The convenience, cost-savings, and advanced features of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are just some of the reasons why VoIP has far surpassed wired PSTN telecommunications.
VoIP apps let users access their virtual phone system from anywhere, on any device–including smartphones, tablets, and even desktop computers via a softphone interface.
VoIP capabilities aren’t limited to basic landline features like calling, voicemail, and call hold.
Today’s VoIP apps empower multichannel communication via voice and video calling, SMS/MMS messages, virtual faxing, and even internal chat messaging. They also offer advanced call management strategies, call tracking and analytics, file sharing, and customer self-service.
Read on for a comparison of our ten favorite VoIP app providers.
How We Evaluated These VoIP Apps
- Ease of use: We compared how easy it was to install the system and how user friendly and intuitive each app was
- Customer support: We researched the available customer support channels and hours, read reviews, and tried contacting customer service teams ourself to determine efficacy
- Included Features: We studied which features and communication channels were included with each app
- Security: We evaluated the security of each VoIP app by looking at security features such as SSO, E2EE, MFA, etc., and researching compliance certificates
- Reliability: We tested the audio and video quality of the apps ourselves and also researched uptimes, points of presence, redundancy, etc.
- Pricing and value: We compared the prices of the VoIP apps and looked at what features were offered in each tier as well as what add-ons were available and if there were hidden fees
- Compatibility: We researched what operating systems were compatible with each of the VoIP apps
Best VoIP Apps of 2024
- Nextiva - Best for small businesses and SMBs
- RingCentral - Best for businesses in the financial and healthcare sectors
- Dialpad - Best for medium businesses and enterprises
- GoTo Connect - Best for large businesses and global enterprises
- Vonage - Best for Startups and developers
- Zoom Phone - Best for small remote teams
- 8x8 - Best for businesses of any size and contact centers
- Grasshopper - Best for solopreneurs and partnerships
- Ooma Office - Best for small enterprises
- Google Voice - Best for small teams
Nextiva
Nextiva is an all-in-one business communication platform that provides internal and external communication tools including VoIP voice calling, video conferencing, team messaging, and more. Nextiva specializes in ease of use and stellar customer support.
When it comes to collaboration, Nextiva users can access s native team chat space directly from the VoIP app and create rooms based on topic, project, or team. Teammates can message one-on-one in groups or in rooms. Files, links and conversations are searchable so nothing gets lost.
Nextiva is a great choice for small and growing businesses thanks to its 99.99% uptime, advanced customer support, and native team collaboration tools.
What We Like
- Multi-level auto attendant: Enables users to direct incoming calls and optimize call flow paths using custom greetings, menu options and submenus
- Automatic and on-demand call recording: Allows users to record all incoming and outgoing calls and set up call recording announcements
- Customer support: Nextiva includes 24/7 live customer support with all plans and has a number of helpful how-to videos for the Nextiva app
What We Don’t Like
- Limited video conferencing software: Video meetings are not included in all plans and lack advanced features such as E2EE, avatars, and live captioning
- Lack of advanced features: Nextiva does not offer conversational IVR or real-time analytics, and skills based routing is only available as an add-on for Power Suite users
- SMS messaging: Text messages are limited to 100-250 per user, per month in most plans
Pricing
Nextiva offers 4 bundled plans from $20 to $60 per user, per month. Month-to-month pricing is available for $25 to $75 per user, per month. Additional set-up, implementation, and usage fees may apply.
For more information, please see our detailed Nextiva pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 8 and earlier
- Windows 10 (Classical view only) or newer
- Apple iOS 12.0 and newer
- Android 4.4 and newer
- Linux
- MacOS
RingCentral
RingCentral is a cloud-based business communication provider offering several products. Its main UCaaS offering, RingEX, is a unified communications platform including messaging, video, and phone capabilities.
RingCentral offers a robust video conferencing platform that is accessible from the mobile app. Features include screen sharing, whiteboarding, and breakout rooms. Using powerful AI software, RingCentral meetings provide noise suppression, live transcription, and meeting insights.
RingCentral is a great choice for SMBs and enterprises with high-level security needs, thanks to its end-to-end encryption, AI-based spam blocking, and single-sign-on. RingCentral offers high call quality and advanced features like hot desking and call whisper useful for larger organizations.
What We Like
- Business SMS feature: Allows users to easily message clients or send out promotional texts using the app
- Push-to-talk: This feature lets users turn their mobile devices into walkie-talkies for instant communication on iOS, Android, and ruggedized devices such as Zebra
- Advanced analytics: App users can access call log reports, real-time quality of service analytics, and more
What We Don’t Like
- Setup and installation: RingCentral’s platform has a more complex installation process than competitors
- Limits on toll free minutes and SMS: RingCentral limits toll free minutes to 100-10,000 and business SMS to 25-200 per user, per month, depending on the plan
- Storage limits: Although all RingCentral plans include team messaging and file sharing, only the Ultra plan includes unlimited storage
Pricing
RingCentral offers three plans from $30 to $45 per user per month when paying on a month-to-month basis. Annual discounts bring the cost down to $20 to $35 per user, per month. Adds-on include a push-to-talk license, additional vanity, toll-free, and international numbers, and webinar capabilities.
For more information, see our RingCentral pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- Android 8.0, or later
- iOS 13.0, or later
- Windows 8.1 (64-bit), or later
- macOS 10.13 (High Sierra), or later
- Intel Skylake-class 6th Gen i3, i5, or i7 processor, or later
Dialpad
Dialpad is an AI-powered, self proclaimed, “customer intelligence platform”.
The moniker is appropriate, as Dialpad’s UCaaS platform offers voice, video, and messaging capabilities with a wealth of AI features including voicemail transcription, post call summaries, and live coaching, all accessible on the Dialpad VoIP app.
Dialpad has devoted countless hours and funds into developing its state-of-the-art AI features. As a result, Dialpad’s speech recognition software is second to none–and Dialpad users reap the many benefits.
Dialpad is highly secure with SSO and HIPAA compliance included for all users, but its limitations on calling queues, ring groups, and video conferencing make it a better choice for SMBs and small teams.
What We Like
- Built-in analytics: This feature is included in all plans and includes heat maps that show call patterns, call transcripts, and IVR analytics that display metrics such as menu option usage percentage
- Real-time speech coaching: Displays suggestions to agents during a call reminding them to speak clearly, slow down, or speak less
- Value: Pricing starts at $15 per user, per month which is more affordable than many competitors and includes a high level of security and advanced features
What We Don’t Like
- Ring groups and extensions: Ring groups are limited in all except the Enterprise plan and extensions are only included in the Enterprise plan
- Toll free minutes: Toll-free numbers are supported by Dialpad, but they cost extra and minutes are not included in bundled plans
- Video meetings: Video meetings are available on the VoIP app, but they are limited to only 10 participants unless a separate subscription to Dialpad AI Meetings is purchased
Pricing
Dialpad offers three plans from $15 to $25+ per user, per month, when paid annually. Month to month pricing is available from $27 to $35+ per user, per month. Pricing for Dialpad’s Enterprise plan is unlisted. Add-ons include Dialpad AI meetings for $15 per user per month, and AI Contact Center, starting at $80 per user, per month.
For more information see our detailed Dialpad pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 8, 10, 11 (32- and 64-bit)
- Mac OS X, macOS 10.11 (El Capitan) or late
- iOS 14 or later
- Android 8.0 Oreo or later
GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect is a flexible cloud phone system with messaging and video conferencing capabilities. GoTo Connect is one of several “GoTo'' products including GoTo Meeting, GoTo Webinar and GoTo Contact Center. GoTo Connect combines features from all of these other products to create a unified business communication platform.
GoTo Connect has a higher price tag than most competitors, but its VoIP app includes several advanced features such as real-time analytics. It also offers unlimited calling queues and auto attendants for most plans. This makes it a great choice for enterprises.
International calling is also included in 50+ countries, which makes GoTo Connect a solid option for global teams.
What We Like
- Warm transfer: This feature lets users speak with the caller and the agent they’re transferring the call to before connecting them, ensuring everyone’s on the same page
- Video conferencing: Robust video meetings platform for all users with screen sharing and in-session chat for up to 250 participants
- Hot desking: This feature enables users to login remotely to any office phone or work station so that they can receive calls from anywhere and share workstations easily
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive: GoTo Connect lacks transparency in its pricing, and the cost is higher than most competitors
- Team chat limitations: The team messaging component lacks some features such as task assignment and calendar sharing
- Customer experience tools: GoTo’s most innovative CX tools such as campaign templates and contact segmentation are only included with upper tier plans
Pricing
GoTo Connect does not publish its current pricing, but in the past it has charged $24 to $29 per user, per month for its UCaaS solution. Toll free minutes, international calling, and SMS credits may differ by region.
For more information, see our detailed GoTo Connect pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- macOS 10.11 or higher
- Windows 7 or higher
- Android: Android 8.0 or newer.
- Apple: iOS 12.0 / iPad OS 12.0
Vonage
Vonage Business Communications (VBC) is a unified communications platform that offers voice, messaging, SMS and telephony capabilities. Vonage’s platform is affordable and extremely flexible, enabling customers to add-on the features they need without having to pay for the ones they don’t. Vonage has guaranteed uptime of 99.999% and offers HIPAA compliance.
Vonage’s VoIP app focuses on flexibility and customization and offers several advanced communication features.
Vonage’s video conferencing platform, Vonage Meetings, is included in Premium and Advanced plans and features screen sharing, whiteboard, meeting lock, and video recording.
Vonage is best for small teams and SMBs that need a low-cost solution. Due to the flexibility of Vonage’s platform, businesses have the option to add-on advanced features as they grow. Thanks to its HIPAA compliance, Vonage is a good choice for healthcare-based businesses.
What We Like
- Call flip: This feature enables users to transfer a call from desktop to mobile phone and vice versa seamlessly
- Visual voicemail: This feature converts voice messages to text automatically and delivers them via email along with the audio file attachment
- Cost: Vonage’s Mobile plan starts at around $13.99 per user, per month, one of the lowest prices in the VoIP space
What We Don’t Like
- Limited features: Features like call conferencing and queueing are only available as add ons. Call groups and visual voicemail are only included in the Advanced plan
- Limits on call recording: On demand call recording is only included in the Advanced plan and storage is limited to 15 hours
- Customer support: Customer service is difficult to reach and slow to respond and Vonage can be complicated to set up
Pricing
Vonage offers three pricing plans–Mobile, Premium, and Advanced–with volume and annual discounts available. Pricing starts at $10.49-$24.49 per user, per month, when paid annually for 20 users. Month-to-month pricing starts at $14.99 per user, per month (this is also for 20 users). Many features are available as paid add-ons such as business inbox, conference bridge, and paperless fax.
For more information, see our detailed Vonage pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 7 or higher
- Mac OS X 10.9, 10.10 or 10.11
- Apple 4 and higher (iOS 6 and higher)
- Android Phones (OS 2.1 and higher)
Zoom Phone
Best known for its video conferencing platform, Zoom now offers a number of cloud-based communication products.
Zoom Phone includes native mobile apps for iOS and Android and native Windows, MacOS, and Linux desktop apps. It combines voice, texting, and video capabilities.
For team collaboration, Zoom team chat enables users to create channels and send direct messages. Users can also search for colleagues on other platforms such as Microsoft Teams, WebEx and Slack, and message them directly from Zoom or invite them to a Zoom chat channel.
Zoom Phone is best for small teams, startups, and SMBs with a high inbound call volume. Zoom Phone prices are some of the most affordable in the business VoIP space, while still offering a number of contact center features.
What We Like
- Call monitoring: allows supervisors to listen in on agent calls and provide assistance or feedback in real-time
- AI Companion: New feature included for all users granting access to post-call and messaging summaries, voicemail prioritization and task extraction, and more
- Flexible: Low call volume companies can save money with the metered plan for $10/month/user
What We Don’t Like
- Reliability: Zoom does not offer a guaranteed uptime SLA and is less reliable for calling than competitors
- Integrations: Zoom Phone only integrates with a limited number of CRM and apps
- Customer Service: Zoom customer support packages are expensive and required in order to access live support
Pricing
Zoom Phone has several pricing options: a metered and unmetered voice only plan, and then two unlimited voice plans that include video conferencing. Prices range from $10 to $22.49 per user, per month. The Zoom Phone Power Pack can be added on for $25 per month and includes enhanced call queue analytics and historical insights for call center teams.
For more information, see our detailed Zoom pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- macOS X with macOS X (10.10) or later
- Windows 7 or later
- iOS 8.0 (iphone 4.0) or later
- Android 5.0x or later
8x8
8x8 is a cloud-based PBX platform that combines contact center, voice, chat and video capabilities. 8x8 has a 99.999% uptime SLA and over 35 data centers. The platform is highly secure and adheres to several security standards including HIPAA, GDPR, and STIR/SHAKEN.
8x8 has a robust video conferencing platform for up to 500 participants that can be accessed directly from the VoIP app. Features include content sharing, virtual backgrounds, mobile support, cloud recording, YouTube streaming, analytics and advanced moderation controls such as virtual lobby.
8x8’s UC analytics provides real-time and historical insights into call queues, ring groups, and call/device quality. A company summary is generated with data on KPI metrics such as call volume, average caller wait time, number of answered/unanswered calls, and more.
What We Like
- Team chat: provides a unified chat space that users can access through the mobile VoIP app or desktop app. Audio and video calls can be launched directly from team chat with a single click
- International calling: 8x8 includes unlimited calling to 14-48 countries depending on the plan
- Scalable: When it's time to add on contact center features, 8x8 users can simply upgrade some accounts to an X6, X7, or X8 plan
What We Don’t Like
- Lack of transparency in pricing: 8x8 no longer provides public pricing for its UCaaS and CCaaS products
- Analytics: Supervisor and call activity analytics are limited to upper tier plans
- Integrations: 8x8 has a limited number of integrations compared to competitors with only about 40 integrations
Pricing
8x8 offers five different plans in their “X series” platform. The first two tiers (X2 and X4) are UCaaS only solutions while X6, X7, and X8 add on contact center software features like omnichannel routing and auto dialer. 8x8 no longer lists its prices online, but in the past it has charged $24-$44 per user, per month.
For more information, see our detailed 8x8 pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 8 and newer
- Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later
- iOS 13 or later
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that provides a number of communication tools meant to help small businesses grow. Grasshopper caters to small businesses and offers basic VoIP features for an affordable price without any bells and whistles. Grasshopper does not offer video conferencing.
Grasshopper focuses on simplicity and includes all of the essential VoIP features without any extras. Everything can be accessed through the Grasshopper VoIP app.
Grasshopper’s custom greetings feature allows users to record phone greetings that can be played when a customer calls, as a voicemail greeting or as an away message.
Grasshopper reporting tracks usage metrics such as average call length, details such as caller ID and activity metrics such as call type overview.
What We Like
- Instant response: Allows users to automatically send a text message to callers when their call can’t be answered
- Pricing: Grasshopper charges flat monthly fees instead of charging per user like most other VoIP apps, and starting at $14 per month it is very affordable
- Business texting: Grasshopper does charge a $19 (one time) initial set up fee and an extra $1.50/month for business texting, but beyond that, business texting is unlimited, which is a great value
What We Don’t Like
- Lack of web conferencing: Grasshopper does not offer video conferencing
- Limited phone numbers: Only 1-4 phone numbers are included in each plan and additional numbers are $9 per number
- Limited features: Grasshopper does not offer advanced features like skills-based routing, speech analytics, AI-powered transcripts, etc.
Pricing
Due its focus on small businesses, Grasshopper does not charge by the user, it instead charges a flat monthly fee and limits the number of phone lines and extensions according to the plan. Each plan includes all of the features that grasshopper offers. There are three plans ranging from $14 to $55 per month.
For more information, please see our detailed Grasshopper pricing guide.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 7 - Windows 10.
- Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) - macOS High Sierra (10.13)
- iOS 10.0 or later
- Android 5.0 Lollipop or later
Ooma Office
Ooma Office is a business phone system with over 50 essential VoIP features including video. Specializing in ease of use, Ooma’s platform can be up and running in minutes. All plans come with a free toll-free number.
Ooma’s VoIP app includes essential business communication features such as call forwarding, music on hold and intercom.
Ooma ring groups allow users to designate several phone numbers that will be alerted whenever a call comes in. This is especially helpful for customer support or sales teams. Users can choose whether an incoming call will ring all numbers in the ring group simultaneously or sequentially until the call is answered.
Due to its affordable prices, easy setup and lack of advanced features such as real-time analytics, Ooma is best for small businesses and SMBs.
What We Like
- Virtual receptionist: Enables users to create custom messages, route calls to extensions or ring groups, create menu options for different languages and add business hours
- Caller info match: Displays relevant caller details pulling from the company’s CRM as well as public information websites such as Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn
- Toll free minutes: All plans include an optional toll free number and 500 toll free minutes
What We Don’t Like
- Video conferencing capabilities: Whiteboard and video recording are only available in the highest pricing tier plans, and participants are limited to 100
- Customer support: No true live chat support, and phone support has limited hours
- Essentials plan is extremely limited: Essential plan users cannot make or receive calls using the Desktop app and the Essentials plan does not include any text messaging
Pricing
Ooma offers three pricing plans from $19.95 to $29.95 per user, per month. All pricing is month to month with no contract necessary. Pro and Pro Plus plans come with 250-1,000 text messages per month and users can purchase bulk SMS message bundles as an add-on.
For more information, please see our guide to Ooma Office pricing.
Supported Operating Systems
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- Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite (or later):
- Windows: Windows 10 and above
- iOS version 8.0 or later
- Android version 4.4 and later
Google Voice
Google Voice is a VoIP app that integrates seamlessly with additional Google Workspace tools (Google Docs, Google Meet, Google Sheets, etc.) to create a complete UCaaS solution. Google Voice users must have a Google Workspace plan to access Google Voice.
Google Voice’s auto-attendant or IVR feature enables users to customize call flows using an intuitive interface. Welcome messages can be added by using text-to-speech (with options for language, voice type and speed) or by adding a pre-recorded welcome message.
Due to its low prices, lack of advanced calling features and intuitive interface, Google Voice is the perfect option for small businesses, especially those already using other Google services such as Google Meet.
What We Like
- Analytics: Using BigQuery, users can analyze team members’ activity across all Google Workspace platforms and combine activity reports
- Multi-level auto attendant: Google Voice includes a customizable IVR system with ring groups and call forwarding rules
- Smart spam blocking: Google AI automatically blocks spam calls and transcribes voicemails, sending them in a text message
What We Don’t Like
- Limited features: Google Voice lacks advanced features such as video conferencing, team chat, and real time analytics
- Limited international calling: Although Google Voice is available in 14 countries, U.S. accounts only include calling in the US and Canada
- Integrations: Google Voice only integrates with a select few non-Google third party apps
Pricing
Google Voice offers three pricing plans from $10 to $30 per user, per month. Google Voice does not have any add-ons, but users can purchase a Google Workspace subscription which includes video conferencing and email, starting at $6 per user, per month. Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, is available for $20-$30 per user, per month.
For more information, see our hands-on review of Google Voice for business.
Supported Operating Systems
- Apple Mac
- Microsoft Windows
- Android (latest 2 versions)
- Apple iOS (latest 2 versions)
Prefer a Video Review? We've Got You
Why Businesses Switch to Using VoIP Apps
Most companies switch to a business VoIP phone because virtual phone systems are much more cost-effective than traditional landlines.
The price of a VoIP system is a tiny fraction of the cost of a landline. Phone lines are cheaper, long-distance and international calling costs are less, and equipment and maintenance costs are nearly non-existent (all you need is a strong Internet connection to get your VoIP phone service up and running.)
Additionally, VoIP offers more features than traditional telephony ever could, including such as video chat, real-time analytics, and AI-powered voice transcription.
Another benefit of VoIP is that it is incredibly easy to scale. Adding more employees doesn’t require more equipment, as employees can use VoIP apps on their own devices with a BYOD policy.
Finally, VoIP solutions are easily integrated with other third-party business software like CRM systems and team collaboration apps.
How to Choose The Best VoIP App
The VoIP app market is exploding–and therefore highly competitive.
The best VoIP app for your business will depend on the size of your business, your budget, and the features that you require and want.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- For advanced features: GoTo Connect offers a number of innovative features including customer surveys, SMS campaign templates, and whiteboarding
- For a flexible and customizable mobile app: Vonage allows companies to add on the features they need and build custom integrations with other apps
- For an “out of the box” solution: 8x8 offers a mobile friendly VoIP app that includes voice, text, messaging and video capabilities right out of the box
- For a secure solution: RingCentral is HIPAA and GDPR compliant with SSO, E2EE and MFA included for all users
- For an easy to use app: Dialpad is simple and straightforward with an extremely intuitive dashboard and UI
