8 Best Cloud Phone Systems for Small Businesses in 2025

Gartner predicts that over 50% of enterprises will rely on industry cloud platforms to accelerate their business initiatives by 2028*.  Are you ready to stay ahead of the curve? 

In this article, we’ll explore the 8 best cloud-based solutions for 2025. We’ll  compare their features, pricing, and integrations to help you make a smart, cost-effective decision for your business.

Key Takeaways: 

• Explore Top Solutions: Cloud-based phone systems like CloudTalk, RingCentral, and Dialpad offer solutions ranging from $15 to $30 per user/month, with features such as advanced analytics, call recording, and seamless CRM integrations, ensuring small businesses can find a plan that fits their needs.
• Prioritize AI-Powered Features: Focus on systems with intelligent call routing, real-time transcription, and AI-generated summaries to save time, optimize customer interactions, and boost efficiency.
• CloudTalk is the Top Choice: CloudTalk stands out with competitive pricing, AI-driven tools, over 35 integrations, and standout features like Skill-Based Routing and  Call Flow Designer, making it the best option for small businesses aiming to scale and enhance their customer experience.

Best Cloud Phone Systems: A Snapshot Comparison

The cloud telephony services market is expected to surpass USD 57.6 billion by 2033.  This impressive growth highlights the sheer number of options available, which can make choosing the right system feel overwhelming. 

Here’s a quick comparison of the top cloud-based phone systems to simplify your decision-making process:

8 Features to Prioritize in a Cloud Phone System

Conversational AI in contact centers will slash agent labor costs by $80 billion by 2026.  This underscores why prioritizing AI-driven features in your cloud phone system is no longer optional—it’s a must. 

If you want to tap into these savings, it’s time to prioritize the right features in your cloud phone service provider:

• Save time with Real-Time Transcription: Get accurate, searchable call records instantly, letting teams focus on customer engagement instead of manual note-taking.

• Connect Customers to the Right Agent: Intelligent call routing directs customers to the most suitable agent based on availability, skills, language proficiency, and customer history.

• Streamline Personalization with CRM Integration: Automatically log phone calls and access customer histories for tailored, context-rich conversations.

• Make Smarter Decisions with Real-Time Insights: Analyze performance and customer behavior instantly to build a high-velocity sales strategy and boost outcomes.

• Save Hours with AI-Generated Summaries: Summarize key points, action items, and sentiments from calls automatically, ensuring no detail is missed.

• Boost Engagement with Speaking Time Analysis: Refine agent strategies by analyzing the talk-to-listen ratio and improving training effectiveness.

• Simplify Messaging with Voicemail Transcription: Convert voicemails into easy-to-read emails, saving time and simplifying message management.

• Ensure Compliance with Detailed Call Records: Record customer interactions for quality assurance, training, and dispute resolution, keeping your business protected.

8 Best Cloud Phone Systems

Need help deciding which cloud-based solution to choose? These eight options combine powerful features, seamless integrations, and affordable pricing to help small businesses thrive in 2025. 

Whether you need smarter calls, AI-driven insights, or multichannel collaboration, there’s a perfect fit for your team below.

#1 CloudTalk

CloudTalk is a feature-rich, cloud-based phone system known for its superior call quality and access to numbers in 160+ countries at an affordable price. Trusted by 4,000+ businesses, it integrates seamlessly with 35+ tools, including HubSpot and Zendesk, making it a top AI-powered solution for SME sales and support teams.

Key Features

• Skill-Based Routing: Direct calls to the most qualified agent based on skills and availability, ensuring faster resolutions and improved customer satisfaction.
• Advanced Analytics: Track real-time performance metrics, customer interactions, and agent productivity with unlimited call history.
• Call Flow Designer: Create tailored call flows to optimize customer experience and agent workflows, enhancing efficiency and personalization.
• Sales Dialers and Campaign Management: Manage sales campaigns efficiently with Power and Smart Dialers, enabling better scheduling and progress tracking.

Top Integrations

• HubSpot
• Pipedrive
• Zendesk
• Salesforce
• Intercom
• Zapier

Best for

CloudTalk is ideal for SMBs looking for a cost-effective and scalable business phone system for their customer-facing teams.

Pricing

CloudTalk offers four pricing plans, each with its own set of features:

• Starter ($25/user/month): This plan includes essential features like Click-to-Call, Voicemail, Call Flow Designer (CFD), and Automatic Call Distribution (ACD).
• Essential ($35/user/month): It offers SMS/MMS, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Skill-Based Routing, Callback, Integrations + Open API
• Expert ($50/user/month): It includes features like Power Dialer, Smart Dialer, VIP Queues, WhatsApp Inbound & Outbound Messages, and Call Monitoring.
• Custom (Varies): This plan is tailored for businesses with unique needs and includes custom onboarding, unlimited outbound calls with flat rates, enterprise-level security, and developer support.

#2 RingCentral

RingCentral is a leading cloud-based communication solution that includes omnichannel communication and seamless collaboration tools. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform. However, advanced features like AI analytics and unlimited international calls are locked behind higher-tier plans, which may increase overall costs for growing teams.

Key Features

• RingSense for Sales:  Analyzes interactions between salespeople and prospects, providing insights, follow-ups, and performance scoring to help sales teams close more deals.
• Omnichannel Communication: Supports channels including voice, video, SMS, chat, and social media, which enables seamless interaction with customers across various platforms.
• Video Conferencing Tools: Includes robust video conferencing features that support HD video quality, screen sharing, and meeting recording with built-in security measures to empower remote collaboration.
• Advanced Call Management: Includes features like call recording, call flip, visual voicemail, and an interactive voice response (IVR) system to enhance customer interactions.

Top Integrations 

• Salesforce
• Microsoft Teams
• Google Workspace
• Zendesk
• Slack
• HubSpot

Best for

Small businesses looking for scalable solutions and medium-sized and large enterprises that require comprehensive communication tools.

Pricing

RingCentral offers three pricing plans to suit various business needs:

• Core ($20/user/month): This plan includes unlimited domestic calling, SMS/MMS, IVR, and Single Sign-On (SSO).
• Advanced ($25/user/month): It adds automatic call recording, advanced call monitoring, multi-site management, and CRM integrations.
• Ultra ($35/user/month):T his plan features customizable analytics, extended storage, device analytics, and AI-powered transcription and summaries.

#3 Nextiva

Nextiva is a cloud-based communication platform serving over 150,000 businesses with a unified solution for voice, video, chat, and collaboration tools. While it excels in multichannel communication and user-friendly design, its advanced voice features and analytics often come as add-ons, increasing costs for growing businesses.

Key Features

• Omnichannel Communication: Integrates voice, video, chat, email, and social media into one platform, ensuring seamless customer interactions across channels.
• Advanced IVR: Automates call routing with customizable menus, improving efficiency and directing callers to the right departments.
• AI-Powered Voicemail Transcription: Converts voicemails into text, making it easier to review and respond without listening to the full message.
• Team Collaboration Tools: Offers features like video conferencing,  and team chat to enhance productivity and streamline internal communication.

Top Integrations 

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Zoho CRM
• Zendesk
• Microsoft Teams
• Google Workspace

Best for

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) seeking a unified communication platform that integrates voice, video, chat, and collaboration tools.

Pricing

Nextiva offers four pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of different businesses:

• Digital ($20/user/month): This plan supports omnichannel communication with features like live chat, social media management, and email integration.
• Core ($30/user/month): It includes inbound and outbound calls, SMS, voicemail transcription, and basic call routing.
• Engage ($40/user/month): This plan adds advanced reporting, chatbot functionality, and toll-free numbers.
• Power Suite ($60/user/month): It offers advanced IVR, intelligent routing, supervisor dashboards, and transcription as add-ons.

#4 Dialpad

Dialpad is a cost-effective cloud-based communication platform that excels in integrations with platforms like Google Workspace and Office 365. However, advanced features like international calling often require additional fees or upgrades. It best suits businesses prioritizing collaboration and basic communication needs over advanced call center capabilities.

Key Features

• Unified Communication: Combines voice calls, video meetings, and messaging into a single platform, allowing users to communicate seamlessly across devices.
• AI-Powered Tools: Leverages AI for features such as real-time transcription, call summaries, sentiment analysis, and coaching tools. 
• Voicemail Management: Dialpad offers advanced voicemail features, including voicemail transcription and live screening of voicemails. 
• Call Recording: Allows users to record calls manually or automatically (depending on the plan), which is useful for training and quality assurance. 

Top Integrations

• Salesforce
• Zendesk
• Microsoft Teams
• Slack
• Google Workspace
• Zapier

Best for

SMBs that need robust communication tools without the complexity of larger enterprise solutions.

Pricing

Dialpad offers three pricing plans:

• Standard ($15 per user/month): This plan includes unlimited domestic calling within the US and Canada, local SMS/MMS, AI-powered call and voicemail transcription, and integrations with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
• Pro ($25 per user/month): This plan adds global SMS capabilities, multiple phone numbers per account, CRM integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, and more), and 24/7 live agent support.
• Enterprise (Contact for pricing): It includes Single Sign-on (SSO), unlimited office locations, unlimited ring groups, and priority live agent support.

#5 8×8

8×8 is a versatile cloud-based communication platform with robust collaboration and UCaaS tools. However, advanced call center features such as skill-based routing and auto-dialers are reserved for higher-tier plans or require add-ons. It’s an ideal solution for companies prioritizing omnichannel communication and collaboration, though hidden fees and limited VoIP options may deter cost-sensitive businesses.

Key Features

• Auto Dialer: Automates dialing with preview, progressive, and predictive modes, boosting connection rates and agent productivity.
• Omnichannel Capabilities: Manages interactions across voice, chat, email, SMS, social media, and video for a seamless customer experience.
• Intelligent IVR: Uses speech recognition and NLP for natural customer interactions, enhancing self-service efficiency.
• Analytics: Advanced analytics deliver detailed insights into call quality, agent efficiency, and overall team performance, enabling data-driven decisions. 

Top Integrations

• Salesforce
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Outlook
• Zendesk
• HubSpot
• Krisp

Best for

Midsize to large enterprises that require advanced communication solutions and looking for flexibility and the ability to integrate different communication channels.

Pricing

The VoIP provider has been hiding its pricing since late 2023, requiring business owners to contact sales for detailed quotes. Here’s an overview of the last known pricing structure:

• X2 ($24 per user/month): This plan includes unlimited calls to 14 countries, HD video conferencing, SMS/MMS, team chat, and basic integrations like Microsoft Teams.
• X4 ($44 per user/month): It adds unlimited calls to 48 countries, advanced analytics, call monitoring, and reception tools with 8×8 Frontdesk.
• X6 ($85 per user/month): It includes features like IVR, skills-based routing, call recording, and advanced analytics for improved sales call tracking.
• X7 ($110 per user/month): This plan supports voice, SMS, email, and social media interactions in a unified interface, along with co-browsing and advanced integrations.
• X8 ($140 per user/month): It offers speech and text analytics, quality management, and an auto-dialer to enhance outbound calling efficiency.

#6 Vonage

Vonage serves millions globally with voice, messaging, and video solutions. Since its Ericsson acquisition, concerns have risen over hidden costs and add-on fees for features like call recording and CRM integrations. It’s best suited for SMBs with basic communication needs rather than those seeking transparent, all-inclusive pricing.

Key features

• Virtual Receptionist: Vonage offers an AI-powered that routs calls, conducts outbound surveys, and provides voice-based self-service options. 
• Video Conferencing with Vonage Meetings: The Vonage Meetings feature supports video and audio conferencing, which is crucial for remote teams.
• Comprehensive Messaging Integrations: Vonage includes team messaging across all plans, facilitating collaboration among team members. 
• Customizable Agent Dashboard: It integrates with CRM systems, enabling agents to access client information quickly and manage calls efficiently.

Top integrations

• Microsoft Teams
• Salesforce Integration
• Hubspot
• Slack
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Zoho

Best for

Small to medium-sized businesses, especially those looking to expand or manage high call volumes while benefiting from remote collaboration tools.

Pricing

Vonage Pricing Plans

Vonage offers three pricing plans:

• Mobile ($19.99 per user/month): This plan includes unlimited domestic calling, SMS/MMS capabilities, a virtual receptionist, and mobile/desktop apps for seamless communication on your mobile devices and laptop.
• Premium ($29.99 per user/month): It adds team messaging, video meetings for up to 200 participants, VoIP desk phone support, and access to 20+ CRM integrations.
• Advanced ($39.99 per user/month): This plan includes on-demand call recording, visual voicemail with transcription, advanced integrations, call group functionality, and extended user management options.

#7 Grasshopper

Grasshopper is a popular choice for solopreneurs and small teams in the US and Canada. While it’s simple to set up and ideal for basic business needs, it lacks integrations, international reach, and advanced capabilities. Hidden costs for add-ons like extensions and international calling may double the base price, making it less competitive for growing or scaling businesses.

Key features

• Virtual Phone Numbers: Grasshopper provides users with local and toll-free numbers, allowing businesses to establish a professional presence without needing physical phone lines.
• Call Forwarding: It lets you automatically redirect calls to various devices or users based on business hours or custom settings.
• Simultaneous Call Handling: Route calls to multiple users simultaneously until one answers, ensuring no call goes unanswered.
• Custom Greetings: Users can record personalized greetings for their voicemail, enhancing customer interaction

Top Integrations

Not available

Best for

Small businesses that prioritize ease of use, affordability, and flexibility in their communication systems.

Grasshopper offers three pricing plans designed for small businesses and solopreneurs:

• True Solo ($14 per month): This plan includes one local or toll-free number, one extension, and unlimited domestic calling and texting. Features like voicemail transcription, custom greetings, and mobile/desktop apps ensure seamless communication.
• Solo Plus ($25 per month): This plan offers unlimited users, three extensions, and call forwarding across 15 numbers. It includes all True Solo features, simultaneous call handling, and enhanced flexibility for growing businesses.

Small Business ($80 per month): This plan expands to five business numbers, unlimited users, and unlimited extensions. It also includes all Solo Plus features, making it suitable for teams handling higher call volumes and multiple departments.

#8 Aircall

Aircall supports over 15,000 businesses worldwide with a user-friendly VoIP platform and integrations like Salesforce and Zendesk. The per-license billing can increase costs with unused licenses, and advanced features require add-ons. This makes it a solution better suited for medium to large businesses, so if you’re an SMB, you might want to consider exploring Aircall alternatives.

Key Features

• Interactive Voice Response (IVR):  Customizable IVR menus help route calls efficiently, directing customers to the right department or providing self-service options.
• Call Queuing and Callback Options:  Lets callers remain in a queue or opt for a callback, improving customer experience during high call volumes.
• Power Dialer: Speeds up calling processes by automatically dialing numbers from a list, significantly increasing the number of calls made per hour
• Voicemail Drop:  Leaves pre-recorded messages in a customer’s voicemail without requiring a live conversation. 

Top integrations

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Zendesk
• Zoho
• Intercom
• Freshdesk

Best for

Small to medium-sized businesses by providing a flexible, scalable, and user-friendly communication solution that enhances customer interactions and supports growth.

Pricing

Aircall offers three pricing plans to meet various business communication needs:

• Essentials ($30/license/month): This plan includes unlimited incoming calls, call recording, basic integrations (e.g., HubSpot, Zendesk, Pipedrive), IVR, call queueing, and basic analytics.
• Professional ($50/license/month, billed annually): This plan adds advanced analytics (6-month history), Salesforce integration, power dialer, voicemail drop, and enhanced call monitoring.

Custom (Contact for pricing): This tailored solution offers unlimited global calling, API developer support, advanced analytics, premium onboarding, and priority customer support. Requires a minimum of 25 licenses.

Look Beyond the Price Tag: Invest in Features That Scale with You

82% of companies say they experienced cost savings by moving to the cloud*. However, achieving these savings isn’t just about selecting the most affordable option—it’s about choosing a solution that offers the right balance of cost-effectiveness and value. 

A truly impactful cloud-based phone system aligns with your business needs, provides advanced features, scalability, and AI-driven tools, and ensures long-term efficiency and competitiveness.

If your SMB is looking for a solution that adapts to your evolving needs, supports global growth with 160 local numbers, delivers superior call quality, and provides cutting-edge AI features, CloudTalk is the answer.

Sources

• Gartner Says Cloud Will Become a Business Necessity by 2028
• Over 100 Cloud Computing Statistics to Boost Your Business Growth