VoiP is nothing new. It’s been around in one form or another for several decades at this point. However, the technology continues to evolve to meet new and emerging business needs. For instance, once, domestic VoIP calling was all that was necessary. Today, that’s not the case.
We live in an increasingly interconnected world where you might need to talk to a customer in Japan one day and then connect with a business partner in Europe the next. Conventional VoIP providers cannot help here, but international VoIP services can.
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is the process of using Internet data lines to communicate via audio or video. Most VoIP providers offer domestic service, but you can add international calling for an additional fee. Some providers offer all-inclusive options that can save you money. The trick is to know which providers are worth your time. There’s little point in paying for international VoIP service only to find that your calls drop out or that your video or audio is plagued by lag.
We’ve done the legwork and ranked the 10 best US VoIP phone providers for international calling, so you don’t have to worry about it. However, before you start comparing your options, it’s important to know what qualities and features to look for in a provider of choice. We’ll talk about how to choose a VoIP provider first, then rundown your options.
As with anything, no two businesses have the exact same needs. However, when it comes to something like VoIP and other communications, there are certain features and standard elements that many companies will benefit from. These are the factors that will help you narrow down your search and could perhaps even inspire you to add your own considerations to the list.
You’ll want to consider things like:
There’s a lot more that you could consider, but these general features will help you focus on what matters to you. And now, let’s look at the best providers for your international calling needs.
RingCentral has been a leader in Internet communications for a long time, although they got their start in faxing. Today, they offer several different solutions for residential and business VoIP, including plans that make international calling simple and affordable. Plans start at just $30 a month and go all the way down to $20 if you pay annually, so consider that when looking at your options.
You will find advanced features when you choose an upgraded plan, but every single package comes with unlimited calling and messaging, as well as unlimited Internet faxing. You can even try it out for a couple of weeks to see what it can do. Customizable features ensure that you have the perfect communications solution, and their international calling services are among the best available.
With phone.com, you’ll find some of the cheapest VoIP options for international calling. Base plans start at less than $12.74 per month and get 500 pooled minutes. You can also upgrade and spend a little more to get unlimited minutes, plus extras like call recording, analytics, and CRM integration, along with video conferencing with up to 100 participants.
For power users, the"Pro" package will be the best option, but many SMBs will find that the "Plus" package is right for them. It includes unlimited minutes, a phone number per user, and video conferencing with up to 25 participants.
Dialpad offers a lot of impressive VoIP solutions for those who want a simple platform. There are tons of AI-based voice intelligence features, including the ability to collect data from your calls to create goals and insights. You can sync contacts, enjoy easy mobile access, and find some of the lowest rates for plans available today.
As for international calling, Dialpad doesn’t offer free calling, except to your home country, the U.S., and Canada. Credits are available for other international calls at impressively low rates, though, which is what puts them on the list. Plus, their system is easy to use, no matter where in the world you’re calling.
8x8 is revolutionizing the way people think of VoIP. There are a variety of plans that this provider offers, along with a wide variety of features and included options for calling plans. Their X2 plan is the entry-level option, and you can find high-end plans for less than you expect, too. The platform includes AI and intelligent call routing, and you can upgrade to an all-in-one service platform that takes care of all of your calling, texting, and more.
8x8 has impressive plans and great call quality for international calling to dozens of countries around the world. Their automatic bandwidth adjustments and premium uptime ensure that your communications are clear, no matter how far across the globe you’re calling. It also integrates with other tools you use and when you pay annually, you’ll get a deal on the subscription rates.
GoToConnect is a dynamic VoIP provider that’s got plenty of great international calling solutions. Plus, every plan comes with unlimited calling and messaging, including MMS and SMS, so you’ll never have to worry about running out of credits or being charged for overages. The international options are impressive — free international calling to 50+ countries and some of the lowest rates available for others with the Standard plan (not with the Basic plan).
GoToConnect makes it easy to call internationally and if you’ve got their phone system, there’s even a support video that shows you how to make international calls without any hassles. The plans also include other robust features, and there are several different customization options available.
Nextiva is a leader in VoIP solutions when you need something professional that’s not going to break the bank. There’s a 30-day trial that gives you the chance to see what this platform can do for you, as well. Nextiva includes unlimited faxing with all plans, and you can upgrade to get unlimited audio and international calling features, and still spend a lot less than you expect.
You can enjoy free custom greetings, automated call routing, and plenty of customization and scalability options with this provider. You can sync contacts and even have access to advanced analytics to monitor your communications. When you want a professional solution that still fits the budget, this is the company to consider.
Grasshopper is a newer service that offers a lot of great solutions, including access to a toll-free number so that you don’t have to worry about international or long-distance calls at all. You can also pay for international plans and their options start at just $14 per month for a single user. For teams, pricing starts at $28 per month for the Solo Plus package. They have impressive mobile and desktop apps, too.
You can bring your number or choose a vanity number if you don’t want to go toll-free, and intelligent call routing and other AI ensure that your business always looks professional. Grasshopper can work on all mobile devices and desktop computers, so you never have to worry about paying extra for hardware — just use what you have.
Vonage is another big name in VoIP that’s been around since the early days of Internet communications. They have a lot of great plans available that include international calling and you can even get numbers for over 50 different countries, allowing you to do business anywhere with VoIP when you choose Vonage. Premium plans also offer upgraded features if you want to spend a little more.
Of course, we have to mention the Vonage App Center, where you’ll find tons of great apps that will help you improve your business in various ways. They make it easy to call and get calls from anywhere, anytime, and the free trial lets you test it out for yourself.
Ooma offers a whole new solution for VoIP and gives you the choice between using their devices with cheaper (or free) plans, or just subscribing to the VoIP solutions you need and bringing your own devices. Either way, you’ll enjoy access to premium plans for a lot less than you expect, with basic plans starting at less than $20 per month. There’s also a 30-day guarantee.
Ooma integrates with other software and tools, as well as smart devices like Amazon Echo. Advanced features are available, including customized reporting and voicemail transcription, and intelligent call routing ensures that every call gets to the right place, no matter where in the world they’re calling from.
CloudTalk offers some great international calling solutions. This app was originally created for call centers, but today it can be used by any business that needs a robust calling solution for VoIP. As for international calls, you can call and get numbers for more than 140 countries, and you will even be able to use local number masking so that your calls don’t appear to come from out of the country.
CloudTalk also has skill-based call routing, personalized greetings, and easy integration with the tools that you use. You can track texts, calls, and support tickets, set business hours for your VoIP auto attendant, and even get intelligent monitoring to keep tabs on your communications.
Of course, even with the best VoIP solutions, you’ve still got to be there to field the calls and respond to the messages that come in. However, there is another option. When you partner with the dedicated virtual receptionists at Smith.ai, you’ll be able to let us field the calls, chats, messages, and more, while you focus on running your business.
We offer 24/7 solutions for phone calls, live website chat, and plenty of other services like lead intake, scheduling, and so much more. Plus, we’ll help you craft the perfect strategy so that we can manage it all seamlessly.
To learn more, schedule a consultation to learn how the 24/7 virtual receptionists at Smith.ai can make your communications simpler, no matter where in the world you’re calling. You’ll also find us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.