7 Best VoIP Business Phone Systems for Just One User

If you’re a solopreneur or one-person operation, you might not need one of those big, fancy VoIP systems that’s chock full of extra lines and solutions that you won’t ever use—but you still need an effective communication solution. Fortunately, there are a lot of modern VoIP systems that are also designed for the single user. Even better, a lot of them start at the impressive price of free!

Of course, there’s a lot more to a VoIP provider than the cost of their services—for starters, those services they provide are far more important. Plus, you’ve got to look at the reputation of the provider, what kind of hardware or technology you need for compatibility, and more. It’s a lot to take in, but we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll talk about the rise of VoIP, the benefits of switching for your entrepreneurial needs and goals, and more. 

Plus, we’ll take a look at seven of the best VoIP systems that are specifically designed for just one user. From free apps to subscription plans with dynamic phone systems that deliver impressive customization and more, there’s something for everyone. You just have to know where to look. 

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is changing the way that businesses communicate today. There are plenty of benefits to using this service, starting with the fact that it offers a better quality of service than many communication methods available today. It also gives you the chance to customize plans to suit your business and save money compared to traditional communications. 

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on these systems, but upgraded plans with premium features are offered for those who want them. This method of communication is becoming more and more commonplace, but there are still several businesses that haven’t even considered an upgrade. Today, we carry the world in our pockets—it’s only natural that companies would want a better way to communicate with their audiences. For most, that way is VoIP. 

Before we get into the best VoIP systems for single users, let’s talk a little more about the perks of VoIP as your communication solution. 

The benefits of VoIP

There are a lot of benefits that come from upgrading to VoIP from traditional phone services. You can take advantage of technology to improve your business communications in several different ways. There are different perks that will appeal to different users, but just about everyone can find plenty of reasons to make the switch. 

For starters, consider that VoIP offers:

• Service mobility so that you can take your chats, calls, and other communications anywhere that you go. You will no longer be tied to the desk phone. 

• Lower costs per call so that you can spend less on your communications and get more done. This is ideal and essential for the solo business owner out there today. 

• Cloud-based storage and data for plenty of access and space for call data, messages, and more. You’ll never be limited on space again. 

• Versatile advanced features like customizable attendants, voicemail transcription, intelligent call routing, and more. 

• Scalable, customizable plans that suit your business’s growing needs. Solo users especially stand to gain a lot from this service and its flexibility in customization. 

• Much better reliability and call quality than traditional desk phones. Plus, most services offer more than 99.999% uptime, giving you peace of mind in your communication solutions. 

• Affordable options that will cost a fraction of a traditional hard-wired phone system. When you’re only paying for the service and not the hardware, you can save a lot. 

These are just a few of the biggest benefits of VoIP services today. Take the time to see what they can afford your business and make sure that you get the solutions that you need. If you are looking to save money and upgrade your communications solutions, this is definitely the way to go. 

Remember, too, to choose a VoIP provider that offers these perks, along with the features that you want or need in your phone solutions. Not all providers are created equally, and even among this list of the best, you’ll find some variances in the service and features that you get. By taking the time to explore your options and know what you’re getting, you’ll have a much better chance of getting the right solution, the first time. 

Speaking of the right solution, let’s look at the seven best providers for solo business users who want to upgrade to VoIP. 

The 7 best VoIP business phone systems for single users

1. Dialpad

Dialpad offers one of the best VoIP solutions for customization. This platform is built in the Google Cloud Platform, offering mobility, security, and flexibility to businesses of all sizes, including SMBs and solo-user operations. The app includes intelligent features like real-time transcription, and it can integrate with G Suite, Salesforce, Zendesk, and others. 

Dialpad also offers post-call summaries with action items highlighted and it’s one of our favorites for the sheer number of features that you get for the money. The system is easy to navigate, and you can even try it out for two weeks without paying a dime. Highlights include:

• Price: $15 per user, per month
• Free trial for 14 days
• Contact syncing and app integrations
• AI voice intelligence
• Hosted in the Google Cloud for easy scalability

2. Microsoft 365 Business Voice

If you’re a Microsoft 365 user, you’ve already got a VoIP service on hand, and you might not even realize it. Microsoft’s 365 Business Voice platform is available to use for any business with fewer than 300 employees, and is especially useful for solopreneurs and SMBs that only have a single user that needs access to the VoIP platform. This is a Microsoft 365 add-on, however, and can’t be used as a standalone VoIP solution.

It does offer cloud-based storage for messages and other data, call transfer and forwarding, auto attendants, and mobile and desktop apps, as well as desk phone integration with compatible devices. And it all comes with Microsoft customer support, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. Consider features like:

• Price: $15 per user, per month 
• Free trial for 30 days 
• Integrates with Microsoft Teams
• Built in AI and voice intelligence
• Easy setup and integration with existing software

‍

3. Google Voice

Google Voice is used by a lot of people for personal calls, but it’s also a good choice for those who need a simple business phone solution when they don’t have a big staff. If you’re the only one fielding the calls, you only need a VoIP service that serves one user. There are no additional charges to use this service for those who already have a Google account. It offers call forwarding and number masking, too.

With Google Voice, you can get started with VoIP and enjoy free domestic calls along with a dedicated number for your business. You can integrate it all with G Suite and other tools that you use, too. Plus, it works on any device from mobile to desktop and you can find upgraded features available for a small cost, if you’d like. Consider key features like:

• Price: Free for single users with domestic-only calling
• Call forwarding
• Dedicated number from Google Voice
• Number masking
• Fewer advanced call routing features than some apps

4. RingCentral

RingCentral has been around since the dawn of Internet faxing. They’ve done well to keep up with the changing technology, and today they offer a full-service VoIP solution that is among the best available. Not only do they have platforms for all sizes of businesses, but they offer some of the most inclusive plans at affordable rates for the solo business owner. 

With RingCentral, you’ll get a free trial to test out the platform and see what it can do for you. The cloud-hosted PBX includes an auto attendant and AI voice intelligence, call routing, and so much more. Subscribers who pay annually can get a discount on the monthly subscription rate, too. Highlights of this platform include:

• Price: $25 per user, per month (or $18 when billed annually)
• Free 15-day trial 
• Auto attendant and intelligent call features
• Cloud-hosted for easy access
• Compatible with mobile and desktop devices

5. Vonage

Vonage has plenty of great solutions for VoIP, including solo business plans and even residential plans if you work out of the home and want to combine your transition to VoIP. However, their business plans are ideal for solo users who want affordable, customizable options for all kinds of needs. You’ll find leading customer service and plenty of features that you will love. 

Vonage can also provide you with a custom demo and quote so that you know exactly what you’re getting, and there’s a two-week trial that lets you see what you can get for the money. It comes with features like an auto attendant, intelligent call routing, and access from mobile or desktop. Plus, there’s all the connectivity that you need in the Vonage App Center, where you’ll find tons of integrations. Features include:

• Price: $19.99 per user, per month
• Free 14-day trial
• AI and automated workflows
• Intelligent call routing
• Vonage App Center has plenty of app integrations

6. 8x8

8x8 is a great choice for those who want an affordable solution for VoIP. The platform starts with tons of affordable plans and features for VoIP service, and includes all-in-one plans for those who want to upgrade for total connectivity. Intelligent call routing, automated greetings, and integrations come standard. 

Plus, 8x8 comes with reliability and a free 30-day trial. You can get a discount for paying annually and you can enjoy all kinds of calling features and plans that will make your transition to VoIP as a single user seamless and simple. You will even have the support of the company, which offers impressive customer service. Consider key features like:

• Price: $12 per user, per month
• Free 30-day trial
• Auto attendant and intelligent call routing
• Premium features available
• 99.999% uptime

7. Ooma

Ooma is one of the newer options for VoIP and it offers an impressive service, starting with plans that are affordable for even the solo user. They are a new type of VoIP provider offering two options for service. You can choose an Ooma device and get free basic access to their features and services, along with a 60-day trial of the premium plan. This app integrates with smart devices like Amazon Echo, too. 

Ooma also offers traditional VoIP subscription plans that can be used on any device, including mobile and desktop apps. You’ll enjoy intelligent call routing, automated greetings, and tons of other great features. Custom reporting and voicemail transcription are offered, along with top-rated customer support to help you every step of the way. Key highlights include:

• Price: $19.95 per user, per month
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Desktop and mobile apps available
• Intelligent call routing and AI-based call features
• Most plans include unlimited calling and texting

Partner with Smith.ai and get more people to manage your communications, admin, and more

When you’re running a business on your own, you need to capitalize on as much as you can to improve your communications. One element to consider is the support of a team of dedicated agents like the virtual receptionists at Smith.ai. When you partner with us, you’ll get 24/7 support for everything from phone calls and live chat to SMS message answering, scheduling and intake, and so much more. 

Plus, we’ll work with you to come up with the perfect plan to manage all of it and keep you apprised of what’s going on every step of the way. You can take worrying about your communications and administrative tasks off your plate when you partner with us. 

To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss what the 24/7 virtual receptionists at Smith.ai can do to help your business communications, from live chat and after-hours answering services to Facebook message answering and more. You can also find us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.