Top VoIP Services Compared: Comprehensive Guide

List of the best VoIP software

Here is a list of some of the best online VoIP software providers to make your decision easier:

1. RingCentral : All-in-one Professional VoIP

RingCentral is a comprehensive and scalable cloud telephony software, offering unified communication solutions to meet the communication needs of businesses of all sizes. This software allows users to work effectively from anywhere with advanced features and integrations with productivity and collaboration software.

Features

• HD (high definition) voice, video calls and conferences with advanced features (transfer, hold, voicemail, etc.)
• Mobile and desktop app for seamless communication across devices
• Integration with more than 200 business applications (CRM, helpdesk, productivity, etc.)
• Integrated collaboration options (team messaging, file sharing, tasks, etc.)
• Simplified administration via an intuitive web interface and user management options

Pricing

• Free 15-day trial
• Plans starting at $20 per user per month
• Ultra pack with advanced options (analytics, premium integrations, etc.) starting at $35 € per user per month

❤️ Our Take : RingCentral is a must for business telephony. Its comprehensive offer and its numerous integrations make it the ideal solution for demanding SMEs.

👍 Pros : Rich in options (calls, video, messaging). Extensive integrations (CRM, helpdesk). Centralized and secure administration. International coverage.

👎 Cons : Requires a quality internet network. Initial setup a bit technical. High rates, especially for smaller teams.

2. Freshdesk Contact Center : Cloud callcenter for Support Teams

Freshdesk Contact Center is a comprehensive cloud contact center software that allows businesses to effectively manage customer interactions across all online channels (voice, email, chat, chat, social, etc.).

With its advanced call routing, queue management, and performance monitoring options, Freshdesk Contact Center provides an optimal and personalized customer experience.

Features

• Omnichannel management of customer interactions (voice, email, chat, social networks, etc.)
• Intelligent routing of each call and advanced queue management
• Integration with the suite Freshworks (CRM, support, sales, etc.) for a 360° view of the customer
• Productivity options for agents (call scripts, knowledge base, automatic suggestions, etc.)
• Detailed reports and analyses on contact center and agent performance

Pricing

• 21-day free trial
• Packages starting at €39 per agent per month, with flexible options depending on call volumes and channels used
• Setup assistance and technical support included in all packages

❤️ Our Take : Freshdesk Contact Center is the ideal solution for creating a contact center without breaking the bank. Its intelligent routing and team management features ensure top-of-the-line telephone support.

👍 Pros : Fast deployment in the cloud. Smart call routing. Supervision and listening in real time. APIs and integrations (Freshdesk, Slack...).

👎 Cons : Requires a Freshdesk subscription to take full advantage of it. Customizing voice menus a bit limited. Perfectable relationships.

3. Nextiva : Affordable Professional IP Telephony

Nextiva is a software from unified communications in the cloud that combines telephony, video conferencing, team messaging, and contact center in a single intuitive interface. Nextiva helps businesses improve their productivity and customer relationships through advanced features and recognized reliability.

Features

• VoIP telephony with professional features (IVR, call groups, waiting, etc.)
• HD video conferencing and screen sharing for effective remote meetings
• Team messaging and real-time collaboration (chat, threads, tasks, etc.)
• Omnichannel contact center with intelligent interaction routing and queue management
• Integrations with the main business software (CRM, ERP, productivity, etc.)

Pricing

• 7-day free trial with no commitment
• Plans starting at $18.95 per user per month, with an annual commitment
• Discounts for businesses with more than 100 users
• A la carte options for advanced options (contact center, analytics, etc.)

❤️ Our Take : Nextiva democratizes high-end business telephony. Its clear packages and powerful functionalities will appeal to SMEs concerned about their image.

👍 Pros : Excellent quality/price ratio. Easy to set up and manage. CRM integrations and collaborative software. Responsive customer service.

👎 Cons : Call quality can be improved depending on the connection. Some advanced features (call center) limited. Basic routing options.

4. GrasShopper: Professional Mobile Telephony

Grasshopper is a virtual phone service designed for small businesses, startups, and freelancers who want a professional communication solution without having to invest in expensive equipment. In addition, this software allows you to effectively manage your calls from any device.

Features

• Local or toll-free phone numbers in over 80 countries
• Professional voicemail with transcription and email notification
• Intelligent call transfer to multiple recipients (landline, mobile, VoIP)
• Mobile application to manage calls and messages on the go
• Intuitive web portal to set up and manage your account

Pricing

• 7-day free trial with a temporary number
• Plans starting at $26 per month for 1 number and 3 extensions
• Small Business package at $44 per month for 3 numbers and 6 extensions
• Call rates per minute based on destinations, with unlimited options

❤️ Our Take : GrasShopper turns your mobile into a professional telephone switchboard. Dedicated number, messaging and call transfers... The perfect tool for on-the-go pros!

👍 Pros : Transform a mobile into a professional online. Quick and easy setup. Professional messaging and transcription. Rates adapted to small businesses.

👎 Cons : Requires good mobile coverage. Few advanced options (routing, supervision...). Limited integrations.

LEARN MORE: Check out the GrasShopper website

5. CloudTalk: Next Generation Call Center Software

CloudTalk is a cloud software specially designed for call centers, helping businesses optimize productivity and provide an exceptional customer experience with advanced call management, performance analysis, and integration with CRM software features.

Features

• HD voice and video calls with advanced features (transfer, hold, recording, etc.)
• Smart queues and call routing based on agent skills
• Native integration with more than 25 CRM and helpdesk software (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, etc.)
• Real-time analytics and detailed user performance reports
• Intuitive and customizable interface for quick handling by users

Pricing

• Free 14-day trial with all features
• Plans starting at €15 per user per month, with flexible options as needed
• Discounted rates for teams with more than 10 users
• Setup assistance and technical support included in all plans

❤️ Our Take : CloudTalk is the software for support and sales teams who want to offer high-end telephone service. Real-time supervision, call scripts, advanced analyses...

👍 Pros : Fast deployment in the cloud (no operating system constraints). Supervision and listening in real time. Smart call scripts. Open APIs and integrations (Zendesk, Hubspot...).

👎 Cons : Some advanced functions (IVR) quite limited. High rates for small teams. Perfectable technical support.

LEARN MORE: Check out the CloudTalk website

6. Dialpad Talk: Business Telephony in the Cloud

Dialpad Talk is a modern unified communications software that combines cloud telephony, video conferencing, and team collaboration in a single, intuitive interface.

Dialpad Talk software allows businesses to communicate more effectively and make better decisions, especially with the integration of AI (artificial intelligence).

Features

• HD voice and video calls with advanced features (real-time transcription, feeling analysis, etc.)
• Web conferences and webinars with recording and sharing of content
• Team messaging and collaborative workspaces
• Integration with productivity tools (Google Workspace, Microsoft 365) and CRMs
• Artificial intelligence for automatic note taking and suggestions in real time

Pricing

• Free 14-day trial with an Unlimited plan
• Standard plan starting at $15 per user per month, with essential features
• Pro plan starting at $25 per user per month, with advanced features and AI
• Monthly or annual engagement options, with discounts for large teams

❤️ Our Take: Dialpad Talk simplifies business telephony with a 100% cloud solution. Intuitive administration, unified communications and artificial intelligence are waiting for you!

👍 Pros: Easy deployment in the cloud. Unified communications (calls, messages, meetings...). Integrated AI for transcription and analysis. Wide choice of integrations.

👎 Cons: Basic call center features. Audio quality can be improved depending on the connection. Price list a bit complex.

LEARN MORE: Check out the Dialpad Talk website

7. Bitrix24: Collaborative Platform with Integrated VoIP

Bitrix24 is an all-in-one collaborative platform that brings together project management, CRM, telephony, video conferencing and many other tools in the same online workspace. With its generous free version and attractive rates, Bitrix24 is a solution of choice for SMEs and remote users.

Features

• VoIP telephony with professional features (SDA, queues, recording, etc.)
• HD video conferencing and Online chat for effective virtual meetings
• Agile project management (Kanban, Gantt, time reports, etc.) and task tracking
• Full CRM with sales pipeline, marketing automation, and customer service
• Integration with over 100 third-party applications (social networks, email, storage, etc.)

Pricing

• Free version for teams of up to 12 people, with 5GB of storage and essential features
• Paid plans starting at €39 per month for 6 users, with 24GB of storage and advanced features
• Discounted rates for larger teams, with an unlimited package at €159 per month
• 30% discount for associations and non-profit organizations

❤️ Our Take : Bitrix24 is the ideal all-in-one collaborative platform for teams. CRM, project management, VoIP telephony... All the tools are there to work effectively!

👍 Pros : Brings together all communication and collaboration tools. VoIP telephony integrated with CRM. Supervision and activity reports. Generous free version.

👎 Cons : VoIP integration only with internal CRM. Limited customization of call workflows. Perfectable reliability on international calls.

LEARN MORE: Check out the Bitrix24 website

8. Microsoft Teams: Microsoft VoIP for Pros

Microsoft Teams is a unified communications software that combines instant messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing in a collaborative environment integrated with the Office 365 suite. With its intuitive interface and powerful features, Microsoft Teams allows teams to work effectively together no matter where they are.

Features

• HD audio and video calls with advanced features (screen sharing, recording, live subtitles, etc.)
• Live meetings and events for up to 10,000 participants
• Conversation channels and team chat for transparent and organized communication
• Native integration with Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Microsoft tools (SharePoint, OneNote, etc.)
• Enterprise-grade security and compliance with data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and access rights management

Pricing

• Included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic (€4.20 per user per month) and Business Standard (€10.50 per user per month) and Business Standard (€10.50 per user per month) subscriptions
• Microsoft 365 Business Voice package starting at €12 per user per month, with cloud telephony and call minutes
• Microsoft Teams Essentials standalone license at €4 per user per month, with basic features
• Free 1-month trial to test Microsoft Teams with a Microsoft 365 Business Standard subscription

❤️ Our Take : Microsoft Teams Phone adds robust phone capabilities to the Teams collaborative platform. The productivity advantage of businesses already equipped with Microsoft 365!

👍 Pros : Integrated with Microsoft Teams and M365. Simple and familiar interface. Compatible with a variety of SIP phones. Possibility to add RTC lines.

👎 Cons : Requires a Microsoft 365 license. Less feature-rich than dedicated solutions. Limited administrations and integrations.

LEARN MORE: Check out the Microsoft Teams Phone website

9. Aircall: Intuitive VoIP for French SMEs

Aircall is a cloud-based business phone software specially designed for sales teams and customer service. With its user-friendly interface, CRM integrations, and advanced call management features, Aircall allows businesses to provide exceptional customer experiences and boost sales.

Features

• Unlimited calls to over 100 countries with local numbers in over 80 countries
• Automatic distribution of incoming calls and queue management
• Integrations with over 85 CRM, helpdesk, and e-commerce tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, Shopify, etc.)
• Call recording and listening for coaching and quality control
• Real-time dashboards and analytics to track team performance

Pricing

• 7-day free trial with no commitment
• Plans starting at €30 per user per month, with unlimited calls and essential features
• Enterprise package at €50 per user per month, with advanced integrations and priority support
• 20% reduction for associations and start-ups in the seed phase

❤️ Our Take : Aircall simplifies business telephony for SMEs with its accessible interface and essential features. A very good choice to start VoIP with peace of mind!

👍 Pros : Immediate handling. Affordable rates, even for small teams. Essential integrations (CRM, helpdesk...). Good collaboration tools (messaging, comments...).

👎 Cons : Some advanced functions are missing (call scripts, complex IVR...). Few hardware choices. Perfect audio quality.

LEARN MORE: Check out the Aircall website

10. Google Voice: Affordable VoIP for Pros

Google Voice is a cloud telephony solution integrated with other Google services for individuals and small businesses. Its practical features make it a simple and economical alternative to traditional operators.

Features

• Unique phone number for all your devices (smartphone, tablet, PC, MAC,...)
• Voice calls and text messages to landlines and mobiles in the United States and Canada
• Transcribing voice messages and sending them by email or SMS
• Call filtering and blocking unwanted numbers
• Google Calendar integration for call and meeting scheduling

Pricing

• Free version for individuals with a US phone number
• Starter package at $10 per user per month for businesses, with dedicated numbers and customer support
• Standard package at $20 per user per month, with advanced features and priority support
• International calls and additional numbers at competitive rates

❤️ Our Take : Google Voice brings the simplicity of Google to the world of business telephony. The ideal solution to equip your business cheaply and integrated with Google Meet

👍 Pros : Extremely easy to set up and use. Very attractive rates with unlimited calls. Works on all devices. Google Workspace integrations.

👎 Cons : Basic (no call center). Limited call personalization. Audio quality dependent on the connection.

LEARN MORE: Check out the Google Voice website

11. Ringover: French VoIP for SMEs

Ringover is a cloud telephony solution designed by a French company to meet the needs of SMEs and large accounts. Its professional features and local technical support make it a reliable alternative.

Features

• Unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles in France and in more than 110 countries
• Multi-channel management of incoming calls (IVR, queues, overflow, etc.)
• Integration with the main CRMs and business tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)
• Call statistics and real-time supervision to optimize the performance of each communication
• All-in-one solution with IP telephony, video conferencing, and team messaging
• AI-integrated transcription function

Pricing

• 7-day free trial with no commitment
• Customized packages based on the number of seats and the options chosen
• Cost per station starting from €15 excluding VAT per month, with unlimited calls in France
• Monthly, annual or multi-year commitment, with discounts up to 20% for long-term contracts

❤️ Our Take : Ringover seduces French SMEs with the support of its tailor-made cloud telephony. Local support, RGPD compliance and flexibility are its charming assets!

👍 Pros : Fast implementation. RGPD compliance and data hosted in France. Good integrated collaborative tools. Responsive customer support.

👎 Cons : Less rich in third-party integrations. Limited advanced call personalization. Some call center functions are missing.

LEARN MORE: Check out the Ringover website

12. OVHcloud Telecom: French Sovereign VoIP

OVHcloud Telecom is a hosted IP telephony solution offered by the French group OVHcloud, the European leader in cloud and web hosting.

It is a reliable, economical and secure alternative to traditional solutions.

Features

• Unlimited calls to landlines in more than 40 destinations and to mobiles in France
• Advanced management of incoming and outgoing calls (SDA, filtering, queues, etc.)
• Compatible with most SIP phones and softphones
• Intuitive management portal to configure and manage users independently
• Reinforced security with the encryption of communications and the hosting of data in France

Pricing

• One-time activation fees starting from €50 excl. VAT
• Monthly plans starting at €3.99 excluding VAT per SIP line, with unlimited calls to landlines in France
• A la carte options for mobile and international calls, starting at €0.013 excl. VAT per minute
• Monthly or annual commitment, with the possibility of changing your package at any time

❤️ Our Take : The OVH group focuses on data sovereignty and proximity. A reassuring solution for companies looking for French-style IP telephony in the cloud.

👍 Pros : Data hosted in France. Responsive customer support based in France. Quality of communications at the rendezvous. Compatible with standard SIP hardware.

👎 Cons : More limited range of functionalities. Fewer integrations. Perfectible administration interface.

LEARN MORE: Check out the OVHcloud Telecom website

Other solutions not covered: Hubspot, Keyyo Phone

What is VoIP software?

VoIP software (Voice over Internet Protocol) is an IP telephony technology that makes it possible to make telephone calls via an Internet connection.

Voice is transmitted in data packets via Internet protocols (IP), offering safer, more efficient and reliable solution than traditional telephone lines.

VoIP providers offer voice over IP services to their customers thanks to SaaS solutions for:

• Make calls to Any number in the world
• Send text messages, alerts, and emails
• Benefit from advanced features for sales and support teams (collaboration, mobile access, caller identification, call analysis, etc.)

With the digital transformation in progress, More and more organizations are adopting VoIP technology to replace traditional telephony, in order to gain in safety and performance thanks to a data-driven solution.

What is the best free VoIP software?

Among the many free IP telephony software available on the market, some stand out for their features, audio quality, and ease of use.

Here is our selection of the best free VoIP software:

• Skype : High quality audio/video calls, instant messaging, screen sharing, available on multiple platforms.
• Google Meet : Video conferences for up to 100 participants, screen sharing, meeting recording, integration of Google Meet with Google Workspace.
• zoom : Meetings for up to 100 participants (40 minutes max. in free version), excellent audio/video quality, screen sharing, virtual whiteboard.
• Discord : High-quality audio/video calls, messaging, open source, open source, screen sharing, permission management, creation of private servers.
• Whatsapp : Free audio/video calls, ease of use, availability on smartphones (iOS and Android).

Choosing the best free VoIP software will depend on your specific needs in terms of features, audio/video quality, and compatibility with your existing tools. Do not hesitate to test several options before making your final choice.

Key features of VoIP software

To choose a VoIP software that suits your business needs, it is crucial to consider several key criteria. Here are the must-have features to look for:

1. CRM integrations and productivity tools

A powerful VoIP software must integrate seamlessly with your CRM and your productivity software. The integration of CRM software is crucial for:

• Centralize customer data
• Automate repetitive tasks
• Personalize interactions with your prospects and customers

By opting for a VoIP solution that is compatible with your business software, you optimize your business processes and strengthen the overall efficiency of your business.

2. Mobility and flexibility

In an increasingly nomadic professional world, it is essential to choose VoIP software that offers an optimal mobility experience.

Verify that the proposed solution has intuitive and feature-rich iOS and Android applications.

These applications should make it possible to:

• Make and receive calls on the go
• Access the key functionalities of the software (company directory, instant messaging, etc.)
• Switch seamlessly between devices (PC/Mac, smartphone, tablet)

By guaranteeing continuity of communications, wherever your employees are located, you reinforce the responsiveness and productivity of your company.

3. Advanced analytics and reporting

To optimize your professional communications, it is essential to have accurate and usable data. A VoIP software worthy of the name should offer advanced analytics, such as:

• Detailed call tracking (duration, contacts, etc.)
• Customizable dashboards
• Automated reports on individual and collective performance

This information allows you to identify areas for improvement, adapt your business strategies and make informed decisions to develop your business.

4. Collaboration

Beyond audio and video calls, a comprehensive VoIP software must offer advanced collaboration options to facilitate teamwork such as:

• Instant messaging and group chats
• Screen sharing and remote control
• Secure file sharing
• Audio and video conferences with numerous participants

These integrated collaboration tools allow your teams to work effectively together, even remotely, and to strengthen synergy within your company.

5. Audio quality and reliability

Audio quality is an essential criterion for ensuring clear and constructive professional exchanges.

Choose a VoIP provider that focuses on:

• State-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal sound quality
• Redundant servers to minimize the risk of outages
• A global network to ensure low latency, even during international calls

Do not hesitate to test the audio quality before making a commitment, taking advantage of the trial periods offered by the providers.

6. Security and privacy

Data security is a major challenge for any business. Ensure that the VoIP software you choose meets the highest standards by matters of security and protection of sensitive information :

• End-to-end communications encryption
• Strong user authentication
• Recognized certifications (ISO 27001, GDPR, etc.)

By opting for a secure VoIP solution, you not only protect your business, but also your customers and partners.

7. Scalability

Your VoIP software must be able to adapt to the evolution of your needs, whether in terms of number of users, functionalities or integrations. Scalability is critical to ensure that your solution can grow with your business.

Choose a scalable solution that can support the growth of your business without compromising the quality of service. Also check the sustainability of the supplier and its ability to innovate to stay at the forefront of technology.

8. Simple and flexible rates

Finally, VoIP software pricing should be transparent and adapted to your real use. It is crucial to choose flexible pricing that adapts to your needs. Compare the different pricing models offered:

• Unlimited packages
• Billing by the minute
• Payment per user

Check the possible presence of hidden feess (installation, support, cancellation) and prefer a pricing that adapts to your context.

9. Customer support and training

Great customer support is essential for a successful user experience, so look for a VoIP provider that offers:

• Fast and competent technical support, available through various channels (telephone, email, chat)
• A comprehensive knowledge base and clear user guides
• Training to enable your teams to get the most out of the software

High-quality support will allow you to optimize the adoption of your new VoIP solution and maximize the return on investment.

By taking into account these essential criteria, you will be in a position to choose a VoIP software that is efficient, reliable and adapted to the specificities of your business.

FAQs

What is the cheapest VoIP provider?

The cheapest VoIP providers on the market today are Google Voice ($0/month), Phone.com ($9.99), Ringcentral ($19.99), and Grasshopper ($26).

Can IP telephony be used without a computer?

Yes, you can use VoIP on your phone without a computer. You can use an ATA, which is an adapter that acts as a bridge between your analog phone and the digital network.

Who uses VoIP software?

VoIP software is used by a wide variety of businesses and organizations across all sectors including:

• SMEs and large companies
• Call centers and customer services
• The sales department and remote workers
• Health care institutions and medical professionals
• Educational institutions and universities

The flexibility, profitability and advanced functionalities of VoIP software make it a preferred choice for many structures, whether public or private in addition to each fixed line.

Summary.

In summary, among the best VoIP providers, our recommendations are:

• Nextiva: Best in the world
• RingCentral: Perfect for mid-sized businessesGrasshopper: Great for businesses on the go

However, the final choice will depend on the specific needs of your business.

By considering these essential aspects, you will select a VoIP software that meets your requirements, optimizes your communications and promotes the growth of your business.