The 10 Best VoIP Phone Providers for Small Business with Less than 10 People

2023-11-06

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP for short, allows you to make calls over the Internet as opposed to using a traditional phone line. There are many VoIP providers on the market, and they don’t just allow voice calls. They also offer video calls, group calls, and much more. VoIP is a great alternative to a landline telephone and might just be the perfect solution for a small business, depending on its needs.  

Some VoIP providers are designed specifically for certain types of businesses or companies of a certain size. Once an SMB figures out what features are most useful to them, their budget, number of users, and other technical details that would impact the phone system, they can figure out what VoIP provider is the best fit.

We’ve done research and found 10 of the best VoIP providers for small businesses. Here you will have insight into their features, costs, and other distinguishing benefits to help you choose the right one for your business. Before we get to the list of top 10 VoIP providers, let’s address what to look for in a VoIP provider.

Factors in choosing the best VoIP phone providers

Every business has different needs and no two VoIP providers are the same. Consider these factors when looking into VoIP services:

  • Is the usage metered or do you get unlimited minutes? Many VoIP providers offer unlimited calls and texts, while others might charge for usage. While unlimited is always a great thing, it may not be necessary for a small business that can get by with a smaller, metered plan that costs less.
  • How much are you getting for your money? It’s not just about the minutes. What other features and communications tools are included? Do you get video, or does that cost extra? What about participant limits? Are there limits on how many people you can add to voice or video calls?
  • What is their reputation and experience with VoIP? Check out testimonials and other user reviews to see what you can find out. First-hand insight will tell you more about a provider’s reputation than they will ever tell you directly.
  • Do they offer discounts or special deals? While cost may not be your primary concern, you might find that there are more affordable options than you thought from providers who specialize in taking care of small businesses.

These are just a few things to keep in mind in your search for the best VoIP providers for small businesses. Now, let’s look at the best providers out there so that you can start exploring your options.

The 10 VoIP providers for solopreneurs and SMBs with 10 or fewer employees

1. Nextiva

Nextiva offers phone solutions for companies of all sizes, from small businesses to enterprise companies. With Nextiva, you can customize the features and scalability of the VoIP platform to fit the needs of your business.

They have multiple plans, starting at just $21.95 per month, and some of the many features they offer include auto attendant, call recording, unlimited calling, video conferencing, voicemail transcription, and call routing. They have features that specifically cater to SMBs.  

You can also upgrade for advanced analytics and additional customization options, but there’s a lot included in the basic plan, too.

Key features include:

  • Starting price: $21.95 per user, per month
  • Unlimited voice calling
  • Unlimited internet faxing
  • Free local and toll-free numbers
  • 24/7 customer support

2. Dialpad

Basic Dialpad service starts at just $15 per user per month, but they have a lot of different offerings, including an AI contact center and AI sales center which can be very beneficial. You only pay for those plans if needed and they can be added anytime.   

Their basic call center tool is great for small companies that just need a way to get started with VoIP communications. Included in that are integrations with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, SMS, MMS, and team messaging, and unlimited AI Meetings for up to 10 participants. 

They also offer a 14-day trial, so you can check it out and make sure it works for you before committing. 

Here are the highlights:

  • Starting price: $15 per user, per month
  • Unlimited calling
  • AI-powered call and voicemail transcriptions
  • Real-time analytics and reporting
  • Web and chat support
  • Automatic spam call detection

3. RingCentral

RingCentral is one of the biggest names in phone solutions. Just like the other companies, they offer multiple plans with a wide range of features. Their base plan starts at just $20 per user per month and you can try it for free.  

They are one of the industry leaders in technology. With over 330+ integrations across 200+ software, they help to improve productivity and streamline communication across departments and within your CRMs. 

You can pay month-to-month, but if you pay annually, you save 33% which is a nice perk. Their Core plan is designed for up to 25 users, which is perfect for many small businesses.  

Their base plans include:

  • Starting price: $20 per user, per month
  • Carrier-compliant SMS and MMS
  • Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
  • Google, Microsoft apps, and access to APIs
  • Analytics for IT administrators
  • Incoming caller ID

4. Grasshopper

Grasshopper is one of the most popular VoIP platforms available today. Grasshopper works with your existing desktop, laptop, or mobile device and is a mobile-designed platform, so you’ll never have to invest in hardware.

They offer a True Solo plan for as low as $14 per month. Both that plan and their Solo Plus — perfect for small businesses — include unlimited business texting, custom greetings, and call forwarding. 

You can also bring your existing number to the platform, or they offer toll-free numbers, vanity numbers, and more. 

The highlights include:

  • Starting price: $28 per user, per month
  • Call transfers
  • Simultaneous call handling
  • Incoming call control
  • Detailed call reporting
  • Free trial

5. Google Voice

Google Voice is Google’s well-known VoIP for small businesses. Google Voice works just like a standard phone line, but all the calls and information are stored in the cloud. You can make calls from any desktop, laptop, or mobile device with ease. 

Their starting price point is one of the cheapest out there, beginning at just $6 per user per month. They offer many integrations, especially with the other tools within the Google suite, as well as other software and tools you currently use. 

They offer a 14-day trial, and all their plans include Google Workspace, which could benefit every small business out there.  

Features include:

  • Starting price: $6 per user, per month
  • Custom and secure business email
  • 30 GB pooled storage per user
  • Security and management controls
  • Standard support

6. Phone.com

Phone.com is a simple VoIP solution for people who need a better way to communicate. It doesn’t offer the features that some of its competitors offer but for small businesses just getting started, it may be the best option since pricing starts at just $12.74 per user per month.

Phone.com integrates with AllProWebTools, Zoho, Zapier, and more, is HIPAA compliant, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee which makes it easier to give it a try.  

With Phone.com, you can pay monthly, but if you choose to pay annually, you save 15%. They are an easy-to-use system for entrepreneurs and growing businesses and offer 24/7 support.  

Consider key elements like:

  • Starting Price: $12.74 per user, per month
  • 500 pooled minutes
  • One number per account
  • Video conferencing with up to 10 participants
  • Mobile and web apps
  • 50 standard voice features

7. Ooma

Ooma gives you access to unlimited calling and texting, the ability to connect to smart devices, and more. You can integrate with several tools and software platforms you already use and it’s available on desktop and mobile. 

All Ooma plans come with real-time customer support, fast internet calling, and easy phone management. No hardware is required, and you can port over your existing number or choose between a local number or a toll-free number. 

Check out the savings calculator on their website. You just enter your current bill and number of users, and you can see your savings over the first three years and make sure Ooma is worthwhile before you sign up. 

Here are their highlights:

  • Starting Price: $19.95 per user, per month
  • Unlimited calling in U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
  • Company directory
  • One conference bridge per user
  • Call blocking
  • Virtual extensions

8. CallHippo

CallHippo has plans for businesses to support their customers and plans for bulk calling. What’s great is that they offer a basic free plan, and their Starter plan is only $16 per user per month with a 10-day free trial. 

Although their free plan may work in some cases, their Starter plan is more comparable to the other companies. You get lifetime access to call logs and call recordings which are great features.

CallHippo also offers integrations and intelligent reports & analytics which any small business can use. Plus, they offer email and chat support, so you always have someone to assist when needed. 

Their main highlights include:

  • Starting Price: $16 per user, per month (although they do have a free plan)
  • 1000 calling minutes in U.S. and Canada
  • SMS and text messages
  • Shared inbox
  • Number porting
  • Call hold with custom music

9. OpenPhone

With OpenPhone, your team can work together to support your customers with one seamless experience. The Starter plan begins at just $15 per month, per user and they integrate with HubSpot and Salesforce so all your caller data is stored in one single CRM. 

Their setup is extremely simple. You can either bring your own number or get a local or toll-free number from them. Then, install the OpenPhone app or use it on the web and you can begin calling and texting. 

OpenPhone offers a 7-day risk-free trial and has a great help center to walk you through common questions and help you manage your account. They also have standard support included with their Starter plan. 

Key features include:

  • Starting Price: $15 per user, per month
  • Calling and messaging to U.S. and Canadian numbers
  • Voicemail transcripts
  • One new local or toll-free number per user
  • AI message responses
  • Group messaging

10. MightyCall

MightyCall is a flexible and scalable cloud-based solution designed specifically for small & mid-sized businesses. Their Core plan starts at just $15 per user, per month and when you sign-up for a year, you save 25%. They even have a 7-day free trial to try them out and see if they work for your business. 

You get more for your money with MightyCall. Unlimited call minutes, SMS, and MMS are included in all their plans, and you get two local or toll-free numbers. Most just give you one. 

They also have integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho, and Zapier, so that makes even less work for you when all your systems work in sync.

Their base plan includes:

  • Starting Price: $15 per user, per month (3 user minimum)
  • Unlimited calling and messages
  • 2 business phone numbers 
  • Caller ID
  • Voicemail to text and email
  • Call routing and forwarding
  • Live support

Streamline communications further when you partner with Smith.ai

It’s tough running a small business. You have a lot to do and a small team to do it. A VoIP system will help streamline your calls, but you might not have the resources to answer them. 

When you partner with the 24/7 virtual receptionists at Smith.ai, you can enjoy having full-time receptionists who field all the calls and chats so that you can focus on running your business.

We can also assist with scheduling, intake, payment collection, and so much more. Today’s clients demand better customer service than ever before and want instant answers. That’s what we deliver in every interaction.

To learn more, schedule a free consultation to get started.

Tags:
Solo Business
Small Business
Apps and Software
Written by Mike Graner

Mike Graner is the Marketing Manager at Smith.ai. He focuses on engaging content, company updates, and in-person events.

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