SMBs and solopreneurs have their own set of concerns when it comes to communications. Budgets, of course, are a leading priority in modern small businesses. Along with that, there comes the need for scalable solutions that deliver the same professional service offered to enterprise-level clients at a smaller price point and capacity. Fortunately, the number of VoIP providers has grown extensively in the past 5 to 10 years, giving you plenty of options.Â
Of course, some VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone providers are designed specifically for certain types of businesses or companies of a certain size. Thus, the options (and best choices) available to you might be different than what is available to or suggested for an enterprise brand.Â
In this guide, weâll cover 10 of the best VoIP providers for your small business, including their features, costs, and other important factors. That way, you know what your options are, and youâll have less work to do on your own. Of course, choosing a provider is often a task in and of itselfâwith so many providers how can you possibly decide on the right one?
Hopefully, the insight in this guide will help you with that. Before we get to the top 10 VoIP providers, letâs talk a little more about what to look for in a VoIP provider.Â
There are no two companies that will have the same needs for VoIP services. However, the considerations involved in choosing a provider will be similar in many ways. Start by thinking about what your SMB needs from VoIP services and then take the time to see what options you have. When reviewing them, consider:
These are just a few things to keep in mind in your search for the best VoIP providers for small businesses and solopreneurs. Now, letâs look at the best providers out there so that you can start exploring your options.Â
Google Voice is a great tool for solopreneurs and Google power users who want a free solution to handle their calls. People even use this tool for masking their personal number to make calls to people without having to give out their actual phone number. In the business world, it stands to offer even more value. There are no additional charges for domestic calling and itâs free for a single user.Â
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. Google Voice also offers easy integrations with the other tools in the G Suite family, as well as other software and tools you might use.Â
Check out the features, including:
Microsoftâs own 365 Business Voice is a cloud-based VoIP system that provides plenty of solutions. Auto attendants, call forwarding and transfer bots, and the seamless ability to call from any device makes this tool pretty impressive. Plus, itâs got an affordable price point as far as VoIP plans are concerned and it comes with a free trial, too.Â
This VoIP service integrates with Teams to provide seamless collaboration and communication internally, as well. Itâs easy to set up and takes just minutes to get started and includes Microsoftâs dedicated 24/7 support for every single element. The platform canât be used on its own and is only an extension of Microsoft 365, but for those with fewer than 300 employees that need a simple solution, this could be it.Â
The highlights of this platform include:
Dialpad starts by syncing with common tools like Outlook and G Suite and keeps going with an impressive list of customer service functions. Although reporting is limited, the VoIP platform offers all the tools and features that you need to gain actionable content from your calls, thanks to AI-based intelligent voice technology.Â
Some of the add-ons and upgrades will require additional payment, but this basic call center tool is great for small companies that just need a way to get started with VoIP communications. You can even add video conferencing for groups if you need it at a small additional cost, so youâll never pay for anything that you donât need.Â
Check out the highlights like:
Phone.com is a simple, straightforward VoIP solution for people who need a better way to communicate. It doesnât come with hardware, but it can support it if you so desire. However, itâs designed to focus on the virtual calling aspect, also referred to as the âsoftphoneâ, offering affordable mobility for brands who need a way to stay in touch. This platform is customizable and has a lot to offer.
However, minutes are limited, and usage is metered, which is sometimes harder to handle than unlimited plans or providers. It also isnât compatible with your average desk phone, so it might not suit your officeâs needs. However, you can mix and match plans and the rates are affordable.Â
Consider key elements like:
Ooma gives users two ways to get service, which is great for the small business or solo business owner just starting. You can choose an Ooma device, and then get access to the basic plan free since you bought the device. Youâll also get a 2-month preview of the Premier package, and you can upgrade to Ooma Office for less than $25 per user, per month.Â
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 itâs available to be used on desktop and mobile. Select plans include voicemail transcription and other upgrades, and all plans offer intelligent call routing for a more professional image.Â
Check out highlights like:
8x8 is a great platform for those who are just starting or who have a smaller operation. Plans begin at just $12 per user, per month, and there are so many features that just about anyone will be able to make their ideal customized VoIP solution. This platform offers a 30-day trial, too, giving you a chance to see what you get before you completely commit. You can upgrade to premium plans for a lot less than you think, too.Â
8x8 offers intelligent call routing and the power of automation to make communications easier. Itâs also known for its impressive uptime, and it has been awarded the âbest ofâ for VoIP providers on several different platforms over the years.Â
Check out the key features, including:
Grasshopper is one of the most popular VoIP platforms available today. It offers simple plans with toll-free numbers, vanity numbers, and more. You can also bring your existing number to the platform and use auto-attendant features to look more professional to your callers.Â
Plus, this is a mobile-designed platform, so youâll never have to invest in hardware. Grasshopper works with your existing desktop, laptop, or mobile device. Plus, it comes with the companyâs top-rated 24/7 US-based support, and plenty of other features. The small business will love the âbigâ look and feel of this platform thatâs designed to make VoIP accessible to all.Â
The highlights include:
Nextiva offers small business phone solutions for companies of all sizes. This platform starts by offering a 30-day trial for all users and lets you check out all kinds of features before you even spend a dime. Plus, plans are available at several price points under $50, including an essentials plan that is just $30.95 per month. Youâll also enjoy free faxing and automated call routing, plus more.Â
Nextiva offers customization of the features and scalability of the VoIP platform to fit the needs of your business. You can also upgrade for advanced analytics and additional customization options, but thereâs a lot included in the basic plan for the small business thatâs just getting started.Â
800.com makes it easy for anyone to get a toll-free business number, no matter what kind of budget they may have in mind. The site makes it easy to choose a custom vanity number, pick a toll-free prefix, or just take the first randomly assigned number thatâs available. You can even enjoy the 30-day money-back guarantee to give it a try.Â
The site offers plenty of features with the call solutions that it provides, including custom routing for over 60 countries and voicemail transcription with every plan. You can get a discount by paying annually and upgrade to premium plans for additional minutes.Â
The highlights of this platform include:
Freshcaller is a platform thatâs great for startups and solo operations when you need an easy way to get started with VoIP. Itâs part of the Freshdesk family of products and integrates with all of the other apps and tools that you use, too. It is recommended by several industry leaders and has won many awards for all of its features. Thereâs a lot that you can gain from this platform.Â
Thereâs a free trial and you can even use the starter plan free of charge, but the features will be limited so keep that in mind. Consider how you can integrate this platform with other tools and enjoy intelligent call routing to keep communications streamlined.Â
Check out the highlights, including:
At Smith.ai, we know you are busy building your business, and even with the best VoIP platform, you might not have the resources to field all the calls, chats, and other queries coming your way. Fortunately, you donât have to do it alone. When you partner with our 24/7 live agents, you can enjoy having full-time receptionists that field all the calls and chats so that you can focus on your business.Â
We can also assist with scheduling, intake, payment collection, and so much more, and weâll help you create a plan to cover all of it, no matter what you need. Todayâs audience demands dedicated, streamlined service, and thatâs what we deliver in every interaction.
To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss how the virtual receptionists at Smith.ai can field your calls, chats, and more while you focus on building your new business. Youâll also find us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.
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