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Best VoIP Providers for Your Small Businesses

8 Best and Top VoIP Providers for Small Business Compared (2023 

Are you looking for the top VoIP providers?

Traditional small business phones aren’t equipped for modern needs. That’s why many small businesses are turning to business VoIP providers to keep up. But which is the best VoIP service for your needs?

This article explores small business VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) in general and the best VoIP solutions available. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about the top VoIP providers and offer additional resources to help your small business grow.

What Are VoIP Providers?

Business VoIP providers are phone and communication services that use the Internet rather than landlines. They let you take incoming calls, make outbound voice calls, use video conferencing, and more via computer or a mobile device with an internet connection.

Essentially, they offer unified communications as a service, and many providers even work with landlines.

Why Use VoIP Providers Instead of Business Phones?

A business VoIP system is a cost-effective and efficient way to grow your startup or SMB. Most SMB owners consider it superior to traditional phone systems.

“Traditional phone systems” refer to desk phones or POTs (plain old telephone services). Here are several more reasons for using VoIP instead of POTs for your business needs:

Business Phone System Hardware Needs are Higher

Landline services need hardware and individual phone lines. They don’t offer extra functions like video conferencing or faxing as many VoIPs do.

To get those functions, you need a lot more hardware. This could mean landline phones and actual fax machines, for instance. These all have upfront costs.

All supplies wear out. Would you rather replace the computers, modems, and routers you need? Or do you want to replace those PLUS landlines, fax machines, and more?

Business VoIP Training Costs May Be Lower

Using a VoIP phone system can save you time and money in training costs.

Generational expert Lindsey Pollak says many young people haven’t used a landline. They grew up in homes where their parents only used mobile phones.

The lack of landline understanding has caused training challenges and frustration. Pollak states, “Everybody doesn’t have the same common knowledge. It’s important to think about the experiences that people have or don’t have before you judge them….” 

So, using internet-based systems can save time and money. You already train employees on your VoIP. Teaching them about landlines can also take extra time away from earning revenue.

This may seem like favoring younger generations. But many workplaces already use VoIP or similar systems. Most people own cell phones and have used VoIP systems without realizing it. The learning curve for VoIP should be smaller than the curve for using a landline for the first time.

Better User Experience with a VoIP Provider

The top VoIP providers generally offer several ways for customers to contact you.

You may have noticed some websites let you tap a link to call them. That’s part of a VoIP system.

Many websites start with a simple contact form to let visitors get in touch via email. Your employees can then immediately access phone numbers via computers. This reduces the risk of dialing the wrong number.

TechJury reports that most people prefer live chat over email or speaking on the phone. For this reason, many businesses offer a live chat service. This can also be part of VoIP.

Finally, you may still need faxes. But who has a fax machine anymore? Almost no one! The best VoIP services generally have fax features.

VoIP Services Can Increase Revenue

VoIP options can help improve revenue in several ways.

TechJury’s statistics roundup shows those who use live chat spend more than those who don’t. Without live chat and only a phone option, they may spend less. VoIP typically has chat functions.

Additionally, customers value quality support and companies who respect their time. Having many ways of contacting customers is essential and easier to do with VoIP.

What Are the Top VoIP Providers?

Below, we share some of the best voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) providers your small business can use to manage its communication needs.

1. Nextiva

Nextiva is the best business VoIP service on the market. They provide a simple, powerful, streamlined, and unified communications system for startups through enterprises.

Nextiva best VoIP for small business

This call management system has all the features you need for a growing business, such as:

  • Softphone software (connects desktop or laptop computers to headphones)
  • Call logging
  • Business hours functionality
  • Automatic call routing
  • Free domestic calls
  • Documented APIs
  • Unlimited texting
  • Voicemail transcription to email and text
  • Extension dialing
  • Video meetings
  • VoIP call queues
  • Internet faxing
  • Mobile and desktop apps
  • Multi-level auto-attendant
  • Free local or toll-free number
  • Live chat

Additionally, the Nextiva VoIP platform allows CRM integration, online surveys, and call analytics.

You can also integrate with platforms like Outlook, Google Workspace, Zendesk, Slack, and more. 

Do you already have a landline system and are hesitant to throw it out entirely? Then, Nextiva may be the best option for you, as it can work with many existing desk phone systems.

In fact, many call centers and enterprise businesses use Nextiva. It can help transition from private branch exchange (PBX) to cloud phone systems.

The call quality is top-notch, with a 99.99% uptime for their VoIP phone service. Plus, their customer service team is always available to help.

Nextiva suits businesses of any size. Even top brands like Taco Bell, Ashley’s Furniture, and Conan trust them.

ProsConsPricing
Offers phones for sale or leaseLearning curve for less tech-savvy usersEssential: $17.95+  per user per month
24/7 supportNo free trialProfessional: $21.95+ per user per month
Can handle a call center’s volumeEnterprise: $31.95+  per user per month

2. RingCentral

RingCentral is another of the top VoIP providers for small businesses (SMBs). They offer a fully-featured business phone system for both small and enterprise-level companies.

Best voip provider ringcentral chat examples on desktop screen

With RingCentral, you can enjoy all the standard VoIP phone service features. Its Android and IOS mobile apps allow you to turn your cell phone into a business phone in a snap.

It also offers:

  • Unlimited calls
  • Caller ID
  • Call forwarding
  • Real-time phone call waiting and transfer (queues)
  • SMS text messages
  • Team messaging (instant messaging)
  • Video calling
  • Hold music
  • Screen sharing
  • Unlimited faxing
  • Voicemail transcription to text
  • Setting business hours
  • Cloud-based administration with real-time analytics
  • Can work with many existing phone systems

It’s also easy to integrate your RingCentral phone system with over 250 apps! Some biggies include G Suite, Dropbox, Salesforce, Zendesk, and more.

ProsConsPricing
Works in 110+ countriesTime-consuming to manage several usersEssentials: $19.99 per user per month
Very scalableLimited options on the basic planStandard: $27.99 per user per month
Setup takes minutesPremium: $34.99 per user per month
Ultimate: $49.99 per user per month

3. Ooma Office

Ooma Office, often shortened to Ooma, is one of the more popular VoIP providers for SMBs.

Best voip Ooma Office person working at desk

The Ooma Office platform comes with all the features you need from a business VoIP service. It includes a virtual receptionist, extension dialing, and more, including:

  • 35+ standard business features
  • Keeping your phone number
  • Usable by remote workers in different states
  • Unlimited calls to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
  • Free app to turn your mobile phone into a business phone
  • Team messaging and other collaboration features built-in
  • SMS messaging
  • Mobile apps
  • Phone call blocking 
  • Faxing
  • Call recording

They’ve made the setup as intuitive as possible, and you should be able to install the system yourself. But, Ooma has 24/7 customer support if you get stuck.

ProsConsPricing
Offers internet service (may have an extra cost)May need to buy extra hardware like wifi adaptersOoma Office: $19.95 per user per month
Has call center software for large businessesFewer features than Ooma Office ProOoma Office Pro: $24.95 per user per month
Multi-ring option lets several employees receive 1 call simultaneouslyEnterprise/Call Center Options: Contact Ooma

4. Grasshopper

Grasshopper focuses on small businesses and startups. This includes those who have zero employees! 

Best voip provider for small business grasshopper screen examples desktop and mobile business phones

The VoIP phone service offers all the features you’d expect, plus some unique options like:

  • Free trial
  • Free local number, toll-free number, and vanity toll-free numbers
  • Desktop and laptop apps
  • Mobile apps for Android and IOS
  • Simultaneous voice calls
  • Business texting
  • Analytics
  • Instant response

Grasshopper understands the need for using personal phones, especially at startups. They let you use your personal cell phone for business without sharing your phone number.

Many business phone systems use auto-attendants (sometimes called virtual receptionists) for automatic call routing and call forwarding. But, Grasshopper can cut the virtual “middleman” if you want. Or, you can have that auto-attendant to greet callers and make you seem like a bigger company.

Grasshopper also has add-ons like live receptionists and voice actors to record greetings.

ProsConsPricing
Works with existing mobile phone equipmentLandlines require special features for outgoing phone callsSolo: $26+ per month
Phone numbers activated once checkout is completeCan stop outgoing calls if they believe you’re spamming or committing fraudPartner: $44+ per month
All plans include essential featuresSmall Business: $80+ per month

5. Phone.com

Phone.com lets your existing devices access 50+ features.

phone dot com small business voip homepage with mobile business phones example

This modern VoIP provider lets you connect a business phone number to any device. This includes laptops, desktop computers, and mobile devices. But it can work with many desk phones as well.

Phone.com offers SMS messaging, app store access, and voicemail transcription. Some other features, either available at the basic or pricier levels, include:

  • E911 capabilities
  • HIPAA compliance
  • HiFi video call transcription
  • CRM integration
  • Web-based admin panel
  • Access to bilingual customer support
  • Ability to mix and match types of users
  • Follow Me function lets you choose call forwarding numbers in order of importance if you’re out of the office
ProsConsPricing
Easy and fast setupSome usually standard features are add-onsBasic User: $11.99+ per month billed annually
Customizable user setupNo free trialPlus User: $15.99 per month billed annually
No contract requiredVideo conferencing participant cap is lower than some other optionsPro User: $23.99+ per month billed annually
Available anywhere with an internet connection

6. Vonage

Many major companies use Vonage. One example is doxy.me, a doctor-to-patient video service. That alone tells you how seriously they take security!

business voip vonage list of offerings for business phones and other options

Vonage has a wide range of standard tools, including VoIP voice, video, and text messaging. You can also find:

  • Contact center capabilities
  • Extensive international calling
  • Mobile and desktop apps
  • Large-scale conference calling ability
  • On-demand call recording
  • Visual voicemail
  • Integrations with major software at all levels
  • Voice API lets you pay only for what you use

Each plan on offer has different features with different limitations.

ProsConsPricing
Tons of internal collaboration options for on-premise and remote employeesSome say customer service is hard to reachMobile: $19.99 per line per month
Unlimited calls and SMSChallenges with viewing phone call historyPremium: $29.99 per line per month
App center access at all levelsLimited basic levelAdvanced: $39.99 per line per month

Vonage pricing goes down as the number of phone lines increases.

7. 8×8

8×8 has a reliable cloud-based VoIP system with advanced phone features. It’s used by over 2 million companies.

homepage 8x8 best voip for small business for business VoIP voice video chat

This program offers calling features to help with internal and external communications. Some functions include:

  • Collaboration across different messaging systems
  • Fast file uploads
  • Conversation storage
  • Unlimited calling to almost 50 countries
  • Join video meetings from anywhere
  • Call logs for each individual interaction
  • Customer interactions via voice, video, SMS messaging, and chat apps
  • Works with Microsoft Teams and other business and CRM integrations
  • Complies with global standards

And that’s just the beginning.

ProsConsPricing
Made to improve communication between agents and users plus customersFew accessible countries at less expensive levels8×8 Express: $15 per user per month
30-day free trial8×8 express doesn’t boast the high uptime other levels doX2: $24 per user per month billed annually
Works globallyYou must allow popups to chat with their 24/7 customer support teamX4: $44 per user per month billed annually
Contact Centers: Add-on starting at $85 per user per month

8. GoToConnect

GoToConnect boasts of being a simple and flexible business phone option and VoIP provider. 

best voip platform gotoconnect screen examples business phones desktop and mobile

Its cloud system helps with external and internal communication. It doesn’t matter if your workers are on-premise or remote! Of course, it’s also great for customer communication.

You can configure the system using a visual editor, like the best WordPress site builders. You don’t have to read through a lot of technical information and try to figure things out.

Other features included are as follows:

  • HD video conferencing with every license
  • Customizable call routing and dial plans
  • Videos work on desktops, mobile devices, and compatible landlines
  • Follow Me call feature forwards calls to wherever you are
  • CRM and marketing integrations
  • Cloud PBX
  • Works with healthcare, law, finance, and auto companies, so security is key

GoToConnect has over 100+ cloud VoIP features. As part of the GoTo software family, it works with GoToMeeting, GoToWebinar, and GoToTraining.

ProsConsPricing
Doesn’t need mobile devices or traditional phones at allFree international calls unavailable at the basic levelBasic: $26+ per user per month billed annually
If desired, specialized landlines are availableAnalytics and other built-in features are only available at a premium levelStandard: $35+ per user per month billed annually
14-day free trialMore expensive than some other options with similar featuresPremium: $49+ per user per month billed annually
Unlimited extensions at every level

Which Is the Best VoIP for Small Business?

We’ve decided Nextiva is the best VoIP service provider for large and small business needs.

nextiva best voip provider for small businesses logo

Nextiva has extensive features, affordable pricing plans, and a user-friendly interface. Best of all, the customer support is fantastic.

If Nextiva doesn’t suit your business needs, RingCentral is the best business VoIP alternative.

ringcentral second choice best voip provider for small businesses logo

After looking through this list, you may not feel any of these are right for your small business needs. That’s okay! There are many other VoIP options available, such as Dialpad and CallHippo.

FAQs About the Top VoIP Providers

What are other business phone services?

Besides VoIP solutions, there are 2 types of phone systems: analog and SIP trunking.

Analog phones, also known as POTS, are landlines or desk phones. SIP trunking allows you to add advanced features to your PBX (private branch exchange). But you need to be very tech-minded for it to be helpful.

Do I need a landline business phone service?

You need a landline if your internet connection is unreliable or doesn’t have enough bandwidth.

What products do I need to set up business VoIP?

To set up a business VoIP, you need everything associated with wifi service. You may also need softphone headsets, desk phones, or mobile devices. If you plan to use video calling features, cameras are necessary.

Is VoIP the same as telephony or IP phone services?

VoIP is a type of IP telephony and IP phone service. In the grandest sense, “telephony” means “phones.” VoIP systems use the internet. 

IP services are all communication functions using the internet. This includes voice calls, fax, and video meetings. VoIP is technically only the voice part. But VoIP services now usually offer unified communications, not just outgoing and incoming calls.

In short, all VoIPs are telephony and IP. Not all telephony and IP systems are VoIP.  

What is VoIP and UCaaS?

VoIP is a voice service provider that handles inbound and outbound voice calls. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) routes all business communications over Internet protocol (IP). It typically incorporates text messaging, chats, video conferencing, screen sharing, video meetings, and more.

Are even the best VoIP providers cheaper landlines?

Yes, VoIP systems are almost always cheaper than landline systems. It uses your existing internet and requires fewer physical upgrades to your space.

Is there a reason to have a traditional business phone instead of a business VoIP?

The primary reason to have a traditional business phone is that your VoIP may go down often. This is usually due to frequent wifi service outages or low bandwidth. 

Are calls free with business VoIP services?

VoIP plans and their prices vary by company. 

Can I use my cell phone as my small business phone?

Yes, a cell phone can be a business phone. But you may not want to share your personal phone number. Additionally, having a second cell phone for business communication isn’t always practical. 

VoIP services can often call cell phones without sharing personal information with inbound callers.

How to Choose the Best VoIP Provider

When putting this list of the best VoIP for small businesses together, we looked for:

  • Ease of use for users without technical expertise
  • Standard business phone functions like caller ID and hold music
  • Call management functions, including call logs
  • Automatic call forwarding, call monitoring, and other automation features
  • Internal messaging and video meeting capabilities
  • Use of many hardware systems (mobile devices, desktops and laptops, cell phones, and so forth)
  • Included vs. add-on features
  • Advanced features offered at lower costs
  • Number of integrations
  • High-quality customer support
  • Call quality

SeedProd and Your Small Business

We hope this article helped you find the best VoIP service provider for your business.

SeedProd is here to help you grow your business in all ways! For more small business tips, check out our blog. Here are a few of our favorite relevant posts:

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