Categories   >   Virtual Phone Systems
Last Reviewed: November 14th, 2024

Best Virtual Phone Systems Of 2024

What are Virtual Phone Systems?

Virtual Phone Systems take communication to a new level, redefining the traditional office phone. The game plan? Providing a professional phone system without the hassle of hardware installation and maintenance. Decentralization of workforces, cost-effectiveness, professional appearance, and improved productivity count among their prime benefits. Features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and toll-free numbers add more allure. Small-to-medium-sized businesses, remote teams, and digital nomads particularly benefit, though the reach of benefits is industry-agnostic. Yet, potential network dependency, varying call qualities, and sometimes complex set-ups pose challenges worth considering. To sum it up, Virtual Phone Systems, despite few possible limitations, emerge as the front-runners in modern business telephony. They offer a sophisticated, yet accessible, solution for businesses to keep up with evolving communication needs. The overall value proposition? Simplifying communication with a virtual touch, enhancing both efficiency and professional image.

What Are The Key Benefits of Virtual Phone Systems?

  • Enables remote work
  • Boosts cost-effectiveness
  • Improves professional image
  • Enhances communication flexibility
  • Supports business scalability
  • Promotes customer accessibility
  • Reduces infrastructure needs
  • Integrates with digital tools
  • Supports global operations
  • Maintains business continuity
Read more

Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 44 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Virtual Phone Systems overall:

Zoom
Zoom
Start Price
$13.32
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Zoom

Zoom is a popular web conferencing tool for online learning, training and collaboration at educational institutions, enterprises and government agencies. About 79% of the users who review the platform say it’s user-friendly, and novices can use it with minimal effort. Around 66% of the users who mention functionality appreciate the in-meeting audio and video quality.
Team members can interact via whiteboarding, screen-sharing, annotation and commenting, though some users feel the chat interface can be improved. Local recording is available with both the free and paid versions, though quite a few users say recordings are storage-intensive, and the vendor doesn’t offer compression.
On the flip side, around 73% of the users who mention pricing say it can be cost-prohibitive for smaller organizations, especially since webinars are available only for Pro and above accounts. Though the vendor offers unlimited meetings, approximately 36.6% of these users feel the 40-minute meeting time limit with the free version is restrictive. Of the users who review its performance, 57% say it lags on low bandwidth, with poor audio and video quality.
Around 67% of the users who mention security say the vendor should provide additional safeguards to ensure secure meetings.
To summarize, Zoom is a popular software for enterprises and education providers to connect remotely distributed teams, co-workers and clients. Though only paid subscriptions provide the high-end features, its free version can adequately support smaller organizations, with a user limit of 100 persons.

Pros & Cons

  • Ease of use: Approximately 79% of the users who mention ease of using the platform say it’s intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Functionality: Around 64% of the users who review functionality say the platform has a rich feature set to enable seamless video conferences and meetings.
  • Pricing: Around 73% of the users who review its cost say it can be expensive for small organizations.
  • Security: Reviewing security, approximately 67% of users say the vendor should offer better safety and privacy features.
  • Performance: About 64% of the users who mention the software’s performance say it’s resource-intensive.

Key Features

  • Business Calling: Make and attend 1:1 and conference phone calls, participate in video meetings and send chat messages. Switch from phone calls to video meetings with one click — no need for a separate conference bridge. 
    • Call Management: Ensure every call is answered with auto-attendants and skills-based intelligent call routing. Listen to recorded phone calls or view text transcriptions through a PC, desk phone or mobile device. 
    • Administration Portal: Provision and manage users, and view call quality and usage reports from its central admin portal. 
    • Global Availability: Provides local telephone service across more than 40 countries. Seamlessly port current business numbers and use existing cell phone service providers in any country. 
  • Video Conferencing: Schedule and attend webinars and 1:1 or group meetings, internally or with clients, with Google, iCal and Microsoft calendar syncing. Join meetings across other conferencing room providers with compatible hardware that includes speakers, headphones, cameras, microphones and monitors. 
    • Collaboration: Start and/or schedule a meeting with a personal meeting ID that stays the same always. Co-annotate on shared screens and whiteboards, share files in-meeting, message others, and create and join breakout rooms for focused collaboration. 
    • Meeting Recordings: Record and store meetings locally, and share these recordings with others through Google Drive, Dropbox and other file storage services. Allow or restrict access to recordings by participants through in-meeting admin controls. Direct recordings to the cloud are available with paid plans. 
    • Permissions: Set up role-based and in-meeting permissions, such as enable/disable screen sharing by participants, using chat and mute/unmute settings. 
  • Dashboards: Monitor data on overall usage for meetings, Zoom Rooms, webinars, instant messaging and Zoom Phone, all from a single, unified interface. 
    • Meetings: Get a bird’s-eye view of meeting metrics, such as top locations of participants, year-to-date trends and devices used, in the form of bar charts, pie charts, line graphs and more. View information for meetings and Zoom Rooms, live and past, to a high level of granularity. 
    • Zoom Phones: Get metrics on Mean Opinion Score (MOS) scores and view call logs, voice codecs, ISP and network details, all on one screen. Monitor call health with hardware and OS versions listed for each call in a tabular format. 
  • Reporting: Get reports on registrations, attendees, Q&A, performance and participation details for meetings and webinars. Administrators can view more detailed usage and user activity reports. 
  • Integrations: Ensure seamless workflows from within proprietary applications through its integrations with Microsoft Office 365, Google Suite, Salesforce and Slack. 
  • Mobile App: Join meetings from anywhere with its native mobile app for Android and iOS, with a live screen sharing option. Attend conference calls and video meetings while on the move through its Safe Driving Mode, compatible with Apple CarPlay. 
  • APIs: Host new meetings, add and remove users, view dashboards and reports on usage through its wide range of REST-based APIs. Seamlessly handles large API response payloads through pagination. Test API endpoints with testing tool widgets from within the API Reference Docs. 
  • App Marketplace: Build chatbots and apps to connect to dashboards for meeting metrics, conduct webinars and manage connected user accounts from within proprietary applications. 
Google Meet
Google Meet
Start Price
$6
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Why We Picked Google Meet

Google Meet seems to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for folks already plugged into the Google ecosystem. Users rave about its seamless integration with other Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Calendar, making it a breeze to schedule meetings, share documents, and collaborate in real-time. The interface is clean and intuitive, even for non-techies, which is a major plus. Google Meet also gets kudos for its top-notch video and audio quality, ensuring smooth and clear communication. Plus, it doesn't hurt that it's included with Google Workspace, making it a cost-effective option for businesses.

However, no software is perfect. Some users find Google Meet's feature set a bit basic compared to rivals like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. For instance, it lacks some advanced features like breakout rooms and virtual backgrounds, which can be bummers for larger meetings or those who want to spice things up. Additionally, while Google Meet's security is generally solid, some users have raised concerns about data privacy, especially in light of Google's data collection practices. So, if you're super privacy-conscious, you might want to think twice.

All in all, Google Meet is a reliable and user-friendly video conferencing tool that's perfect for businesses and individuals who value simplicity and integration with Google Workspace. It's a solid choice for everyday meetings, but if you need bells and whistles or have strict privacy concerns, you might want to explore other options. Just remember, the tech landscape changes quickly, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest updates and features before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • Seamless Integration with Google Workspace: Google Meet is tightly integrated with Google Calendar and Gmail, making scheduling and joining meetings effortless. This integration streamlines workflows and enhances productivity for businesses that rely on Google Workspace.
  • High-Quality Video and Audio: Google Meet delivers reliable video and audio quality, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication during virtual meetings. This is crucial for maintaining professionalism and engagement in business settings.
  • Robust Security Features: Google Meet prioritizes security with features like data encryption and meeting access controls. These measures protect sensitive business information and ensure the privacy of virtual meetings.
  • Limited Functionality for Phone Calls: Google Meet's primary function is video conferencing, so its features for phone calls are limited. Users have expressed frustration with the lack of call recording, voicemail transcription, and other essential phone features.
  • Integrations and Compatibility: Integrating Google Meet with non-Google applications and CRMs can be challenging, limiting its compatibility with existing business workflows. This can hinder productivity and create additional steps for users.
  • Call Quality Issues: Users have reported experiencing dropped calls, audio lag, and poor video quality, particularly in areas with unstable internet connections. These issues can disrupt important business conversations and create a negative impression.

Key Features

  • Safety First: Safely communicate amongst peers and colleagues without fear of data breaches or hijacking. Meets IETF security requirements for Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP). Includes anti-abuse capabilities and multiple two-step authentication options. 
  • Unlimited Meetings: Host and join free audio and video conferencing meetings anytime, anywhere for an unlimited amount of times. Available for free for up to 100 participants in a single meeting. 
  • Accessibility: Access from any device including browsers, iOS and Android with no download required. Easily invite participants to meetings via link or email address. 
  • Live Captioning: Follow along in real time with captioning generated by Google’s speech recognition technology. Meeting attendees can translate captions into their preferred languages. 
  • Screen Sharing: Collaborate on documents, share presentations and give step-by-step instructions to meeting participants using screen share, which allows anyone to present their entire screen or application window. 
  • Preview Screen: View video, adjust audio and see a list of who has already joined a meeting before entering. 
  • User Controls: Meeting hosts can mute, pin, remove participants and more using the advanced controls for meetings. 
  • Messaging: Chat with other participants through live messaging during meetings. Send files and links, as well as text. 
  • Integrations: Join meetings directly from Google Calendar or Gmail. Integrates with Microsoft Outlook, Slack and more for additional accessibility. 
  • Plan Options: Choose between a free plan, Google Workspace Essentials, and Google Workspace Enterprise. Paid plans increase the maximum number of participants allowed in a single meeting space, the amount of time allowed for a meeting and more. 
  • Google Workspace Suites: Comes as part of Google Workplace suites for education, healthcare and nonprofit organizations. Increase productivity, communication and collaboration with email, chat and video conferencing in an easily accessible workspace. 
Doodle
Doodle
Start Price
$6.96
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Doodle

Doodle has garnered significant praise for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design, making it a breeze to schedule meetings and appointments. Users particularly appreciate the platform's flexibility, allowing them to create polls with various options for dates, times, locations, and even custom questions to gather additional information. The ability to integrate with popular calendar applications like Google Calendar and Outlook further streamlines the scheduling process, eliminating the need for back-and-forth emails or phone calls. Additionally, Doodle's mobile app ensures that users can manage their schedules and respond to polls on the go, providing a seamless experience across devices.

However, some users have noted that the free version of Doodle comes with limitations, such as advertisements and restricted editing functionality. While the paid versions offer more features and customization options, the pricing structure may not be suitable for all businesses, particularly smaller ones or those with limited budgets. Additionally, while Doodle excels at scheduling meetings and appointments, it may not be as comprehensive as some other employee scheduling software options that offer features like time tracking, payroll integration, and shift management.

Overall, Doodle appears to be an excellent choice for businesses and teams of all sizes who primarily need a simple and efficient way to schedule meetings and appointments. Its ease of use, flexibility, and integration capabilities make it a valuable tool for streamlining communication and improving productivity. However, businesses with more complex scheduling needs or those seeking a free solution may want to explore alternative options that offer a broader range of features.

Pros & Cons

  • Usability: According to 100% of users who reviewed this pro, the software is easy to use, straightforward and simple for both senders and responders.
  • Polling Functionality: About 83% of users who mentioned this pro said the polls make meeting coordination easier, help participants to find common times and streamline scheduling for those who are busy.
  • Scheduling Meetings: Regarding this feature, approximately 97% of users said scheduling is easier, saves time and is more efficient with the software.
  • Ads: According to 100% of users who reviewed this con, advertisements are distracting, sometimes embedded in the middle of the webpage and the free version has tons of them.
  • Edit Functionality: Regarding this feature, 100% of users said that it requires enhancement, needs improvement and has a few glitches.

Key Features

  • Group Meetings: Auto-identify time zones of customers or team members to get rid of confusion. Select meeting dates and send out proposed meeting times. Increase group coordination and reduce the amount of time wasted on group email chains. 
  • Scheduling: Track schedule changes without having to constantly chase team members for updates. Set reminders on auto-send and broadcast updates to guests from the dashboard. Create a calendar and share it with others, allowing them to book meetings and check availability. 
  • Enhanced Customization: Customize SLAs, access premium support and training, manage meetings inside the Slack workspace, and add a company logo or brand. 
  • Bookable Calendar: Allow potential customers to request meetings. Adjust settings for different types of business appointments. Increase the volume of appointments and meetings, streamlining the pace of projects and raking in more revenue. 
  • Security and Privacy: Guarantee privacy by not saving personal data like calendars, events and availability in the database. Enjoy security with Cloudflare for an added layer of DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) protection. 
  • Automation Calendar Tools: Work with calendar tools to find meeting times quickly and efficiently. Book appointments or meetings and automatically add them to everyone’s calendars. Avoid any confusion from double-booked meetings. 
  • Interview Management: Schedule multiple interviews with candidates in two quick steps. Decide on potential candidates by scheduling a meeting within seconds. Vote for convenient time slots to hold a meeting, ensuring everyone is free at a particular time and has an equal say. Cut down on paperwork and ease up workflows by using automating processes. 
  • Integration: Make workflows seamless and efficient by integrating with Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, Zapier and others. 
  • Custom Reminders: Ensure no members forget to attend or respond to meeting notifications or requests by sending customized reminder messages. 
  • Conferencing Integrations: Automatically add links to meeting invites and update existing links. Integrate individuals’ calendars for clients or team members to view and decide on suitable meeting times. Use Zapier to add thousands of apps without the hassle of coding. 
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams
Start Price
$4
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a chat-based platform that offers online meetings, document sharing, screen recording and chat and allows businesses to communicate effectively.

According to users who have tried this product, their alerts and notifications lack consistency. Slow speed and performance is another con witnessed by users. Most users appreciate user-friendliness. Screen sharing is another worthy function. In short, businesses scouting for a communication tool that is easy to learn can give it a try.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly: The interface is easy to use and there is not much training required to navigate through the system, according to 84% of users.
  • Chat: According to 70% of users who reviewed this pro, the chat functionality is simple, it’s possible to view all chats simultaneously and the history remains forever.
  • Screen Sharing: About 79% of users who mentioned this pro said screen sharing functionality is quick to set up and works without lags.
  • File Sharing: Regarding this feature, approximately 75% of users said that it’s easy to share files during calls and various document sharing options are available.
  • Alerts/Notifications: Lack of reminders for meetings and inconsistent notifications, according to 70% of users who mentioned this aspect.
  • Speed And Performance: According to 69% of users who reviewed this con, the start time and overall speed is slow, there are sudden crashes, and the computer performance suffers.

Key Features

  • Secure Virtual Meetings: Send an invite to video chat with anyone, at any time simply by sending a link to an active email address, member or not. Collaborate in real time with up to 250 people in a single meeting space. 
  • Screen Recording: Record meetings in the cloud and share them with members later. 
  • Messenger: Send chats before, after and during meetings directly to one person or create group chats to keep multiple people in the loop. Send gifs, emojis and stickers to personalize messages. 
  • File Sharing: Access, share, edit, and co-author files and folders in real time securely from SharePoint, OneDrive and computers. Decide who has access to which files by granting permissions to specific groups, channels or individuals. 
  • Interactive Webinars: Connect with customers by hosting live events and webinars. Simply create a new marketing event, fill out details of the meeting and select attendees who will receive a link to the event. Use customer journey features to track attendees, utilizing the available information and continue to track customer interactions. 
  • Custom Backgrounds: Eliminate the need to hide background distractions by choosing from a myriad of screens to project while on a video call. 
Webex
Webex
Start Price
$17
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Webex

Is Webex all it's cracked up to be? Recent user reviews suggest that Webex Calling, Cisco's cloud-based phone system, generally hits the mark for businesses seeking a reliable and feature-rich communication solution. Users rave about its tight integration with other Cisco products, which is a no-brainer for companies already invested in the Cisco ecosystem, allowing for a seamless transition and unified experience. The platform's robust security features and consistently clear audio and video quality are also major selling points, particularly for businesses that prioritize secure and high-quality communication. However, some users point out a steep learning curve, particularly for those unfamiliar with similar platforms. Navigating the user interface can be a bit clunky at times, leading to some frustration among users. Additionally, the price tag associated with Webex Calling might give smaller businesses pause, as more budget-friendly VoIP options are available. Overall, Webex Calling emerges as a solid choice for medium to large enterprises that place a premium on a secure, reliable, and feature-packed communication platform and are willing to invest in a top-tier solution. Smaller businesses with tighter budgets and simpler communication needs might find more cost-effective options on the market.

Pros & Cons

  • Robust Features: Webex provides a comprehensive suite of communication tools, including calling, video conferencing, messaging, and file sharing, streamlining communication and enhancing productivity.
  • Seamless Integration: Webex seamlessly integrates with other Cisco products and popular third-party applications, creating a unified communication ecosystem.
  • High-Quality Calls: Users consistently praise Webex for its clear and reliable call quality, ensuring professional and productive business conversations.
  • Enhanced Security: Webex prioritizes security with features like call encryption, giving businesses peace of mind knowing their conversations are protected.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Webex Calling offers a user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate, even for first-time users, making it simple to join calls and manage meetings.
  • Cost: Webex can be more expensive than other options, especially for larger organizations.
  • Complexity: The platform can be difficult to set up and manage for those who are not tech-savvy, with a potentially steep learning curve for some users.
  • Mobile App Limitations: While Webex offers mobile apps, some users report they are not as robust or reliable as the desktop version, particularly for critical functions when a computer is unavailable.

Key Features

  • Meet: Seamless communication via chat, call and video conferencing creates an easy-to-use platform for any kind of communication. 
    • Video Conferencing: HD video and audio allow users to host or join meetings from anywhere in the world, saving users time and money. 
    • Collaboration: Screen share with members of the meeting and utilize the white board to collaborate on the same document in real-time. 
    • Recordings: Record meetings, save them in the cloud and get transcripts automatically. 
    • Calendar Integrations: Integrate with Google or Microsoft Office calendars to host, schedule or join meetings. 
    • Controls: Hosts can create breakout rooms, change backgrounds and more. 
  • Personalization: New innovations create a fun way to personalize meetings with in-meeting, non-verbal emoji reactions. Personalize workspaces with colors, images and co-branding. 
  • Customer Experience (CX) Journey: Utilize data visualization tools to track any and all customer interactions. The data collected pinpoints which actions the business should take to boost CX. Create goals that are highlighted for each step of the CX, which assist in targeting which aspects impact business the most. 
  • Smart Status: Automatically sets availability status when in a meeting, screen sharing or out of office. Activate “do not disturb” mode when focus is needed for specific tasks. 
  • Cloud Calling: Replace bulky phone software by creating a direct business phone number that can be used on any device for employees and customers to contact while keeping personal numbers confidential. Never miss a call with automated phone systems that direct callers to the correct extension. Connect to voicemail messages via mobile apps, move a phone call on one device into a meeting on another and record important voicemail messages left on the business number line.E 
  • Message: Never miss important messages through its advanced messaging module; customize notifications, flag messages and more. Personalize one-on-one or group messages with gifs, emojis and more. Delete chats, add members and see read receipts. Easily and securely share files and an interactive two-way drawing board within the chat. 
  • Support: Provide real-time, remote support at any time, anywhere for customers or employees, ensuring technical issues are resolved as quickly as possible. Support up to five customers at a time without the stress of firewalls and system reboots. 
  • Built-In Security: Cisco Webex Security provides end-to-end encryption which means files are protected from the second they are sent till the moment they are received. Strict privacy policies ensure data is not shared, bought or sold to any third parties. A global Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is on surveillance around the clock for potential security vulnerabilities. 
  • Contact Center: Assist customers using sophisticated routing systems that allows calls to be directed to skilled agents. Dashboards help track productivity by analyzing customer and agent interactions in relation to business results. Omnichannel communications deliver more holistic information to enable bet. Create automated emails that AI chatbots can send 24/7. 
GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting
Start Price
$10.80
Per Organizer, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked GoToMeeting

GoToMeeting is a chat and video conferencing tool with screen sharing, recording and collaboration options. About 78% of the users who review its features say it enables team collaboration via screen-sharing and chat options. Almost 76% of the users who review its user-friendliness say it’s intuitive and easy-to-use, though a few feel its interface is clunky and needs to be updated.
On the flip side, around 79% of the users who mention pricing say the software’s subscription plans can be costly for smaller organizations. Quite a few users say a meeting limit of 3 users and 40 minutes provided with the basic version is too restrictive. Around 75% of the users who mention the software’s performance say it’s resource-intensive.
To sum up, GoToMeeting enables enterprise teams to connect and work together virtually. But, its free version is pretty lightweight, and organizations should check out the subscription plans before deciding if it’s a good fit.

Pros & Cons

  • Functionality: Around 78% of the users who review the tool’s features say it has rich capabilities for effective collaboration and discussion through meetings and video conferencing.
  • Ease of Use: Citing its easy-to-navigate layout, almost 76% of the users say the platform is user-friendly.
  • Pricing: Almost 79% of the users who mention pricing say it’s expensive, especially for small organizations.
  • Performance: Reviewing the software’s resource usage and speed, around 75% of users say meeting audio and video lags on low internet bandwidth.

Key Features

  • Host Meetings: Create, host and schedule meetups in personal meeting rooms through integration with Google and Microsoft calendars. Add and remove participants and manage attendee access, including live screen sharing with presenter switching through a Control Panel. 
  • HD Video Conferencing: Host high-definition online video meetings with automatic bandwidth optimization. Highlight presentation elements while screen-sharing through tools that include a laser pointer, a highlighter and a spotlight. 
  • Mobile Apps: Engage with customers through audio and video conference calls on any device when out of the office, thanks to its Android and iOS mobile apps. 
  • Integrations: Integrates with Chrome, Zapier, Zoho, Salesforce, Hubspot and many more platforms, as well as other conference room systems. Works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams to help businesses host large team and client meetings online, with up to 250 attendees. 
  • Identity Management: Manage employee access and authentication while IT retains total access control through its integration with LastPass. Enables single sign-on, password management and multi-factor authentication in one, dedicated solution. 
  • Meeting Recording: Record meetings and share recording links within and outside the organization. Its Smart Meeting Assistant provides speech-to-text meeting transcription with easy text search. The host receives the transcription via email and can download and review it before sharing it with others. 
  • Conference Room Hardware: Connect remote and in-room attendees for a seamless user experience through GoToRoom, its hardware plus software bundle. 
  • Meeting Analytics: Build attendee, engagement and Q&A reports, and more, to get meeting metrics for participation insights. Get personalized statistics for participant attentiveness, webcam usage and talk time for product analytics. 
TeamViewer
TeamViewer
Start Price
$24.90
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked TeamViewer

TeamViewer is a versatile solution that allows users to remotely access mobile phones, laptops, computers and other devices. Easy file-transfer and screen-sharing are among its numerous features. According to users, the best part of the solution is the freedom to work on the go and provide support remotely. Users unanimously appreciate the fact that it's free for personal use and easy to install.

Too many pop-ups and the need for constant, fast network connectivity are its main disadvantages. When it comes to the software's interface, users stand divided. Some find it user-friendly, while others think it’s complex and confusing. In short, it can be a good option for businesses scouting for an easy-to-use solution that enables remote access and collaboration.

Pros & Cons

  • Remote Access: It’s possible to easily connect and access remote computers, according to 100% of users mentioning this capability.
  • Simple Installation: According to 88% of users who reviewed this feature, the installation process is easy and the portable link is helpful.
  • Free for Personal Use: 100% of reviews on this aspect state that the software doesn’t cost anything for personal use.
  • Excessive Pop-Ups: Frequent pop-ups are annoying, according to 100% of users who mentioned this problem.
  • High Internet Bandwidth Demand: According to 100% of users who reviewed this functionality, the solution doesn’t work to its full potential if internet connectivity is slow.

Key Features

  • Secure Remote Access: Use AES 256-bit end-to-end encryption to prevent compromised remote access and protect files without the hassle of a VPN. 
  • Mobile App: View desktops from mobile devices via the mobile app for iOS and Android. Automatically resize to fit phone screens. 
  • IT Support: Allow employees and customers to troubleshoot glitches and system crashes with their own equipment. Connect to any desktop and walk customers through device issues click by click. Avoid worrying about VPN connections, firewalls, port configurations or any pre-installed IT-administered software. 
  • Web Monitoring: Optimize uptime to maximize website availability. Receive alerts and updates when response time on the website exceeds a set threshold, ensuring minimal impact to traffic. Spot potential IT issues by using dates to pinpoint which site elements create the highest loading times. 
  • Connections: Link business applications such as Salesforce, Zoho and Microsoft Teams to create one integrated platform. 
  • Augmented Reality: Get virtual step-by-step instructions on resolving system issues and maintaining devices. Use the ROSS (Remote On-site Service System) with xAssist and integrate smart glasses so support experts view problems in real time and act quickly and precisely. 
RingCentral
RingCentral
Start Price
$25
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked RingCentral

RingCentral provides cloud communications and contact center services to enterprises. Around 92% of the users who review accessibility praise the software for seamless call switching between devices, including personal mobile phones, though some say access can be tricky in areas with low internet speeds. Of the users who discuss its features, 70% appreciate the convenience of calls, messaging and video conferencing being available in one app.
The platform definitely has an edge over other service providers in that there is no time limit restriction on meetings. The interface is easy to navigate, say 69% of the users who discuss its user-friendliness, though a few users say it’s dated and could do with a more modern look. Approximately 60% of the users who mention support say they’re helpful, though some users find them unresponsive and difficult to reach.
On the flip side, around 83% of the users who review the solution’s performance say it’s clunky and audio and video quality suffers on low internet bandwidth.
To sum up, RingCentral is a cross-device communications provider that streamlines call management, video conferences and business meetings on one platform for small, mid-size and large organizations.

Pros & Cons

  • Seamless Integration: RingCentral seamlessly integrates with popular business tools like Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and Google Workspace, streamlining communication and collaboration.
  • Advanced Call Management: Features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and call recording enhance call handling and improve customer service.
  • Remote Work Flexibility: RingCentral's cloud-based platform allows employees to work from anywhere, with access to all communication channels and features.
  • Cost Savings: RingCentral's subscription-based pricing model eliminates the need for expensive hardware and maintenance costs, reducing overall telephony expenses.
  • Scalability and Reliability: RingCentral's scalable architecture ensures reliable communication even during peak usage, supporting businesses of all sizes.
  • Limited Customization: RingCentral offers a limited range of customization options, making it difficult for businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
  • Integration Challenges: Integrating RingCentral with other business applications can be complex and time-consuming, leading to compatibility issues and data silos.
  • Call Quality Issues: Users have reported occasional call quality issues, including dropped calls, audio delays, and poor sound quality, which can hinder effective communication.
  • Pricing Concerns: RingCentral's pricing structure can be complex and may not be suitable for all businesses, especially those with a large number of users or specific feature requirements.
  • Limited Reporting Capabilities: RingCentral's reporting features are limited, making it challenging for businesses to track and analyze call data for performance optimization and decision-making.

Key Features

  • API-based Architecture: Send SMS, long messages and multimedia files with delivery/read status notifications with SMS APIs. Access call recordings, call logs, voicemail recordings and transcriptions with the communications data APIs. Send and receive faxes in multiple file formats with forwarding, queuing and fax-to-email support. 
  • Software Development Kits (SDKs): Interface with system APIs through SDK libraries in the programming language of choice. These include .NET, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby gem, iOS Swift client and WebRTC. 
  • Security: Secures all endpoints with Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) encryption. Provides multiple authentication levels, firewalls, vulnerability scans and fraud mitigation through access control and usage throttling. 
  • Address Book: Get the complete set of all team member extension numbers on the RingCentral Office directory through its APIs. Filter address book entries to find relevant call agent extensions for quicker customer-facing turnarounds. 
  • Events and Notifications: Subscribe to a comprehensive set of events that include SMS, voicemail and call received, call started, ended or missed, and change in availability status. 
Twilio
Twilio
Start Price
$150
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Twilio

Twilio has earned a reputation as a leading cloud communications platform, empowering businesses to build, scale, and operate customized communication solutions. Its flexible platform, powerful tools, and global infrastructure make it easy for businesses to create solutions that meet their unique needs and help them connect with customers in a meaningful way. Users appreciate Twilio's ease of use, scalability, and flexibility, making it a solid choice for businesses of all sizes that need a cloud-based communications platform. It offers a variety of features that can help businesses improve their communication with customers, such as call routing, voicemail, and analytics. The platform's ability to integrate with various channels like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Webchat ensures sustained engagement through features like click-to-dial, automated text notifications, intelligent routing, and callback service during peak hours.

However, some users have expressed concerns about Twilio's customer support and its complex pricing structure. The pay-as-you-go fees can be more expensive compared to other CPaaS platforms, especially for businesses with high-volume communication needs. Despite these drawbacks, Twilio remains a popular choice due to its comprehensive features and ability to adapt to evolving business requirements. Its low-code builder, Studio, allows developers to design efficient self-service call flows and trigger custom business processes, while its Voice API enhances audio conferencing infrastructure. Twilio is particularly well-suited for businesses seeking a customizable and scalable communication solution that can integrate with existing applications and workflows. Its ability to handle various communication channels and provide detailed analytics makes it a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance customer engagement and streamline communication processes.

Pros & Cons

  • Easy Setup: Twilio's user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation make it easy for users to set up and configure their phone systems without requiring extensive technical expertise.
  • Scalability: Twilio's cloud-based platform allows businesses to easily scale their phone systems up or down as needed, accommodating growth and changing communication requirements.
  • Global Reach: With its extensive global infrastructure, Twilio enables businesses to establish a local presence in various countries and regions, facilitating international communication and expansion.
  • Integrations: Twilio integrates seamlessly with numerous business applications and CRM systems, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
  • Customization: Twilio provides a wide range of APIs and tools that allow businesses to customize their phone systems to meet their specific needs and preferences.
  • Pricing Structure: Twilio's pay-as-you-go pricing can lead to unpredictable costs, especially for businesses with fluctuating call volumes or those that use premium features like call recording or transcription. The lack of bundled plans may also make it difficult to budget for communication expenses effectively.
  • Customer Support: Obtaining timely and effective support can be challenging, particularly for users on the free tier or those with less complex issues. The support structure often relies on community forums and documentation, which may not provide immediate solutions for urgent problems.
  • Learning Curve: Integrating Twilio's APIs and configuring its services can require a significant investment of time and technical expertise. This can be a barrier for businesses without dedicated development resources or those seeking a more out-of-the-box solution.

Key Features

  • Phone Numbers: Use APIs to monitor a number’s entire lifecycle. Facilitate global innovation to ensure that all number-based apps are secure from disruption. Get a hold of numbers that have undergone intensive testing. Port your existing numbers through an online application or email. Choose from over 65,000 phone numbers from the inventory and pick from a range of phone number types.
  • Elastic SIP Trunking: Get PSTN connectivity for any SIP device in a network. Automatically scale up or down with unlimited capacity. Add innovative cloud communication features, including voice insights, Twilio Interconnect and call control. Simplify the network, don’t pay any channel or port fees and ensure optimized security. Make use of disaster recovery features to safeguard the service.
  • Short Code: Increase reachability with shortcodes available in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., and long code numbers available in over 100 countries. Enable throughput at 100 messages per second. Reroute to standard long-code phone numbers in the U.S. if a carrier is unable to receive messages from short codes. Access automatic picture transcoding, character encoding and message assembly, ensuring message delivery without custom code.
  • Email Marketing: Import and sync large contact lists within minutes. Use the powerful segmentation engine to manage and send emails to any number of people. Choose a design flow using the drag-and-drop option or the code editor. Easily schedule a one-time email or set up an automated email series.
  • Account Security: Eliminate fake account creation, secure new users and reduce fraud. Deliver detailed carrier and caller information using Lookup. Make informed decisions regarding who can contact and who cannot. Secure business and a large volume of customers with Authy, enabling two-factor authentication to the log-in via TOTP, push and SMS.
  • Enhanced Emailing: Deliver all emails without interruptions with the propriety MTA (mail transfer agent), intuitive console, email experts and more. Activate automated email queue handling and throttle risk detection. Use sender authentication, SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (Domain Keys), reverse DNS (Domain Name System) and dedicated IP addresses to improve deliverability and reliability.
  • Improved Video Experience: Integrate videos directly into the app to enjoy a customized experience. Design a layout or choose one from the pre-configured options. Monitor participant network quality with Network Quality API. Create engaging whiteboards, animation and more with DataTracks. Allow screen-sharing to improve collaboration. Add live chat and support phone dial-in when the internet is unavailable.
  • Voice API: Quickly scale and modify a voice experience and add a wide array of customizations and resources. Add features such as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), recording transcriptions and speech recognition. Enable reliable, high-quality connections supported by the Twilio Super Network. Place quality calls by facilitating access to global carriers, infinite scaling and private links to the cloud.
  • Messaging API: Engage customers across the globe with 1,500 redundant partner carrier connections, phone numbers in over 100 countries and more than 200 types of numbers. Support channels such as SMS, MMS, OTT, email and more. Use intelligent sender selection for consistent, localized and compliant messaging. Message worldwide using over 200 phone number types, including shortcodes, alphanumeric and toll-free numbers. Use message insights to check status callbacks and real-time analytics.
  • Applications:  
    • Flex: Enable digital-first engagement with a broad span of communication channels managed through one platform. Continuously inspect, adapt and adjust any part of the contact center. Facilitate personalized interactions with customers by providing agents access to contextual information.
    • Frontline: Assist clients and forge relationships despite geographical location. Provide support on any channel, including SMS, MMS, WhatsApp and chat. Transfer conversations between channels and employees and direct inquiries to the next employee. Manage privacy and compliance with SSO authentication and number anonymization. Use native push and badge notifications, ensuring employees never miss any alerts. Send and receive media and messages across channels using a single app.
    • Segment: Unify data and enhance engagements by reaching out to the customers with the right message and using the right channel. Build personalized engagements by creating a single, holistic view of the customer journey rather than wasting endless hours on data. Collect user data from every interaction and combine it from various sources to better understand each customer. Catch quality data issues at the start and fix them automatically. Get rid of old, incomplete and inaccurate data.
Vonage
Vonage
Start Price
$15
Per User, Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Why We Picked Vonage

Vonage is a popular business phone software that has received mixed reviews from users in the past year. Some users praise its ease of use, reliability, and feature-richness, while others criticize its occasional technical glitches and limited customization options. Compared to similar products like RingCentral and 8x8, Vonage is generally considered to be a solid choice for small businesses due to its affordable pricing and user-friendly interface. However, larger businesses may prefer the more advanced features and customization options offered by RingCentral or 8x8.

One of Vonage's key strengths is its intuitive user interface, which makes it easy for even non-technical users to set up and use the software. Vonage also offers a wide range of features, including call forwarding, voicemail, video conferencing, and call analytics, which can be valuable for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, Vonage's reliability is generally good, with users reporting few outages or technical issues.

However, Vonage does have some weaknesses. Some users have reported occasional technical glitches, such as dropped calls or delayed voicemails. Additionally, Vonage's customization options are somewhat limited, which may not be suitable for businesses with complex or specific needs. Finally, Vonage's pricing can be higher than some competitors, especially for larger businesses with multiple users.

Overall, Vonage is a solid choice for small businesses looking for a user-friendly and reliable business phone software. However, larger businesses may prefer the more advanced features and customization options offered by RingCentral or 8x8.

Pros & Cons

  • Seamless Integration: Vonage effortlessly integrates with popular business tools like Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace, streamlining communication and boosting productivity.
  • Advanced Call Management: Manage incoming and outgoing calls efficiently with features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and customizable call routing, ensuring that every call is handled professionally.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Vonage offers flexible pricing plans tailored to businesses of all sizes, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone systems while delivering enterprise-grade features.
  • Reliable and Secure: Vonage's cloud-based platform ensures reliable call quality and robust security measures, protecting sensitive business communications and maintaining compliance.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Vonage's scalable architecture allows businesses to easily adjust their phone system as their needs evolve, accommodating growth and changes in business operations.
  • Limited Customization: Vonage offers a limited range of customization options, making it difficult for businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
  • Unreliable Call Quality: Users have reported frequent call drops, delays, and poor audio quality, which can disrupt business operations.
  • Complex User Interface: The Vonage user interface is often criticized for being cluttered and difficult to navigate, leading to frustration and wasted time.
  • Hidden Fees: Vonage has been known to charge additional fees for features that are considered standard in other business phone systems, such as call forwarding and voicemail.
  • Poor Customer Support: Users have complained about long wait times, unhelpful responses, and a lack of technical expertise from Vonage's customer support team.

Key Features

  • Gamification: Reward employees for achieving a goal. Create engaging activities using game elements, encourage the team, discourage negative behavior and promote altruism. Combine the contact center solution with gamification and the analytics of Salesforce to push the team. Maintain engagement through various tools and meet SLAs. Improve business efficiency, incentivize agents to fully leverage the CRM and transform business operations in the long run.
  • Conversation Analyzer: Integrate with the CRM or BI tool to facilitate quality management, compliance, coaching and more, boosting the overall customer experience. Display data in the CRM dashboards to promote the visual segment. Spotlight trends with voice call analysis, instantly identify insights and assess the team’s knowledge. Transcribe, tag and analyze customer conversations. Pair call recordings with transcripts for a better understanding of conversations.
  • Real-Time Dashboards: Monitor team and individual performances using custom-built dashboards. Log channel activity into Salesforce to obtain instant reviews and access comprehensive metrics within the Salesforce reporting solution. Get insights about the team’s activities and actions and access real-time and historical data.
  • Data Storage: Integrate the contact center solution with Salesforce as the primary data silo to access metrics, call recording links, speech analytics and more. Pair call recordings with transcripts and metrics and allow agents to gather a better understanding based on findings. Judge conversations against the KPIs and tightly secure data and backup material. 
  • Analytics: Refer to the easy-to-use dashboards for quick insights. Visually organize and analyze client conversations using Einstein Analytics.
  • Email Management: Use omnichannel integration to boost the efficiency of teams skilled in both voice and digital. Considerably reduce complex administrative practices through a set of routing rules. Enable customers to enjoy a rich, integrated and consistent experience across channels of their choice.
  • LiveAgent Chat: Strengthen customer focus and facilitate personal customer attention. Allow agents to prepare in advance, save time and deliver an accurate response by employing a screen pop of any Salesforce object before accepting the chat. Route the bot conversation to the best agent available. Customize fields, ensure that chats get routed to the best-suited agents and quickly add the website chat button option.
  • Omni-Channel: Deliver a consistent customer experience across all Salesforce digital channels and unify all channels. Manage KPIs and uniformly empower both digital and voice agents. Access support for LiveAgent, webchat, live messages, SMS, video chat and others. Attain a quick updated view of customer engagements and access data to initiate personal responses. Share vital customer insights across channels and allow customers to enjoy self-service options and automated answers to questions asked.
  • Visual Engagement: Graduate to video and screen share from any channel. Access it on a laptop or mobile device and reduce AHT (Average Handling Time) for inbound interactions over any channel. Establish trust, leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction.
  • Webchat: Equip agents with the required tools. Allow agents to access comprehensive customer information while dealing with a request. Save time and enhance efficiency. Enable customers to interact with agents irrespective of the channel, device and channel provider used. Add the webchat code block to the website hassle-free.
  • Dialer Capabilities: Eliminate manual dialing and reduce the chances of misdialing. Use caller ID to present a local number, increase pick-up rates and make connections with potential clients. Automatically log all activities and call recordings. Make automatic decisions about call recordings. Allow reps to automatically leave a voicemail and get on another call without wasting time.
  • Global Voice Assurance: Move calls between regions and achieve balance in demand. Enable local voice traffic to reduce call charges. Use a local node for nearby calls irrespective of the location of agents or customers. Maintain call quality by tapping into local infrastructure. Use a single plan to distribute calls globally, saving time and delivering operational insights. Achieve the flexibility of switching between providers instantly.
  • AI Virtual Assistant: Put an end to robotic, non-connected conversations and access enhanced self-serve requests, better understanding and prompt actions.
  • Intelligent IVR: Remain better prepared to tackle customer needs. Process agentless card payments using the PCI-DSS solution and communicate directly with the payment gateway, reducing customer effort and maintaining data protection. Personalize IVR options and messages. Handle simple requests without agents and keep agents for dealing with more complicated queries.
  • Screen Recording: Integrate a CRM and capture multiple screens. Enjoy synchronized audio and video features. Identify and resolve agent productivity issues. Facilitate sharing agent behavior with the appropriate teams.
  • Call Recording: Ensure call recording even after transferring a call to a third party. Enable outbound call recordings and effortlessly access recordings when required. Save high costs by encrypting recordings through AES256. Safeguard recordings by storing them in the Vonage cloud.

COMPARE THE BEST Virtual Phone Systems

Select up to 2 Products from the list below to compare

 
Product
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Start Price
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Zoom
$13.32
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Zoom
Google Meet
$6
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Google Meet
Doodle
$6.96
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Doodle
Microsoft Teams
$4
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Microsoft Teams
Webex
$17
Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Webex
GoToMeeting
$10.80
Per Organizer, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
GoToMeeting
TeamViewer
$24.90
Monthly
Yes
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Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
TeamViewer
RingCentral
$25
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
RingCentral
Twilio
$150
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Twilio
Vonage
$15
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Yes
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Vonage

All Virtual Phone Systems (44 found)

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Cvent

by Cvent Inc.
Cvent
Cvent is an all-in-one cloud-based solution for midsize companies. It offers venue sourcing, online event registration, budget management, email marketing, web surveys and more. It supports events of all sizes and types while simplifying the event lifecycle. Ultimately, it provides a robust and flexible platform to companies, meeting all event requirements.It lowers costs, decreases the need to perform repetitive tasks and allows event managers to focus on more important work. Event coordinators create calendars so attendees can view upcoming events and sync them with personal appointments.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$500 - $1,000
Company Size
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Deployment
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Platform
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Dialpad

by Dialpad
Dialpad
Dialpad is a unified communications as a service (UCaaS) platform available on desktop, mobile and through web browsers. It comes with a web app, voicemail transcription, online meetings and integration with Office 365 and Google Apps for Work. Advanced plans offer custom analytics and reporting, unlimited ring groups and integrations with Zendesk, Slack, Hubspot and Azure.Its contact center provides interactive voice response (IVR), omnichannel routing and analytics dashboards for easy monitoring and coaching of call agents. AI-powered Voice Intelligence performs live sentiment analysis through automated note-taking so that supervisors can step in in time to help improve call outcomes. Through built-in machine learning, it highlights actionable call content and call summary for agent feedback. Subscribers can dial unlimited numbers across the U.S. and Canada. It is presently a preferred partner of Google, Microsoft and Sprint. The vendor offers a 14-day free trial.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
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Deployment
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OnBoard

by Passageways
OnBoard
OnBoard simplifies time-consuming and outdated board meeting processes, leading to informed decision-making. It offers e-signatures, personalized dashboards, a secure messenger and an agenda builder. The solution allows directors, administrators and executives to get intuitive insights, receive announcements and access reliable information before meetings. Ensures real-time accessibility from any device. It integrates with Microsoft Office 365, Zoom and Outlook.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
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3CX

by 3CX
3CX
A global leader in business communications, 3CX is a phone system based on the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) standard. Suitable for any business size, this solution helps improve productivity, enhance customer experience and enable increased mobility. It’s simple, cost-effective, flexible and can be hosted on a remote server.The platform enables simultaneous calling, allowing customers to pay only for what they require. It offers extensive functionality, reliability and security. Integrating this software with other systems is easy and straightforward.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
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Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
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TalkDesk

by TalkDesk
TalkDesk
Talkdesk is an AI and cloud-based call center software that helps businesses build stronger customer relationships. Empower agents with a 360-degree customer view, more personalized conversations and improved conversion and first-contact resolution rates. Its capabilities include integration with over 20 business tools such as Zendesk, Salseforce, Desk.com, Slack and more. Other capabilities include automated workflows, skill-based routing and live reporting.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
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Deployment
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Platform
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CXone

by NICE
CXone
CXone (formerly called inContact) provides contact center and workforce optimization solutions to enterprises. Customers can connect to call agents through more than 30 interaction options including chat, messaging, email, voice calling and social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Whatsapp. Businesses can monitor contact center and employee performance through a live dashboard that provides basic reporting. Customers are connected to the best skilled resources through automatic call distribution (ACD) based on analytics and artificial intelligence. IVR call flows integrate with analytics to ensure efficient data-directed routing for quicker resolution of customer queries. Workforce intelligence automatically triggers alerts and actions based on historical interactions and scheduling patterns to free up resources. Its no-pause predictive dialer helps call agents get through call lists faster.Call center analytics include metrics on agent-customer interaction, productivity data, reports and performance management aids. Businesses can get feedback on customer experience through surveys, identify discrepancies and boost productivity. It provides out-of-the-box integrations with Salesforce, Microsoft 365, GSuite, Microsoft Teams, Oracle, Zendesk and RingCentral.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Aircall

by Aircall
Aircall
Aircall is a cloud-based professional phone system that streamlines customer support and sales engagement. It integrates with CRM and helpdesks. It offers a power dialer, call routing, ring groups, call queuing and live feeds. The software is best suited for modern small and medium-sized businesses, especially those that have call centers.e dashboard to control team activity, coach agents and listen to live calls. Create inbound and outbound call centers. It can integrate with Zendesk, Salesforce and Hubspot.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$1,000 or more
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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MightyCall

by Infratel US
MightyCall
MightyCall is a VoIP and PBX services provider for small businesses built from the ground up to integrate with CRM systems. Available on browser, desktop and mobile, it enables seamless call flows with custom greeting, auto-attendant, interactive voice response, call forwarding, call recording, unlimited text messaging and call back requests. With unlimited user extensions at no extra cost, businesses can ensure that customer calls are routed to the appropriate departments in no time. Team members can configure availability status to indicate time off and set up call routing to stay connected after business hours if necessary. Team managers can access performance reports on all calls, voicemails, average speed of response and more from the admin dashboard.It connects customers to the agent of their choice by offering name input and dialing through IVR. It transcribes voicemails to text and sends them to the agents’ emails, with links to the voicemail recordings. It screens calls through caller ID, with the option to add unwanted phone numbers to a blacklist. In addition to five toll-free numbers per account, local numbers and vanity numbers are also available. It integrates with Whatsapp Business, Facebook and Twitter. Through Zapier, it connects to CRM, Slack, Google Sheets and Gmail. The vendor offers a seven-day free trial.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: good
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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8x8 Work

by 8x8, Inc.
8x8 Work
8x8 Work is an easy-to-manage business communication application that empowers working individuals to connect faster and better. It enables conversations to grow organically from text to voice to video and back and combines a robust business phone system with analytics, video conferencing and more.Team members can collaborate and share files in secure chat rooms. All employees can set business hours and redirect calls. Individuals can strengthen relationships, communicate effectively and have better experiences by attaining greater call management flexibility, conducting meetings seamlessly and not having to switch repeatedly between apps.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Broadvoice

by Syndeo
Broadvoice
Broadvoice is a cloud-based solution that simplifies communication for small and medium-sized organizations. It offers voice calling, messaging, an auto attendant, visual voicemail, SIP trunking, video conferencing and business texting. It’s reliable, scalable and provides clients 24/7 customer support at an affordable cost. Use the mobile app for calling, chatting and messaging from any personal device.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Grasshopper

by LogMeIn, Inc.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a cloud-based, virtual phone system for small businesses. In addition to custom greetings, on-hold music, call transfers, call forwarding and text messaging, it offers voicemail-to-email transcriptions and MP3 recordings. It’s available on all devices and facilitates auto-texting to clients, supporting sustained customer engagement. Delivers inbound faxes as PDF attachments into a team’s email inbox. Managers can view and analyze call history, usage and activity reports to maximize productivity. Teams can utilize local, toll-free and vanity numbers as well as unlimited local calling and business texting within the U.S. and Canada.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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net2phone

by Net2Phone
net2phone
Net2Phone is a business phone and PBX system that enables unified communications for enterprises. Based in the cloud, it provides unlimited calling, instant messaging, call parking, ring groups, advanced call routing and much more. Its offering for video conferencing, Huddle, empowers users to create fully secure, password-protected meetings with easy guest access. Integrating with Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook, Huddle is available in more than 30 languages. Team members can share screens, dial in, have public and private chats, raise their hands and share Youtube videos in conferences.It integrates with Salesforce, Slack and Zoho CRM, enabling seamless click-to-call action and running call activity reports from within the application for greater insight. Connecting to Microsoft Teams, it provides direct routing, call recording, WebRTC calling and phone service backup. Five9 Cloud Contact Center improves customer support and outreach while maximizing efficiency through call trend analysis and performance management. It provides unlimited calling to more than 40 countries. U.S.-based support is available 24/7.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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Highfive

by Highfive
Highfive
Highfive is a cloud-based solution that simplifies business collaboration. It offers audio and video conferencing, screen sharing and web conferencing. It helps companies carry out meetings effectively and is accessible via laptops, tablets and other devices. Enables automatic updating, eliminating the need to worry about getting outdated. It’s easy to use, configure and affordable for any business size.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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LoopUp

by LoopUp
LoopUp
LoopUp is a sophisticated software solution designed to streamline communication and collaboration for businesses, with a strong emphasis on managing tasks like Business Phone. It's particularly well-suited for medium to large enterprises that require reliable, high-quality communication tools to support their daily operations. One of the key benefits of LoopUp is its ability to enhance audio quality and reduce background noise during calls, which is crucial for maintaining professionalism and clarity in business communications. Among its popular features are easy conference call setups, call recording, and seamless integration with existing business tools, which collectively improve productivity and user experience. When compared to similar products, users often highlight LoopUp's intuitive interface and exceptional call quality as standout advantages. Pricing considerations for LoopUp typically involve a range based on the number of users and the specific features needed, with payment options that can accommodate monthly or annual billing cycles, making it a flexible solution for businesses looking to manage their communication needs efficiently.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
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Convoso

by Convoso
Convoso
Convoso is a cloud-based all-in-one call center that facilitates faster lead generation and conversion using different communication channels. It provides dynamic scripting, local caller ID, robust lead management and answering machine detection. It has an AI-driven multi-channel platform that helps generate more leads and results in lesser agent burnout. It’s highly customizable, and users can personalize conversation content.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
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VoIP.ms

by QUEBEC, Inc.
VoIP.ms
VoIP.ms is a cloud-based phone service that enables organizations to streamline communication workflow and manage calls efficiently. It offers call hunting, call queuing, voicemail, three-way calling, call encryption and speed dial. Users can customize phone systems, pick places for outbound calling and check call records. It allows employees to use their existing device and port limitless numbers for free across the United States and Canada.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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Kixie

by Kixie
Kixie
Kixie is a cloud-based voice call solution that automates sales processes and helps increase productivity. It connects agents with prospects and gives valuable insights into conversations. Enables sales teams to close deals at a faster rate.It offers call history, call coaching, voicemail drop, reporting, call recording, a sales leaderboard and call queues. It’s easy to set up, reliable and integrates with third-party modules. Users can start making calls within three minutes of setting up without any hardware. It also provides a free trial.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: excellent
Cost Breakdown
$10 - $100
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
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CounterPath

by CounterPath
CounterPath
CounterPath provides innovative desktop and mobile VoIP software products. It designs, develops and sells software and services that allow organizations and telecommunication providers to deliver unified communication services over Internet Protocol-based networks. Compatible with Windows, Mac, Apple and Android mobile devices.Guarantees customizations, security and rapidly integrates contacts from various sources through an easy-to-use interface.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$100 - $500
Company Size
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CallHippo

by CallHippo
CallHippo
CallHippo is an easy-to-use cloud-based business phone system. It’s suitable especially for startups and small businesses. The service provides 24/7 support and is accessible via both mobile and desktop apps. It offers robust features, including a power dialer, automatic call distribution, call tracking and more. Users can purchase virtual numbers in over 50 countries. Organizations can enhance team collaboration and communication while keeping costs low.
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Fusion Connect

by Fusion Connect, Inc.
Fusion Connect
Fusion Connect offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions designed to streamline business communications and IT management. This platform is particularly well-suited for mid-sized to large enterprises seeking to enhance their communication infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. Fusion Connect's offerings include unified communications, managed network services, and cloud-based solutions, which facilitate seamless collaboration and connectivity across various devices and locations. Key benefits of Fusion Connect include improved productivity, enhanced security, and scalable solutions that grow with your business. Popular features encompass VoIP services, video conferencing, and robust cybersecurity measures. Users often praise the platform for its reliability, user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support. Pricing for Fusion Connect's services can vary based on the specific needs and scale of the business. For detailed pricing information, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. This ensures that businesses receive a solution that fits their unique requirements and budget.
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Buyer's Guide

Virtual Phone Service Is All About Managing Calls From Anywhere 

By Ashita Ahuja, Technical Writer at SelectHub

Virtual Phone Service BG Intro

In a recent survey by McKinsey, 58% of respondents said they work from home at least once a week. As an increasing number of employees embrace remote work opportunities, it’s necessary to provide them with a business phone option that is effective and reliable, no matter where they’re working from.

Virtual phone service can help fill this gap. In addition to filling the role of traditional phone service, they offer more flexibility than your average landline, enhanced features and better call quality.

If your company has outgrown its current phone system, or you’re scouting for a better way to communicate, then you’ve come to the right place. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over the benefits and features of a virtual phone service to help you pick an ideal solution.

Executive Summary

  • Virtual phone service features include call recording, visual voicemail and IVR.
  • When choosing an ideal solution, consider technical support needs, organizational budget and functionalities offered.
  • Ask potential vendors any questions you might have to gauge if they can fit your business needs.
What This Guide Covers:

What Is Virtual Phone Service?

A virtual phone service or system is a communication solution that allows businesses to connect staff, customers and other points of contact through the internet. Distributed workforces can easily stay connected regardless of location, and virtual networks can scale to accommodate companies of all sizes.

Virtual phone services don’t require bulky hardware. You only need a strong internet connection, and a connectable device, like a laptop, computer, tablet or mobile phone. When a call is made over a virtual network, an endpoint connection is established between the caller and the recipient using the internet.

Although traditional, on-premise phone services have ruled the communication industry for a long time, they’re increasingly getting phased out in favor of virtual business phone services.

There are three types of virtual phone systems:

  • VoIP-based: Ideal for all kinds of businesses, VoIP phone systems use IP technology to transmit phone calls.
  • Cloud-hosted: Cloud-hosted phone systems don’t rely on a local internet connection. Instead, they connect calls using the already existing phone network, like a cellular network or PSTN (landline).
  • App-based: These virtual phone services are based on downloadable apps for endpoints like mobile phones, tablets and computers.

Let's discuss what benefits virtual phone services can bring to your business.

Primary Benefits

1. Cost-effectiveness

Virtual phone service allows you to work and communicate from anywhere, holding meetings and conferences without the need to travel to different locations. They’re also generally more affordable than traditional phone services, with reduced or no fees for long-distance and international calls.

Cloud Phone Systems Categories

Primary Benefits of Virtual Phone Service

2. Increased Mobility

Keep your employees connected from anywhere. You can make and receive calls and text messages from any location with a stable internet connection.

3. Superior Call Quality

Virtual phone systems compress video and sound using lossless algorithms, resulting in superior call quality. Traditional phones clip voice waveforms to cut down the data load, sometimes leading to distorted or muffled voices. You’re far less likely to run into this problem using a virtual phone service, so long as you have a stable internet connection.

Key Features & Functionality

Call Queuing

Manage and sort inbound calls by placing callers in a queue to speak to an assigned representative. Calls are queued based on various criteria, including priority, the order in which customers call and the severity of the issue raised.
Visual Voicemail

Automatically transcribe voicemail and save the audio clips. Employees can choose to receive these transcribed voicemails in text messages or emails.
IVR

Interactive voice response enhances customer service through intelligent call routing, ensuring your customers are sent to the right agents.

IVR menus are pre-recorded prompts that ask callers the reason for calling. Customers enter their responses via the dial pad, for example, “Press 1 for billing” or “Press 2 for the sales department.”
Call Recording

Virtual phone services can record both audio and video calls. Employees can manage recordings, store them in a searchable database and share them among the team for reference or training purposes.

Most services charge an additional fee for unlimited call recording options.
Video Conference Calling

This feature allows participants in any part of the world to connect face-to-face. It includes functionalities like virtual background, online polling, team chats, virtual hand-raising and more.

It’s ideal for businesses with satellite offices, a large chunk of remote workers and clients worldwide. According to a 2021 report published by Upwork, video conferencing is one of the leading business technologies for how it helps connect distributed workforces.
Phone Analytics

Real-time data and analytics help monitor the shift in specific trends. Some important analytics include average call duration, caller location, total number of daily calls, customer satisfaction and conversion rate.

Software Comparison Strategy

While many virtual phone services have similar features, it can be overwhelming to decide which solution is actually best for your business.

Start by considering what your business needs. How many employees will use the program? Will they adapt to it easily, or will they need training? It’s also important to think about where your current communications fall short, and how a virtual phone service could help fill the gaps.

It’s also important to research your vendor. You can check online reviews, read industry guides and ask colleagues for their recommendations. Some vendors may even offer a free trial so you can see how your employees do with the program before committing.

Cost and Pricing Considerations

While virtual phone services are generally considered cost-effective, one of the biggest factors in how much they cost is the amount of users your account will have. Some service provider plans may have an upper limit for users, so, if you have a large company, make sure your provider can accommodate that.

Some providers also charge per user, while others charge on a pay-per-minute basis. So, for example, if you operate a large company that makes short calls, the latter might be a better pricing model for you.

Other factors that may affect cost include the number of extensions or unique numbers, and certain add-on features like teleconferencing.

Most Popular Virtual Phone Service

Jumpstart your search with our research team’s list of the top three virtual phone service providers.

8x8

8x8 is a cloud-based solution that is ideal for all business sizes. It offers key functionalities like three-way calling, chat, web-conferencing, voicemail, auto attendant, call distribution, call recording and fax. The platform easily integrates with ServiceNow, Salesforce and Microsoft Teams It helps remote teams to work effectively with reliable tools for collaboration and communication.

8x8

Viewing call analytics on the dashboard.

RingCentral

RingCentral is a UCaaS platform fit for small, medium and large businesses. It integrates with software like ZenDesk, Oracle CX Sales Cloud and Microsoft Dynamics. The solution provides users with essential features like HD voice, visual voicemail, team messaging, document sharing, automatic call recording and multiple extensions.

RingCentral

Example of calendar synching.

MiCloud Connect

MiCloud Connect is a cloud-based VoIP business phone solution. It offers features like screen sharing, audio and video conferencing, chats and call routing. The platform integrates with CRM, ERP and ATS applications..

MiCloud Connect

User dashboard with miscellaneous details.

 

 

Questions To Ask

Virtual Phone Systems Key Questions To Ask

To get a better understanding of your company’s requirements, ask yourself these guiding questions:

  • What features do we need to focus on the most?
  • What’s our budget?
  • Will our employees need training to use the software?
  • How many employees will use this service?
  • Do we need this service temporarily or permanently?

Here are a few questions to ask potential vendors to help you learn more about the software and vendor:

  • How many years of expertise do you have in the industry?
  • How will this service guarantee superior call quality?
  • What customer support and training do you offer?
  • Is the service customizable according to business needs?
  • Do you have a number portability policy?

In Conclusion

A virtual phone service is an important communication tool for any business, especially in the era of remote work. It allows employees to stay connected with other team members and customers from anywhere. Picking the right service might feel daunting, but we hope this buyer’s guide has helped narrow down your choices.

If you need further help, check out our comparison report for more information on the top business phone leaders in the industry. Good luck!

Product Comparisons

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Ashita
By Ashita Ahuja
Technical Content Writer
Ashita works as a Technical Writer at SelectHub specializing in VOIP, Business Phones, LMS, CMS and more. She is also a published author. When not writing articles, she enjoys watching rom-coms, listening to music and cooking. She loves collecting stationery, cannot still get the hang of riding a bicycle and suffers from acrophobia.
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Sagardeep
Technical Research By Sagardeep Roy
Senior Analyst
Sagardeep is a Senior Research Analyst at SelectHub, specializing in diverse technical categories. His expertise spans Business Intelligence, Analytics, Big Data, ETL, Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, with additional proficiency in EHR and Medical Billing. Holding a Master of Technology in Data Science from Amity University, Noida, and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science from West Bengal University of Technology, his experience across technology, healthcare, and market research extends back to 2016. As a certified Data Science and Business Analytics professional, he approaches complex projects with a results-oriented mindset, prioritizing individual excellence and collaborative success.
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Manan
Technical Review By Manan Roy
Principal Analyst
Manan is a native of Tezpur, Assam (India), who currently lives in Kolkata, West Bengal (India). At SelectHub, he works on categories like CRM, HR, PPM, BI, and EHR. He has a Bachelor of Technology in CSE from The Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology, a Master of Technology from The Institute of Engineering and Management IT, and an MBA in Finance from St. Xavier's College. He's published two research papers, one in a conference and the other in a journal, during his Master of Technology.
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Dianna
Edited By Dianna Dragonetti
Content Editor
As an editor, Dianna Dragonetti leads a team of five writers in writing about a variety of software, with an emphasis on how these tools empower businesses. Categories include accounting, learning management systems, content management systems, supply chain management, and electronic data interchange.
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