Best VoIP Services (The 2nd is the Best!)

Welcome to the world of entrepreneurship, where every business idea is a chance to change the world, and every opportunity counts. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or an entrepreneur with a big dream, you know that communication is key to success. That’s why having the best VoIP service can be a game-changer for your business.

With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. But fear not; we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll be taking a deep dive into five of the best VoIP services available on the market today: Google Voice, Grasshopper, RingCentral, Phone.com, and Nextiva.

We’ll explore their features, pricing, customer support, and everything in between to help you make an informed decision. So, whether you’re looking for a simple and affordable solution or a comprehensive system with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got something for everyone.

So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the world of VoIP services!

The “Golden Window”

What I wanna talk about first is something called “The Golden Window”. What that is is it’s the first five minutes that a lead comes into your business, and how your response time to that lead matters quite a bit.

Now, once you understand the importance of that “Golden Window,” you can start searching for services that match this criteria. And that’s when the 5 services on our list come to the stage: Google Voice, Grasshopper, RingCentral, Phone.com, and Nextiva.

Let’s get into depth for each service so we can compare them all:

1. Google Voice (free/cheap/messy solution)

Google Voice is a popular VoIP service that offers a range of features designed to enhance your communication experience. As a trusted brand in the tech industry, Google brings its reputation for reliability and innovation to this service. Let’s explore the best and worst aspects of Google Voice.

The Best of Google Voice

• Cost-effective: One of the standout features of Google Voice is its affordability. It offers a free plan for personal use, making it an attractive choice for individuals and small businesses on a budget.
• Integration with Google Suite: If you’re already using Google Suite for your business, Google Voice seamlessly integrates with other Google tools like Gmail and Google Calendar. This integration streamlines your workflow and enhances productivity.
• Affordable International Calling Rates: For those with international clients or remote team members, Google Voice offers competitive international calling rates. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses with global reach.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: Google is known for its user-friendly interfaces, and Google Voice is no exception. The service boasts an intuitive and straightforward interface, making it accessible even to those who may not be tech-savvy.

The Worst of Google Voice

• Limited Features: While Google Voice offers essential features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and conference calling, it may lack some advanced call management features found in other VoIP services. If you require a more comprehensive suite of features, you may find Google Voice a bit limited.
• Lack of Advanced Call Management: Businesses that require sophisticated call routing and handling options may find Google Voice’s capabilities inadequate. The service may not meet the needs of larger enterprises with complex call management requirements.
• Despite its limitations, Google Voice remains a solid choice for individuals and small businesses looking for a cost-effective and user-friendly VoIP solution. Its seamless integration with other Google tools and affordable international calling rates make it a compelling option for those seeking a straightforward communication system. However, if you require more advanced features and robust call management capabilities, you may need to explore other alternatives.

2. Grasshopper (Great for under 10 employees)

When it comes to choosing the best VoIP service, Grasshopper stands out as a top contender in the market. Known for its professional image and feature-rich offerings, Grasshopper caters to small businesses and entrepreneurs who value a polished communication system.

Let’s explore why Grasshopper is often hailed as the best VoIP service available:

• Professional Image: Grasshopper allows you to project a professional image by providing virtual phone numbers and extensions. This feature is particularly beneficial for small businesses and startups that want to create a professional appearance without the need for a physical office space.
• Call Management Features: Grasshopper offers a robust set of call management features. From call screening and routing to voicemail transcription, Grasshopper ensures that you never miss an important call. These features empower you to handle your calls efficiently and maintain excellent customer service.
• Mobile Apps: With Grasshopper’s mobile apps, you can take your business communication on the go. Whether you’re traveling, attending meetings, or simply working remotely, the mobile apps enable you to stay connected with your clients and team members from anywhere.
• Multiple Phone Numbers and Extensions: Grasshopper allows you to set up multiple phone numbers and extensions, making it easier to manage different departments or business ventures under one account. This flexibility provides scalability and enhances your overall communication capabilities.
• Pricing Options: Grasshopper offers various pricing plans to suit different business needs. Starting at $26 per month, their plans are reasonably priced and offer a good balance of features and affordability.

Grasshopper stands out as the best VoIP service for small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking a professional image and a robust set of call management features. Its virtual phone numbers, call screening, mobile apps, and pricing options make it a powerful tool for enhancing business communication. While video conferencing is not included, Grasshopper’s features’ overall value and quality make it a top choice for those looking to elevate their communication systems.

3. RingCentral (+Robust +expensive)

When it comes to comprehensive VoIP solutions for businesses, RingCentral is a standout provider. With its robust features and scalable options, RingCentral caters to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Let’s delve into RingCentral’s features:

• Wide Range of Features: RingCentral offers a vast array of features that go beyond basic VoIP functionalities. Alongside call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and conference calling, RingCentral provides additional capabilities such as team messaging, video conferencing, and integration with popular business tools like Microsoft Office. This comprehensive suite of features empowers businesses to streamline communication and collaboration.
• Scalable Solution: Whether you have a small team or a rapidly growing business, RingCentral offers scalability to match your needs. With flexible plans and the ability to add or remove users as required, RingCentral accommodates the changing dynamics of your organization, ensuring a seamless transition as your business expands.
• Mobile and Desktop Apps: RingCentral provides user-friendly mobile and desktop apps, allowing you to stay connected and productive wherever you are. These apps enable you to make and receive calls, access voicemails, send messages, and join video conferences on the go, ensuring seamless communication even when you’re away from your desk.
• 24/7 Customer Support: RingCentral’s commitment to customer service is evident through its 24/7 support. Whether you have questions, encounter technical issues, or need assistance, RingCentral’s dedicated support team is readily available to provide guidance and resolve any concerns promptly.
• Pricing: RingCentral offers various pricing plans, starting at $19.99 per month. While some of the higher-tier plans may be more expensive for smaller businesses, the comprehensive feature set and scalability justify the investment for larger enterprises.

It’s worth noting that the higher pricing tiers of RingCentral may be more expensive compared to other providers, especially for businesses with limited budgets. However, while the higher pricing tiers may be more suitable for larger enterprises, the wide range of features and the ability to integrate with other business tools make RingCentral a reliable choice for businesses looking to enhance their communication and collaboration capabilities.

4. Phone.com (Great for under 10 employees)

Phone.com is a reputable VoIP service provider that offers a range of features and flexible plans to meet the communication needs of businesses. With its customizable call-handling options and affordable pricing, Phone.com is a solid choice for small to medium-sized enterprises.

Let’s take a look at some of its features:

• Call Forwarding and Customizable Call Handling: Phone.com allows you to set up call forwarding to ensure that you never miss important calls. Additionally, the service offers customizable call-handling options, enabling you to personalize how incoming calls are routed and managed within your organization. This feature allows for efficient call management and ensures smooth communication flow.
• Mobile and Desktop Apps: With Phone.com’s mobile and desktop apps, you can stay connected and manage your business communications on the go. These user-friendly apps provide convenience and flexibility, allowing you to make and receive calls, access voicemails, and send messages from your preferred device.
• Flexible Plans and Pricing: Phone.com offers a variety of plans to suit different business needs. Starting at $12.99 per month, their plans provide a range of features and minutes, allowing you to select a plan that aligns with your budget and usage requirements. This flexibility is ideal for small businesses looking for cost-effective VoIP solutions.
• International Calling Options: Phone.com offers international calling options, which is beneficial for businesses with clients, customers, or team members located overseas. This feature enables global communication at competitive rates, allowing you to expand your business reach beyond geographical boundaries.
• Reporting and Analytics: Phone.com provides robust reporting and analytics tools that give you insights into your call activities, call volumes, and call patterns. These analytics can help you optimize your communication strategies, make data-driven decisions, and enhance overall business performance.

While Phone.com offers many advantages, it’s important to note that it may have limited integration options with third-party apps compared to some other VoIP providers. If extensive integration with specific business tools is a priority for your organization, it’s advisable to assess compatibility before making a decision.

5. Nextiva (+Robust +expensive)

Nextiva is a leading VoIP service provider that offers a comprehensive unified communications platform with advanced features. With its emphasis on seamless communication and collaboration, Nextiva caters to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. 

Let’s review its features:

• Unified Communications Platform: Nextiva goes beyond traditional VoIP services by providing a unified communications platform that integrates various communication channels. From voice calls and video conferencing to team collaboration tools, Nextiva offers a comprehensive suite of features to streamline communication and enhance productivity.
• Video Conferencing and Team Collaboration: Nextiva’s video conferencing capabilities enable face-to-face meetings and collaboration, making it ideal for remote teams and businesses with geographically dispersed employees. The platform provides an intuitive interface for hosting virtual meetings, screen sharing, and document collaboration, fostering seamless teamwork.
• Advanced Features: Nextiva offers an array of advanced features that go beyond basic VoIP functionalities. These include voicemail transcription, advanced call routing, call queuing, auto-attendant, and more. These features enhance call management, improve customer service, and provide businesses with the tools they need for efficient communication.
• Video Conferencing and Team Collaboration: Nextiva’s video conferencing capabilities enable face-to-face meetings and collaboration, making it ideal for remote teams and businesses with geographically dispersed employees. The platform provides an intuitive interface for hosting virtual meetings, screen sharing, and document collaboration, fostering seamless teamwork.
• Pricing and Scalability: Nextiva offers various pricing plans, starting at $21.95 per month. While the pricing may be higher compared to some other providers, Nextiva’s feature-rich offerings and scalability justify the investment for businesses that require a robust communication solution.

It’s important to note that Nextiva’s pricing may be perceived as higher compared to some other providers, particularly for businesses with limited budgets. However, the advanced features, video conferencing capabilities, and scalability make Nextiva a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive and future-proof communication solution.

Yeah, I agree with you! You might want to skip all this talk and go to a comparative box between the five services… So, here it is!

One-on-One Comparison

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining and comparing five of the best VoIP services available in the market, it’s clear that Grasshopper emerges as a standout option for businesses seeking a reliable and feature-rich communication solution.

With Grasshopper, you can project a professional image through virtual phone numbers and extensions, enhancing your brand’s credibility. Its robust call management features, including call screening and customizable routing, ensure that you never miss important calls and provide exceptional customer service. Grasshopper’s mobile apps enable you to stay connected and manage your business communication on the go, empowering you to be productive from anywhere. The flexibility of multiple phone numbers and extensions allows you to scale your communication system as your business grows.

While other VoIP services offer unique strengths, Grasshopper’s combination of professional image, comprehensive call management, mobile accessibility, and scalability make it the top choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

We encourage you to use the provided links to explore and sign up for their services. It’s essential to select the VoIP service that aligns best with your business’s needs and growth aspirations. Whether you prioritize cost-effectiveness, advanced features, integration options, or international calling, our comprehensive review has provided insights into the strengths of each service.

Remember, choosing between the right VoIP services can significantly impact your communication efficiency, customer experience, and overall success. So take the time to assess your business’s requirements and leverage the information we’ve shared to make an informed decision.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the world of VoIP services. We hope our review has helped you navigate the options available and find the ideal solution to elevate your business’s communication capabilities.