Mullvad VPN Review: Best Flat-Rate VPN

Mullvad VPN logo | Mullvad VPN Review: Best Flat-Rate VPN

Our Mullvad VPN review concludes that it offers excellent security and privacy features. As with any reputable VPN, Mullvad VPN establishes a secure connection between your devices and the internet. Mullvad VPN protects your data by masking your device’s IP address, which establishes a private tunnel for your data when using private networks.

Our Verdict 

You can use Mullvad VPN to protect your identity when accessing the internet. When you connect to one of Mullvad VPN’s encrypted servers, your IP address is hidden from hackers, corporations, and government agencies. It adds an extra layer of security, especially for businesses that frequently utilize remote access.

  • Same price across all time periods
  • Multi-hop connections
  • Fast speeds
  • Fewer servers than competitors
  • Tricky desktop interface
  • Lack of customer service options

Mullvad VPN Review at a Glance 

Screenshot of Mullvad VPN website home page
Source: Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN competes with industry favorites such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN. It’s also one of the best VPNs for PC. This is because it offers great VPN security features, such as a no-logs policy, open-source apps, and multi-hop connections. Furthermore, Mullvad VPN doesn’t ask for information when buying a subscription and offers anonymous payment options.

Based in Sweden, Mullvad VPN offers 846 servers across 39 countries. Although this is a lower number of servers than other VPNs, it’s more than enough for most individuals. Best of all, Mullvad VPN has affordable and flat-rate pricing. No matter how long you choose to subscribe, Mullvad VPN costs €5 per month, which is $5.23 at the time of writing. 

It can be difficult to find an ideal VPN because the world of VPNs is so hectic and confusing. Luckily, Mullvad VPN offers a breath of fresh air. It’s a secure and affordable VPN service that offers excellent protection at a transparent price. 

Although Mullvad VPN doesn’t offer a magnificent interface or a huge selection of servers, you won’t get upsells, and you will get better online privacy for a small price. Mullvad VPN is available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Who Mullvad VPN is Best For 

Mullvad VPN is best for individuals and businesses searching for a low-cost VPN focusing on privacy and security. This VPN provider offers a lot for a little, and you can have peace of mind knowing you can protect your data at an affordable flat rate. 

Pricing 

Mullvad VPN is unique because it costs €5 per month no matter how long you subscribe. Therefore, Mullvad VPN only offers one plan, and you can access all of its features for €5 per month.

Mullvad vpn logo

Mullvad VPN plans

1 Month Plan

1 Year Plan

10 Year Plan

Price

€5/month

€5/month

€5/month

Anonymous Account

No Logging

Integrated Kill Switch

Open Source Code

Split Tunneling

In-house Support Team

As you can see, each subscription length offers the same features. When you subscribe to Mullvad VPN, you get access to its integrated kill switch, no logging protocols, split tunneling, and in-house support team. You also get to use any of Mullvad VPN’s 846 VPN servers across the globe.

Mullvad VPN Features

Mullvad VPN offers a robust set of security, privacy, and ease-of-use features. Here’s an in-depth overview of what you can expect when subscribing to Mullvad VPN.

Security and Privacy

Mullvad VPN’s core service is filled with privacy-friendly technologies. For example, it only uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Furthermore, Mullvad offers industrial-grade encryption, including AES-256 GCM (Galois/Counter Mode), 4096-bit RSA certifications with SHA512, and perfect forward secrecy.

This VPN service provider also features multiple layers of DNS and IPv6 leak protection. In addition, you receive port forwarding support and various stealth options to bypass VPN blocking. 

Another key feature is Mullvad VPN’s kill switch, which blocks internet traffic if the VPN drops. Therefore, your data and privacy are protected if the VPN suddenly loses connection and you’re on a public network.

Mullvad VPN’s multi-hop feature called Bridge mode lets you route your connection through two VPN servers. This adds another layer of encryption and allows you to bypass restrictive firewalls.

Mullvad VPN has a direct focus on your privacy. During a 2020 infrastructure audit and a comprehensive Cure53 audit of its mobile and desktop apps, it was able to find and fix a few small problems. Cure53 audits are extremely thorough, and it bodes well for Mullvad’s privacy features that it passed the audit with flying colors.

This proves that Mullvad is more trustworthy than its competitors because it’s willing to open itself up to a high level of scrutiny. 

Servers and Server Locations

Screenshot of Mullvad VPN server page
Source: Mullvad VPN

Mullvad carries a robust network of 846 servers in 39 countries. Although this is a high quantity of servers, ExpressVPN has even more, with over 5,000 servers. Nonetheless, 846 servers are plenty for the average VPN user.

A few server countries include Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States. Each server also displays a server speed, from 1 gigabyte per second (Gbps) to 20 Gbps.

Speed and Performance

In comparison to other noteworthy VPNs, Mullvad offers above-average download, upload, and latency speeds. Since a VPN causes your internet connection to jump through more hoops, you should always expect a decrease in performance when you don’t use a VPN.

However, you won’t take a massive performance blow when you connect to a Mullvad VPN server. The speeds are on par with far more expensive VPN providers and fast enough to torrent and game. 

Nonetheless, the server distance affects how much your speed is reduced. Servers located across the globe offer lower speeds than servers in neighboring countries. Keep this in mind as you connect to a VPN server with Mullvad.

App Interface and Usability

Screenshot of Mullvad VPN app download page
Source: Mullvad VPN

Unlike other prominent VPNs, Mullvad’s interface isn’t as well-designed. However, having a beautiful interface isn’t an essential function of a VPN. Inside the desktop or mobile app, you’ll find a ‘Secure My Connection’ that you can click to view a list of countries or cities.

This is essentially all the app offers. There are no options to save favorites, no filters, no search option, and no fastest or closest server based on your location. Furthermore, our tests discovered that Mullvad VPN couldn’t access geo-blocked content, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu.

One great feature about Mullvad VPN is you can use it on up to five devices. Whether you use the iOS, Windows, or macOS app, the apps look identical, so the learning curve when switching devices is nonexistent. 

Customer Support

Mullvad VPN offers a comprehensive help center on its website. Inside the help center, you can find FAQs on a wide range of topics, including bridges, privacy, routers, connectivity, and the Mullvad apps.

If you need one-on-one support, you can email Mullvad’s customer support team. Unfortunately, Mullvad VPN doesn’t have live chat or phone support. Luckily, the customer support team is quick to respond to emails. 

Alternatives to Mullvad VPN 

It’s always a good idea to compare the product you want with other competitors in the market. Therefore, let’s discuss three alternatives to Mullvad VPN. This way, you can ensure you choose the best VPN for your unique needs and situation. If you’re new to VPNs and want to test one first, read our guide on the best free VPNs.

As one of the most popular VPN service providers in the world, ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive set of security and privacy features. With over 3,000 servers to choose from across 94 countries, there’s no shortage of optionality.

ExpressVPN is suited for individuals and businesses seeking easy-to-use and well-made apps on any device–in fact, it tops our list of the best mobile VPNs. It offers support for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, ExpressVPN. If you want a full suite of security features, ExpressVPN is a great choice.

Compared to Mullvad VPN, ExpressVPN offers more servers and lets you unlock geo-locked streaming services. However, Mullvad VPN has a more strategic focus on privacy.

Pricing

ExpressVPN offers three different payment periods. All three plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee:

  • 1 Month – $12.95 per month
  • 6 Months –  $9.99 per month, $59.94 billed every 6 months
  • 12 Months –  $8.32 per month, $99.84 billed every 12 months
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Excellent desktop apps
  • Outstanding speeds across all tasks
  • Expensive compared to other options
  • No multi-hop connections
  • Only connect five devices

NordVPN is another popular VPN service provider with over 5,000 servers. However, NordVPN doesn’t cover as many countries as ExpressVPN. This VPN is unique because it offers Tor connections, something Mullvad VPN doesn’t provide.

Offering similar security features to Mullvad VPN, NordVPN upgraded its privacy protection after a data breach several years ago. Now, NordVPN offers impressive security protocols such as multi-hop, kill switches, and WireGuard. 

NordVPN is the best VPN for Windows users because of the software’s well-designed interface and functionality. However, the NordVPN apps on macOS, Android, Android TV, iOS, and Chromebooks are just as good.

Pricing

NordVPN carries three different payment options:

  • 1-Month Plan – $11.99 per month
  • 1-Year Plan – $4.99 per month, billed $59.88 for the first year, then $99.48 per year
  • 2-Year Plan –  $3.29 per month, billed $78.96 for the first two years, then $99.48 per year
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Great server selection
  • Strong customer privacy stance
  • Cheaper rates only on long-term plans
  • Inadequate Linux client
  • No router app

Surfshark is an affordable VPN service provider with over 3,000 servers across 110 locations. What sets Surfshark VPN apart from other providers is its 24/7 customer service and ability to host unlimited connections. You can use Surfshark on as many phones, computers, or tablets as you’d like.

This VPN solution is suited for individuals seeking an extremely affordable VPN on a long-term plan. If you choose to subscribe for two years, the price comes to $2.49 per month. This is half the price of Mullvad VPN.

Compared to Mullvad VPN, Surfshark is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s easy to use and offers ample tutorials on how to set up your VPN connection. 

Pricing

Surfshark has three unique pricing plans, depending on how long you choose to subscribe:

  • 1 month – $12.95 per month
  • 12 months – $3.99 per month, billed $59.76 every 12 months
  • 24 months – $2.49 per month, billed $59.76 every 24 months
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Well-designed user interface
  • Affordable long-term plans
  • Antivirus not included
  • Unreliable kill switch
  • High monthly price on one-month plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Mullvad VPN

If you have further questions about our Mullvad VPN review, let’s go over a few common questions we receive about this VPN provider. 

Bottom Line on Mullvad VPN Review

Mullvad VPN reimagines what you receive from a low-cost VPN provider. It’s incredibly transparent and has an exceptional attitude toward consumer security and privacy. If you’re searching for industry-standard VPN features at an affordable price, you can’t go wrong with Mullvad VPN.

SoFi Review 2023: The Best Online Banking Solution for Small Businesses?

SoFi Review: The Best Online Banking Solution for Small Businesses?

SoFi is a financial technology company individuals and businesses alike can use to safely store and grow funds. This SoFi review spells out all the pros and cons of the service to help you decide whether or not to give it a go. 

Our Verdict

SoFi offers a slew of products, stretching from loans to banking and insurance. Sole proprietors, partnerships, and LLCs looking to separate business and personal funds will likely find something of interest here.

Its bank account keeps fees to a minimum while providing high-interest rates and the flexibility to move money around as you see fit. When a project calls for large-scale investment, SoFi has financing options so you don’t have to miss a beat.

  • Up to 1.25% APY for savings and checking
  • No minimums or monthly fees
  • 2-3% cash back on credit card purchases
  • Only one savings/checking account is available
  • All business loans come from a third party
  • Limited features for business owners

SoFi at a Glance

SoFi is a financial platform with savings, checking, and lending options for small business owners. It’s free to set up an account, and outside of loans, members never have to worry about monthly fees along the way. This lack of fees extends to cash deposits, transactions, and overdraft charges that other institutions typically charge for.

Screenshot of SoFi website home page
Source: SoFi

The platform’s 1.25% APY for both checking and savings is among the highest available, requiring no more than a direct deposit to lock in the rate. Sofi’s sole credit card comes with 2-3% cash back to bolster income.

Perhaps best known for its personal loans, SoFi adds business financing options through its Lantern Credit service. While SoFi does not provide these loans itself, it gives access to several top-tier options business owners can choose from.

Who SoFi is Best For

Smaller business owners will get the most out of SoFi’s services. Its banking services are geared more toward personal use, but individual business owners can get just as much use out of a bank account. It’s also possible to get up a joint account for duos sharing the business load. If you’re able to pay yourself with direct deposit, you can maximize the interest rate for checking and savings.

Pricing

SoFi stands firm on its desire to minimize fees anywhere it can. It also holds one of the highest interest rates among online and physical banks around the country.

Checking and Savings Account

Monthly Fee

$0

Minimum Deposit to Open Account

$0

Minimum Balance to Maintain Account

$0

Overdraft Fees

Up to $50 covered

APY

0.70% or 1.25%

Transactions

Unlimited free transfers to other bank accounts or through point of sale

Cash Deposits

No fee when using 55,000 in-network ATMs to deposit cash

ATM Fees

Free from over 55,00 in-network machines

Wires

$25 to $30 for outgoing domestic transfers, $45 to $50 for outgoing international transfers

SoFi is somewhat new to the banking scene and has but one savings and checking account available. There’s no minimum deposit required to set things up. You also don’t need to worry about monthly fees or maintaining a minimum balance.

To tap into SoFi’s 1.25% APY, you simply need to link up a direct deposit to either checking or savings. If you’re unable to do so, you’ll still earn 0.70% on both accounts, a number still much higher than the industry standard.

The banking platform really has an aversion to fees, making money transfers between bank accounts free. Business owners will enjoy $0 point of sale transitions both domestically and internationally. SoFi looks the other way for up to $50 in overdraft fees as long as you’ve linked up a direct deposit.

You won’t get charged for using any of the 55,000+ ATMs in SoFi’s network. Its website makes no mention of charges for using out-of-network ATMs, but you should always expect a charge from the ATM itself.

Sofi’s wire transfer fees are standard at $25 to $30 for an outgoing domestic rate. Those looking to send funds internationally will have to pay closer to $50 per transfer.

SoFi Features

SoFi has several impressive features that make it an online bank worth pursuing. Let’s take a look at them now.

Credit Cards

SoFi offers a solitary credit card for business owners to use when making purchases. The MasterCard earns 2% cash back on purchases you can put back into your finances or save for a particular project. If you can link up a direct deposit, you’ll earn 3% cash back instead.

The card has no annual fee but can charge anywhere between 13.74% and 25.74% APR depending on your credit score. There’s no mention of being able to obtain multiple credit cards from one account to hand out to employees.

Checking and Savings

Screenshot of SoFi online banking page
Source: SoFi

Should you choose to bank with SoFi, you’ll open up both a checking and savings account at the same time. It’s not possible to open up one or the other. Both accounts earn the same interest rate, either 0.70% or 1.25% if you can link up a direct deposit.

Neither account has monthly account fees or minimum requirements. You can move cash fluidly between them, but you’ll want to be careful not to overdraft your checking account by more than $50 when making purchases. There is an option to create a joint business bank account if you have more than one business owner.

Insurance

Screenshot of SoFi online insurance webpage
Source: SoFi

Small business owners need a source of insurance, and SoFi has options available that suits for startups or any small businesses. The online back currently has plans for auto, life, renting, and homeowners. Although these types of insurance are available for the SoFi account holder, you won’t be able to offer them to your employees as well.

Student Loan Repayment

SoFi takes a unique approach to business incentives, offering business owners the means to help employees pay off student loan debt. With SoFi, you can contribute up to $5,250 tax-free each year toward your employees’ student debt. Employers can deduct this amount while offering an incentive to hire young talent from the graduate pool.

Mobile Banking

SoFi’s mobile app allows you to transfer and receive funds with nothing more than a smartphone. For anyone using SoFi’s app, transfers occur in real-time. The app also makes it easy to pay bills online or set up recurring payments to vendors or employees. You can deposit checks right from your phone by snapping a photo and listing where you want the money to go.

Minimal Fees

You won’t find many fees when you sign up for SoFi. Account setup is free, and you won’t ever see a monthly fee come across your desk. Alongside overdraft forgiveness and zero charges for transferring or depositing cash, you can use SoFi without having to spend a cent. You’ll only run into fees with outgoing wire transfers and any time you have to use an out-of-network ATM.

If you want to open a business account with minimal fee, here is a thorough Oxygen Review, Capital One Review, and Lili Review that includes information on the pros, cons, and alternatives.

Loans and Lines of Credit

SoFi’s Lantern Marketplace helps business owners view and compare the top loans currently available. SoFi does not offer these loans directly but facilitates the process of locating the loan your business needs. After supplying information about how much you need, what you’ll use the loan for, and what state you’re in, Lantern will find the best options for you.

Security

Screenshot of SoFi security feature
Source: SoFi

Should something happen with your credit card, you can freeze it with the push of a button on the SoFi app. SoFi watches your account for suspicious activity and will let you know the moment they sense something amiss.

The online bank further keeps your account secure through two-factor authorization, requiring a fingerprint or additional passcode to access your information. Each card chip generates a unique transaction code to identify purchases and add in extra security. All money in your SoFi account is FDIC insured for up to $250,000.

Alternatives to SoFi

SoFi gets along well with business owners but may not contain everything you’re looking for. Check out these SoFi alternatives to see if they’re more your style.

LendingClub is an online banking service offering quite a bit more variety than SoFi when it comes to accounts. Business owners can choose from ten different checking and savings plans strictly for businesses. The mobile app tracks transactions in real-time and allows users to transfer funds or make check deposits. 

Among those accounts, you can find 1% cash back on debit card purchases and rebates from ATMs anywhere in the world, whether they’re in-network or not. Interest rates are meager, topping off at 0.10% for accounts with $5,000 or more. If you’re unable to maintain a balance of $5,000, you’ll also incur a $10 monthly charge.

LendingClub specializes in loans for small businesses, no matter the need. Flexible loans can climb as high as $500,000, whereas loans for property and equipment can reach $10 million if needed.

  • 1% cash back on debit card purchases without limit
  • Worldwide ATM rebates
  • Several loan packages
  • Monthly fee on accounts with balances under $100
  • Low interest rate
  • High requirements for cash back

BlueVine provides loans and checking accounts for small businesses looking to get a leg up on the competition. There are very few fees across the board, but it is unfortunate to see charges for cash deposits.

If you can keep up with BlueVine’s requirements, it’s possible to earn 1.5% APY on your checking account. This amount eclipses SoFi’s 1.25% but is not quite as easy to attain. Similar to SoFi, BlueVine doesn’t necessitate a minimum balance or charge a monthly fee. What’s worse, any money in your account above $100,000 doesn’t receive interest, and there’s no savings plan to dump excess into.

BlueVine has lines of credit up to $250,000 and rates as low as 4.8% to pay them off. These numbers fall in line with the third-party lenders SoFi uses as part of its Lantern network. When depositing money to keep up with loan payments, keep in mind that BlueVine has monthly limits on how much you can put in your checking account.

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • Monthly deposit and withdrawal limits
  • Does not offer a savings account
  • Fee for cash deposits
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage empowers small businesses with a monthly fee-free checking account. Although its interest rate is a little lower than SoFi, Kabbage does not have prerequisites for earning 1.10% on funds up to $100,000. 

Unlike SoFi, there’s no way to create joint bank accounts with Kabbage. As a result, it’s best bank account for sole proprietorships or LLCs with a sole owner. On the plus side, Kabbage doesn’t charge ATM fees, whether in-network or not. You will get charged $4.95 every time you deposit an amount of cash into your account.

When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, Kabbage offers easily accessible lines of credit for just such a purpose. The approval process takes no more than a few minutes. Once approved, you can transfer money from the line of credit to your checking account in real-time.

  • No monthly fees or fees for signup, no minimum balance
  • High interest rate
  • No Kabbage fees for out-of-network ATM withdrawals
  • Cash deposit fees up to $4.95 per transfer
  • No ability to make joint accounts
  • Mobile deposits take several days to clear

Axos has a handful of checking and savings accounts for business owners to choose from. Its Interest Checking plan grants a 1.01% APY for up to $50,000, with rates decreasing from there. You can transfer extra money into a savings account, but these accrue 0.20% interest at best.

Most of these accounts require a high initial deposit to open and a substantial balance to avoid monthly fees. This is a sharp contrast to SoFi, where no such fees exist. There aren’t many fees if you can keep up with balance requirements, and Axos will reimburse you for any ATM fees you may encounter.

The platform has both loans and lines of credit to help businesses grow. Loans and lines start at $10 million and demand at least two years in business.

  • High APY with an interest checking account
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • No monthly maintenance fees or balance requirements for basic checking
  • Monthly fee with higher-tier accounts
  • Low APY on business savings accounts
  • Some accounts require high deposits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for SoFi

SoFi is a popular option for banking and lending. Here are some lesser-known answers to questions surrounding the service.

Bottom Line on SoFi Review

SoFi is a great opening strategy for small businesses looking to build interest on available funds. The only thing required to benefit from SoFi’s highest rate is a direct deposit, so long as you can pay yourself. The financial service provider also helps you find loans from a handful of third-party companies instead of being shoehorned into one option. Minimal fees make it possible to make the most of your money without draining it in the process.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

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

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Freshdesk Contact Center Review: VoIP Software for Small Businesses 

Freshdesk Contact Center logo

Freshdesk Contact Center (formerly Freshcaller) offers a new channel for telephonic communication called VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). You’ll see in this Freshcaller review that it’s a helpful tool for businesses looking to scale and establish a local presence. It also allows you to manage all calls from anywhere with a mobile device or computer. 

Screenshot of freshdesk contact center website page
Source: Freshworks.com

Our Verdict 

For business owners who want to set up a call center but find it an overwhelming process, they might want to consider the Freshdesk Call Center. This VoIP solution is tailored to streamline the whole process. 

Freshdesk offers many features that make managing a remote and large team of agents easy. First of all, the system is user-friendly and intuitive, so both you, your managers, and your agents won’t get caught up in configuration or learning how the system works–it requires no zero phone hardware, coding, downloads, or costs, and you’ll find that this VoIP service is much more intuitive than competing VoIP platforms.

The platform also provides built-in reports that convert phone metrics and team performance into data sets that can be used for your analysis. According to our research, the Freshdesk Call Center VoIP solution offers the best balance between affordability and available features.

  • Free plan available
  • Customizable and in-depth reports
  • Easy to set up and run
  • Wide set of features
  • Focused on call center operations
  • Expensive per-minute calls
  • Not recommended for organizations dealing with highly sensitive data

Freshdesk Contact Center at a Glance 

When your business hours starts to grow, you might realize that you’ll need customer support. But the good news is that voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) services such as Freshdesk Contact Center give you the option to set up an easy and scalable customer support operation with multiple agencies represented by one single number. 

Freshdesk Contact Center is a VoIP phone number provider that offers local, international, toll-free, and vanity phone numbers across 90+ countries.

The agents can make and receive calls through both mobile and computer devices, and traditional online telephone support system features such as caller ID, call forwarding, and conference calls. But Freshdesk features make VoIP the ideal solution for modern enterprises wanting to leverage their call center software system like automatic call routing, voicemail, call recording, CRM, helpdesk, or other third-party integrations. It also allows the managers to monitor their team performance through customized reports with information like metrics and activity. 

An illustration of a man using Freshdesk contact center on his mobile phone
Source: Freshworks

Freshdesk Contact Center’s live dashboard allows you to monitor all call your agents are doing and you can even engage and join a specific call. Also, the AI bot streamlines your team’s work by offering features like round-the-clock automatic response to callers, queued call-backs, and holiday settings.

In case you already have a business phone number provided by an external carrier but you want to upgrade your call center capabilities, you don’t need to switch your current number. Freshcaller offers the BYOC (Bring Your Own Carrier) option which you can port your existing phone number to VoIP, so you can continue using the same phone number while availing the benefits of VoIP.

Who Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP Solution is Best For 

Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP tool is an excellent solution for businesses that are scaling but are on a tight budget. The company offers a free plan and a 21-day free trial. If after the trial you want to continue, plan tiers are very affordable. 

Pricing 

The free plan best suits small teams with low call volume and basic call management needs. As the business needs go up, so does the pricing. See the pricing chart below.

Freshdesk contact center logo

Plans

Free Plan

Growth

Pro

Enterprise

Price

Free

Starts at $18 per agent per month

Starts at $47 per agent per month

Starts at $83 per agent per month

Buy Local Numbers

Buy Toll-free Numbers

Call Metrics & Notes

Basic Call Queues

Inbound Caller ID

Wait Queues

Call Recording

Call Monitoring

Holiday Routing

IVR (Phone Trees)

Smart Escalation

Omnichannel Routing

Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP Features

Freshdesk Contact Center offers a variety of features that works well for any size and type of business. We’ve listed the main ones in this Freshcaller Review.

Smart Escalation

Screenshot of Freshdesk contact center wait queue settings page
Source: Freshworks.com

Available only at Pro and Enterprise plans, the Smart Escalation feature proactively plans to handle all your customer service team allowing calls with fallback rules. This functionality aims to reduce the operational burden from the calls that your technical support team can’t attend to immediately, so it will automatically direct these calls to voicemails, wait queues, nested call queues, and callbacks wherever suitable.

Call Metrics

You can view your team’s call metrics by storing call logs, checking and analyzing call lifetime metrics, and keeping a tab of all billing-related information for every call made or taken. Functionality is available in all plans, including the free package.

Reports

Screenshot of Freshcaller call analytics page
Source: Freshworks.com

You can collect and use all the data available in your favor with the reporting analytics tool. From call trends, volume trends, and the number of call transfers, hold time, and average talk–you can use any of these reports to evaluate your team’s performance and spot trends in calls either hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

After Call Work

Screenshot of Freshcaller call metrics and call details page
Source: Freshworks.com

After Call Work is defined as the process of wrapping up the current call before being available for the next call. It can include logging notes about the call, emailing prospects on critical points discussed, and updating comments on the CRM. You can increase your team’s productivity, understand each agent’s time spent on ACW, and gain insights into the average ACW time through the comprehensive call summary report.

Alternatives to Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP

Choosing the right VoIP platform for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. If you wish to know what else is out there besides what you’ve learned about in this Freshcaller review, we’ve listed the best VoIP providers for businesses.

RingCentral offers very similar services and sets of features, such as voicemail, toll-free numbers with minutes, and call recording. The solution also allows users to structure automated prompts for callers, and make use of several collaborative tools to boot.

Pricing tiers start at $19.99 per month and it’s a great option for international companies as it provides international phone numbers to over 100+ countries, while Freshdesk Contact Center supports over 90. 

  • International presence in more than 100 countries
  • Toll-free numbers available
  • Collaborative tools to bots
  • No free trial
  • No free plan
  • Not as user-friendly as Freshdesk Contact Center

8×8 brings together voice, video, and messaging to call center. Get multiple call flows depending on the origin of the call, and set up HD video conferencing for up to 100 guests (and expand to 500 participants at higher-level plans). The software also offers to record and transcribing capabilities for future reference. 8×8 is the best choice for companies looking for the best video conferencing solution – which might not be the case for most small enterprises. 

However, the downside of 8×8 is that it’s not as easy to identify and block spam calls as the other best VoIP providers for businesses can. Also, for companies looking to expand internationally, you might choose other options such as Freshdesk or RingCentral – 8×8 makes international phone calls available for 48 countries. 

Pricing ranges from $15 to $133.

  • HD video conferences 
  • Video call record and transcribe
  • Voice calling for up to 48 countries
  • Limited protection from spam calls

Dialpad’s most significant feature is its work with AI. With a business and sales approach, business owners may use the Dialpad solution to run their call center and scale sales and revenue by using virtual assistants–which can transcribe voicemail and video calls to text and let you know the tone of the message. Freshworks also offers call recording but only on paid plans. Pricing starts at $15 per month. 

The solution offers unlimited calls, SMS, and group messaging for all plans and a 14-day free trial. The downside of Dialpad is that it charges a $15 add-on fee for video conferencing for more than 10 meeting participants

  • Free 14-day trial
  • Call recording and voicemail transcription available at all plans
  • Unlimited calls, SMS, and group messaging
  • The Standard plan limits your service to one physical location
  • $15 extra for video conference with 10+ participants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Freshcaller Review

In this section, we’ve listed the most frequently asked questions about Freshdesk Contact Center VoIP.

Bottom Line on Freshcaller Review

Setting up a call center doesn’t have to be daunting. Many customers highly appreciate high-quality and efficient customer support phone number, and at times, it can be a decision-making factor when choosing between two products or services in an effortless and affordable manner. In other words, if your company doesn’t offer an appropriate center solution, they might look for your competitors. 

Bank of America Review 2023: Best Traditional Checking Account?

Bank of America logo

Your business bank account acts as a home base for your business’s financial database. Bank of America offers two types of business checking accounts for small to large business owners. In this Bank of America review, you’ll see why using the second-largest US bank (by assets) may be the best choice for you.

Screenshot of Bank of America website homepage
Source: Bank of America

Our Verdict 

Bank of America provides two appealing business checking accounts that offer the important banking features you would expect from a major banking institution. Whether you’re part of a small business or large enterprise, you can utilize Bank of America’s high cash deposit limits and Business Advantage 360 online banking platform.

The online banking platform offers bill pay, mobile check deposits, an excellent mobile app, and an integrated cash-flow monitoring tool. Bank of America’s business accounts also offer unlimited fee-free electronic transactions. These include ACH transactions, debit card transactions, remote deposits online, and electronic debits.

Screenshot of Bank of America mobile app dashboard
Source: Bank of America
  • All-in-one business banking services with a low monthly fee
  • Easily waivable monthly fee
  • Over 17,000 ATMs and 4,300 branches
  • Lacks 24/7 customer service
  • QuickBooks integration only featured on higher-tier plan
  • Transaction fees when using non-Bank of America ATMs

Bank of America at a Glance 

Bank of America offers business bank accounts that allow you to pay invoices, receive payments from clients, deposit cash and checks, and manage your business transactions. As one of the best small business bank accounts, a Bank of America business account is ideal for cash-heavy businesses.

With the Fundamentals business account, you can deposit up to $7,500 in cash per statement cycle for free. Then, it costs $0.30 per $100. You’re also limited to 200 check deposits or other deposits per cycle. Afterward, it costs $0.45 per item. 

With the Relationship business account, you can deposit up to $20,000 per statement cycle for free. You also receive a maximum of 500 check deposits or other debits per statement cycle. Nonetheless, both plans offer unlimited free ACH, debit card, check deposits, and electronic debits through Remote Deposit Online.

Bank of America sets itself apart from other banks because of the great user experience in its online website and mobile app. It’s also easy for business account holders to waive fees, add additional accounts, and receive perks from the Business Advanced Relationship Rewards Program.

Who Bank of America is Best For 

Bank of America offers the best bank accounts for entrepreneurs and for businesses looking for a traditional banker with outstanding mobile app capabilities. This is also the best business bank for those who prefer going to brick-and-mortar locations to conduct their banking. Bank of America also has a significant global presence, adding value for small businesses that do business internationally.  

Pricing

Bank of America offers two different business bank accounts called Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking and Business Advantage Relationship Banking. Each of these checking accounts comes with efficiency tools like Cash Flow Monitor, and Mobile Check Deposit. However, the Business Advantage Relationship Banking account includes additional features.

Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking

Business Advantage Relationship Banking

Monthly Fee

$16 to $0/month (see ways to waive fee below)

$29.95 to $0/month (see ways to waive fee below)

Minimum combined average monthly balance to waive monthly fee

$5,000

$15,000

Spend $250 in new net qualified purchases to waive monthly fee

Yes

No

Become a member of Preferred Rewards for Business to waive monthly fee

Yes

Yes

Minimum opening deposit

$100

$100

Good for

Small to medium-sized businesses

Medium to large-size businesses

Account management services

Not included

Included

Additional perks

None

Free stop payments and wire transfers

Zelle for your business

Yes

Yes

Easy QuickBooks integration

No

Yes

As you can see, Bank of America offers several ways to waive your monthly fee. In addition to fee waiving, both plans offer access to Zelle. Bank of America offers two different checking accounts. Fundamentals is better suited for small businesses, while Relationship is better for large businesses that need integration tools and account management capabilities.

Bank of America Features

Here’s a closer look at all the key features in our Bank of America business account review. These features are what distinguish Bank of America from other financial institutions. 

Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking Account

Business Advantage Fundamentals Banking is Bank of America’s basic business bank account. This plan has a monthly fee of $16. However, you can waive the monthly fee by keeping a minimum combined average balance of $5,000 or spending $250 in new net qualified purchases each statement cycle. You can also waive the fee as a member of the rewards program.

Furthermore, it costs an additional $16 per month to open a second Business Advantage Banking account and $10 a month to open a Business Advantage Savings account. These are both free on the Business Advantage Relationship Banking account. The Fundamentals plan offers $200 teller transactions and checks per month for free. 

If you are interested in opening a fee-free business account, here is a detailed Chase Bank Review, NBKC Bank Account Review, and US Bank Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives to both fintech companies.

Bank of America charges fees for incoming wire transactions. It costs $15 for each domestic transfer and $16 for each international transfer. 

Business Advantage Relationship Banking Account

If your business is more developed, you should choose the Business Advantage Relationship Banking account. This plan costs $29.50 per month but can be waived if you maintain a minimum combined average balance of $15,000 or more. The fee is also waived if you join the rewards program or become a Preferred Rewards for Business member.

The Relationship plan doesn’t have fees on incoming wires and stop payments. Furthermore, you get access to account management capabilities that would cost $15 per month on the Fundamentals plan. Account management services include managing access for multiple users and integration with QuickBooks. 

With the Relationship plan, you get access to a Business Advantage Savings account for free. The Relationship plan also offers access to Cash Flow Monitor to easily track your business’s financial performance. 

Electronic Transactions

Both Bank of America business accounts offer unlimited fee-free electronic transactions. This feature allows Bank of America to stand out among its competitors in the brick-and-mortar space. This is because most traditional banks have a set monthly limit that comprises both non-electronic and electronic transactions.

Bank of America Mobile App

Bank of America has one of the highest mobile app ratings with 4.8 stars out of 5 and over 3 million total reviews on the Apple App Store. This is because the app offers an extensive range of tools to manage your business checking account.

App store preview of Bank of America mobile banking app
Source: Bank of America

Inside the app, you can pay bills, manage your account, view balances, and make transactions. You can also use mobile check deposit or send and receive payments with Zelle. The app also features state-of-the-art security protocols with biometric access through Face ID and Touch ID.

Digital Tools

Bank of America business bank accounts offer several digital tools to make your life easier. These include Zelle, Cash Flow Monitor, Erica, profile linking, digital debit cards, and account management tools.

Zelle is a secure tool that you can use to receive payments from customers or send payments to vendors with no fees. You can use Zelle right from the Bank of America mobile app. Cash Flow Monitor helps you analyze your business financial data and identify key insights on your business’s performance. This way, you can find ways to improve efficiency and profitability. 

Erica is Bank of America’s virtual financial assistant. This tool can help you search transactions, transfer or send money, and receive bill reminders. Bank of America’s profile linking tools help you view and manage personal and business accounts with a single login. 

Preferred Rewards for Business Program

Bank of America offers a rewards program, Preferred Rewards for Business, that you can join for free. There are three levels to the program: Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Honors. Each level offers various incentives, including discounted interest rates on loans, refunds on payroll services, and increased interest on your savings account.

For example, the Gold plan offers a financing interest rate discount of 0.25%, and savings account interest boost of 5%. It also offers credit card bonus rewards of 25% and merchant services rewards of 0.05%

To join the program, you need to have a balance of $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000 in your Bank of America business checking account. 

Alternatives to Bank of America 

Selecting the right business bank account can significantly impact how you manage your business finances in the future. Here are a few key alternatives to consider.

BlueVine is an excellent banking solution for small business owners looking to keep business and personal funds apart. With a BlueVine checking account, you can earn 1.5% interest on your balance up to $100,000. To earn the 1.5% interest, you’ll need to spend at least $500 per month with your BlueVine Business Debit Mastercard.

If you are a small business owner you can check out these other review and might be a great help for you to choose the right banking account; Axos Review, Lili Review, and Capital One Review.

However, you can also earn the 1.5% interest if you receive at least $2,500 per month in customer payments into your bank account via ACH, wire transfer, mobile check deposit, or directly from your merchant payment processing provider. However, this excludes cash deposits.

BlueVine offers unlimited fee-free transactions, no ACH transfer fees, and no incoming wire fees. You also receive refunds on your withdrawals to over 38,000 ATMs nationwide. It’s quick and easy to create your BlueVine business checking account. Anyone from sole proprietorships to corporations can have their bank account up and running in less than an hour. Interested in opening a sole proprietorship account? Then check out the best business bank accounts for sole proprietors.

Pricing:

It’s free to sign up for a business checking account with BlueVine. Furthermore, there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements to keep your account open. The only fees with BlueVine are for cash deposits, outgoing wire transfers, and withdrawing cash from out-of-network ATMs.

  • Competitive interest rates
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Unlimited transactions
  • Only allow cash deposits through Green Dot Services
  • No savings account
  • No physical branches

Novo is a digital banking solution that offers no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement. It’s easy to make an account on Novo, and it typically takes 10 minutes for your account to be approved. Once your account is approved, you need to make your initial deposit of at least $50. Then, you can begin using your business checking account.

Novo is the best business bank account for small-business owners who are on the go. This banking provider offers unlimited refunds for ATM charges, a built-in invoicing tool, and direct integration with top business tools.

Since Novo focuses on its digital presence, it cannot accommodate cash deposits. Therefore, Novo is not the best solution for cash-heavy businesses. Bank of America is a better option for businesses that need to deposit cash.

Pricing

Novo doesn’t have any monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. It’s completely free to open a business checking account with Novo.

  • Zero monthly fees
  • No minimum balance required 
  • Refunds on all ATM Fees
  • No savings accounts
  • Fees on overdrawn accounts
  • Cannot deposit cash
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage is a small-business lender who expanded its product suite in 2020 to offer business checking accounts. Kabbage Checking is an online-based free business checking account that includes a simple application process and limited fees.

A Kabbage business bank account is best for those looking for a free business checking account with no monthly fees or balance requirements. Furthermore, this is an excellent platform for businesses that manage most of their finances online

Kabbage offers 1.10% APY on balances up to $100,000. Therefore, Kabbage is a great option for businesses interested in earning interest on their checking account funds. 

Pricing

There are no monthly fees or minimum opening deposit requirement to begin using your Kabbage business checking account. 

  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Easy application process
  • Easy line of credit without prepayment charges
  • Digital bank only
  • Fees up to $4.95 per cash deposit
  • No integration with other tools

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Bank of America Review

Below are a few questions that you have thought of during our review of Bank of America. Continue reading to find answers to the most common ones.

Bottom Line on Bank of America Review

If you want to learn how to open a business bank account with Bank of America, there are three options. You can apply online, call Bank of America, or visit a Bank of America branch. 

Bank of America’s checking accounts are excellent choices for businesses that are able to maintain the minimum balances to waive the monthly fee. With a Bank of America checking account, you can access a comprehensive set of banking tools, making your life that much easier.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

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

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

RingCentral Review: The Best VoIP Communications Service Available?

RingCentral is a voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) communications service, providing streamlined calling to anywhere in the United States and Canada. The software helps businesses efficiently connect with consumers to improve sales and customer retention. Read on to see how RingCentral provides the tools you need to succeed.

Our Verdict

RingCentral is an excellent upgrade to any cloud phone system. Not only will it allow for faster and clearer calls, but the software also incorporates several additional features like video conferencing and collaborative tools to streamline business communications.

With several tiers of service, RingCentral is a solid option for any size venture. Price points and feature sets scale with your organization as it grows, making RingCentral viable for many years to come.

  • Unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada
  • Several integration options
  • Built-in team messaging and document sharing
  • Can be overcomplicated for first-time users
  • Limited mobile features
  • Lacks some collaboration tools

RingCentral at a Glance

RingCentral logo

RingCentral’s VoIP communications platform allows businesses to reach out over the internet instead of relying on traditional landlines. VoIP comes with several benefits, including better connectivity, lower costs, and clearer voice quality. Plus, more than 60% of businesses have already made the switch to VoIP, according to a Blueface research report.

The software doesn’t stop there, adding several other features to an already impressive cell phone platform. With RingCentral, businesses can take advantage of tools like call recording, auto attendants, and integrations with other popular business apps. If that wasn’t enough, RingCentral also includes audio and video conferencing for internal or external use.

You’d be right to think that all these features don’t come cheap, but RingCentral is one of the more affordable options out there. It offers four different tiers that grow in features as the price goes up. This allows businesses to start at a level they can afford and scale accordingly.

Who RingCentral is Best For

RingCentral expertly scales alongside different business models, allowing companies of any size to make use of its many features. Small ventures in need of a VoIP phone system can use RingCentral to establish a business phone number and communication tools, while enterprises requiring video conferencing can find what they need as well. Even large businesses with call centers can build an infrastructure with RingCentral, taking advantage of the auto-attendant, analytics, and storage.

Pricing

RingCentral has four pricing plans that increase in price with additional feature sets. The prices listed below are annual rates, where you can save upwards of 33% of what you would normally pay monthly. You can tap into additional savings per user if your team reaches 100 people or beyond.

RingCentral logo

Features

Essentials

Standard

Premium

Ultimate

Price

$19.99/user/month

$27.99/user/month

$34.99/user/month

$49.99/user/month

Business Phone and Toll-free Numbers

Unlimited Calls Within US and Canada

Voicemail to Text and Email

Team Messaging and Document Sharing

Video Meetings and Participants

Up to 100 people

Up to 200 people

Up to 200 people

24/7 Support

Multi-level Auto Attendant

Call Recording

On Demand

Automatic

Automatic

Basic Integrations

Real-Time Analytics

Unlimited Storage

RingCentral doesn’t skimp on the features it includes with each tier of service. With four plans to pick from, chances are you’ll find one that suits your needs.

At the low end, the Essentials tier kicks off at $19.99 per user each month with several VoIP-based phone tools to build your communications network. RingCentral gives each user a unique phone number that can call anywhere in the United States or Canada. If you miss calls, it’s possible to receive voicemails to email or text, so they don’t get lost in the shuffle.

The Essentials tier also has internal tools your team can take advantage of. Users can communicate through messages within RingCentral’s dashboard and also share documents for easy viewing and modification.

If you can afford a little more, the Standard plan runs $27.99 per user and unlocks the ability to have audio and video conferences with your team or external clients. At this tier, you’ll also gain access to 24/7 customer support via phone or online chat. 

RingCentral message, phone, and video capabilities being demonstrated in a Q3 Launch Team meeting
Source: RingCentral

With Standard, you can also set up the multi-level auto attendant to field calls and distribute them right where they need to go. This feature saves your team from handling initial inquiries from customers, allowing them to stay in the area they excel. On-demand call recording allows you to save conversations for training purposes or improvement opportunities. Finally, you can link up RingCentral office with other popular apps such as Office 365, Google Suite, and Slack.

For $34.99 per user monthly, you can add real-time analytics to your repertoire of tools. These analytics report essential business data to help you identify areas of success and improvement. This Premium tier adds in several more integration options, such as Salesforce and Canvas that weren’t available before.

Lastly, big businesses can make use of the Ultimate plan’s unlimited storage to keep all the organization’s files in one place. Be prepared to pay $49.99 per user to use such a feature.

RingCentral Features

RingCentral has a long list of features across its four tiers of service. Below are some of the standouts that really make the software shine.

VoIP Calling

RingCentral VoIP Caller
Source: RingCentral

All incoming and outgoing calls run through the broadband internet you already use, helping to keep costs down and connectivity high. You can place an unlimited number of calls to anywhere in the U.S. or Canada for no additional charge. RingCentral gives a dedicated phone number to each user on your plan for efficient call routing, and the software is set up for SMS messages as well.

Call Recording

Screenshot of RingCentral call recording feature
Source: RingCentral

Most plans offer some form of call recording. On-demand recording allows you to manually capture conversations for training or improvement. RingCentral’s higher tiers incorporate automatic call recording, where you can collect calls from individual users or departments as a whole.

Voicemail

At times, team members aren’t available to answer incoming calls. RingCentral saves these messages to play back later. The software can automatically convert voicemail messages into texts you can read directly from your mobile devices. It’s also possible to have voicemails sent to an email address or view them straight from the dashboard.

Team Collaboration

RingCentral Team Collaboration
Source: RingCentral

In addition to being a system for VoIP calling, RingCentral has RingCentral video offers several features teams can use to collaborate. Users can chat with colleagues, share calendars, see assigned tasks, and more within its dashboard. The software also allows team members to share and access files to keep communication in one place.

Conferencing

While other VoIP phone providers stop at calling, RingCentral goes above and beyond with conferencing tools. You can have audio conferences of up to 1,000 individuals, with each user having a unique login and access code. Video conferencing is also available for 100 or 200 participants depending on the level of service that you’re using. These video meetings have built-in screen sharing and chat capabilities.

Auto Attendant

Auto attendants may very well be your hardest worker. These virtual receptionists answer every incoming call so no customer falls through the cracks. The assistant can share important information with anyone calling your main number and route clients to the correct department through button presses or voice commands. It’s possible to record a unique message using a voice of your choice or build customized options for sending callers precisely where they want to go.

Using an auto attendant frees up an employee from having to answer incoming phone calls, allowing them to tackle more important tasks. Best of all, this feature is included with nearly all RingCentral plans.

Integrations

RingCentral gets along well with a host of other apps designed to make project management, communication, and marketing a breeze. Having software to communicate well saves time with data entry and converting information from one place to another. Lower tiers only allow integrations with popular apps like Office 365 and Google Suite. You can link up RingCentral with tools like Salesforce and Canvas at higher price points.

Alternatives to RingCentral

RingCentral has a lot of great features, but it isn’t for everyone. Check out how some of the most popular alternatives compare to what RingCentral has to offer.

Nextiva is a VoIP calling platform designed to help businesses connect with clients and potential customers. As you move up the price ladder, Nextiva adds features that extend well beyond what a typical communications platform can do. Its mobile apps don’t carry the same praise, often lacking features that appear on the P.C.

The service offers three tiers of service that somewhat mirror RingCentral. Starting at $23.95 per user, the Essential plan contains unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada alongside a free local and toll-free number. It stands apart from the competition with an auto attendant and 24/7 customer support across all price points.

The Professional plan for $27.95 per user each month adds in video conferencing of up to 250 users, integrates with several other business apps, and showcases a multi-level virtual assistant. The Enterprise plan allows unlimited video conference participants and finally introduces call recording into the mix for $37.95.

This range of price points makes it possible for businesses to use Nextiva’s tools for communication and collaboration at any stage of the game. Costs aren’t too far off from RingCentral, but features are different. To learn more about Nextiva’s features, read our complete Nextiva review.

  • Unlimited calling within U.S. and Canada
  • Free local and toll-free number
  • Customizable auto attendant
  • Call recording is only available in higher-tier plans
  • The Essential plan has no conference calling
  • Mobile apps lack features

Vonage is well-known for its phone service and has a three-tiered VoIP package for businesses. The platform stands out for its customization, offering API tools for voice, video, and more. The downside is that these coding options come with an additional cost.

There’s no clear list of what goes into each of Vonage’s price points, but costs per user decrease as you hire more individuals to your staff. If you’re a business with over 100 employees, you’ll need to call Vonage for a quote.

The Mobile tier is pretty basic, allowing for unlimited calls to the United States and Canada. Your team can access the messaging center through either desktop or mobile app, and its app center can integrate with over 20 third-party apps. Gaining access to these features will set you back at most $19.99 per user.

Sitting at $29.99 per team member, the Premium plan adds in unlimited video meetings for up to 100 attendees. Here, you can integrate with big names like Google and Microsoft, and Premium also contains a multi-level auto attendant. If you’re looking for more, the Advanced plan at $39.99 per user monthly brings in call recording and visual voicemail features that RingCentral adds in at its lowest tier.

  • Several routing options to never miss a call
  • Apps for mobile and desktop
  • Very customizable with communications APIs
  • Limited customer support
  • Hard to understand which plans offer which features
  • API tools come with additional cost

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years, 8×8 has something for everyone with its six calling plans. High-end service tiers revolve around contact centers for high call volumes and large staff. The large feature set is beneficial but can muddy the dashboard when trying to locate the tools you need. Sadly, you won’t have access to customer service with some of the lower-priced plans.

New ventures can pick up 8×8’s Express plan for $15 per user each month, including voice, video, and messaging. Your team can call anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, and an auto attendant with intelligent call routing will get incoming calls where they need to go.

Moving to the X2 plan enables calling to 14 different countries, increased video conferencing size with high definition, and integrations for $24. The price jumps to $44 per user for the X4 plan, but you’ll gain access to tons of analytic data and calling to 48 countries.

Tier X6 adds in basic contact center features, call recording, and intelligent voice response for $85 per team member. X7 adds social media and chat connections for $110, whereas X8 introduces speech analytics and multi-screen monitoring for a whopping $140.

Read our in-depth review on 8×8 to learn more about its features and pricing.

  • Voice calling for up to 48 countries
  • High definition video conferencing
  • Mobile and desktop apps
  • Limited protection from spam calls
  • Customer support isn’t available on low-end plans
  • Complex dashboard

Grasshopper has a unique business model that targets smaller companies through flat rates for service. It’s also quite easy to get set up and start running. However, any enterprise with over five or ten users will struggle to find use for this VoIP provider due to a minimal feature set.

All Grasshopper plans include a free business phone number, texting capability, and voicemail for storing missed messages. You’ll also have access to basic reporting tools and the ability to transfer calls to another sales team member. There’s no video conferencing, call recording, or auto-attendant to field calls for you.

For a flat $26 per month, you’ll receive a single phone number and three extensions to transfer calls to. $44 nets you 3 unique numbers and 6 different extensions, while paying $80 per month allows for 5 numbers and an unlimited number of extensions and unlimited internet fax. It’s worth noting that adding an additional line will set you back $10 per month. Read our Grasshopper review to learn more about its service.

  • Flat rate per month
  • Fast to set up and start using
  • Free vanity phone numbers
  • Lacks conferencing and call recording
  • Limited tools for larger businesses
  • Costly to add additional phone numbers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for RingCentral Review

RingCentral can become confusing with the many features it offers. This FAQ should answer some of the most popular questions about RingCentral and what it does.

Bottom Line on RingCentral Review

RingCentral is a powerful unified communications solution communications platform with an abundance of features businesses can use to reach that next level. Whether you’re working to retain clients, collaborate better, or offer video training sessions, this phone app has what you need. With varying tiers of service, small enterprises to large corporations should have no trouble finding a price point that works for them.

Oxygen Review 2023: Cost-Effective Champion of Business Bank Accounts

Oxygen logo

Oxygen’s business bank account motivates you to grow your financial assets as a small business owner or freelancer. This Oxygen review reveals why it’s a cost-effective banking option, thanks to the free tier, cashback incentives, and savings interest. We’ll also go over Oxygen pricing, features, pros, cons, and alternatives.

Our Verdict

Oxygen is one of the best business bank accounts for startup entrepreneurs and independent contractors who wish to earn more money. You may not expect it from the fun, flashy design of the website, but it’s actually serious about equipping you to generate extra income through banking.

The most important advantage is that it offers a basic tier without annual fees or minimum deposits. Plus, you can get cashback rewards on purchases from approved merchants. Also, you have a chance to gain interest every year, no matter which tier you select.

However, Oxygen has its disadvantages too. For instance, the initial deposit and spending requirements for paid tiers can be intimidating if you’re on a tight budget. There’s also a cap to the amount of in-app ACH transfers you can pull from external accounts. Lastly, you must pay a costly transfer fee whenever you deposit cash to your Oxygen account via Green Dot.

Here’s a summary of the strengths and weaknesses which we’ll discuss in this Oxygen business account review:

  • Free business account available
  • Generous cashback rewards
  • APY for all tiers
  • High spending requirements for paid tiers
  • ACH limit for all account types
  • Expensive external cash deposit fees

Oxygen at a Glance

Oxygen Bank logo

Oxygen is a financial technology company which provides banking services through Bancorp Bank. It offers business and personal accounts to keep your professional and individual assets distinct from each other. This innovative financial platform was founded by Hussein Ahmed in 2017. At present, the company is based in San Francisco, California.

Oxygen is a cut above the competition because it opens the door to multiple earning opportunities. We’ll delve into various features in this Oxygen review, including APY, cashback, ATM services, physical debit card, virtual debit card, deposit options, ACH transfers, savings goals, mobile banking, extra services, security certification, and customer support.

Pricing: Starts at $0 annual fee

Who Oxygen Is Best For

Oxygen works for freelancers and small business owners who want to boost their professional funds simply by performing banking transactions. After all, you will receive cashback if you buy items from certain sellers using your debit card. Plus, you can look forward to annual interest, whether you sign up for the free tier or the paid ones. You should consider Oxygen if you plan to open a business bank account that encourages you to earn profits in different ways.

Pricing

Oxygen offers four tiers of business bank accounts which you can choose from. This pricing chart gives you an overview of the differences between the tiers:

Oxygen logo

Plans

Earth

Water

Fire

Air

Annual Fee Price

$0

$19.99

$49.99

$199.99

Initial Deposit

$0

$1,500/month

$3,000/month

$6,000/month

Initial Spending

$0

$500/month

$1,000/month

$2,000/month

Annual Deposit & Spending

$0

12x cumulative/year

12x cumulative/year

12x cumulative/year

Savings APY

0.5%

1%

2%

3%

Cashback

2%

4%

5%

6%

ATM Services

Free

Free

Free

Free

Physical Debit Card

PVC foiled card

Embedded metal card

All-metal card

Mechanically engraved all-metal card

Virtual Debit Card

3

15

Unlimited

Unlimited

Deposit Options

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

Direct deposit + Green Dot cash deposit

ACH Transactions

Limit of $1,000/day + $10,000/month

Limit of $1,500/day + $15,000/month

Limit of $3,000/day + $30,000/month

Limit of $6,000/day + $60,000/month

Savings Goals

3

10

Unlimited

Unlimited

Mobile Banking

Android + iOS

Android + iOS

Android + iOS

Android + iOS

Additional Services

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Security

PCI DSS + 2FA

PCI DSS + 2FA

PCI DSS + 2FA

PCI DSS + 2FA

Customer Support

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST daily

To sum things up, there are four tiers of the Oxygen business bank account:

Oxygen Earth, Water, Air & Fire tier logos
  1. Earth ($0): It’s absolutely free because you don’t need to pay any annual fees. Plus, there’s no minimum initial deposit, initial spending, or annual deposit and spending requirements.
  2. Water ($19.99): It only comes with a small annual fee. Nevertheless, you must deposit a minimum of $1,500 and spend $500 during the first month after you open an account.
  3. Air ($49.99): The annual fee is a little larger for this higher tier. Also, you should deposit at least $3,000 and spend $1,000 on your first month as a depositor.
  4. Fire ($199.99): The highest tier requires you to pay a hefty sum for the annual fee. In addition to this, you need to deposit a minimum of $6,000 and spend $2,000 during the first month that you start an account with Oxygen.

Take note that there’s a 12x cumulative qualifying deposit and spending requirement per year for the three paid tiers, namely Water, Air, and Fire. However, Earth account users are exempt from this obligation.

Oxygen Features

Let’s explore the major features of the business account in this Oxygen review. We’ll evaluate the APY, cashback, ATM services, physical debit card, virtual debit card, deposit options, ACH transfers, savings goals, mobile banking, extra services, security certification, and customer support.

Savings APY

What’s remarkable about Oxygen is that it gives you the chance to earn interest regardless of the business account type you pick. All tiers provide an annual percentage yield (APY) on your savings, although the interest rate grows as the level goes higher.

The free Earth tier starts at 0.5% APY, while the yield of the paid Water, Air, and Fire tiers progressively increases from 1%, 2%, and 3% respectively. Just be aware that these amounts only apply to balances of $20,000 or less. While you can still gain interest for funds beyond $20,000, the percentage is lower for the excess amounts.

Cashback

Oxygen motivates you to spend money by promising attractive cashback rewards. If you buy products and services from approved merchants, you can claim up to 2%, 4%, 5%, or 6% cashback if you have an Earth, Water, Air, or Fire business account. Plus, you can get $1 worth of cashback whenever you order food or coffee from selected sellers.

On one hand, cashback is better than points since you can quickly benefit from the money that’s returned to your account. After all, there’s no need for you to collect points which you need to convert first before you can use them.

Smartphone with installed Oxygen mobile app displaying Cashback menu icon and other menu options

On the other hand, cashback privileges aren’t automatic. Instead, you must perform some manual steps first before you can start earning cashback. Make sure to click on the offer in the cashback menu of your Oxygen mobile app so you can load the terms to your card. Afterwards, you can monitor the value of your rewards in the same menu.

ATM Services

Oxygen formed a partnership with Allpoint Network so you can conveniently withdraw your money from nearby ATMs. You don’t have to worry about ATM fees since you can freely use any of the Allpoint ATMs within the U.S.

At present, there are more than 40,000 ATM machines which are commonly located in popular retail stores like Target, Walgreens, and Safeway. You can locate ATMs in your area by tapping on the ATM menu of the mobile app.

Just keep in mind that you need to shell out for international, out-of-network, or third-party fees whenever you conduct special transactions. Also, you can only withdraw a maximum of $500 per day and up to three times daily.

If you are interested in opening a business account with minimal ATM services, here is a detailed Axos Review, Lili Review and Novo Review packed with information about the pros, cons, and alternatives.

Physical Debit Card

You will get an Oxygen Visa Debit Card no matter which business account you pick. However, the material which the physical debit card is made of depends on your tier. On one hand, you will receive a basic but serviceable PVC foiled card if you open a free Earth account.

On the other hand, you can expect premium card materials to match the paid tiers. For example, the Water account comes with an embedded metal card, while the Air tier includes an all-metal card. Still, the Fire account trumps them all by showcasing an engraved all-metal card.

Blue Oxygen Air Visa debit card

To be realistic, the material of your physical debit card won’t significantly affect its practical functions, except for marginal sturdiness. Nevertheless, it’s an aesthetic bonus that can add a touch of class to your professional image.

Virtual Debit Card

You may be wondering why you need virtual debit cards if you already have a physical one. The answer is: extra security. Oxygen lets you create single-use cards which allows you to make online purchases without needing to provide your physical debit card details. Plus, you can set a maximum spending cap per merchant so you can control your spending.

All tiers come with virtual debit cards, although the level will determine how many or how few cards you can generate. You’re restricted to three cards by the Earth account, while you’re capped at 15 cards by the Water tier. However, the sky’s the limit with the Air and Fire tiers since you can create an unlimited number of virtual debit cards.

Deposit Options

Early direct deposit is one of the benefits of Oxygen. The company typically posts direct deposits on the very day the transaction is performed. As a result, you can potentially receive your funds up to two days earlier than the scheduled payment date. 

In contrast, making cash deposits via Oxygen isn’t as simple compared to old-fashioned depositing via traditional banks. Since it’s a financial technology company instead of a bank, there aren’t any physical branches you can visit to deposit your paper bills.

Thankfully, it offers a workaround solution to this dilemma. While you can’t make deposits via Allpoint ATMs, you can deposit cash via Green Dot, the third-party payment platform Oxygen has teamed up with. In this aspect, Oxygen one-ups other financial companies because some don’t have any cash deposit options at all.

ACH Transactions

Oxygen enables you to transfer funds via the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. To top things off, it won’t even charge you any ACH fees. Just be aware that there’s a limit to the amount you can pull from external accounts via ACH.

To begin with, the Earth tier restricts you to $1,000 per day and $10,000 per month. Next, the Water account limits you to $1,500 each day and $15,000 every month. Also, the Air tier permits you up to $3,000 per day and $30,000 per month. Finally, the Fire account allows you ACH transactions up to $6,000 every day and $60,000 each month.

Savings Goals

Oxygen is like your banking cheerleader that encourages you to save money for the sake of your business growth. The free Earth account permits you to set three savings goals, while the Water tier lets you aim for 10 goals. Both the Air and Fire accounts grant you freedom to pursue unlimited savings goals.

These savings goals involve interesting challenges you can participate in. For example, “Round Up Spare Change” automatically deposits small amounts to your savings account whenever you make eligible purchases using your debit card. In addition to this, “Save When You Get Money” enables you to save a set percentage or amount of your deposits that are worth $50 or more.

Mobile Banking

You can experience the perks of online banking while on the go via the Oxygen mobile app. Just download and install the free Oxygen app in your Android or iOS smartphone. In terms of first impressions, the user interface (UI) has a sleek, modern design that’s pleasing to the eye.

Oxygen mobile app download icons for Apple App Store & Google Play Store

Even more importantly, the mobile banking app equips you to perform banking transactions anytime, anywhere. Plus, it helps you keep track of your balance and earnings. Lastly, the large block-style icons make it easy for you to find the menus you wish to access.

Additional Services

Aside from its main features, Oxygen also provides other useful banking services. For instance, it simplifies the online payment process through Bill Pay. It allows you to send money to your friends as well.

To top things off, it’s got you covered when it comes to different types of insurance. It offers coverage for mobile phones and lost or delayed luggage. Also, it guarantees protection against auto rental collision and hotel theft.

Security

Security is integral to financial services because the safety of your business funds is at stake. The good news is that Oxygen safeguards the privacy of your business account by achieving Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) certification.

Plus, you can add an extra layer of defense against hackers by setting up two-factor authentication (2FA). It shields your account by requiring you to verify your credentials both by password and by phone.

Last but not least, Oxygen’s partner Bancorp Bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which protects your assets from potential losses.

Customer Support

Oxygen provides daily phone and email support to all business account users. This handy access to live agents is valuable because it’s easier to ask questions and request for technical assistance directly than via self-research help centers. Thankfully, you can call or message the customer support team every day of the week, except holidays. Take note that these service options are only available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.

Alternatives to Oxygen

Oxygen is the clear winner when it comes to cashback potential, as you can see from this Oxygen review. Still, you can check out alternatives that excel in other areas of business banking that may be more important to you before you open a business bank account.

Bluevine is one of the best free business banking accounts that streamlines the way you make check payments. It doesn’t charge you monthly or overdraft fees, although it does ask for Bill Pay fees for credit card transactions. Also, it allows you to perform an unlimited number of banking transactions, but there are caps to the monthly deposit and withdrawal amounts.

Our Bluevine review explains that it’s ideal for owners of small businesses who need a free checking account to manage business funds. It specializes in economical checking solutions, compared to Oxygen which doesn’t provide checking services. Nevertheless, Oxygen offers more interesting ways to gain banking profits than Bluevine.

Pricing: Starts at $0 monthly fee

  • Free basic checking account
  • No overdraft or monthly charges
  • Unlimited transactions
  • Bill Pay fees
  • Deposit & withdrawal amount limits
  • Less creative income-generating solutions than Oxygen
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

Kabbage is a business checking account that presents flexible funding options. It can provide you with a line of credit ranging from $2,000 to $250,000, as long as your application is approved through the quick process. Just be ready to generate a personal guarantee for each loan you take. While there’s no monthly maintenance charges, you must pay funding fees if you have an outstanding loan balance.

Kabbage is a useful bank for startup entrepreneurs or independent contractors who need credit services to expand their business. After all, it concentrates on credit services, in contrast to Oxygen which only offers debit card services. However, Oxygen has better customer support than Kabbage because it offers daily assistance, unlike the weekday-only customer service of Kabbage.

Pricing: Starts at $0 monthly fee

  • Credit line options
  • Fast approval process
  • Zero monthly maintenance fees
  • Funding loan fees
  • Personal guarantee requirements for loans
  • Limited weekday support

Chase for Business is a business checking account that enables you to supervise your cashflow and payroll. It makes it simple for you to make deposits and receive incoming wires. You can make unlimited Chase ATM and debit card transactions, while you’re allotted a maximum of 20 teller and paper transactions. There’s a mobile app too, although it only works with selected devices.

Chase for Business is handy for small business owners or freelancers who prefer traditional banking services. That’s because it’s a conventional bank with physical branches, unlike Oxygen that’s a financial technology company. Still, Oxygen is more budget-friendly than Chase because the free tier has no monthly fees or minimum deposit amount.

Pricing: Starts at $15 monthly fee or $2,000 minimum daily balance

  • Basic checking solutions
  • Paper money transactions
  • Physical bank branches
  • Mobile app not universal
  • No free plan
  • High daily balance required to waive monthly fee

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Oxygen Review

Oxygen levels up the way you generate income through business banking. Before we wrap up our Oxygen business account review, let’s tackle common questions on Oxygen and learn the right answers.

Bottom Line on Oxygen Review

Oxygen empowers you to earn income by maximizing the potential of your business savings, as we learned in this Oxygen review. That’s why we dubbed it the cost-effective champion of business bank accounts.

To sum things up, Oxygen is a financially rewarding option for small business owners and freelancers because of the free account, APY, and cashback offers. We hope this Oxygen business account review helped you figure out if it’s the best match for you.

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

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

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Capital One Review 2023: Online Banking for Businesses

Capital One logo

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

Our Verdict

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

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

  • Low minimum deposit needed to join
  • Does not charge overdraft fees
  • Unlimited free digital transfers
  • Limited physical locations
  • Monthly account fees
  • Low business interest rates

Capital One at a Glance

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

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

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

Who Capital One is Best For

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

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

Pricing

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

Capital one logo

Plans

Basic Business Checking

Unlimited Business Checking

Business Savings

Monthly Fee

$15, waived with $2,000 minimum balance

$35, waived with $25,000 minimum balance

$3, waived with $300 minimum balance

Minimum Deposit to Open Account

$250

$250

$0

Minimum Balance to Maintain Account

$0

$0

$0

Overdraft Fees

$0

$0

$0

APY

0%

0%

0.2%

Transactions

Unlimited free digital transactions

Unlimited free digital transactions

Unlimited free digital transactions

Cash Deposits

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

Free through mobile, ATM, or direct deposit

N/A

ATM Fees

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

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

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

Wires

Incoming: $15

Outgoing: $25

First 5 wires are free, then $25 per transfer

N/A

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

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

Basic Business Checking

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

Unlimited Business Checking

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

Business Savings

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

Capital One Features

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

Credit Cards

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

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

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

Business Checking Accounts

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

Business Savings Account

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

Mobile Deposit

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

Minimal Fees

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

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

Loans and Lines of Credit

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

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

Business Expertise

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

Capital One Contact Info

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

Alternatives to Capital One Review

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

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

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

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

  • Zero monthly fees or minimum balance required
  • Financial organizer
  • Refunds all ATM fees
  • Cannot deposit cash
  • Fee for overdrawn accounts
  • No savings accounts

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

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

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

  • High interest rates
  • Very few fees
  • No minimum deposit required
  • Monthly transfer limits
  • Checking accounts only
  • Fee for cash deposits

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

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

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

  • Several checking account options
  • Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
  • No monthly maintenance fees or balance requirement for basic checking
  • No physical locations
  • Low APY on business savings accounts
  • Some accounts require high deposits
Kabbage logo

Kabbage

Visit

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

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

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

  • No monthly fees or fees for signup, no minimum balance
  • High interest rate
  • No Kabbage fees for out of network ATM withdrawals
  • Cash deposit fees up to $4.95 per transfer
  • No ability to make joint accounts
  • Mobile deposits take several days to clear

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Capital One Review

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

Bottom Line on Capital One Review

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

Best Business Bank Accounts by State

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

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

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

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

Our Verdict

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

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

Screenshot of 8x8 website homepage
Source: 8×8
  • Mobile and desktop apps available
  • Plenty of security features and FCCR compliant
  • Allows easy collaborations and connections with remote teams
  • The customer service can be better
  • Complicated refund policy
  • The Express plan lacks fax capability

8×8 at a Glance

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

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

Who Is 8×8 Best For?

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

8×8 Pricing

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

Express Plan

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

8×8 X Series

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

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

Screenshot of 8x8 pricing plans
Source: 8×8

8×8 Enterprise Plan (X8 cloud PBX Model)

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

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

  • Call quality guarantee
  • Single cloud system of engagement
  • Guaranteed security and compliance
  • Unique insights from a central system of intelligence
Screenshot of 8x8 Enterprise Grade Cloud PBX Model features
Source: 8×8
8x8 logo

Plans

Express

X Series X2

X Series X4

Cost/User/Month

$15

$32

$57

Price Under annual Commitment

$15

$24

$44

Unlimited Calling Zones

US and Canada

14 Countries

48 Countries

Mobile and Desktop App

Toll-Free Minutes

100

1000

2500

UC Media Storage for Meetings

1GB

5GB

10GB

Call Recording

Music on Hold

Auto Attendant

Salesforce Analytics

Single-Sign on

Instant Messaging

Business Messaging

Unlimited Internet Faxing

Web Conferencing

Conference Bridge

Outbound Contact Center

Features

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

Here are some of the top features users enjoy:

All-in-One Communication

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

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

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

Phone System Management

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

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

Phone Numbers

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

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

Mobile & Desktop Apps

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

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

Call Handling

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

Integrations to Third-Party Software

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

Screenshot of 8x8 available integrations
Source: 8×8

Security Features

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

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

Screenshot of 8x8 website
Source: 8×8

Customer Support

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

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

8×8 Alternatives

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

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

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

Who is Ooma Best For?

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

Ooma Pricing

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

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

How Ooma Compares to 8×8?

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

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

  • Mobile and desktop apps available
  • Integrates with third-party software, including Salesforce and G suite
  • Call encryption for enhanced data protection
  • Obtaining a toll-free number attracts an extra fee
  • Businesses have to incur the expense of purchasing Ooma business phone systems
  • Integrations can be limited

Visit

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

Who is GoToConnect Best For?

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

GoToConnect Pricing

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

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

How Does GoToConnect Compare to 8×8?

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

  • Unlimited extensions on all plans
  • Competitively priced plans
  • 14-day free trial
  • Webcams limited to 25 with the video conferencing tool
  • No international phone numbers
  • Basic plan can only serve one physical location

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

Who is RingCentral Best For?

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

RingCentral Pricing

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

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

How Does RingCentral Compare To 8×8?

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

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

  • High definition video conferencing
  • Plenty of integration capabilities with apps like Salesforce and Zendesk
  • Free trial available
  • The fax feature isn’t the easiest to navigate
  • No 24/7 customer support with the Essentials plan
  • Basic plan lacks video conferencing and most app integrations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for 8×8 Review

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

Final Thoughts on 8×8 Review

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

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

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

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.