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What is VoIP, and How Does it Work?
Voice Over Internet Protocol, VoIP, is a phone service that operates over the internet allowing anyone with an internet connection to make and receive calls.
Compared to a traditional telephone network, VoIP allows for a feature-rich communication experience equipping businesses with video and messaging all on the same platform.
VoIP works using IP-based networks instead of the PSTN (public switched telephone network) system used for traditional phone lines.
A VoIP system can make and receive calls through IP-based networks just like that of a traditional phone line. The difference is that it can also include multiple other features and desired integrations that streamline communication across teams and locations.
What to Consider When Choosing a VoIP Service
VoIP providers have quickly become a popular choice among small and large businesses for their functionality as multiple device communication platforms. The versatile solutions offered by VoIP providers allow sales, marketing, and customer service teams to increase productivity and efficiency, helping their businesses grow and thrive.
When searching for a VoIP provider that will fit seamlessly into your business, be sure to consider the following questions:
- What are the pricing and plans offered?
- Do they offer a mobile app?
- Do they integrate easily with existing applications, for example Salesforce?
- What are the call management features they offer?
- Do they offer customer support? In what form?
- Is their security system robust?
- Is there an opportunity for it to grow with your business?
- Do you need a VoIP softphone or SIP hardware?
Keep those questions in mind while you explore the list below, outlining the best business VoIP providers and phone services.
The Best Business VoIP Providers and Phone Services
Fastcall
What it does:
Fastcall is the VoIP solution for businesses that already incorporate Salesforce into their teams. Integrating directly with Salesforce, Fastcall improves your team’s communication over multiple channels including, phone, SMS, and video, from various devices.
With a five-star rating from reviews, Fastcall has many features that increase efficiency and maximize productivity. Equip your team in the office or remotely with this cutting-edge solution for phone and video communication.
Best for:
Fastcall is best for businesses that have already invested in Salesforce as their CRM platform. These businesses optimize their investment with Salesforce by integrating Fastcall.
Whether your business is large or small, Fastcall will improve your team’s efficiency by enhancing communication.
Pros:
- Includes phone, SMS messaging, AND video calling
- Excellent customer service
- User-friendly platform for easy integration into your team
- Purpose-built app for Salesforce has great reviews.
Cons:
- Only integrates with Salesforce
Pricing:
When you decide Fastcall is the VoIP platform for you, choose their annual pricing packages to save 20% compared to their monthly offers. With plans starting at $24/month/user, Fastcall focuses on affordability and quality.
Explore all pricing options here.
Intermedia Unite
What it does:
Intermedia Unite helps small teams build better internal and customer relationships by maximizing efficiency through multiple communications channels, including team chat, business phone, and video conferencing.
This VoIP software helps with administration and support tasks while also providing actionable insights into your business. Ensuring high-quality security, teams can trust Intermedia Unite to support their communication needs.
Best for:
Intermedia is best for smaller businesses that operate remotely. Great for startups looking for reliable VoIP communications software at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Helpful live chat support
- Cloud-based system for easy use
- Multiple channels of communication
Cons:
- The mobile app has limited features
- Limited call monitoring features
- Salesforce app has no reviews
Pricing:
Pricing for Intermedia begins at $27.99 for the Unite Pro package and $32.99 for the Unite Enterprise option.
Explore all pricing options here.
RingCentral
What it does:
RingCentral is a communication platform for businesses looking for messaging, video, and phone all-in-one. With a long list of helpful, innovative features, RingCentral makes communication throughout your team and with your customers a breeze.
RingCentral easily integrates with other software you may be using and comes with 24-hour support.
Best for:
RingCentral is great for businesses small and large that wish to enhance their communication platform. Whether your sales team needs optimizing or your customer service team is seeking support, RingCentral will help.
Pros:
- Free basic plan
- Cloud-based software
- 24-hour support
Cons:
- Complicated user interface
- Connection may glitch
- Salesforce reviews are mixed
Pricing:
RingCentral offers a free option for their basic features and then provides a pro pricing package priced at $11.99/user/mo.
Explore all pricing options here.
Dialpad
What it does:
DialPad is “so much more than a business phone” with a 100% uptime SLA; setting up new lines and departments is easier than ever. With features that include conversation insights, group messaging, voice recognition, and data integration, DialPad is making a splash in the market.
DialPad has everything businesses need looking for a communication platform that is affordable and offers optimal customer support.
Best for:
Dialpad is significant for small to midsize businesses looking for a web-based, iOS, Android, and desktop communication system.
Pros:
- Peer-to-peer HD Video
- Three-way calling feature
- Visual voicemail
Cons:
- Unfriendly user interface
- Accessibility is challenging
- There are a few critical reviews for the Salesfoce app “needs improvement”
Pricing:
DialPad is targeted at small to mid-sized businesses with affordable pricing starting at just $15/user/mo.
Explore all pricing options here.
8×8 X Series
What it does:
8×8 X Series is a communication software that includes a contact center, business phone, video meetings, and team chat features, optimizing your team’s communication.
If your businesses already operate with Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Google Workspace, or Zendesk, 8×8 X Series will integrate seamlessly, leaving your teams more time to focus on your business’s growth. All in all, 8×8 X Series is a dynamic platform that offers affordable pricing for any sized business.
Best for:
8×8 X Series will help with customer service teams, marketing, and sales teams alike, no matter how many people you have on your team.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Dynamic, useful features
- User-friendly platform and desktop
Cons:
- To schedule meetings, users will need a separate platform
- Importing contacts may glitch
- Most recent Salesforce review “Epic Failure”
Pricing:
8×8 X Series is outstanding for businesses looking for reliable communication software, starting at just $12/user/mo.
Explore all pricing options here.
Vonage Business Cloud
What it does:
Vonage Business cloud is a communication solution offering multiple integrations and customizations, allowing seamless integration into any team.
Vonage Business Cloud makes users pay extra for video conferencing, chat, and file-sharing; therefore, larger companies and businesses that have the money to invest in reliable software prefer it.
Best for:
Vonage business cloud is great for larger businesses that have the money to invest in an excellent communication platform. However, the lack of features in the basic, cheapest pricing package may not be worth the price for smaller companies.
Pros:
- No annual contract
- Multiple integration options
- Call announce feature
Cons:
- Minimal features in the basic plan
- Not has advanced compared to competitors
- Salesforce implementation can be pricey
Pricing:
When looking at Vonage Business Clouds pricing, users will first have to input the company’s number of employees. Pricing begins at $19.99/line/mo and reaches $39.99/line/mo.
Explore all pricing options here.
Ooma
What it does:
Ooma offers crystal-clear call quality and various plans guaranteed to meet any business’s needs and budget. With easy installation, your teams will appreciate a seamless integration with the software they already use.
Ooma offers features that track and block calls, allow users to view call history and a virtual receptionist. In addition, Ooma offers a great pricing plan for small businesses that includes unlimited calling to the US and Canada.
Best for:
For small and mid-sized businesses Ooma will deliver a communication platform that is reliable and wireless.
Pros:
- Low international rates
- Free number transfer
- 35 features to streamline productivity
Cons:
- Toll-free numbers cost extra
- Video conferencing and integrations only offered in higher plans
- No Salesforce app
Pricing:
Ooma offers two pricing packages: Ooma office at $19.95/mo/user and Ooma office pro at $24.95/mo/user.
Explore all pricing options here.
Nextiva
What it does:
Nextiva offers a versatile VoIP solution with excellent 24/7 customer support and training to help employees learn the ins and outs of the technology. In addition, Nextiva includes Cospace, a team messaging app that provides screen sharing, messaging, file uploading, and more.
Businesses appreciate Nextiva due to the guarantee of essential features that help optimize every team’s performance and grant more time to focus on growth, development, and closing more deals.
Best for:
Nextiva offers different communication solutions tailored to small businesses and more complex options for larger enterprises across all teams.
Pros:
- Reliable service
- Quality training along with 24/7 customer service
- Essential features to enhance efficiency
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Complicated pricing
- No Salesforce app
Pricing:
One of the significant aspects about Nextiva is the multiple pricing packages offered, guaranteed to fit your business’s needs. For example, the essential pricing package starts at only $18.95/user/mo, the professional package begins at $22.95/user/mo, the enterprise option is $32.95/user/mo, and the final package is the ultimate deal at $57.95/user/mo.
Explore all pricing options here.
Grasshopper
What it does:
Grasshopper is ideal for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs looking for cloud-based phone service to meet their basic communication needs with unlimited extensions.
Grasshopper offers video and audio conferencing through a third-party platform; therefore, if you decide Grasshopper is right for you, be sure to understand what they provide in their pricing packages.
Best for:
Grasshopper is for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses that are just starting and beginning to grow.
Pros:
- Great for micro-businesses
- Unlimited extensions
- Seven days free trial period
Cons:
- Video conferencing only available in higher priced packages
- Limited features
- No Salesforce app
Pricing:
It is made for small businesses at an affordable price, starting at only $26/mo. In addition, companies can save by purchasing a pricing plan billed annually.
Explore all pricing options here.
Microsoft 365 Business Voice
What it does:
Guaranteed, this is not the first time you have heard of Microsoft 365, but it may be the first time you hear about Microsoft 365 Business Voice. Microsoft has extended its suite of products to provide reliable communication software for in-office teams and remote teams alike.
Call, chat, and video from any device and collaborate seamlessly with Office apps, allowing users to connect their email and calendar quickly and efficiently.
Best for:
Microsoft has been in the business a long time; therefore, they have developed a communications platform that works best for all sized companies and any team.
Pros:
- Works seamlessly across all devices and platforms
- Multiple collaboration tools
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- The advanced spam filter may filter necessary emails
- Advanced compatibility only with Microsoft Windows programs
- Not for Salesforce
Pricing:
Microsoft 365 business starts at just $5/user/mo for their most basic pricing plan and $20/user/mo for their premium package. Companies looking for something in between can try the business standard package for $12.50/user/mo.
Explore all pricing options here.
Freshdesk Contact Center
What it does:
Freshdesk allows businesses to pick from two contact center solutions; an on-premises solution. In addition, all and a cloud-based solution. Both options include innovative features, including social media support, easy collaboration, analytics and reporting, and a self-service portal.
Empower your team to become more efficient with Freshdesk’s ability to track and measure progress providing real-time reports and metrics.
Best for:
Pros:
- Customizable reporting feature
- Easy configuration
- Great for remote workers
Cons:
- Limited support for physical devices
- Per-minute calling
Pricing:
A benefit to Freshdesk is their free starting package with unlimited agents. Once committed, try any of their other plans beginning at $24/agent/mo.
Explore all pricing options here.
Mitel MiCloud Connect
What it does:
Mitel MiCloud Connect’s key benefits are that employees can work from anywhere with apps and integrations that improve business intelligence and increase team productivity while enhancing customer experiences.
Features also include a softphone and web dialer, built-in VPN, and individual and group chat abilities.
Best for:
Mitel MiCloud Connect focuses on mid-sized to larger organizations helping them connect in the office and remote locations.
Pros:
- An extensive list of CRM integrations
- Great for remote workers
- Pricey packages
Cons:
- Limited reporting
- Higher costs than competitors
- Salesforce app has poor reviews
Pricing:
The essential pricing package that Mitel MiCloud Connect offers begins at $25.49/user/mo; we recommend reviewing their website for the complete list of pricing packages.
Explore all pricing options here.
Line2
What it does:
Line2 has small to mid-sized businesses in mind (SMB), offering a complete cloud-based business phone system that provides a reliable platform to communicate with customers and team members effortlessly.
Line2 offers excellent features contributing to an SMB’s growth, including multi-city phone numbers, worldwide calling, and custom greetings.
Best for:
Line2 is an excellent reliable option for all small and mid-sized businesses with smaller teams.
Pros:
- Easy setup
- Great for small teams
- Reliable VoIP service
Cons:
- Limited reporting
- No third-party integrations
- No video conferencing
Pricing:
They offer monthly and annual price plans starting at only $14.99/mo for a starter package and up to $24.99/mo for a business package. All pricing packages offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Explore all pricing options here.
Comcast
What it does:
Comcast Business offers businesses a fast internet and phone solution with smart add-ons to enhance your team’s productivity and contribute to your business’s growth.
One significant aspect of Comcast Business is the SecurityEdge feature, protecting devices from cybersecurity threats. Other features include multiple integrations, VoiceEdge Select, and Business VoiceEdge, providing seamless communication.
Best for:
Comcast Business is excellent for businesses of all sizes and offers unique plans for small businesses and enterprises.
Pros:
- Unlimited local calling
- Provides trunking devices
- Three cloud-based phone solutions
Cons:
- Video conferencing only through third-party apps
- No virtual phone system
- No Salesforce app
Pricing:
The pricing offered by Comcast business begins at $64.99/mo for 24 months with a 2-year agreement. We recommend looking at their website for all pricing packages and deals.
Explore all pricing options here.
GoToConnect
What it does:
GoToConnect is a cloud-based phone system that provides voice, video, and a contact center all on one software with features that include virtual voicemail, call forwarding, and screen sharing.
GoToConnect is part of GoTo’s business communication products including, GoToMeeting, GoToRoom, GoToTraining, and GoToWebinars.
Best for:
Mid-sized and larger businesses prefer GoToConnect. Sales and marketing teams benefit from seamless communication and high uptime.
Pros:
- Mobile app for iOS and Android
- Video conferencing
- Extensive features
Cons:
- Not recommended for small businesses
- No auto-dialing feature
Pricing:
GoToConnect offers pricing plans beginning at $24/user/mo and range up to $39/user/mo; check their website for all available options.
Explore all pricing options here.
Conclusion
Long story short, if your team already utilizes Salesforce, get the most out of your investment and sign up for Fastcall, the best communication solution for Salesforce users.
Fastcall is the #1 Salesforce native app for phone, SMS, and video, helping your sales and service teams enhance their productivity with robust features.
View their demo and try it for free today if you’re looking to revamp your team’s communication with Fastcall.
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