VoIP systems can benefit your business in many ways, with a number of important features and functions. With COVID-19 constantly changing the rules of the game, the features offered by the latest VoIP systems can keep you ahead of the competition, so look out for special Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
I've composed a comparison list and detailed reviews of the 10 best business VoIP providers of 2020 to help you find the best VoIP system for your business needs.
These are the 10 best business VoIP providers I tested and ranked:
1. Best overall, focusing on 10+ users : RingCentral
2. Best for contract-free: Ooma Office
3. Best for all-in-one solution: GoToConnect
4. Best for mobile solution: Grasshoper
5. Best for collaboration features: Aircall
6. Best for businesses up to 10 people: CloudPhone
7. Best for unifying communications: Vonage
8. Best for VoIP made simple: Alliance Phones
9. Best for budget-conscious businesses: Verizon
10. Best for SMBs: Intermedia
The Best Business VoIP Services: Quick Reviews
- No. of usersUnlimited
- Pricing$24.99-$59.99
- Best forBusinesses with a lot of call traffic
RingCentral is another frequently-heard name among VoIP pursuers. The company provides solid offerings for both small businesses and enterprise level ones, so you can get the features that are important to your business needs.
Small businesses will appreciate how easy it is to set up and use RingCentral. In fact, you can have everything up and running in a matter of minutes. And you’ll have access to 24/7 customer support in case you have any questions along the way. SMBs will also appreciate the deep pocket savings that you’ll get from using RingCentral. You can cut back on phone bills and other communications costs using this all-in-one communications solution.
RingCentral is also well-suited for enterprise businesses, offering a more robust set of features for these larger scale companies. For one thing, RingCentral has excellent administration tools to make managing the front and backend of your operations a cinch. Things like cloud PBX, multi-level IVR, and call monitoring help managers stay on top of multiple tasks at all times. Other tools, such as multi-site management and Cloud Connect, ensure that you can handle your team members from wherever you are. For another, RingCentral allows you to connect with more than 100 third-party applications, so you can use the system seamlessly with all the tools your staff is already using and familiar with.
Pros- Up to 10 users for cheapest plan
- Generous toll-free minutes per month
- Enormous array of features
Cons- Rates are higher than some competitors
- Customer service is not US-based
- No. of users3-unlimited
- Pricing$26-$80
- Best forBusinesses looking for mobile solutions
Grasshopper is the business VoIP solution for small businesses everywhere that want to look big. The secret behind this cleverly-named service is simple: you don’t have to BE a big company to appear to be one. You just have to make a big noise (like a grasshopper!). Grasshopper provides small businesses with all the communications tools and features they need to look big and impress their clients while remaining the same cozy size they are currently.
Grasshopper offers 2 types of plans, the Grasshopper plans and the Grasshopper Connect option. The first option is the more traditional VoIP service you are used to and comes in 3 flavors. You can get Solo, Partner, or Small Business plans for this service, and all 3 can be billed monthly or annually.
It’s nice that Grasshopper lets you sign up for a single month contract because it means you aren’t tied into any long-term commitments. Of course, if you sign up for an annual plan, you’ll save more than 10%. Most businesses will decide that the savings are worth the commitment. Grasshopper VoIP plans run $26 per month for a single number with 3 extensions included, $44 a month for 3 numbers and 6 extensions, and $80 a month for 5 numbers. With the last plan, you get unlimited extensions, a huge benefit if you’re hoping to scale your business over the year.
Pros- Unlimited domestic calling
- 24/7 live support
- Easy setup
Cons- Missing the robust features of larger brands
- Not as attractive if you’re not going mobile
- No. of usersUnlimited
- PricingFrom $19.95
- Best forContract-free service
Ooma is the PCMag VoIP Business Choice award winner for 7 years running. That ought to tell you a bit about what a great service this is. Ooma is a cloud system, which means it's effortless to run, easy to learn, and can be taken anywhere you are. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this system ensures that you are always available for your customers when they call. While Ooma is a great solution for any size business, it is particularly attractive for small businesses because it offers advanced phone features at affordable pricing. Plus, Ooma has simple step-by-step DIY set up instructions and videos. So, you don’t have to wait for tech to get started.
Let’s take a closer look at some of those features. For starters, Ooma offers free unlimited calling to anywhere in the United States, Mexico, or Canada and Puerto Rico. This already translates to major savings for most businesses that frequently spend a fortune on phone bills each month. On top of that, Ooma has competitive, low international rates. You can call Australia for just $0.038 per minute, the United Kingdom for just $0.028 per minute, and China for just $0.025 per minute.
Pros- Excellent call quality
- Simple & easy setup
- Can keep the same phone number
Cons- Limited customizations
- Some complaints about customer service
- No. of usersUnlimited
- Pricing$21.95-$29.95
- Best forAll-in-one solution
Jive is a fun and user-friendly business VoIP option, and this is certainly not your grandma’s VoIP service. With sleek apps, punchy text, and advanced features, Jive makes using a unified communications solution fun, easy, and cool. What’s more, Jive has a whopping 80+ features, and you get all of them for a single monthly rate. That’s a dizzying amount of features, and it means you will have everything you need within one software. No need to switch over constantly to another service for optimal use. Jive’s got it all.
Jive gives you full control over your call flow. You can set up different call rules for when your business is open and closed, so the calls will go to sales or customer support during business hours, and to the auto attendant after hours. Jive also lets you use neat features like simultaneous paging of all agents or specific group paging for a more personalized but still public announcement.
Connect team members using Jive’s conference bridge, good for up to 10 members at once, listen to your business voicemail wherever you are, and use collaboration tools to really stay connected. Want to really get serious about your communications? Use Jive call analytics, call logs, and call monitoring to analyze and go over calls to improve customer experience and tweak staff members’ techniques. Use custom greetings, dial by name directory, and local directory on phone to give a more professional appearance to your business. Handle calls more efficiently using tools like presence monitoring, shared line appearance, and ring groups.
Pros- Unlimited extensions
- First month free
- Flexible pricing plans
Cons- International calling is pricey
- Limited video conferencing feature
![Phone by Web.com]( "Phone by Web.com")
- No. of users1
- PricingA flat fee of $14.99 per month plus applicable taxes
- Best forSolopreneurs and business people
Phone by Web.com is an excellent tool for business travellers and solopreneurs that want 2 lines for their business and personal use without the hassle of maintaining 2 devices.
It also features very straightforward monthly pricing and a few useful business tools such as call blocking and group messaging.
Pros- Cellular/VoIP rollover
- Flat monthly fee
Cons- No choice of separate providers
- No SIP trunking / PBX integration
- No. of usersUnlimited
- Pricing$14.99-$39.99
- Best forBusinesses that want lots of features
Vonage was one of the very first VoIP providers, and it has only improved its product offerings over the last 20 years. Offering a fully unified communications platform for businesses of all sizes, Vonage is an excellent solution for any type of connection. Whether your company is looking for a virtual receptionist to make your business sound more professional, a more convenient directory assistance tool, or the ability to connect multiple devices to a single line, Vonage has the tools and the flexibility to let your business run like a pro.
What really makes Vonage stand out is the incredible set of features available on its plans. From privacy to customer service, personalization, and collaboration, Vonage makes every aspect of running your business better. The plans include important features such as caller ID blocking, call screening, spam shield, and do not disturb settings to ensure that you and your team have the utmost control over incoming calls.
What’s more, Vonage allows you to control the call flow as well, providing tools like call hold, call continuity, and call parking. You can even avail yourself of the call recording, call queues, and call waiting that will give your business a professional edge.
Pros- Fabulous mobile app
- Superior voice quality
- 24/7 customer support in English
Cons- Add on features can get pricey
- You need to add on some basic features
- No. of usersUnlimited
- Pricing$30-$50 per month
- Best forSmall businesses
Aircall is one of the more accessible VoIPs out there. It boasts a stacked roster of features that are approachable and more than capable of handling the needs of small to medium sized businesses.
Users will find many of their critical needs met with this cloud-based VoIP. Features such as toll-free and international numbers, call routing, and extensions more than carry the weight of a business’ needs. Smart directories, such as the system’s IVR (interactive voice response), can be helpful for streamlining calls and making sure customers reach their intended departments.
Aircall also offers some quality collaboration features. Warm transfers, for instance, allow teammates to converse while transfering live calls, while call commenting and assignment proves a helpful tool for delegating calls and keeping the team aligned.
Pros- Smart directories for more fluid communication
- Claims local and international numbers
- Helpful collaboration features
Cons- Limited customization options
- No video conferencing
- No. of usersUnlimited
- Pricing$24.99-$34.99
- Best forSmall businesses of up to 10 people
CloudPhone is known to be a great business VoIP solution for smaller businesses. Everything from its pricing structure to its features tells us that it is working hard for the little guys in the industry. And it shows. With a CloudPhone unified communications solution, even the smallest businesses can put up a big front, winning the respect and the clients they deserve.
Some of the great features you can get with a CloudPhone account are toll-free numbers, automatic call distribution, and call recording. Businesses will appreciate the Find Me Follow Me feature, which basically has a call ring to each of the designated phone lines one after another until the caller finds you. So, it’ll ring at your office desk first, then your home phone, then your cell until you finally pick up. It’s a very convenient feature that ensures you won’t miss an important business call because you stepped out for a few minutes or had to leave the country for some reason.
Pros- Unlimited minutes and SMS
- Integrates with existing devices
- Lifetime 50% off Small Business plan
Cons- No video conferencing
- International calling isn’t unlimited
- No. of usersUnlimited
- Pricing$19.97-$29.97
- Best forSimple business VoIP service
Alliance Phones is about the customer all the way. This brand offers fast and easy setup, unwavering reliability, third-party app integrations, and tons of tools to make your business communications run effortlessly. Offering 24/7 customer support via various methods, cloud-based contact management system, and deep savings with all of its plans, it isn’t hard to understand why customers love using Alliance Phones.
Alliance Phones has the VoIP features you’ve been looking for. Get caller ID management and complete control over incoming and outgoing calls. You can use call forwarding to send calls to the right department or staff member to field the call, and you can set call controls according to the inbound number. Managers will appreciate the convenient tools on their dashboard that make selecting, delegating, and automating call flows a breeze. Features like call rules, call screening, and call logs also help maintain consistency and control. Call recording is a good feature for managers to help them stay on top of new employees who might need a little coaching from time to time until they learn the ropes.
Pros- Unlimited minutes
- Free trial for 30 days
- Lots of integrations
Cons- Extra call recording gets expensive fast
- No proprietary softphone
- No. of usersUnlimited
- PricingFrom $35 per month
- Best forMid-sized businesses
This VoIP from the powerhouse wireless provider Verizon comes with some expected benefits courtesy of the company’s infrastructure, including excellent connection via Verizon’s fiber optic internet.
Verizon offers different pricing structures depending on business size and needs. However, all of the VoIP plans include essential services that can help medium-sized businesses and larger. One of the main differences in plans is the amount of lines the business will need. The cheapest plan accommodates 5 lines, and you can upgrade from there.
Verizon offers around 45 VoIP features that cover most if not all of essential needs. This includes a virtual receptionist that deftly handles call routing, providing a professional veneer to small and medium-sized businesses and helping them stay organized and aligned within departments.
Pros- Leading name in wireless internet
- Fiber optic internet
- Scalable for growing businesses
Cons- Complex pricing structure
- No live chat support
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What Makes a VoIP Service Provider the Best?
If you’re running a business in 2020, then chances are, you have already heard of and might even use some form of VoIP or internet phone service through your business phone line. If you’ve ever used Skype or Facebook Messenger—or any kind of internet service to make a call—you’re experiencing the power of Voice Over IP (VoIP).
Finding the Best VoIP Phones for Your Small Business
When it comes to integrating VoIP into your business, there are some factors to consider before you choose a provider. The top VoIP providers can help you lower costs, reach more customers, and even enhance your mobility and productivity. For example, the what you need to take into consideration when looking at VoIP for small businesses is very different to a VoIP service for your home.
The most important features to look for when searching for a VoIP solution are:
- Ease of operation and setup
- Reliability and customer service
- Features and customizability
- Mobile options
- Video conferencing and screen sharing
Switching to a VoIP system entails some initial costs, which are quickly offset by the savings. VoIP services can also increase the efficiency, convenience, and flexibility of your communications and help you incorporate the business tools of a larger company. Before you choose your VoIP provider, try to determine how easy it will be to adopt the system and operate it, and also if it has any specific features you need. For example if you want your business to present a professional and polished impression, such as that of a law firm, then you'll want to make sure you have the necessary features.
Types of VoIP Systems
The biggest difference in cost is going to depend on the type of VoIP service you choose for your business. There are 3 main systems available:
Hosted System
Similar to a website hosting plan, this means that the vendor owns the hardware, and your business leases or buys the phones. Maintenance will be handled by the vendor, too. Companies will usually charge a subscription to use the internet business phone system.
Best for: Smaller businesses
On-Premise System
In this scenario, your business owns the hardware, which means you are responsible for any upgrades or maintenance work. This sort of setup can be prohibitive for a smaller business because of the higher initial costs of purchasing the hardware. In addition, the upkeep may require the manpower that a small company doesn't have. On the other hand, these systems can provide better options for customization and a higher level of security.
Best for: Larger businesses
Managed System
With this system, the business still owns the equipment, but the vendor is in charge of set up and maintenance. This is a great “best of both worlds” option, in that it allows the customer to use their own equipment—like with the on-premise system—while still being able to enjoy the assistance provided by a hosted system.
Does Switching to VoIP Save Money?
Not only can a managed VoIP service do wonders for your business’s productivity, but it generally costs less than a traditional landline system. For medium-to-large businesses with hundreds or thousands of employees and complex software-integration needs, VoIP can have a significant impact on the bottom line.
Here are 4 ways that VoIP can save your business money:
1. Cordless Costs Less to Setup and Maintain
Whether you’re sticking with cable TV over Netflix or Hulu at home or a traditional landline over VoIP in the office, the same principle applies: cords and wires are hardware, and hardware costs extra. With a landline system, a medium or large business could easily pay tens of thousands of dollars on installing, setup, and licensing of a private branch exchange (PBX), thousands per month on line rental, and a great deal more on maintenance. With a managed VoIP there are no hardware requirements, so you can get by with only paying a simple monthly fee per user.
2. Remote Workforce = Reduced Overheads
One of the greatest benefits of having a VoIP for business is that it allows your employees to communicate through mobile phones—which makes it easier to orchestrate a remote workforce. The more employees you have working outside the office, the lower your overheads. Having fewer employees in the office on a full-time basis means you can cut back on furniture and equipment costs, air conditioning, office parties, rent, everything.
3. No Paying Through the Roof to Move or Expand
Using a traditional phone network—as opposed to VoIP—requires businesses to set up and maintain a PBX system at each office. Each time that those businesses upgrade their PBX, replace an aging system, move offices, or opened a new location requires a significant capital investment. With VoIP, on the other hand, businesses can take their audio communications with them wherever they go. Whether it’s one employee working from home or an entire company moving office, being mobile pays dividends.
4. One Communications Bill Instead of Many
The terms VoIP and unified communications (UC) go hand in hand, and that’s because VoIP lets you integrate all types of forms of communication–such as voice, text, fax, video, and conferencing–into one system. With unified communications, businesses don’t end up purchasing fax services, video conferencing, etc. from separate providers. With UC, it all falls under the one bill.
Calculating the Cost Savings of VoIP
How a VoIP phone system impacts your company’s bottom line depends on your needs. Variables include: number of users; features and third-party integrations; and optional equipment, such as hardphones. Choosing a hosted or managed VoIP solution is generally cheaper than having an on-premise VoIP, unless you prefer your IT team manage the system.
The following example is intended only as a general guide and not as a substitute for your own calculations. It is based on the RingCentral Office plan for 100-999 people, when compared to a cross-section of traditional landline plans for businesses of a similar size. Obviously, it doesn’t take into account how VoIP can enhance productivity and efficiency, further boosting the bottom line.
*Optional accessory for VoIP users, requirement of traditional landline
#Varies by country. For both VoIP and traditional, calls to mobile are more expensive than calls to landlines.
^Based on prices from Xfinity’s landline plan.
No matter which way you look at it, VoIP systems are far cheaper than traditional business landlines. As the above table shows, VoIP has minimal setup costs. Traditional phone lines, in contrast, can cost up to $14,000 to setup, not to mention up to $4,000 per year in licensing fees. Small businesses that go down the traditional route can install a KSU-less system for less, although the costs of setting up the system can still reach up to $300 per user.
The following table compares VoIP to traditional business lines by cost per user per month, including yearly software licenses, unlimited calls in the US and Canada, and the cost per user per month and excluding setup costs. In both columns, cost per user falls as the number of user grows. Again, VoIP is clearly the cheaper option.
10 Advantages of Having a Virtual Phone Number
People dial virtual phone numbers just like any other number, but they actually connect to an existing mobile or office line of your choice. You may also link them to specific extensions and voice mail boxes. Here are 10 advantages of having a virtual phone number:
1. Multiple numbers: Without paying for multiple lines, you can use separate numbers for personal and commercial purposes.
2. Marketing data: Virtual phone lines supply helpful marketing data. If you use print or radio advertising, you may promote a different local or toll-free number in each ad.
3. Avoid long-distance rates: When you acquire a telephone number in another area code, clients in this region may call you without paying long-distance rates.
4. Local numbers: If you purchase advertising in a distant locale, your company may promote a virtual number without publishing the area, country or extension codes.
5. No equipment required: Compared to separate telephone lines, these numbers are easier to set up and maintain. There's no need to buy additional equipment for each number, and most virtual phone providers don't require long-term contracts.
6. Ease of use: You can quickly and conveniently manage your numbers on the Internet. It's possible to instantly purchase or cancel them at any time.
7. Avoid telemarketers: If it comes with automatic call screening, a virtual number can help you avoid telemarketers. You may use it whenever you have to enter contact details on a form.
8. Added features: These numbers often include more features than standard cellphone or landline services. They make it simple to record calls and arrange phone conferences.
9. Money savings: If off-site employees frequently call your main office, you can ask them to use local virtual numbers. This eliminates the need for you to finance their long-distance calls.
10. Brand multiple businesses: If you run multiple small businesses, it's not hard to introduce different virtual numbers and voice mail greetings for separate companies.
Get the Right VoIP System for You, Today
VoIP systems have become the norm for businesses large and small, as they provide an easy, surefire way to make telecommunications more efficient—and affordable. For small and medium-sized businesses, these savings can make a big difference. The efficiency of a VoIP system can also ease some headaches for companies that may not have the manpower to handle complicated or less streamlined communication needs. Small businesses generally don’t need some of the more sophisticated VoIP features—like video conferencing that can accommodate 100 or more participants—but the flexible pricing, ease of operations, and customer service offered by many VoIP providers can be of real assistance.
