10 Best Softphone Service Providers for Smarter Business Communication
By CloudTalk
| 13. January 2025 |
Call Center, Business Phone System
By CloudTalk
| 13 Jan 2025 |
Call Center, Business Phone System
    By CloudTalkCloudTalk
    | 13 Jan 2025
    Call Center, Business Phone System

    10 Best Softphone Service Providers for Smarter Business Communication

    The global VoIP softphone market is set to hit USD 31.0 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2024 to 2032.* With this growth comes an explosion of options, making it harder than ever to choose the right solution for your business.

    But you’re already ahead of the game just by being here. No need to worry—we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through 8 of the best softphone service providers, breaking down their features, integrations, and pricing to help you find the perfect fit. Let’s get started!

    Key takeaways: 

    • Explore leading softphone providers: Discover top solutions like CloudTalk, RingCentral, and Nextiva, with plans starting at just $15 per user/month. These providers offer essential features such as call recording, advanced analytics, and multi-device support to fit the needs of growing businesses.
    • Invest in scalability and flexibility: Opt for softphone services with flexible pricing models, global phone number access, and seamless integration capabilities. These features ensure your system adapts to your business’s growth while maintaining operational efficiency.
    • CloudTalk leads the pack: With over 35 integrations, Skill-Based Routing, AI-powered insights, and scalable pricing, CloudTalk is the top choice for businesses looking to optimize communication and drive growth.

    Don’t Wait — Lead the Way! Get 14 Days Free.

    What Is a Softphone?

    Softphones are software applications that allow you to make and receive phone calls over the internet using different devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets.

    They rely on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which lets you send voice data via an internet connection instead of a traditional phone line.

    Compare Softphone Providers: Pricing and Features Breakdown

    Explore a comprehensive comparison of softphone providers, highlighting pricing and features. Find below all the details you need to make an informed decision tailored to your business needs:

    8 companies
    previous
    next

    Property

    Starting Price (anually)

    Free trial

    Advanced Analytics

    Call Recording

    Mobile App

    International Numbers

    Number of Integrations

    Skill-Based Routing

    IVR

    Call Flow Designer

    Toll-Free Numbers

    Power Dialer

    Smart Dialer

    Sentiment Analysis

    Call Transcription

    Voicemail Transcription

    Call Summaries

    Talk-to-Listen Ratio

    Cloudtalk

    $25 per user/month

    14 days

    160+

    35+

    RingCentral

    $20 per user/month

    7 days

    100+

    100+

    Nextiva

    $20 per user /month

    7 days

    Only in the U.S. and some regions in Canada.

    26+

    Zoom Phone

    $8 per user/month

    Not available

    90+

    5

    Not available

    Dialpad

    $15 per user/month

    14 days

    70+

    12

    Grasshopper

    $14 per user/month

    7 days

    Not available

    Not available

    8×8

    $24 per user/month

    Not available

    100+

    70+

    Vonage

    $19 per user/month

    Not available

    40+

    18+

    Go to Connect

    $26 per user/month

    Not available

    50+

    69+

    Ooma Office

    $19.95 per user/month

    60 days

    60+

    13+

    Must-Have Softphone Features

    With the wide range of features that softphone providers can offer, it can be hard to know which ones to prioritize. While it’s essential to consider your business’s specific needs, we recommend focusing on these six must-have features:

    #1 Advanced Call Management

    With advanced call management, businesses can ensure no call is missed or mishandled. Team members can juggle multiple calls smoothly, redirect them as needed, and maintain a professional workflow, boosting efficiency and enhancing the customer experience.

    Key Features to Look For:

    #2 Security and Encryption

    Security and encryption are fundamental to protecting sensitive business and customer data.  Secure communication protects privacy, builds trust, and ensures regulatory compliance.”

    Key Features to Look For:

    • End-to-end encryption (SRTP and TLS)
    • Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
    • Protection against VoIP threats like phishing and spoofing

    #3 Multi-Device Support

    Multi-device support allows teams to stay connected no matter where they are. Employees can take calls on their laptops during meetings or use their mobile devices while traveling, staying connected to customers and colleagues at all times.

    Key Features to Look For:

    • Compatibility with major operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS)
    • Instant device-to-device synchronization
    • Native applications for desktop and mobile platforms

    #4 Real-Time Analytics and Reporting

    With access to live metrics, businesses can evaluate team productivity, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and quickly spot trends or issues. This data-driven approach helps teams make informed decisions that improve both internal processes and customer interactions.

    Key Features to Look For:

    #5 AI Capabilities

    Artificial intelligence is transforming communication tools by automating routine tasks and enhancing decision-making processes. AI-powered features save time, improve customer interactions, and deliver deep insights into call performance and user behavior.

    Key Features to Look For:

    #6 Scalability

    A scalable solution eliminates the need for costly replacements or upgrades as your business grows. It ensures consistent performance and allows you to onboard new team members effortlessly while integrating advanced functionalities as your requirements evolve.

    Key Features to Look For:

    • Flexible, user-based pricing models
    • Seamless onboarding for new accounts and devices
    • Continuous updates to meet growing business demands

    Top 10 Softphone Service Providers in 2025

    To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve curated a list of the Top 10 Softphone Service Providers for 2025.We’ve highlighted solutions that deliver reliability, advanced features, and value for businesses of all sizes.

    #1 CloudTalk

    CloudTalk is a feature-rich, softphone provider 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

    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:

    #2 RingCentral    

    RingCentral is a leading softphone software provider 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 calls, 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 

    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.

    Softphone or Hardphone?

    Dashboard illustration

    #3 Nextiva 

    Nextiva is a softphone application 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 conference calling,  and team chat to enhance productivity and streamline internal communication.

    Top Integrations 

    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 incoming calls 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 Zoom Phone

    Zoom Phone is a cloud-based VoIP solution designed to enhance business communication with affordable pricing and seamless integration into the Zoom ecosystem. While it offers features like call management and transcription, some advanced functionalities are limited to higher-tier plans or paid add-ons, which might not suit larger, more complex call center operations.

    Key Features

    • Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC): Enables businesses to use their existing carriers, providing flexibility and cost savings.
    • Advanced Call Handling: Features like call monitoring, transcription, and voicemail streamline communication and improve analysis.
    • Unlimited Domestic Calling: Included in the Global Select plan, perfect for businesses with local operations.
    • Video Conference Integration: Seamlessly switch between calls and video meetings within the Zoom ecosystem.

    Top Integrations

    Best for

    Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective VoIP solution integrated with Zoom’s collaboration tools.

    Pricing

    Zoom Phone offers two main pricing plans, with optional add-ons to expand functionality:

    • Pro ($8/user/month): A basic plan for small-scale outbound operations, offering extension-to-extension calling and BYOC capabilities.
    • Global Select ($20/user/month): Designed for businesses with more robust needs, including unlimited domestic calling in one selected country and a free local number.

    #5 Dialpad 

    Dialpad is a cost-effective softphone app 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

    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.

    #6 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.

    Pricing

    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.

    7. 8×8

    8×8 is a versatile cloud-based phone service 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 

    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.

    #8 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 

    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 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.

    #9 Go to Connect

    GoTo Connect serves over one million users worldwide, offering solutions ranging from basic phone systems to advanced contact center tools. While it stands out for its flexibility and integration options, its pricing and additional costs for advanced features can be a challenge for businesses with tight budgets.

    Key Features

    • Video Meetings: GoTo Connect supports video conferencing for up to 250 participants, making it a solid choice for virtual team meetings.
    • Social Media Messaging: Integrated messaging for platforms like Facebook and Instagram enables centralized customer communication.
    • Call Recording: All plans include call recording, ensuring businesses can capture and review calls seamlessly.
    • WhatsApp Integration: Starting from the Connect CX plan, businesses can connect WhatsApp for customer interactions.

    Top Integrations

    Best For

    Small to medium-sized businesses that require essential communication tools, including video meetings and social media messaging integrations, but can afford to pay extra for advanced contact center features.

    Pricing

    GoTo Connect offers three main pricing plans:

    • Phone System ($26 per user/month): Basic communication features, including call routing, video meetings for up to 250 participants, and SMS/MMS capabilities.
    • Connect CX ($34 per user/month): Adds CRM integrations, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram messaging channels, along with reporting tools.
    • Contact Center ($80 per user/month): Includes advanced tools such as intelligent call routing, auto-dialer, and agent monitoring, making it ideal for contact center environments.

    #10 Ooma Office 

    Celebrating over 20 years in the VoIP market, Ooma has become a go-to option for businesses seeking reliable and affordable communication solutions. It offers a range of plans packed with essential features like unlimited calls and voicemail transcription. However, while its affordability stands out, the platform’s higher-tier plans are necessary to unlock advanced tools like integrations, auto-dialers, and call queues.

    Key Features

    • Unlimited Calling: All plans offer unlimited calling within the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, helping businesses maintain seamless communication.
    • Video Conferencing: Available in the Pro and Pro Plus plans, Ooma supports virtual meetings for up to 100 participants.
    • Call Recording: Starting from the Pro plan, businesses can capture and review calls for training or compliance purposes.
    • Advanced Virtual Receptionist: Included in the Pro Plus plan, this feature automates call routing and enhances caller experience.

    Top Integrations

    Best For

    Small to medium-sized businesses, startups, and solopreneurs looking for affordable communication solutions. The Pro Plus plan caters to growing companies needing advanced features like call queuing, integrations, and auto dialers.

    Pricing

    Ooma offers three pricing plans designed for different business needs:

    • Essentials ($19.95 per user/month): Includes unlimited calling, a virtual receptionist, and basic voicemail. Best for small businesses with basic communication needs.
    • Pro ($24.95 per user/month): Adds video conferencing (up to 25 participants), SMS (250 messages/month), and call recording, making it ideal for SMBs requiring advanced communication features.
    • Pro Plus ($29.95 per user/month): Offers call queuing, CRM integrations, an auto dialer, and video conferencing for up to 100 participants, making it suitable for growing businesses with multiple teams or departments.

    Softphone Savings
    Start Here

    Ebooks illustration

    Make the Right Call With A Softphone Built for Your Growth

    With so many options, selecting the best softphone service provider for your business requires careful consideration. While price is essential, the true value lies in choosing a solution that aligns with your goals, scales with your growth, and offers the advanced features your team needs to succeed.

    Among all the softphone service providers, CloudTalk truly stands out. With flexible pricing plans tailored to your team size, international numbers available in over 160 countries, and advanced AI-powered features, CloudTalk empowers your business to scale effortlessly. Book a demo today to experience the difference.

    Scale Your Business with CloudTalk

    Customer and agent illustration

    Sources:

    FAQs

    How does a softphone work?

    A softphone converts your voice into digital data, transmits it over the internet, and reassembles it into audible sound on the recipient’s device.

    How do you evaluate the best softphone service providers?

    To evaluate softphone providers, assess call quality, user interface, integration capabilities, softphone pricing, customer support, and security features.

    What are the types of softphones?

    Types of softphones include desktop, mobile, open-source, residential VoIP, white-label, simple VoIP dialers, and mobile-first apps for various needs.

    Is a softphone the same as VOIP?

    No, they aren’t the same. A softphone is software for making calls, while VoIP is the technology that enables internet-based voice communication.