Top 10 Phone Answering Software Programs to Answer Calls from Your Computer

Once, running a business required a physical location, even if that was just a small office somewhere. Today, that’s not the case. You can run an entire business from a laptop on the beach. That does not mean that the core consideration of any business has changed, though.

What is that consideration? Communication. Without the ability to communicate with customers, vendors, suppliers, business partners, and others, your business is dead in the water.

Thankfully, the same technology that enables you to run a business without a physical location also offers new, flexible communication options. What we’re talking about here are phone answering software programs. This type of software can answer inbound calls from your computer, ensuring that you can communicate with those who matter most without the need for a desk phone.

Additionally, the right phone answering software program can do much more than just allow you to answer calls on your PC, Mac, or laptop. You’ll find that most of these platforms come bundled with analytics reporting, SMS and MMS capabilities, video meeting options, and so much more.

Given the diversity of programs out there, it can be hard to choose the one that fits your needs, budget, and growth trajectory best. In this guide, we’ll help you begin that process by looking at 10 of the best phone answering software programs available today.

Whether you’re just starting out as a solopreneur and need a flexible phone solution to help you transform leads into customers, or you run an established business in need of a robust communication platform that integrates with your technology stack, there’s an option for everyone.

The top 10 phone answering software programs

1. RingCentral

RingCentral might seem like a little much for some solopreneurs and small business owners, but it’s a great platform, and it has solutions available for companies of all sizes. Originally a leader in Internet faxing, RingCentral now offers a variety of VoIP solutions that help companies get more out of their phone answering software than ever before. 

Plus, every plan includes a free 15-day trial so that you can test the waters and see what this platform can do for you. You’ll have a secure cloud-hosted phone system platform that includes call routing and other features, and annual subscriptions earn a discount, too. If you think this platform is for you, consider:

• Plans available from $20 per month

• Annual billing discounts available

• Cloud hosting for security and scalability

• Mobile and desktop use

• Unlimited domestic calling

• SMS and MMS

2. Ooma Office

Ooma offers a great solution for small businesses and solopreneurs looking for a better way to take and make calls. This software platform operates on VoIP,which means you can use it to make and take calls on any device, so long as you’ve got it set up to do so. This software includes the option for automated greetings and call routing features if you want them, too, freeing up your time and ensuring that your callers still get the attention that they need. 

Ooma sells its own devices for desktop use, offering a different option for those who are looking to use the beneficial features of computer-based phone solutions but prefer the traditional handset and features of a “phone,” as it were. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for all users, too. There are plenty of highlights to appreciate:

• Plans starting at $19.95 per user, per month

• Desktop and mobile apps 

• Virtual fax capabilities

• Free local phone numbers

• HD audio

• AI-based calling features (call routing, automated greetings, etc.)

• Unlimited calling and texting available on most plans

3. Dial My Calls

With the DialMyCalls platform, you can send and receive calls, texts, and emails without having to do a lot of work. The platform is free to try and use with limited access, but you can also upgrade for premium features. You get mobile apps for Android and iOS, custom integrations, and even a personal Do Not Call list that you can customize as you’d like. Real-time reporting makes it easy to track calls, too. 

There are several plans to choose from, including custom plans for those who need them. The most popular plan starts at just $6.74 per month, or you can pay as you go. There’s something for everyone, and you even get one free toll-free number included. Other highlights include:

• Pricing starts at just $6.74 per month

• Free trial

• SMS texting included with two-way plans

• SMS opt-in widget available

• MMS (additional charges/credits apply on all tiers)

• Toll-free number

• Landline-enabled texting option

• Advanced calling and account features available

4. GoToConnect

GoToConnect is one of the leaders in VoIP software and desktop (and mobile) calling solutions. Their basic plans are ideal for SMBs, but there are affordable solutions for all kinds of businesses. You can keep your existing business number, create a new vanity number, and even add online faxing services if you need them. 

This robust platform offers a host of great features and solutions, and cloud storage comes standard. You’ll also get unlimited calls and messaging (SMS and MMS) with every plan, and you’ll be able to add and remove features as needed. Plus, the user interface makes the platform really easy to use. And of course, you can’t forget features like:

• Pricing available by quote only

• Up to 20 users with the Basic plan

• Unlimited SMS and MMS messaging included

• Up to 150 video-meeting participants

• Integrates with Outlook, Google Workspace, and more

• Intelligent calling features make phones more professional

5. Google Voice

Google Voice is a platform used by millions for personal and business calling needs. It allows you to create a number, have calls forwarded to your phone, answer phones from your computer, and more. Number masking gives you privacy, while intelligent calling features make it easy for you to have a more professional phone solution for less. 

If you already have Google, you don’t have to pay for this service. However, it is limited to domestic calls, and you may not find as many features. There are upgrades and additional features that you can pay for through Google if you need them, but as it stands, it offers a great option for people who just need something simple. Consider features like:

• Free use for domestic calls

• Upgrade sand features available for a small cost

• Call forwarding and number masking

• Fewer advanced features than some options

6. Microsoft 365 Business Voice

Microsoft users can find a lot to love in the Microsoft 365 Business Voice platform. It’s like Google in that it’s ideal for those who are already familiar with and using the platform, but it also has its own features, costs, and considerations. If you have fewer than 300 employees, it can be great for your needs. Bear in mind, of course, that it can’t be used alone. 

The Business Voice platform is easy to set up and install, and you can field calls from your computer, tablet, or mobile device in just minutes. You will also find easy app integration, and of course, it comes with Microsoft’s 24/7 customer support. It also integrates with Teams and offers highlights like:

• Price: Variable, based on your Teams configuration and current add-ons

• Free 30-day trial

• Easy integration with software

• AI and intelligent calling features

• Mobile access
  

7. Intermedia Unite

If you’re not familiar with Intermedia Unite, it might be time to get to know the platform. It’s not as affordable as some options, but it comes with a full 30-day free trial and is packed with features, including call monitoring. It works on desk phones, laptops, and mobile devices and also includes other features like team chat and business SMS use.

You’ll be able to empower your entire team with this phone-answering software. The desktop app is convenient and easy to use, but remote and on-the-go team members will benefit from the native mobile app (iOS and Android). For businesses that require them, Intermedia Unite also offers preconfigured phones that can connect to any broadband network connection. Additional features include:

• Starts at $27.99 per month

• Deep dive with analytics

• Screen sharing with up to 100 participants

• Unlimited calling

• Voicemail and voicemail transcription

8. 8x8

8x8 offers a variety of affordable VoIP platforms and calling solutions for all kinds of business needs. You can find basic plans and custom solutions, and everyone gets a 30-day trial of the platform to ensure that it meets their needs. Features include intelligent call routing and automated greetings, and easy integrations with the tools that you already use. 

You’ll enjoy premium uptime and reliability on this platform, and it gives you the chance to create a totally custom calling solution for your business needs, all accessible via desktop and mobile so that you can take your office with you on the go. Plus, they’ve got some of the best customer support in the industry, so if you do need assistance, they’ll be waiting. Key highlights include:

• Pricing by quote only

• Unlimited users on the X2 (basic) plan

• HD audio and video

• SMS and MMS

• Team chat

• Premium plans available

• Includes AI-based features

• Easy setup and integration

9. Dialpad

Dialpad has plenty of customizable solutions for VoIP, or computer-based, calling. It’s built into the Google Cloud, which offers plenty of security, flexibility, and mobility for all kinds of entrepreneurs and businesses. There are intelligent calling features and integrations available, and you can even get post-call summaries to follow up on communications. 

With Dialpad, users will find seamless integration with the tools and solutions that they already use, including Zendesk, G Suite, Salesforce, and many others. You can sync contacts, and the platform even offers a full two-week trial (14 days) so that you can test it out and see what you’re getting before you commit. If you want a system that’s a little more robust, this might be it. Key features include:

• Starts at $15 per user, per month

• Free 14-day trial

• Unlimited calling

• Unlimited AI meetings

• SMS and MMS

• Plenty of integrations (Google, Microsoft, etc.)

• AI-based voice intelligence

• GoogleCloud hosting offers security and scalability

10. Phone.com

Phone.com has a great basic software platform for those who want to use their computers to field phone calls. They offer several different plans and features for you to choose from, but there are also budget-friendly options available for those with limited funds or who are just starting out. You can even create group calls with up to 300 participants, all on the basic plan. 

With Phone.com, you can also get a vanity number if you want it, and you can even mix and match the unlimited and metered-use plans to create the ideal communications solution. When you don’t need all the big bells and whistles but you need a solid software platform for making and taking business calls, this platform offers a lot:

• Plans start at $12.74 per month for the Basic plan

• Affordable plans and upgrades available 

• 500 pooled minutes with the basic plan

• Video conferencing

• Mobile and web apps

• AI and automation features included

• Vanity numbers available

Virtual agents can do things software cannot

Software has come a long way in the last few years. However, it cannot replace what an experienced virtual receptionist can bring to your business. A live agent offers a human touch and can communicate with customers, vendors, suppliers, and others in your business voice without the need for confusing menu trees and impersonal automation.

When you choose to work with the 24/7 virtual receptionists at Smith.ai, your communications capabilities improve dramatically. Imagine never having to answer calls unless you want to. Of course, our capabilities extend so much deeper than simply answering calls. Our experienced live agents can provide after-hours answering, live chat support, SMS message answering, lead intake and scheduling, and even payment collection, and so much more. Our team will become an integral part of your business, enabling growth and agility.

Ready to discover more? Schedule a consultation to discuss what we can do to bolster your communication capabilities. You can also email us at hello@smith.ai or get in touch by calling (650)709-2975.