/VoIP Software

6 Best VoIP Software & Providersfor Business 2025

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Why Trust This Guide?

Working in business communications and marketing, part of my role is to explore solutions that make it easier for teams and customers to stay connected. Over the past five years, I've tested many of the best VoIP providers and want to share practical insights to guide you toward making the right choice for your company.

How VoIP software works

VoIP, or voice-over-internet protocol, works by transmitting phone calls through the internet instead of traditional landlines. In a business setting, this means employees can make and receive calls on desktops, laptops, or mobile devices as long as they are connected to the internet. Calls are converted into digital signals, routed through secure servers, and delivered to the recipient's phone number, just like a standard call.

The shift to cloud-based VoIP calling is part of a broader industry trend, where 96% of North American organizations are expected to adopt cloud or mobile private branch exchange (PBX) solutions by the end of 2026.

For businesses, VoIP provides a centralized communication system that supports calling, messaging, and even video conferencing under one platform. Businesses can scale easily by adding virtual phone numbers or features like call forwarding and voicemail-to-email without new hardware. This flexibility allows teams to stay connected from any location, while reducing costs compared to maintaining traditional phone lines.

Top VoIP software at a glance

Best VoIP softwareMonthly starting priceFree trialKey featuresMy rating
Nextiva
$23Shared SMS inbox
Custom call routing rules
Local & toll-free numbers
4.9
Zoom Phone
$10Voicemail task extraction
Online faxing
Post-call summaries
4.86
RingCentral
$3014 days24/7 AI answering
In-depth call analytics
Multi-level phone menus
4.56
Vonage
$19.9914 daysUnlimited SMS
40+ phone features
Visual voicemail
4.48
Ooma
$19.95Toll-free minutes
Company directory
Custom caller ID
4.31
Grasshopper
$187 daysVanity phone numbers
Unlimited extensions
Custom phone greetings
4.25
CallHippo
Free or $2510 daysFree VoIP plan
Unlimited landline/mobile calls
Omnichannel inbox
4.16

6 Best VoIP Software & Providers

Below, you'll find my top six best VoIP providers, each with its own use case to fit different business needs:

  • Nextiva: Best omnichannel customer platform
  • Zoom Phone: Best low-cost VoIP plans
  • RingCentral: Best AI-powered unified communications
  • Vonage: Best build-your-own VoIP
  • Ooma: Best entry-level VoIP for small business
  • Grasshopper: Best for setting up a dedicated business line
  • CallHippo: Best for call center management
N

Nextiva: Best omnichannel customer platform

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Overall Reviewer Score4.9/5
Pricing5/5
General features5/5
Advanced features4.63/5
Support5/5
Ease of use3.81/5
Expert score5/5

Pros

  • Supports voice and other digital channels
  • Intuitive mobile and desktop app
  • Customizable call routing rules
  • Very responsive customer support

Cons

  • No interface previews available; users must sign up for a demo
  • Requires a 12-month contract to avail of Small Business pricing

Why I chose Nextiva

Businesses with client-facing teams often adopt VoIP to improve customer interactions, and if that's your main goal, Nextiva stands out as a strong choice. In my years of testing VoIP platforms, I've noticed that most providers limit you to just three customer channels: phone, SMS, and chat. Nextiva goes further by adding social media, web chat, and even review sites, giving your team a true omnichannel experience.

Although VoIP is its foundation, Nextiva positions itself more as a customer experience management platform. It unifies every customer touchpoint and integrates tightly with CRM systems (e.g., HubSpot, Zendesk, Zoho), allowing you to place calls directly within the platform or pull up customer data in real time.

That said, I don't recommend Nextiva for startups with only basic communication needs. If you mainly connect with customers through phone and SMS, a simpler and more affordable option like Grasshopper will give you better value for your money.

Z

Zoom Phone: Best low-cost VoIP plans

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Overall Reviewer Score4.86/5
Pricing5/5
General features5/5
Advanced features4.25/5
Support5/5
Ease of use4.63/5
Expert score4.69/5

Pros

  • Turn ongoing calls into Zoom Meetings
  • Metered and prepaid plans for domestic and international calls
  • Relatively simple to use
  • AI-powered calls at no extra cost

Cons

  • Occasional audio lags
  • Call analytics isn't robust enough for detailed insights

Why I chose Zoom Phone

If you're an individual or running a small team on a budget, I know that price is often the biggest factor when choosing a business VoIP service provider. Most basic VoIP plans cost around $20 to $30 per user monthly, but Zoom Phone stands out with plans starting at just $10 per user per month.

At this entry price, you still get access to core call management features like call recording, business-hour routing, and even faxing. Domestic calls follow a pay-as-you-go model, making it a smart option if you only make occasional calls. You can also upgrade to unlimited calling for just $5 more per month, which remains affordable compared to most prepaid VoIP plans at $20 per user.

That said, Zoom Phone falls short when it comes to advanced call analytics. For teams handling high call volumes that need detailed performance insights, RingCentral is a stronger option, thanks to its built-in business analytics and customizable reporting tools.

R

RingCentral: Best AI-powered unified communications

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Overall Reviewer Score4.56/5
Pricing4/5
General features4.5/5
Advanced features4.63/5
Support5/5
Ease of use4.63/5
Expert score4.06/5

Pros

  • Extensive suite of call management features
  • Connects with 300+ third-party apps
  • Strong variety of support options
  • AI capabilities across all plans

Cons

  • Customization can be overwhelming at first
  • Extensive feature set makes it hard to navigate

Why I chose RingCentral

If you've been researching the best VoIP providers, chances are you've come across RingCentral more than once, and for good reason. RingCentral is a leading name in business communications, offering everything from complete call management and collaborative meetings to AI-powered team chat. I've seen how it equips teams with all the essential tools to stay connected with colleagues and customers, all supported by AI.

RingCentral also stands out for reliability. It maintains a 99.999% uptime record over five years across 46 countries, backed by global security and privacy certifications. Switching between phone, text, video, and chat is seamless from the navigation bar. Plus, every plan includes a personal AI assistant at no extra cost, giving you call notes, real-time transcription, translations, and even a writing editor.

That said, these feature-rich capabilities come with a higher price point, making RingCentral less practical for individual users or small businesses just getting started. I usually recommend it for companies planning to scale quickly and needing a robust, future-ready solution.

V

Vonage: Best build-your-own VoIP

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Overall Reviewer Score4.48/5
Pricing5/5
General features4.13/5
Advanced features4.06/5
Support4.25/5
Ease of use5/5
Expert score4.38/5

Pros

  • Unlimited text messaging in the US
  • 99.999% uptime reliability
  • 40+ standard phone features at the base plan
  • Modern and user-friendly app

Cons

  • Chat and video calls locked at second tier
  • Limited app integrations

Why I chose Vonage

Like RingCentral, Vonage is a well-established name in the VoIP space, especially for businesses that want custom communication solutions. It offers extensive developer resources (code snippets, guides, and documentation) that make it possible to embed calling, messaging, and video features directly into your company's website or app.

When integrated, Vonage allows agents to place and receive calls, send texts, or join video meetings without leaving the platform they're working in. For example, a sales rep can connect with a lead directly from the page they're visiting, while call notes and recordings are automatically logged into the system.

Vonage offers pre-built plans starting at $19.99 per month, but many advanced features are sold as add-ons. If you're just starting out with VoIP and want everything bundled into a single plan, Nextiva may be a better fit since its packages include multiple communication channels upfront.

O

Ooma: Best entry-level VoIP for small business

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Overall Reviewer Score4.31/5
Pricing2/5
General features4.5/5
Advanced features4/5
Support5/5
Ease of use5/5
Expert score5/5

Pros

  • 800 numbers include 500 toll-free minutes
  • Unlimited calling includes the US, CA, Puerto Rico, and Mexico
  • 50+ phone features come standard with all plans
  • Residential plan available for homepreneurs

Cons

  • Comes with a $49.95 activation fee
  • Interface feels dated compared to competitors

Why I chose Ooma

If you're shopping for a VoIP-focused system without the AI frills, Ooma is a solid choice. While it was first known for home phone services, Ooma offers a business phone system that covers all the essentials, including unlimited calls to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, more countries than many competitors cover in their local calling plans.

Advanced features like video conferencing, team chat, and CRM integrations are reserved for higher tiers, so you won't feel overloaded with tools you don't need if your focus is simply phone calling. Its interface is simple to navigate, with accessible options for adding contacts, configuring calls, and checking voicemail.

That said, Ooma can be too basic for teams that rely heavily on advanced customization. If your business requires a more comprehensive communication platform, I recommend RingCentral, which combines calling, messaging, video, and AI-powered tools in a single solution.

G

Grasshopper: Best for setting up a dedicated business line

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Overall Reviewer Score4.25/5
Pricing5/5
General features5/5
Advanced features1.5/5
Support5/5
Ease of use4.63/5
Expert score4.38/5

Pros

  • Vanity number included at no extra charge
  • Consistent UX for desktop and mobile apps
  • Unlimited user capacity for higher plan tiers
  • Works as a second phone number app

Cons

  • Doesn't offer the same built-in collaboration tools competitors offer
  • No app integrations

Why I chose Grasshopper

Grasshopper is another strong recommendation for those who still find Ooma too feature-heavy. As a virtual phone system, Grasshopper gives you a dedicated business number (local, toll-free, or vanity number), which you can use to separate work calls and create a professional image. It doesn't include video, chat, or app integrations, making it perfect if you simply want a phone number for business calls.

One standout feature I appreciate is that Grasshopper lets you secure a vanity number during sign-up without extra charges on your monthly subscription. As you upgrade to higher tiers, you can also add unlimited users without paying per-user fees, something unique compared to most VoIP providers that bill individually per seat.

Of course, Grasshopper has limitations. It lacks the advanced features needed to handle high call volumes, so it isn't the best fit for customer support teams. If you're looking for a more complete VoIP platform for client interactions, I recommend Nextiva, which provides a full suite of tools for sales and support communications.

C

CallHippo: Best for call center management

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Overall Reviewer Score4.16/5
Pricing2/5
General features4.13/5
Advanced features4.38/5
Support5/5
Ease of use3.75/5
Expert score5/5

Pros

  • Free plan for basic phone usage
  • Monthly plan options for low or high call volumes
  • Unlimited minutes for landline and mobile calling
  • Real-time chat support for customers

Cons

  • Dashboard users come with an added fee
  • Spam monitoring includes a $2 fee per number

Why I chose CallHippo

One thing worth noting when shopping for VoIP is that many providers also offer call center plans for high-volume users, usually at a higher price point. You might wonder if there's a budget-friendly option, and the answer is yes. CallHippo includes agent productivity tools in its business phone plans starting at just $25 per user, making it one of the most affordable ways to access call center features.

What I like is that CallHippo offers two versions of its phone system for both low- and high-volume usage. This flexibility lets you choose a plan that matches your call center's traffic instead of paying for features you don't need. As your call center grows, you can add outbound campaign tools like power dialers and automatic machine detection to support sales teams.

That said, while CallHippo includes unlimited minutes for both mobile and landline calls, there are restrictions. Certain countries and number types aren't included in unlimited calling. If you need more flexible options, I recommend Zoom Phone, which provides customizable call plans.

Buyer's checklist: How to choose the best VoIP software

Choosing the right VoIP platform means asking the right questions about your business needs. The questions below will help you compare VoIP providers and ensure you're investing in a solution that fits both your budget and workflow.

Does it have the call management tools I need?

Strong call management ensures your team can route calls, set business hours, record conversations, and manage voicemail without disruptions. These features directly affect how smoothly customer and internal communications are handled.

Is the interface simple for my team to use?

A user-friendly interface shortens the learning curve and helps your team adopt the system quickly. The easier it is to navigate, the less time you'll spend on training and troubleshooting.

Can it connect with my existing business apps?

Integration with tools like CRMs, helpdesks, and productivity software allows your team to work from one hub. This eliminates manual data entry and gives you a more complete view of customer interactions.

Does it include collaboration tools like video and messaging?

Some business VoIP providers go beyond calling by offering video meetings and messaging. These features allow teams to communicate in real time without switching between multiple apps.

Does it meet my security and compliance needs?

Security compliance ensures sensitive business and customer data is protected from breaches or misuse. Look for providers with certifications like HIPAA, GDPR, and end-to-end encryption to safeguard your communications.

Do I need AI features in my VoIP system?

AI-powered tools help with tasks like call transcription and conversation summaries. With 85% of customer service leaders set to pilot conversational Gen AI in 2025, voice bots are expected to shift from a nice-to-have feature to a core requirement.

The best VoIP phone providers give you more than just phone service, as they streamline communication and keep your business flexible as it grows. By focusing on call management, ease of use, and security, you'll be able to narrow down providers that truly fit your needs.

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