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Introduction
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems have become an integral part of modern-day business communications. Used by companies across the globe, VoIP systems allow users to make calls via the Internet rather than conventional landlines. VoIPs deliver fast, effective and reliable communications for small, medium-sized and large businesses, but which system is best? In this guide, we’ll analyze and evaluate the top VoIP systems in the US and Canada in 2024, highlighting the pros and cons and delving deeper into features and capabilities.
A brief overview of VoIP
VoIP is a form of communications technology, which allows individuals and groups to make calls using Internet protocols. Also known as Voice IP, VoIP provides a swift, efficient alternative to traditional landline phones and offers access to a range of features to enhance communications.
Studies show that more than 3 billion people use VoIP systems globally. Around 70% of employees have access to VoIP services. Switching to VoIP reduces costs for businesses while improving productivity. Businesses can lower costs by up to 45% by replacing conventional phones and boost productivity by over 65% (source). VoIP has become increasingly influential and instrumental in the last five years due to the popularity of hybrid and remote working. Advanced VoIP technologies bring individuals together, creating strong, cohesive teams.
The top 5 VoIP systems in the US and Canada in 2024
The VoIP market is growing year on year. Statistics suggest the market will grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of over 20% between 2022 and 2031. It is advantageous for consumers and companies to have a wide range of choices, but it can be difficult to decide which VoIP system is best. To help business clients find the right service for their needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 VoIP systems in the US and Canada in 2024:
Ringblaze
Offering a complete solution for your business team, Ringblaze is a cutting-edge VoIP system, which provides access to a host of features designed to maintain effective, seamless communications. Providing affordable solutions, Ringblaze has a simple, universal pricing system, with a wide range of features on offer from just $15 per month.
Features:
- Create US, Canadian or international phone numbers
- Make and receive calls globally
- Forward calls
- Record calls
- Business texting
- Call widget
- Access customer history
- Access via mobile and desktop
- Auto attendant
- Collaborate with other individuals, teams and clients
- Solve open issues efficiently
- Interactive, easy-to-use dashboard
- Real-time customer interaction
- Fast setup: Start making and taking calls within 15 minutes
- 24-hour call monitoring to prevent missed calls and sales opportunities
- Simple pricing system
Pricing:
Ringblaze offers a free trial. Pricing starts at $15 per month based on annual billing. For monthly billing, the charge is $19/month.
Best for:
Ringblaze is an excellent option for small and medium-sized businesses. Offering features that go above and beyond a conventional VoIP system, Ringblaze is ideal for companies looking to bring teams together, enhance and elevate customer experience, manage multiple numbers simultaneously and maximize convenience. Using Ringblaze, teams can work collaboratively, identify and solve problems effectively and track activities and comments via a central dashboard. The simple payment plan makes budgeting simple for startups, small companies and growing businesses. The free trial also offers a brilliant opportunity to try before you buy.
Cons:
- No free version
Ooma Office
Ooma Office is a highly-rated VoIP system, which offers scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes. There’s a choice of plans available to suit different budgets and requirements in addition to advanced features and tools for remote and hybrid teams. This is a popular choice for startups and small businesses because there are no fixed contracts. The flexibility enables users to try services without committing in the long term.
Features (Office Essentials plan):
- Free mobile app
- Multi ring
- Ring groups
- Virtual receptionist
- Hold and transfer music
- Call forwarding
- Virtual extensions
- Unlimited calls across the US, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico
- Free number transfer
- Low international calling rates
- One toll-free number (500 minutes of inbound calls per month)
- Call logs
- Virtual fax
- Overhead paging support
- Bulk CSV upload for IP phones
Additional features, for example, video calling, are available for a higher fee via the Office Pro and Office Pro Plus plans.
Pricing:
- Office Essentials: $19.95 per user/ per month
- Office Pro: $24.95 per user/ per month
- Office Pro Plus: $29.95 per user/ per month
Best for:
Ooma Office is packed with features for small, medium-sized and large businesses with the option to add features at an additional cost via more advanced plans (Office Pro and Pro Plus). The Essentials plan has everything most small businesses will need and it may appeal due to the flexibility of having no contract. Larger companies might also prefer to opt for a provider that doesn’t tie customers into long-term contracts.
Cons:
- No free version
- No free trial
- Relatively expensive compared to other providers
- Upgrade needed to access video calling features
Nextiva
A comprehensive VoIP system, Nextiva offers a broad spectrum of features and solutions for small, medium-sized and large companies. Boasting high review scores on Gartner, G2 and GETVOIP, Nextiva is an established provider with an excellent track record. There is a wide range of plans to suit every budget with access to basic and premium features.
Features (Essential Plan):
- Unlimited calls within the US and Canada
- 45 minutes of video calling per call
- Free local and toll-free calls
- Voicemail to email notifications
- Integrations with Outlook and Google
- 24-hour customer support
- Unlimited Internet fax
- Video conference recording
- HD voice calls
- Free number porting
- Call history
- Call log reports
- Threaded conversations
- Note-taking
- Shared line appearance
- Hold music
- Admin and user portals
- Dashboard
- Real-time status alerts
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
- Auto attendant
Pricing:
- Essential: from $18.95 per user/ per month
- Professional: from $22.95 per user/ per month
- Enterprise: from $32.95 per user/ per month
Best for:
Nextiva caters to all businesses, but the relatively high fees and limited access to advanced features via more expensive plans make it a better option for medium and large businesses. The comprehensive system offers multiple benefits, which will appeal to company owners searching for a VoIP system that goes beyond making and receiving calls.
Cons:
- Some features, such as mobile SMS, which are included in standard plans from other providers are only accessible via the Professional and Enterprise plans
- Relatively expensive compared to other providers
- No free version or option to try for free
Dialpad
Dialpad offers advanced VoIP systems for big and small brands with no contract requirements and a range of plans. There’s a free 14-day trial available and opportunities for teams to benefit from advanced technologies, including AI. Dialpad offers rapid setup and access to unlimited calls, messages and meetings on any device.
Features (Standard Plan):
- Unlimited domestic calls and calling within the US & Canada
- Unlimited AI meetings (up to 10 participants)
- SMS, MMS and team messaging
- AI-powered call transcriptions
- Integrate with Google Workspace & Microsoft 365
- Real-time reporting
- Real-time analytics
- Web and live chat support
- Multi-device use
Higher-level plans also include access to the following features:
- CRM integrations, including Salesforce, Zendesk and HubSpot)
- Microsoft Teams integration
- Global SMS capabilities
- 25 ring groups
Pricing:
- Standard: from $15 per user/ per month
- Pro: from $25 per user/ per month
- Enterprise: contact provider for a quote
Best for:
Dialpad is best suited to companies looking for a comprehensive system at an affordable price. The standard plan offers access to a huge range of features and unlimited calls across the US and Canada, as well as free domestic calls for clients based outside of these areas. Dialpad is great for teams that operate multiple devices and it’s ideal for customers who want to try the service before they buy. It’s best to explore other providers if you’re searching for more diverse integrations without increasing costs, as the standard plan only covers MS Outlook and Google Workspace.
Cons:
- Integration access requires an upgrade (except for MS Outlook and Google Workspace)
- 24/7 support and hold queues only available via premium plans
- No free version
RingCentral
RingCentral has an extensive range of VoIP plans for businesses with options to suit all requirements. From small businesses and startups searching for robust, cost-effective systems to large-scale companies looking for comprehensive solutions, there’s something for every user. RingCentral offers more than the standard VoIP system, delivering cutting-edge AI technology to boost efficiency and productivity.
Features (Core Plan):
- Unlimited domestic calling
- SMS and MMS
- Google and Microsoft integrations
- Single sign-on
- IVR (Interactive Voice Response)
- Visual voicemail
- Real-time analytics
- AI-powered video meetings (up to 100 participants)
- AI-powered transcriptions, reports & insights
- Custom integrations
Pricing:
- Core: from $20 per user/ per month
- Advanced: from $25 per user, per month
- Ultra: from $35 per user, per month
Best for:
RingCentral is recommended for established businesses and mid to large companies looking for comprehensive solutions rather than more basic, budget-friendly services. Offering access to a wide range of features, including innovative AI tools, RingCentral caters to users who want more than a standard Internet phone service. There are options to upgrade to access a full suite of features and integrations. For businesses that have international clients, it’s worth noting that unlimited international calls are not available. Clients can try different plans for free.
Cons:
- Extra charges for international calls
- 24/7 support not available with basic plans
- No free version
- Relatively high cost for the core plan compared to other standard plans
Conclusion
VoIP has revolutionized the way businesses operate and communicate. Offering efficient, stress-free, scalable solutions, VoIP systems enable teams to collaborate effectively and businesses to engage with customers. This guide features five of the best VoIP systems in Canada and the US in 2024.
