8 Best Cheap VoIP Services of 2023
This article is part of a larger series onVoIP.
At a cost-effective price, voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) solutions offer call management tools, unlimited domestic calling, robust mobile applications, and virtual phone numbers. Aside from these essentials, the best cheap VoIP services provide international calling and interactive voice response (IVR). Based on our evaluation, here are the most affordable VoIP services for small businesses:
- RingCentral:Best overall cheap VoIP service
- Dialpad:Best for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered workspaces
- 沃尼奇:Best for low call volumes
- Zoom Phone:Best for user-friendly interfaces
- Ooma:Best for international calling
- Grasshopper:Best for affordable flat-rate monthly fees
- Google Voice:Best for Google Workspace users
- Phone.com:最好的虚拟越南河粉ne number options
Best Cheap VoIP Service Providers at a Glance
Best Cheap VoIP Service Providers |
Monthly Starting Price (per User) |
Key Features |
Free Trial |
FSB Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
|
$30 |
|
14 days |
4.26 out of 5 |
|
$23 |
|
14 days |
4.24 out of 5 |
|
$19.99 |
|
14 days |
4.23 out of 5 |
|
$10 |
|
N/A |
4.08 out of 5 |
|
$19.95 |
|
30-day money-back guarantee |
4.03 out of 5 |
|
$31
(flat-free pricing) |
|
7 days |
3.92 out of 5 |
|
$10 |
|
N/A; offers a free version |
3.89 out of 5 |
|
$14.99 |
|
30-day money-back guarantee |
3.89 out of 5 |
RingCentral: Best Overall Cheap VoIP Phone Service
What We Liked
- Base plan allows up to 100 video participants
- Up to 10,000 toll-free minutes
- 99.999% uptime service-level agreement (SLA)
Where It Falls Behind
- Without taking advantage of annual and volume discounts, subscription plans are more expensive than most providers on this list
- Only offers long-term desk phone rentals
- Nocustomer relationship management (CRM)integrations in the base plan
RingCentral Monthly Pricing (per User)*
- Core:$30 for unlimited domestic calling, messaging, IVR, and high-definition (HD) conferencing
- Advanced:$35 for auto-call recording, call management and handling, and internet fax
- Ultra:$45 for unlimited video, whiteboards, messaging, file sharing, and file and recording storage
*Save up to 33% by paying annually and get volume discounts for more than 50 account users.
RingCentral is one of the topbusiness phone systemsin the market and our best overall cheap VoIP provider, thanks to its extensive collaboration and call management capabilities. While its base plan is slightly higher than other providers on this list, it has advanced features. All RingCentral plans come with a multi-level auto attendant with IVR, visual voicemail, on-demand call recording, live transcription, and real-time quality-of-service analytics and alerts.
Its texting features are great for giving quick updates to colleagues and getting immediate responses to basic questions. The service is also completely scalable, offering additional phone numbers and volume-based discounts for businesses with over 50 users. Get greater savings by opting for RingCentral’s annual prepay option and gain up to 33% savings.
All RingCentral plans have built-in HD video conferencing for up to 200 video participants. Its large meeting add-on lets users host unlimited online conferences with up to 500 attendees. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone system with no video meeting time limits, consider Phone.com. Its plans begin at $14.99 per user, monthly.
RingCentral Features
- Conversational AI:This feature helps your team improve performance with AI highlights that identify pain points and best practices. It combines machine learning with natural learning processing (NLP) for high-quality chatbots, sentiment analysis, and proactive customer service.
- Extensive integrations:结束应用程序使用RingC切换entral’s ecosystem of integration apps. It integrates with more than 200 companies and has more than 300 third-party application programming interfaces (API) integrations.
- Multilevel IVR:Configure your phone tree menus with RingCentral’s IVR editor. A carefully planned IVR system allows customers to access basic information and self-service options, even when your team is unavailable. Customize up to 250 voice menus and submenus per RingCentral account.
了解更多关于这个供应商,我看看我们n-depthRingCentral review.
Dialpad: Best VoIP Service for AI-powered Workspaces
What We Liked
- Multi-level auto attendant included in the base plan
- All plans come with voice intelligence (VI)
- Offers both local and international phone numbers
Where It Falls Behind
- Offers limited integrations, with the base plan only integrating with Google Workspace
- Maximum video conferencing capacity is 100 participants
- 业务- - - - - -level video conferencing is a paid add-on service
Dialpad Monthly Pricing (per User)*
- Standard:$23 for unlimited calling and video meetings, Ai-powered call and voicemail transcriptions, and unlimited audio recording
- Pro:$35 for 25 ring groups, international short message service (SMS), hold queues, and nine integrations
- Enterprise:Custom quote for phone extensions, unlimited ring groups, and single sign-on service
*Discounts are available for annual billing, with monthly rates starting at $15 per user.
Dialpad is a cloud-based solution with built-in AI tools, including voicemail and real-time call transcriptions. Thissmall business VoIP service’scall transcriptions eliminate the need to take down notes because it provides a running transcript of the ongoing meeting. Transcripts are instantly added to your archive, and you can use the built-in keyword search to track your conversations. Dialpad Ai’s voice recognition distinguishes between speakers in the transcript.
In addition, Dialpad offers live call sentiment analysis and live speech coaching—helping improve customer conversations. Monitor multiple calls simultaneously, and when used with call transcripts, supervisors read the transcript for context and then jump into the call. Live speech coaching allows you to create real-time assist cards with custom notes. For example, a note pops up reminding agents to speak slower if they’re talking too quickly.
When it comes to virtual meetings, Dialpad is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-ready and offers unlimited video meetings in the entry-level plan. However, its video conferencing feature only supports a maximum of 10 participants. If your business requires a larger meeting participant capacity, go for RingCentral. It accommodates up to 200 virtual meeting participants.
Dialpad Features
- Team messaging:This chat feature allows direct and group messaging. Send documents quickly through drag and drop and create different channels and threads for projects and groups.
- Automated post-call summaries:Dialpad sends a call summary to meeting participants via email after a meeting. The post-call summary includes the call transcript, action items, and meeting notes.
- Virtual phone number:Get a virtual phone number with Dialpad set up in just a few minutes. Each user gets their own local number, and additional numbers are available. Pay $5 monthly per local number and $15 monthly for each international and toll-free number.
This VoIP offers robust AI in its analytics and reporting. If you want to learn more about its features, pricing, and ease of use, read ourDialpad review.
沃尼奇: Best for Low Call Volumes
What We Liked
- Up to 200 video participants
- Chat with presence features
- All plans include more than 50 phone features
Where It Falls Behind
- Does not offer professionally recorded greetings
- Taxes and other fees are not included in the per-user rates
- Lacks annual billing discount
沃尼奇Monthly Pricing (per Line)*
- Mobile:$19.99 for unlimited calls and SMS, and unlimited team messaging
- Premium:$29.99 for a multi-level auto-attendant, unlimited meetings for up to 100 participants, CRM integrations, and IP desk phone compatibility
- Advanced:$39.99 for up to 15 hours of on-demand call recording, call groups, and visual voicemail
* Vonage has a minimum one-year contract.
Thanks to its customizable plans, Vonage is our best cheap VoIP provider for businesses with low call volumes. Users can choose features to create the exact plans they want. Vonage offers over 50 voice and unified communications (UC) features, such as call recording and voicemail. This flexible pricing model is ideal for budget-conscious teams looking to pay only for needed services. Vonage’s base plan includes team messaging and unlimited calling and texting.
The Vonage mobile applications deliver robust messaging capabilities, including a unified inbox with a feed that integrates your private and business number messages. Users access both work and personal accounts on one application, minimizing tedious and often confusing app switching. Vonage’s mobile app is available on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
For an added fee, Vonage offers different virtual phone number options, including toll-free, local business, and international phone numbers. For example, a toll-free company number for United States customers costs $39.99 monthly, without per-minute charges. If this is too expensive, Grasshopper offers a flat monthly fee and allows a combination of toll-free and local numbers. Get between one to five phone numbers, depending on your chosen plan.
沃尼奇Features
- Call park:Put calls on hold and let your colleagues pick them up. Call parking allows you to continue to place and receive calls and use other Vonage VoIP features.
- Call flip:Gain greater flexibility and switch between devices on an active call. Add up to five devices to multiple extensions.
- 沃尼奇boomerang:This is a feature on the Vonage extension app. It automatically connects calls from preidentified numbers to your Vonage phone number. Boomerang contacts are connected to your Vonage number, and call charges are applied to your account.
Read our comprehensive沃尼奇reviewto determine whether its price points and features are suited for your small business.
Zoom Phone: Best for Its User-friendly Interface
What We Liked
- Includes metered and unmetered call plans
- Local phone service in 40 countries
- Offers mix-and-match plans for greater savings
Where It Falls Behind
- Extra charge for real-time reporting
- Limited third-party integrations
- Unlimited global calling only supports 19 countries
Zoom Phone Monthly Pricing (per User)*
- Pay as you go:$10 for a US and Canada number with metered outbound calls
- Unlimited regional calling:$15 for unlimited calling with the US and Canada with metered international calling
- Pro global select:$20 for unlimited domestic calling in one of more than 40 supported countries and territories
*Annual payment is also available.
If you’re looking for the cheapest VoIP phone service that’s easy to use and user-friendly, Zoom Phone is your best bet, as it’s designed for nontech users. Zoom Phone has a desktop and mobile application accommodating all types of users. Set up Zoom Phone without complicated hardware and software installations. This increases your team’s flexibility and mobility, allowing users to make and receive calls from anywhere.
Zoom Phone is a native product within the Zoom platform, bringing together meeting, chat, voice, and video channels. It also supports traditional desktop phones and popular phone headsets, allowing you to integrate existing hardware with your Zoom Phone system for better device familiarity. Zoom highlights action items by making icons large and easy to click on while less important things are smaller.
Zoom is an intuitive, full-featured VoIP system offering a unified phone, video, meetings, and chat app. All plans include call blocking, agent monitoring, dial-by-name, and holiday call routing. However, while the mobile app is easy to use, it lacks some of the functionality in the desktop version, such as launching standard polls and managing breakout rooms. Try RingCentral if you want a full-featured mobile app with comprehensive features.
Zoom Phone Features
- Call forwarding:Establish personal call handling rules to direct calls to internal users, extensions, and external phone numbers
- Zoom chat:Create public or private channels categorized by topic, participants, or project. Communicate using emojis, hop into a virtual meeting, and transfer files easily using the interface.
- Call monitoring:Supervisors can silently monitor calls, for instance, an agent in an active call or an assistant listening in on an executive’s meeting to take notes. Call monitoring can be used for collaboration and performance monitoring.
Refer to our comprehensiveZoom Phone reviewto learn about its call management features.
Ooma: Best for Unlimited International Calling
What We Liked
- Unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
- Robust mobility features, such as simultaneous ring and call transfer
- Free number porting
Where It Falls Behind
- Limited third-party integrations
- Lacks international text messaging
- Entry-level plan doesn’t offer the desktop app
Ooma Monthly Pricing (per User)*
- Ooma Office Essentials:$19.95 for a virtual receptionist, ring groups, call forwarding, mobile applications, and unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
- Ooma Office Pro:$24.95 for on-demand call recording, video conferencing with simultaneous screen share, and voicemail transcription
- Ooma Pro Plus:$29.95 for call queuing, hot desking, Salesforce, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 integration
*Ooma offers a 60-day Ooma Premier trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee for Ooma Office and Ooma Office for Mobile.
Ooma comes out on top when it comes to international calling because of its pay-as-you-go option and two unlimited World calling plans. Ooma offers two optional unmetered international calling plans to landlines in over 70 countries and mobile phones in more than 40 countries. These add-ons start at $17.99 monthly, significantly lowering international calling costs for small businesses with high-volume international calling.
Ooma’s business phone plans feature over 50 call management and mobility capabilities, including ring groups, virtual receptionists, and call queuing. However, it does not offer robust third-party integrations. Google and Office 365 integrations only unlock at the Pro plan. For extensive pre-built integration options, check out RingCentral. It integrates with over 200 leading business solutions.
Ooma Features
- Enhanced call blocking:Allow your team to focus on legitimate business calls by blocking anonymous incoming calls and those coming in from suspected spammers. Create a Block List and include numbers you don’t want to hear from.
- Ring groups:Determine how calls are distributed among team members. Choose whether calls will ring simultaneously or in sequence to ensure no call will go unanswered.
- Video conferencing:Ooma meetings make coordinating with remote colleagues and customers easy. Minimize distractions and eliminate background noise so meeting attendees can focus on the discussions, not the sounds of your environment.
Read our in-depthOoma reviewto learn if the platform fits your business communication requirements.
Grasshopper: Top Cheap VoIP Provider With Flat-rate Pricing
What We Liked
- Base-level subscription package features unlimited users
- Includes simultaneous call handling
- Offers different types of business phone numbers are available: local, toll-free, and vanity
Where It Falls Behind
- Lacks video conferencing features
- No free plan option
- Limited integrations with third-party business tools
Grasshopper Monthly Pricing*
- Solo:$31 for one phone number, three extensions, and unlimited users
- Partner:$51 for three phone numbers, six extensions, and unlimited users
- Small Business:$89 for five phone numbers and unlimited extensions and users
*Save over 10% with annual billing.
Grasshopper is the best VoIP service for small businesses looking for a low-cost phone service with affordable flat-free pricing. Unlike other providers, Grasshopper’s fixed fee allows small businesses to add as many team members to their accounts without incurring additional user fees. All Grasshopper plans have the same features, including business texting, virtual fax, and custom greetings. Plans only vary in the number of phone numbers and extensions included.
而蚱蜢是fo价格适宜的解决方案r organizations, it’s not the best option for teams with hybrid or remote setups because it lacks crucial collaboration features like team chat and video conferencing. If these features are essential to you, opt for other cheap VoIP services like RingCentral and Dialpad.
Grasshopper Features
- Customized greeting:Greet your customers professionally and align your phone system messaging with your brand identity using Grasshopper’s custom voice recordings.
- Voice studio:This add-on allows you to record high-quality, professional greetings by experienced Grasshopper voice actors. Each order costs $75 and can have several scripts.
- Instant response:This feature automatically sends a message to a new client after you miss their call. Instant response lets you touch base with new prospects for better customer conversions.
OurGrasshopper reviewdetails everything you need to know about this business phone system’s capabilities, including its general and niche features and pricing.
Google Voice: Best for Google Workspace Users
What We Liked
- Has a free option for personal or residential use
- Free local phone number
- User-friendly, intuitive interface
Where It Falls Behind
- Global coverage is limited to 14 countries
- Text messaging is limited to 160 characters
- Collaboration features are through other Google Workspace applications
Google Voice Monthly Pricing*
- Personal:Free for one user, one U.S. phone number, and mobile app
- Starter:$10 for up to 10 users, unlimited calls between Google Voice numbers, unmetered domestic texts, voicemail transcription, mobile app, and call forwarding
- Standard:$20 for unlimited users, multi-level auto-attendant, ring groups, and desk phone support
- Premier:$30 for automatic call recording and advanced reporting
*Requires active Google Workspace accounts to avail of Google Voice
Google Voice is the best option for Google Workspace users looking for a VoIP phone system, thanks to its simple-to-use interface and free business phone number. A free version is available for solopreneurs; you only need a Google account to access the system. If you already use Google apps like Google Meet and Gmail, Google Voice addsVoIP features, such as voicemail transcription and call forwarding, to your communication system.
When compared with other VoIP providers, Google Voice compares favorably, given its free-to-use personal plan. Google Voice is worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable call forwarding service with unlimited calls and texts. However, its virtual phone number options are limited to local numbers. Phone.com is a great choice if you are looking for other types of numbers, including local, toll-free, vanity, and international.
Google Voice Features
- 工作空间集成:Boost your communication stack with Google’s suite of productivity apps. While Google Voice does not have built-in video conferencing and team chat, as a Google app, it integrates with other Google applications, such as Google Meet, Drive, Calendar, and Gmail.
- BigQuery advanced reporting:Premier plan subscribers can access Google’s BigQuery, which helps generate valuable business insights. Receive usage and activity reports in all paid plans for better business and performance monitoring.
- Voicemail transcriptions:Save time by receiving your voicemail messages in text format for easy reference. Google Voice uses voice-to-text to transcribe audio messages into a readable format sent to you via email.
Read ourGoogle Voice reviewfor details on this VoIP provider’s pricing and features.
Phone.com: Best for Its Virtual Phone Number Options
What We Liked
- Compatibility with IP desk phone
- Unlimited video meeting duration
- Supports international calling
Where It Falls Behind
- Lacks a free trial, unlike other Google Voice competitors
- Doesn’t offer team messaging
- Call analytics is offered only in the highest-tier package
Phone.com Monthly Pricing (per User)*
- Basic:$14.99 for 500 pooled minutes, one phone number per account, automated attendant, and up to 10 video meeting participants
- Plus:$19.99 for unlimited minutes, one phone number per user, conversational texting, up to 25 video meeting participants, and video recording
- Pro:$29.99 for call recording, CRM integration, up to 100 video meeting participants, and YouTube live streaming
*Pricing is based on one to four users. Save 20% with annual billing.
If you need different types of virtual phone numbers, Phone.com offers all types of numbers: vanity, local, toll-free, and international numbers. Give your business extra credibility with a local number or boost your brand identity by choosing a number that’s easy to remember. Either way, Phone.com allows businesses to set up a phone number in seconds or transfer their existing one free of charge.
Phone.com accounts have over 50 standard features that help small companies to streamline communications. It also comes with video conferencing features, unlimited meeting duration, meetings with up to 100 participants, and interactive tools like screen sharing and in-meeting chat. However, Phone.com doesn’t offer team messaging. If you need this feature for internal coordination, try Vonage’s unlimited team messaging service.
Phone.com Features
- Voicemail transcription:Get through your voicemail quickly by reading the transcribed version of the audio message. Avoid spending precious minutes listening to voicemail and use transcriptions to read through and document voicemails easily.
- Mix-and-match features:Small businesses with a tight budget benefit from Phone.com’s customizable plans. Choose packages for each user based on their specific needs and add only the tools and features they’ll use.
- Audio and video conferencing:Conduct meetings over the phone or using the browser-based video meeting service. Phone.com allows hosts to choose from audio-only, video meetings, or a mix of both types of attendees.
Phone.com’s niche features include conversational text messaging and a live receptionist. Learn about these capabilities in our in-depthPhone.com review.
How We Evaluated the Best Cheap VoIP Service
We compiled a list of the cheapest VoIP phone services offering free or low-cost entry-level subscription plans. From there, we narrowed our options to eight providers with the most valuable meeting functionalities, including unlimited calling, IVR, and video conferencing.
Learn how we evaluated the best cheap VoIP services by clicking on the tabs below:
30% of Overall Score
We gave preference to service providers offering cheap and free plans. We looked at the price points of entry-level and premium plans and the features offered to determine which providers offer the most value for money. We gave bonus points to cheap VoIP services offering free plans, lower annual pricing, and free trials.
20% of Overall Score
We examined each provider’s general features, including participant capacity, meeting duration, and screen sharing. We also prioritized solutions with a mobile app version and a high uptime guarantee.
15% of Overall Score
For niche features, we considered the recording functionality, virtual backgrounds, simultaneous screen sharing, and the number of collaboration tools. Similarly, we awarded additional points for the availability of international dial-in numbers and software integrations.
10% of Overall Score
We assessed each provider’s user-friendliness by testing it and checking user reviews from reliable websites. We considered if there are learning curves experienced during the setup and configuration phase.
10% of Overall Score
We checked each provider’s customer support channels, including phone, live chat, email, helpdesk, and community forum. Additional points are given if all support channels are available 24/7.
15% of Overall Score
We assessed each provider’s overall quality and performance by looking at its standout qualities and value for money. We also considered their level of popularity and user-friendliness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a free VoIP service?
Yes. Several VoIP providers offer free VoIP versions, such as Google Meet, Ooma, and Zoom. These free plans are an excellent way for companies to try VoIP solutions and decide whether the service suits their business needs. These solutions have limitations, such as the maximum number of users or time limits.
How much bandwidth does a VoIP call use?
To achieve sufficient call quality using VoIP, a minimum internet speed of 80 to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) is recommended, and this amount is multiplied per user. For example, a small team with 10 agents using VoIP handsets will require around 1 Mbps bandwidth.
Does 911 work with VoIP?
Yes. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requires VoIP telephone service providers using the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to meet Enhanced 911 (E911) obligations. This means all VoIP service providers must provide 911 services, and customers cannot “opt out” of such services.
Bottom Line
VoIP allowi简化业务通信ng different forms of communication—voice, messaging, phone, and video—to happen on a single IP network. This lowers communication costs and improves productivity and flexibility, especially for remote staff. The best cheap VoIP services offer team collaboration and call management tools and accommodate many video conferencing participants.
We chose RingCentral as the best cheap VoIP service, thanks to its extensive call management and UC features. Small businesses scaling their phone systems benefit from RingCentral’s advanced base plan inclusions, which include toll-free minutes, multi-level auto-attendant and IVR, and on-demand call recording. Visit RingCentral for a free demo or sign up for its free trial today.