A cloud phone system is a calling solution that uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology for communication. It’s hosted on a cloud PBX (Private Branch Exchange) rather than an in-house server with expensive hardware, which improves the channel’s security and makes it more affordable.

Cloud phone systems are comprehensive solutions for businesses that require extensive and reliable communication services. They are scalable and flexible, making them a better alternative to traditional phone systems. A cloud phone system also lets businesses control their inbound and outbound communication channels with minimal hardware upkeep and storage management. 

Geekflare has researched and listed the best cloud phone systems based on integrations, calling features, communication types, and call analytics.

  • Nextiva – Best for All-in-One Communications
  • JustCall – Best for SMS and Global Calls
  • Aircall – Best for Call Centers
  • RingCentral – Best for Scalable Business Needs
  • Freshcaller – Best with Freshdesk Integration
  • Vonage – Best for App Integrations
  • CloudTalk – Best for Call Analytics
  • 8×8 – Best for Unified Communications
  • RingOver – Best to Manage Contact Center
  • Zoom – Best for Small to Medium Business
  • Grasshopper – Best for US and Canada Business
  • Google Voice – Best for Affordable International Calling
  • Show moreShow less

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Nextiva

Nextiva

Best for All-in-One Communications

Geekflare rating score 4.5 out of 5
4.5
|
  • Video Conferencing
    Yes
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Advanced
  • Integrations
    15+
$20/user/month
Save up to 20% on Annual Plans
Try Nextiva

About Nextiva

Nextiva is a leading cloud phone system that promises 99.999% uptime. It supports various communication tools as well as team collaboration within the platform.

The service has 8 POP (Points of Presence) around the map to provide uninterrupted communication. Even if one server goes down, your call is transferred to another server for stability. It uses ‘carrier-grade’ data centers, a statement backed up by the audio and video quality of the calls. The Acoustic Echo Cancellation feature further improves call quality by eliminating unnecessary echo.

You can also set up an IVR and, based on the selected options, direct the customers to the concerned representative. This ensures smooth communication for better client management and customer satisfaction.

To avoid security breaches, Nextiva has a Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption. There are also frequent audits and monitoring for malicious activity.

Nextiva Features

  • Key feature

    Provides a toll-free number to enhance customer accessibility.

  • Key feature

    Offers free faxing for convenient document transmission.

  • Key feature

    Includes 1500 toll-free minutes to support extensive call usage.

  • Key feature

    Allows 45-minute video calls with a recording feature for important meetings.

  • Key feature

    Enables number porting without any additional cost.

  • Key feature

    Has a desktop app for easy access.

  • Key feature

    Offers a mobile app (iOS and Android) for on-the-go connectivity.

Nextiva Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    24/7 live support + additional support options

  • Advantage

    Offers unlimited video calls

  • Advantage

    No additional cost for a business number or faxing

  • Disadvantage

    Less scalable due to lack of management features

  • Disadvantage

    Doesn’t support multi-factor authentication

  • Disadvantage

    Doesn’t allow sending messages to numbers that aren’t saved

Nextiva Pricing

Nextiva has 4 pricing plans for small businesses.

PlanPricingOfferings
Digital$20/user/monthWebsite Live Chat, Messaging Apps, Review Management, Digital Service Helpdesk, Social Media Channels
Core$30/user/monthEverything in Digital, plus Business SMS, Video Meetings, Screenshare and file share
Engage$40/user/monthEverything in Core, plus Toll-free number and minutes, Advanced Reporting, MS Teams Integration
Power Suite$60/user/monthEverything in Engage, plus Advanced IVR, Intelligent Routing, Supervisor Dashboard, Unified Team Interface

The platform also offers pricing plans for Enterprises: Essential, Professional, and Premium.

JustCall

JustCall

Best for SMS and Global Calls

Geekflare rating score 4.2 out of 5
4.2
|
  • Video Conferencing
    No
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Basic
  • Integrations
    100+
$19/user/month
Save 35% on Annual Plans
Try JustCall

About JustCall

JustCall comes with AI-powered features and over 100 CRM integrations with productivity apps like Salesforce and Zoho. It presents all data types, including transcripts and customer demographics, in a central place for analysis and monitoring.

With AI, JustCall provides actionable insights by analyzing data, understanding your customers’ sentiments, and identifying their needs. It also trains your workforce to boost your productivity.

You can connect with your target audience on SMS, Whatsapp, and other supported platforms from a single dashboard. JustCall also provides support for admin work through automated insights directly in your inbox.

JustCall Features

  • Key feature

    Provides a free local number for local presence and accessibility.

  • Key feature

    Offers call and SMS analytics to monitor and improve communication effectiveness.

  • Key feature

    Generates AI-powered call transcripts and summaries for accurate record-keeping.

  • Key feature

    Delivers team performance analytics to evaluate and enhance productivity.

  • Key feature

    Allows intelligent routing to direct calls efficiently.

  • Key feature

    Integrates with Salesforce to streamline customer relationship management.

  • Key feature

    Includes a service-level agreement (SLA) to ensure reliable service and performance standards.

JustCall Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Offers excellent customer support through chat and email

  • Advantage

    The JustCall dialer interface design is convenient

  • Advantage

    Call data up to 60 days can be exported easily

  • Disadvantage

    No incoming call number recognition

  • Disadvantage

    UI is simple but may seem outdated to some

  • Disadvantage

    No option to transfer a call directly to voicemail

JustCall Pricing

JustCall has 4 major pricing plans.

PlanPricingOfferings
Essentials$19/user/monthFree Calling Minutes and SMS, Productivity Tool Tntegrations, Free Local Number
Team$29/user/monthEverything in Essentials, plus Team Performance Analytics, API and Webhook Access, IVR / Call menus
Pro$49/user/monthEverything in Team, plus Bulk SMS Campaigns and
Workflows, Roles and Permissions, Intelligent Routing
BusinessCustom PricingEverything in Pro, plus unlimited calling and SMS, Single Sign-On, Dedicated Success Manager, Premium Support
Aircall

Aircall

Best for Call Centers

Geekflare rating score 4.5 out of 5
4.5
|
  • Video Conferencing
    No
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Advanced
  • Integrations
    100+
$30/license
Save 25% on Annual Plans
Try Aircall

About Aircall

Aircall is one of the older players in the VoIP market. It’s best suited for small teams who want a no-frills communication platform. It has all essential features, such as unlimited domestic calling and texting, international calling (add-on in the basic plans), and third-party integrations with all major productivity tools.

The cloud telephony system is supported by 7 global data centers and promises high uptime. It relies on WebRTC security to protect calls. Amazon Web Services (AWS), which holds FedRAMP, PCI DSS, SOC2, and ISO 27001 certifications, is Aircall’s hosting partner.

Aircall lacks built-in features like fax and video conferencing. However, this is covered through integrated third-party apps.

Aircall Features

  • Key feature

    Provides 100+ integrations and API access for connectivity with other tools.

  • Key feature

    Allows unlimited calls within the US and Canada to support extensive communication.

  • Key feature

    Supports SMS and MMS communication.

  • Key feature

    Has a softphone for desktop, Android, and iOS to run calls from any device.

  • Key feature

    Integrates with Salesforce to enhance CRM capabilities.

  • Key feature

    Requires mandatory call tagging for better organization and tracking.

  • Key feature

    Includes advanced analytics and call monitoring to optimize performance and quality control.

Aircall Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Allows adding additional numbers for $6/month

  • Advantage

    Provides business texting features

  • Advantage

    Has over 100 app integrations

  • Disadvantage

    Requires a minimum of 3 users to sign up for the service

  • Disadvantage

    Doesn’t have video conferencing option

  • Disadvantage

    Per-user cost is relatively higher than competitors

Aircall Pricing

Aircall has 3 pricing plans.

PlanPricingOfferings
Essentials$30/licenseUnlimited Simultaneous Outbound Calls, Call Recording Support, Softphone for Multiple Devices
Professional$50/licenseEverything in Essentials, plus Salesforce Integration, Mandatory Call Tagging, Advanced Analytics and Call Monitoring
CustomCustom PricingEverything in Professional, plus Unlimited Calls Worldwide, Custom Onboarding, SLA, Access to API Developer Support
RingCentral

RingCentral

Best for Scalable Business Needs

Geekflare rating score 4.8 out of 5
4.8
|
  • Video Conferencing
    Yes
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Advanced
  • Integrations
    330+
$20/user/month
Save 33%
Try RingCentral

About RingCentral

RingCentral is a cloud phone system that offers superior audio and video conferencing solutions. It’s a feature-rich tool that supports over 330 third-party integrations. The UI is easily navigable, call recording is available for all plans, and the security is top-notch with two-factor authentication.

One of RingCentral’s unique features is multilingual assistance. Companies can convey the same message in all operating countries without manual interference. It can handle a dozen (and more) calls at any given moment and place an outbound call simultaneously.

With the introduction of AI features like accurate transcription, translations, and intuitive search closed captions, RingCentral is a comprehensive solution for businesses. It also specializes in the education sector and has a separate plan to equip teachers, students, and administrators with the necessary tools for hybrid classroom learning.

RingCentral Features

  • Key feature

    Provides unlimited domestic calling.

  • Key feature

    Offers unlimited AI-powered video meetings with up to 100 participants for effective virtual phone collaboration.

  • Key feature

    Includes adoption and usage analytics with 6 months of storage for tracking and improving utilization.

  • Key feature

    Has an archiver for cloud storage backup to ensure data security and accessibility.

  • Key feature

    Provides unlimited storage for files and recordings.

RingCentral Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Ensures high-quality, reliable audio and video calls, even on a mobile device

  • Advantage

    Has over 330 integration possibilities for extra versatility

  • Advantage

    Works for remote, hybrid, and on-premises communication

  • Disadvantage

    Auto-renewal policy is inflexible

  • Disadvantage

    Features like Internet faxing are not available without an upgrade

  • Disadvantage

    Customer support is not responsive

RingCentral Pricing

RingCentral has 3 pricing plans.

PlanPricingOfferings
Core$20/user/monthVisual Voicemail, Single Sign-On, SMS and MMS
Advanced$25/user/monthEverything in Core, plus Auto Call Recording, Custom Roles and Permissions, 300+ CRM Integrations
Ultra$35/user/monthEverything in Advanced, plus Unlimited AI-Powered Video Meetings, Device Analytics and Alerts, Customizable Business Analytics
Freshcaller

Freshcaller

Best with Freshdesk Integration

Geekflare rating score 4.0 out of 5
4.0
|
  • Video Conferencing
    No
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Basic
  • Integrations
    30+
$15/agent/month
Free Plan Available
Try Freshcaller

About Freshcaller

Freshcaller is a cloud phone system that combines AI capabilities and advanced features like call segmentation and call analytics. The Freshworks ecosystem provides a powerful backing to this service and integrates well with other apps, such as Freshdesk. When you get a call, related information from these platforms is also displayed.

A standout feature of Freshcaller is call routing automation. You can select different routes for VIP phone calls to avoid IVR or delays. If an important client is trying to reach your helpline for a technical issue, you can set them to instantly connect to the responsible desk instead of making them wait in a queue.

Due to these features, Freshcaller is a viable option for teams that want a client-focused communication system. With unexpected overload, teams can temporarily add more manpower with a ‘day pass’. Read our Freshcaller review for more detailed information.

Freshcaller Features

  • Key feature

    Provides call metrics to track and analyze call performance.

  • Key feature

    Offers routing automation for efficient call management.

  • Key feature

    Enables call conferencing for group discussions.

  • Key feature

    Generates custom reports for transparent data viewing.

  • Key feature

    Implements smart escalations to ensure timely resolution of issues.

  • Key feature

    Allows call barging for real-time call monitoring and intervention.

Freshcaller Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Simple and easy setup process

  • Advantage

    Offers a free plan for trials

  • Advantage

    Compatible with various Freshworks customer service tools

  • Disadvantage

    Business numbers and minutes need to be bought separately

  • Disadvantage

    User interface is clunky

  • Disadvantage

    Customer support response time is high

Freshcaller Pricing

Apart from a free plan, Freshcaller has 3 pricing plans.

PlanPricingOfferings
Growth$15/agent/monthEverything in Free plan, plus Basic Call Queues, Voicemail, Call Recording, Parallel Calling
Pro$39/agent/monthEverything in Growth plan, plus Call Barging, Holiday Routing, Advanced Call Metrics, Call Conferencing
Enterprise$69/agent/monthEverything in Pro plan, plus Speech Enabled IVR, Abandoned Call Metrics, Service Level Monitoring
Vonage

Vonage

Best for App Integrations

Geekflare rating score 4.0 out of 5
4.0
|
  • Video Conferencing
    Yes
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Basic
  • Integrations
    20+
Custom Pricing
Try Vonage

About Vonage

Vonage started as a VoIP service for small companies and residential use and later became a leading commercial cloud telephony service provider. Its various features adjust as per your needs, providing scalability.

The service features automated attendants for efficient call management and HD voice quality for clear conversations. Its benefits include virtual receptionists, team messaging, and video conferencing capabilities.

Integrating Vonage into the management systems of industries like healthcare provides multiple advantages. Doctors can conduct remote consultations, patients can schedule appointments, and meetings can be reminded through IVR.

Vonage Features

  • Key feature

    Offers unlimited domestic calling.

  • Key feature

    Provides unlimited video meetings for easy virtual collaboration.

  • Key feature

    Supports Single Sign-On for simplified and secure access.

  • Key feature

    Supports VoIP desk phones for flexible and reliable communication options.

  • Key feature

    Enables on-demand call recording for accurate and convenient record-keeping.

Vonage Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Has affordable pricing plans

  • Advantage

    Smartphone app provides most of the desktop features

  • Advantage

    Has high-grade voice quality

  • Disadvantage

    Doesn’t have multi-factor authentication

  • Disadvantage

    Has excessive add-on fees

Vonage Pricing

Vonage offers customized pricing plans based on business requirements.

CloudTalk

CloudTalk

Best for Call Analytics

Geekflare rating score 4.5 out of 5
4.5
|
  • Video Conferencing
    No
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Advanced
  • Integrations
    30+
$25/user/month
Save 25% on Annual Billing
Try CloudTalk

About CloudTalk

CloudTalk is a data-driven cloud phone system that heavily prioritizes customer experience. It offers a fully functional call center at an affordable price. The system is also easy to set up without any intervention. You can deploy it and complete the onboarding within a few hours.

The system leverages the power of AI to give you meaningful insights while the call is in progress so that you can track your performance and adjust accordingly. Features such as call notes help record every customer interaction you deem important, and the notes are organized automatically when you save them.

You can centralize your data and automate workflow with CloudTalk’s 30+ integrations.

CloudTalk Features

  • Key feature

    Provides unlimited inbound and intracompany calls to support internal and external communication.

  • Key feature

    Offers numbers in 160+ countries for international calls.

  • Key feature

    Integrates with other systems and offers API access for seamless connectivity.

  • Key feature

    Implements IVR, skill-based routing, and AI smart queueing for efficient call management.

  • Key feature

    Enables live call monitoring and wallboards for real-time insights and supervision.

  • Key feature

    Requires mandatory call tagging for better organization and tracking.

CloudTalk Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Provides 24/7 live human support

  • Advantage

    Handles a high volume of calls without any hiccups

  • Advantage

    Makes managing an off-shore support team very easy

  • Disadvantage

    The desktop app can be limiting to some

  • Disadvantage

    Their live customer support is more inclined toward users with higher packages

  • Disadvantage

    Integration process is lengthy

CloudTalk Pricing

CloudTalk offers 4 price plans.

PlanPricingOfferings
Starter$25/user/monthCall Recording, International Numbers, Call Recording
Essential$30/user/monthAll Starter features, plus Unlimited Concurrent Calls, Workflow Automation, Advanced Real-Time Analytics with Unlimited History
Expert$50/user/monthAll Essential features, plus Mandatory Call Tagging, Single Sign-On (SSO), Live Call Monitoring and Wallboards
CustomCustom PricingAll Expert features, plus Unlimited Worldwide Call Packages, Custom Reporting, Enterprise-level Security, SLA, Developer Support
8x8

8×8

Best for Unified Communications

Geekflare rating score 4.5 out of 5
4.5
|
  • Video Conferencing
    Yes
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Advanced
  • Integrations
    50+
Custom Pricing
Try 8×8

About 8×8

8×8 provides various cloud-based services, including a cloud phone system. It has earned many accolades for its top-notch voice, text, and video communication services, including the Best Value Business Phone of 2021 by US News & World Report.

If you run an international retail business, you need different teams to handle logistics, customer support, and other tasks in the native language of the people you are dealing with. This cloud-based system will help you maintain a link with your team and the global clientele in a language they are comfortable with.

8×8 supports numerous integrations with other apps, such as HubSpot, Bullhorn, and Zoho, making it a comprehensive app for communication and collaboration.

8×8 Features

  • Key feature

    Provides unlimited voice calling to 14 countries to support international communication.

  • Key feature

    Offers SMS, MMS, and team chat for versatile messaging and collaboration.

  • Key feature

    Enables Monitor, Whisper, and Barge features for effective call supervision.

  • Key feature

    Includes reporting, analytics, and CX journey mapping to optimize customer experiences.

  • Key feature

    Has speech and text analytics to gain insights and improve communication strategies.

8×8 Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Allows 5000+ people to participate in video conferences

  • Advantage

    Helpful and supportive customer experience executives

  • Advantage

    Provides a shortcut to initiate calls quickly

  • Disadvantage

    Doesn’t provide toll-free numbers

  • Disadvantage

    Has a steep learning curve, making it less ideal for beginners

  • Disadvantage

    Pricing and setup suit enterprise-level companies rather than small businesses

8×8 Pricing

8×8 caters to different businesses through custom quotations based on requirements.

RingOver

RingOver

Best to Manage Contact Center

Geekflare rating score 4.8 out of 5
4.8
|
  • Video Conferencing
    Yes
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Basic
  • Integrations
    90+
$21/user/month
Save 27% on Annual Plans
Try RingOver

About RingOver

Ringover is a VoIP service that eases communication and simplifies management for contact centers. A standout feature of the service is the admin control console. Owners and managers can assess the service call center performance via an intuitive dashboard. They can track parameters like call duration, queue time, and average wait time.

Ringover also allows monitoring of real-time calls, creating call campaigns, managing the IVR and autodialer, and tweaking other settings for better productivity. Moreover, it enables scheduling business calls and revisiting call notes to streamline the process. The huge library of features ensures you have all the tools to get actionable insights from the conversation.

RingOver Features

  • Key feature

    Provides unlimited calls to 90 destinations to support global communication.

  • Key feature

    Offers call logs and recordings for call tracking and record-keeping.

  • Key feature

    Includes advanced analytics to gain deeper insights and improve performance.

  • Key feature

    Implements advanced IVR for efficient and automated call routing.

  • Key feature

    Enables local presence dialing to enhance caller identity and engagement.

  • Key feature

    Supports Single Sign-On for simplified and secure user access.

RingOver Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Set up and activation process is quick

  • Advantage

    Admin panel UI is friendly for beginners and novices

  • Advantage

    Integrates with all popular third-party apps

  • Disadvantage

    Call quality can be below expectations sometimes

  • Disadvantage

    Integration to CRM is not the easiest

RingOver Pricing

RingOver has 3 pricing plans, as listed below:

PlanPricingOfferings
Smart$21/user/monthUnlimited Calls to 90 Destinations, IVR and Call Forwarding, Click-to-Call
Business$44/user/monthAll Smart features, plus Local Number from 65 Countries, Advanced Analytics, Access to Webhooks
Advanced$54/user/monthAll Business features, plus Call Campaigns, Local Presence Dialing, Voicemail Drop
Zoom

Zoom

Best for Small to Medium Business

Geekflare rating score 4.5 out of 5
4.5
|
  • Video Conferencing
    Yes
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Basic
  • Integrations
    100+
$10/month/license
Try Zoom

About Zoom

Zoom is one of the fastest-growing VoIP services; it has approximately 7 million users since its release in 2019. It provides a professional communication setup for businesses. You can chat, video conference, and call from a single communication point.

The service supports HD audio quality for clear calls and integrates with video conferencing and team chat. Additional features include advanced call routing, real-time analytics, and robust security with end-to-end encryption.

Zoom, at its entry-level plan, offers most features that other companies provide with an upgrade. To facilitate upgrades for smaller businesses, the plans are affordable.

Zoom Features

  • Key feature

    Provides a single management portal for administration.

  • Key feature

    Supports multiple device use to ensure flexibility and accessibility.

  • Key feature

    Offers SMS and MMS support for versatility.

  • Key feature

    Provides a direct dial number for easy communication.

  • Key feature

    Offers domestic calling in the selected country to meet specific regional needs.

Zoom Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Has a very low starting price

  • Advantage

    Allows a smooth transition from phone call to video meeting

  • Advantage

    Entry-level plan includes call center features at no added cost

  • Disadvantage

    Has a limited number of CRM and helpdesk integrations

  • Disadvantage

    Uses tiered customer support that requires upgrades to talk to a person

  • Disadvantage

    Outbound call features are not available

Zoom Pricing

Zoom has 4 pricing plans:

PlanPricingOfferings
US & Canada Metered$10/month/licenseDomestic US & CA Calling, One Management Portal, SMS & MMS
US & Canada Unlimited$15/month/licenseUS & Canada Numbers, Multiple Device Support, SMS & MMS
Pro Plus$21.99/month/userZoom Phone US & CA Unlimited, Zoom Workplace Pro
Business Plus$26.99/month/userZoom Phone US & CA Unlimited, Zoom Workplace Business, Visitor Management
Grasshopper

Grasshopper

Best for US and Canada Business

Geekflare rating score 4.2 out of 5
4.2
|
  • Video Conferencing
    No
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Basic
  • Integrations
    0
$14/month
Save 20% on Annual Plans
Try Grasshopper

About Grasshopper

Grasshopper provides a functional communication platform using your existing service provider. You can make and receive calls using cellular, VoIP, and Wi-Fi. The setup is simple: you choose a toll-free or vanity number and set up the extensions.

Sole proprietors or small businesses need a basic but professional setup; exactly what Grasshopper provides. This VoIP provider offers a simple cloud solution that focuses on basic calling services, which is why it lacks more advanced options like video conferencing.

It empowers small teams to operate professionally without giving out personal information. The price plans are also small-scale friendly. You are not charged for the number of users in the top 2 plans. You can add as many employees as you want; you only have to pay an additional fee of $10 if you want another number.

Grasshopper Features

  • Key feature

    Provides call forwarding to ensure calls are directed to the right person.

  • Key feature

    Offers instant response capabilities for important calls.

  • Key feature

    Supports simultaneous call handling to manage multiple calls at once.

  • Key feature

    Enables incoming call control for better call management and routing.

  • Key feature

    Has mobile and desktop apps for convenient access from any device.

Grasshopper Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Pricing plans allow unlimited users for no extra cost

  • Advantage

    Has a professional contact option to avoid sharing private numbers or details

  • Advantage

    Allows transcription of voicemail

  • Disadvantage

    It has no third-party app integrations

  • Disadvantage

    Lacks advanced features like video conferencing

  • Disadvantage

    Plenty of service upselling

Grasshopper Pricing

Grasshopper has 3 pricing plans.

PlanPricingOfferings
True Solo$14/month24/7 Support, Unlimited Business Texting, Call Forwarding
Solo Plus$25/monthUnlimited Users, Call Transfers, Simultaneous Call Handling
Small Business$55/monthUnlimited Users, Unlimited Extensions, Detailed Call Reporting
Google Voice

Google Voice

Best for Affordable International Calling

Geekflare rating score 4.0 out of 5
4.0
|
  • Video Conferencing
    No
  • IVR (Auto-Attendant)
    Basic
  • Integrations
    15+
$10/user/month
Try Google Voice

About Google Voice

Google Voice is the cloud telephony system included in the Google productivity tool bundle – Workspace. It’s primarily meant to be used within the Google ecosystem. Hence, there are limited third-party integrations.

Apart from this drawback, it has a feature-rich catalog, reliable service, and unlimited texting and calling. This cloud phone system service is available to all organizations, regardless of scale.

Google Voice’s features can be accessed by a mobile app or desktop application. The auto attendant connects the calls to the concerned department or person. You can create ring groups so that multiple people have the option to receive a call ringing on the same number. If not, the call can be forwarded to up to 6 linked numbers. Even if you miss the call, you will get a notification. Learn how you can get a Google Voice number today.

Google Voice Features

  • Key feature

    Provides unlimited text messaging in the US.

  • Key feature

    Offers voicemail transcription for easy access to voice messages.

  • Key feature

    Includes SLA to ensure reliable service and performance standards.

  • Key feature

    Generates usage and activity reporting for detailed insights and monitoring.

  • Key feature

    Enables ad-hoc user call recording for on-demand recording needs.

  • Key feature

    Has eDiscovery for calls, voicemails, and text messaging records to support legal and compliance requirements.

Google Voice Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Provides reliable call-forwarding

  • Advantage

    Has an easily navigable interface

  • Advantage

    Multiple team members can answer incoming calls from the same number

  • Disadvantage

    No toll-free numbers

  • Disadvantage

    No free trial for any of the plans

  • Disadvantage

    Has advanced reporting only for the premier plan

Google Voice Pricing

Google Voice offers 3 pricing plans.

PlanPricingOfferings
Starter$10/user/monthVoicemail Transcription, Web Application, Android & IOS Apps
Standard$20/user/monthMulti Level Auto Attendant, Ring Groups, Desk Phone and ATA Support
Premier$30/user/monthAdvanced Reporting, Automatic Call recording, Unlimited International Locations

Best Cloud Phone Systems Comparison

The best cloud phone systems on this list are compared in the table below, based on minimum pricing, calling features, texting features, and call routing.

Product
Minimum Pricing (Monthly)
Calling
Texting
Call Routing
Learn More
Nextiva

Nextiva

4.5
/5
$20
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Skill-based, Time-based
JustCall

JustCall

4.2
/5
$19
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Time-based, Skill-based
Aircall

Aircall

4.5
/5
$30
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Skill-based, Time-based
RingCentral

RingCentral

4.8
/5
$20
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Skill-based, Time-based
Freshcaller

Freshcaller

4.0
/5
$15
Domestic, International
SMS
Time-based
Vonage

Vonage

4.0
/5
Custom
Domestic, International
SMS
Time-based
CloudTalk

CloudTalk

4.5
/5
$25
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Skill-based, Time-based
8x8

8×8

4.5
/5
Custom
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Skill-based, Time-based
RingOver

RingOver

4.8
/5
$21
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Time-based
Zoom

Zoom

4.5
/5
$10
Domestic, International
SMS, MMS
Time-based
Grasshopper

Grasshopper

4.2
/5
$14
Domestic
SMS
Time-based
Google Voice

Google Voice

4.0
/5
$10
Domestic, International
SMS
Time-based

Features of a Cloud Phone System

There are 6 main features of a cloud phone system:

  • Off-Site Hosting: Your phone system is run and maintained by your provider, which means the data centers are off-site. This alleviates the need for regular hardware maintenance.
  • IP Phones: Cloud-based phone systems run entirely over Ethernet. This means your organization can use VoIP phones and/or mobile phones from anywhere with an Internet connection.
  • Simple Management: Cloud-based phone solutions integrate all essential features within an online dashboard. You can route, allocate permissions, and manage phone configurations from your browser directly.
  • Flexibility: Whether you’re on a business trip or out of the office, cloud phone service ensures that your clients and team can reach you when required.
  • No Additional Costs: Most cloud based phone solutions are solely built on a plan-based model. Users pay based on their requirements, instead of paying extra for features they don’t need.
  • Integrations: You can integrate your cloud phone platform with customer relationship management tools, such as Salesforce, Zendesk, Slack, and Freshdesk.

Cloud Phone System Use Cases

There 6 main use cases of cloud phone system:

  • Healthcare: Schedule appointments, get automated reminders, and take online consultations.
  • Manufacturing: Coordinate better with different departments and avoid losses due to communication gaps.
  • Education: Improve administration with attendance tracking, SMS alerts, and announcements. 
  • Retail: Offer customer support, run market analysis, and resolve issues. 
  • E-commerce: Take inquiries, confirm orders, send delivery updates, and run service hotlines. 
  • Hospitality: Concierge services and confirmations.

Almost all industries, MNCs or local, benefit from a cloud phone system. While multinational companies can benefit from uninterrupted streamlined communication among different offices, local businesses can establish a stronger presence, and both can improve customer experience.

Cloud phone systems are especially suitable for sales and marketing, managing remote workers, customer service, and in-house communication.

Is Cloud Phone Secure?

Yes. A cloud phone system is more secure than traditional communication channels. Since the data is encrypted when stored on the cloud following stringent quality measures, no unauthorized personnel can access your information.

VoIP vs Cloud Phone System: Differences

Both VoIP and cloud phone systems have the same function when it comes to utilizing the Internet for communication, but their mode of operation is different. 

VoIP is the initial technology that makes telephonic communication possible over the Internet. Analog voice signals are converted into packets that travel over IP (Internet Protocol) and are reconstructed into voice signals at their destination. VoIP requires a server known as PBX (Private Branch Exchange).

In a cloud phone system, the voice is transmitted through VoIP technology, but the management and storage are handled on the cloud. It eliminates the need for a physical infrastructure (like PBX) since the system is hosted remotely by a third party. The whole setup is located off-premises in data centers.

FAQs

What is a cloud-based phone system?

A cloud-based phone system uses the internet to transmit calls instead of analog phone lines. It shifts the traditional PBX server system over the cloud hosted by a third-party service provider.

What is the best cloud phone system for small businesses?

As a small business owner, you can choose from several reliable phone system providers including Aircall, RingCentral, Google Voice, and Grasshopper. Consider factors like desired features, security measures, and your budget before you select a service for your business.

How much does a cloud phone system cost?

The cost of every service provider differs depending on the features offered in the plan. The basic plans start as low as $10/month and can go over $80/month.