- RingCentral: Best for unified communication (UC)
- Dialpad: Best for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered insights
- Nextiva: Best for scalability
- Intermedia Unite: Best for secure collaboration
- 8×8: Best for global reach
Katherine Haan is a small business owner with nearly two decades of experience helping other business owners increase their incomes.
Katherine Haan is a small business owner with nearly two decades of experience helping other business owners increase their incomes.
Written By
Katherine Haan 
Katherine Haan is a small business owner with nearly two decades of experience helping other business owners increase their incomes.
Katherine Haan is a small business owner with nearly two decades of experience helping other business owners increase their incomes.
Contributor
Updated: Sep 9, 2024, 9:06pm
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) apps are changing the way we talk to each other. Remember the days of worrying about long-distance charges or poor connection quality? Those concerns are fading fast as these innovative tools make connecting with anyone, anywhere as easy as picking up the phone. Our expectations for communication are being transformed by the best VoIP apps, which are making communication more accessible for both business and personal conversations.
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Featured Partners
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1
RingCentral
Pricing from
$20 per user, per month (paid annually)
Toll-free numbers
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Voicemail transcription
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2
Zoom Phone
Pricing from
Starts at $10 per user, per month
Toll-free numbers
Yes
Voicemail Transcription
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The Best VoIP Apps of 2024
Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Small Business
The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content to guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.
Our team analyzed 16 VoIP apps with 27 factors, such as transparent pricing, whether it has toll-free numbers, team messaging and an automated attendant as well as other value-added features important to small businesses to organize this list of the five best VoIP apps. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Forbes Advisor Ratings
How To Choose the Best VoIP App
Selecting the best VoIP application is vital for modern business communication. Making the right choice requires considering various factors that align with the unique needs and expectations of your business. The decision should be influenced by features, types, usability, security, integration capabilities and customer support.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate these factors.
Essential Features
- Scalability: A good VoIP app must be able to grow with your business. It should offer different plans and features that suit companies of different sizes.
- Quality of service (QoS): Ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication is vital. QoS features allow for prioritization of voice traffic to maintain call quality.
- Compatibility: Choose an app that works with existing devices and systems in your business to avoid additional hardware costs.
- Mobile access: VoIP apps with mobile access enable your team to make and receive calls on the go, providing flexibility.
Types of VoIP
- On-premises VoIP: Requires hardware and software on-site and offers more control.
- Hosted VoIP: Housed by a provider, it removes the need for on-site hardware, reducing maintenance efforts.
Ease of Use
- Accessibility: A VoIP platform must cater to all users, regardless of their technological proficiency. The interface should be designed with simplicity and ease of navigation in mind, ensuring that every team member, whether tech-savvy or not, can use it effortlessly. The ease of accessing key features and tools within the platform can significantly enhance the overall user experience and improve the efficiency of communication within the organization.
- Customization: Business needs are diverse and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work. Customizable options within a VoIP platform empower businesses to tailor the system according to their specific needs and preferences. Whether it’s adjusting call flow controls, setting personalized greetings or configuring unique user profiles, customization adds flexibility and alignment with the individual goals and culture of the business.
Security
- Encryption: In an era where cybersecurity is paramount, the security of voice communications must be a priority. End-to-end encryption within the VoIP system ensures that voice data is securely transmitted, keeping confidential conversations private. This technology encrypts the data at the source and decrypts it at the destination, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or interception.
- Compliance: Legal and regulatory compliance is not just a matter of good business practice; it’s a necessity. Ensuring that the VoIP provider adheres to prevailing legal standards, including industry-specific requirements, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), is fundamental. An adherence to these standards not only protects the business from potential legal challenges but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical and responsible operations.
Integrations
- CRM integration: The integration of VoIP systems with CRM platforms is a powerful tool to enhance customer service and efficiency. By linking call data with customer records, service representatives can have instant access to relevant information, improving response times and customer interactions. This streamlined workflow facilitates better communication and fosters a more personalized customer experience.
- Third-party Integrations: In today’s interconnected business environment, the ability to connect a VoIP system with other popular tools and apps is invaluable. Integrating with project management tools, collaboration platforms or even social media can amplify the functionality and versatility of the VoIP system. These integrations bridge gaps, enhance collaboration and provide a more cohesive and efficient working environment.
Customer Support
- Availability: In the global and often around-the-clock nature of modern business, support for VoIP services must be available 24/7. The ability to access expert help at any time, regardless of time zones, is essential for continuity and smooth operation, especially for global enterprises that operate across various regions.
- Quality: The quality of customer support is as vital as its availability. Providers that offer dedicated and responsive support through various channels, such as chat, email or phone, reflect a commitment to customer satisfaction. Quick response times, knowledgeable support staff and a focus on resolving issues effectively are key indicators of quality support, contributing to a reliable and trustable service experience.
Featured Partners
Advertisement
1
RingCentral
Pricing from
$20 per user, per month (paid annually)
Toll-free numbers
Yes
Voicemail transcription
Yes
2
Zoom Phone
Pricing from
Starts at $10 per user, per month
Toll-free numbers
Yes
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Methodology
In our comprehensive analysis of top VoIP apps, we conducted a balanced assessment across various essential criteria. The methodology followed allowed us to arrive at a clear understanding of the overall performance, features and value each VoIP service brings to its users.
Here’s an insight into the criteria applied to determine the final scores:
- Mobile app (4%): App Store and Play Store ratings were examined to understand the mobile experience quality. This category represented 4% of the total score.
- Customer reviews (10%): Reviews and ratings from platforms, including Trustpilot, G2, Capterra and BBB were analyzed, including the complaints-to-reviews ratio. This section contributed 10% to the final score.
- Service and support (4%): The availability and quality of live chat as well as the knowledge base/help sections were evaluated, accounting for 4% of the total score.
- Pricing (10%): Factors such as the availability of a free trial or free version, lowest and highest published plan prices, were considered. This category made up 10% of the total score.
- General features (24%): We assessed core functionalities, such as unlimited domestic calling, SMS text messaging, automated attendant, desktop app, team messaging and more. This vital category contributed 24% to the total score.
- Additional features (18%): An analysis of extra features including toll-free numbers, voicemail transcription, call recording, videoconferencing and call center features was carried out, forming 18% of the total score.
- Expert score (30%): Our expert evaluation looked into aspects, such as distinctiveness of features, overall value for money, popularity and ease of use. This intensive analysis, aiming to recognize VoIP providers offering unique attributes and exceptional value, contributed the highest percentage to the total score at 30%.
By using a systematic and unbiased method, we could assess every VoIP service. We took into account various factors that are important for different users, including businesses and individuals. By emphasizing not only the features but also the real-world user experiences and expert insights, we aimed to guide readers in selecting a VoIP service that best fits their specific needs and preferences.
Learn more about how we review VoIP products and services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a VoIP app?
A VoIP app is a software application that lets you make voice and video calls through the internet. Unlike traditional telephony, VoIP apps transmit voice data digitally, enabling communication on various devices including smartphones, tablets and computers. Many VoIP apps also offer additional features, such as texting, file sharing and integration with other business tools.
What are the primary benefits of using VoIP for business communication?
VoIP offers businesses a cost-effective and flexible way to manage communications. By utilizing internet connectivity, VoIP allows for features, such as unlimited calling, videoconferencing and integration with CRM tools, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.
How secure are VoIP systems and what measures are taken to protect privacy?
Security in VoIP systems is ensured through end-to-end encryption and adherence to regulatory standards, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Many providers offer robust security measures including firewalls, secure authentication and ongoing monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
Can I integrate a VoIP system with other business tools and applications?
VoIP systems can integrate seamlessly with a variety of third-party tools and applications, such as CRM platforms, project management tools and collaboration software. These integrations help streamline workflows and enhance overall business functionality.
How do VoIP apps accommodate the needs of international businesses or teams working across different time zones?
VoIP apps often offer features, including unlimited international calling with specific plans and time zone-aware scheduling. These functionalities facilitate communication across borders and time zones, making them suitable for international businesses and globally dispersed teams.
Can I use my cell phone to make VoIP calls?
VoIP calls can be made through cell phones using a VoIP app. These apps enable voice communication over the Internet, allowing you to make calls from your mobile device without using traditional phone lines. You’ll need a stable internet connection, either through Wi-Fi or mobile data, to place and receive VoIP calls.