Nextiva Review: The All-Inclusive VoIP Provider

Nextiva logo

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 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.

Nextiva logo

Plans

Essential

Professional

Enterprise

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's auto-attendant setup page
Source: Nextiva

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.

Nextiva mobile user interface
Source: Nextiva

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

Nextiva integrations page
Source: Nextiva

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 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 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 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:

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. 

Google Voice Review: VoIP Software for Small Businesses 

Google Voice logo banner

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 logo

Google Voice

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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 

Screenshot of Google Voice pricing plans
Source: Google Voice

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. 

Google Voice logo

Plans

Starter

Standard

Premier

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

Unlimited

Domestic Location

Up to 10

Unlimited

Unlimited

International Locations

None

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. 

Screenshot of Google Voice website
Source: Google Voice

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 logo

CloudTalk

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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 logo

OpenPhone

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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 logo

Nextiva

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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. 

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. 

Ooma Office Review: The Best VoIP For Direct Dial Numbers

Ooma office logo

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 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 logo

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. 

Ooma office logo

Plans

Ooma Office

Ooma Office Pro

Ooma Enterprise

Ooma Enterprise Call Center

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. 

Ooma Office setup is simple
Source: Ooma

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 advanced features
Source: Ooma

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 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 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 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.

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. 

Dialpad Review: VoIP Ace of AI

dialpad logo plus dialpad's mobile app view

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 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

dialpad logo plus dialpad's mobile app view
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:

Dialpad logo

Plans

Standard

Pro

Enterprise

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

1

10

Unlimited

Collaboration

Contact syncing + analytics & reporting

Contact syncing + analytics & reporting

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

24/7 support

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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Dialpad Call management
Source: Dialpad

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. 

Dialpad integrations - Dialpad review
Source: Dialpad

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 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

  1. Essentials: $19.99/user/month
  2. Standard: $27.99/user/month
  3. Premium: $34.99/user/month
  4. Ultimate: $49.99/user/month

*Rates applicable for annual billing

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

  1. Growth Omnichannel: $29/agent/month
  2. Pro Omnichannel: $59/agent/month
  3. Enterprise Omnichannel: $99/agent/month

*Rates applicable for annual billing

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

  1. Ooma Office: $19.95 per user/month
  2. 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.

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.

5 Best VoIP Cell Phone Services – Expert Picks for 2023

A VoIP cell phone concept

VoIP cell phone services help bridge the gap between VoIP and cellular technologies. Mobile VoIP apps capitalize on the high internet speeds 4G LTE and 5G technologies bring to mobile phones. Thus, making it easier for you to carry all your business communications to your smartphone. 

Let’s see some of the best VoIP cell phone apps, their features, and how they compare to each other. Before we begin, note that this article is strictly about mobile VoIP services that give you an actual VoIP number to make and receive calls from other numbers. 

Looking for a premium service? check out Vonage!

 

5 Best VoIP Cell Phone Apps 

Mobile VoIP App

Pricing

Auto-attendant

Key Features

Free Trial

Customer Support

Starts at $19.99/user/mo.

Available with advanced plans

  • Unlimited domestic calling
  • Toll-free numbers
  • Visual voicemail

15-day

Live chat and phone support

Starts at $26/mo.

Costs additional monthly fee

  • Extensions included in all plans
  • Toll-free numbers
  • Visual voicemail

7-day

24/7 toll-free support

Starts at $17.95 to 23.95/user/mo.

  • Free professional greetings
  • Unlimited voice & video calling
  • Outlook/Google Contacts Integrations

7-day

Phone and chat support (office hours)

Starts at $13.75/user/mo.

Available with advanced plans

  • Unlimited domestic calling
  • Unlimited toll-free minutes
  • Call handling 

30-day money-back guarantee

Phone and chat support (office hours)

Starts at $19.95/user/mo.

  • Easy to set up and use
  • Call parking, transfers, forwarding, and flipping
  • Conference calling with up to 10 participants

30-day money-back guarantee

Chat, email, and phone support 24/7

RingCentral logo

RingCentral: Best Overall VoIP Cell Phone Service

Starts at $19.99/user/mo.

4.8

RingCentral is one of the best VoIP service providers out there and for good reason. Regardless of your business type and size, you can be sure to find a plan from RingCentral that suits your needs. You get unlimited calls in the US and Canada and visual voicemail capabilities from the most basic plans.

If you’re a small business and you need a mobile VoIP service for less than 20 employees, the RingCentral MVP Essentials plan is an excellent choice for you. It brings you a comprehensive set of communication tools at a very affordable price. 

On top of that, its call flip feature makes it excellent for mobile VoIP users. This feature lets you switch calls between different devices with ease without the other caller noticing. For instance, if you’re on call on your computer, you can use this feature to seamlessly transfer the call to your smartphone.  

RingCentral has apps for both Android and iOS devices and manages to fit almost all of the features of the desktop version into mobile. This includes call management, enhanced business SMS, team messaging, and toll-free numbers. The range of features only expands as you move to high-tier plans.

Although RingCentral gives you unlimited domestic calling, it may not be the best choice for international calling as it has some of the highest international calling rates. You also need to consider that you can only get the auto-attendant feature if you purchase one of the advanced plans. Some users have also complained about a general slowness in RingCentral’s customer service. 

Why we chose it: RingCentral is a top-of-the-line VoIP cell phone app that brings a host of powerful communication features to Android and iOS users. Plus, its Essentials plan is one of the most affordable options for smaller teams. To learn more about RingCentral’s features, read our complete RingCentral review.

  • Free VoIP number for every user
  • Unlimited domestic calls
  • Affordable plans for small teams
  • Costly international calling rates
  • Essentials plan doesn’t have auto-attendant
  • Lacking customer support

Pricing: RingCentral isn’t the cheapest VoIP cell phone service, but it isn’t the most expensive either. It delivers good value for your money with a high-quality calling service and a range of features. Here’s what the different RingCentral MVP plans cost:

  • RingCentral MVP Essentials: $19.99/user/mo.
  • RingCentral MVP Standard: $27.99/user/mo.
  • RingCentral MVP Premium: $34.99/user/mo.
  • RingCentral MVP Ultimate: $49.99/user/mo.
Grasshopper logo

Grasshopper: Best VoIP Mobile App for Small Teams

Starts at $26/mo.

4.5

Grasshopper is an easy-to-use VoIP cell phone service built with small businesses and solopreneurs in mind. This service focuses on a simple softphone app that lets you make and receive calls using a VoIP number. It also offers some other features essential for professional business communications.

Grasshopper focuses on external communications. It doesn’t have team messaging, video calling, or any other productivity or collaboration tools. Setting up VoIP calling with Grasshopper won’t take you more than a few minutes. All you need to do is download the app, choose a number, and that’s it.

If you’re wondering why we’ve ranked Grasshopper so highly despite its lack of advanced features, it’s because of its simplicity and serviceability for small businesses. You can get a business number for your company without the hassle of setting up special hardware or having to figure out complicated features. 

When it comes to mobile use, the VoIP service offers all of its features on its intuitive mobile app. With Grasshopper, you can get vanity, local, or toll-free numbers, business texting, call forwarding, virtual fax, visual voicemail, simultaneous call handling, customer greetings, and even an instant response feature. This feature sends a follow-up text to a caller if you miss their call. 

Another feature that makes Grasshopper an ideal VoIP cell phone service is its ability to switch between WiFi and cellular connections without interrupting the call. This means if your cellular network connection is dropping out, Grasshopper can hop to WiFi to keep your call going smoothly. 

Why we chose it: Grasshopper is a simple, affordable, and powerful mobile VoIP service. It has all the features a small business needs for professional communication with customers without additional complexities. Read our Grasshopper review to learn more about its features and pricing.

  • Simple pricing
  • Call recording and screening
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Auto-attendant costs extra
  • Limited extensions
  • No productivity and collaboration tools

Pricing: Grasshopper has a fairly simple pricing structure. It uses flat-fee monthly pricing which sets it apart from other VoIP cell phone services. Each plan comes with limited phone numbers and extensions. 

  • Solo: $26/mo. for one number and three extensions
  • Partner: $44/mo. for three numbers and six extensions
  • Small Business: $80/mo. for five numbers and unlimited extensions

If you want to get the auto-attendant feature, you’d have to pay an additional monthly fee of $130 to add the Ruby Receptionist feature.

Nextiva logo

Nextiva: Best VoIP Cell Phone Service for Android Users

Starts at $17.95/user/mo.

4.2

When it comes to all-in-one communication platforms, Nextiva is right up there with RingCentral. It offers a range of plans for companies as small as those with one to four employees to those who have more than 100. 

Apart from VoIP calling and associated features, Nextiva offers collaboration tools like video conferencing, screen sharing, automated surveys, and integrations with Salesforce and Hubspot. But note that these collaboration features are available with advanced plans only.

Nextiva’s compatibility with MP3, WAV, and M4A files makes it an excellent choice for Android users. It also has mobile screen sharing capabilities that let you share anything you want on your mobile screen with your callers. All this comes bundled in a modern mobile app with a great user interface.

However, the biggest problem with Nextiva is that you don’t get access to its mobile app with the basic plan. You can only use its mobile app if you go with the Professional plan. This may put you off but note that there isn’t a significant difference between the prices of Essential and Professional plans.

That said, if you can afford the Professional plan, it’s worth every penny. You get unlimited conference calling with up to 40 participants, unlimited video conferencing with up to 250 participants, and unlimited SMS messaging. It also unlocks integrations with Hubspot, Salesforce, and Zendesk.  

Why we chose it: Although Nextiva’s mobile app is locked within the Professional plan, it still is a pretty good option if you’re looking for an advanced VoIP solution. Plus, it’s perfect for Android as it supports MP3, WAV, and M4A files.  To learn more about Nextiva’s features, read our complete Nextiva review.

  • Unlimited calling within the US and Canada
  • Customizable auto-attendant
  • Sales and marketing features with top-tier plan
  • Mobile app locked behind Professional plan
  • Most integrations locked behind top-tier plans
  • More expensive than alternatives

Pricing: Nextiva’s pricing structure is a bit complex. The average prices go down if you purchase a plan for more users. Here’s what you can expect the different plans to cost for users as less as 1-4 to 100+.

  • Essential: $17.95 to 23.95/user/mo.
  • Professional: $21.95 to 27.95/user/mo.
  • Enterprise: $31.95 to 37.95/user/mo.
Line2 logo

Line2: Best Voice-Only Mobile VoIP Service

Starts at $13.75/user/mo.

4.0

If you’re looking for a simple and affordable voice-only VoIP app, Line2 should be on your list. It’s a basic business VoIP solution that lets you have a second number on your mobile device. Line2 is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows and offers features like unlimited domestic calling, local and toll-free numbers, call forwarding, number porting, and caller ID. 

Line2 is not for you if you want a unified communications solution with video conferencing and other collaboration tools. It also lacks call recording, voicemail to text, and auto-attendant functionalities in its basic plan. But if you think you can do without these features, Line2 may be the ideal VoIP service for you.

When it comes to ease of use, Line2 is one of the easiest to set up mobile VoIP apps we’ve come across. Line2 only has a softphone version which you can install on your mobile with ease. If you also need a desk phone in your VoIP solution, you’d be better off looking somewhere else. 

It’s not that Line2 is completely devoid of features. It does have a handful of useful tools that can help you in various ways. For example, with call forwarding, you can route incoming calls to different departments, with each department having its own extension. Although Line2 lacks collaboration tools, it does have merged calling. This feature allows as many as 99 participants on a single call.

Call reporting is also available with Line2’s mobile VoIP app. This means that you can view key tracking metrics and study call logs of inbound and outbound calls to understand your customers’ needs better. These reports can also be used to improve the overall level of customer service by identifying which calls were received and which ones were missed. 

Why we chose it: Line2 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a voice-only mobile VoIP solution to instantly improve your business communications.

  • Easy to use
  • Simple setup
  • Affordable option
  • Lacks advanced features
  • Lacks integrations
  • Limited customer support

Pricing: Line2 is one of the most affordable VoIP cell phone services on this list. Its pricing plan consists of three tiers: Starter, Growth, and Business. The actual price you pay for any of these depends on whether you’re going to pay monthly or annually. 

  • Starter: $13.75/year or $15.99/mo.
  • Growth: $17.66/year or $20.99/mo.
  • Business: $21.83/year or $25.99/mo.
Ooma office logo

Ooma Office: Best VoIP Cell Phone Service for Customer Support

Starts at $19.95/user/mo.

4.0

Ooma Office is an attractive option if you need a mobile VoIP solution for traveling employees and remote work. It’s affordable, easy to use, and offers all the features a small or midsize business needs for seamless communications. The fact that it’s a flexible service that doesn’t involve a fixed contract sets it apart from the competition. The best part about Ooma Office is its customer service. The support team is available round the clock via phone, chat, or email to resolve issues if you run into any. 

When it comes to features, even the most basic plan includes a toll-free number, SMS, call logs, virtual fax, and multi-extension dialing. That’s not all–you also get unlimited calling and business SMS, call parking, transfers, forwarding, and flipping, voicemail with audio email attachments, and conference calls with up to 10 participants with this plan. You can even avail of the virtual receptionist feature at no additional cost. 

A potential drawback is that Ooma’s desktop app isn’t included in it, but if you’re in it for mobile use, this shouldn’t be a problem. With Ooma Office, each user gets a unique direct-dial number instead of an extension. This makes you look more professional as a business and also makes it easier for customers to reach your employees. 

Ooma is a great choice for businesses that lack an in-house IT specialist or team. Not only is it easy to set up, but its responsive customer support team is also available round the clock to help resolve issues for you. Ooma’s customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and phone. 

Why we chose it: Ooma Office is affordable, easy to use, flexible, and has all the features a business can get from a quality VoIP cell phone service. It’s pretty easy to set up and the customer support team is available at all times to resolve issues for you. To learn more about Ooma Office’s features, read our complete Ooma Office review.

  • 24/7 phone, chat, and email customer support
  • Unlimited calling in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
  • No contract required
  • Desktop app is limited to the Pro plan
  • CRM and productivity integrations are not available on the base plan
  • Pricing isn’t transparent

Pricing

Getting to the Ooma Office pricing page takes some searching. For your ease, we’ve found out the plans Ooma offers and what they cost. It has two price points that vary significantly in features. 

  • Ooma Office: $19.95 /user/mo. – one-time activation fee, for 1 user: $29.95
  • Ooma Office Pro: $24.95 /user/mo. – one-time activation fee, for 1 user: $29.95

Methodology for the Best VoIP Cell Phone App

The VoIP market has no shortage of options, but only a handful of them are worth your time and money. We evaluated a long list of VoIP callers to shortlist just five as our VoIP cell phone services picks. 

Since this guide is purely about the best VoIP apps for mobile, our primary focus is on the functionality each provider brings to cell phone users and at what price. For this, we took a deeper look into the features that make on-the-go VoIP communications more convenient and other important factors listed below.

  • Pricing: Pricing is often the most important factor when investing in a service, and this is especially true for small businesses. We understand that business owners prefer the most cost-effective that can meet their needs, which is why we’ve mentioned the pricing plans for each VoIP service. We also considered whether a service has a free trial or money-back guarantee for users’ peace of mind.  
  • Ease of Use: The reason why many businesses and individual users look for mobile VoIP solutions is ease and accessibility. We considered how easy it is to set up and use each mobile VoIP service. 
  • Features: Some mobile VoIP apps don’t carry the same feature set as their desktop counterparts. However, we only selected the service providers that match their desktop version’s features with their mobile app. This includes general features like auto-attendant, voicemail, and call forwarding to advanced ones like collaboration tools, visual voicemail, and integrations.
  • Customer support: Customer service is always a top consideration regardless of the service. Quality VoIP services tend to have 24/7 phone and chat support so users can get their questions answered right away. 

Mobile VoIP Vs Video Conferencing Software

You might be wondering why we didn’t include solutions like Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet despite them using VoIP technology and having pretty good mobile apps. This is because these apps, at their core, are video conferencing software. They don’t give you a VoIP number to make and receive calls from other phone numbers.

In this guide, we kept our list restricted to VoIP cell phone apps that you can actually use to make VoIP calls to phone numbers. This is not possible with software like Skype, Zoom, and other video conferencing tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for VoIP Cell Phone

If you’ve still got some unresolved questions about VoIP cell phone services, check out these frequently asked questions. You might find your answer.

Bottom Line on the Best VoIP Cell Phone Services

Whether you need a VoIP app for Android or iOS, the five services we’ve shortlisted can help you upgrade your business communications almost instantly. Since you don’t need anything other than the softphone app, getting started with these VoIP cell phone services won’t take you more than a few minutes. 

Grasshopper Review: Is It Worth Your Time & Money?

Grasshopper blog banner

Grasshopper is a popular cloud-based phone service that offers voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) solutions. In this Grasshopper review, we’ll explain why the platform is ideal for small and mid-sized businesses that are cost-conscious. Among other things, users enjoy an easy and intuitive setup and plenty of team collaboration tools.

Our Verdict

Grasshopper VoIP services provide feature-packed plans to suit the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. Irrespective of your package, you can make unlimited business calls and texts. The service also allows you to use your existing business number or choose one from Grasshopper’s inventory of local, toll-free, and vanity numbers. 

There are numerous enticing features, including VoIP and Wi-Fi calling, custom greetings, multiple extensions, virtual fax, and voice mail, which are also available on mobile and desktop apps. 

Furthermore, you will receive detailed call reports and timely notifications of missed calls and voicemails. Grasshopper has a 7-day free trial period, and your number is activated after you choose a plan.

Screenshot of Grasshopper homepage - How to get the Grasshopper VoIP phone system
Source: Grasshopper
  • No need for special equipment or other phones
  • You can get a local, toll-free, or vanity phone number
  • Mobile and desktop app available (compatible with android and iOS)
  • No video conferencing feature (not a unified communications service)
  • No call recording
  • Lacks CRM integration capabilities

Grasshopper at a Glance

Grasshopper is a phone service that offers reliable VoIP solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. While it provides a whole array of calling features, including call transfers and extensions, it remains a far cry from a unified communications service that blends phone services with video conferencing and email. 

This Boston-based phone service offers a professional way to handle communications, especially for companies with few or moderate communication demands. Grasshopper has a great desktop and mobile app, allowing you to communicate anywhere using any gadget!

Moreover, the service separates your business calls from your personal calls. Even if you stick to using the mobile app, you don’t need to worry about embarrassing blunders where you lack professionalism by greeting a client casually.

Who is Grasshopper Best For?

Grasshopper offers a competitively priced tier-based VoIP service. Even though it has plenty of call management and collaboration features, it lacks CRM services and video conferencing software.

This makes it an ill-fit for larger companies with more significant communication needs. However, it is a solid option for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with low or moderate communication needs.

Grasshopper Pricing

Grasshopper offers three unique plans ideal for startups and small businesses. These plans differ in price ranges, with the lower-tier package costing $29 monthly or $26 per month under an annual commitment. You can upgrade to the Partner or Small Business plans once your company grows and you need more phone numbers or extensions.

Something that stands out about Grasshopper’s pricing is that the tier packages have a flat monthly fee. The billing process is straightforward, so you don’t have to worry about hidden costs. Also, there are plenty of add-ons like professional voice studio and call blasting that you can include in your package to create a personalized VoIP service.

Screenshot of Grasshopper pricing plans
Source: Grasshopper
Grasshopper logo

Plans

Solo

Partner

Small Business

Cost Per Month

$29

$49

$89

Cost with Annual Billing

$26/Month

$44/Month

$80/Month

Free 7-Day Trial

Phone Numbers

1

3

5

Extensions

3

6

Unlimited

VoIP and WIFI Calling

Unlimited Calls and Texts

Call Transfer

Virtual Fax

Call Recording

Voicemail Transcription

24/7 Support

Grasshopper Features

Grasshopper offers a reliable range of features that complement your existing phone systems. Because some features are standard in all plans, most startups and solo enterprises can choose the lower tier package and upgrade as their businesses grow. Here are some of Grasshopper’s features.

Grasshopper Mobile and Desktop Apps

Grasshopper offers a desktop and mobile app that makes the phone service portable. You can make and receive business calls from anywhere as long as you can access your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or desktop. 

These applications are compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS gadgets.

One of the significant benefits presented by the apps is that they allow you to separate your business calls from your personal calls.

There is also the convenience of having access to your call history to make timely follow-ups on any missed calls. The apps provide an all-in-one dashboard to view all your communications. This includes calls, texts, emails, voicemails, and video calls.

Screenshot of Grasshopper homepage - Run your business from anywhere
Source: Grasshopper

Virtual Phone Numbers

You can choose a custom phone number for your business through the virtual phone numbers feature. This allows you to further enhance your professional image by separating your business from your personal affairs. The available numbers include:

  • Local phone numbers—These boost your brand’s presence within your area and make it easier for your business to attract a local client base.
  • Vanity phone numbers—Allow you to select a number based on a keyword’s spelling. For instance, you can create a custom number with your brand or product name as the keyword. This makes it easier for your clients to remember your business number.
  • Toll-free numbers—Give you a more established and credible image by letting your clients reach out for free.

VoIP Calling

All Grasshopper plans allow users to make unlimited calls to the US and Canada. You can also make international calls at an added fee. Using Grasshopper’s calling card feature, you can mask your personal number and instead display your business number. Other functionalities enabled by the calling features include:

  • Calls over Wi-Fi 
  • Call transfers
  • Call forwarding
  • Phone extensions
  • Hold music
  • Number blocking 
  • Voicemail Transcription 

This service allows you to have your voicemails transcribed and sent to your business email. You can also send them to a virtual assistant or your text inbox. Better still, this feature allows scanning of business voicemails using keywords. This can be a real-time server, allowing you to sieve out the most urgent voicemails.

Automated Greetings

A professional greeting can enhance your brand’s image and create a sense of being legitimate and more established. Grasshopper allows you to record your IVR audio greetings or pay a fee to access the professional voice studio service. 

Screenshot of Grasshopper automated greetings.
Source: Grasshopper

Instant Response

The instant response feature makes it easier to take advantage of all available business opportunities. The feature works by sending an automatic text each time you miss a call. This lets your caller know that:

  • They have reached the correct number
  • You are currently unavailable but will respond as soon as possible
Screenshot of Grasshopper Instant response
Source: Grasshopper

Add-On Features

Grasshopper offers the flexibility to scale up with add-on features. As your business expands, you can include the following services to ensure your company enjoys personalized VoIP solutions without changing your service plan.

  • Ruby Receptionists—Gives you a virtual receptionist to pick up incoming calls and give your callers a professional and personalized experience.
  • Video Studio—Allows you to hire a professional to create polished customized call greetings.
  • Call Blasting—Activates simultaneous calling to reduce call wait time and enhance customer satisfaction.
  • International Calls—Offers a personalized international calling plan and reach out to your clients beyond the US and Canada.
  • Extra Numbers and Extensions —Customizes your existing plan to include more business numbers or extensions without changing your service package.
Screenshot of Grasshopper add-ons
Source: Grasshopper

Grasshopper Alternatives

Grasshopper has competitively priced tier-based plans. While it is a solid option for startups and small businesses, there are better alternatives for solo entrepreneurs and larger businesses that require more robust software. Here are three of the top alternatives to using Grasshopper VoIP services.

RingCentral is one of the best alternatives to using Grasshopper. This VoIP service is well-known for its ease of use, reliable call quality, and range of pricing plans ideal for all business sizes.

RingCentral is a unified communications service, and its features provide more than just essential professional calling services. You can make phone calls, video calls, conference calls, and text messages using one platform!

RingCentral Pricing

RingCentral offers tier-based services and allows users to pay monthly or annually. An annual subscription makes you eligible for a 33% discounted rate. The platform’s plans include:

  • Essentials—$29.99 monthly or $19.99 when billed annually
  • Standard—$37.99 monthly or $27.99 when billed yearly
  • Premium—$44.99/ month or $34.99 under yearly billing
  • Ultimate—$59.99/month or $49.99 under annual billing

Who Is RingCentral Best For?

RingCentral is a solid alternative to consider if you want a phone service with plenty of VoIP and collaborative features. The platform stands out for being an all-in-one communications service ideal for all businesses, including those with greater communication demands.

How Does RingCentral Compare To Grasshopper?

RingCentral offers more features, allowing it to cater to more than just startups and small businesses. Unlike Grasshopper, it is a unified communications service that will enable you to make video conference calls. Also, it has a clean and good-looking interface, which is a definite plus point above Grasshopper.

  • Video conferencing (HD quality)
  • Enhanced scalability with a wide range of add-on features
  • User-friendly desktop and mobile app
  • Limited interactive voice response options
  • Hard to navigate fax feature
  • Conference call greeting can’t be customized

Google Voice is an excellent VoIP service to consider if you have a Google Workspace account and want to enjoy straightforward phone services. This cloud-based platform blends communication channels and provides comprehensive integrations and call functions. While it is quite popular among small and mid-sized businesses, it is rich in premium add-on features ideal for large enterprises.

Google Voice Pricing

Google Voice is one of the most budget-friendly VoIP services available. If you are a solo entrepreneur, you could even benefit from the platform’s free plan. The three tier-based plans include:

  • Starter—$10 monthly
  • Standard—$20 monthly
  • Premier—$30 monthly

Who Is Google Voice Best For?

If you are searching for the best VoIP provider to help your business enjoy an international presence without overstretching your budget, Google Voice is your best bet. The platform offers call rates as low as a cent/ minute, making it ideal for large-scale companies with a global customer base. Read our in-depth review on Google Voice to find out if it’s the best for you and your business.

How Does Google Voice Compare To Grasshopper?

Both Grasshopper and Google Voice are reliable VoIP services. However, Grasshopper offers customization with advanced features like instant response, simultaneous call handling, and custom greetings. Unless you desire a simplified phone service, it is better to stick to Grasshopper.

  • Unlimited domestic calls and texts 
  • Allows call routing to multiple devices simultaneously
  • Smooth integrations with Google Workspace
  • No vanity or toll-free numbers
  • Limited advanced features
  • Google might have access to your confidential information 

Vonage is an excellent alternative to Grasshopper because it is a unified communications provider. The VoIP service makes business communication and collaborations straightforward and cost-effective for startups and small businesses.

Vonage Pricing 

Vonage offers three tier-based services. They include:

  • Basic—$19 per month
  • Premium—$29/month
  • Advanced—$39/ month

Who Is Vonage Best For?

Vonage is an excellent option if you want a competitively priced VoIP service that offers all the essentials you need to work from anywhere and on any device. It is also attractive for businesses looking for more scalability. The platform has numerous add-on features, meaning businesses can choose only the features they need.

How Does Vonage Compare To Grasshopper?

Both Grasshopper and Vonage are ideal options for startups and small businesses. The main difference is that while Vonage is a platform built on robust technology, Grasshopper mainly depends on its features to create a package ideal for the communication needs of different businesses. 

  • Video conferencing feature
  • All plans allow unlimited calls and texts
  • Secure (FCC, HIPAA, PCI, and GDPR compliant)
  • The basic plan has limited features
  • Too many add-ons at an extra fee
  • No online faxing or toll-free numbers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Grasshopper Review

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you further evaluate whether the service matches your business needs.

Final Thoughts on Grasshopper Review

Grasshopper is a VoIP provider with just enough features to suit the needs of small and mid-sized businesses. It also matches the expectations of solo entrepreneurs and small startups that want to set up a professional phone system cost-effectively. The 7-day free trial offers a risk-free means to sample the service and determine whether it suits your business needs.

So is it a good fit for your business? Hopefully, our Grasshopper review has helped you answer that question.

What is a VoIP Number, How Does it Work & How Do You Get One?

A VoIP phone

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP technology, allows you to make and receive calls over the internet. Although the technology has been around for some time, VoIP has never been as popular in the business world as it is today.

The VoIP global market size was just over $30bn in 2020. According to a VoIP industry analysis by Global Market Insights, the global VoIP market is projected to hit $95bn by 2027 as more and more SMBs move toward this technology. If you’re thinking about getting a VoIP number for your business, here’s all you need to know about what it is, how it works, and where to get one. 

What is a VoIP Number?

A VoIP number appears and functions just like a regular 10-digit telephone number. The primary difference is the mode of transmission. While traditional landline numbers use a network of telephone lines, VoIP uses the internet to place calls. 

When you use a VoIP number to call someone, it appears like any other phone number to the receiver. This means they won’t be able to tell the call isn’t coming from an actual landline. 

Unlike traditional phone numbers, a VoIP number isn’t assigned to a specific device, location, or phone line. Instead, it’s assigned to a person. This person can use their VoIP phone number to place a call from anywhere as long as they have an internet-enabled device. 

Since Voice over Internet Protocol isn’t location-specific, you can get the area code of your choice. This saves long-distance fees for callers. Getting a VoIP number is recommended for companies operating across the US.

How Does a VoIP Phone Number Work?

As mentioned above, VoIP technology works over the internet. It doesn’t need copper wire telephone lines to facilitate communication. 

Landline numbers use analog signals to transmit voice. When you place a call with a VoIP number, your voice and data are converted into digital signals before they’re transmitted over the internet. If you call a regular landline, the digital signals are converted back into analog before they reach the receiver. 

Illustration on how a VoIP phone number works

Using this technology, you can make and receive calls on your virtual number no matter where you are. All you need is an internet connection and an internet-enabled device such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet. Apart from voice calls, VoIP also supports text messaging and video calls if the receiver is using VoIP too. 

Different Ways for Using a VoIP Number

You can make VoIP calls using three different methods. These include using an analog telephone adaptor, using an IP phone, or availing of the services of a VoIP caller.

Use an Analog Telephone Adapter on a Regular Phone

This method lets you use VoIP technology without fully switching from traditional to VoIP. Plug an Analog Telephone Adaptor into your traditional landline phone to connect it to the internet. 

Use an IP Phone

Alternatively, you can get an IP phone. This is just like a standard telephone, but it comes with Ethernet ports to connect it with an internet router. These phones have built-in hardware and software to make and receive VoIP calls.

Use a VoIP Service Provider

If you want to make VoIP calls, signing up with a VoIP service provider, also known as a VoIP caller, is by far the most convenient and cost-effective solution. All you need to do is sign up, download and install the software, and start making Voice over IP calls from your computer or mobile phone. 

If you go for a VoIP service, you don’t need to get any extra hardware as long as you’ve got functional speakers and a microphone. Let’s discover more about how to get a VoIP number from a service provider. 

How to Get a VoIP Phone Number?

The easiest way to get a VoIP number is from a quality VoIP provider. The process is fairly simple. All you need to do is sign up with a service provider, and it’ll guide you through the rest of the steps until you’re ready to make and receive VoIP calls. Still, here’s an overview of what you should expect when you go with a VoIP phone number service.

Step 1: Choose a VoIP Service Provider

Before you get a number, we advise you to research a suitable provider that offers affordable plans and suits your business’s needs. Unfortunately, the VoIP industry is rife with scams, making it all the more important to pick the right service provider. 
There are hundreds of VoIP services out there, each with unique pricing and features. We’ve reviewed some of the best VoIP service providers that you can use to get a VoIP phone number. Go through our top picks to make your choice easier.

Offering high-end features at an affordable price, RingCentral is indeed the leader in the VoIP market. It’s a good choice for businesses of all sizes as it offers a variety of plans that address different needs. Its most popular plan type, RingCentral MVP which includes messaging, video, and phone gives you unlimited calls in the US and Canada, unlimited SMS, voicemail transcription, and team messaging.

You can get top-tier features such as toll-free numbers, voicemail capabilities, and a mobile app even with the most basic plan that starts at $19.99/user/mo. RingCentral isn’t the cheapest VoIP service out there, but it’s worth the price tag. A word of advice, you might face a slight learning curve when starting with this service. To learn more about RingCentral’s features, read our complete RingCentral review.

  • Unlimited calls within the US and Canada
  • Mobile apps for iOS and Android
  • Built-in team messaging and document sharing
  • International calling costs extra
  • Overcomplicated for new users
  • A little expensive

Pricing

  • RingCentral MVP Essentials: $19.99/user/mo.
  • RingCentral MVP Standard: $27.99/user/mo.
  • RingCentral MVP Premium: $34.99/user/mo.
  • RingCentral MVP Ultimate: $49.99/user/mo.

If you’re looking for a productivity-focused communication system, Nextiva can be a great choice for you. It comes with an abundance of features, however, the vast majority of them are locked in the more expensive plans. Still, the most basic plan gives you unlimited voice and video calling, single-level auto-attendant, internet fax, toll-free numbers, voicemail, and integrations with Outlook and Google Contacts.

Nextiva doesn’t place any user restrictions so you can have as many users as you want even with the starter plan. Advanced plans offer a productivity suite that includes an internal communication system, screen sharing, private group messaging, a team calendar, and a voting system. To learn more about Nextiva’s features, read our complete Nextiva review.

  • Unlimited calling within US and Canada
  • Mobile app to stay connected from anywhere
  • Customizable auto-attendant
  • Call recording is limited to higher-tier plans
  • Mobile SMS messaging is not available on the cheapest plan
  • Pricing can get a bit complicated

Pricing

Nextiva’s pricing structure is a bit complex. The average prices go down if you purchase a plan for more users. Here’s what you can expect the different plans to cost for users as less as 1-4 to 100+.

  • Essential: $17.95 to 23.95/user/mo.
  • Professional: $21.95 to 27.95/user/mo.
  • Enterprise: $31.95 to 37.95/user/mo.

If you want a mobile VoIP solution for remote work and traveling employees, Ooma Office offers what you need. It’s one of the more affordable VoIP services and it isn’t short on features either. A toll-free number, SMS, call logs, virtual fax, and multi-extension dialing are included in even the most basic plan. But a potential drawback is that Ooma’s desktop app isn’t included in it.

According to our in-depth Ooma Office review, what sets it apart is that each user gets a unique direct-dial number instead of an extension. This makes you look more professional as a business and also makes it easier for customers to reach your employees.

  • Desktop and mobile app
  • Unlimited calling in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
  • Direct-dial numbers for each user
  • Desktop app is limited to the Pro plan
  • CRM and productivity integrations are not available on the base plan
  • Pricing isn’t transparent

Pricing

Getting to the Ooma Office pricing page takes some searching, but we’ve already found out the plans Ooma offers and what they cost. It has two price points that vary significantly in features. 

  • Ooma Office: $19.95 /user/mo. – one-time activation fee, for 1 user: $29.95
  • Ooma Office Pro: $24.95 /user/mo. – one-time activation fee, for 1 user: $29.95

Step 2: Select a VoIP Plan

Different service providers offer different plans. Choose the one that suits your needs best and fits your budget. Remember that not all service providers offer the same kind of plans. So choose your service provider in accordance with your business type, size, and VoIP needs. 

Step 3: Get a VoIP Number 

Your VoIP service provider will have an interface that facilitates selecting and purchasing a VoIP number. This is a fairly straightforward process but may vary between services. Most providers let you choose your area code to make it easier for customers from a specific area to contact you. 

That said, you can also choose to port your existing telephone number to VoIP. To do so, you’d have to contact your previous phone provider to transfer it. This may take a few business days. 

Step 4: Complete Setup

Once you have your VoIP phone number, all you need to do is set up the hardware and software to start making calls over the internet. The cheapest and most convenient way to go about this is simply to use your computer and mobile phones for VoIP calls. If you want to connect office phones to the system, you might need to buy some additional hardware. 

Benefits of Using a VoIP Number

Businesses all over the world are switching to VoIP technology and for good reason. VoIP numbers come with a range of benefits that can help take your business ahead. They not only save you time and money but also give your company a more professional image. Here’s what getting a VoIP number does for you.

Saves Money

Businesses can reduce their telecom costs by 50% if they switch to VoIP. This is primarily because VoIP uses the internet to transmit data. Not just that, but you also get additional features like auto-attendant, intelligent call forwarding, call queue management, and video calling with a quality VoIP service. 

Offers Flexibility

The flexibility you get with a VoIP phone number is one of its biggest advantages. A VoIP number can be used on multiple devices at the same time, giving you the mobility and convenience traditional landline systems can’t. 

Offers Scalability

As your business grows, you’d want your communication system to grow along. However, this is not easy with standard phone systems. You need additional phone lines and hardware to scale. 

VoIP lets you scale with ease. You can add as many users as your bandwidth allows, and this is more than enough for most growing businesses. As VoIP services are cloud-based, adding more numbers is pretty easy. 

Offers Remote Access

A VoIP number is not assigned to a phone line. This means you can use your number no matter where you are as long as you’ve got internet. With the best VoIP apps, you can have your business number in your pocket at all times. 

Gives You Choice of Area Codes

Unlike traditional phone numbers, you can freely choose your area code with a VoIP service. You don’t have to be in a state to use its area code for your business phone number. Being able to choose your area code makes it easy for you to target customers from a particular area, and it also establishes your credibility as a local business. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for VoIP Number

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about VoIP numbers, how they work, and the easiest way to get one.

So What Is a VoIP Number?

A VoIP number is a virtual phone number that lets you make calls over the internet. It looks and functions just like a regular number, but doesn’t need any phone lines to operate. The best way to get a VoIP phone number is to sign up with a service provider. 

Quality VoIP services like RingCentral, Nextiva, and Ooma Office give you a wide variety of features to facilitate communication between you, your employees, and customers. Plus, VoIP technology offers several benefits including low costs, flexibility, scalability, remote access, and the ability to choose the area code of your choice.

Best 8 Cheapest VoIP Services – Our 2023 Picks

A VoIP phone service device

The cheapest VoIP phone service makes it easy and affordable for you to connect with customers by phone. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers help you save money by letting you make calls online instead of via a traditional phone line.

Our top pick for 2023 is RingCentral because it successfully combines cost-effective pricing, robust VoIP features, and lots of communication tools. You’ll get unlimited calls, video, and messaging. Plus, RingCentral offers 24/7 support should you have any issues.

Looking for a premium VoIP service? check out Vonage!

 

Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Services

Product

Pricing

VoIP Features

Automations

Hardware

Security

Customer Support

Starts at $19.99 per user / month (1-20 users)

Call forwarding, call screening & visual voicemail

AI features

Free trial hardware for 21 days

Secure voice encryption

24/7 live support for high-tier plans

Starts at $23.95 per user / month (1-4 users)

Call recording, virtual voicemail, call management & call log reports

Auto attendant

VoIP devices available for rent or purchase

TLS & SRTP encryption

Unlimited 24/7 live support for all plans

Starts at $19.95 / month

Call recording, call blocking & caller info match

Virtual receptionist

VoIP devices available for purchase

Voice data encryption

24/7 phone support

Starts at $19.99 / month per line

Call recording & visual voicemail available as add-ons

Multi-level auto attendant for high-tier plans

VoIP phones available for purchase

Firewalls & logical access control

24/7 US-based tech support & customer service

Starts at $10 per user / month

Call forwarding & voicemail transcription

Auto attendant for high-tier plans

None included but compatible w/ Poly VoIP devices

ISO & SOC certifications

24/7 support for all plans

Starts at $15.99 / month

Basic call forwarding, call scheduling & call recording

Auto attendant

None

No special security features

Customer support available from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (EST)

Starts at $27.99 / month

Call pickup, call transfer & spam call blocking

Auto attendant

Free VOIP phone or device (limited offer)

Secure technology via industry compliance standards

24/7 technical support

Starts at free + Pay per minute

Inbound caller ID, call metrics, call recording & voicemail

PBX system

Compatible with SIP devices

ISO, SOC & Cyber Essentials certifications

24/7 email support for all plans + 24/5 phone & chat support for paid plans

RingCentral logo

RingCentral: Best Overall Cheapest VoIP Phone Service

Pricing: $19.99 to $49.99

4.5

RingCentral is at the top of our list of the cheapest VoIP phone services because it offers a good balance of fairly affordable pricing, extensive VoIP features, and communication centralization. It stands out among VoIP providers because it consolidates your phone, video, and messaging tools into one platform. All four available plans streamline your communication systems to simplify the way that you connect with others.

On one hand, you can use RingCentral to make unlimited phone calls to people in the U.S. and Canada. On the other hand, you can receive calls through the new business phone or toll-free numbers which RingCentral will provide you. Call screening, call forwarding, and visual voicemail features help you manage your incoming and missed calls.

In addition to VoIP features, the AI-based Advanced Meeting Insights and Summaries generates notes on your meeting discussions to boost your productivity. Plus, you can test the trial hardware for 21 days in case you need a VoIP device. Finally, RingCentral offers customer service and secure voice encryption for a better user experience.

Although RingCentral is a well-rounded VoIP service, it has a few limitations too. Because it has a lot of features, it might be overwhelming for beginners at first since it takes time getting used to. Aside from this, 24/7 live support is only available for high-tier plans, although basic support is included with the low-tier plan.

Why we chose it: We ranked RingCentral as the best overall cheap VoIP service because it effectively fuses together competitive pricing, a wide variety of VoIP features, and strong consolidation of communication tools. It is ideal for you if you want a VoIP platform that offers the perfect balance between cost-effectiveness and usefulness. Read our ultimate RingCentral review to learn more.

  • Excellent value for the cost
  • Integrates phone, messaging, and video
  • Uses AI-based technology
  • Adjustment period for new users
  • 24/7 customer support only included in high-end plans

Pricing:

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

*Rates for 1-20 users. Lower rates available for more users.

Screenshot of RingCentral dashboard page
Nextiva logo

Nextiva: Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service for VoIP Functionality

Pricing: $23.95 to $37.95 per user / month

4.5

Nextiva stands out among the cheapest VoIP phone services because it has a broad range of VoIP features.  You can use it to communicate with people in the U.S. and Canada because it comes with unlimited calling, texting, faxing, video meetings, and chat capabilities. It also includes call recording, virtual voicemail, call management, call log records, and an auto attendant. You can make VoIP calls whether you are in the office or on the go, thanks to its desktop program and mobile app. Plus, you will get your own local and toll-free numbers for free.

The plans don’t automatically include VoIP equipment, although they are available for purchase or rent. Still, you can download a mobile app to your iOS or Android smartphone if you don’t need a dedicated VoIP gadget.

On top of this, Nextiva offers unlimited 24/7 live support for all plans so you can quickly get technical assistance or VoIP guidance. In addition to its customer service, it protects your privacy through ISO/IEC 27001 certification, biometric checkpoints, and round-the-clock monitoring.

Even if Nextiva is a good VoIP service, it has some drawbacks too. Some of the advanced features are only available for the premium plans. Also, it is relatively pricier compared to the other alternatives in this list.

Why we chose it: We commend Nextiva as the best for VoIP functionality because of the many available VoIP features that you can take advantage of. It is viable for you if you want a VoIP platform that you can use for varied telephony purposes. To learn more about Nextiva’s features, read our complete Nextiva review.

  • Rich VoIP functionality
  • Free toll-free and local numbers
  • Round-the-clock customer support for all users
  • Some extra features only available for high-tier plans
  • Higher rates compared to competitors

Pricing:

  • Essential: $23.95 per user / month
  • Professional: $27.95 per user / month
  • Enterprise: $37.95 per user / month

*Rates for 1-4 users. Lower rates available for more users.

Nextiva website and mobile user interface
Ooma office logo

Ooma Office: Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service for Customization

Pricing: Starts at $19.95 / month

4.0

Ooma Office shines among VoIP services in the area of personalization because you can customize it according to your preferences. It guides you in tailoring your plan based on your business requirements, such as internet ports, Wi-Fi cordless phones, conference phones, and fax machines. It also assists you in selecting your free local or toll-free number according to the area code availability.

It lets you collaborate with others through audio, video, messaging, and online fax communication tools. VoIP features like call recording, caller info match, call blocking, and virtual receptionist make it simple for you to handle your calls. In addition to this, Ooma Office provides 24/7 phone support and voice data encryption for your convenience and security.

Nevertheless, Ooma Office has room for improvement in other areas. For example, advanced communication options like video conferencing are only included in the high-tier plan. Plus, higher usage limits for extension monitoring and audio conference room participation is exclusive to the premium plan, which you need to sign up for unless you already subscribed to other conference call services. Also, you need to pay extra to buy a dedicated VoIP device from Ooma Office.

Why we chose it: Ooma Office is the best in customization among VoIP services because you can personalize it based on your unique needs. It is ideal for you if you want to tweak your VoIP plan to your own specifications. To learn more about its features, read our in-depth review on Ooma Office.

  • Wide customization options
  • Free number selection guidance
  • Virtual receptionist
  • Video conferencing not included in basic plan
  • Higher usage available only with high-end plan
  • Additional purchase needed for VoIP device

Pricing:

  • Ooma Office: $19.95 / month
  • Ooma Office Pro: $24.95 / month
Ooma office voip devices
Vonage logo

Vonage: Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service for Ease of Use

Pricing: From $19.99 to $39.99

3.5

Vonage’s main advantage over other VoIP services is that it is easy to use. The setup process is straightforward so you can complete it with minimal hassle. Plus, the VoIP platform is simple so you can quickly adapt to it and scale it according to your business size and needs.

The unified communications VoIP Phone system includes unlimited calls, SMS, and team messaging, as well as video collaboration. You can utilize these VoIP features via the mobile app when you are away from the office or the desktop app when you are at work. In addition to this, Vonage provides US-based customer support and technical assistance on a 24/7 basis. Plus, it protects your privacy through security features like firewalls and logical access control.

Still, Vonage has particular limitations despite its perks. You need to pay extra for crucial VoIP features like call recording, visual voicemail, and multi-level attendant, unless you subscribe to a high-tier plan. While you get the option to keep your existing number, you need to buy toll-free numbers since they are not included in the plans. Aside from this, you also have to purchase VoIP equipment separately.

Why we chose it: We pick Vonage as best for ease of use among VoIP services because you can set it up whether you are a beginner or a tech expert. It is a potential choice for you if you prefer a VoIP service that you can use right away with minimal hassle.

  • Simple setup process
  • Unified communications platform
  • 24/7 tech support
  • Some key VoIP features only available as add-ons or as part of high-tier plans
  • No free toll-free numbers
  • VoIP phones must be purchased

Pricing:

  • Mobile: $19.99 / month per line + taxes & fees
  • Premium: $29.99 / month per line + taxes & fees
  • Advanced: $39.99 / month per line + taxes & fees
Screenshot of Vonage admin dashboard page
Google Voice logo

Google Voice: Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service for Affordability

Pricing: From $10 to $30

4.5

Google Voice is the most budget-friendly VoIP service in our list, thanks to the very affordable plan rates. Even with the basic plan, you will already get free calls to the U.S. from anywhere in the world, as well as free calls to Canada from the U.S. You can also send unlimited SMS messages using the platform. Its VoIP features include call forwarding and voicemail transcriptions.

All the plans integrate smoothly with Google Workspace apps because it is native to the Google ecosystem. Yet even if it is Google-based, you can use it with both Android and iOS smartphones, as well as desktops and laptops. In addition to this, all users can depend on 24/7 support and security backed by ISO & SOC certifications.

Take note that there are certain trade-offs to the low cost of Google Voice. None of the plans offer toll-free numbers, just local Google Voice numbers. Additionally, the auto attendant feature is only exclusive to the high-tier plans. Lastly, there is no included hardware with any of the plans, although you can use them with compatible Poly VoIP devices which you can purchase separately.

Why we chose it: We grant Google Voice the title of best for affordability among VoIP services because it includes free calls and basic VoIP features for a very low price. It is a good match for you if cutting down communication expenses is your top priority. Read our ultimate Google Voice review to learn more.

  • Bargain plan rates
  • Free calls & unlimited SMS
  • 24/7 support for all plans
  • No toll-free numbers
  • Auto attendant function only for high-end plans
  • No hardware included

Pricing: 

  • Starter: $10 per user / month
  • Standard: $20 per user / month
  • Premier: $30 per user / month
Screenshot of Google Voice make a call page

Line2: Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service for Beginners

Pricing: From $15.99 to $25.99

4.0

Line2 is a viable option for beginners because it is easy to configure and it includes basic features. Once you set it up, you can start using essential VoIP features like unlimited calls, plus texts, call forwarding, call recording, call scheduling, and auto attendant. You may use the desktop app when you are in the office or mobile apps when you are on the go. Plus, you can also choose between a toll-free number or a local number.

However, you should be aware that Line2 is not as powerful as other VoIP services so it might not be suitable for you if you have complex VoIP needs. Although it covers the basics of phone and messaging, it doesn’t offer other communication options so you need separate video conferencing software just to make video calls. Keep in mind, Line2 is solely a software solution so it doesn’t come with any dedicated VoIP devices. Its customer support is only available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday.

Why we chose it: We award Line2 as the best for beginners because of its basic features and quick setup process. It could be a great fit for you if you are a first-time user with minimal VoIP requirements.

  • Simple configuration process
  • Essential VoIP features included
  • Economical pricing
  • No video conferencing
  • No VoIP hardware
  • Limited customer support

Pricing:

  • Starter: $15.99 / month
  • Growth: $20.99 / month
  • Business: $25.99 / month
Illustration on how Line2 works
Intermedia Unite logo

Intermedia Unite: Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service for Integration

Pricing: From $27.99 to $32.99

4.5

Intermedia Unite has an edge over other VoIP services when it comes to integration because it connects with third-party apps to increase its functionality. It integrates with popular productivity apps from Google and Microsoft, including Chrome, G Suite, Outlook, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams. It also links to CRM software, such as Salesforce, Zoho CRM, and Sugar CRM.

In addition to Unite Extend Integrations, it has built-in communication capabilities like unlimited calls, video, chat, and web fax. The VoIP features include call pickup, caller ID, call transfer, spam call blocking, and auto attendant.

You can reach out to others via the available desktop app or mobile app for Android or iOS smartphones. Occasionally, there’s a limited offer to get a free VoIP deskphone and other devices like speakerphone, headset, or webcam when you subscribe to a plan. On top of this, Intermedia Unite offers technical support via phone or chat on a 24/7 basis. Plus, it meets industry compliance standards to maintain secure connections.

Nevertheless, Intermedia Unite is limited in particular ways. For instance, toll-free numbers and additional phone numbers are not included in the plans, although you can purchase them as add-ons. Aside from this, the basic plan is more expensive compared to similar plans from other VoIP providers. Plus, it can be challenging to switch from user to administrator accounts because they require separate sign-ins.

Why we chose it: We recognize Intermedia Unite as the best for integration among VoIP services because it links with third-party programs to boost its usefulness. It is appropriate for you if you want to connect your work apps to your VoIP platform.

  • Rich third-party integrations
  • Free VoIP phone or device (limited time only)
  • 24/7 technical support
  • Toll-free and local numbers cost extra
  • Pricier than similar plans from competitors
  • Hard to switch from user to administrator accounts

Pricing:

  • Unite Pro: $27.99 / month
  • Unite Enterprise: $32.99 / month
Intermedia Unite Call Summary page
Freshdesk logo

Freshdesk Contact Center: Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service for Reporting

Pricing: Free to $83 + Pay per minute

3.5

Freshdesk Contact Center, which was previously called Freshcaller, stands out among VoIP services because it generates detailed reports. The live dashboards allow you to keep track of agent availability, agent performance, and customer satisfaction in real-time. Plus, you can stay updated on customer communication via call recordings, call transcripts, and call lifecycle data.

The VoIP features include inbound caller ID, call queues, and voicemail, which you can take advantage of through the desktop and mobile apps. Beyond this, the versatile PBX system allows it to double as call center software. It enables you to route calls to your agents or teams, as well as to add self-service options.

On top of it, all plans come with round-the-clock email support, while the paid plans include 24/5 phone and chat support. Finally, the security features are backed by ISO, SOC & Cyber Essentials certifications.

However, Freshdesk Contact Center has vital shortcomings, which may be a deal-breaker for some. While you can subscribe to the basic plan for free, it doesn’t come with any free call minutes so you need to pay per minute. As a result, you might end up spending more in the long run. The paid plans do include a limited number of free minutes, but you also need to pay for excess minutes.

Freshdesk doesn’t offer any free local or toll-free numbers, but you can purchase them as add-ons. Also, there is no included hardware, but the service is compatible with SIP devices.

Why we chose it: Freshdesk Contact Center is the best for reporting among the cheapest VoIP services because of its advanced reporting capabilities. It may be suitable for you if you need informative reports, especially if you own or manage a call center.

  • Comprehensive reporting features
  • PBX system for call management
  • Security certifications
  • Zero or limited free minutes only
  • No free toll-free or local numbers
  • No dedicated VoIP hardware

Pricing:

  • Free: Free subscription + Pay per minute.
  • Growth: $18 per agent / month + Pay per minute.
  • Pro: $47 per agent / month + Pay per minute.
  • Enterprise: $83 per agent / month + Pay per minute.

*Rates for monthly billing. Lower rates available for annual billing.

Screenshot of Freshdesk live dashboard page

Ranking Methodology for the Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Service

As we selected our top 8 VoIP providers for this buyer’s guide, we prioritized giving credit to companies that offer budget-friendly VoIP services which include strong feature sets even with the basic plans. Our picks for this list do not necessarily lead the pack in terms of cutting-edge VoIP technology or premium customer support, but they do excel in providing the best bang for your buck given their competitive pricing.

Here are some important factors which we considered as we chose the best affordable VoIP services:

Pricing

Pricing is a crucial element in your VoIP service selection because you can only sign up for a plan that you can afford, given your business budget. Many VoIP providers offer plans on a monthly basis, which you can pay based on the number of users or the amount of call minutes you consumed. As an alternative, you may consider subscribing to an annual plan to get lower rates, if you are planning on using the service for at least one year. If these services are above your budget, here’s a list of free VoIP services to get you started.

VoIP Communication

Communication is the main purpose of VoIP so you need a service that allows you to connect with your team and clients in convenient ways. At the very least, your VoIP service must offer excellent audio calls and messaging. If you have advanced collaboration requirements, consider a plan that also includes video conferencing and faxing.

VoIP Features

VoIP features make it possible for you to manage your incoming, outgoing and missed calls. That’s why it’s essential that your plan includes vital VoIP functions, such as call recording, call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, call blocking, and call log reports.

Automations

VoIP services can automate some of your call monitoring and management tasks so that your team can save time and effort. It’s a practical idea for you to look for a VoIP provider that offers auto-attendant features or AI-based technology.

Phone Numbers

Toll-free numbers and local numbers make it easier for your customers to contact your business. You can subscribe to a plan that includes free customized numbers or purchase it as an add-on to your package. Take note that a few VoIP services don’t include a toll-free option.

Software

Software solutions like desktop programs and mobile apps allow you to use your computer or smartphone to make and receive calls and messages. While most VoIP plans include software options, you do need to make sure the service is compatible with the OS of your gadget.

Hardware

You may need dedicated VoIP equipment like desk phones, headsets, and speakerphones if your team makes and receives a lot of calls on a regular basis. Most providers offer VoIP hardware devices for sale or for rent, while others have a software-only platform that is compatible with other electronic gadgets.

Ease of Use

A VoIP service that is simple to set up and easy to use lets everyone in your team maximize its features. After all, different team members have different levels of technical skills so your VoIP platform should be accessible to all.

Security

Security may be a low-key feature, yet it’s an integral one because it determines how safe your communication data is. A VoIP provider should protect the privacy of your communications through industry-grade VoIP security standards and certifications.

Customer Support

Customer service can make or break a VoIP service. After all, VoIP technical issues can affect the productivity of your business. That’s why you need a VoIP provider that offers round-the-clock customer support so you can receive prompt, efficient customer support and assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cheapest VoIP Phone Services

The best cheapest VoIP phone services allow you to communicate with others without breaking the bank. Explore the answers to common questions about VoIP services.

Bottom Line on the Best Cheapest VoIP Phone Services

The cheapest VoIP phone service allows you to save time and money while contacting other people for work or personal reasons. While we acknowledge the strengths of all the VoIP services in our list, we especially recommend RingCentral because it merges together affordable rates, rich VoIP features, and communication consolidation.

The 10 Best (& Worst) States to Buy Investment Property in 2023

Two businesspeople shaking hands on an investment property deal

Rental properties are a great way to earn income either full-time or on the side. However, some states are better than others regarding returns on these types of investments. This article looks at the 10 best states to buy investment property this year (and the worst states for real estate).

1. South Carolina

South Carolina

One of the original 13 colonies, South Carolina is full of old-world charm and whimsy. You’ll find plenty of coastlines and history alongside a warm climate. Sprinkled within are cities such as Charleston and Columbia. These locations offer great universities, plenty of hospitality, and some of the lowest crime rates in the country.

At 0.57%, South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes as well. With homes averaging $170,000, costs are only about three-quarters what you’d pay in other parts of the country. This is still true despite a 1% increase in the last few years. Median household income comes in at $54,800.

Approximately 30% of South Carolinians rent homes and on average pay $922 per month. The state’s population is increasing at a rate of 1.27% per year. This is just under the 1.43% employment growth across all occupations.

2. Idaho

Best states to buy investment property - Idaho

Known as the Gem State, Idaho is a gem to live in. Even if potatoes aren’t appealing, there are plenty of other reasons Idaho is desirable. There are state parks everywhere and less than two million people throughout. Crime rates are also some of the lowest in the nation, even in bigger cities like Boise.

Looking at the numbers, Idaho’s median household income nearly crosses $59,000. This value shifts upwards by over 8% each year. The state has a booming economy with one of the best employment rankings in the United States.

Property values see a steady rise, moving from $230,000 to over $250,000 in just a year’s time. Renters typically pay $900 for lodging and make up 28.4% of the total population. It’s clear homes are being rented and sold, as the population steadily increases by 2% year over year. Moreover, it’s also the best state for real estate in the U.S.

3. North Carolina

Best states to buy investment property - North Carolina

North Carolina looks to impress with a nice mix of beachfront and mountains. There’s an abundance of things to do outdoors, and the weather cooperates for most of the year. Colleges and universities are some of the best in the country, right alongside healthcare options. Residents never have to go far to find good food or southern hospitality.

The state boasts a thriving job market, especially in top cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. Fortune 500 companies litter the cities, drawing in top talent. Even so, median property values across the state come in at $183,200, significantly lower than the national average. Median household income is closer to the standard at $56,600. Both numbers are increasing nearly 7% per year.

Property taxes are near the country’s midpoint of 0.90%. Residents have to deal with a fixed 5.25% for better or worse. 34.7% of the state’s population are renters, costing them on average $1,234 per month. This number is over 20% higher than it was in just 2021.

4. Florida

States to Buy Investment Property - Florida

Florida boasts an extra month of sunshine compared to the national average each year, explaining its well-earned nickname. The desirable climate brings young and older people looking for work or the ideal retirement lifestyle. As a popular vacation spot, even travelers like to take advantage of rental properties. It doesn’t hurt that Florida is one of the few states not charging any income tax for residents.

The state’s population sees consistent growth, increasing around 1% each year. The median property value sits at $245,000 and is on track to increase year after year. This fits well with the state’s median of $59,227, which jumped roughly 6%. Average rent at present lies somewhere in the $1,200 range. One and two-bedroom homes have gone up 38% since 2021.

Approximately 34% of Florida residents rent a home or apartment, slightly higher than the national average. Employment opportunities saw a 2.5% growth to help draw people in. Florida’s biggest downfall is property taxes, landing in the $3k range.

5. Tennessee

States to Buy Investment Property - Tennessee

Tennessee is beautifully split between the Great Smoky Mountains and stunning flatland. The music scene in Nashville is second to none, and many other cities rise to the challenge as great places to live. It features top-notch hospitals and stellar schools and universities to draw in families. The location also makes for temperate weather during all four seasons.

Taxes are a draw here, with 0.71% property taxes and no income tax to speak of. Median household income is lower than other parts of the country, coming in at around $54,800. It nearly matches the 8% property value growth from last year. Those looking to buy homes should expect to pay an average of $191,500.

One-third of the state’s population are renters, paying on average $910 per month. Tennessee has an above-average job growth rate, seeing a 4.14% change from 2021. Its population is increasing steadily, up just under 1% year over year.

6. Colorado

Colorado

Colorado is another state with breathtaking outdoor landscapes. Best known for skiing, potential renters will also find sand dunes, rock formations, and water. With cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, it’s not difficult to find the best of both worlds. 

The state draws in people with its tax benefits, with a 4.55% flat income tax and 0.51% property tax rate. The state is full of economic opportunities, toted by some to be the best in the country. The result is a median household income of $77,000 that crushes the national average. This is offset slightly by property values hanging out around $394,000. The success keeps the poverty level below 10%.

Colorado has more renters than most others, with 34.1% of people choosing not to buy. Rent is higher here as well at approximately $1,700 per month. This excitement brings in new families, with the population rising by over 1% each year.

7. Arizona

States to Buy Investment Property - Arizona

Nestled in the dry southwestern part of the United States, Arizona doesn’t see much seasonal change. Cities like Phoenix score over 300 days of sunshine, and winters rarely dip below 70°. The state’s 7 million people are spread out over 113,000 square miles, providing more stress-free living.

Arizona has a healthy job market as well, falling into the top ten states for employment in the Union. Median household incomes come in at $61,529, near the national average. This number is up nearly 5% from last year. Property values are rising slowly throughout the state, averaging at $255,900.

At 0.66%, property taxes are lower than average. However, income taxes can range anywhere from 2.59% to 8%, depending on the income bracket. 34.7% of residents choose to rent instead of buy, paying around $1,100 per month. This value is up an impressive 32% from last year.

8. California

Best states for buying investment property - California

Making up a large chunk of our Pacific coast, California offers an abundance of amazing beaches and incredible city life. The state pulls in vacation-goers year-round, creating opportunities for short-term rental income in every season. Its cutting-edge technology, vibrant food, and movie scene give people plenty of reasons to stay.

California does have a high cost of living, with median home values soaring above the $530,000 mark. With household incomes averaging $78,600, over 45% of residents rent instead of buy. Rent looks to be over $1,600 per month. The state only loses out to Hawaii in rental costs. While the population isn’t increasing, California nearly leads the nation in job growth.

Property taxes in California aren’t as bad as one might think, sitting at 0.76%. On the other hand, income taxes for residents can range from 1% to 13.3% depending on how much a family brings in.

9. Indiana

Best states for buying investment property - Indiana

The only Midwest state to make the list, Indiana has a reason to be here. It has job opportunities across many markets, from farming to healthcare and everything in between. Nestled in the crossroads of America, Indiana’s ideal location allows residents to see what the rest of the country has to offer.

Indiana’s super low cost of living makes it one of the cheapest states to live in. This even holds true in the capital of Indianapolis. Property taxes are a bit lower than other parts of the country, but the state does well with fixed 3.23% income tax rates. Median property values increase roughly 6% each year and are quite low at $148,900.

As budget-friendly as Indiana is, median household incomes are $58,200, not far from the national average. 30.7% of the population are renters, paying on average $920 each time rent is due.

10. Texas

Best states to buy investment property - Texas

From high school to the professional level, the Lone Star state draws communities together through its sporting events. It’s well-known for its schools and beautiful weather to catch events in. Being so large, Texas has a diverse culture and just as many unique things to see and do. To sweeten the pot, Texas residents don’t have to pay a dime on income tax.

Texas has an impressive economy, boasting the world’s ninth-highest above even Canada and South Korea. Employment grows at a rate of 3% each year. Households bring in an average of $63,800 per year, on par with the rest of the nation. This number has grown 5.6% in the last year alone. This ties back to a population rising by 300,000 people from January to January.

The state’s largest thorn is property tax. At 1.8%, these are some of the highest in the country. Nearly 40% of residents rent homes, though, paying an average of $1,340 per month. Property values are lower than expected, with a median value of $200,400.

10 Worst States to Buy Investment Property

Not every state offers good opportunities for making money from investment properties. Below are 10 states it’s best to avoid if you’re planning to buy investment property.

41. Illinois

Illinois has one of the highest property tax rates in the country. In addition, the state saw its 8th straight year of population decline as people look for better job opportunities and more affordable housing.

42. South Dakota

High property taxes are just one of South Dakota’s issues. The state has seen a decline in employment over the last few years, and rent prices have fallen considerably as well.

43. New York

New York saw home values drop in 2021, harming rental prices for investors. The state also sees high property taxes that further reduce returns. 

44. West Virginia

West Virginia has a poor state infrastructure, with low scores in bridges, dams, roads, and water. There’s little opportunity for job growth, and healthcare and education aren’t any better. The state is also one of the poorest.

45. Michigan

Despite being a center for automotive growth, Michigan sees some of the lowest job growth rates of any state. Its major hubs are riddled with crime and residents are leaving to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

46. Wisconsin

Wisconsin has some of the highest property taxes of any other state. Business opportunities are stagnant, and a low rent to house cost ratio means significant time before seeing any return on investment.

47. Mississippi

Mississippi sees the lowest median household income in the nation, helping to account for an over 20% poverty rate. Property values are low, and rentals have little opportunity to make money.

48. New Mexico

New Mexico doesn’t sit well with those looking for quality of life. The state struggles with crime, poverty, and low education standards. In addition, it has one of the worst economies in the country that’s not bringing people in.

49. Hawaii

Hawaii’s cost of living is the highest in the nation, with a median household income that can’t keep up. There also aren’t many job opportunities on the islands, and access is limited.

50. Louisiana

Louisiana ranks dead last in job growth in the entire country. The state also scores low in healthcare and education. It takes the top spot for both crime and poverty, beating out other states by a considerable margin.

How We Ranked the Best & Worst States to Buy Investment Property

The success of investment properties hinges on several factors from state to state. 

We carefully considered reasons that serve to bring new individuals and families to a state. These factors include employment opportunities, quality of life, and overall cost of living. Similarly, we thought about how landscapes and cities tend to draw people into certain locations.

It was also important to look into factors that speak to an investor’s bottom line. Things like property taxes, housing rates, and cost of rent all affect how much a renter can generate each month. We made sure these numbers look to increase year after year for long-term sustainable income.

Bottom Line on the Best States for Buy Investment Property

The best states to buy investment property exude all the features potential renters look for work and leisure. Employment opportunities must abound to draw people in, and cost of living and quality of life must be sufficient to keep them from leaving. The states that made our list check these boxes while laying the groundwork to continue doing so for years to come.

7 Best Free VoIP Phone Services – 2023

Dangling free voip phone

Voice over internet protocol (VoIP) makes it possible for any business to develop an efficient and cost-effective communications network. Free VoIP providers are a great place for new companies to lay a solid foundation. Read on to hear about our favorite free VoIP phone services currently on the market.

Looking for a premium service? check out Vonage!

 

Best Free VoIP Phone Services

Software

Number of Calls

Texting Capability

Phone Number

Platforms

Paid Plan Pricing

Unlimited

Free with activation kit

Free phone number included

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$9.99 per month to remove ads

Unlimited

Unlimited

Free phone number included

Android only

Information not provided on the website

Unlimited

Unlimited

Free phone number included

Android, iOS, Windows

$10 to $30 per month

Unlimited

Unlimited

No number included

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

No paid plans

Metered or unlimited calling

Included in phone plan

Included in phone plan

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$120 to $240 for phone plans

Unlimited

Unlimited

Included in phone plan or can import a number

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$15 to $25 per month

Unlimited

Unlimited

Included in phone plan or can import a number

Android, iOS, Windows, Mac

$10 to $20 per month

TextNow logo

TextNow: Best Overall

Paid plan pricing: $9.99 per month to remove ads

4.7

TextNow is one of the few apps that provides a legitimately free VoIP phone service with network coverage. You can call or text through WiFi or pick up a SIM card through a $0.99 activation kit. A free service means ads, and additional features like data or voicemail also cost extra. TextNow uses a slower version of T-Mobile’s network, so you may not have the best call quality.

Why we chose it: TextNow offers free coverage over WiFi or wireless network no matter where you’re located in the United States.

  • Can use current phone number or obtain a new one
  • Unlimited calls and texts
  • Usable through WiFi or cellular service
  • Littered with ads
  • Additional charges for some features
  • Call quality isn’t the best

Pricing: TextNow’s base service is entirely free, and the company recoups its costs through ads that pop up while using the app. If you find the ads too cumbersome, you can pay $9.99 to remove them entirely. While best suited for mobile use, you can also download the app for Mac or PC.

You can use WiFi for calls from the get-go, but TextNow does tap into T-Mobile’s wireless service almost anywhere in the country. You’ll need to spend $0.99 to pick up an activation kit with a SIM card for your unlocked phone. Once you have the SIM card, calling and texting are free.

Should you desire to supplement your service with data, TextNow has you covered there as well. Data plans start at $8.99 for 1GB and top out at $27.99 for 5GB. Any data plan above the 1GB mark removes ads and lets you roam for free in Canada or Mexico.

2ndLine logo

2ndLine: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Android Users

Paid Plan Pricing: Information not provided on the website

4.4

2ndLine offers a free secondary phone line that taps into your current wireless service to provide coverage. It uses the same data and WiFi as your existing plan to give a new local number that you can use as you see fit. You can make unlimited calls and texts anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, but you’ll have to use it often enough to avoid having your account canceled. When issues occur, you can only contact customer service through email where they are often slow to respond.

Why we chose it: 2ndLine is a supplemental service to your current plan. It adds a free local phone number with unlimited calling, texting, and voicemail for Android devices.

  • Unlimited calls and texts to U.S. and Canada
  • Free voicemail service
  • Free local number
  • Android only
  • Must use the app frequently to avoid termination
  • Limited customer service connections

Pricing: 2ndLine itself is entirely free to use but does rely on an existing wireless or WiFi plan to function. The app will link you up with another local number that you can claim alongside the one you already use. Even if you don’t have a wireless plan, you can make use of a WiFi connection to accomplish the same goal. Since it draws from your existing WiFi or wireless network, you have some control over the quality.

To cover the cost of doing business, 2ndLine places ads at strategic locations on the screen. They’re not terribly intrusive, but you’ll know they are there. There’s talk of premium features on 2ndLine’s site to remove ads and unlock other tools, but there’s no mention of costs or what these additional features may be.

Google Voice logo

Google Voice: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Sole Proprietorships

Paid Plan Pricing: $10 to $30 per month

4.5

Google Voice is an old favorite that links your Google contacts with a single local phone line that you can use. You can’t pick up a toll-free or vanity number for your business, but you can still reach out to anyone within the United States or Canada. If you miss a call, Google’s voicemail will transcribe it for you while filtering out spam. You’ll need to stay active to keep your number, and the service doesn’t work in most parts of the world.

Why we chose it: For a single line, Google Voice features free calling and texting from a local number without consequence. Read our ultimate Google Voice review to learn more.

  • Unlimited calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada
  • Free voicemail transcription
  • Good at blocking spam calls
  • Must stay active to keep phone number
  • No toll-free or vanity numbers
  • Limited to only a few countries

Pricing: As long as you only need a single line for personal use or a business, Google may be the answer for you. You won’t need to worry about any costs for a single local number, and you can call out to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Google includes voicemail in its plan so you won’t miss an important message.

As your enterprise grows, you can switch to one of Google Voice’s three business phone plans. For $10 per month, you can make use of up to 10 phone lines domestically. Through the software, you can integrate your Google Calendar or Google Meet to maximize efficiency.

Spending $20 each month unlocks an unlimited number of users and some additional features like an auto attendant and desk phone support. Jumping to Google Voice’s top-level tier at $30 monthly allows calling to some international locations and adds in advanced reporting.

WhatsApp-logo

WhatsApp: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Customized Conversation

Paid Plan Pricing: No paid plans

4.4

WhatsApp brings traditional wireless plans to the next level, adding VoIP and encryption to protect your data. While both sides of the conversation need WhatsApp to communicate, it is one of the most popular services of its kind. WhatsApp also has a business app you can use to build product catalogs or automate responses. You’ll have to use an existing number to set up your account, and WhatsApp doesn’t generate numbers of its own.

Why we chose it: WhatsApp piggybacks off a current phone service to supply unlimited calling, texting, and video chat to the billions of other WhatsApp users out there.

  • Business app with API tools
  • Unlimited calls, texts, and video chat
  • Robust security with encryption
  • Users must have the app to communicate
  • No phone number included
  • Requires an existing phone number to use

Pricing: Whether for business or personal use, there are no fees for using WhatsApp in any capacity. You’ll have unlimited use of WhatsApp’s entire feature set without ads, including unlimited calls, texting, and video. Even API tools are free to take advantage of, but you’ll need to have the know-how to use them.

WhatsApp does require an existing phone number to set up. You’ll have to deal with any fees surrounding this wireless plan to put WhatsApp to use.

Zoom logo

Zoom: Best Free VoIP Phone Service for Video Chatting

Paid Plan Pricing: $120 to $240 for phone plans

4.2

Zoom has one of the most widely used video chatting platforms available, allowing up to 100 users to chat for free, albeit only for 40 minutes at a time. However, Zoom digs deep with a VoIP phone service and chatting that can bring all your communications together under one roof. Expanding into these features can be a bit pricey, especially when some users complain of poor connections at times.

Why we chose it: Zoom adds VoIP phone service and SMS chatting to its stellar video chatting capabilities to maximize business productivity.

  • Free 40-minute video meetings for up to 100 people
  • Private and group chat during meetings
  • Phone plans include a number and texting
  • Phone plans can be expensive
  • Free video chats limited to 40 minutes
  • Some customers complain of lag and slowdowns

Pricing: For all its features, it seems to have an equal number of paid plans to consider. There are a few options to consider in the VoIP phone department alone. Whatever plan you choose, Zoom makes it easy to jump from voice to video chat without skipping a beat.

If you don’t think you’ll be making a ton of calls, consider a pay-as-you-go metered plan. Starting at $120, it contains a phone number and texting capability. You’ll pay for each call you make, with rates to a U.S. phone number at just over 3 cents per minute. You won’t incur any costs for calls coming in, though.

The metered plan has an abundance of extra features to take advantage of as well. These include call recording, voicemail with transcription, and integrations with other apps.

You can use a regional unmetered calling plan to reach anyone in the United States or Canada for a flat $180 per month. Otherwise, this tier shares its feature set with the unmetered plan.

Going one step further, Zoom’s Pro plan for $240 per month introduces a direct dial number and unlimited calling in the 40 countries Zoom currently serves. For whatever reason, Pro doesn’t feature any texting capabilities.

Zoom can add toll-free numbers or additional local numbers to any of these pre-existing plans. Each extra number starts at $60 and goes up from there.

Dialpad logo

DialPad Talk: Best VoIP Phone Service for Analytics & AI

Paid Plan Pricing: $15 to $25 per month

4.0

DialPad Talk’s phone service isn’t free, but its 14-day trial is the next best thing. You can break down everything the platform has to offer and decide whether or not to sign up without spending a dime. Real-time data helps keep you in tune with your company’s happenings and uncover missed opportunities. Dialpad is currently limited to the U.S. or Canada, and you’ll have to pay extra for additional phone lines.

Why we chose it: Dialpad Talk introduces budget-friendly VoIP phone plans alongside carefully crafted reports and analytics to ensure you’re on the pulse of your business.

  • Unlimited calling and texting
  • 14-day free trial
  • Real-time analytics and reporting
  • Phone service is not free
  • Additional phone lines cost extra
  • Service limited to the U.S. or Canada

Pricing: DialPad Talk’s VoIP phone service isn’t free, but does include that 14-day trial to check things out. Both plans contain unlimited video meetings for up to 10 people at a time. Read the best VoIP apps to view more options.

The Standard tier comes in at $15 per user each month, featuring unlimited calls and texting to any of your clients or contacts. Through artificial intelligence, you can make use of a sales dialer and learn from your calls. Within your analytics dashboard, you can see call volume over time, missed calls, and hot times to reach potential customers.

At a $25 monthly rate, Pro users receive local number support in over 70 countries. You’re also privy to international texting and integrations with the top business management apps out there.

OpenPhone logo

OpenPhone: Best VoIP Phone Service for Toll-Free Numbers

Paid Plan Pricing: $10 to $20 per month

4.2

OpenPhone provides all the functionality required of a phone service while allowing users to take advantage of toll-free numbers at no additional cost. Phone plans aren’t free, but each comes with unlimited calling, texting, and a 7-day trial to put it through its paces. OpenPhone doesn’t have all the integration options that other services offer, and dealing with customer service can be a slow process.

Why we chose it: OpenPhone stands out from the competition by including toll-free numbers as a free option for its voice VoIP service.

  • Plans include local or toll-free number
  • Free 7-day trial
  • Unlimited calling and texting
  • Phone plans are not free
  • Customer service email support only
  • Limited integrations

Pricing: OpenPhone has two paid plans to choose from with a few discernable differences in feature set. It’s possible to try out both of these with the 7-day trial. You’ll benefit from unlimited calls and texts to customers and clients no matter which way you go.

At $10 per month, the Standard plan includes that juicy toll-free number that typically costs $60 with other providers. Additionally, it offers voicemail, call recording, and an auto-attendant to help direct calls where they need to go.

The Premium Plan adds in call transfers, group calling, and basic reporting features. Making the upgrade to this tier will set you back $20 each month.

OpenPhone makes it simple to add new phone numbers into the mix as well. Each additional line costs just $5 per month, whether local or toll-free.

Methodology for the Best Free VoIP Phone Services

We looked at several unique factors when identifying the best free VoIP phone services currently on the market. Below are the most important features we considered when making our decisions.

Unlimited Calls and Texts

Since this free VoIP phone service is likely your primary source of communication with potential customers, you want to make sure there aren’t any limitations on doing so. Scoring a plan with unlimited calling is the best way of ensuring you don’t miss any conversations that could bring revenue your way. Similarly, with the popularity of texting, clients love having this as an option as well.

Phone Numbers

If you don’t already have a business phone number, you’ll want to choose a service that can create one for you. Most platforms can offer up a free local number you can use separate from any personal accounts you may have.

While better than nothing, local numbers don’t give off a professional vibe, and there may be a client out there somewhere who still has to pay for long-distance calling. For an upcharge (unless you’re working with OpenPhone), you can invest in a toll-free number for your business to reach more clients and appear more legitimate.

Should you have a business number you’re already using, some VoIP providers will let you import it into your new account. This is especially important if you have an established business and customers know where to reach you.

Free Features

Free doesn’t usually get you much, but some free VoIP providers will throw in extra features to sweeten the pot. Top examples include voicemail, unlimited calling to Canada, or video chat capabilities.

Device Compatibility

Whether your team members prefer to use Android, iOS, PC, or Mac, you’ll want to make sure you don’t run into any compatibility issues. Most platforms have apps that function across all mobile and computer-based devices, but some don’t.

Paid Plan Pricing

Chances are you’ll be upgrading your plan at some point as your business begins to grow. When picking out a VoIP service, plan ahead so you’re not stuck with limited features or a paywall you can’t overcome. If you do need to jump ship and switch to a new provider, make sure you can carry your phone number with you to avoid confusion with staff and clients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Free VoIP Phone Services

Free VoIP phone services can be confusing to wrap your head around. Below are answers to some of the top questions pertaining to the space.

Bottom Line on the Best Free VoIP Phone Services

Free VoIP phone services are few and far between but offer an excellent introduction to the world of internet communication. These platforms offer fledgling businesses a means to start a framework that can grow with time.

TextNow wins out as the best free VoIP phone service for its ability to use cellular networks in addition to WiFi to stay connected. Users also receive a free business phone number but have to navigate around ads during conversation.