Powerful SIP softphone apps
Ideal for individuals looking for a better SIP softphone experience.
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Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) is typically more affordable and scalable than traditional landlines and is ready to accommodate remote workers. VoIP services also offer advanced features beyond what’s possible with a landline, like voicemail transcription or video conferencing.
However, cost and capabilities vary between providers, and a hastily made decision might result in an unsustainable monthly rate.
Small businesses need an affordable, feature-rich VoIP solution that lays the groundwork for lasting growth. Choosing the right VoIP phone service enables internal collaboration and professional external communication.
It’s crucial to take your time to weigh all the low-cost options and find the service that gives you everything you need without heavily increasing your operational costs. So, we’ve compiled a comprehensive breakdown of the seven best cheap VoIP phone services for small businesses.
| 8×8 | Grasshopper | Google Voice | Vonage | Phone.com | RingCentral | |
| Pricing (Base-Level) | $28/user/mo | $18/user | $10/user/mo* | $20/month/user | $15/user/mo | $30/user/mo |
| Features | Unlimited international calling in all plans, voice/video/text | Unlimited texting, toll-free number registration, and virtual faxes. | Affordable and fully integrated with Google Workspace. | Desktop and mobile app, SMS and MMS support in base-level plan | Strong security that meets compliance requirements. | Advanced integrations and API access are available with all plans. |
| Value Added | Well-rounded features for new and growing businesses. | Ideal for solo businesses or small businesses due to its simplified features. | Low-cost plans are available for those already using Workspace or who want to use it. | Ideal for SMS marketing and communications with advanced features available. | Secure mobile and web apps with HIPAA-compliant video conferencing. | Ready to fit into your tech stack with ready-made integrations and API access. |
| Rating | 2.0/5 | 1.5/5 | 3.0/5** | 4.3/5 | 1.5/5 | 2.4/5 |
*Requires Google Workspace plan
**For Google overall, Trustpilot lacks a Google Voice page
While these services cater to businesses, individuals have unique needs too. Groundwire offers a robust SIP client for personal use, compatible with various VoIP services. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for your communication needs – versatile, reliable, and always ready when you need it.
Ideal for individuals looking for a better SIP softphone experience.
8×8 isn’t the least expensive choice on our list, but for many small businesses, the well-rounded features can give you everything you need for internal and external communication.
The plans are still affordable and offer savings for annual subscriptions, earning it a spot on this list. Depending on the tier, plans range from $28 to $57 per user per month, with a 25% savings for annual plans.
The service offers everything a company needs from the very beginning to the enterprise level, but you may end up paying for more features than you end up using.
8×8 has a 2.0/5 rating on Trustpilot.
8×8 offers the core features businesses need and the ability to upgrade to advanced features as the business grows. A few of these key features are:
Most VoIP services include unlimited domestic calling but have varying fee structures for international calling. With 8×8, the base level plan offers unlimited domestic calling, which is typical for VoIP providers, but also includes unlimited international voice calls to 14 countries. The second tier plan expands this to 48 countries.
However, small businesses that don’t need international calling may pay more, even for the base-level plan, for this feature compared to other service providers. Make sure you need international calling now or shortly.
The second tier plan and higher include capabilities that may otherwise be out of reach for small businesses. Supervisor analytics, a monitor, and a purpose-built 8×8 front desk for receptionists are all available on the second plan.
The rest of the plans unlock increasingly advanced capabilities, such as speech and text analytics, omni-channel support, skill-based routing, and call recording. Small businesses who expect to need these features shortly may benefit from starting on the lower plans and then upgrading when necessary.
The company does not offer a self-service setup, as many plans involve custom pricing based on your needs. After exploring the different tiers, you can get started by requesting a quote.
Grasshopper focuses on giving you and your team unique VoIP numbers, which can be localized, vanity, or toll-free, while primarily using existing cell service to make and receive calls. However, it earns a spot on this list by still offering VoIP and WiFi calling, making it a fully-fledged VoIP service.
Grasshopper’s plans start at $18 for one user, but unlike other options, the second and their tiers have a flat rate for unlimited users. The highest plan costs $70 and includes four phone numbers, as well as unlimited extensions. Annual plans offer a 20% savings.
Due to treating users differently than other options, Grasshopper can be a great choice for small teams. However, companies that reach the enterprise level will most likely need to change providers at that point.
Grasshopper has a 1.5/5 rating on Trustpilot.
Grasshopper’s plans start with a bare-bones True Solo plan for brand-new businesses, which can be upgraded to Solo Plus as the business grows. Many businesses will have everything they need at that level. The company’s plans have the following key features:
Grasshopper’s focus is on allowing you to register a new number for business use, making it ideal for solo, small businesses and those with a small team. By default, the service uses your own cell service rather than its own, which can be both a benefit and a drawback, depending on your needs.
The service still offers VoIP and WiFi calling, making it a true VoIP service, but the company is clear that it’s more focused on giving you a separate number for your business. However, Grasshopper’s rates are among the lowest available, which can be a great tradeoff for some businesses.
Due to Grasshopper’s focus on using existing cell service to make and receive calls by default, the company has embraced a mobile-first design at every step. The app offers a familiar and seamless design to help you manage your business and personal life on the same device while clearly keeping them separate.
The company also offers a fully-featured desktop app, allowing users to take calls wherever they are. However, if you’re looking for more of a backend service to integrate with existing apps, Grasshopper may not be the best choice.
Grasshopper offers a self-service checkout, bypassing the usual demo, so you can quickly get started with your new number and app. Get started by choosing the right plan for you, downloading the app, and starting to use your new number.
Google’s seeming omnipresence in tech includes a surprisingly affordable VoIP service. Google Voice is available for consumers and businesses, with the business plans having everything you need to get up and running and then stay with them as you grow.
Plans begin at $10 per user per month, and the highest tier is $30 per user per month, making the service one of the most cost-effective options to explore. There is no discount for annual plans.
However, there is one important caveat: you’ll need a Google Workspace account, which runs $12 per user per month with a one-year commitment, although other plans are available. Combined, this makes Google Voice closer to other options. It’s well worth considering Voice for small businesses already using Workspace or want to switch to it.
Google has a 3.0/5 rating on Trustpilot but lacks a dedicated rating for Google Voice.
Google Voice aims to accommodate small businesses and enterprise users alike, making it a strong choice for new businesses ready to grow. Key features of the service include:
If you’re already using Workspace, it’s hard to beat $10 per user alongside the integration with other services you use, such as Calendar or Docs. However, the requirement of Workspace may be off-putting for other small businesses, bringing the costs up to par with many other options.
You’ll have to consider whether you can replace other platforms with Workspace or integrate the platform with your operation in new ways. Ultimately, while the cheapest cost isn’t as upfront as we might like, it’s still an interesting and affordable choice.
Google Voice works anywhere you are, with a secure mobile app and web app ready to help your teams make or receive calls. The service can also be integrated with desk phones and offers API integrations to sidestep or complement the apps with all but the lowest tier plan.
Your first step with Google Voice is getting set up with Google Workspace. Once you’ve chosen your plan and moved through the self-service registration, you’re then ready to get set up with Google Voice.
Vonage is one of the original VoIP providers that helped popularize the service and push the technology forward to make it a viable alternative to traditional options. The company also offers contact center plans along with communications APIs, each offering custom pricing based on usage.
The base level of Vonage’s unified communications platform starts at $20 per month per line, with the highest plan running at $40.
Vonage for Business has a 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot.
Vonage’s basic plan gives you everything you need to get started, but you’ll most likely need to upgrade as the business grows.
Vonage was one of the original VoIP services that showcased the technology as a viable alternative to landlines, and they’re still in the industry with several different services for businesses.
However, depending on your needs, you may end up paying for capabilities you don’t need and won’t use, even on the lowest-tier plan. For contact centers or other businesses that expect high call volume, Vonage can be a great choice.
You can upgrade your service plan as necessary, and Vonage is ready to equip you with advanced capabilities that can help certain types of businesses reach the next level of growth. The company can be a long-term telecom partner, provided the cost works for you now and in the future.
Getting set up with Vonage begins by booking a demo, making sure their services are the right fit for your business, and going through the onboarding process.
Phone.com is another long-time name in the VoIP industry and offers affordable plans with a high degree of security. For healthcare and financial services, Phone.com helps protect your compliance standing and prevent cyber attacks.
The company’s basic plan starts at $15 per user per month, with the highest tier costing $32 per user per month. Phone.com offers a 15% savings on annual plans.
Something unique about Phone.com’s plans is your ability to mix and match user plans, giving you more control over paying for only what you need.
Phone.com has a 1.5/5 rating on Trustpilot.
Phone.com offers some restrictions compared to other providers, such as a shared number and minutes on the lowest plan. Still, the service offers the primary features you expect with a few advanced capabilities:
The company advertises HIPAA-compliant services at every level, which gives it a significant advantage over other options for healthcare providers. For other industries, this high level of security is still likely to help safeguard your compliance standing and avoid a successful cyber attack.
The ability to choose specific plans for individual users gives you a granular level of control over your total bill. Some employees may only need the base-level plan, while managers require the highest-level plan for its capabilities.
Keep this in mind when making your decision. Other service providers don’t offer this utility, but for some businesses, it can save a significant amount of money on your monthly bill.
You can get set up without the need for a demo via Phone.com’s self-service portal. Begin at the pricing page, select how many users you’ll need throughout the available plans, and proceed through the checkout process. Complete the new customer onboarding process, and you’ll be ready to start using your new services.
RingCentral offers advanced capabilities and integrations at the base-level plan, and you can easily upgrade to higher-level plans as your business grows. Double-check available integrations first, but most likely, you’ll be able to integrate the service into other platforms you already use.
Plans begin at $30 per user per month, with the highest tier costing $45 per user per month. Annual plans offer a 33% savings on all plans. Be aware that once you reach 100 users, RingCentral offers custom pricing.
RingCental has a 2.4/5 rating on Trustpilot.
RingEX, the specific service for phone systems, begins with a feature-rich Core plan with advanced capabilities available for higher tiers.
The company’s services have more advanced features at the base level than other options, such as an IVR and real-time QoS monitoring. Stepping up to higher tiers allows for even more utilities that many businesses will appreciate, like call recording and internet faxing.
However, when considering costs, you may end up paying for capabilities you don’t use. Make sure you’ll use these features before getting started.
The base-level plan offers integrations with popular collaborative tools, like Google and Microsoft, alongside API access. If you use Teams or Workspace, this plan also enables your teams to start working collaboratively.
CRM integration goes far in working with external partners, clients, or customers. You’ll be able to see available data in the CRM and seamlessly call them or jump into video conferences.
RingCentral has a self-service portal so you can choose the right plan for your organization and get set up immediately. You can also reach out to a sales expert if you have specific questions about the service.
We’ve explored several options, but there are plenty of other VoIP phone services out there as well — how can you navigate the maze of options to find the right choice for your business? Let’s break down how to match your requirements with possible vendors to hone in on the right choice.
Before you dive deeper into different service providers, start by focusing on pricing and plans. You’ll eliminate options that are simply out of your price range before you continue.
Most service providers charge per user per month or per year, so begin by evaluating how many users you’ll need immediately and in the near future. Put more weight on your present needs, as your future plans may take longer than you’d like, and avoid paying too much for features you won’t use.
What specific features are mandatory? Make a list of what’s crucial for your business, like HIPAA-compliant services or specific integrations, to start eliminating possible options.
You can safely assume basic voice features will be included but still double-check if they’re mission-critical, like the ability to do warm transfers.
As for advanced features, like call recording, you can quickly eliminate base-level plans and then focus on what’s available at the higher tiers. From there, return to costs and find the best value for your dollar.
Scalability is a balance between costs and capabilities, most importantly, the amount of users you can accommodate. Ideally, as your business grows, your telecom bill won’t directly affect your growth. For example, ideally, a 10x increase in revenue won’t create a 10x increase in telecom costs.
Evaluate how the platform integrates with your tech stack, costs per user, and other moving pieces unique to your organization to make sure you can scale effectively.
For businesses looking to take their VoIP offerings to the next level, consider a white-label softphone solution. Cloud Softphone allows you to create a branded VoIP experience tailored to your clients’ needs. It’s not just about scaling – it’s about crafting a communication ecosystem that truly represents your brand.
Create a custom white-label softphone with Cloud Softphone.
Even if everything else is perfect for your needs, lackluster customer support can cause minor issues and business-impacting problems. 24/7 support and rapid resolutions to problems are critical to maintaining your ability to communicate with customers, partners, and internally.
How can you gauge support? Reviews can go far in shedding light on experiences you might have. Pay attention to more recent reviews, as things may have changed from years-old reviews. If bad customer service is a recurring theme, it might be worth moving on to the next potential VoIP service provider.
A decade ago, there weren’t very many VoIP platforms that could replace traditional options for businesses. Now, there is a wide variety of options that are well beyond the ones we’ve explored above.
Choosing a VoIP service provider is an important decision, and it’s wise to take the time you need to consider features, costs, scalability, and your own needs for every potential partner. Ideally, you’ll find a VoIP partner that meets your current and future needs.
The core difference between VoIP and traditional phone systems is the ability of VoIP to use an Internet connection rather than requiring dedicated lines and infrastructure.
A commercial Internet connection will be ready for small businesses to handle VoIP traffic.
Various advanced capabilities are built on top of this Internet-based communication method, like texting, file sharing, and video conferencing.
An Internet connection for VoIP must have a high upload speed and uptime rating.
Small businesses will most likely be fine with a standard commercial connection, but they may need to upgrade their plans as the business grows.
Organizations with a high call volume may have specialized networking needs, such as contact centers, which is something to keep in mind for these types of businesses.
VoIP services leverage leading-edge technologies to secure both user accounts and communication data. Most businesses will have the right level of security with any of the providers we’ve explored.
However, be aware of any compliance requirements affecting your industry or region.
Healthcare and financial services are often under higher regulatory scrutiny and a higher volume of cyber attacks — so make sure your chosen provider will protect your compliance.
Yes, you can port numbers between VoIP and traditional providers and between two VoIP providers.
In many countries, the ability to port numbers is legally required, and it’s otherwise necessary to remain competitive.
You own the number and can use it with any provider you like, even if it began as a landline number.
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