12 Best Business Internet Phone Service

Senior Writer: Supriya Bajaj

Published : November 4, 2022

Thanks to technological advancements, you no longer need to set up telephone wires or invest in high-end hardware for business communications. Instead, you can use an internet phone system to make and receive phone calls over the internet while enjoying the best possible call quality. 

61% of companies are switching to VoIP business phone systems to meet the changing working environment and save costs. Companies also report a 20% increase in productivity with VoIP services.

The best business phone service providers offer mobile and desktop apps so you can stay connected with customers around the clock. This article is for you if you want to learn more about internet phone services for business or find the best business phone services. We will also discuss when and why you need an internet business phone system and how to choose one. Let’s get started!

What Is a Business Internet Phone Service?

A business internet phone service is a system that allows users to make and receive phone calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. Also known as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone, it converts your voice into digital signals that are transmitted over the internet to make calling possible.

Internet phones for businesses offer several advantages over traditional phone services, including lower costs, increased flexibility, and enhanced features (e.g., auto dialer, conference, call barging, automatic call distribution, etc.). In addition, it lets you use a device of your choice (phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop) to connect with clients, teammates, and others.

The best part? Even small businesses with little budget for communications can use business internet phones to streamline customer interactions.

Expert Advice

"Internet phone services are trending, and it has made operability for business easy. It is a favorable choice for businesses as it is cost-effective, offers advanced features, requires few resources, and is easy to set up. If you plan on expanding or looking for advanced methods to provide better services to existing customers, go for internet phone services."

Features of Business Internet Phone

The features of business internet phone systems include international calling, text messaging, voicemail transcription, auto attendant, on-hold music, automatic call distribution, call forwarding, conference calling, and call recording, to name a few.

It is also worth noting that VoIP business phone system providers are continuously working to enhance their services. This means you can expect new features to come up constantly. That said, let’s look at some advanced features of best business phone systems.

1. Call Queueing

VoIP systems allow you to place incoming calls in a queue when the agent is busy attending to other customers. These call queues can also let callers know the expected waiting time to reach an agent.

2. Call Forwarding

Internet phones for business allow you to redirect calls to another phone number. This can be useful if you are expecting a call from a client or customer but cannot answer the phone. The call can be forwarded to a colleague or assistant who can take the call for you.

3. Auto Dialer

Auto dialer allows you to automate making outgoing calls, typically using a pre-set list of phone numbers. There are four types of auto dialers: progressive, predictive, preview, and manual agent-initiated, each with a different use case.

4. Call Recording

Call recording allows businesses to record phone calls for training or quality assurance. You can use it to identify areas of improvement. This can be useful for companies that need to reference calls for legal or compliance purposes.

5. Voicemail and Voicemail Transcription

VoIP phone solutions allow callers to leave a voicemail, so you know why they were calling. The voicemail is usually sent to your email so that you can listen to them anywhere, anytime. Some VoIP phone systems also offer voicemail transcription services that convert the voicemail into text, making it easier to scan important information.

6. Call Analytics

Advanced call analytics enable you to track your phone support performance and make data-backed decisions to improve your services. You can measure the number of missed calls, average call duration, customer satisfaction rate, and more via analytics.

7. Integrations

Integrations are one of the key reasons companies are moving to business internet phone systems. A business VoIP phone system allows you to connect all your tools to automate and streamline tedious tasks, such as data entry.

You May Also Read : Enterprise VoIP Provider – Meaning, Features & Top Providers

Why and When You Need an Internet Phone for Your Business?

There are several reasons why you might need internet phone services for business, including

• To save money: VoIP phones typically cost less per month than traditional business telephone service. They are also easy to set up.
• To establish a global presence: Internet business phones allow you to connect with your customers globally at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone lines. You can also buy local virtual numbers of different countries, irrespective of your physical location. This allows you to strengthen your presence in other countries.
• To access advanced features: VoIP phones often come with various features, such as call forwarding, caller ID, and voicemail.
• To empower remote workers: Internet phone systems don’t require you to stick to your desk to connect with customers. This gives remote and on-field workers much-required flexibility.
• To create a synchronized environment: VoIP business phone services support integration with third-party tools that help create a unified system.

Does this mean you should buy a VoIP phone system immediately? Well, no. You should invest in internet business phones only if you need:

• Pocket-friendly international calling
• Advanced call management features
• Virtual receptionist
• The flexibility and mobility it offers
• In-depth insights on your customer support and sales teams

What To Consider When Looking for a Business Internet Phone Service?

There are multiple factors to consider when looking for internet phone services for business. First and foremost, define your needs.

• Do you need a service that is reliable and offers good call quality?
• Are you looking for an affordable service?
• What features are you looking for in phone service?
• Do you need local or toll-free numbers?

Once you have considered your needs, you can start looking for business internet phone services that meet your needs. And while you do, ensure the business phone system provider offers an uptime guarantee of 99.99%, so your system stays up most of the time.

Last but not least, consider the types of customer support your internet business phone provider offers. Choose a VoIP service provider that is proactively available to answer your queries (via multiple channels) and solve technical issues as they arise.

The 12 Best Internet Phone Service Providers

Let’s dig deeper into what each system has to offer.

1. CallHippo

CallHippo is an affordable yet powerful business internet phone services provider that helps you set up your virtual call center in less than three minutes. In addition, you can purchase premium local and toll-free numbers from more than 50+ countries and use its unlimited extensions feature to add as many users as possible.

CallHippo Features

• Global connect
• Click to dial
• SMS
• Smart Switch
• Call forwarding
• Shared inbox
• Voicemail
• Skill-based call routing
• Campaign management
• IVR
• Gamification
• Webhook
• User role system
• Call tagging
• After call work

Please note that the exact features will depend on the plan you choose.

Pros of CallHippo

• Has a forever-free plan for small businesses and freelancers with limited calling needs
• Comes with advanced features like multi-level IVR, call whisper, intelligent analytics, and voice broadcasting to meet the needs of large and growing businesses
• Has the most affordable international call rates
• Its online calling app allows you to manage business communications via your smartphone.
• You get a dedicated account manager to solve technical issues as they arise.
• Integrates with 85+ third-party tools, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho

Cons of CallHippo

• The mobile app can be improved.

CallHippo Pricing

CallHippo offers four plans. Here’s how much they cost (paid annually).

• Basic: $0 per month
• Bronze: $16 per user per month
• Silver: $24 per user per month
• Platinum: $40 per user per month

2. Vonage

Vonage is a popular business internet phone service provider offering unlimited calling and SMS in the US and Canada. Apart from basic internet calling features, it provides a unified communications add-on that lets you bring all your communication, including video conferencing, under one roof.

Vonage Features

• IVR
• Skill-based routing
• Post-call quality rating
• Call recordings
• Analytics and Reporting
• Post call survey
• Call Whisper
• Virtual Assistant
• Screen recording
• CRM integration
• Gamification

Pros of Vonage

• It offers 24/7 customer support with every plan
• Plenty of features for mid and large-sized businesses
• Unlimited team messaging
• Easy to use, intuitive interface

Cons of Vonage

• The basic plan doesn’t allow you to connect desktop phones
• Advanced features come at a high cost

Vonage Pricing

Vonage has yet to make its pricing public. However, you can contact the company for a custom quote.

You May Also Read : Internet Phone Number For Business | Set Up In 3 Minutes

3. RingCentral

RingCentral is yet another internet phone system provider that helps unite your business communications. You can manage calls, SMS, fax, and video meetings in RingCentral. Its embedded analytics help uncovers key insights to improve your services via data-backed decisions. Besides, it is available in 18 languages, making setting up a global workforce easier.

RingCentral Features

• Unlimited calling within the US and Canada
• Voicemail to text
• Team messaging
• Document sharing
• Internet fax
• Audio conferencing
• Video conferencing (up to 200 participants)
• Quality of service reports
• Call recording
• Hot desking
• Multi-site admin and management

Pros of RingCentral

• Ideal setup for remote work
• Online fax and chat features help extend the system’s functionality
• Text messages and video conferencing help streamline internal communication
• Voicemails can be accessed directly from your phone

Cons of RingCentral

• The platform isn’t as intuitive as it should be
• Limited reporting and customization capabilities

RingCentral Pricing

RingCentral offers four pricing plans. Here’s how much they cost (when paid annually).

• Essentials: $19.99 per user per month
• Standard: $27.99 per user per month
• Premium: $34.99 per user per month
• Ultimate: $49.99 per user per month

4. Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a reliable business internet phone system for small businesses and freelancers. It has advanced features like custom greetings, business texting, and simultaneous call handling to make companies sound more professional. In addition, you can use Grasshopper’s mobile and desktop apps to manage business communications.

Grasshopper Features

• Business texting
• Call forwarding
• Virtual fax
• Voicemail
• Voicemail transcription
• Call transfer
• Custom greetings
• Simultaneous call handling
• Extensions
• Reporting and analytics

Pros of Grasshopper

• Custom voicemail greetings
• Multi-platform support
• 24/7 support in every plan
• All features are available in every plan (the only difference is numbers and extensions)

Cons of Grasshopper

• Limited internal collaboration tools
• Few integration options

Grasshopper Pricing

Grasshopper offers three plans. Here’s how much they cost (billed annually).

• Solo: $26 per month
• Partner: $44 per month
• Small Business: $80 per month

5. Ooma

Ooma is the best small business virtual phone system that offers affordable services. Its basic features come with 50+ features, including a virtual receptionist, ring groups, and music on hold. In addition, it has an auto-configuration technology that detects the right settings for your system so you can set up and get running quickly.

Ooma Features

• Unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico
• Virtual receptionist
• Ring groups
• Multi ring
• Music on hold
• Extension dialing
• Call forwarding
• Virtual fax
• Call Blocking
• Paging groups

Pros of Ooma

• Mobile and desktop apps
• It can be scaled easily
• Audio conferencing makes internal communication seamless.
• Has higher usage limits for extension monitoring, call park, and audio conference room participants.

Cons of Ooma

• Limited integration options
• Using and configuring a virtual receptionist is complicated

Ooma Pricing

Ooma offers three plans. Here’s how much they cost.

• Essentials: $19.95 per user per month
• Pro: $24.95 per user per month
• Pro Plus: $29.95 per user per month

6. Nextiva

If your business deals with sensitive information (like patient data), Nextiva is the perfect business phone system for you. It helps comply with SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001, PCI, and HIPAA standards. Furthermore, its call encryption and 24/7 network monitoring make it the right business phone system for healthcare companies.

Nextiva Features

• Unlimited voice and video calling
• Voicemail
• Google Contacts integration
• Unlimited internet fax
• Screen sharing
• Auto attendant
• Call recording
• Voicemail transcription

Pros of Nextiva

• It makes it easier to comply with international laws
• Offers 24/7 technical support via phone, email, and chat
• Comes with built-in CRM to help track leads and manage customers
• Has a powerful call-routing feature to redirect calls to the right person in the right department

Cons of Nextiva

• Setting up the VoIP system is complicated and time taking
• The basic plan doesn’t offer enough features for small businesses

Nextiva Pricing

Nextiva has three plans. They would cost (when paid annually):

• Essential: $18.95 per user per month
• Professional: $22.95 per user per month
• Enterprise: $32.95 per user per month

You May Also Read : Internet Phone System And What You Need To Know?

7. OpenPhone

The last business internet phone on our list, OpenPhone is an easy-to-use VoIP solution that makes customer interactions fun and engaging. It provides complete customer history in one view – call logs, recordings, transcribed voicemails, and more on one page! It also allows you to take notes for each contact.

OpenPhone Features

• One local or toll-free number per user
• Unlimited calling and messaging to the US and Canada
• Voicemail to text transcription
• IVR
• Call recording
• Call transfer
• Analytics and Reporting

Pros of OpenPhone

• Customer service is knowledgeable and helpful
• Instant messaging so you can let prospects know you are occupied
• Affordable for small businesses
• Comes with a basic CRM to manage contact details

Cons of OpenPhone

• Even the slightest internet connectivity issue could disrupt the services
• Setting up caller ID is challenging

OpenPhone Pricing

OpenPhone has three plans. Here’s how much they cost (when billed annually).

• Standard: $10 per user per month
• Premium: $20 per user per month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing based on your requirements

8. Axvoice 

If you’re looking for advanced internet phone services for business, Axvoice is an ideal choice. It comes with a  robust set of call management and conferencing features. Its easy-to-use online portal allows you to set up call routing rules, auto attendants, conference bridges, and more to handle calls professionally. 

Axvoice provides crystal clear HD audio powered by an adaptable VoIP network tuned for any device. Businesses can seamlessly assign extension numbers, transfer calls, record conversations, and integrate popular CRM platforms.

Features

• Caller ID blocking
• Three-way calling
• Music-on-hold
• International call blocking
• Codec
• Alternate caller ID
• Distinctive ring
• Call forwarding
• Free in-network calling

Pros

• Its user-friendly interface simplifies setup and usage, making it accessible even for non-technical users.
• Axvoice supports many features, including call forwarding, voicemail, and online account management.
• With excellent call quality and reliability, Axvoice ensures clear and uninterrupted conversations.

Cons

• Axvoice’s international calling rates might be higher compared to some competitors.
• Porting existing phone numbers to Axvoice can be time-consuming and cumbersome.
• Axvoice’s mobile app lacks certain features available in the desktop version.

Pricing

Axvoice has two plans. Here’s how much they cost. 

• Small Business Plan: $29.99 Per month
• Home Office (SOHO) Plan: $14.99 Per month

9. 8X8 

8×8 provides an integrated cloud-based communication platform with advanced VOIP phone service, video conferencing, chat, and contact center features. Its unified solution enables businesses to make and receive calls, conduct online meetings, send business SMS, and manage customer interactions from one system. 

Features

• Unlimited users
• 8×8 Work: Unified mobile, desktop, and web app
• Hot desking
• Multi-level auto attendant
• Call handling
• Call queues
• Secure HD voice
• Presence detection
• Voicemail transcription
• Team messaging with document sharing
• HD audio and video conferencing
• Screen sharing for up to 500 active participants

Pros

• 8×8 offers a comprehensive cloud-based communication platform, integrating voice, video, chat, and contact center solutions.
• Its advanced analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights into call center performance.
• 8×8’s global presence allows businesses to establish a virtual presence with local phone numbers in various countries.
• With a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, 8×8 enables employees to stay connected and productive on the go.

Cons

• Users have reported occasional call quality issues or dropped calls.
• The pricing structure of 8×8 may be higher compared to some competitors.
• Advanced functionalities require additional add-ons or separate licensing.
• The implementation and onboarding process can be time-consuming and may require technical expertise.

Pricing

8×8 has not revealed its pricing. Contact sales for a custom quote.

10. VoIP.ms 

VoIP.ms is a contract-free, pay-as-you-go business internet phone services provider focused on flexible, hassle-free VoIP communications. Their cloud-based virtual PBX system enables you to customize call routing, auto-attendants, voicemail, and more through an easy-to-use online control panel. 

Besides, VoIP.ms supports Bring Your Own Device or can connect your existing hardware using SIP trunking for seamless integration. Stay connected with employees and customers worldwide through VoIP.ms’s reliable global VoIP network that delivers high-quality calls in 60+ countries.

Features

• Voicemail
• Call forwarding
• Three-way calling
• Call encryption SIP
• Call transfer
• Call transcription
• DID portability
• Internal extensions
• IVR
• Ring groups
• 24/7 support

Pros 

• It offers number porting to transfer existing business numbers seamlessly.
• VoIP.ms Supports E911 for dependable emergency calling capabilities.
• It provides toll-free numbers to expand customer reach.
• It allows you to monitor calls in real time to barge in should the need arise. 

Cons

• Customer support response times can be slow.
• The mobile app has limited functionality compared to the desktop.
• Onboarding and setup can be complex for larger organizations.
• Call quality issues may arise if the internet connection is unstable.

Pricing

VoIP.ms doesn’t lock you in a contract. Instead, it charges for the number. If you’re based in the US, you can expect to pay: 

• Per local number (DID): $0.85/month
• Make calls: Starting at $0.01/min
• Receive calls: Starting at $0.009/min

You May Also Read : Everything You Need To Know About VoIP Phone System

11. Google Voice 

Google Voice provides an affordable cloud-based phone service solution for businesses. The key features include call forwarding, voicemail transcription, SMS capabilities, and an auto-attendant to route calls professionally. 

Google Voice offers low per-minute calling rates within the U.S. and Canada, plus competitive international rates. However, it lacks more advanced call management features than other VoIP solutions. 

Features

• SIP link
• Unlimited messaging in the US
• Voicemail transcription
• Google Calendar integration
• Google Meet integration
• 24/7 support
• Call forwarding
• Multi-level auto-attendant
• Ring groups

Pros 

• Google Voice provides a free phone number and low-cost calling options.
• Google Voice enhances call management with call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and spam filtering features.
• Google Voice integrates seamlessly with other Google services, streamlining communication and collaboration for G Suite users.

Cons

• Google Voice lacks certain advanced features found in specialized business VoIP systems.
• Some users may experience occasional call quality issues, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity.
• The availability of Google Voice in certain countries or regions may be limited, restricting its use for international users.

Pricing

Google Voice offers three plans. Here’s how much they cost. 

• Starter: $10 per user per month
• Standard: $20 per user per month
• Premier: $30 per user per month

12. CallCentric

Callcentric provides reliable and cost-effective VoIP phone service for businesses. Their hosted PBX system enables intuitive call management with features like auto-attendants, ring groups, call routing tools, voicemail to email, and more. 

Besides, Callcentric offers unlimited calling plans in the US and Canada, plus competitive international rates. The service integrates seamlessly with your existing phones and phone infrastructure through SIP trunking support. 

Features

• 4-Way calling
• Anonymous call rejection
• Call forwarding
• Call waiting ID with name
• Click 2 dial
• IVR
• SMS 
• Simultaneous ringing
• SIP trunking

Pros 

• The platform supports multiple VoIP protocols, allowing compatibility with various VoIP devices and softphones.
• CallCentric provides many features, including voicemail, call forwarding, and virtual phone numbers, enhancing communication capabilities.
• Its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup make it accessible to users with different technical expertise.

Cons

• Users find the customer support response times to be slow.
• The pricing structure might become expensive for businesses with extensive calling needs.
• Certain advanced features may require additional add-ons or separate subscriptions.

Pricing

Contact CallCentric for a custom quote. 

FAQs

1. Which kinds of businesses benefit most from a business internet phone?

Businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from internet business phones. It doesn’t require you to set up phone lines or desk phones while still enabling you to offer the best possible customer service over calls. Businesses with remote employees can also benefit from a business internet phone system.

2. What is the difference between Internet phone systems and traditional phone systems?

The most significant difference between Internet phone systems and traditional phone systems is how calls are routed. Traditional phone systems use a circuit-based approach, where all the lines in a PBX connect back to one main switch. When you pick up a line, your call travels through the switch before it reaches its destination. However, an internet business phone routes call over the internet by converting voice to digital signals.

3. Is business Internet phone service cheaper than a landline phone?

Yes. An internet phone service for business is cheaper than a landline phone. First, it doesn’t require you to buy a desk phone. Second, the call costs less than a landline phone. Third, it doesn’t require maintenance, as the vendor takes care of everything.

4. Can I switch from a landline phone to a business VoIP service?

Yes, you can switch from a landline phone to a business VoIP service. Leading VoIP providers like CallHippo allow you to port your existing business numbers to virtual numbers. This way, you can use the same number but with the benefits of internet phone services for business.

5. What are the disadvantages of business Internet phones?

The most significant disadvantage of business internet phones is that they rely entirely on your internet connection. If you have unstable internet, you might face call drop issues, bad quality, and difficulties connecting with customers. 

Updated : October 29, 2024

Supriya Bajaj

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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