Published : February 5, 2024VoIP technology lowers phone expenses and improves communication, redefining customer service. VoIP has saved small businesses 40–90% of their costs, yet many providers provide costly, high-end plans that may not be within their budgets.
To enable small businesses to get robust services without going over budget, we’ve analyzed the best free VoIP providers. Continue reading to learn about their main features, benefits, drawbacks, and costs.
How Do We Select And Analyze These Tools?
After extensive research and analysis, we have curated a list of free VoIP providers. These software are carefully selected based on usability and satisfaction scores, including features, ease of use, customer support, ratings, and reviews from Capterra, G2, and SoftwareSuggest. We aim to assist businesses in identifying the most suitable software to streamline their operations.
Transparency Note: While free VoIP services can meet basic needs, they often come with limitations in features, security, and customer support. Businesses should weigh the benefits of free plans against the potential drawbacks, especially when handling sensitive information or requiring advanced functionalities.
Industry Trend: With the rise of remote work and digital communication, companies are increasingly adopting VoIP solutions. In fact, the global VoIP market is projected to reach $102 billion by 2026, driven by the growing demand for cost-effective, flexible communication solutions.
9 Best Free VoIP Phone Services
| Company | Rating | Plan | Top Features | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Basic: Free Starter: $18/month Professional: $30 /month Ultimate: $42 /month |
| Learn More | |
 | Free Plan Starter: $10 Standard: $20 Premier: $30 |
| Learn More | |
 | Ooma Office Essentials: $19.95 Ooma Office Pro: $24.95 Ooma Office Pro Plus:$29.95 2 Month free Trial |
| Learn More | |
 | United States Subscription: $3.53 India Subscription: $9.43 North America Subscription:$8.25 30 Days free Trial |
| Learn More | |
 | Core: $20 Advance: $25 Ultra: $35 30 Days Free Trial |
| Learn More |
1. CallHippo
CallHippo is an extensive, feature-rich, free VoIP phone service provider for small businesses. Click-to-dial, AI global connect, teams, voice mail, SMS, and MMS are all possible with a free voip service with a phone number. It is an ideal choice for companies looking for a reliable free VoIP service with strong performance, considering its user-friendly design and key features like voicemail and call forwarding.
Key Features
- Click to dial
- Call forwarding
- AI global connect
- Voicemail
- SMS/MMS
Pros
- CallHippo integrates easily with Zoho Phone Bridge, improving productivity.
- The Open Dialer provides quick access to contacts and dialed numbers.
- CallHippo’s support team promptly resolves queries for a smooth experience.
Cons
- Unexpected restrictions may apply for calls to certain countries without clear notification.
- The desktop version lacks a call reminder scheduling option, affecting time management.
Pricing
- Basic: $0
- Starter: $18/per user/per month
- Professional: $30/per user/per month
- Ultimate: $42/per user/per month
- 10-day free trial
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
CallHippo Reviews
CallHippo has a 4.4 rating on Capterra (based on 549 reviews)
“Wonderful experience with CallHippo so far – best product, excellent client servicing, and quality is great!”
-Rohit G., Director of Sales
2. Google Voice
Google Voice offers an efficient, free VoIP phone service designed for businesses. Users may simply make calls, send texts, and check voicemail from any device with a free VoIP business phone number. Its integration with Google Workspace increases productivity, and it’s a great option for anyone looking for a feature-rich free VoIP service, as it has voicemail transcription and call forwarding.
Key Features
- Smart call forwarding
- Unlimited free texts
- Voicemail transcription
- Call recording
- Call conferencing
- Number blocking
- Advanced security controls
Pros
- Google Voice allows a separate business line linked to your phone for easy call and message management.
- It offers affordable options for reaching international clients.
- The platform is easy to use on both computers and mobile devices.
Cons
- Google Voice lacks real-time notifications on PC, leading to missed incoming calls and messages even when the app is open.
- Users must connect Google Voice to a cellphone to receive calls, making it less appealing compared to standard cellphone plans.
Pricing
- Free plan
- Starter: $10/per user/per month
- Standard: $20/per user/per month
- Premier: $30/per user/per month
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
Google Voice Reviews
Google Voice has a 4.5 rating on Capterra (based on 699 reviews)
“Google has been pushing out new features and making their product competitive with other products already on the market. The integration with all other Google Workspace products makes this even better as there is less setup/configuration required when rolling out these products.”
-Aziz, Information Systems Lead
: 11 Best VoIP Apps for Android3. Ooma
For small enterprises, Ooma provides a reliable, free VoIP phone service. Customers can get important features like call forwarding and voicemail, as well as a free VoIP phone number, with Ooma. Although its base plan is free, its premium choices come with advanced business functions, giving it a flexible alternative for expanding businesses looking for reasonably priced VoIP solutions.
Key Features
- Call conferencing
- Call monitoring
- Automated attendant
- Call routing
- PBX
Pros
- Simple setup with user-friendly features like call routing and online access for managing calls remotely.
- Offers text messaging and automatic call forwarding to an answering service if lines are down.
- Provides responsive customer service through chat or phone, plus a dedicated marketing representative for assistance.
Cons
- Frequent spam calls despite attempts to block them, with no reduction even after registering on “Do Not Call” lists.
- Poor call quality, including noticeable lag and echo.
Pricing
- Ooma Office Essentials: $19.95/month
- Ooma Office Pro: $24.95/month
- Ooma Office Pro Plus: $29.95/month
- 2-month free trial available
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
Ooma Reviews
Ooma has a 4.5 rating on Capterra (based on 237 reviews)
“Being able to make calls, messages, faxes, and voicemail management from one integration solution makes for easy client communication management.”
-Craig, Owner Operator
4. Skype
Skype offers a solid free VoIP phone solution for businesses that includes text, voice, and video calls. It enables users to set up a free VoIP phone number for international calls, making it suitable for small teams. With its free VoIP service, it’s a good option for basic communication even though it’s not as feature-rich as it could be for business needs.
Key Features
- Call recording
- Automatic transcription
- Two-way audio & video
- On-demand recording
- Contact management
Pros
- The simple and clean interface offers a consistent experience across devices.
- The “Join via link” feature for hosting calls is effortless.
- The uncluttered dialer with ultra-fast contact recognition enhances efficiency for quick communication.
Cons
- Screen quality can be grainy and laggy, even with a stable internet connection.
- The search function is slow and struggles to retrieve results.
Pricing
- United States subscription: $3.53/per month
- India subscription: $9.43/per month
- North America subscription: $8.25/per month
- 30-day free trial available.
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
Skype Reviews
Skype has a 4.2 rating on Capterra (based on 459 reviews)
“Out of all the alternatives we tested, Skype offers the best balance of usability and features. Other apps are simply heavy and overkill for what we need. It’s light, fast, and easy to use. Skype has become our top choice for IMs & quick video calls!”
-Paul, Software Specialist
5. RingCentral
RingCentral offers an advanced, free VoIP phone service designed for enterprises, delivering a free VoIP phone number and necessary features for smooth communication. Teams can connect effectively due to its reliable mobile phone support, call quality, and intuitive design.
Key Features
- Auto dialer
- Call logging
- Call conferencing
- Feedback management
- Conversion tracking
Pros
- Combines various business needs into a single, efficient system.
- Allows seamless adaptation to changing business demands.
- Easy to implement, enabling simultaneous call and message management.
Cons
- Feature organization can be confusing due to overlapping product options.
- Inbound calls often have a 2-second delay, and connections may drop unexpectedly.
Pricing
- Core: $20/user/month
- Advanced: $25/user/month
- Ultra: $35/user/month
- 30-day free trial available
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
RingCentral Reviews
RingCentral has a rating of 4.3 in Capterra (based on 205 reviews)
“ Overall experience with RingCentral is 10/10.”
-Sabrina, Customer Service Representative
: 11 Best VoIP Conference Phones6. Zoom
Zoom provides a free VoIP phone service that is appropriate for companies looking for consistent methods to communicate. Zoom improves team collaboration with features including a free VoIP phone number and easy audio and video conversation integration. Although its main feature is video conferencing, its free VoIP service offers important tools for companies trying to communicate successfully.
Key Features
- Attendance management
- Automatic transcription
- Screen recording
- Presentation streaming
- Timezone tracking
Pros
- Zoom offers an intuitive interface, making it easy for multiple users to join and create meetings.
- Hosts can manage attendees, deciding who can speak and show their cameras.
- It integrates with tools like Slack and Outlook, boosting productivity with Instant Meetings and real-time collaboration features.
Cons
- Weak internet connections can lead to audio and video disruptions, negatively impacting meeting quality.
- Notification sounds for late joiners can interrupt presentations and are difficult to disable.
Pricing
- Basic: Free
- Pro: $12.49/per user/month
- Business: $14.32/per user/month
- Business Plus: custom plan
- 30-day free trial available
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
Zoom Reviews
Zoom has a rating of 4.6 in Capterra. (based on 13.957 reviews)
“Started using Zoom before Covid, and it’s always been easy and seamless. We use it for internal calls, client calls, recurring standing meetings, and more. The AI transcripts are so helpful. We also use it occasionally for webinars. When a meeting has a Zoom link, I know I can just click & join.”
-Madalina, CEO
7. Nextiva
For organizations, Nextiva provides a feature-rich free VoIP phone service along with a free VoIP phone number that enables easy communication. For small businesses looking for a secure free VoIP service, it’s a great option because of its features like voicemail and call management. Users can take advantage of easy-to-use tools and first-rate customer service to improve business outreach without going over budget.
Key Features
- Automated attendant
- Call monitoring
- Call recording
- Call conference
- Canned responses
Pros
- Nextiva offers a seamless VoIP system on desktop and mobile.
- The platform is easy to navigate, with responsive support that quickly resolves issues.
- The implementation team is cooperative, making it simple to start using the service and integrate add-on features like paging units.
Cons
- Nextiva frequently experiences app crashes and reliability issues, especially after updates, leading to frustrating disruptions.
- The platform is not very intuitive, making it challenging and time-consuming to train others on its features.
Pricing
- Digital: $20/user/month
- Core: $30/user/month
- Engage: $40/user/month
- Power Suite: $60/user/month
- Free Demo available
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
Nextiva Reviews
Netiva has a rating of 4.6 in Capterra (based on 898 reviews)
“The system did everything we needed it to. Never had a problem with VOIP clarity. The sales and support team were terrific. Price was steady, and the equipment they provided was solid.”
-Sully, Principal
8. Dialpad
Dialpad provides a free VoIP phone service aimed at companies looking for uninterrupted communication. Users can benefit from high-quality conversations, messaging, and AI-driven services to increase productivity with a free VoIP phone number. This intuitive platform is a great solution for teams trying to improve communication as it offers a feature-rich free VoIP service with opportunities for phone numbers.
Key Features
- Assessment management
- Call routing
- Call scripting
- Auto dialer
- Archiving & Retention
Pros
- Dialpad provides real-time call transcriptions, enabling users to easily review past call notes.
- t works smoothly across devices, including desk phones and browser apps, enhancing usability.
- With AI scripts, easy recording access, and one-click dialing, Dialpad simplifies tasks for customer support.
Cons
- The customer support line is often unresponsive, making it difficult to resolve issues promptly.
- Users must completely restart their laptops to reset Dialpad, as simply closing and reopening the app does not resolve problems.
Pricing
- Standard: $15/user/month
- Pro: $25/user/month
- Enterprise: custom pricing
- 14-day free trial available
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
Dialpad Reviews
Dialpad has a rating of 4.2 in Capterra (based on 520 reviews)
“ Our experience has been excellent. We have really had nothing negative ever happen with it, and I’ve shared it with tons of people. It’s probably my current favorite phone service we use, and we have a few, always looking for the next best thing.”
-Rick, Owner
9. OnSIP
With easy interaction options and a free VoIP phone number, OnSIP provides a free VoIP phone service for enterprises. Ideal for startups and small organizations, OnSIP allows users to make calls, send messages, and manage their communications easily. OnSIP is recommended due to its consistent reliability and easily navigable features.
Key Features
- Call conferencing
- Call routing
- Auto attendant
- Interaction tracking
- Call disposition
Pros
- OnSIP provides immediate support with live representatives available, ensuring quick resolutions to any issues.
- The platform offers a web app, computer download, and mobile app, providing flexibility for various work environments.
- OnSIP delivers an easy-to-maintain VoIP service that offers excellent value, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.
Cons
- The mobile feature requires a WiFi connection, limiting flexibility for users on the go.
- Users often experience sound cutting out during calls, which can hinder professionalism in client interactions.
Pricing
- Free plan
- Unlimited: $18.95/per month/user
- Basic:$49.95/per month/account
- 30-day free trial
*Pricing as of 17-10-2024.
OnSIP Reviews
OnSIP has a rating of 4.6 in Capterra (based on 59 reviews)
“From set up to ongoing service, they have been fabulous to work with.
Phone system is adequate, probably more than we need, but has a lot
of capabilities that you can grow with.”
-Dawn, Office Manager
: What is a VoIP Number & How Does It Work?Key Security Considerations For Free VoIP Services
While free VoIP services might be immensely cost-effective, they come with fewer security safeguards compared to paid services. Although many service providers encrypt communications, it is always important to confirm the security aspects of any service. The following are some best practices to protect your VoIP calls:
- Use VPNs: By adding an extra layer of protection and encryption, virtual private networks (VPNs) shield your company’s communications from potential dangers.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Make sure that 2FA is enabled to restrict access to your VoIP system, providing an additional degree of protection.
- Update software regularly: Using outdated software puts you at risk of cyber attacks. Always ensure your VoIP programs and devices are updated with the latest security fixes.
If security is a high priority for your business, it may be worth considering a paid plan, as many providers offer enhanced encryption and additional security features with premium packages.
We reached out to an expert in the VoIP industry to provide additional credibility. Here’s what he had to say about the evolving VoIP landscape:
Parthibakumar Murugesan, Senior Digital Marketing Manager: "In 2024-25, feature-rich, scalable VoIP solutions with AI tools integration will be popular with small businesses, helping them manage costs and increase customer engagement."
Methodology
We concentrated on options that actually provide free calling to determine which free VoIP phone service companies are the best. Our analysis emphasized key factors:
- Free Plan & Trial: We gave major priority to providers that offer a completely free plan and offer free trials or demos for making phone calls using desktop or mobile apps.
- Affordable Paid Plans: As many free plans include advertising, we looked at the cost of paying plans, taking into account the cost of accessing extra services and deleting advertisements.
- Usability and Satisfaction: Our evaluation was based on ratings from websites like Capterra, G2, and SoftwareSuggest, assessing features, usability, and customer service.
This methodology ensures that small businesses get reliable VoIP services that meet their communication demands without going over the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the free VoIP service for international calls?
Google Voice and CallHippo are popular free VoIP services for international calls, offering competitive rates and reliable connectivity for personal and business communications worldwide.
2. What features do free VoIP services typically offer?
Free VoIP services often include basic calling, voicemail, call forwarding, messaging, video conferencing, and integration with other applications.
3. What is the least expensive VoIP service?
Ooma and Google Voice offer low-cost options for VoIP services, providing affordable plans that cater to both personal and business needs, often with free basic features included.
4. Is VoIP cheaper than regular phones?
Yes, VoIP is generally cheaper than traditional phone services, reducing calling costs significantly, especially for long-distance and international calls.
5. Are free VoIP calls secure?
Free VoIP calls can be less secure than paid services, but many providers use encryption to protect data. It’s essential to check security features before use.
Updated : October 23, 2024
Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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