June 2022 – Page 2 – Management Library

June 23, 2022February 24, 2023

Capital One Review 2023: Online Banking for Businesses

This Capital One review will show you how the bank can bring flexibility to the financial world with online banking and a choice of business accounts. Its structure works to help business owners minimize fees while simultaneously maximizing efficiency.

Our Verdict

Capital One

Visit

Capital One works wonders for the busy entrepreneur by offering unlimited free digital transfers in any given month. It’s also possible to capitalize on a small amount of interest in a business savings account.

Business owners will want to watch out for Capital One’s monthly service fees. Brand new ventures may get eaten alive by these fees, making membership ideal for those able to meet the balance requirements to avoid them altogether.

Low minimum deposit needed to join
Does not charge overdraft fees
Unlimited free digital transfers

Limited physical locations
Monthly account fees
Low business interest rates

Capital One at a Glance

Capital One is a large primarily online bank, providing personal and business checking and savings accounts alongside an abundance of other features. Its business accounts are free to sign up for but require a monthly fee to maintain if balances drop below a certain threshold.

Its Business Savings Account generates a small 0.2% APY each month for those with extra funds, but checking accounts don’t accrue any interest at all. Capital One does waive fees for overdrafts, some wire transfers, and at least a portion of cash deposits.

The service stands out the most with its unlimited free digital transactions. There’s no ceiling to the amount of money you can move around each month and send off to other individuals or organizations.

Who Capital One is Best For

Capital One’s monthly service fees can be taxing on new ventures, making the best bank for new businesses and other businesses with sources of income already in place. Should you build account balances high enough, Capital One does away with these fees entirely. However, low interest rates from its savings account will leave larger organizations wanting for more.

If you want to open a business account, here is a detailed Kabbage Review, SoFI Review and Oxygen Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives.

Pricing

Capital One doesn’t charge a penny for opening up one of its three business-related accounts. However, you may have to pay monthly fees if you can’t meet the online bank’s minimum balance requirements. Depending on the account you go with, you may have to watch out for wire fees or costs for cash deposits.

Monthly Fee

$15, waived with $2,000 minimum balance

$35, waived with $25,000 minimum balance

$3, waived with $300 minimum balance

Minimum Deposit to Open Account

$250

Minimum Balance to Maintain Account

Overdraft Fees

APY

0.2%

Transactions

Unlimited free digital transactions

Cash Deposits

Free for first $5,000 each month, then $1 for each $1,000 thereafter

Free through mobile, ATM, or direct deposit

N/A

ATM Fees

Over 70,000 fee-free ATMs, minimum $2 on out of network

Wires

Incoming: $15

Outgoing: $25

First 5 wires are free, then $25 per transfer

N/A

Capital One gives business owners a few different account options to consider. Checking accounts serve as a medium for frequently transferred funds, where you can tuck away unused money in a savings account to accrue some interest.

You’ll need a meager $250 to open one of the two business checking accounts through Capital One, and the sky’s the limit from there. There are no limitations on digital transactions between your own account and those of vendors and clients, and the online banker has over 70,000 fee-free ATMs scattered across the country. You can easily find Capital One ATMs with the locator on PC or mobile.

Basic Business Checking

Basic Business Checking speaks to smaller ventures with less money in the till. You don’t need to keep a minimum balance to keep your account open, but any account averaging less than $2,000 over the last 30 or 90 days will incur a $15 monthly service fee. Cash deposits are only free for the first $5,000 each month, and you’re subject to charges for both incoming and outgoing wires.

Unlimited Business Checking

Unlimited Business Checking charges a $35 monthly fee for businesses with a balance smaller than $25,000 over the last 30 or 90 days. There are no charges for cash deposits, and the first five wires each month are free.

Business Savings

Companies with funds collecting dust can open a Business Savings account to put that money to work. If you can keep at least $300 in savings, Capital One will waive the usual $3 service fee. Although nothing to write home about, dollars accrue a 0.2% interest.

Capital One Features

As a financial institution, Capital One has several banking features to help customers out. This list contains those that stand out the most.

Credit Cards

Capital One has no less than seven business credit cards that your business can choose from. Two cards come with annual fees but offer higher incentives for use, such as additional cash back or double miles on purchases. All other cards are free to use.

Each card has a built-in reward system, but some have very high annual percentage rates if you can’t regularly pay off your balance. Most require excellent credit history, but there is a card option for those looking to build credit.

The online banker makes it easy for business owners to provide cards with varying cash limits to staff as desired. You can monitor and track purchases or remove users at any time. These cards earn reward points and are completely free to add to your business account.

Business Checking Accounts

Businesses have two unique checking accounts to choose from when becoming a member. One plan is suited for up-and-coming enterprises, while the other is for organizations seeing some stable income each month. Checking accounts do have monthly service fees if you’re unable to meet monthly or quarterly balance requirements.

Business Savings Account

Alongside a pair of checking accounts, Capital One also offers a savings account for businesses with some money to spare. With 0.2% APY, you can earn some interest on funds that otherwise accrue nothing in checking. As long as you have at least $300, you won’t have to worry about monthly service fees.

Mobile Deposit

With check in hand, you can use the Capital One mobile app to make a deposit. The process is as simple as snapping a photo of both sides of the check and filling out the prompts that follow. There’s no need to visit an ATM or branch location to complete the transaction.

Minimal Fees

Capital One doesn’t have fees for opening an account or maintaining one if you can keep up with the prerequisite monthly balance. Basic Business Checking accounts allow free cash deposits for the first $5,000 but charge $1 per every $1,000 transferred after that. Any incoming or outgoing wires suffer a fee of $15 or $25 respectively.

Unlimited Business Checking accounts do away with cash deposit fees and even make the first five wires free of charge. There’s a $2 charge for using an out-of-network ATM regardless of which account you’re drawing from.

Loans and Lines of Credit

Among Capital One’s many features are loans and lines of credit made available to business owners. Loans can range from $10,000 to $5 million, and fees vary based on size and risk. Capital One allows up to 20 years to pay loans back at a fixed rate.

To be eligible for a loan, you’ll need to have been in business for at least two years and have an open Capital One checking account. Capital One only allows one line of credit per employer identification number. Learn how you can open a business account with EIN here.

Business Expertise

Capital One’s history and wealth of experience translate to unique insights for any business style. Its team has the skills to work with each organization on a personal level, creating specific solutions to help your company grow.

Capital One Contact Info

Capital One has a detailed Contact Us page, making it easy to locate the first person to talk to. If unsure where to go, the company’s main customer service number is 1-877-383-4802.

Alternatives to Capital One Review

Capital One’s imperfections may be a deal-breaker for some. If that’s you, consider one of these alternatives instead.

Novo

Visit

Novo Review

Novo removes the clutter of personal banking, offering only services for the small business crowd. There’s no cost to sign up, and Novo doesn’t charge any service fees no matter what your balance is.

You can use the financial organization tool built into the PC and mobile app to put funds in different buckets. It’s an easy way to prepare for tax time, monthly rent, or other upcoming charges. Novo refunds ATM fees even from out-of-network machines but doesn’t give the option to deposit cash.

Checking accounts don’t accrue any interest, and Novo doesn’t have a business savings account to put money into. You will want to watch where your money’s at, because any overdraft will set you back $27.

Zero monthly fees or minimum balance required
Financial organizer
Refunds all ATM fees

Cannot deposit cash
Fee for overdrawn accounts
No savings accounts

BlueVine

Visit

BlueVine Review

BlueVine has some of the best interest rates you’ll find in a business checking account at 1.5% on balances up to $100,000. You won’t find a savings account to take advantage of if your funds exceed that amount. Like Capital One, BlueVine does have a fee schedule for cash deposits, out-of-network ATMs, and wire transfers.

There’s no minimum deposit required to start your account, but there are limits on how much you can transfer each month. Businesses with a lot of fluid money will do better with Capital One’s unlimited transfers.

BlueVine has unavoidable fees for cash deposits and outgoing wire transfers. The lender offers loans up to $250,000 with a fast approval rate and reasonable monthly interest.

High interest rates
Very few fees
No minimum deposit required

Monthly transfer limits
Checking accounts only
Fee for cash deposits

Axos Bank

Visit

Axos Bank Review

Axos Bank offers several checking and savings account options for small businesses. Basic Business Checking doesn’t charge any service fees, but other plans do if your balance is too low. Premium Checking requires an initial deposit of at least $25,000 to become a member.

Savings accounts don’t do any better than Capital One, offering just 0.2% APY. Even business certificates of deposit (CDs) cap off at the same rate. The only way to improve this rate is through Axos’ Interest Checking account with a $5,000 minimum daily balance.

Where Capital One has a few locations dotted around the countryside, Axos is strictly online. The service does well to manage your account through its app, but there’s no way to get help in a physical location.

Several checking account options
Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
No monthly maintenance fees or balance requirement for basic checking

No physical locations
Low APY on business savings accounts
Some accounts require high deposits

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage Review

Kabbage features a business checking account that’s free to sign up for or maintain. Accounts up to $100,000 receive 1.1% APY, but any additional monies earn nothing. This setup speaks to sole proprietors or LLCs with a single owner since there’s no way within Kabbage to make a joint account.

The bank doesn’t charge fees to use out-of-network ATMs, but that doesn’t mean the ATM itself won’t charge you something. Additional fees show up with cash deposits and teller transactions.

Both the website and mobile app are intuitive and easy to use. For some reason, deposits through the mobile app take several days to clear. If in need, Kabbage has lines of credit ranging from $2,000 to $250,000 that the bank usually approves within minutes.

No monthly fees or fees for signup, no minimum balance
High interest rate
No Kabbage fees for out of network ATM withdrawals

Cash deposit fees up to $4.95 per transfer
No ability to make joint accounts
Mobile deposits take several days to clear

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Capital One Review

Online banking can be a pinch point for those desiring a face-to-face experience. These frequently asked questions aim to clear up some confusion about digital services.

Do I Need a Business Bank Account for My LLC?

There’s no requirement stating you need a business bank account for an LLC. However, having one helps protect your personal income from that of your business.

What Bank is Behind Capital One?

Wells Fargo split its credit card division back in 1994. This venture morphed into Capital One.

Is Capital One a Big Bank?

Yes, Capital One is one of the largest banks in the United States. It currently sits tenth overall based on total assets.

Bottom Line on Capital One Review

Capital One is one of the most prominent banks in the country, even with most business done entirely online. Its business checking and savings plans work to serve smaller companies looking to limit fees and glean some interest off money not currently in use. Unlimited digital transfers take the stress off of transactions, allowing business owners to focus on what’s really important.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Below you will find an interactive U.S map that can help you locate and compare different banks and financial institutions that offer business accounts in your area.

June 23, 2022March 20, 2023

8×8 Review: Should You Consider This VoIP Service Provider?

In this 8×8 review, you’ll learn how it appeals to modern businesses by providing smart and efficient ways to connect with clients and employees. It is a Unified Communications platform, meaning you benefit from chat, voice, and video solutions from anywhere using any device.

Our Verdict

8×8

Visit

8×8 is a unified communications service. It provides all-rounded communication solutions with features such as softphone, call recording, instant messaging, web conferencing, internet faxing, visual voicemail, and video calling. Moreover, the platform is easy to configure and comes with a mobile and virtual desktop app designed for ease of use.

The company’s cloud-based VoIP phone system provides flexibility with a range of tier-based plans to adapt to your business’s changing needs. Depending on your communication needs and the features you desire, you could choose from the eight plans with pricing ranging from $15 to $172 per month.

Screenshot of 8x8 website homepage — *Source: 8×8*

Mobile and desktop apps available
Plenty of security features and FCCR compliant
Allows easy collaborations and connections with remote teams

The customer service can be better
Complicated refund policy
The Express plan lacks fax capability

8×8 at a Glance

8×8 is a VoIP service provider with over three decades of experience in the industry. It offers one of the most comprehensive platforms that include call handling tools, web conferencing software, and team messaging tools.

Also, users enjoy enhanced customization options to set up phone systems that match their business needs. Whether you need essential phone services or managed hosting with dedicated servers and private cloud infrastructure, you can cost-effectively streamline your business communications.

Who Is 8×8 Best For?

8×8 is a solid VoIP provider to consider if you need a unified communications platform that makes it easier to make business calls, texts, video calls, conference calls, and online faxing. Because it offers eight unique plans, you can find a package that suits you irrespective of the size of your business.

8×8 Pricing

8×8 offers a range of plans to suit different businesses. The lowest tier is ideal for startups and small businesses with up to 10 users, while the top-tier plan is ideal for large companies with a number of contact centers.

Express Plan

The Express plan offers a reliable package for small companies and solo entrepreneurs with minimal communication needs. While the plan goes for an affordable $15 per user per month, it lacks critical features like web conferencing, internet faxing, and call recording. Also, users can only make unlimited calls to the U.S. and Canada.

8×8 X Series

The X Series tier-based plans have the essential features to create a robust communication hub for the employees and consumers of fast-growing businesses. These plans offer more features and combine voice, team messaging and video conferencing to provide comprehensive communications solutions in one reliable engagement system.

The main X Series plans are X2 and X4. However, 8×8 also provides the X3, X6, X7, and X8 mix and match plans whose prices they do not publicize on their site. Users get added features and a little more functionality as they rise through the tiers.

Screenshot of 8x8 pricing plans — *Source: 8×8*

8×8 Enterprise Plan (X8 cloud PBX Model)

The X8 is a cloud-based PBX (private branch exchange) and unified communications plan accessible through VoIP apps or hardware. It is the top-most package that offers a multichannel contact center associate plan.

Users enjoy a complete suite of integrations, analytics, and cutting-edge call center software with predictive dialing, co-browse, and quality management features. Your business is assured of moving with speed to match higher customer expectations. For $172/month, you can expect the following:

Call quality guarantee
Single cloud system of engagement
Guaranteed security and compliance
Unique insights from a central system of intelligence

Screenshot of 8x8 Enterprise Grade Cloud PBX Model features — *Source: 8×8*

Cost/User/Month

$15

$32

$57

Price Under annual Commitment

$15

$24

$44

Unlimited Calling Zones

US and Canada

14 Countries

48 Countries

Mobile and Desktop App

Toll-Free Minutes

100

1000

2500

UC Media Storage for Meetings

1GB

5GB

10GB

Call Recording

Music on Hold

Auto Attendant

Salesforce Analytics

Single-Sign on

Instant Messaging

Business Messaging

Unlimited Internet Faxing

Web Conferencing

Conference Bridge

Outbound Contact Center

Features

The 8×8 platform comes with all the bells and whistles of a premium virtual phone system. It boasts a comprehensive set of features designed to streamline communications, irrespective of the size of your business. The platform is easy to set up, and the intuitive interface makes it easy for users to take advantage of all available features.

Here are some of the top features users enjoy:

All-in-One Communication

8×8 VoIP services are more than just regular phone services. Apart from voice, video, and texting capabilities, the platform also provides in-built web conferencing features. Just share your link with up to 100 people you want to join the meeting and use the platform for general engagement, including sharing of presentations.

There are numerous other features designed to make communications as smooth as possible. These include instant messaging tools, team messaging, unlimited online faxing, social media messaging, advanced call routing, and live chat.

Graphic representation of 8x8 all-in-one communications — *Source: 8×8*

Phone System Management

8×8 offers a comprehensive platform where you will find a wide array of phone system management tools. Fortunately, it has straightforward work and admin dashboards that make navigation easier, irrespective of how you wish to customize the service.

Using the admin portal, you can choose the VoIP features you need, including extensions, business hours, auto-attendant, and more.

Phone Numbers

Once you subscribe to any 8×8 package, you get instant access to the platform’s inventory of toll-free, vanity, and local numbers. You can also choose an international virtual number to reach out to your client base abroad. If your company has an existing number, it is perfectly okay to stick to it.

8×8 supports international calls to over 170 countries. However, even the top-tier plans only allow free access to 48 countries.

Mobile & Desktop Apps

8×8 users can make calls, texts, video conferencing, and voicemails from anywhere using any gadget! The desktop and mobile apps make investing in any special equipment unnecessary, and you never have to worry about missed opportunities when you’re on the go.

One downside is that the mobile app is not as detailed as the desktop application. However, it still allows most basic functions, including call forwarding and business hours.

Call Handling

8×8 offers call handling tools that allow extensive configuration. For instance, you can use the hot desking feature to enable multiple users to log into one phone and keep your business operations running round the clock through rotating shift schedules. You can also take advantage of phone paging, which allows you to send an audio announcement to multiple users.

Integrations to Third-Party Software

8×8 allows easy integrations with up to 50 third-party software. You could even explore over 4,000 third-party integrations by connecting to Zapier. If there is a program you can use to streamline your business calls, texts, or videos, there’s a good chance you can connect to it on the 8×8 platform.

Screenshot of 8x8 available integrations — *Source: 8×8*

Security Features

Most businesses handle some level of private information from their customers. Any security breaches can lead to lost business or even lawsuits. 8×8 has multiple security measures to ensure the protection of confidential customer and business data.

First, the platform ensures full encryption of communications using Transport Layer Security and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol. There are also plenty of fraud detection tools to ensure data safety from calls and messages. 8×8 is also HIPAA, FISMA, CPNI, and GDPR compliant.

Screenshot of 8x8 website — *Source: 8×8*

Customer Support

8×8 has a knowledge base where you can find plenty of information. Furthermore, the company has chatbot software that can help you navigate through text files to find the information you need. There are also plenty of relevant tutorials on YouTube to make it easier for users to take full advantage of all plans and features.

If you wish to reach out to the support team, they are available 24/7 via phone and chat. 8×8 is also pretty active on social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook. You can drop a direct message and expect a response within a reasonable timeline.

8×8 Alternatives

8×8 scores high for its wide range of advanced features, competitively priced tier-based plans, and ability to allow plenty of integrations. Even so, it may not be an ideal option for all businesses. Here are three top competitors and alternatives to the platform.

Ooma Office

Visit

Ooma Office is a tech and communications service best known for its VoIP products. The platform also offers audio conferencing, video conferencing software, business texting, and MMS to help small businesses manage their communications with ease, professionalism, and efficiency.

The platform’s standout features include multi-ring solutions, hold music, call blocking, virtual receptionist, and spam protection.

Who is Ooma Best For?

Ooma is best for small businesses looking for sophisticated communication solutions through a platform designed for ease of use. Ooma is by no means the cheapest VoIP provider, although users commend the platform for having one of the easiest setups and customization capabilities. This is an aspect that organizations without an I.T. specialist highly appreciate.

Ooma Pricing

Ooma offers 4 tier-based plans. The base plan provides essential communications features like voice, text, fax, and virtual receptionist, while the top-tier Enterprise plan includes analytics and smooth integrations with third-party software. The Ooma plans include:

Ooma Office base plan—$19.95/ user /month
Ooma Office Pro—$24.95/ user /month
Ooma Enterprise—$27.99/ user /month
Ooma Enterprise Call Center—$49.99/ user /month

How Ooma Compares to 8×8?

Ooma is a viable alternative to using 8×8. Its base plan contains 35 attractive features curated to streamline business communications. However, 8×8 is a step ahead because users don’t need to have any unique hardware to connect to the platform.

Unless you use Ooma’s mobile app on your smartphone, you have to invest in Ooma hardware. This makes switching from another VoIP provider an expensive affair. Unless you are a new business looking for an innovative and modern means to connect to your customers, it is best to stick to 8×8. Read our in-depth review on Ooma Office to learn more about its services.

Mobile and desktop apps available
Integrates with third-party software, including Salesforce and G suite
Call encryption for enhanced data protection

Obtaining a toll-free number attracts an extra fee
Businesses have to incur the expense of purchasing Ooma business phone systems
Integrations can be limited

GoToConnect

Visit

Like most platforms in the VoIP and UCaaS space, GoToConnect promises software that works better to provide reliable communication solutions. This company lives up to its promise by providing an all-in-one platform designed for ease of use. It has a robust portfolio of tools to allow calls, video meetings, chat, and contact centers and guarantees 99.99% uptime!

Who is GoToConnect Best For?

GoToConnect is a dependable platform to consider if you need UCaaS solutions and access to all communication and collaboration tools on one platform. The service is ideal for small businesses that want to upgrade from landlines and reap the benefits of a cloud-based VoIP without overstretching their budget.

GoToConnect Pricing

GoToConnect has a three-tier-based plan. Like the competition, the platform offers a generous discount to users who commit to the service for at least one year. The available plans include:

Basic—$24 or $22 /user /month
Standard—$29 or $26 /user /month
Premium—$39 or $36 /user /month

How Does GoToConnect Compare to 8×8?

GoToConnet is an ideal low-budget option for small businesses that want to enjoy a VoIP service’s added functionalities and integrations. Unlike 8×8, the platform does not provide the caliber of robust features that larger enterprises require. Unless you are a startup or small business, it is better to settle for 8×8.

Unlimited extensions on all plans
Competitively priced plans
14-day free trial

Webcams limited to 25 with the video conferencing tool
No international phone numbers
Basic plan can only serve one physical location

RingCentral

Visit

RingCentral, like 8×8, is a Unified Communications as a Service that provides VoIP, text, instant chat, video, and audio conferencing. RingCentral’s pricing plans package an attractive set of features like call forwarding, multiple extensions, and call recording to provide practical solutions when conversing with employees or customers.

Who is RingCentral Best For?

If the reputation of other VoIP providers is a make-or-break factor, RingCentral is one of the best platforms to consider. It has a brag-worthy reputation in the Unified Communications arena with features like real-time analytics, which is a nice bonus to the already stable and reliable platform.

RingCentral Pricing

RingCentral provides four tier-based plans where users enjoy a 33% discount for annual subscriptions. The plans include:

Essentials—$29.99 or $19.99 /user/ month
Standard—$37.99 or $27.99 /user/ month
Premium—$44.99 or $34.99 /user/ month
Ultimate—$59.99 or $49.99 /user/ month

How Does RingCentral Compare To 8×8?

RingCentral and 8×8 are known for providing effective cloud communications and collaboration solutions for global businesses. Generally, it’s hard to go wrong with either choice because they offer relatively similar features at comparable prices.

However, while RingCentral is a solid choice for both small and large businesses, 8×8 is best for small businesses looking for added functionalities to enhance their credibility and expand their client base. Read our ultimate RingCentral review to learn more.

High definition video conferencing
Plenty of integration capabilities with apps like Salesforce and Zendesk
Free trial available

The fax feature isn’t the easiest to navigate
No 24/7 customer support with the Essentials plan
Basic plan lacks video conferencing and most app integrations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for 8×8 Review

Here are answers to some questions frequently asked by prospective users.

Is the 8×8 VoIP Platform Secure?

8×8 is a secure platform designed to ensure maximum privacy and data security. The platform is HIPAA, FISMA, CPNI, and GDPR compliant, meaning it has put a series of security measures to ensure the complete protection of business and personal data.

Does 8×8 Allow Integrations With Third-Party Software?

Yes. 8×8 allows integrations with over 50 third-party programs. This ensures your business remains resilient, responsive and ready for all opportunities. The platform enables integrations with software like Hubspot, Google Workspace, Okta, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce.

How Do I Get Started On 8×8?

8×8 makes it easy for new users to get started on their platform. The first step is to create a free account and choose a vanity, toll-free or local number from the company’s inventory. Your number goes live once you complete the signup.

The next step is to download the mobile and desktop apps, log in using your account information, and voila! You can start making or receiving calls using your 30-day free trial plan.

Final Thoughts on 8×8 Review

8×8 is a Unified Communications as a Service provider that can integrate seamlessly with your existing business applications. It incorporates voice, text messaging, video conferencing, video meetings, and chats, making it more than a basic phone service provider.

The company provides robust features and service customization abilities. This ensures small, medium, and large-sized enterprises enjoy maximum communication efficiency across multiple channels while still sticking to their budgets.

Customer behavior is crucial for businesses like 8×8 to attract and retain customers and improve their service offerings based on customer needs and feedback. The best part is that you can take advantage of the 30-day trial period to sample the service. So, is it the right choice for you? We hope our comprehensive 8×8 review helps you decide from an educated standpoint.

June 22, 2022November 23, 2022

The Ultimate Guide to State Corporate Tax Rate

Businessman calculating state corporate tax rate

Corporations are responsible for a bevy of taxes on the state level across different mediums. Above that, each state sets its own rates for corporate entities to contend with. State corporate tax rate varies depending on which state from which you operate your business.

Corporate State Tax Rates Explained

Corporations are a type of business that stands separate from its owners. Owners are shareholders that drive the direction of the business, but are not held personally responsible for the corporation’s debts. The corporation itself is a legal entity that can own assets, bring employees on board, and pay taxes.

Every business has to pay taxes, though. And if you have employees, you’ll need to learn how to calculate payroll taxes. These are in addition to state corporate taxes, though.

Corporate State Income Tax Rates

If you have (or plan to have) a corporation in one of the 50 states, be prepared to pay money back to the state based on how much you make. The government imposes taxes on a corporation’s profits, including most income. As a corporation, you can first deduct expenses for things like development, research, and marketing.

Each state sets its own tax rates a corporation must pay on a yearly rate. Several states have a flat income tax rate, remaining the same no matter what your corporation’s income bracket is. Those remaining have a fee schedule that grows depending on the amount of profit your company brings in.

State Corporate Tax Rate

State Gross Receipts Tax

Some states choose to charge a gross receipts tax either in place of or in addition to a corporate income tax. As the name implies, the government applies the gross receipts tax to a corporation’s gross sales, before any deductions have been made.

Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Washington do not have state income tax rates but do have a gross receipts tax. Delaware, Oregon, and Tennessee levy both types of taxes on corporation owners.

Delaware

0.09% – .75%

Nevada

0.05% – 0.3%

Ohio

0.26% on sales over $1 million

Oregon

0.57% on sales over $1 million

Tennessee

0.02% – 0.3%

Texas

0.58% – 2%

Washington

0.48%

Corporate State Unemployment Tax Rates

Alongside income taxes, corporations are responsible for unemployment pay as part of the State Unemployment Tax Act (SUTA). The state government calculates these rates based on your account balance and average taxable payroll over a certain period. Each state has a minimum and maximum range the rate must fall into.

Corporate State Unemployment Tax Rates

The Best States to Start a Business in for Tax Purposes

Because tax rates vary from state to state, there are benefits to incorporating in certain ones over the other. If you have any flexibility with where to start your corporation, consider the following states:

Wyoming

Wyoming doesn’t require a penny for state corporate taxes or any income on the individual level. Sales tax is only 4%, one of the lowest in the nation. It ranks number one even though unemployment insurance and property taxes can be on the higher side.

South Dakota

South Dakota follows in Wyoming’s footsteps as one of the few states without income taxes for individuals or corporations. It doesn’t fare as well with sales tax or rates for unemployment insurance.

Alaska

Alaska may seem like a strange choice with a significant corporate income tax rate, but the state makes up for it with zero individual income taxes and no sales tax. Property taxes are also lower than most for setting up corporate offices.

Florida

Florida’s corporate income tax is lower than most, and the state doesn’t collect any individual income taxes from business owners. Furthermore, sales and unemployment taxes are some of the lowest in the country. Florida also makes the list of one of the best states to buy investment property.

Montana

Montana has middling corporate and individual income tax rates. However, the state sits well with sales, property, and unemployment taxes, making it an enticing choice to set up shop.

Recent State Corporate Income Tax Rate Changes

Tax rates don’t always stay the same. Check out the rate changes that have already taken place this year:

Arkansas: Lowered its tax rate from 6.2% to 5.9%
Florida: Raised its tax rate from 3.35% to 5.5%
Louisiana: The state’s top tax rate dropped from 8% to 7.5%
Nebraska: Lowered its top tax rate from 7.81% to 7.5%
New York: Added a second tax bracket at 7.25%
Oklahoma: Reduced its tax rate from 6% to 4%

Federal and Local Tax Rates

Corporate taxes don’t start and end at the state level. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 set the current federal corporate tax rate at a flat 21%, where it remains today.

Local taxes may pop up in certain locations around a state, especially in larger cities. Corporations headquartered where local taxes abound will have to pay those fees as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for State Corporate Tax Rate

Trying to understand how state corporate tax rates can be overwhelming. This FAQ answers some of the most common questions surrounding them.

Which State Has the Lowest Corporate Tax Rate?

Five states do not tax corporate income. Those states are Wyoming, Washington, Texas, South Dakota, Ohio, and Nevada.

Which State Has the Highest Corporate Tax Rate?

New Jersey currently takes top honors for having the highest corporate tax rate. Thanks to a surcharge currently in effect, corporations with income over $1 million see a rate of 11.5%.

Why is Delaware a Tax Haven?

Delaware is one of the few states without a corporate income tax. It also offers several entrepreneurial incentives to businesses looking to put down roots there. Delaware also offers a lot of privacy, which is why it’s one of the best states for starting a business.

Do Corporations Pay State and Local Taxes?

Like individuals, the government requires corporations to pay federal, state, and local taxes. Some states and cities do not tax income, but all corporations must pay at the federal level.

Bottom Line on State Corporate Tax Rates

Corporations can’t avoid having to pay taxes to the government on the federal level, but the state level isn’t so black and white. There are several tax factors to consider when choosing a location to incorporate, such as income and employment. With planning and research, a corporation can lessen the blow each year by setting up shop in a state with little to no corporate taxes.

June 21, 2022March 17, 2023

Nextiva Review: The All-Inclusive VoIP Provider

From reliable in-house communications to conveniently reaching your customers, choosing the right VoIP provider is an important step to scale your business. In this Nextiva review, you’ll see that it offers crystal clear calling and a comprehensive set of messaging and meeting capabilities to take your business to the next level.

Screenshot of Nextiva website homepage — *Source: Nextiva*

Our Verdict

Nextiva

Visit

Nextiva is one of the best VoIP providers due to its fully integrated voice, messaging, and video meeting capabilities. This VoIP software features everything you need in a business communications system. Even with the base plan, you get access to unlimited calling within the US and Canada. You also receive unlimited video calling and team messaging.

Unlimited voice calling and SMS across plans
Voicemail to email notifications
Outstanding collaboration tools on advanced plans

Call recording could be improved
Few software integrations with base plan
No SMS on desktop app

Nextiva at a Glance

Nextiva is a cloud-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system that provides a wide range of integrated voice, video, and team collaboration features. This VoIP provider stands out from its competitors by helping your business communicate on each channel your team or customers want to use.

From a mobile app and desktop app to unlimited voice and video calling, Nextiva is well-equipped to serve your business. As such, Nextiva is more than a stand-alone VoIP service. It’s an all-in-one business communications solution that includes faxing, video conferencing, and team chat and collaboration capabilities.

In terms of pricing, Nextiva’s packages are based on a sliding scale. The more users you have in your organization, the more affordable Nextiva is for your company. However, Nextiva has plans for businesses with one user to businesses with over 100 users. Therefore, Nextiva is adaptable to any sized business looking for a comprehensive business communications system.

Nextiva offers three plans to choose from, including Essential, Professional, and Enterprise. The base-level Essential plan includes unlimited calling in the US and Canada, unlimited video calling, and team collaboration tools. The Professional plan adds mobile SMS and MMS, unlimited conference calls, and voicemail to SMS notifications.

Who Nextiva is Best For

Nextiva is a VoIP provider suited for businesses looking for an all-in-one phone system solution. No matter how large or small your business is, Nextiva is adaptable to your needs. However, since Nextiva offers discounted pricing for larger teams, this VoIP provider is ideal for large organizations willing to spend more for a quality service.

Pricing

Nextiva’s pricing model is based on how many users you have on your team. For example, teams with 1 to 4 users need to pay $23.95/month per user for the base level Essential plan on an annual subscription. The price drops to $18.95/month per user if you have 20 to 99 users on your team. Furthermore, the price is higher if you choose to pay monthly and not annually.

Price

Starts at $17.95/user/month on an annual subscription

Starts at $21.95/user/month on an annual subscription

Starts at $31.95/user/month on an annual subscription

Unlimited Calling Within the US and Canada

Unlimited Video Calling

Team Messaging, Collaboration, and Video

Free Local and Toll-Free Number

Mobile SMS/MMS

Unlimited Conference Calls

Voicemail to SMS Notifications

Enterprise CRM Integrations

Call Recording

Although not a free VoIP phone service, Nextiva provides a 7-day free trial for its Essential plan and free demos for its Professional and Enterprise plans. The Essential plan includes unlimited calling within the United States and Canada. It also features unlimited calling and team collaboration tools. The Professional plan adds mobile SMS and MMS as well as unlimited conference calls.

Nextiva Features

In this Nextiva review, we focused on some key features. These include its calling capabilities, auto attendant, user interface, advanced features, integrations, and customer support.

Calling

Screenshot of Nextiva call features — *Source: Nextiva*

Nextiva offers one of the best VoIP apps on desktop and mobile, making calling exceedingly convenient for you and your team members. You can set up or attend conference calls from either app, send text messages, and take advantage of Nextiva’s unlimited calling within the United States or Canada. Additionally, with the Nextiva mobile app, you can also share screens with your team members when working on collaborative projects.

Best of all, Nextiva offers crystal clear call quality, so you never have to worry about poor call quality, which causes inconveniences and miscommunications. Rather than having multiple phone systems and a cluttered desk, all your communication tools live together on the same mobile or desktop app.

Nextiva also offers call routing, which automatically sends inbound calls to the correct person with an easily creatable custom call route. Furthermore, this VoIP provider offers advanced voicemail features. You can manage, view, and listen to business voicemail messages from the mobile app or even from your email inbox.

One of the best features we want to highlight in this Nextiva review is Call Pop. Call Pop instantly displays important caller information on your screen. This information includes the sentiment of the caller’s last interaction with your business, survey response, experience score, and customer’s account value. When you answer the call, your screen switches to the caller’s full profile.

This page shows all the caller’s information as well as a place to take notes for the current call. When the call concludes, the customer is sent an automatic email that includes a survey asking them how the call went. Therefore, their most recent response will be shown in Call Pop next time they call.

Auto Attendant

Nextiva includes the auto attendant feature in each of its pricing packages. The auto attendant is an automated answering service that directs inbound calls to the correct individual or department.

For example, when you call a company and are directed to use your keypad to reach the right department, you’ve essentially used an auto attendant. This way, your customers can easily find the right person to speak to without needing a live support agent directing them.

The auto attendant allows your business to scale because of the excellent customer experience it offers. It also improves trust because it makes your company appear more professional.

User Interface

Nextiva is a beginner-friendly VoIP provider because of its easy installation and setup process. Once you sign-up for Nextiva, you can access remote training webinars and one-on-one training opportunities.

The mobile and desktop apps are well-designed and easy to use. If you’re unsure of what is a VoIP caller, Nextiva provides all the resources you need to get your business communications system up and running.

Advanced Features

Screenshot of Nextiva conference calling features page — *Source: Nextiva*

When you upgrade to the Professional or Enterprise plan, you get access to the best conference call service and unlimited SMS and MMS messages. However, the Professional plan limits the number of participants per conference call to 40. On the other hand, you can have unlimited participants on a conference call on the Enterprise plan.

These two plans also include unlimited video conferencing for up to 250 participants. The Enterprise plan is the only package that offers call recording and video conference recording. If your small business requires call recording, read our list of the best VoIP providers. Some of Nextiva’s competitors offer call recording even at the base-level pricing plan.

Furthermore, the Professional and Enterprise plans offer team collaboration tools within the desktop and mobile app. If you opt for either of these two plans, you can access team messaging, private group messaging, and screen sharing.

Integrations

With Nextiva’s Essential plan, you can integrate the VoIP service with Microsoft Outlook and Google Contacts. However, the Professional Plan includes integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, Microsoft Dynamics, Sugar CRM, NetSuite, and Workbooks.

If you want the most integrations possible, you’ll need to opt for the top-tier Enterprise plan. Nextiva’s Enterprise plan includes integrations with Oracle Sales Cloud, Bullhorn, ServiceNow, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce Lightning UI.

With an estimated growth rate of 3.8%, more and more businesses are opting for VoIP phone systems to replace their traditional landline systems. Therefore, it’s important to find a VoIP provider that seamlessly integrates with your existing software.

Customer Support

Nextiva is a cut above its competitors regarding customer support, reliability and helpfulness. Each Nextiva VoIP package includes 24/7 email, chat, and phone support. No matter when or what time you need help, Nextiva has an agent available and willing to troubleshoot your issues.

Reliability

Nextiva offers one of the most reliable and best call center software because of its 99.999% uptime rating. Therefore, you can expect Nextiva to be up and running 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Screenshot of Nextiva website — *Source: Nextiva*

Additionally, Nextiva promises a secure network. Nextiva’s scalable network was developed by over 1,500 engineers to provide top-notch reliability, quality, and security.

Alternatives to Nextiva

Picking the right VoIP provider with a strong support team can help your company cut costs, improve remote collaboration, and increase productivity due to the integration capabilities with other software. Hundreds of VoIP services exist, each with unique features and pricing. However, here are the top three alternatives to Nextiva you should consider before making your final decision.

Ooma Office

Visit

Ooma Office is a cloud-based VoIP provider that offers comprehensive phone systems for small businesses and large enterprises. The Ooma Office base plan features a mobile app, call-forwarding, Ring Groups, and a virtual receptionist.

Ooma Office is suitable for small businesses or startups with many remote workers. Since there isn’t a long-term contract requirement, you can choose to cancel your subscription at any time without any questions asked.

Ooma Office is another great VoIP for small businesses because of its comprehensive set of features and affordable pricing. However, Ooma Office only provides two pricing options for small businesses, whereas Nextiva offers three.

Pricing

Ooma Office carries two plans for small businesses and two plans for larger enterprises:

Ooma Office: $19.95/month per user, no contract required
Ooma Office Pro: $24.95/month per user, no contract required
Ooma Enterprise: $27.99/month per user with contract
Ooma Enterprise Call Center: $49.99/month per user with contract

Affordable pricing for small businesses
No long-term contract requirements on base plans
Excellent user interface and usability

Toll-free service is not free
Desktop app requires Ooma Office Pro
Lacks productivity features

RingCentral

Visit

RingCentral is a comprehensive VoIP service that features unlimited SMS messages, unlimited calling within the US and Canada, voicemail transcription, and team messaging. Furthermore, RingCentral’s Premium and Ultimate plans offer workflow integrations with Slack, CRM integrations with Salesforce, and international calling to over 100 countries.

RingCentral is suitable for larger enterprises that need a comprehensive set of features. Although you can’t go wrong with either VoIP provider, RingCentral offers more app integrations and messaging capabilities than Nextiva.

Pricing

RingCentral offers four different pricing options depending on what your business needs in a phone system:

Essentials: $19.99/month per user – Includes messaging and phone
Standard: $27.99/month per user – Includes messaging, video, and phone
Premium: $34.99/month per user – Includes messaging, video, phone, and open API
Ultimate: $49.99/month per user – Includes messaging, video, phone, open API, and unlimited storage

Offers mobile apps for iOS and Android
Unlimited calls to the United States and Canada
Built-in team messaging platform and document sharing

Takes time to learn and set up
Customer support could be improved
Only allows one user to monitor chat features for a phone line

Dialpad

Visit

Dialpad is another business communications platform that offers calls, messages, and video meetings. What sets Dialpad apart from other VoIP providers is its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. With Dialpad AI, you receive built-in speech recognition and natural language processing.

Dialpad is best for businesses looking to scale their sales and revenue through automated messaging. Nextiva and Dialpad are both cloud-based VoIP providers. However, Dialpad offers real-time transcription, sentiment analysis, and speed coaching through its AI software.

Pricing

Dialpad has three different business communications pricing packages:

Standard: $15/month per user, billed annually
Pro: $25/month per user, billed annually
Enterprise: Inquire with Dialpad for pricing

Free 14-day free trial
Unlimited SMS, calls, and group messages
Call recording and voicemail transcription on base plan

Limited integrations and support on base plan
Desktop app could be improved
Needs better onboarding materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Nextiva Review

Below are a few common questions surrounding our Nextiva review:

How Good Is Nextiva?

Nextiva is a versatile VoIP phone service provider that offers all the phone system features your business needs to grow. It offers a full range of integrated voice, video, and messaging tools. With Nextiva’s 7-day free trial, you can easily determine if this phone system provider is the right choice for your company. We highly recommend Nextiva as a comprehensive VoIP service provider.

Is Nextiva a US Company?

Nextiva was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Therefore, Nextiva is a US company. Furthermore, Nextiva had revenue of $200 million in 2020 and is used by over 150,000 businesses around the world.

What Is the Use of Nextiva?

Nextiva is one of the highest-rated business phone software providers in the world. Businesses can use Nextiva to communicate with team members and clients easily. Nextiva provides a comprehensive phone system that separates business lines from personal lines.

Bottom Line on Nextiva Review

When it comes to call management tools, voice quality, and customer support, Nextiva stands above most of its competitors. This comprehensive business VoIP provider is perfect for any size business looking for a communication platform to unite their employees and clients.

June 20, 2022March 20, 2023

Google Voice Review: VoIP Software for Small Businesses

Google Voice is Google’s Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution. It is a digital phone system that works for desk phones, smartphones, and computers. This system is completely integrated with Google Workspace’s ecosystem and is an excellent tool for small to medium-sized businesses that need to level up their communications with customers.

In this Google Voice review, we have narrowed down all the most important aspects of this VoIP service.

Screenshot of Google Voice website — *Source: Google Voice*

Our Verdict

Google Voice

Visit

Google Voice provides overall great VoIP service for small businesses. Because this is Google we are talking about, it seamlessly integrates with Google Workplace, especially Google Calendar and Google Meet. In addition, it also offers a familiar user interface, which makes it intuitive and easy to use. After all, who doesn’t use at least one Google product on a daily basis?

This VoIP service is also cost-effective compared with other alternatives in the market. With comprehensive features and prices starting at $10 a month per user in its Starter plan, Google Voice app is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses. Also, the Standard and Premier plans offer an even broader set of features with prices as low as $20 and $30 a month, respectively.

Fully integrated with Google Workspace
Works on desk phones, smartphones and computers
Syncs all devices

Delays and voice vibration at times
Inaccurate voicemail transcripts at times
SMS limited to the US

Google Voice at a Glance

Google Voice is the perfect VoIP service for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers comprehensive voice features at prices starting as low as $10 per month, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions.

But what sets Google Voice apart from other solutions in the market is, well… Google. Since this is a Google product, it integrates with Workplace apps. Users can easily manage meetings in Google Calendar, receive calls from ongoing meetings on Hangouts Meet, and use Gmail to follow up on contacts made with Google Voice.

Google Voice works perfectly on desktop phones, smartphones, and computers, meaning users can carry out phone calls from whichever device they prefer. Moreover, Voice also syncs all connected devices with an internet connection, allowing users to access their information from wherever they want.

Most Google Voice users have reported being generally satisfied with the product. However, Google Voice fails in a few aspects. For instance, the SMS features could be broader: the unlimited SMS function is available only in the US, which can be a downer for companies doing business abroad. Google could also improve voice transcripts – users have reported delays and inaccurate voice transcripts.

Who Google Voice is Best For

Google Voice is the perfect VoIP service for small businesses because it provides a high-quality and user-friendly digital phone system that can help them lower costs and swiftly manage their contacts.

It’s a good fit for small businesses looking for affordable cell phone plans with other Google solutions as part of their daily work and can easily integrate with Google Voice.

On the flip side, larger companies that operate with other software and need integration with other business solutions such as CRM software or customer support might not be a good solution, as Google Voice integrates only with Google Workspace apps.

Pricing

Pricing starts as low as $10 a month per user. Google Voice is also compatible with Google Fi – Google’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) – and comes with a seamless Google Calendar and Google Meet integration. These features can come in handy for small business owners who use Google Meet quite often.

For businesses looking for an upgrade, Google Voice’s Standard plan offers additional services such as a multi-level auto attendant, ring groups, desk phone support, and eDiscovery for calls, voice mails, and SMS at only $20 a month per user. The Premier plan offers what is included in the Standard plan, plus unlimited users in international locations and advanced reporting at $30 a month per user.

Price

Starts at $10/month per user

Starts at $20/month per user

Starts at $30/month per user

Unlimited users

Up to 10

Unlimited

Domestic Location

Up to 10

Unlimited

International Locations

None

Unlimited

Compatible with Google Fi

Voicemail-to-text

Integrated with Google Calendar & Meet

Web Application

Call forwarding

Multi level auto attendant

Ring Groups

Google Voice Features & Integrations

Although it’s a comprehensive tool overall, we found some features and integration that stand out in Google Voice during our analysis.

Make Calls From Gmail

Suppose you’re in the middle of an email when you realize it will be too long or too complex to explain through a written text. Google Voice makes it easier for you – instead of writing a long and complex email, you can call for free, straight from your inbox.

Screenshot of Google Voice make a call website page — *Source: Google Voice*

Voicemail to Text

If you need to transcribe a voicemail into text, Google Voice does it for you. Using advanced speech recognition technology, this great future not only turn voicemails into text but also allows you to scan the voicemail and check its content, just like you would with an email.

Call Recorder

Get back to a call whenever you want with this great feature. Record calls from beginning to end and keep a record of important meetings and interviews that occur over the phone.

Google Calendar Integration

Google Voice website users page — *Source: Google Voice*

Google Voice integrates perfectly with Google Calendar and even lets busy business owners shut down from work by automatically sending calls to voicemail after business hours. It also enables this feature whenever the call conflicts with the events on the calendar.

Google Meet Integration

Like Google Calendar, Voice also integrates with Google Meet, making it easier for users to join meeting even when they are on the go. For instance, when users receive a call from Hangouts Meet, they can check what meeting is calling.

Gmail Integration

Although not listed as a feature on the official Voice page, we couldn’t leave behind the Gmail integration provided by Google Voice. Voice allows users to unify their calling experience by providing a widget on Gmail that enables them to make and receive calls without switching tabs or apps. When using Gmail, Google Voice appears on the right side of the screen, allowing users to carry out calls from the computer.

Alternatives to Google Voice

Not sure about Google Voice? There are other VoIP phone services are available on the market – below, we’ve listed our favorite options.

CloudTalk

Visit

CloudTalk is possibly one of the most comprehensive VoIP tools and is very similar to Google Voice. It is known to provide the best Interactive Voice (IVR) system and comes with multiple integrations. In addition, CloudTalk also integrates call recordings as a standard service in all plans. However, the Starter plan doesn’t come with text messaging and IVR. Also, SMS is only available via request.

CloudTalk might be a better fit for larger businesses, as it comes with additional resources that aren’t very useful to small enterprises.

Compared to Google Voice, CloudTalk has more features, but it comes at a cost: its plans start at $30 a month per user, three times more expensive than Google Voice.

Provides the best Interactive Voice (IVR) system
Call recording comes as standard service in all plans
Multiple integrations

Text messaging and IVR aren’t available on the Starter plan
SMS is only available via request
Audio conferencing is limited to three users

OpenPhone

Visit

OpenPhone takes VoIP to the next level — or, more specifically, it takes CRM and text messaging to the next level. With OpenPhone, users can initiate a discussion thread with their co-workers based on a single interaction with clients or potential buyers. No more forwarding messages to random groups and losing track of unique interactions with clients.

This feature makes OpenPhone great for teamwork, so medium-to-large-sized companies might benefit the most from it in comparison with small businesses.

With prices starting at $10 a month per user, OpenPhone, like Google Voice, also offers voicemail transcripts — and also call recordings, which are not included in Voice. However, OpenPhone does not support group calling, has fewer integrations if compared to Voice, and has no international calling options outside the US and Canada.

Next-level text management: you can comment on inbound texts with co-workers and easily manage contacts
Voicemail-to-text transcript
Call recording

No group calling (coming soon)
Fewer integrations
No international calls outside US and Canada

Nextiva

Visit

Nextiva’s Essential plan offers a comprehensive set of VoIP features, completely catering the needs of a small business. With 24/7 customer support, video calls, and integrations with Outlook and Google Contacts, Nextiva’s Essential VoIP plan offers a good set of features.

However, this might be a better option for companies foreseeing more team members and the need for a more robust solution. Its Professional plan offers an even more complete set of features — including team collaboration tools.

Compared to Google Voice, Nextiva offers similar features in its Essential plan, but at a higher price. The Essential plan starts at $18.95 a month per user, while the Professional plan starts at $22.95 a month per user. To learn more about Nextiva’s features, read our complete Nextiva review.

24/7 customer support
Integrates with Outlook and Google Contacts
Video calls included in all plans

More expensive
Fewer features in the Essential VoIP plan
No messaging available on the Essential plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Google Voice Review

We’ve listed the three most frequently asked questions about Google Voice.

Is Google Voice still free?

Users can download Google Voice cost for free for personal use, Google Voice for Business starts at $10 per month per user. Business plans offer a broader set of features and help businesses manage their calls efficiently.

How do I get a Google Voice number?

Users can get a Google Voice number at voice.google.com and sign in to their Google account. To access a Google Voice number for businesses, simply go to the Voice page on Workplace and select the desired plan. You can choose a number once onboarding.

How much is Google Voice a month?

Google voice offers three different monthly subscription plans: Starter, starting at $10 per license and supporting up to 10 users or licenses for small businesses; Standard, starting at $20 and supporting an unlimited local phone number of users or licenses for domestic businesses; and Premier, starting at $30 and supporting an unlimited number of users of licenses for businesses with international offices.

Bottom Line on Google Voice

Google Voice is designed to be simple, smart, and scalable. And it delivers on its promise: a comprehensive VoIP service for small-to-medium-sized businesses.

Google Voice is fully integrated with Google Workspace and provides a seamless experience with Google Calendar and Google Meet. In addition, a widget available on Gmail lets users make and receive calls without having to switch tabs.

The cloud-based service also syncs to all user’s devices, letting them choose where they want their phone to ring. Apart from that, it also works on desk phones, smartphones, and computers.

Finally, Google’s AI carries out voicemail transcriptions and automatically blocks spam calls, allowing users to not be interrupted and focus on their business.

Bottom line, compared with other VoIP providers solution in the market, Google Voice offers a comprehensive, cost-effective service — and all for one at competitive prices, starting at only $10 a month per user.

June 17, 2022March 20, 2023

Ooma Office Review: The Best VoIP For Direct Dial Numbers

Ooma Office is a cloud-based VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) software platform that offers business phone service for small businesses to large enterprises. It offers better remote team communication since the software lets you make calls over the internet instead of a standard phone line. Learn if Ooma Office is right for your company.

Our Verdict

Ooma

Visit

Ooma Office is a VoIP provider that offers convenient voice communications for your team members and clients. The main difference between Ooma Office and its competitors is that each user receives a unique direct-dial VoIP number instead of an extension. Therefore, your company appears more professional, and is easier to reach by your customers.

Ooma Office is an excellent choice for your team if you’re part of a small firm or business with a sizable number of remote workers. The affordable basic plan comes with a virtual receptionist, mobile app, call-forwarding, and a host of additional features.

Affordable plans for small businesses
No long-term contract required
Easy to set up and use

Toll-free service costs extra
Lacks integrated productivity capabilities
Desktop app requires upgraded plan

Ooma Office at a Glance

Ooma Office is a flexible VoIP service with reliable voice and video calling capabilities. Furthermore, Ooma Office combines the ability to easily set up your VoIP service while having unlimited lines for your business. Best of all, there are also no contracts or long-term commitments. You can even try Ooma Office for 30-days with a money-back guarantee.

There are two different pricing options for Ooma Office, both billed every month without needing a long-term contract. The base plan, Ooma Office, includes a user extension, a local phone number, and unlimited calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The advanced plan, Ooma Office Pro, adds video conferencing, voice recordings, and more.

Since there are no long-term commitments with Ooma Office, customers can save up to 50% compared to other providers’ monthly plans. Therefore, Ooma Office is an excellent choice for small businesses and startups when committing to a long-term contract isn’t reasonable.

Ooma office devices - Ooma VoIP review — *Source: Ooma*

Who Ooma Office is Best For

Ooma Office is the best VoIP app for small and medium-sized businesses that need a comprehensive phone system to manage team and client communications. This software also provides robust enterprise solutions that can deeply support a growing business.

Pricing

Ooma Office provides two different pricing packages: Ooma Office and Ooma Office Pro. Ooma Office costs $19.95 each month per user. If you subscribed to Ooma Office and have a team of 25 employees, you would pay $498.75 per month. Furthermore, Ooma Office offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for both packages so that you can try the VoIP software risk-free.

Price

$19.95/month per user

$24.95/month per user

$27.99/month per user with contract

$49.99/month per user with contract

Mobile App

Extension Dialing

Call Forwarding

Video Conferencing

Desktop App

Call Recording

Advanced Custom Call Flows

Custom CRM and Productivity Tool Integrations

Dedicated Customer Success Managers

Custom file permissions

Ooma Office Pro costs $24.95 each month per user and includes everything in Ooma Office, but it also offers video conferencing, a desktop app, call recording, enhanced call blocking, and voicemail transcription. Ooma Enterprise and Ooma Enterprise Call Center software cost $27.99 per user each month and $49.99 per user each month, respectively.

Ooma Office Features

Ooma Office offers a robust set of VoIP features which include call management, calling capabilities, and an intuitive user interface. Here’s an in-depth overview of each of the core features Ooma Office provides.

Call Management

Ooma Office offers all the call management features needed in a VoIP service provider. In the base plan, you receive access to a mobile app, virtual receptionist, and ring groups. With the mobile app, your team can easily communicate from any location. Furthermore, the mobile app offers text messaging, picture messaging, and group messages.

Screenshot of Ooma Office app dashboard - ooma office review — *Source: Ooma*

When your phone rings, you’ll be informed that it’s an Ooma Office call. This makes it easy to differentiate between business and personal calls. With the mobile app, you can also transfer calls to any phone number, extension, or voicemail.

Ooma Office’s virtual receptionist allows small businesses to direct incoming calls and share essential information. The virtual receptionist guides the caller through a series of options, including selecting their preferred language or choosing a specific department. This way, the caller reaches the right person the first time they call.

Screenshot of Ooma Office edit virtual receptionist page — *Source: Ooma*

Another outstanding feature we found in our Ooma Office review is Ring Groups. Ring Groups ensure that no call goes unanswered. You can implement Ring Groups within specific departments like accounting or customer service teams. When Ring Groups is implemented, each member who is eligible to answer the call will receive the phone call.

Then, the phone call stops on everyone’s phone as soon as the first person answers. Furthermore, you can set up Ring Groups to ring each person’s phone sequentially, or user by user, until somebody picks up.

However, there are many more call management features Ooma Office offers. Each Ooma Office plan includes transfer music, music on hold, extension dialing, and call forwarding. You also get access to call logs, a company directory, call blocking, and 7-digit dialing.

Calling

Ooma Office provides an impressive set of calling features, even with the base plan. With each Ooma Office VoIP plan, you get access to unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Ooma Office’s unlimited calling ability is essential if your business or clients are located in these locations.

Additionally, Ooma Office has very low international call rates. For example, a call to China costs $0.025 per minute, and a call to Australia costs $0.038. Therefore, a 30-minute phone call to China or Australia would only cost $0.75 or $1.14. These are some of the lowest international calling rates found in VoIP providers.

Ooma Office also makes it easy to transfer your existing business phone number to Ooma through porting. Additional calling features include enhanced 911 services, toll-free numbers, new company numbers, direct dialing, and free number transfers.

Setup

Ooma Office understands that every business is unique with different needs. Because of this, Ooma Office gives you flexible options to set up your VoIP service depending on your business.

You can set up Ooma Office with your existing analog phones, the Ooma Office smartphone app, or Ooma Office’s IP phones. As such, your phones can be set up through the Ooma Office base station, wirelessly, or through an ethernet cable connection. Ooma Office’s setup is so easy that the DIY setup will have your office phone system up and working in just a few minutes.

Advanced Features

Ooma Office Pro costs $5 more per user each month than the base Ooma Office plan. This plan offers a few additional features, including video conferencing, access to the desktop app, and call recording capabilities.

Online video meetings are more prevalent than ever before. For this reason, Ooma Office Pro offers a comprehensive video conference platform to host instant online meetings from any location. You can easily set up video conferences through Ooma Office’s website or the desktop app.

Furthermore, the video conferencing feature offers simultaneous screen-sharing, which is not commonly found in other video conferencing platforms. Each meeting can host up to 25 people. The Ooma Office dashboard also shows an extensive calendar of future meetings and the ability to create, edit, view, and search for meetings.

You can also password protect video meetings, use a chat messenger, and mute individuals if you’re the host. The Ooma Office desktop app allows you to do everything you can from the mobile app except your laptop. This is easier for remote workers who aren’t typically on the go and need mobile calling capabilities.

The call recording feature allows you to playback phone calls, crucial for accurate note-taking and future references. You can automatically record each call or manually activate the call recording.

Interface and Usability

The best feature about Ooma Office is how easy it is to use because of its intuitive dashboard. You can easily configure your settings, add your business users and extensions, and set up other features through the online dashboard.

Screenshot of Ooma Office app directory - Ooma Office interface review — *Source: Ooma*

Furthermore, most settings within Ooma Office can be customized. For instance, when configuring Ring Groups, you can choose how long each phone rings before moving on to the next person.

Security and Encryption

All calls between two phones using Ooma Office are fully encrypted. Furthermore, video calls are fully encrypted as well.

However, Ooma Office could improve its account and communications security. This is because Ooma Office doesn’t offer two-factor authentication. As such, there’s not much you can do to protect your phone network if somebody steals your password.

Customer Support

Ooma Office provides 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat. This way, there is always somebody available to answer your questions when you need help. You can also find an extensive support center with detailed tutorials about how to set up your phone network.

Alternatives to Ooma Office

Choosing the right VoIP provider for your business is crucial, so it’s important to learn about a few alternatives to Ooma Office before making your final decision. Similar to Ooma Office, each of these alternatives offers excellent VoIP services. Therefore, your business will be positively impacted regardless of which option you choose to implement.

Here are three of the best VoIP providers that provide an alternative solution to Ooma Office.

RingCentral

Visit

RingCentral is a superb VoIP provider that offers unlimited business SMS, unlimited calls in the US and Canada, team messaging, and voicemail transcription. RingCentral’s higher-tier plans offer international calling in over 100 countries, workflow integrations with Slack, and a CRM integration with Salesforce.

RingCentral is an excellent VoIP provider for larger enterprises who need a phone system that integrates with their existing apps. RingCentral is unique compared to Ooma Office because it offers volume discounts for larger teams.

Pricing

RingCentral carries four different pricing packages:

Essentials: $19.99/month per user – Includes message and phone
Standard: $27.99/month per user – Includes message, video, and phone
Premium: $34.99/month per user – Includes message, video, phone, and open API
Ultimate: $49.99/month per user – Includes message, video, phone, open API, and unlimited storage

To learn more about RingCentral’s features and pricing plans, read our complete RingCentral review.

Mobile apps for Android and iOS
Unlimited calls within the United States and Canada
Built-in document sharing and team messaging

Steeper learning curve than other options
Only one user can monitor chat features for a specific phone line
Unreliable customer support

Nextiva

Visit

Nextiva is a VoIP provider that offers a solution for internal and external calls in one single package. The base plan comes with the essential features like unlimited calls in the US and Canada, an auto-attendant, and unlimited video calling. However, the higher-tier plan offers more collaboration-based features.

Nextiva is a great VoIP solution for small businesses looking for a productivity-driven communication system with collaboration features. Nextiva is very similar to Ooma Office because both VoIP services are easy to use and set up. However, Nextiva provides more pricing plans, which may be more suitable for your business.

Pricing

Nextiva provides three different pricing options to choose from:

Essential: $18.95/month per user – Unlimited voice and video calling
Professional: $22.95/month per user – Unlimited conference calls
Enterprise: $32.95/month per user – Call recording

To learn more about Nextiva’s features and pricing plans, read our complete Nextiva review.

Mobile app access from any location
24/7 customer support team
Customizable auto-attendant

Call recording is exclusive to higher-tier plans
Lacks extensive integration capabilities
Confusing to add contacts

Mitel

Visit

Mitel is a VoIP service with a full suite of collaborative tools. These tools include the ability to host video conferences with 100+ people and a platform for business and teamwork SMS messages. Mitel is a great option for small businesses interested in Outlook integration and Telephony for Microsoft support. This way, you can easily call through Teams.

Compared to our Ooma Office review, Mitel is the better choice for teams that need Outlook and Microsoft integration capabilities.

Pricing

Mitel offers three different cloud business phone systems. However, you need to contact Mitel’s sales team to receive a quote.

Unlimited minutes each month
PC, Android, and iOS app
100-user video conferences

Time-consuming initial setup
Lack of user customization
Mobile app UX could be improved

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Ooma Office Review

Below are a few popular questions surrounding the Ooma Office review.

Who is Ooma Office?

Ooma Office is an enterprise-level phone system suited for small businesses. A few key features include unlimited calling in the US and Canada, unlimited lines with private voicemail, and a virtual receptionist to automatically greet and direct callers.

Does Ooma Office Offer Great Customer Support?

Ooma Office provides 24/7 customer support agents through phone calls or online chat. Furthermore, you can find a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about topics like initial setup, pricing, and advanced features.

Does Ooma Office Have Video Conferencing?

Ooma Office includes video conferencing in its higher-tier plan called Ooma Office Pro. With Ooma Office Pro, you get access to unlimited video conferencing as well as voice recording.

Bottom Line on Ooma Office Review

Ooma Office offers two different pricing packages depending on what VoIP services your business needs. It’s an easy-to-use VoIP option that offers impressive calling and video conferencing features. However, Ooma Office isn’t the best VoIP service if you’re interested in team collaboration features.

June 16, 2022November 23, 2022

10 Best 100% Free VPNs in 2023

Using one of the best 100% free VPNs lets you browse the web safely without spending a single penny. Although you won’t get access to premium features such as Netflix unblocking with a free VPN, you can still protect your data and information. Check out our list of the best 100% free VPNs below.

Best 100% Free VPN

VPNBook – Best Overall 100% Free VPN
Urban VPN – Best for Unlimited Devices
Opera VPN – Best for Browser-based Internet Use
ProtonVPN – Best for Unlimited Data Usage
PrivadoVPN – Best Free VPN for Unlimited Speeds
Windscribe – Best Free VPN for Server Locations
Hide.me – Best Free VPN for Privacy
AtlasVPN – Best Free VPN for Torrenting
ZoogVPN – Best Free VPN for Friend Referral Rewards
Hotspot Shield – Best Free VPN for Daily Internet Usage

VPNBook

Unlimited

11 servers across 7 countries

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

None

Urban VPN

Unlimited

Servers in 80 countries

Unlimited

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge

None

Opera VPN

Unlimited

100+ servers in 3 locations

One browser per device

Windows, Android

None

ProtonVPN

Unlimited

Medium Limit

147 servers in 3 countries

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

$3.29 to $30.00 per month

PrivadoVPN

10 GB every 30 days

Servers in 12 cities

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

$4.99 to $7.99 per month

Windscribe

10 GB per month

Servers in 10 countries

Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux

$1.00 to $9.00 per month

Hide.me

10 GB per month

Servers in 5 locations

Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux

$2.59 to $9.95 per month

AtlasVPN

10 GB per month

Servers in 3 locations

Unlimited devices

Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux

$1.99 to $10.99 per month

ZoogVPN

10 GB per month

Servers in 5 locations

Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux

$1.87 to $9.99 per month

Hotspot Shield

500 MB per day

Up to 2 Mbps

Server in 1 location

Windows, Mac, iOS, Android,

$7.99 to $19.99 per month

VPNBook: Best Overall 100% Free VPN

$19.9

★★★★★

Visit

VPNBook is a simple, no-frills VPN based out of Switzerland with its lack of rules on data retention. You can also rest assured that the government isn’t watching your every move, either.

You can use VPNBook on most devices, with setups for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux computers. Smartphone users will find protection for iOS and Android as well. The VPN limits you to five devices per account.

VPNBook’s website can be confusing for anyone who doesn’t consider themselves computer savvy. There are some annoying pop-ups to deal with from time to time, a common side effect of a free service.

The download page has both a client and certificate bundles you’ll need to pick up in order to start using the software. It clearly lays out what each bundle is best for; you just pick the one you need.

There’s no cap on the amount of data you consume while using VPNBook. Whether you’re streaming 100 gigs of data or just browsing the web, VPN has you covered. The platform doesn’t slow down speeds after a certain threshold, either.

Security with VPNBook is top-notch, offering the best encryption techniques you keep you safe. It utilizes AES-256 and AES-128 among other popular protocols, claiming it would take a supercomputer 1000 years to crack.

You’ll only have 11 servers to choose from, which span a handful of European countries, the United States, and Canada. There isn’t a way to access content from Asia or Australia while using BookVPN.

The service is 100% free to use, without any paid option to speak of. You can access all features right out of the gate, but BookVPN does look for donations to purchase additional servers and other features.

Why we chose it: BookVPN’s completely free service incorporates simplicity, fast speeds, and some of the best security features you’ll find anywhere.

Simple setup and use
Unlimited data
Robust security and privacy

Confusing website
No frills service
Small network of servers

Urban VPN: Best for Unlimited Devices

$19.9

★★★★★

Visit

Urban VPN advertises itself as the only 100% FREE, 100% fast & 100% anonymous VPN in the world. There are thousands of servers to pick from in over 80 countries, allowing you to access the content you want or remain anonymous while on the internet.

You can connect an unlimited number of devices through a single account and never have to worry about a slowdown or cutoff. What’s more, there’s no limit to the amount of data you can use while on Urban VPN.

The software is easy to set up, requiring account creation and a download from the website. It’s possible to use Urban VPN through Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android devices. There are special extensions for Firefox, Edge, and Chrome for added protection while browsing.

If Urban VPN has impressive security protocols, it doesn’t share that information. The VPN vows to keep you anonymous and secure but isn’t clear about how it accomplishes that. There’s no record of which encryption the software uses to keep your data safe.

Speeds can drop some when you connect to a VPN close to home, but there’s a considerable drop when you access a far-away server. Downloads can take forever to complete, and you can forget about watching that streaming service from a distant country.

Why we chose it: Urban VPN is one of the few services with an abundance of server locations that you can connect an unlimited number of devices to.

Unlimited devices
Unlimited data
Easy to set up

Far away servers cause a significant speed drop
Unclear security protocols
No tech support team

Opera VPN: Best for Browser-based Internet Use

$19.9

★★★★★

Visit

Opera is a unique VPN that fuses directly with the company’s browser. The VPN is a separate add-on, so even current Opera users will need to download it to stay protected.

Server locations are somewhat vague, and connection to the VPN only tells you that you’re tunneling through somewhere in the Americas, Europe, or Asia. There’s some ambiguity here, and the region you choose isn’t even always the one Opera VPN connects you to.

No matter where your server location ends up, you’ll have an unlimited amount of data to work with without limits or speed caps. Since the VPN works through a browser, it does function a bit differently. It’s possible to browse and download entirely anonymously, as there’s no requirement to sign in.

You will have strong security features when surfing the web through Opera VPN, as the network has AES-256 encryption. This is a massive boon to other free VPNs that don’t offer this level of protection.

Of course, this means you will have to use Opera’s browser to take advantage of the VPN. If you’re not a fan of Opera, the VPN does not work with any other type of software.

Downloading both Opera and the VPN are a breeze, but each one is a separate download. Once installed, the VPN links directly up to the browser so you don’t have to have a bunch of software running in the background.

Another shortcoming is the lack of Apple support. Opera doesn’t run on Mac computers or iOS devices, so those users will have to look elsewhere for protection.

Why we chose it: If you’re streaming or downloading primarily through a browser, Opera VPN packs a punch with robust security features and unlimited data transfer.

Works directly with the Opera browser
Unlimited data
Has AES-256 encryption

No iOS apps
Requires installing the Opera browser
Vague server locations

ProtonVPN: Best for Unlimited Data Usage

Price for paid plan: $3.29 to $30.00 per month

4.8

★★★★★

Visit

ProtonVPN stands out because it’s the only 100% free VPN with no data limits. This means you’re free to use ProtonVPN as long as you want. However, the free version comes with a slight speed limit compared to ProtonVPN’s paid plans. Along with unrestricted data usage, ProtonVPN works with Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Android TV, Chromebook, Linux, and certain routers.

ProtonVPN’s free plan offers bank-standard AES 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch. These are features used in the top paid VPNs, so it’s incredible that ProtonVPN offers them for free. ProtonVPN also uses OpenVPN, which is the safest security protocol in the VPN sector.

While ProtonVPN excels in its security features, you only get access to three free server locations. This can be troublesome if you’re traveling for work or located far away from all of the free servers.

However, the fact remains that ProtonVPN is the best 100% free VPN in 2023. Since ProtonVPN doesn’t have a data limit, you can leave it on all the time. Best of all, there aren’t any advertisements in ProtonVPN’s free plan.

ProtonVPN is also one of the best VPNs for PC because of its outstanding Windows app. The app has a beautiful interface and is very simple to learn and use.

Why we chose it: ProtonVPN is the best 100% free VPN because it offers industry-standard security protocols and unlimited data usage.

Unlimited data allowance
Excellent privacy
Outstanding desktop app

No P2P features
No Secure Core
Torrenting not allowed

Pricing:

When you’re ready to upgrade to a paid plan, ProtonVPN offers three different packages:

Basic: Annual Plan ($4/month), Monthly Plan ($5/month)
Plus: Annual Plan ($8/month), Monthly Plan ($10/month)
Visionary: Annual Plan ($24/month), Monthly Plan ($30/month)

PrivadoVPN: Best for Unlimited Speeds

Price for paid plan: $4.99 to $7.99 per month

4.6

★★★★★

Visit

PrivadoVPN is one of the best 100% free VPNs because it offers unlimited internet speeds. Unlike ProtonVPN, which has a speed cap, PrivadoVPN does not have any speed restrictions on its free plan. There are also many servers to choose from with PrivadoVPN’s free plan, including Chicago, New York, Miami, Frankfurt, Paris, London, Amsterdam, and many more.

PrivadoVPN rivals ProtonVPN as the best 100% free VPN. Although PrivadoVPN offers similar security features to ProtonVPN, it has a data limit of 10 GB per month. If you’re a heavy internet user, you can deplete 10 GB in a single day.

For this reason, PrivadoVPN is the second-best 100% free VPN on today’s list. PrivadoVPN is a capable mobile VPN because of its impressive Android and iOS apps. With PrivadoVPN’s free mobile app, you can quickly secure your smartphone’s internet connection with the touch of a few buttons.

Both the desktop and mobile apps are user-friendly and load quickly. If you want to learn how to use a VPN, PrivadoVPN is the most beginner-friendly free VPN available. On the app’s dashboard, you can sort your server list in a number of unique ways, such as latency and alphabetized. Furthermore, the app explains what the kill switch and auto-connect features do.

Overall, PrivadoVPN is worth a try if you’re interested in great security and privacy features, unlimited speeds, and a moderate server selection.

Why we chose it: PrivadoVPN is the best 100% free VPN for unlimited download and upload speeds. Even if you go over the 10 GB monthly data limit, you can still use PrivadoVPN with 1 Mbps speeds.

10 GB of data per month
Wide server selection
No speed limits

No servers in Africa or Asia
No split tunneling
Support could be improved

Pricing:

PrivadoVPN offers a paid plan, where you can either pay monthly or annually:

1 Month: $7.99 per month
12 Months: $4.99 per month

Windscribe: Best for Server Locations

Price for paid plan: $1.00 to $9.00 per month

4.55

★★★★★

Visit

Windscribe offers a unique free VPN plan because you can complete tasks to upgrade your monthly data limit. When you first join Windscribe, you are given 2 GB of data usage per month. Once you add and confirm your email address, you are automatically upgraded to the 10 GB monthly plan. You can add more GB to your free monthly plan by tweeting and referring friends.

Although Windscribe offers some gentle nudges to entice you to sign up for a paid plan, they aren’t too intrusive or annoying. For this reason, Windscribe’s free VPN plan is the best 100% free VPN for server selection and unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can sign in to the same Windscribe account on many devices.

Windscribe is unique because its free plan comes with extra features such as malware, tracker, and ad blocking tools. It also includes port forwarding and split-tunneling. These features don’t usually come with free VPN plans, so it’s important to take advantage of them if you need them.

The main difference between Windscribe and the best 100% free VPNs is Windscribe’s inconsistent speeds. While PrivadoVPN offers a stable connection that’s fast, Windscribe’s speeds vary greatly.

Furthermore, users have had success unlocking geo-blocked content from streaming platforms like Netflix with Windscribe’s free plan.

With VPN usage soaring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Windscribe offers an excellent free VPN service for individuals who work at home.

Why we chose it: Windscribe is the best 100% free VPN for server locations because you get access to 10 countries. Furthermore, Windscribe servers are extremely fast, and there isn’t a speed cap on your internet usage. Read our in-depth review on Windscribe to learn more about its features.

10 server locations
10 GB of data per month
No speed limits

No human live chat support
Inconsistent speeds
Starts at 2 GB of data per month without email

Pricing:

Windscribe carries two pricing plans and a custom plan option:

Monthly Plan: $9 per month
Yearly Plan: $4.08 per month
Build a Plan: Inquire for pricing

Hide.me: Best for Privacy

Price for paid plan: $2.59 to $9.95 per month

4.48

★★★★★

Visit

Hide.me is a well-known provider in the growing VPN industry because of its fantastic free and paid subscription options. With Hide.me’s free VPN plan, you get access to servers in 10 different countries. This offers you a chance to connect to a server that’s close to your home, allowing fast internet speeds when you’re using Hide.em.

Hide.me is a highly-secure free VPN with a monthly data cap of 10 GB. It’s one of the fastest free VPNs when you connect to a server in your country. Furthermore, Hide.me allows P2P traffic on most of the free servers. Hide.me offers free servers in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany.

In terms of security protocols, Hide.me offers IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Wireguard. We are also able to unblock some streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ with Hide.me.

As long as you’re connected to a server near your home, you’ll notice consistent download speeds and a stable connection. If you’re confused about what is a VPN, Hide.me is extremely beginner-friendly. The app will guide you through exactly what a VPN is and how to use the program properly.

Why we chose it: Hide.me is the best free VPN for privacy because it offers a clear zero-logs policy. This means Hide.me doesn’t store any information regarding your internet usage.

Strong privacy features
No ads or speed limits
User-friendly custom apps

Limited to one device
Only 5 server locations
Slow long-distance speeds

Pricing:

Hide.me provides three unique pricing plans depending on the length of your subscription:

1 Month: $9.95 per month
1 Year: $4.99 per month
2 Years: $2.59 per month

AtlasVPN: Best for Torrenting

Price for paid plan: $1.99 to $10.99 per month

4.3

★★★★★

Visit

AtlasVPN offers extremely fast download speeds if you’re connected to a nearby server. Furthermore, AtlasVPN allows torrenting and other types of P2P traffic on each of its free servers. This means that you can use AtlasVPN to download large torrent files quickly. However, you only get access to 10 GB of data per month on the free plan.

AtlasVPN is an excellent VPN for torrenting because it allows P2P traffic on every one of its servers. This means you get access to high download speeds when downloading a torrent using AtlasVPN. Since there aren’t any connection speed limits, AtlasVPN offers the best free way to safely download torrent files.

This VPN provider doesn’t slack in the security department either. AtlasVPN uses the same AES-256 military-grade encryption seen on most of the best 100% free VPNs on this list. It also doesn’t collect, store, or sell your data.

Cybercrime is a prevalent problem a free VPN service like AtlasVPN protects you from data breaches and other online vulnerabilities.

Why we chose it: AtlasVPN is the best 100% free VPN for torrenting because it offers P2P support for its free and premium subscription plans.

Good for torrenting
Private logging policy
Fast download speeds

Doesn’t unblock streaming services
Small server selection
No live chat

Pricing:

AtlasVPN carries three unique pricing terms when you’re ready to upgrade:

1 Month: $10.99 per month
1 Year: $3.29 per month
3 Years: $1.99 per month

ZoogVPN: Best Free VPN for Friend Referral Rewards

Price for paid plan: $1.87 to $9.99 per month

4.25

★★★★★

Visit

ZoogVPN offers one of the most unique 100% free VPN plans available because of its referral program. If you refer a friend and they purchase a subscription, you receive 15 days of ZoogVPN’s premium plan for free. Once you reach a certain checkpoint, you receive additional Premium time. For example, three successful referrals grant 55 days of Premium total.

ZoogVPN is a new VPN provider that offers affordable longterm plans as well as a free plan. With ZoogVPN’s free plan, you get access to fast VPN speeds without any ads or data logging. You can also download the VPN right away without providing your credit card information.

The free servers are located in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States, Singapore, and Poland. If you live in one of these countries, ZoogVPN offers an excellent way to get free 10 GB of VPN bandwidth per month.

Why we chose it: ZoogVPN is the best 100% free VPN for friend referral rewards because you can get access to the Premium plan through successful referrals.

Allows torrenting
Offers a VPN killswitch
Ability to receive up to 50 GB of data per month

Uses 128-bit encryption instead of AES 256-bit
Small server selection
Doesn’t unblock streaming services

Pricing:

ZoogVPN offers inexpensive pricing packages if you subscribe for a long period:

1 Month: $9.99 per month
1 Year: $2.99 per month
2 Years: $1.87 per month

Hotspot Shield: Best for Daily Internet Usage

Price for paid plan: $7.99 to $19.99 per month

4.1

★★★★★

Visit

Hotspot Shield is a unique free VPN because it features daily data usage limit rather than a monthly one. This means that each day, you receive 500 MB of data usage through Hotspot Sheild. Over a monthlong period, this adds up to 15 GB of data, which is 50% higher than most plans offering a 10 GB monthly data limit.

Although Hotspot Shield offers the second most data with 15 GB per month, it’s still only the seventh-best 100% free VPN. This is because Hotspot Shield’s free plan offers access to a single location in the United States. If you live outside of the United States, your connection to the server will be unstable and inconsistent.

With the 500 MB daily limit, Hotspot Shield is a great VPN solution for those who want to casually browse the web safely and securely.

Why we chose it: Hotspot Shield is the best 100% free VPN for individuals who need daily VPN access. Hotspot Shield’s free VPN plan comes with a 500 MB daily limit, perfect for the average internet user.

Data allowance resets daily
Good for casual browsing
Easy to use

Only one server
Low data allowance
2 Mbps speed limit

Pricing:

If you want to upgrade your free plan, Hotspot Shield offers a two paid plans that include a 45-day free trial:

Premium: Annual Plan ($7.99 per month), Monthly Plan ($12.99 per month)
Premium Family – Annual Plan ($11.99 per month), Monthly Plan ($19.99 per month)

Methodology for the Best 100% Free VPN

Our top priority for choosing the best 100% free VPN was to choose actually free VPNs. This means there aren’t any hidden or direct subscription costs, and you don’t need to enter your credit card information to use the free VPN. This means that VPNs with free trials were also excluded from this list.

Encryption and Security: Since the primary purpose of a VPN is to protect your data, encryption, and security features are vital. The best 100% free VPNs should offer industry-standard encryption, a VPN killswitch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Most of the free VPNs on this list offer AES 256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard.
Data Limits: Data limits are the most common drawback of using a free VPN. Data limits restrict how much data you can use on the VPN. For example, a data limit of 10 GB per month means that you can’t keep using the VPN once you reach the 10 GB limit for the month. The best 100% free VPNs offer at least 10 GB of data per month.
Speed Caps: Similar to data limits, speed caps restrict your download and upload speeds while using the VPN. Some free VPNs heavily limit your speed, while others don’t limit it at all. This is why we chose free VPNs that offer similar speeds to their paid counterparts.
Server locations: A more extensive server database on your 100% free VPN allows you to access faster connection speeds and more streaming content. Luckily, a few free VPNs offer a global server reach. However, there are also a few VPNs with a limited selection of servers.
Logging Policy: It’s essential to use a VPN that respects your privacy. Some VPNs collect records of your online activity into a log. These VPNs should be avoided because they may sell your data or share it with others. The VPNs included on our list operate with a strict no-logs policy, keeping your privacy safe.
Device Limits: We live in a day and age where everyone has multiple devices for internet access. Even someone living alone can have a phone, tablet, PC, and smart TV all connected to the internet at the same time. The best free VPNs allow each of these machines to pass through the virtual network without restriction or slowdown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best 100% Free VPNs

Below are the most popular questions about the best 100% free VPNs.

Which devices can I install free VPNs on?

The majority of free VPNs are compatible with desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. In terms of an operating system, free VPNs support Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Some free VPNs are also compatible with Amazon Fire TV Stick and routers. Other free VPNs offer Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions.

Which free VPN is best for Netflix?

Unfortunately, free VPNs don’t offer the feature of bypassing Netflix’s rigid geo-restrictions. This means you can’t use a free VPN to access Netflix content in other regions. Even if you were able to bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions, you wouldn’t be able to stream content for very long. Since free VPNs have a data limit, you would quickly exceed the limit within a few hours.

Are free VPNs safe to use?

Some free VPNs are safe to use, while you should avoid others at all costs. The VPNs outlined in this guide are all safe to use because reputable VPN companies provide them. This is why it’s essential to look at online reviews and read the free VPN’s privacy policy before using it. There are some free VPNs that sell your data and don’t offer proper encryption.

What is the best free VPN?

The best free VPN is ProtonVPN because it’s the only free VPN offering unlimited data usage. Most free VPNs have a 10 GB monthly limit, severely hindering your ability to stream content, play video games, or download files. ProtonVPN also offers advanced security protocols and hundreds of free servers in three different countries.

Bottom Line on the Best 100% Free VPNs

The best 100% free VPNs are essential for individuals looking to protect their data and personal information for $0. While each free VPN offers a paid plan, the free plan provides more than enough capacity to browse the internet safely.

June 15, 2022November 23, 2022

7 Best VPNs for PC in 2023

Protecting your data with the best VPN for PC is a smart decision. However, selecting which VPN to use can be tricky because many choices exist. Since they all seemingly have the same features, it can be impossible to decide. Here are the seven best VPNs for PC users in 2023.

Best VPN for PC

ExpressVPN – Best Overall VPN for PC
NordVPN – Best VPN for Windows PC
Surfshark – Best Budget-Friendly VPN
Mullvad VPN – Best VPN for Flat-Rate Payment
Cyberghost – Best VPN for Simultaneous Devices
Windscribe – Best VPN for Custom Plans
ProtonVPN – Best VPN for Streaming

ExpressVPN

Starts at $8.32/month, billed annually

1 – 12

Chrome, Firefox, Edge

160

Unlimited

NordVPN

Starts at $3.29/month on a 2-year subscription

1 – 24

Chrome, Firefox, Edge

5,398 total servers

Unlimited

Surfshark

Starts at $2.49/month on a 2-year subscription

1 – 24

Chrome, Firefox, Edge

3,200+ total servers

Unlimited

Mullvad VPN

$5/month

1 – 120

Firefox

837 total servers

Unlimited

Cyberghost

Starts at $2.29/month on a 3-year subscription

1 – 39

Chrome, Firefox

7,900 total servers

Unlimited

Windscribe

Starts at $1/month on a custom plan

1 – 12

Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera

110

Unlimited

ProtonVPN

Starts at $4/month, billed annually

1 – 24

None

1,700+ total servers

Unlimited

ExpressVPN: Best Overall VPN for PC

$8.32 to $12.95/month

★★★★★

4.9

Visit

ExpressVPN is the best overall VPN software in the world. This is because ExpressVPN works incredibly well across Macs, PCs, Androids, and iPhones. ExpressVPN offers outstanding privacy protocols because it does not track location, browsing history, or the content of downloads. This level of flexibility and security places ExpressVPN at the top of our list.

Why we chose it: ExpressVPN is the most powerful and user-friendly VPN for PCs. You can take full advantage of its advanced settings to customize your experience or use the recommended settings if you just want to set it and forget it. Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review to learn more about its features.

24/7 customer support
Easy-to-use desktop apps
Excellent speeds across all tasks

Not the cheapest VPN provider
Only connect five devices at once
No multi-hop connections

Pricing:

Express VPN carries three different payment periods. Each plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can with cryptocurrency:

1 Month – $12.95 per month
6 Months – $9.99 per month, $59.94 billed every 6 months
12 Months – $8.32 per month, $99.84 billed every 12 months

ExpressVPN tops the list of the best VPN for PC because of its comprehensive set of impressive features. While ExpressVPN is also the best mobile VPN, the ExpressVPN desktop app is even better.

You’ll immediately notice an intuitive and easy-to-use interface from the moment you download and launch ExpressVPN on your PC. The interface includes massive on/off buttons and choose location buttons. You can simply choose a location and run the VPN right away.

The PC software is also packed with an extensive set of premium features. For example, ExpressVPN offers smart server recommendations, kill switch technology, and multiple VPN protocols. You can also control the VPN from a browser extension.

In terms of security protocols, ExpressVPN offers highly-encrypted security tools. The independently audited privacy policy states there is no logging or gathering of connection IPs, online activities, or traffic data.

ExpressVPN provides outstanding speed performances for local service and modest results for long-distance connections. The speed will only get faster as ExpressVPN now gives access to its proprietary Lightway protocol.

If you have any questions such as how to use a VPN, ExpressVPN offers professional 24/7 customer support via live chat or email. This way, you can get your questions answered whenever issues arise.

NordVPN: Best VPN for Windows PC

$3.29 to $11.99/month

★★★★★

4.8

Visit

NordVPN is a household name in the VPN business because of its excellent performance on Windows PCs. This VPN provider offers outstanding privacy, a myriad of servers across the world, and innovative security protocols. It also recently underwent a second independent audit that proved its privacy policy claims of zero-logging data.

Why we chose it: NordVPN is the best VPN for Windows machines because of its included security and privacy benefits. Each NordVPN subscription comes with military-grade encryption, multi factor authentication, an ad blocker, malware protection, and a tracker blocker. Read our ultimate NordVPN review to learn more about its features.

Offers multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
Easy to set up and use
Ample server locations

Cheap plans only included in long-term subscriptions
Clunky interface at times
Renewal price is higher than introductory rates

Pricing:

NordVPN offers three unique payment options:

1-Month Plan – $11.99 per month
1-Year Plan – $4.99 per month, billed $59.88 for the first year, then $99.48 per year
2-Year Plan – $3.29 per month, billed $78.96 for the first two years, then $99.48 per year

NordVPN is one of the top-ranked VPNs on many ‘best of’ lists for several great reasons. To begin with, NordVPN carries an extensive server network of 5,398, allows for six simultaneously connected devices, and is trusted by 14 million users around the globe. It also has an excellent track record of unblocking most streaming services out there.

The Windows client is easy to set up, and NordVPN constantly updates the client to make it easier to use. The client itself features a compact interface with all the basic and advanced tools you need to browse the web freely.

NordVPN takes security very seriously. This provider offers a certain number of Double VPN servers. These servers pass your data through two separate VPN servers, making things even more secure. The Windows kill switch works brilliantly as well. A VPN kill switch prevents your device from making unprotected connections.

All of these features are enhanced by NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol. This is a new-generation VPN technology built around WireGuard. NordLynx improves connection speeds and NordVPN server connections without compromising security and privacy.

More people are coming around to the benefits of a VPN; in fact, 85% of adult internet users are aware of VPNs. NordVPN makes it easy to get started and protect your data.

Surfshark: Best Budget-Friendly VPN

$2.49 to $12.95/month

★★★★★

4.75

Visit

Surfshark is an affordable VPN for PC that offers over 3,000 servers and over 110 server locations. This VPN provider comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live support. What’s unique about Surfshark is that it also offers unlimited connections. This means you can cover as many PCs, phones, or Macs as you’d like.

Why we chose it: Surfshark is the best VPN for PC users who want a lot of value at an affordable price. This is because Surfshark offers a low monthly price, high speeds, and unlimited devices. Read our complete Surfshark review to learn more about its features.

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Well-designed user interface
Most affordable long-term plans

Antivirus costs extra
No ability to receive a dedicated IP address
Kill switch issues

Pricing:

Surfshark provides three different pricing options:

1 month – $12.95 per month
12 months – $3.99 per month, billed $59.76 every 12 months
24 months – $2.49 per month, billed $59.76 every 24 months

Surfshark is an outstanding VPN service for beginners wondering, what is a VPN? This is because Surfshark’s program is extremely easy to use. Once you launch the app, you’ll be presented with a clean and simple interface. The software will let you know exactly what to press and how to get started.

As you continue using the program, you’ll realize how more and more features open up as you expand. Some of these features include OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard security protocols. Private DNS, AES-256 bit encryption, and a kill switch are also waiting in case your connection drops.

If you want to use your VPN to watch streaming platforms, Surfshark carries a long list of streaming services. Surfshark can get you access to Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Netflix, and many more.

Although the OpenVPN speeds were lackluster, the WireGuard speeds had highs of 720-790 Mbps which is extremely quick. Surfshark is the best option if you want an affordable VPN and can commit to a long-term subscription.

Mullvad VPN: Best VPN for Flat-Rate Payment

$5/month flat-rate

★★★★★

4.7

Visit

Although Mullvad VPN isn’t the most polished VPN we’ve seen, it provides a secure connection and protects your privacy for an unbeatable price. Mullvad VPN is unique because it hyper focuses on offering secure and affordable VPN protection. MullvadVPN is radically transparent as a company and provides an honest and genuine VPN product.

Why we chose it: Mullvad VPN is the best VPN for flat-rate payments because it costs $5 per month no matter how long you subscribe for. This is more affordable than any other VPN’s standard monthly rate. Read our ultimate Mullvad VPN review to learn more about its features.

Consistent pricing across any time period
Multi-hop connections
Extremely transparent

Awkward desktop interface
Servers in fewer countries compared to other VPNs
Account number system may be confusing

Pricing:

Mullvad VPN offers a single flat monthly rate at $5 per month.

Not bothered by the flashing lights and “innovative” features used in most VPNs, Mullvad VPN focuses on security and privacy. With your $5 subscription, you can connect five devices simultaneously, use a multi-hop connection by enabling bridge mode in the app, and access to the newer WireGuard protocol.

Mullvad VPN doesn’t offer additional tools of enhanced privacy protection such as Tor access, ad blockers, and malware protection. Still, Mullvad VPN has become a community favorite because it’s part of a minimal list of VPNs with port-forwarding and no logging evidence.

Furthermore, Mullvad VPN doesn’t use affiliates or paid reviews as you see with other major VPN providers. Lastly, Mullvad VPN has complete server transparency, is open-source, and hasn’t sold out to a major conglomerate.

CyberGhost: Best VPN for Server Selection

$2.29 to $12.99/month

★★★★★

4.68

Visit

Since CyberGhost is based in Romania, CyberGhost will never need to hand over customer data to the government, unlike many other VPNs. Furthermore, with thousands of servers around the world, you’re guaranteed to find one that gives you fast WiFi speeds.

Why we chose it: CyberGhost is the best VPN for server selection because it has over 7,700 available servers to choose from. To learn more, read our in-depth CyberGhost review.

Large and well-distributed server fleet
Allows up to seven simultaneous device connections
Excellent speed test ratings

Expensive compared to other VPNs
Lack of third-party audit
Confusing privacy policies

Pricing:

CyberGhost carries four pricing plans depending on your subscription length:

1 Month – $12.99 per month
1 Year – $4.29 per month, billed $51.48 every year
2 Years – $3.25 per month, billed $78 every two years
3 Years + 3 Months – $2.29 per month, billed $89.31 every three years

CyberGhost is an impressive VPN host because of its high-performance PC app. The best feature CyberGhost offers is its connection speeds when using WireGuard, topping out at around 850 Mbps.

This makes CyberGhost one of the fastest VPNs. This goes along perfectly with its streaming capabilities, unblocking every streaming service we tested. Overall, the Windows app is stable, and the only issue we’ve noticed is notifications not being shown.

CyberGhost continues to make a name for itself in the VPN sector and will soon challenge behemoths NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Windscribe: Best VPN for Custom Plans

$1 to $9/month

★★★★★

4.61

Visit

Windscribe is a unique VPN because it offers multi-hop encryption. This means your web traffic will be encrypted twice as you’re browsing online. Windscribe performs well across Windows PCs, and there’s also a free option for users in the US, UK, Hong Kong, and other countries.

Why we chose it: Windscribe is the best VPN for custom plans because you can build your own plan based on your preferences. No other VPN provider on this list offers this option. Read our ultimate Windscribe review to learn more about its features.

Multi-hop subscription
Fast on Windows PCs
Free subscriptions in certain countries

Limited Netflix accessibility
Subpar speed on Mac computers
Looser than average logging policy

Pricing:

Windscribe offers two standard plans and one custom plan:

Monthly Plan – $9 per month
Yearly Plan – $4.08 per month, billed $49 every 12 months
Build A Plan – Inquire for pricing, starts at $1 per location, per month

Windscribe is an excellent VPN with many features and a user-friendly interface. However, you shouldn’t expect the best speeds or the fastest support with Windscribe like you’d find with ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Instead, Windscribe is a decent VPN that’s versatile and could suit most users. However, many people drift toward Windscribe because of its generous free plan. Windscribe’s free service offers 11 server locations and 2GB of data.

While the free version is outstanding for beginners, the paid version offers unlimited simultaneous connections, P2P and torrenting on most servers, and logging policies to safeguard your privacy.

ProtonVPN: Best VPN for Streaming

$0 to $24/month

★★★★★

4.59

Visit

ProtonVPN is unique because it offers a plan which is one of the best 100% free VPNs available. The free plan offers access to 147 servers in three countries, one VPN connection, medium speed, a strict no-log policy, and the ability to access blocked content. However, ProtonVPN also offers three paid plans with even more features and accessibility.

Why we chose it: ProtonVPN is an excellent VPN for streaming and speed because of its VPN Accelerator, Quick Connect, and Auto Reconnection features. It also unblocks any streaming you want to watch.

Easy to use on Windows PCs
Above average speeds
Unblocks Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video

No 24/7 customer support
Some features locked behind pricier Plus plan
Relatively small server network

Pricing:

ProtonVPN offers four price tiers:

Free – $0 per month
Basic – $4 per month, billed $48 annually
Plus – $8 per month, billed $96 annually
Visionary – $24 per month, billed $288 annually

ProtonVPN continues to make strides in the PC VPN software sector because of its great Windows 10 client. If you’re interested in a sleek and intuitive VPN that offers many features and settings to play with, ProtonVPN is a great option.

Once you open the client, you can navigate the app with its map interface or a collapsed list format. Either way, ProtonVPN highlights which servers support P2P or Tor with crystal clear icons.

ProtonVPN’s best credentials are as a truly private VPN. This is because ProtonVPN is fully audited with a zero-logging policy. Furthermore, ProtonVPN features open-source apps, powerful encryption, and additional features like Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN to provide a bulletproof privacy tool.

Methodology for the Best VPN for PC

Each VPN included in the list above meets the following criteria below. We used these metrics to rank the VPNs from strongest to weakest. Here’s the methodology we used for the best VPN for PCs.

Advanced security features: The VPN you select should have state-of-the-art security features such as an automatic kill switch, strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and DNS/IP leak protection. Security is the core feature of any VPN because a VPN is supposed to keep your data safe from third parties and cybercriminals.
PC compatibility: Since you’re looking for the best VPN for PC, it’s important to find a VPN that offers robust Mac and Windows software. The VPN provider should also regularly update the software with new features and enhancements.
Fast speeds: A high-speed VPN allows you to stream content and play video games without stuttering or lag. The VPNs included on this list all have above-average speeds compared to their competitors.
Server network size: A large server network allows you to change your IP address flexibly to many different locations. Furthermore, a larger number of servers can speed up your connection since it’s easy to find a nearby server, and other users are more spread out. Therefore, server congestion is reduced.
Streaming support: As the popularity of traditional TV dwindles, more and more people use streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu to watch their favorite TV shows. The best VPNs can unblock all streaming sites and allow users to switch their IP address to a new location to access different content.
Multiple device connections: We live in a technological time period where most individuals own more than one device. For this reason, your VPN needs to support multiple different simultaneous device connections. This way, you can secure all of your devices with a single subscription.
Money-back guarantee: Another crucial feature of the best VPN for PC is a money-back guarantee. With a trustworthy money-back guarantee policy, you can test out the VPN and decide if it’s right for you. If not, you can get a refund for your subscription and move to another VPN provider.
Reliable customer support: The best VPN software provider will offer 24/7 live customer support. Issues can strike at any time during the night, so you must have somebody to get help from if worst comes to worst.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best VPNs for PC

Below are some of the most popular questions surrounding the best VPN for PCs.

Which free VPN is best for PC?

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day risk-free trial where you can access its entire set of features. If you’re looking for a completely free option, ProtonVPN and Winscribe offer free VPN plans. However, your connection won’t be extremely fast, and you won’t have as many server options on a free VPN plan.

Is ExpressVPN or NordVPN better?

The truth is that you can’t go wrong with either option. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer lightning-fast speeds, a wide array of servers, and state-of-the-art security features. Both choices are great for streaming because of their strong unblocking abilities and dedicated IP address options.

What does a VPN do on my PC?

VPNs started as a way to share data and browse the web securely. However, they have become a lot broader in their use cases. For example, you can geo-spoof your PC’s IP address to other world regions to access different varieties of content. Furthermore, you can use a VPN to unblock restricted websites on PCs, which is why VPNs in China have become so popular.

Why do I need a VPN for my PC?

The main reason you must use a VPN is to protect your data from hackers when you’re on public Wi-Fi or casually browsing the internet. A VPN establishes an encrypted connection between your computer and the internet. This provides a private tunnel for your data and communications while using a public network.

Bottom Line on Best VPNs for PC

Using a VPN is a convenient way to protect your privacy online. You can also use a VPN to circumvent unwelcome internet restrictions as well. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the top two VPN software because of their speed, server locations, and security protocols. Surfshark is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable long-term VPN solution.

June 14, 2022November 23, 2022

7 Best VPNs for Mobile Phones

Person using the best mobile vpn on their smartphone

VPNs allow for a safe, encrypted connection to the internet to protect your information from outside attack. Some businesses even use VPNs for secure access to company data, whether personnel are on-site or working from home. The best mobile VPN should be affordable, easy to use, and most importantly, secure.

Best VPNs for Mobile Phones

ExpressVPN – Best Overall
NordVPN – Best for Security
Surfshark – Best Budget-friendly App
ProtonVPN – Best Tiered VPN Service
CyberGhost – Best for Servers
TunnelBear – Best for Businesses
Private Internet Access – Best for Bandwidth

ExpressVPN

$8.32 to $12.95 per month

3,000+ servers in 94 countries

Five devices

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Router, browser extensions

Lightway, IKEv2, OpenVPN, PPTP

30 days

NordVPN

$3.29 to $11.99 per month

5,422+ servers in 60 countries

Six devices

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers, and more

IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN

30 days

Surfshark

$2.49 to $12.95 per month

3,200+ servers in 65 countries

Unlimited devices

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers

WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

30 days

ProtonVPN

Free to $30 per month

1,700+ servers in 63 countries

Up to 10 VPN connections

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux

IKEv2

None

CyberGhost

$2.29 to $12.99 per month

8,030+ servers in 91 countries

Seven devices

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers

OpenVPN, L2TP/ IPSec, IKEv2/ IPSec, PPTP

45 days

TunnelBear

Free to $5.75 per user per month

Unknown number of servers in 49 countries

Five devices

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers

iOS: IKEv2
Android: OpenVPN

None

Private Internet Access

$2.19 to $11.99 per month

Unknown number of servers in 84 countries

Ten devices

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, browsers

WireGuard, OpenVPN

30 days

ExpressVPN: Best Overall

$8.32 to $12.95 per month

★★★★★

4.8

Visit

ExpressVPN’s encrypted network protects you from outside sources and doesn’t keep any activity or connection logs of your time on the web. There’s a network kill switch to shut down streams or downloads if the VPN stops working, but you can only use these features on five devices at a time. It is a blessing that ExpressVPN has apps for mobile and PC as well.

Rates are on the higher side with ExpressVPN, but you get what you pay for. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try everything out risk-free to see if the VPN lives up to expectations. There are no static IPs, but ExpressVPN cycles its dynamic IPs regularly to keep you safe.

Why we chose it: ExpressVPN speaks of ultra-fast servers in 94 countries, allowing you the security to watch your favorite streams from around the globe. Since you can use ExpressVPN on other devices as well, it is also the best VPN for PC users. Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more about its features and pricing.

No activity or connection logs
Network lock kill switch
30-day money-back guarantee

No static IPs
Limited to five devices
A bit on the pricey side

Pricing: ExpressVPN has three subscription options depending on how many months you want to sign up for. If you take the month-to-month approach, you’re looking at spending $12.95 per pay cycle. You’ll start to see significant savings should you sign up for a longer contract.

A six-month membership will set you back $9.99 per month, and enrolling for an entire year breaks down to an $8.32 monthly rate. It’s still not cheap by VPN standards, but the price point is easier to swallow.

NordVPN: Best Mobile VPN for Security

$3.29 to $11.99 per month

★★★★★

4.7

Visit

NordVPN prioritizes security every time you log in. The app keeps no connection logs while you’re online and carefully encrypts your private channel. Its threat protection defends against online threats such as viruses, trackers, and infected websites. There’s also a kill switch to shut down activity when the VPN isn’t live.

There are times when a static IP is beneficial, but NordVPN doesn’t do a good job of cycling through its dynamic IPs. You’re limited to just six simultaneous logins, even though you can use NordVPN across all your devices, and customer service isn’t easy to get a hold of. The 30-day trial lets you test out NordVPN before buying to see if these negatives are a deal-breaker.

Why we chose it: NordVPN’s security shield is the best at keeping you safe from infection and unsavory characters while you browse from a public or private setting. Read our in-depth NordVPN review to learn more about its features.

Zero connection logs
Powerful malware and threat protection
30-day money-back guarantee

Only six simultaneous connections
Doesn’t cycle through dynamic IPs well
Customer support can be difficult to reach

Pricing: NordVPN’s pricing scales depending on how many months of service you choose at the beginning of your contract. Purchasing a 2-year plan is the best way to save money, averaging just $3.29 per month of use. One year of service averages $4.99, whereas buying month to month will set you back $11.99 each time.

Surfshark: Best Budget-friendly VPN for Mobile

$2.49 to $12.95 per month

★★★★★

4.6

Visit

Surfshark stands tall on the list of VPNs with very affordable subscription options. This keeps it close to the top VPNs on our list, but the app can’t quite keep up with the speeds others offer. Fortunately, the service doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect to and doesn’t keep any of your search logs while logged in.

Among its tools are several safety features such as a kill switch, strong encryption, and dynamic IPs to offer security. If you do run into an issue, you’ll have to contact customer service via chat or email. Apple users tend to have more problems with Surfshark than Android owners.

Why we chose it: With a two-year subscription averaging just $2.49 per month, Surfshark offers powerful protection for a very budget-friendly price. To learn more, read our in-depth Surfshark review.

Very budget-friendly subscription options
Can connect to an unlimited number of devices
Strict no-logs policy

Doesn’t work as well on Apple devices
Not the fastest speeds
No phone support

Pricing: Surfshark shines the most with its pricing model outside of the standard monthly rate. The app does offer a monthly membership for $12.95, but this is very expensive among mobile VPNs. Prices look a lot better with a year’s membership, coming out to just $3.99 per month. Things get even better if you sign up for two years, with prices dropping to $2.49 monthly.

ProtonVPN: Best Tiered VPN for Mobile

Free to $30 per month

★★★★★

4.4

Visit

ProtonVPN packs in four tiers of service, each with varying degrees of functionality and speed. Among these is a free plan you can use to keep a lone device safe while traveling or at home. Like other top VPNs, ProtonVPN doesn’t keep track of logs so your information stays safe.

Outside of the free tier, pricing options are a bit on the high side for what each package offers. Lower-priced tiers can lack the speed to download or steam efficiently, resulting in endless buffering and frustration. If issues appear, you’ll have to wait for an email response from customer support before being able to implement a solution.

Why we chose it: ProtonVPN offers four unique plans so users can pay only for the speed and connections they need.

Multiple tiers to select the specific plan you want
Based in Switzerland with a no-logs policy
Has a free plan

Pricing is relatively high
Slow speeds at lower tiers
Support details limited to email

Pricing: ProtonVPN has four tiers of service with varying levels of speed and security. You can save 20% by signing up for a year of service at a time or 33% by paying for two years of service.

ProtonVPN is one of the few 100% free VPNs available but comes with a very limited featureset. Users can only access 152 servers in three countries, significantly limiting content from other parts of the world. You can also only use a single device at any given time. Although free, the plan only runs at medium speed which may cause lag on streams or slow downloads.

At a monthly rate of $5, the Basic plan amps up the features considerably. Users now have access to over 500 servers in 40 countries while being able to connect from two devices at once. ProtonVPN boosts connection speed and provides additional ad-blocking and torrent support.

ProtonVPN’s Plus plan unlocks all 1,700+ services across 63 countries for maximum connectivity. You can encrypt up to ten devices at a time with Plus and obtain speeds as high as 10Gbps. It’s here that you can log into your favorite streaming services no matter where in the world you are.

If you want to combine ProtonVPN with its ProtonMail package, you can do so with the Visionary plan. At $30 per month, you’ll have unlimited access to the features and protection both services offer.

CyberGhost: Best Mobile VPN for Number of Servers

$2.29 to $12.99 per month

★★★★★

4.3

Visit

CyberGhost’s long list of servers put other VPNs to shame while providing more content options. With a no-logs policy, you won’t have to worry about what you watch or stream while in your encrypted channel. The VPN does suffer from more speed loss than most when connected, and a lackluster ad blocker doesn’t do a great job of catching pop-ups. You can only reach customer support through a website chat feature, but the 45-day money-back guarantee lets you try out everything risk-free.

Why we chose it: CyberGhost allows for the most connection flexibility, with over 8,000 servers located in 93 different countries. Such diversity also maximizes your ability to watch unique content from all over the globe. Read our in-depth CyberGhost review to learn more about its features.

Insane number of servers
No-logs policy
45-day money-back guarantee

Significant speed loss
Support limited to online chat
Weak ad-blocker

Pricing: CyberGhost’s pricing goes down depending on how many months of service you purchase at a time. Buying month to month is the least cost-effective, charging $12.99 each pay period. Picking up a one-year contract equates to $4.29 per month, whereas two-year pricing drops even further to $3.25. If you really want to save big, a three-year membership of CyberGhost costs just $2.29 per month.

TunnelBear: Best Mobile VPN for Businesses

Free to $5.75 per user per month

★★★★★

4.1

Visit

TunnelBear is an easy-to-use VPN that meshes well with businesses looking to add additional security to dealings on the web. Each employee can connect five devices at a time to keep viruses and attackers at bay. The app provides decent VPN speeds but doesn’t make clear its overall number of servers or specific locations. The VPN also contains a free plan, but users can’t use more than 500MB in a given month.

Why we chose it: TunnelBear has features and pricing well-suited for businesses looking to protect employees both in the office and on the road.

Centralized team billing and management
Easy to use
Has a free plan

Can only connect five simultaneous devices
Unclear number of available servers
Free plan has few features

Pricing: TunnelBear has a free plan in place of a trial or money-back guarantee. You’ll have access to all of TunnelBear’s features, but unfortunately only 500MB to work with each month. While this may be sufficient for some testing, you may not even make it through a single show. Also, TunnelBear runs on slower OpenVPN protocol with Android phones that may contribute to latency issues.

The VPN also offers an Unlimited plan for single users and households with unlimited secure browsing for up to five devices. Pricing varies from $9.99 for a single month contract to $4.99 month for an entire year. Those expecting to use Tunnelbear for a long time can choose a three-year membership for $3.33 per month.

In addition, TunnelBear showcases a Teams plan that speaks to businesses looking for some extra protection. Each team member you add to the VPN gets unlimited secure browsing for up to five devices and costs $5.75 per month. Your business will also receive a dedicated account manager with streamlined billing and account management.

Private Internet Service: Best Mobile VPN for Bandwidth

$2.19 to $11.99 per month

★★★★★

4.0

Visit

Private Internet Service has respectable VPN speeds that never slow down due to the amount of bandwidth you use each month. With up to ten devices supported in a single subscription, you can stream, download, or surf to your heart’s content. A no-logs policy ensures the app doesn’t keep unnecessary information. The company is headquartered in the United States, a country known for diligent internet monitoring.

It’s unclear how many servers Private Internet Service has around the world, but speeds seem to indicate the numbers are sufficient. The ad blocker struggles the most, allowing too many annoying ads through while you’re trying to browse.

Why we chose it: Unlike many other providers, Private Internet Service doesn’t slow down bandwidth speeds no matter how much data you consume in a single month.

Unlimited bandwidth without speed throttle
No-logs policy
Up to ten simultaneous connections

Unknown number of servers
Several ads get through ad-blocker
Headquartered in the U.S.

Pricing: Private Internet Service starts out at $11.99 for a month of VPN use, but you can get a better deal if you choose to pay for multiple months at a time. Buying a six-month contract lowers the price to $7.50 per month, or you can purchase two years and two months for an average of $2.19 each month.

Methodology for the Best VPNs for Mobile Phones

VPNs can go a long way toward protecting what’s important to you, but they are not all created the same. We made these considerations when asking what is a VPN that’s most suitable for mobile devices.

Safety: A VPN is nothing without security features to keep you safe while online. Stay away from anything that maintains records of your online experience or provide protection from viruses or hackers looking to cause trouble. Your data should be well-encrypted while in a VPN tunnel with an automatic kill switch to shut down your internet if the VPN stops working. It’s also worth noting the type of IP address a VPN provides. Dynamic IPs frequently change to provide additional security, while static IPs offer internet stability that some homes and businesses need. Learn more about what a VPN can protect you from here.

Simultaneous Connections: It makes sense to buy one VPN for a business or household, but most services limit the number of devices you can connect at any given time. Be sure to count up the number of mobile and PC connections you’ll potentially have so you don’t short-change yourself.

Number of Servers: Servers can become bogged down with a lot of traffic. VPNs with several servers within a country or city can help alleviate this strain and keep internet speeds at their maximum. Furthermore, servers across multiple countries allow for more access to content from different parts of the world.

Ease of Use: Some VPNs can become convoluted with so many server options, different types of IP addresses, and various security features. The best mobile apps simplify the connection process by automating selections while finding you the fastest server to use. Built-in ad blockers or always-on functionality ensure you always have the protection you need. Learn more on how to use a VPN here.

Connection Speed: Since VPNs bounce internet signals off additional locations, your internet speed will take a hit any time you use one. However, the top mobile apps have enough servers and fast lines to hold speeds as high as possible.

Money-back Guarantee: Mobile VPNs work altogether differently from device to device. Positive reviews online are a plus, but having a money-back guarantee to try out an app for yourself is even better. Find a VPN with at least a 30-day money-back guarantee with all features unlocked so you can see if it really works for you.

Price: Nearly all VPNs provide discounts on multi-month contracts that can save a lot of money down the road. In many cases, it’s possible to save upwards of 75% or 80% by signing up for a year or two. A few companies offer tiered services with increasing features sets at differing price points. If you go this route, make sure you get the features you want and that there’s room to upgrade as needed down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Best Mobile VPNs

It can be unclear how to use a VPN or its purpose, especially on mobile devices. Below are answers to some of the most popular questions on the topic.

Is a VPN Good for a Mobile Phone?

Yes, VPNs are a great way to protect internet activities while on a mobile phone. We use our phones more than ever, and these devices contain all kinds of personal data.

What is the Best Free VPN for Mobile?

Both ProtonVPN and TunnelBear have basic free plans that keep your information safe. Other free plans do a poor job of protecting data and tend to keep logs that can be traced back to you. Here’s a list of the best free VPNs available for you.

Which Country Server is Best for VPNs?

Switzerland wins out as the best country server for VPNs thanks to its data protection acts. Several VPN apps choose Switzerland as a base of operations for this very reason.

Bottom Line on the Best Mobile VPNs

VPNs are incredible tools for protecting the information we store on mobile devices. Features like encryption, automatic kill switches, and web blockers keep viruses and hackers safely away. With some of the top apps priced at a few dollars per month, you really can’t afford not to get one.

June 14, 2022March 21, 2023

Dialpad Review: VoIP Ace of AI

Dialpad levels up the way you call and message your co-workers and customers. It stands out among VoIP providers because it offers cutting-edge AI technology, comprehensive call management features, and affordable pricing. We list pros, cons, features, and competitors in this Dialpad review.

Our Verdict

Dialpad

Visit

Dialpad is a smart selection for your business if you’re looking for a combination of multiple VoIP functions, advanced AI platform, and cost-effective plan rates. To begin with, all the plans allow you to manage your incoming and outgoing calls via call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and call transferring.

Plus, the AI system provides real-time recommendations and task automation for better workflows. In addition to this, you can make as many calls and send as many messages as you like to colleagues and clients. Last but not least, the pricing of the Dialpad packages is cheaper compared to similar VoIP services.

Although Dialpad has its benefits, it admittedly has a few drawbacks too. For instance, the basic plan only lets you integrate your VoIP system with essential productivity suites, while the advanced plans come with more integration options.

Aside from this, none of the packages include dedicated VoIP devices, although the app is compatible with computers, smartphones, and softphones. Finally, number extensions are available with the most expensive plan only. At the end of the day, Dialpad is a well-rounded VoIP provider that gives you bang for your buck.

Pricing: Starts at $15 per user/month

Source: Dialpad

Superior AI technology
Complete call management features for all plans
No caps to VoIP calling, SMS & MMS

Limited integrations only for low-tier plan
No dedicated VoIP hardware
Extensions available for corporate plan only

Dialpad at a Glance

Man wearing a headset using a black laptop talking to someone over Dialpad plus closeup of live call transcript

Dialpad is a VoIP platform that serves as a unified communications solution for business teams of all sizes. Through a single VoIP app, it equips you to contact your customers via phone calls, messages, and video conferencing. Since the VoIP system is customizable, you can scale it to match the growth of your business by adding users and managing phone numbers.

It was founded in 2011 by Craig Walker and Brian Peterson. At present, it now has more than 70,000 brand customers all over the world. It currently employs over 1,000 team members who are based in 11 global offices in various countries.

Dialpad has an edge over other VoIP services because this budget-friendly yet ultra-functional VoIP system is powered by modern AI technology. Its features include VoIP communications, call management, phone numbers, office locations, collaboration tools, auto attendant, software app support, hardware compatibility, third-party integrations, and customer service.

Who Dialpad Is Best For

Dialpad is ideal for business owners who need an all-purpose VoIP service but have a limited budget. It grants you and your team access to a wide variety of call management features plus AI assistance without breaking the bank. The low-tier plan is recommended for small businesses, while the high-tier plans are advisable for mid-sized companies, corporations, or contact centers.

Pricing

Dialpad offers three types of plans that vary in terms of pricing and features. Check out the chart below to discover how these packages stack up to each other:

Price

$15/user/month

$25/user/month

Contact Dialpad for quote

VoIP Communications

Unlimited calls, SMS & MMS + limited meetings + 3 ring groups

Unlimited calls, SMS, MMS & meetings + 25 ring groups

Unlimited calls, SMS, MMS, meetings & ring groups

Call Management

Phone Numbers

1 local number/user

1 local number/user + additional local or international numbers

1 local number/user + additional local or international numbers + extensions

Office Locations

Unlimited

Collaboration

Contact syncing + analytics & reporting

AI-powered Auto Attendant

Software App Support

Dedicated VoIP Hardware

Integrations

G Suite & Office 365 integrations

G Suite, Office 365, CRM & productivity tool integrations

G Suite, Office 365, CRM, productivity tool & IAM/SSO integrations

Customer Service

24/5 support

24/7 support

To summarize, Dialpad presents you with three VoIP packages which you can choose from:

Standard
1. $15 per user/month
2. Minimum of 1 license

This basic plan is ideal for individual professionals or small business teams who wish to connect with colleagues and customers.

Pro
1. $25 per user/month
2. Minimum of 3 licenses

This advanced package is appropriate for multiple small teams or mid-sized business teams that want to simplify the way they communicate with various clients and co-workers.

Enterprise
1. Contact Dialpad to get a quote
2. Minimum of 100 licenses

This corporate plan is suitable for large companies or contact centers that reach out to a wide network of customers via VoIP systems or call center software.

Take note that these rates are applicable only if you sign up for annual billing. Higher rates apply if you subscribe to the monthly billing arrangement.

Dialpad Features

Dialpad has a strong set of features that improves the way you connect with your customers and workmates. In this Dialpad review, let’s dive deeper into the features of this VoIP caller, such as VoIP communications, call management, phone numbers, office locations, collaboration tools, auto attendant, software app support, hardware compatibility, third-party integrations, and customer service.

VoIP Communications

Dialpad equips you to reach out to your team members and clients in several important ways. All the plans allow you to make unlimited phone calls and send unlimited SMS or MMS messages. Plus, they give you the chance to participate in video conferencing and team chats.

While the basic communication capabilities of the three packages are the same, the advanced communication features of each plan differ slightly. For instance, the Standard package only includes limited meetings and three ring groups.

Dialpad Contact Center Review 2022 — *Source: Dialpad*

Next, the Pro plan comes with unlimited meetings and 25 ring groups. Finally, the Enterprise package tops them both by showcasing unlimited meetings and ring groups. Be sure to take your business communication needs into consideration as you pick a Dialpad plan.

Call Management

Dialpad makes it a breeze for you to monitor and handle your incoming and outgoing VoIP calls. All three plans boast a slew of call management features, such as call forwarding, call routing, call recording, voicemail transcription, custom voicemail greeting, and number forwarding.

For example, you can forward calls to your smartphone, to co-workers’ stations, or to external numbers. Plus, you can route calls to the appropriate agent or join conference calls via three-way calling to save time. Also, you can record an unlimited number of calls. On top of this, you can keep track of your voicemails through the transcription and playback services.

In this case, the only advantage which the Pro and Enterprise packages have over the Standard plan is the ability to hold queues. That’s why Dialpad has you covered in terms of call handling regardless of the package you select.

Phone Numbers

No matter which plan you subscribe to, Dialpad provides each user of your team with one local number. You also have the option to get additional local or international numbers if you go for the Pro or Enterprise package, although this privilege isn’t part of the Standard plan. Just keep in mind that you can only avail of number extensions if you pay for the Enterprise plan.

Nevertheless, number porting is available for all packages. As a result, you can carry over your existing toll-free, local, or international numbers from your previous phone provider to your new Dialpad system.

Office Locations

Dialpad uses office locations to represent physical workspaces or groups of team members. In addition to this, each office also serves as a basis for the computation of tax rates. Every Dialpad plan comes with a maximum number of office locations.

The Standard package only encompasses a single office, while the Pro plan accommodates up to 10 offices. If you don’t want any office number restrictions, the Enterprise package gives you free reign with unlimited office locations.

Collaboration

Dialpad makes it easier for you to collaborate with co-workers in your team and in other departments. It syncs contacts across the VoIP system so that the appropriate people can quickly access the customer database. Also, it analyzes relevant information and generates reports that will help you and your colleagues gain insights for improved planning.

Auto Attendant

Dialpad is well-regarded for its multi-level auto attendant that’s fueled by AI technology. It provides real-time recommendations so that your agents can instantly share AI-suggested answers to client questions. Plus, it enables them to resolve customer issues right away even without supervisor assistance.

In addition to this, Dialpad comes with tools that empower your sellers and managers to close sales deals, such as scripted responses and objection handling. It also has task automation capabilities that let you attach notes to your CRM platform and prepare the call review procedure.

On top of this, it allows you to keep track of real-time representative activities via leaderboards. Last but not least, Dialpad helps your customers to instantly search for information even without speaking to agents by automating customer touchpoints.

Software

Dialpad has a wide compatibility range when it comes to software support. After all, you can use the desktop app whether your computer is based on Windows or Mac OS. Aside from this, you can install the mobile app on your mobile device, which includes your smartphone whether it runs on Android or iOS.

Hardware

You should be aware that none of the Dialpad plans come with dedicated VoIP hardware. Still, you can use the Dialpad app for calling, messaging, and faxing with your existing laptops, mobile phones, or softphone devices for your business phone system.

Integrations

While all Dialpad plans include third-party integrations, the level of consolidation varies greatly depending on the package you subscribe to. For instance, the Standard plan only allows you to connect your VoIP phone system with basic productivity suites like G Suite and Office 365.

Nevertheless, the Pro package accommodates integrations with CRM systems like Salesforce and Hubspot, plus productivity tools like Slack, Zendesk, and Zapier. To level up the game, the Enterprise plan includes all these third-party integrations, while adding cloud services like Azure and Okta to the mix.

Make sure that the package you select is compatible with the essential programs your work team uses on a daily basis.

Customer Service

Dialpad provides customer service for all plans, although the level of support changes based on the tier you sign up for. On one hand, the Standard plan only includes 24/5 chat and web assistance, while the Pro and Enterprise packages both come with full 24/7 phone, web, and chat support. Plus, it’s just the Enterprise plan that falls under the Service Level Agreement (SLA).

On the other hand, the three packages equally grant you access to the knowledge base and community forum. To top things off, all Dialpad plans give you the option to get support-related add-ons, such as a dedicated account manager and professional deployment services.

Alternatives to Dialpad

Dialpad is a viable option for your business if you value AI-enhanced VoIP features. Still, you may check out other notable alternatives if you prioritize other aspects of VoIP services.

RingCentral

Visit

RingCentral is a centralized VoIP system that enables you to make calls, host video meetings, write messages, and send faxes through a single app. It gives you the chance to gain new global, local, and toll-free numbers. Plus, it allows you to monitor system activity so that you can assess service quality, team performance, and system usage.

RingCentral is ideal for business teams that use video communications frequently. While Dialpad comes with video conferencing, RingCentral has a bigger focus on video meetings and messaging. However, keep in mind that RingCentral charges much higher rates than Dialpad, especially for the premium plans with progressive features. Also, Dialpad has an edge when it comes to AI technology.

Strong emphasis on video communications
One central app
Real-time analytics for phone calls & video meetings

Expensive pricing
Some advanced features available for high-tier plans only
Less focus on AI than Dialpad

Pricing:

RingCentral MVP

Essentials: $19.99/user/month
Standard: $27.99/user/month
Premium: $34.99/user/month
Ultimate: $49.99/user/month

*Rates applicable for annual billing

Freshdesk

Visit

Freshdesk Omnichannel Suite is a contact center support solution that includes VoIP telephony and messaging features. It enables you to connect with clients via various channels like live-chat, mobile, and web. In addition to this, chatbots guide you to answer questions of callers.

Freshdesk is suitable for call centers that want to improve user experience (UX). It places more weight on prepping agents to provide excellent customer service to callers, while Dialpad aims for a fairly equal balance between team collaboration and client support.

Nevertheless, the more economical Dialpad offers more internal communication options than Freshdesk. Plus, Dialpad is a better all-purpose VoIP service than Freshdesk.

Designed to boost UX
Multiple channel options for customers
Chatbot assistance

Limited collaboration tools
Costly plan rates
Not as well-rounded as Dialpad

Pricing:

Freshdesk Omnichannel Suite

Growth Omnichannel: $29/agent/month
Pro Omnichannel: $59/agent/month
Enterprise Omnichannel: $99/agent/month

*Rates applicable for annual billing

Ooma

Visit

Ooma is a VoIP provider that offers best voip cell phone, messaging, and video solutions for small businesses and enterprises alike. It showcases mobile apps and video conferencing tools that let you connect with colleagues and clients on the go. Aside from this, it comes with a virtual receptionist which directs callers to the right extension.

Ooma is appropriate for entrepreneurs who need scalable VoIP services for their growing business. The Ooma VoIP system is easy to personalize because it lets you add extra perks to the standard features. In comparison, Dialpad is also customizable to an extent, yet you need to upgrade to a higher plan to avail of some advanced functions. Still, the cheaper Dialpad comes with more built-in call management features plus more plan options than Ooma.

Adjustable VoIP services
Tools for remote work
Virtual receptionist assistance

Lacks some complex call management functions
Two plan options only
Steeper pricing than Dialpad

Pricing:

Ooma Business Phone Plans

Ooma Office: $19.95 per user/month
Ooma Office Pro: $24.95 per user/month

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Dialpad Review

Dialpad transforms the way that you contact your customers and workmates through VoIP calls and messaging. Discover the answers to essential questions about Dialpad and VoIP to evaluate if it’s a practical solution for you.

What Is Dialpad?

Dialpad is an all-purpose VoIP service for businesses which incorporates online calling, SMS plus MMS messaging, meetings, and ring groups. It comes with important VoIP features, such as communication tools, call management functions, phone numbers, office locations, collaborative tools, AI-enhanced auto attendant, software app support, hardware compatibility, third-party integrations, and customer support. The three Dialpad plans are Standard, Pro, and Enterprise.

What Is VoIP?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This communications technology offers business phone service. It makes it possible for you to make and receive calls over the internet instead of through an analog phone line, by converting the sound of your voice into digital signals which can be transmitted online.

What Is AI?

AI is short for Artificial Intelligence. While an AI system is based on an electronic machine or program, it’s designed to mimic human intelligence by making recommendations or creating predictions based on existing factors. AI can be applied to different types of technology, including VoIP solutions like Dialpad.

Should I Use Dialpad?

You may consider using Dialpad if you need a multifunctional VoIP system that fits your budget. It equips you to contact others for business or personal purposes without needing to invest in pricey plans. You could subscribe to the Standard plan if you have basic requirements and resources for your small business. As an alternative, you may sign up for the Pro or Enterprise package in case you have advanced requirements plus a slightly higher budget.

Bottom Line on Dialpad Review

Dialpad boosts your productivity by streamlining the way you communicate with your clients and colleagues. It’s a clever choice for you if you’re looking for a VoIP service that successfully blends together avant-garde AI assistance, ample call management features, and competitive pricing. We are optimistic that this Dialpad review has helped you decide if the VoIP ace of AI is a good match for your business or not.

Our Verdict

Capital One at a Glance

Who Capital One is Best For

Pricing

Plans

Basic Business Checking

Unlimited Business Checking

Business Savings

Basic Business Checking

Unlimited Business Checking

Business Savings

Capital One Features

Credit Cards

Business Checking Accounts

Business Savings Account

Mobile Deposit

Minimal Fees

Loans and Lines of Credit

Business Expertise

Capital One Contact Info

Alternatives to Capital One Review

Kabbage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Capital One Review

Bottom Line on Capital One Review

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

Our Verdict

8×8 at a Glance

Who Is 8×8 Best For?

8×8 Pricing

Express Plan

8×8 X Series

8×8 Enterprise Plan (X8 cloud PBX Model)

Plans

Express

X Series X2

X Series X4

Features

All-in-One Communication

Phone System Management

Phone Numbers

Mobile & Desktop Apps

Call Handling

Integrations to Third-Party Software

Security Features

Customer Support

8×8 Alternatives

Who is Ooma Best For?

Ooma Pricing

How Ooma Compares to 8×8?

Who is GoToConnect Best For?

GoToConnect Pricing

How Does GoToConnect Compare to 8×8?

Who is RingCentral Best For?

RingCentral Pricing

How Does RingCentral Compare To 8×8?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for 8×8 Review

Final Thoughts on 8×8 Review

Corporate State Tax Rates Explained

Corporate State Income Tax Rates

State Corporate Tax Rate

State Gross Receipts Tax

State

State Gross Receipts Tax Rate

Corporate State Unemployment Tax Rates

Corporate State Unemployment Tax Rates

The Best States to Start a Business in for Tax Purposes

Wyoming

South Dakota

Alaska

Florida

Montana

Recent State Corporate Income Tax Rate Changes

Federal and Local Tax Rates

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for State Corporate Tax Rate

Bottom Line on State Corporate Tax Rates

Our Verdict

Nextiva at a Glance

Who Nextiva is Best For

Pricing

Plans