Picking the right business phone service is important for getting things done and communicating clearly. Find a solution that works for you, whether that’s a standard desk phone, VoIP service, or a cloud phone system.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about the different kinds of business phone services, what they offer, and how to choose the best one for your company. After that, we’ll discuss prices and the 11 best business phone line choices. Stay until the end to make a smart business choice!
Understanding Business Phone Services
Business phone services are essential for managing communications efficiently within a company. They provide business phone numbers, auto attendants, and various features tailored to different business needs. Here’s what you need to know about business phone services:
Types of Business Phone Systems
- Traditional Landline Phone Systems: These systems use physical phone lines for communication. They are reliable but may lack advanced features.
- VoIP Systems (Voice Over Internet Protocol): VoIP phone systems use the internet to transmit calls, offering flexibility and features like auto attendants and business SMS.
- Cloud-Based Business Phone Systems: These systems provide scalability and remote work support, integrating with various business applications.
- Virtual Phone Systems are ideal for small businesses that don’t require extensive hardware. These systems route calls to mobile phones or other devices.
Key Features to Consider
- Phone Number Management: Easily manage business phone numbers and extensions.
- Auto Attendant: Automates call routing, saving time and improving the customer experience.
- VoIP Service: Provides cost-effective communication solutions with features like call forwarding and voicemail.
- Business Phone Apps: Allow for mobile phone calls and text messaging.
- Integration with Business Tools: Ensure the system integrates with your existing CRM and productivity tools.
Choosing the Right Business Phone System
- Identify Business Needs: Determine the specific communication needs of your business.
- Compare Service Providers: Evaluate various phone service providers and their plans.
- Consider Future Growth: Choose a system that can scale with your business as it grows.
- Test with a Free Trial: Many providers offer free trials to test their services before committing.
Line2
Source: Line2
Line2 is a cloud-based phone service that provides a second phone line for businesses. It offers VoIP calling, text messaging, and advanced call-handling features. Line2 allows businesses to manage communications easily and professionally without needing additional hardware.
It is ideal for small businesses looking for an affordable and flexible phone solution.
Pricing Plans:
- Starter Plan: $13.75/month (billed annually) or $15.99/month (billed monthly)
- Growth Plan: $17.66/month (billed annually) or $20.99/month (billed monthly)
- Business Plan: $21.83/month (billed annually) or $25.99/month (billed monthly)
Best Features:
- Unlimited calls and texts within the U.S. and Canada
- Auto-attendant and call scheduler
- Call recording and voicemail transcriptions
Freshdesk Contact Center
Source: Freshdesk Contact Center
Freshdesk Contact Center is a modern customer support software designed to streamline communication. It helps businesses manage customer interactions across various channels like phone, email, and chat. The platform integrates easily with other business tools, enhancing efficiency and the customer experience.
Pricing Plans:
- Free: Basic plan for small teams
- Growth: $18/user/month (billed annually)
- Pro: $47/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: $83/user/month (billed annually)
Best Features:
- Omnichannel support with voice, email, and chat
- Advanced call routing and IVR
- Real-time analytics and reporting
Mitel MiCloud Connect
Source: Mitel MiCloud Connect
Mitel MiCloud Connect is a comprehensive cloud-based business communication system. It offers VoIP phone services, collaboration tools, and advanced call management features. The platform is designed to improve business communication and enhance productivity.
Pricing Plans:
- Essentials: $20.99/user/month
- Premier: $26.59/user/month
- Elite: $38.49/user/month
Best Features:
- Unified communications with voice, video, and messaging
- Advanced call management and routing
- Integration with CRM systems and other business tools
Ooma Office
Source: Ooma Office
Ooma Office is a versatile business phone service providing reliable VoIP solutions for small businesses. It includes features like a virtual receptionist, call forwarding, and voicemail-to-email. Ooma Office is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for small businesses.
Pricing Plans:
- Essentials: $19.95/user/month
- Pro: $24.95/user/month
- Pro Plus: $29.95/user/month
Best Features:
- Virtual receptionist
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Video conferencing and call recording
Nextiva
Source: Nextiva
Nextiva is a leading business VoIP provider, offering robust communication solutions. It combines voice, video, and messaging into a single platform, enhancing business communication and collaboration. Nextiva is ideal for businesses of all sizes looking for an integrated communication solution.
Pricing Plans:
- Essential: $18.95/user/month (billed annually)
- Professional: $22.95/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: $32.95/user/month (billed annually)
Best Features:
- Unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada
- Free local and toll-free numbers
- Advanced call routing and voicemail-to-email notifications
Microsoft Teams Phone
Source: Microsoft Teams Phone
Microsoft Teams Phone is a cloud-based business communication tool that integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams. It allows businesses to make and receive calls, conduct video meetings, and manage contacts on one platform.
It enhances collaboration and productivity by combining voice, video, and messaging into a single solution.
Pricing Plans:
- Standard: $8/user/month (annual subscription)
- With Calling Plan: $15/user/month (annual subscription)
- Teams Essentials + Phone: $16/user/month (annual subscription)
Best Features:
- Unified communication with voice, video, and messaging
- Integration with Microsoft 365 apps
- Advanced call management and routing
Dialpad
Source: Dialpad
Dialpad is a modern business phone system that uses VoIP to provide high-quality voice calls, video meetings, and messaging. It integrates with popular business tools, making communication seamless and efficient. Dialpad is designed to enhance business communication with smart features and reliable performance.
Pricing Plans:
- Standard: $15/user/month (billed annually)
- Pro: $25/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best Features:
- AI-powered call transcription
- Seamless integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
- High-quality VoIP calls and video meetings
Vonage Business Communications
Source: Vonage Business Communications
Vonage Business Communications is a comprehensive VoIP phone system that provides businesses with voice, video, and messaging services. It supports various devices, including mobile phones and desktop apps, ensuring flexibility and mobility. Vonage enhances business communication with robust features and reliable service.
Pricing Plans:
- Mobile: $19.99/user/month
- Premium: $29.99/user/month
- Advanced: $39.99/user/month
Best Features:
- Integration with CRM tools and business applications
- Advanced call management features like call queues and recording
- Flexible communication options with mobile and desktop apps
8×8 eXperience Communications as a Service
Source: 8×8 eXperience Communications as a Service
8×8 eXperience Communications as a Service (XCaaS) is a cloud-based communication platform that combines voice, video, chat, and contact center solutions. It helps businesses enhance their communication and collaboration efforts with a unified system. 8×8 is known for its robust features and excellent call quality.
Pricing Plans:
- Express: $15/user/month
- X2: $24/user/month
- X4: $44/user/month
Best Features:
- Unified communications with voice, video, and chat
- Integrated contact center solutions
- Advanced analytics and reporting
RingCentral MVP
Source: RingCentral MVP
RingCentral MVP is a powerful business communication platform that integrates messaging, video, and phone services. It offers a unified solution for business communication, enhancing collaboration and productivity. RingCentral MVP is known for its reliability and advanced features.
Pricing Plans:
- Essentials: $19.99/user/month
- Standard: $27.99/user/month
- Premium: $34.99/user/month
Best Features:
- All-in-one messaging, video, and phone solution
- Integration with popular business apps
- Advanced call management and analytics
Intermedia Unite
Source: Intermedia Unite
Intermedia Unite is a cloud-based unified communications platform that provides voice, video, chat, and file sharing. It enhances business communication by integrating all essential tools into one system. Intermedia Unite is designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a reliable communication solution.
Pricing Plans:
- Essential: $20/user/month
- Pro: $30/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Best Features:
- Unified communication with voice, video, and chat
- Advanced call management features
- Seamless integration with business applications
These detailed descriptions and pricing plans provide an overview of the top business phone systems, helping businesses choose the best communication solutions for their needs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right business phone service is essential for effective communication and operational success. Whether you opt for a traditional phone service, a VoIP business solution, or a cloud-based system, it’s crucial to understand your specific business communication needs.
Business owners should look for phone systems that offer essential features like call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendants, and business text messaging. The best business phone service providers offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business, ensuring you can add a business phone line and expand as needed.
Selecting a service provider that offers comprehensive plans, including virtual business phone services and business VoIP phone options, can greatly enhance your company’s communication capabilities. Look for small business phone service providers that offer flexible phone plans and free trials, so you can test the service before committing.
By focusing on the features that matter most to your business and ensuring your chosen system can scale with your needs, you can ensure seamless communication and support business growth.
Enhance your phone system’s capabilities. Visit Softlist’s ‘AI Voice Generator category for tools that bring advanced voice technology to your communication systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are The Different Types of Phone Systems?
There are traditional landline systems, VoIP systems, cloud-based systems, and virtual phone systems. Each type offers different features suited for various business needs.
What is a Phone System?
A phone system is a network of phones used by businesses to manage incoming and outgoing calls. It includes features like call forwarding, voicemail, auto attendants, and business text messaging.
What is the Best Phone System For a Small Business?
The best phone system for a small business depends on its specific needs and budget. VoIP and cloud-based systems are often recommended for their flexibility, advanced features, and cost-effectiveness.
What are The Two Different Phone Systems?
The two main categories are traditional landline systems, which use physical phone lines, and VoIP systems, which transmit calls via the Internet.
What are the 3 Operating Systems for Phones?
The three main operating systems for phones are iOS, Android, and Windows Phone. Each has its own set of features and app ecosystems suited to different user needs.
In conclusion, understanding and choosing the right business phone service involves carefully considering your business needs, evaluating different types of phone systems, and selecting a provider that offers scalable and flexible solutions.
You can enhance communication and drive business success by leveraging the best phone features and ensuring your system can grow with your business.
