Service Sunset

In August 2022, the Federal Communications Commission’s order 19-72 passed, allowing telecom companies to stop providing traditional landline services across the country — as long as they offered another option. VoIP is the welcome alternative.

Switching to a VoIP system now will allow your business to get ahead of any mass migration issues and future-proof your services— or, if you’re just getting started, you can avoid this headache entirely.

As VoIP statistics show, VoIP solutions are the modern communication standard, and they can provide an enduring, scalable platform to serve all your organizational needs.

 

FAQs

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Alice Martin
Senior Writer
Alice Martin
Senior Writer

Alice Martin has five years experience as a writer before joining Techopedia in 2024. After completing an interdisciplinary degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the Universiteit van Amsterdam, she began writing in the arts and music industries. Driven by a love of research and analysis, Alice turned her attention towards all things software and technology. She now offers expert advice in these fields to help readers make informed decisions.