--- title: "Best Business Phone Systems Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Business Phone Service Providers Software for your organization. Compare top Business Phone Service Providers Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Business Phone Systems Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Business Phone Systems Software of 2026 Updated November 9, 2026 ## Business Phone Systems FAQs Software Advice advisors had 370 conversations with buyers about Business Phone Systems software between January 2025 and July 2026. These are the questions that came up most. - How do I choose the right Business Phone Systems software for my business? Choosing the right business phone systems software starts with listing must-have features like call routing, voicemail, call recording, and SMS messaging, since a common theme in these conversations is buyers needing these to manage everyday calls. Buyers frequently mention the importance of integration with other tools, separating business from personal numbers, and the ability to use computers as phones. Cost is a key factor, with many buyers weighing per-user or flat monthly fees and watching for rising expenses. A common sticking point is migrating from legacy hardware and ensuring the new system can handle auto attendants and call transfers smoothly, so teams often ask about cloud options and reliability before deciding. - What is the best Business Phone Systems software for a small to mid-size business? There is no single business phone system tool that fits every small or midsize business, but buyers we've talked to look for options that clearly separate business from personal calls, support call recording, routing, and transfer, and include features like SMS messaging, voicemail, and an automated attendant. Teams often need a tool that works with existing computers as softphones and can handle migration away from older analog setups. Many buyers also focus on finding a system with reliable uptime and integrations with their other software, since friction often comes from crashes, limited integrations, or trouble managing voicemail and menus. Cost is a key consideration, as high or rising pricing is a common sticking point for small and midsize businesses comparing solutions. Answer based on 285 advisor calls - What should businesses watch out for when choosing Business Phone Systems software? Businesses should look out for rising costs, integration limits with other tools, and call routing challenges when choosing business phone systems software. During advisor calls, buyers in health care often mention trouble connecting the system with other programs, while public and nonprofit organizations highlight issues with call routing and auto attendants. Many buyers are moving away from legacy analog hardware, which can bring migration challenges. Most buyers in this category are small businesses, and nearly all ask about cloud-based deployment options. Answer based on 314 advisor calls - What are common complaints about Business Phone Systems software? Buyers most often mention overall dissatisfaction with business phone software when speaking with our advisors. High or increasing costs are a frequent pain point, especially for organizations scaling up or managing many lines. Many buyers also face challenges moving away from legacy hardware or analog systems. Other common themes include trouble separating personal and business numbers, difficulties managing voicemail or auto attendant menus, and limited integration with other tools. Issues with call routing, forwarding, or transferring, as well as reliability concerns like crashes or bugs, also come up in advisor calls. Answer based on 237 advisor calls - What should I look for when comparing Business Phone Systems software options? When comparing business phone systems, advisor-call conversations show that teams often focus on call routing, call recording, SMS messaging, voicemail, automated attendants, automatic call distribution, call transfer, and softphone capabilities. Many buyers also weigh how well a tool separates business and personal numbers, handles voicemail and auto attendant management, and integrates with other software. Friction around legacy hardware migration, high or increasing costs, and reliability concerns are frequent considerations. Call routing and transfer limitations come up often as a sticking point, especially for teams looking to improve customer experience or internal communication. Answer based on 314 advisor calls - Can Business Phone Systems software integrate with other platforms used in the business? Yes, business phone systems software can connect to Microsoft Teams, which buyers frequently mention in advisor calls as a priority. Some users want to handle calls directly within Microsoft Teams to keep communication in one place. Answer based on 13 advisor calls - How does Business Phone Systems software handle its core workflows and key processes? Business phone system software, according to buyers our advisors talk to, manages core workflows like call routing, voicemail, call recording, and SMS messaging from a single platform. Buyers frequently mention using automated attendants and automatic call distribution to direct calls to the right team or extension, while features like softphone access let employees make calls from computers instead of desk phones. Many buyers also look for call transfer and voicemail tools to handle missed calls or route conversations internally. A common sticking point is limited integration with other tools, along with frustrations over managing legacy hardware or separating personal from business numbers. Answer based on 314 advisor calls - How much does Business Phone Systems software cost? Most teams pay for business phone tools either as a flat monthly fee or per user per month, according to our advisors, buyers most often discuss per-user pricing that usually falls between $20 and $25 per month. Flat rates are also common, with a median around $30 per month and options ranging from $20 to $110. Some buyers encounter a one-time setup fee, typically between $275 and $500. Small businesses tend to land near $20 per user monthly, while midsize teams are quoted closer to $28 per user. Answer based on 297 advisor calls - What features should Business Phone Systems software include? Features buyers frequently tell our advisors that they need in business phone systems include call routing, voicemail, and automatic call distribution to manage incoming calls efficiently. Call recording, call transcription, and SMS messaging are also often requested for tracking communication and quality assurance. Many buyers mention automated attendants and call transfer as priorities for handling caller needs without a live receptionist. Conference calling, fax management, outbound call center features, and softphone options for making calls from computers are commonly discussed as well. Answer based on 278 advisor calls - What is Business Phone Systems software and what does it do? Business phone systems software connects incoming and outgoing calls for organizations using a mix of phone lines, internet, and automated tools, based on advisor calls. It handles tasks like routing calls to the right person or group, recording conversations, managing voicemail, sending SMS messages, and letting staff use their computers as phones. The software often includes features such as automated attendants, call transfer, and distributing calls across teams to help businesses manage customer communication efficiently. Answer based on 255 advisor calls On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Frequently Asked Questions 5. Related Software Filter products 155 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 155 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Ultatel Cloud Business Phone System](/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 41 - Starting price: $18.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ULTATEL enables people to work together and get the information they need to do their best work, anywhere they are. Our cloud platform brings together phone, video, messaging, [Read more](/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Call Transcription: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Call Conferencing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Communication Management: 3/5 - Collaboration Tools: 3/5 - Online Voice Transmission: 3.4/5 [See all features](/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Essential - Price: $18.00/month - Ideal for: Teams & businesses needing reliable, high-quality calling with core AI insights like ##### Premium - Price: $24.00/month - Ideal for: Businesses seeking robust collaboration tools, deeper call intelligence through a broader ##### Ultimate - Price: $34.00/month - Ideal for: Organizations requiring the most advanced AI capabilities for comprehensive [See full pricing details](/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Dialpad Connect](/voip/dialpad-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 572 - Starting price: $27.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Dialpad is the AI-native platform for customer experience, built to connect conversations, intelligence, and action across the entire enterprise, not just add AI features onto a [Read more](/voip/dialpad-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible business phone features - Intuitive and user-friendly design - Unified device connectivity options ##### To take in mind - Reliability and call handling issues - Slow and unresponsive assistance - Hidden fees and unclear costs #### Features ##### Best rated features - Live Chat: 5/5 - Call Conferencing: 5/5 - Call Queues: 5/5 - Recording: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Call Scheduling: 1/5 - AI/Machine Learning: 1/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 1/5 [See all features](/voip/dialpad-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $27.00/month - For businesses with upto 10 users ##### Pro - Price: $35.00/month - For SMEs with upto 11-99 users ##### Enterprise - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - For enterprises with 100+ users [See full pricing details](/voip/dialpad-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Ringover](/voip/ringover-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 893 - Starting price: $29.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Ringover is the no.1 business phone system that gives you unlimited calls to 110 countries, video conferencing, SMS and group messaging, call recording, call whispering and more [Read more](/voip/ringover-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive call tracking features - Intuitive and user-friendly interface - Responsive and helpful support team ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent audio and device issues - Occasional lag and slow response - Frequent connectivity interruptions #### Features ##### Best rated features - Call Scheduling: 5/5 - SIP Trunking: 5/5 - Contact Database: 5/5 - Employee Directory: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Monitoring: 2.8/5 - Call Tagging: 3/5 [See all features](/voip/ringover-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Smart - Price: $29.00/month - This plan provides all-in-one calls, video & chat. ##### Power - Price: $54.00/month - This plan offers analytics, productivity and integrations. ##### Advanced - Price: $64.00/month [See full pricing details](/voip/ringover-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [DialedIn CCaaS](/call-center/chasedata-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 338 - Starting price: $25.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview DialedIn is a cloud-based Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) solution designed to optimize outbound, inbound, and blended call center operations for businesses of every size and [Read more](/call-center/chasedata-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Agent Interface: 5/5 - Automated Routing: 5/5 - Data Management: 5/5 - List Management: 5/5 [See all features](/call-center/chasedata-profile/#key-features) --- ### [VoIP.ms](/voip/voipms-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 698 - Starting price: $1.10/month - Best for: VoIP Connection - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview VoIP.ms is a cloud-based internet phone service solution designed to help businesses manage local, mobile and toll-free number portability across Canada and United States. Key [Read more](/voip/voipms-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support team - Cost-effective and flexible plans - Flexible setup with helpful guidance ##### To take in mind - Call reliability and management issues - Vulnerability to service disruptions - Limited and unreliable SMS functionality #### Features ##### Best rated features - SIP Trunking: 5/5 - Video Conferencing: 5/5 - VoIP Connection: 4.8/5 - IVR: 4.8/5 [See all features](/voip/voipms-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Telnyx Suite](/voip/telnyx-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 196 - Starting price: $1.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Telnyx Suite is a comprehensive cloud communication platform that provides communication capabilities via voice, SMS, fax, and IP services. Telnyx provides global high-speed [Read more](/voip/telnyx-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Reminders: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - VoIP: 5/5 - Fax Management: 5/5 [See all features](/voip/telnyx-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $1.00/month [See full pricing details](/voip/telnyx-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [VoIPstudio](/contact-center/voipstudio-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 56 - Starting price: $6.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview VoIPstudio is a cloud-based call center management solution designed for businesses of all sizes. It offers features that include automatic call distribution (ACD), interactive [Read more](/contact-center/voipstudio-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Real-Time Analytics: 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 - Fax Management: 5/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Online Voice Transmission: 1/5 - Call Logging: 3.8/5 - API: 4/5 [See all features](/contact-center/voipstudio-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### VoIPstudio - Price: $6.00/month - Start a free 30-day trial today, no credit card required. [See full pricing details](/contact-center/voipstudio-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Spoke](/voip/spoke-phone-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 56 - Starting price: $15.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Spoke is the leading platform for high-value, complex, and regulated conversations. Spoke guides employees to say and collect the right things so deals move forward and customers [Read more](/voip/spoke-phone-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Automatic Call Distribution: 5/5 - VoIP Connection: 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 - Computer Telephony Integration: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Call List Management: 3/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 3.5/5 [See all features](/voip/spoke-phone-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $15.00/month - The plan requires a Twilio account. ##### Pro CX - Price: $35.00/month - The plan requires a Twilio account. [See full pricing details](/voip/spoke-phone-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Kixie PowerCall & SMS](/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 295 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Kixie PowerCall and SMS is a sales engagement platform that helps inside sales, sales development, and business development teams at small and mid-sized businesses manage calls, [Read more](/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - SIP Trunking: 5/5 - Sales Activity Management: 5/5 - Call Queues: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Automatic Outbound Dialer: 1/5 - Call Conferencing: 3/5 - Call Scheduling: 3/5 [See all features](/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Integrated - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Professional - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Outbound PowerDialer - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Global Call Forwarding](/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 54 - Starting price: $7.95/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Global Call Forwarding is a provider of toll-free, international, and local phone numbers. Buy virtual phone numbers from more than 160 countries globally. Forward incoming calls [Read more](/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - CRM: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - Contact Management: 5/5 - Call Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Contact Database: 4/5 [See all features](/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $7.95/month [See full pricing details](/voip/global-call-forwarding-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [VirtualPBX](/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 38 - Starting price: $15.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview VirtualPBX gives you a complete business phone system for $15/user/month with every feature already included. No confusing plans. No feature gates. No surprises. Just smarter voice [Read more](/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Chat/Messaging: 5/5 - Online Voice Transmission: 5/5 - Call List Management: 5/5 - Sentiment Analysis: 5/5 [See all features](/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Smarter Voice - Price: $15.00/month [See full pricing details](/digital-workplace/virtualpbx-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [OnSIP](/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 78 - Starting price: $18.95/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview OnSIP Hosted OnSIP Hosted VoIP by Junction Networks is a cloud-based phone solution that offers businesses across various industry verticals PBX feature such as auto attendants and [Read more](/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Contact Database: 5/5 - Call Logging: 5/5 - Queue Management: 5/5 - Online Voice Transmission: 5/5 [See all features](/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $49.95/month - Built for users with a lower call volume ##### Unlimited - Price: $18.95/month - All-in-one business phone system with free desk phones [See full pricing details](/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Unitel Voice](/voip/unitel-voice-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 70 - Starting price: $9.99/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Unitel Voice is the business builder's phone system. It lets you run your business from anywhere using any device. Easy to set up and use. Backed by amazing customer support that [Read more](/voip/unitel-voice-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Video Conferencing: 5/5 - Call Conferencing: 5/5 - PBX: 5/5 - Virtual Call Center: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - SMS Messaging: 3.8/5 - Fax Management: 4/5 [See all features](/voip/unitel-voice-profile/#key-features) --- ### [AVOXI](/voip/avoxi-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 59 - Starting price: $0.00 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AVOXI is a global communications provider specializing in cloud-based contact center and virtual number solutions. Their platform is designed to enhance customer engagement and [Read more](/voip/avoxi-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Role-Based Permissions: 5/5 - Real-Time Reporting: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Call Reporting: 5/5 [See all features](/voip/avoxi-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Launch - Price: $0.00 - This is a free plan that starts at $0. ##### Contact - Price: $19.99 - Advanced analytic plan that starts at $19.99 per user. ##### Engaged Enterprise - Price: $39.99 - Management plan that starts at $39.99 per user. [See full pricing details](/voip/avoxi-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [CommPeak VoIP Service](/voip/commpeak-voip-service-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 59 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CommPeak’s VoIP service supports global businesses and contact centers that manage high call volumes and need consistent call quality. Combining Tier 1 global routing, flexible [Read more](/voip/commpeak-voip-service-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Call Center Management: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 [See all features](/voip/commpeak-voip-service-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Plan - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Pricing not available [See full pricing details](/voip/commpeak-voip-service-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Zoom Phone](/voip/zoom-phone-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 246 - Starting price: $10.00/month - Best for: Video Conferencing - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Zoom Phone is a VoIP solution designed to help businesses in education, finance, healthcare and government sectors connect and communicate with team members on a unified interface. [Read more](/voip/zoom-phone-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - PBX: 5/5 - Computer Telephony Integration: 5/5 - Virtual Call Center: 4.8/5 - Conferencing: 4.8/5 ##### Worst rated features - Contact Management: 2.8/5 - Multi-Channel Communication: 3/5 - SIP Trunking: 3.6/5 - IVR: 3.7/5 [See all features](/voip/zoom-phone-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### US and Canada Metered - Price: $10.00/month - Pay as you go. ##### US and Canada Unlimited - Price: $15.00/month - Unlimited regional calling. ##### Global Select - Price: $20.00/month - Choose from 40+ countries and territory. [See full pricing details](/voip/zoom-phone-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Intulse](/voip/intulse-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 132 - Starting price: $34.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Intulse is a cloud-based VoIP service for small and midsize businesses. Key cloud VoIP features include conference calls, call transfers, custom hold music, interactive voice [Read more](/voip/intulse-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Caller ID: 5/5 - Call Conferencing: 5/5 - Contact Management: 5/5 - Unified Communications: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Automated Attendant: 4/5 - Automatic Call Distribution: 4/5 - Call Logging: 4/5 - Chat/Messaging: 4/5 [See all features](/voip/intulse-profile/#key-features) --- ### [CloudTalk](/voip/cloudtalk-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 271 - Starting price: $19.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CloudTalk is an AI-powered, cloud-based call center solution designed for modern sales and customer support teams. It simplifies both inbound and outbound communication by bringing [Read more](/voip/cloudtalk-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Conversion Tracking: 5/5 - Unified Communications: 5/5 - Automated Routing: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 [See all features](/voip/cloudtalk-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Lite - Price: $19.00/month ##### Essential - Price: $29.00/month ##### Expert - Price: $49.00/month - Get this plan at 50$/month with annual subscription. [See full pricing details](/voip/cloudtalk-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [PiPcall](/voip/pipcall-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 12 - Starting price: £15.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PiPcall Mobile+ is a business phone system for field, frontline and deskless workforces. Unlike VoIP phone systems, which carry calls over WiFi or mobile data, Mobile+ carries [Read more](/voip/pipcall-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Voice Mail: 5/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 5/5 - Online Voice Transmission: 5/5 - Caller ID: 5/5 [See all features](/voip/pipcall-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Mobile+ - Price: £15.00/month [See full pricing details](/voip/pipcall-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Weave](/product/158992-Weave/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 708 - Starting price: $199.00/month - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Weave is a communication platform designed for small businesses that combines a phone system and communication tools to automate tasks, keep schedules full, get paid faster, and [Read more](/product/158992-Weave/) ##### What users love - Centralized patient communication tools - User-friendly interface for all - Automated reminders reduce no-shows ##### To take in mind - Unreliable phone system performance - Slow and inconsistent support response - Missing and incomplete functionalities #### Features ##### Best rated features - Email Management: 5/5 - Call Logging: 5/5 - Client Database: 5/5 - Online Payments: 5/5 [See all features](/product/158992-Weave/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Weave Pricing - Price: $199.00/month - Weave offers packages starting at $199 per month and include services by location. [See full pricing details](/product/158992-Weave/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [RingByName](/call-center/ringbyname-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 69 - Starting price: $28.95/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview RingByName is a cloud-based phone and VOIP service provider that offers e-fax, teleconferencing tools, note sharing, customer relationship management (CRM) features, scheduling, [Read more](/call-center/ringbyname-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Interaction Tracking: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 [See all features](/call-center/ringbyname-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Monster VoIP](/voip/monster-voip-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 44 - Starting price: $27.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Monster VoIP is a Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solution that helps voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) providers streamline client interactions by leveraging various [Read more](/voip/monster-voip-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 - VoIP Connection: 5/5 - Call Recording: 5/5 - Archiving & Retention: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Alerts/Notifications: 4/5 - Online Voice Transmission: 4/5 [See all features](/voip/monster-voip-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $27.00/month - The plan is also available on a yearly basis. [See full pricing details](/voip/monster-voip-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [TalkChief](/call-center/talkchief-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 18 - Starting price: $8.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TalkChief isn't just a business phone system; it's your partner in enhancing communication for call centers, startups, enterprises, and nonprofits. Designed to simplify [Read more](/call-center/talkchief-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Softphone: 5/5 - Call Conferencing: 5/5 - Employee Activity Monitoring: 5/5 - Multi-Channel Management: 5/5 [See all features](/call-center/talkchief-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Essential - Price: $8.00/month - All what your startup need to start making calls ##### Growth - Price: $13.00/month - A flexible voice solution that fits modern business needs ##### Professional - Price: $17.00 - Advanced solution to boost productivity and performance [See full pricing details](/call-center/talkchief-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Nextiva](/product/2683-Nextiva/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 931 - Starting price: $25.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Nextiva is a cloud-based communication and customer experience platform that helps businesses of all sizes manage calls, messaging, and customer interactions in one place. It [Read more](/product/2683-Nextiva/) ##### What users love - Flexible business phone solutions - Responsive and knowledgeable assistance - Intuitive and accessible platform ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent call reliability issues - Clunky and unintuitive navigation - Complex and confusing administration #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Analysis Tools: 5/5 - Virtual Extensions: 5/5 - Multi-Channel Distribution: 5/5 - Agent Interface: 5/5 [See all features](/product/2683-Nextiva/#key-features) --- ### [Callture](/voip/callture-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 32 - Starting price: $24.50/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CALLTURE Communications is a cloud-based phone service that helps business and residential users to communicate with their staff and clients via phone, email, chat, video and text [Read more](/voip/callture-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - VoIP: 5/5 - Call Monitoring: 5/5 - IVR: 5/5 - Computer Telephony Integration: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Caller ID: 1/5 - Video Conferencing: 1/5 - Mobile Access: 3/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 3/5 [See all features](/voip/callture-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $24.50/month [See full pricing details](/voip/callture-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=6)[7](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/business-phone-service-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=7) ## Popular Comparisons [ 800.com vs RingEX ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/800-com-profile/vs/office/)[ Ringover vs Nextiva ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/2683-Nextiva/vs/120988-ringover/)[ 3CX vs VoIP.ms ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/3cx-phone-system-profile/vs/voipms/)[ Ooma Office vs Dialpad Connect ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/dialpad-profile/vs/ooma-office/)[ DialedIn CCaaS vs Aircall ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/aircall-profile/vs/chasedata/)[ Zoom Phone vs 8x8 Work ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/8x8-x-series-profile/vs/zoom-phone/)[ LiveAgent vs CloudTalk ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/vs/liveagent/) ## Your Guide to Top Business Phone Systems Software, October 2024 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Business Phone Systems products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [Nextiva](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/2683-Nextiva/) - [VoIP.ms](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/voipms-profile/) - [Callture](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/callture-profile/) - [Nextiva Contact Center](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/20035-Nextiva-Call-Center/) - [Ringover](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ringover-profile/) - [Kixie PowerCall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/kixie-powercall-profile/) - [Rinkel](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/rinkel-profile/) - [XCALLY](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/xcally-profile/) - [Weave](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/158992-Weave/) - [ULTATEL Cloud Business Phone System](https://www.softwareadvice.com/screen-sharing/clarity-business-phone-system-profile/) - [OnSIP](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/onsip-hosted-voip-profile/) - [UniTel Voice](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/unitel-voice-profile/) - [smrtPhone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/smrtphone-profile/) - [Acefone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/cloud-communication/acefone-profile/) - [RingByName](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/ringbyname-profile/) - [Ooma Office](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ooma-office-profile/) - [Zoom Phone](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/zoom-phone-profile/) - [CloudTalk](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/cloudtalk-profile/) - [8x8 Work](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/8x8-x-series-profile/) - [GoTo Connect](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/goto-connect-profile/) - [JustCall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/justcall-profile/) - [3CX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/3cx-phone-system-profile/) - [RingEX](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/office-profile/) - [Aircall](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/aircall-profile/) - [Dialpad](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/dialpad-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. ## Who are business phone service providers? Business phone service providers help businesses manage phone calls. They offer the service via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), cellular network, and Primary Rate Interface (PRI), based on a client’s preference. The service includes routing inbound calls, managing voicemail, forwarding calls, managing caller ID, and recording calls. Clients can use this service to make phone calls within and outside the organization for purposes such as providing customer support, managing sales calls, and communicating with vendors. * * * Business phone service has transformed dramatically over recent decades—so it’s critical to know your options if you’re thinking about switching providers or replacing your phone system. Recent changes in carriers’ offerings have mainly been driven by the evolution of [Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/). VoIP makes it possible to send phone calls over the Internet, as opposed to traditional phone lines. VoIP service is technically complex, so you’ll need to understand the key elements of a solution before you begin evaluating providers. Additionally, there are reasons to explore other types of phone service besides VoIP even though most businesses are now migrating to VoIP service when they need a new system. We’ve written this buyer’s guide to familiarize you with the major kinds of business phone service on the market today. Here are the topics we’ll explore: [Phone Service Types: POTS, VoIP, Cellular and PRI](#PhoneServiceTypesPOTSVoIPCellularandPRI) [Pros and Cons of Different Service Types](#ProsandConsofDifferentServiceTypes) [Finding the Right Service Type for Your Phone System](#FindingtheRightServiceTypeforYourPhoneSystem) [The Difference between SIP Trunking Service and Business VoIP Phone Service](#TheDifferencebetweenSIPTrunkingServiceandBusinessVoIPPhoneService) ## Phone Service Types: POTS, VoIP, Cellular and PRI The following graphic breaks down the basic types of voice service available in North America: ### Voice Service Types **POTS** offers one unique advantage over other kinds of voice service: POTS transmits voice information as an analog audio signal using electricity, so POTS lines supply power to both phones and voice service. This means that POTS will keep phones ringing even if the power gets knocked out. That said, the FCC is currently overseeing the [sunset](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjI0rmMoOvLAhXJkh4KHeNQBVAQFggqMAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftransition.fcc.gov%2Foet%2Ftac%2Ftacdocs%2Fmeeting92711%2FSun-Setting_the_PSTN_Paper_V03.docx&usg=AFQjCNGW6rVX1btdPnMICA5kYDVTCzGmoA&sig2=C9MxP395D9f_Rt25QkQ0BA&bvm=bv.118443451,d.dmo) of the traditional copper telephone network. If you’re currently using POTS, you need to be aware that copper phone lines will be dead for good in just a few more years. **VoIP** is a technology that transmits real-time voice information as data using an Internet connection. VoIP differs from other digital voice services in that the voice information isn’t just digitized, but also transmitted using Internet Protocol (IP). This means you can use broadband Internet access for both voice and data. Other kinds of digital voice service businesses need both Internet and voice service. VoIP can be used with various types of Internet access, including: - Broadband cable - DSL - Fiber optic - T1 You just need sufficient bandwidth for the calls. Just like streaming video, VoIP demands lots of bandwidth, as calls are streamed in real-time. **Cellular service** only supported voice calling at one point, but it now refers to a family of services that also enable wireless data connections to the Internet. On a smartphone, a voice call can be routed via the cellular carrier, which will rack up per-minute rates. However, the call can also be sent over a long-term evolution (LTE) data connection, so you only pay for the data used by the call—no per-minute rates. This is a variation on VoIP known as **Voice over LTE**, or **VoLTE**. (While LTE refers specifically to 4G networks, a 3G or wireless Internet connection can also be used.) Finally, **T1** connections support a whole family of digital voice services: 1. **Primary Rate Interface (PRI) service** is a specialized type of digital voice service that’s been available since the 1980s. With PRI, a T1 trunk line is divided into 24 channels, 23 of which can be used for voice calls. The 24th channel is utilized for signalling information like caller ID. While PRI has been in use in enterprise contact centers for decades, the technology has limitations when it comes to scalability. In particular, because only 23 channels are available for voice calls, a business will need to buy a whole new trunk line with another 23 channels for calls in order to handle 24 calls at once. This means that you’re essentially paying for unused capacity. VoIP, on the other hand, is much more scalable and affordable in North America. (There are regional cases to be made for using PRI in other countries.) 2. **Channelized T1** is a T1 trunk divided into 24 channels for voice calls. With channelized T1, there’s no separate channel for signalling information as there is with PRI, which means the service can’t support essential capabilities, such as caller ID. 3. **Unchannelized T1** is just that: a trunk line that hasn’t been divided into channels. Unchannelized T1 is used for _data_ service, whereas PRI and channelized T1 are used for _voice_ service. An unchannelized T1 connection can support VoIP service. ## Pros and Cons of Different Service Types The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of each service type: ## Finding the Right Service Type and Provider for Your Phone System There are two basic elements of a communications solution: the hardware- or software-based phone system (also known as a Private Branch eXchange or PBX system), and the phone service that allows you to make and receive calls. Contemporary phone systems can be based on hardware or software deployed at your company, on-premise, or they can be hosted in the cloud. Some businesses don’t even have desk phones—just [softphone applications](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/best-softphones-comparison/) installed on laptops that connect via the Internet to a phone system in the service provider’s data center. VoIP-based systems are particularly flexible in this respect. The table below shows the major phone system types and the voice services they work with. Definitions of each system can be found below the table: | Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 | Column 5 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | System Type | POTS | PRI | VoIP | Cellular | | Traditional PBX | ✓ | ✓ | | | | Cloud-based or on-premise IP PBX | | | ✓ | ✓ | | Hybrid PBX | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | Virtual PBX | | | | ✓ | --- - A **traditional PBX** is a system designed either for analog voice service or PRI service (in addition to other types of digital voice service based on time-division multiplexing, which is the fundamental technology behind PRI service). - An Internet Protocol PBX or IP PBX is a system designed specifically for VoIP service. An IP PBX can be deployed on your business’s premises or in the cloud. - **A hybrid PBX** is a system that can handle both VoIP service and traditional analog and digital voice services. - A virtual PBX is a stripped-down hosted phone system designed for very small businesses that primarily want to use employees’ personal cell phones for business communications. No hardware or software is deployed at the business’s premises. Instead, employees get special work phone numbers. When a call is made to one of these work numbers, the virtual PBX provider forwards it to the employee’s personal mobile device. Similarly, employees can call out from their mobile devices using their work numbers, though some virtual PBX solutions have limits when it comes to outbound dialing; others treat it as an add-on capability. Virtual PBX solutions also offer a very limited set of basic phone system features like auto attendants. ## The Difference Between SIP Trunking Service and Business VoIP Phone Service As we’ve explained, calls between offices are free with business VoIP service because they don’t have to travel over the traditional phone network (known as the Public Switched Telephone Network or PSTN). This is also why services such as Skype offer free voice and video calls, but only to other Skype users. In order to connect calls between VoIP numbers and numbers serviced by the PSTN in this country or internationally, you need a special service known as SIP trunking. SIP trunking is a complex network service, but it essentially acts as a bridge across which voice calls can travel between the Internet and the PSTN. Confusingly, the term “VoIP service” can refer either to the delivery of phone system functions (call routing, voicemail, call recording etc.) over the Internet with a cloud-based PBX, or to SIP trunking service. With an **on-premise IP PBX**, you’ll need a SIP trunking provider to connect calls, unless you’re planning to restrict communications to calls between offices. _Configuring SIP providers in_ [Digium Switchvox](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/digium-switchvox-profile/) With a **cloud-based PBX**, you may or may not need a separate SIP provider. Many cloud PBX vendors handle SIP trunking for their customers via their relationships with major carriers. This means that you only need to deal with one company for both your phone system and SIP trunking needs. On the other hand, some businesses choose to go with separate companies: one for the phone system and one for SIP trunking. This setup makes sense if your SIP provider is offering you particularly good rates on calls, or if you’ve had good experiences with the providers’ uptime and quality of support. You can connect SIP trunks from various providers to a phone system hosted in the cloud, just as you can with a phone system on your business’s premises. Whether you have a cloud-based or on-premise IP PBX, you’ll need to make sure that your SIP trunking provider is compatible with your phone system (unless, of course, the same company is handling your hosted system and your SIP trunking). The graphic below shows the different ways in which SIP trunking can be combined with VoIP systems: ### Different SIP Trunking Setups with IP PBX Systems ### Related Business Phone Systems Software - [Cloud PBX Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/category/4757-cloud-pbx/) - [Telephony Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/call-center/computer-telephony-integration-comparison/) - [Unified Communications Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/ucaas-comparison/) - [VoIP Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/voip/)