14 Best VoIP Providers in South Africa

Senior Writer: Naim Vakil

Published : July 25, 2021

Modern businesses enjoy many privileges, thanks to the latest technology. One of them is being able to set up a virtual phone number. A virtual phone number is also known as direct access or an inward dialing number. The virtual phone number is not linked to a physical telephone line and operates using an internet connection.

You can use virtual phone numbers to forward incoming calls to other business numbers. Your team members can use the same number on their laptops, smartphones, and other devices. Customer support executives can record voice messages, forward calls, and make VoIP calls to clients. Statistics show that companies’ cost savings are elevated by 50-75% when they switch to VoIP.

The best part about virtual numbers is that no prior technical knowledge is required to set them up. Your virtual phone number provider will explain everything to you. If your business operates in South Africa, we have created a list of the best VoIP providers in South Africa in 2023.

Expert Advice

"Every business wanting to develop overseas would require VoIP services to reach potential customers. So it's important to compare all the features and have a proper understanding. If the requirements are effectively matched, a decision can be made regarding choosing an appropriate platform."

14 Best VoIP Providers in South Africa

These companies offer customized plans for all types of businesses in South Africa. Some of them provide VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services instead of virtual phone numbers. Both are different from a technological perspective, but the purpose of using them is the same. VoIP is suitable for large businesses, whereas virtual phone numbers help smaller teams and local businesses. Let’s have a look at the best VoIP companies in South Africa.

1. CallHippo

CallHippo provides virtual numbers in over 50 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Cyprus phone numbers. It takes care of everything from call recording to analytics. It is one of the best VoIP providers in South Africa when it comes to seamless calling, high-end connectivity, etc. You can get started in 3 easy steps shown in the image below:

Features

• Power Dialer
• Smart switch
• Global Connect
• Call transfer
• Call barging
• Call recording
• Voicemail
• Call Analytics
• On hold music for business

Pros

• The calling quality with regard to voice is pretty amazing.
• The customer support team is highly competent and readily available.
• Plans offered are affordable even for starts ups.

Cons

• The IoS application lacks many features making it tough to operate on Apple devices.
• It doesn’t function seamlessly on every web browser hampering its operability.

Pricing

CallHippo has three plans:

• Starter – $18 Per user/Month
• Professional – $30 Per user/Month
• Ultimate – $42 Per user/Month

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

2. Virtual Number

Virtual Number is a leading VoIP service provider that offers a virtual landline number for your business to make phone calls that gains the trust of your customers overseas. The system has a multi-user option and operates on advanced functionalities that assist organizations in ceasing the usage of traditional phone systems. Hence it is one of the best business VoIP providers in South Africa.

Features

• Voicemail to e-mail
• Conference calls
• Professional greetings
• Interactive voice menu
• No hardware
• Mobile calls
• Numbers globally

Pros

• Call reports are offered in real-time, making it feasible for organizations to effectively track the processes.
• It offers automation in several tasks. As a result, agents don’t have to worry about repetitive tasks.
• International and local calls can be conducted seamlessly as advanced IP network connectivity is offered.

Cons

• UX can be improved and made more intuitive for easy navigation.
• The platform is not cost-effective, which is a major disadvantage.

Pricing

It offers multiple calling services. But VoIP services are priced as follows:

• SIP/VoIP Account Single User: R89/month.

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

3. Blacktel.io

Blacktel connects you to its global cellular network to receive or make calls and text messages. You get access to an Android or iOS app, depending on which operating system your phone uses. All you need to do is activate the push notification feature. The app does all the work for you in the background. This makes it one of the most advanced VoIP companies in South Africa.

Features

• Travel SIM
• Prepaid virtual number
• Fax to e-mail
• 2FA (Two Factor Authentication) virtual number

Pros

• The platform is easy to use and adapt, making it efficient for SMEs.
• This VoIP provider offers round-the-clock support to its users.
• The uptime promised is offered, which makes the platform convenient for businesses operating 24/7.

Cons

• The plans are not transparent with prices, and too many additional charges are levied.
• Call recording quality is questionable, and major improvement is required.

Pricing

The pricing is different for inbound and outbound calls in every country. Here we are taking pricing for the United States as an example:

• For inbound calls: It’s €0.06/min
• For outbound calls: It’s €0.08/min

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

4. Switch Telecom

Switch Telecom provides one of the best VoIP providers in South Africa. The company has over ten years of experience in this industry. Its main motto is to offer a wide range of voice and data solutions, cloud services, etc. They also offer managed services like network management, security, and monitoring services.

Features

• Number porting
• VoIP line
• VoIP SIP trunk
• Fax to e-mail
• Toll-free phone numbers
• Hosted switchboard

Pros

• Very easy to configure, and clear instructions with regard to setup are provided.
• Software is easy to integrate with other applications utilized.
• The customer support offered is exemplary.

Cons

• Fewer Integrations compare to other products.
• Not smooth working on some browser

Pricing

Contact Switch Telecom to get a customized quote depending on your needs.

5. Axxess

Axxess offers high-speed internet and VoIP in South Africa. You can make and receive calls using your internet connection. It offers VoIP services through fixed lines as well. In addition, it offers ample other advanced functionalities that make the processes more streamlined.

Features

• Voice application
• Cloud-hosted service
• Easy portability
• Call barging
• Call recording

Pros

• The platform is simple to use as compared to other platforms.
• Multi-tasking can be easily done on the platform, due to which seamless operability is feasible.
• VoIP services can be utilized from any LTE-compatible device.

Cons

• Glitches are encountered frequently, which is a major disadvantage.
• Customer support is not competent enough and needs improvement.

Pricing

The rates of international calls differ for different countries. They are as follows.

• Australia: R1.06/min
• Canada: R0.32/min
• USA: R0.32/min

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

6. DialerHQ

DialerHQ is a leading VoIP provider in South Africa that focuses on providing modern communication solutions. It aims to give businesses efficient communication solutions focusing on reliability, scalability, and innovative features. Instead of spending money on costly infrastructure and conventional phone lines, businesses can make and receive high-quality audio and video conversations using DialerHQ.

Features 

• Power dialing
• Call recording
• Call analytics
• Real-time metrics
• CRM integration
• Softphone support
• Call forwarding
• Interactive Voice Response

Pros

• The platform improves the efficiency of calls.
• It enhances call quality and flexibility.
• The solution optimizes customer service strategies.
• The software is highly scalable.

Cons 

• It is highly reliant on internet connectivity.
• The platform is not for beginners.
• It offers limited channel support.

Pricing

DialerHQ offers four pricing options for call center solutions. It includes:

• Basic- $0
• Bronze- $7.99/user/month
• Silver- $11.99/user/month
• Platinum-custom pricing

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

7. Buwa Communications

Buwa Communications provide PBX (Private Box Exchange) services hosted on secure cloud servers. The service works with Buwacom’s inexpensive VOIP phones and mobile apps. It offers a vast range of communication services to businesses and individuals. With strong network connectivity and advanced features, it is one of the best VoIP providers in South Africa.

Features

• Call forwarding
• Multi-level conferencing
• Fully functional PBX
• Incoming call routing
• Automated assistant
• Dialing pin
• Call reports

Pros

• Lower cost of ownership compared to traditional telephone networks.
• You can add or remove VoIP phone extensions as required.
• Customize the features from the app’s control panel.

Cons

• Only suitable for small businesses.
• Connection often gets lost, which causes issues in operability.

Pricing

Buwa Communications offers three plans, namely:

• Home/Home office: It is priced at R450/month
• Business: It is priced at R69/month/extension
• Premium: It is priced at R99/month/extension

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

8. VoIP Studio

VoIP Studio is a cloud-based business phone service designed for modern businesses. It integrates with most business systems to simplify your workflow. Apart from that, it offers advanced calling functionalities like call barging, conference calling, IVR menus, etc. Considering the features, it’s a highly scalable VoIP provider in South Africa.

Features

• Unlimited call recording
• Video conferencing
• Virtual Switchboard
• Full-fledged call center
• Comple routing
• Auto-provisioning
• Web portal

Pros

• As it is a cloud-based platform, its security is top-notch.
• The platform is cost-effective, making it affordable for all kinds and sizes of business.
• The user interface offered is friendly and comprehensible.

Cons

• The mobile app is basic and needs more advanced features to optimize operations.
• Plans are not competent enough and complex to understand compared to other providers.

Pricing

A free trial of 30 days is available. Calls are priced in two ways, namely:

• Calls to a landline: ¢2.3/min
• Calls to mobile: ¢2.7/min
• Calls to other VoIP users are totally free.

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

9. Mweb

Mweb is one of the leading VoIP service providers in South Africa. It offers tons of features to its users to scale the calling process for their business and effectively reach potential and existing customers. In addition, through an advanced IP network, it offers seamless global connectivity to any country you wish to call. These aspects make it one of the top VoIP providers in South Africa.

Features

• Itemized billing
• Voice calling applications
• Local minutes top-ups
• Call forwarding
• Self-installing
• Number portability

Pros

• Easy integrations with other third-party applications are its biggest advantage.
• The platform is highly scalable, which allows you to generate ROI quickly.
• With high-end features, this VoIP provider allows you to elevate the operability.

Cons

• It is not cost-effective when compared to other providers.
• Documentation is complicated and too time-consuming.

Pricing

Here, the plans are offered on the basis of the minutes you want to purchase. They are as follows:

• 150 VoIP mins for R69/min
• 300 VoIP mins for R110/min
• 600 VoIP mins for R219/min
• 1250 VoIP mins for R399/min

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

10. Voys Telecom

Voys offers a business phone system for less than the price of a landline. You can link multiple phone numbers to your primary business phone system. Alternatively, you can keep your existing South Africa phone number. Besides South African virtual numbers, Voys is considered the best Canadian, Greece, and Cambodia virtual phone number provider. This makes it one of the VoIP in South Africa.

Features

• Self-service web portal
• Call records
• Reports and statistics
• Call recording
• Call forwarding

Pros

• Audio and video quality are very impressive
• Encompasses multiple features that allow users to conduct seamless operations.
• A wide range of local and international numbers are available for use by South African businesses.

Cons

• The support offered is unsatisfactory as the team doesn’t possess operative knowledge of the products.
• The plans are costly compared to the features offered.

Pricing

Two plans are available. They are as follows:

• R450/month/user for 1 to 3 users.
• R350/month/user from 4th user onwards.

*Pricing as of 11-06-2024.

11. Freshphone

Freshphone is a VoIP provider in South Africa that offers businesses advanced, cost-effective communication solutions. It is a reliable phone solution provider for people working from home, and freelancers can use their services. Making it one of the most viable options for individuals and businesses.

Features

• Call forwarding
• Pin-protected dialing
• Caller ID
• Blacklists
• Country lists
• Personalized voicemail greetings
• Voicemail
• Virtual PBX

Pros

• Very consistent and quality calling services are offered with little to no downtime.
• The platform is intuitive and highly customizable.
• Processes can be scaled effectively due to the advanced functionalities offered.

Cons

• Issues are faced in international calling sometimes, which is a major disadvantage.
• The plans can still be made cost-effective compared to the provided features.

Pricing

Freshphone has ZERO signup and installation costs mentioned on their website, And find out their latest calling rates.

12. Wanatel

Wanatel is one of the leading VoIP service providers in South Africa. It offers various communication solutions like VoIP, SMS, and fax to make business communications more effective. It offers flexibility to businesses to streamline their processes and gain desired results.

Features

• Number portability
• Call back service
• Click-to-call
• 100 simultaneous channels
• Call forwarding
• Fax to e-mail

Pros

• Easy integration with third-party apps makes the processes more efficient.
• 24/7 customer support is available with all plans, a major advantage.
• Plans for all types of businesses, whether small or large, are offered.

Cons

• Occasional software crashes and dialer bugs are encountered.
• Uptime offered is not as promised, which causes issues for organizations to achieve seamless operability.

Pricing

Their team must be contacted to get information regarding plans and quotations.

13. Ugo Telecoms

Ugo Telecoms offers Mobile VoIP solutions to individuals and enterprises in South Africa. They provide a virtual phone number as follows:

• Regional numbers:  010, 012, 021, etc.
• National or non-regional numbers:  087-numbers
• Special numbers:  0860 000 numbers

The added advantage is that Ugo Telecoms provides users with a VoIP softphone. It enables users to receive calls from their business or residential VoIP account. For example, the Grandstream Wave is a free VoIP softphone application. You can use the application on any Android or iPhone device.

Features

• Call forwarding unconditional (no-answer/busy/time-based)
• Paging/intercom
• DND (Do Not Disturb)
• Downloadable phone book (XML, LDAP)
• Call waiting
• Call history
• Custom ringtones
• Server redundancy
• 6-way voice conferencing

Pros

• The main advantage of the platform is that the uptime promised is delivered.
• An easy-to-use interface makes it easy for organizations to scale their processes effectively.
• The platform is easy to navigate, and operations can be easily monitored and streamlined.

Cons

• Limited advanced features on the basic plan are offered, due to which processes cannot be scaled effectively.
• No exact information regarding the pricing is given, which affects the decision-making process.

Pricing

To get a quote, their sales team must be contacted.

14. SA Domain

SA Domain is a web hosting and VoIP service provider in South Africa. You can expect the best products from them as they are a proud member of the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA). It is one of the best VoIP solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Features

• Voice to email transcription
• High-definition voice and video call
• Call forwarding
• Call recording
• Multiple numbers

Pros

• Support is available 24/7, which makes SA Domain highly reliable.
• Integrations are seamless with other applications enabling organizations to optimize operations.
• It is one of the most cost-effective solutions available.

Cons

• Long training sessions when setting up is tedious and time-consuming.
• Pricing is ambiguous, and details about the plans are not clearly stated.

Pricing

Plans and pricing are not described effectively.

You May Also Read : How to Call South Africa from the US?

Conclusion

A virtual phone number or VoIP solution makes life easy for businesses. We have listed out all the best VoIP service providers in South Africa. Now it is your turn to contact them and choose what suits best for your needs.

Comment below to tell us about your experience with different service providers. You can also tell us about other best virtual number providers in South Africa. Your feedback will help us to update this list from time to time.

Updated : October 29, 2024

Naim Vakil

Naim Vakeel is a content writer who specializes in making the integration and management of business phone systems simple and practical. His content is all about providing clear, actionable advice on how to use VoIP and virtual phone solutions effectively, helping businesses streamline their communication setup.

Let’s Stay in Touch

Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.

Email Address*

+24K people have already subscribed