As a small business, just starting out in a tough market, you can’t afford to lose any money that could otherwise be saved. Moreover, you need solutions that multitask and can improve your efficiency without breaking your budget.

Let us introduce you to the unique technology of VoIP that offers inexpensive and reliable telecommunication solutions for your small businesses with features that boost business productivity. Here’s a comprehensive walkthrough by Top 5 Business VoIP for everything you need to know about VoIP solutions for small businesses:

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a technology that uses your internet connection to transmit voice signal across platforms. It’s a more pronounced and comprehensive telecommunication system than traditional telephony could ever provide you with. The demand for VoIP solutions has sky-rocketed in the past few years, especially among businesses looking for a reliable and inexpensive alternative of traditional landline. With unique features and integration available; VoIP has taken over as the best communications solutions provider for all types of businesses. In fact, a VoIP service connection proves so beneficial for businesses that it’s expected that by the year 2020, there will be over 200 billion VoIP corporate subscribers globally!

What is Great about VoIP for Small Businesses?

As mentioned above, VoIP works for all types of businesses; small, medium, large. Therefore, as a small business, there’s a lot VoIP has in store for you. Let’s start with the cost, which is usually the biggest point of concern for small businesses. If studies are to be believed, small businesses have more opportunities at saving money via VoIP solutions than medium or large sized organizations.

If you’re wondering how VoIP solutions can help you save money; we have two words for you: international calls. Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP services treat international and local calls, alike. You’re free to call a number of countries around the globe and the charge for any country that isn’t included in your plan is also lower than it is on landline.

In a small business, the budget is usually tight and it’s possible that you don’t have ample office space to host board meetings. It might even be too expensive for you to pay for your employees’ travel expenditure so they can be physically present for the office meeting.

With a VoIP system you can put these concerns to rest because VoIP helps you collaborate with your team and employees by hosting virtual conferences. Gone are the days when everyone in the organization had to be physically present for conferences. Now all you need is a VoIP service plan that comes with multiple extensions so you can join and collaborate with your team no matter where they are.

Another advantage of using VoIP for small businesses is that it usually has comprehensive pricing models that offer complete transparency, so there aren’t any surprises waiting for you at the end of the month. You can also monitor your spending and usage. This way you’re better prepared for the monthly charges than you are when using regular landlines. In fact, some VoIP service providers allow you to build your own plans so you can only pay for features you need and exclude the ones that you don’t.

What Specific Features are Useful for Small Businesses?

The user-friendly interface of most VoIP service providers can positively benefit small businesses that can’t afford IT personnel. The setup is also fairly simple and it doesn’t take more than a few hours to set it up and have it running. If you choose Mobile VoIP for small businesses, the setup time is reduced to mere minutes. If you need hardware and physical headsets, these are also usually provided by the service provider with easy installation.

Moreover, VoIP solutions are very flexible and can scale in tandem with your business without racking up your phone bills; so you aren’t punished for your success in the future.

Which Features Will Help my Business Look Professional?

VoIP solutions are great for building credibility in the market. They help you create a credible reputation, even if you only have a handful of people working for you. Here are some of the features that can assist your business in looking more professional without costing you anything extra:

• Auto-attendants:Gone are the days when you had to appoint a receptionist to operate your business phone line. VoIP offers features like auto-attendant that can put your callers on hold, transfer them to intended recipients and navigate them through extensions.
• Compatibility and Integrations:You can integrate with 3^rd party platforms, like Microsoft, Google and more, that can help your business evolve.
• Collaboration and Meetings:You no longer need to worry about hosting conferences without a conference room. Host virtual meetings and collaborate with team members and business associates over the internet.
• Mobility:You don’t even need to invest in a proper office space, VoIP lets you and your employees function remotely. So not only you can work on the go, you never miss an important call from clients.
• 1-800/toll-free numbers:You can enhance customer relations and encourage potential customers to call you with toll free 1-800 numbers.

Bottom Line: Do I Need VoIP for my Small Business?

In conclusion, VoIP solutions enhance the efficiency of your employees and boost productivity for your business, all the while helping you maintain healthy relations with your customers. All of this is done in an affordable and reliable capacity so to say VoIP is good for your small business would be an understatement. It provides you with flexibility and collaboration with 3^rd party platforms so you can manage your business successfully as it grows.

The competitive market of VoIP experiences constant technological advancements making your life easier and all-around better. So if you want to see your business thriving, switch to VoIP and profit off of it.

For a small business, planning to make the switch to VoIP services can be quite stressful. But fear not; we have reviewed all the best VoIP service providers on the market for you so you can find the ones that resonate well with your needs and budget, and then compare them side by side to find your one true match!

VoIP services are a game changer when it comes to improving internal communications and gaining credibility with clients and associates, all without breaking the budget. However, there are different types of cheap and premium VoIP service plans that are currently available in the market. Therefore it’s important to skim through them and weigh out your options to find out which one works best for your business size and type.

Luckily, Top 5 Business VoIP has got you covered with the following comprehensive guide to cheap and premium VoIP service plans:

Compare VoIP Pricing and Plans

A VoIP plan is only cheap or premium depending on the size and budget of your business. Most VoIP providers offer flexible and scalable plans that can work around your business’ growth and can accommodate the increase in phone lines. However, the pricier plans come loaded with premium features that the cheap plans lack.

As a business manager, you must factor in all the features that your business might require before signing up for any plan; cheap or premium. Small businesses can do without a lot of features and can save money by opting for a plan that only offers features that they need.

Cheap VoIP Services

Most top VoIP service providers are heedful of your business needs and budget. There are many who offer comprehensive plans at low costs for small businesses. Most of these plans include the standard features and values that your business can benefit from without breaking the budget. These plans can later be upgraded to premium ones as your business sees growth and expands.

For example, RingCentral starts its base-fare plan at $19.99 monthly per user that comes with features like video calling and web conferencing with as many as four people. It also allows for 100 toll-free minutes per month and can be accessed by up to 10 extensions. In other words, cheap plans are great for businesses that run on smaller budgets and only need a handful of extensions to operate their communications. The plans are flexible and can accommodate add-ons as your business grows and needs an upgrade.

If you do wish to upgrade your plan, you can simply purchase add-ons like voicemail to email or online faxing and integrate them into your current plan or even switch to premium plans as per your requirements. However, always go through the terms and conditions of every plan before signing up for them to avoid future troubles.

The size of your business will always factor in when choosing between cheap and premium plans. If you sign up for a cheap plan without taking the size of your business into consideration, you might end up paying more for additional features that you could have availed on a slightly pricier but all-inclusive premium plan.

Disadvantages – Cheap VoIP Services

Not all-inclusive: One major drawback of cheap plans is that they may lack some important and even standard features. For example, cheap plans may not include unlimited calling or lack features like voicemail to email, online faxing, auto-attendant, etc. Most cheap plans don’t include international calling/minutes, which may cause businesses to pay extra for long-distance calling, racking up their phone bills.

Unclear pricing: Another disadvantage of signing up for a cheap VoIP plan is that the pricing may be unclear. The estimate can vary from the actual quotation; therefore it’s smart to request VoIP providers for a clear quote before signing up for anything. However, this research may be time-consuming and frustrating.

Hidden charges and fees: Cheap plans can inadvertently cost more than premium ones. There can be hidden and additional charges that are not clearly stated on the package which can rack up your total costs of maintaining or even discontinuing the plan. Therefore it’s advised to thoroughly read the terms and conditions before signing the dotted line.

Premium VoIP Solutions

What the cheap plans lack is available in abundance in premium ones. Premium plans are ideal for large organizations that could benefit from value features like unlimited international calling and can stand to pay for them. Since larger organizations have thousands of people working on board and their usage is extensive, it’s recommended that they opt for premium plans to ensure premium results. This is due to the wide range of important features that are accessible via premium plans:

• Call center for making and receiving calls
• Can integrate with desktop, tablet, and iOS and Android platforms
• Unlimited minutes
• International or 1-800 phone number
• Audio conferencing for large groups
• Desktop sharing for large groups
• Voicemail transcription
• Mobile app

Cheap vs. Premium VoIP: Any similarities?

The VoIP market is in a constant spiral of competition and innovation therefore whether you’re signing up for a cheap plan or a premium one, there are some base features that remain the same to attract all sorts of customers. A few of those similarities are:

• Month-to-month payment plans:Most VoIP subscriptions don’t require legally binding contracts and businesses can sign up for month-to-month plans.
• Cancellation fees:A few VoIP services don’t charge any cancellation fee. However, make sure that’s the case with the plan you’re on to avoid future problems with costs.
• Free trials:Most top VoIP service providers offer free trials or 30-day money-back guarantee policy on all plans so you can try out their services and features for free to make the right decision.

Bottom Line: Cheap or Premium?

Cheap or premium, it all comes down to your usage. Gauge your business’s size, needs, and requirements to determine which of the two will make the most sense for you. Remember, the cheaper the plan, the limited it is.

Premium plans may be slightly pricier, but they come loaded with all the important features and save you the trouble of purchasing add-ons down the lane. So go through each VoIP service provider and the plans they have to offer before making any decision.

You can use our reviews to get an overlook of the top names in the market and use our guides to walk you through their various plans. Best of luck!

If you’ve decided to take the VoIP route for your business communication needs, you’re not alone. An increasing number of businesses are considering switching over to VoIP from traditional phone lines.

However, the decision to switch can become overwhelming since there are so many VoIP service providers in the market. Their competitive pricing and various innovative features can make the choice even more difficult. Luckily, Top5 Business VoIP has got you covered.

Here’s a list of the top VoIP service providers for businesses. You can use it to find the best fit for your business.

Vonage 

An award-winning phone network of 2018, Vonage is the most popular choice for small businesses and residential communication needs. It offers a wide range of plans that can work for specific needs and budgets. With low monthly costs, you can use your Vonage plans via your desktop as well as two mobile extensions, allowing mobility and flexibility to run your business.

RingCentral

RingCentral is ideal for businesses of all sizes. It’s one of our most recommended VoIP providers with multiple payment plans and features that are designed to cater to different types of business communication needs. RingCentral also comes with a 30-day free trial and offers features like virtual meetings and web conferencing that can benefit businesses largely.

VoiPLY

VoiPLY is generally targeted toward medium-sized businesses. It provides reliable VoIP solutions with over 60 unique features and an easy to understand interface. The features and services are customizable so you can configure the settings to your preferences to enjoy premium-quality calls.

Grasshopper 

Grasshopper is known for its simple interface and comprehensive payment plans. It generally caters to small businesses and startups and offers three different pricing models that can accommodate all types of budgets. Grasshopper is also easy to set up and run, making it ideal for businesses with small budgets and big dreams.

MegaPath

An all-encompassing VoIP solution for medium to large-sized businesses, MegaPath offers its users with a wide array of plans, pricing structures and features. It’s specifically designed to accommodate different business needs and offers features that allow for business collaborations both, inside and outside the office.

Jive

Jive is ideal for businesses that prefer to monitor and improve their business activity on a regular basis, as it provides excellent analytics features. Moreover, all plans on Jive offer the same features and the cost of the service depends on your usage. This makes it easy to manage and affordable for all types of businesses.

Nextiva

The NextOS customer administrative portal by Nextiva is a one-stop shop for all your communication needs. It allows you to keep a close eye on all your business communication management systems. It comes with three comprehensive plans that are built for varying business needs and budgets.

OnSIP

OnSIP is best known for its flexible configuration as it allows you to pay by the features that you use. Starting with a free base plan, OnSIP provides affordable add-ons that can help you build a VoIP solution that’s tailor-made for your business needs.

8×8

8×8 has come a long way. It was first introduced in1987 and now offers a highly-functional VoIP communications solution with excellent customer care. This service provider offers three comprehensive payment plans, loaded with unique features that cater to businesses, small or large, that are looking for affordable international calling rates.

ClarityTel

ClarityTel offers a variety of pricing plans that can accommodate different business needs and budgets. It’s ideal for businesses that have an influx of incoming customer calls and helps businesses manage their communication systems better.

1-VoIP

With multiple features and pricing models, 1-VoIP has a plan to suit all businesses and their needs. 1-VoIP offers over 40 calling features and options and is ideal for businesses catering specifically to the US local market.

Alliance Phones

Alliance Phones offer reliable VoIP solutions for medium to large businesses. Its pricing models have increasing features, so the more users there are onboard, the better the offered features. Alliance Phones also pride themselves for high-quality call service, which makes them an attractive choice for businesses that mostly operate on phone lines.

VoIPstudio

VoIPstudio is the best choice for businesses looking for an effective international communications solution. It offers features that allow for seamless communication and collaboration around the world. The service provider has three different plans that cater to your business needs and ensure you’re connected with remote employees at all times.

Mitel

Mitel is an ideal VoIP service provider for medium to large businesses. It excels at customer service and offers a variety of unique calling features which can boost your business productivity. The different payment plans and customizable options make it the best fit for any business sizes and budgets.

Ooma

Ooma is known for doing things a little differently than other VoIP providers, like having developed the Ooma Telo and a plug-in. It’s incredibly easy to set up and run and with its multiple pricing plans, is ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Dialpad

With its standard plan starting at monthly $15 per user, Dialpad VoIP allows its customers a 14-day trial period with no cancellation charges. It offers web conferencing and O365 integrations, and the features only seem to double with the Pro and Enterprise plans costing monthly $25 and $35 per user, respectively.

Bottom Line: Choosing from a Long List of VoIP Service Providers

These are just some of the many great VoIP service providers on the market. As the world of communications advances, the need for better solutions will give birth to more and more service providers and plans.

The VoIP service provider market is always competitive in terms of pricing and new features. While most features are universal and are included in almost all the plans, premium features are reserved for the pricier plans. Therefore, you’ll have to thoroughly study the top VoIP service providers to find the one that falls in your budget and caters to all your business communication needs.

Some of the things you need to factor in to make an informed decision are:

• The size of your business
• Your communication needs
• The budget
• Payment structures and plans
• Terms and conditions on the contract
• International and local call rates
• The features offered, and
• The quality of customer service.

Making this decision can be quite time-consuming, not to mention confusing. But there’s no need to worry. We’ve done the required research on your behalf!

Before you make a final decision, go through our comprehensive reviews of the best VoIP service providers for businesses on the market and compare them side by side to find the best fit for your business. With an informed decision, you can save yourself and your business from any hassle and future regrets. Best of luck!

As technology advances as we move more and more aspects of our lives to the digital side, you can be certain that your business landline (if you even still have one) won’t be sticking around for much longer. That and, VoIP phone solutions – Voice Over Internet Protocol – which means making a phone call over the internet – provide some serious cost reduction for businesses, whatever the size.

In this article, we give the lowdown on the best VoIP providers out there to choose from – if you’re in any further need of convincing, just check out our in-depth reviews of each recommendation.  

Vonage VoIP – Top For Flexibility  

As far as we can see, Vonage is the clear winner when it comes to flexibility- a key aspect of business ownership. Because you can never quite be sure when your business will expand or rollback, you need a VoIP plan which can do the same and fit your needs.

With three price plans – Starter, Essentials and Business – this hosted solution is practically made for business seeking practicality with loads of great features – voicemail transcription, call recording, local numbers – with affordability.

Ooma VoIP –  Award Winning, 5 Years Running

Starting from just $19.95 per user per month, Ooma’s proud to have been voted ‘best VoiP Provider’ by VoIP Business Choice for 5 years running.

With unlimited calls to Canada and the USA, there are also low international rates, 24/7 customer support, call transfer, custom messages and virtual extensions, alongside a host of other options.

Read our Ooma VoiP Review here

RingCentral VoIP – Premium Service at Lower Rates

Over 300,000 business internationally can’t be wrong – RingCentral really is worth your business. With their Standard plan starting from as little as $24.99 a month, with up to 25 users and 1000 toll-free minutes and a mobile app (because you never know when you’ll need to make a call on the go), this is an excellent solution for more medium-sized businesses. Small business would enjoy it too, not least for the premium-style service at a lower price – just make sure you check out all of the features on offer, as some smaller businesses might not need all of them.

Read our RingCentral VoiP Review here

Nextiva VoIP – One of the Cheapest Plans Around

With three plans on offer – the Office Pro, Office Pro Plus and Office Enterprise – you can be certain that Nextiva has something to fit your business’ needs.

Starting from just $22.95 a month, there’s a range of features on offer, from voicemail to email services, free local calls and call recording.

It’s straightforward to set up too – to that other VoIP services are tricky to set up, but this was by far one of the easiest, quickest setups we’ve seen.

Read our Nextiva VoiP Review here

Grasshopper VoIP – Good Pricing and Service

Not that you should be thinking about it, but customer service is always important with digital products, and especially when there’s a business to run – and Grasshopper’s customer service comes out top-rated pretty much every time.

With extra features including customized main greetings, call screening and mobile apps, Grasshopper is a little on the slim side – the starter ‘Solo’ plan offers 1 number and 3 extensions for $24 per month. The Partner and Small Business Plans expand on the number of lines and user available, and cost $49 and $89 respectively.

Read our Grasshopper VoiP Review here

ShoreTel VoIP – Premium Plans at Great Prices

At the flashier end of the market, ShoreTel go big and go better: with customized plans per customer, we’ve heard that a customer pays $35 a month on average to use its services.

And what services! With 90+ business level features and masses of 3rd-party app integrations, call metrics and data analysis (yes, really), this is a great choice for those looking for something a bit extra and customizable for their business.  

Read our ShoreTel VoiP Review here

Jive VoIP – Setting the Standard for Standard

If you’re looking for VoIP done properly, with no frills or fuss, then Jibe is it.

We like the way they do things, charging by a batch of users (for 1-4 users is $29.95 per month, and the costs become lower the more users you have – it’s $19.95 for 50-100 users). It also comes with some nice, standard features – 3-way conferencing, fax to email transcription and call recording, alongside some great integration to various CRMs.

Read our Jive VoiP Review here

8×8 VoIP – Collaboration Made Easy

Doing things a bit differently from their competitors, 8×8 offer two price plans – Virtual Office and Virtual Office Pro, with different features available for each package, and which can be tailored to your business’ size and needs.

One thing which potential customers might find annoying – 8×8 insist you need to contact them to receive a price quote. Even though it’s as simple as making a quick phone call or filling out a super-easy and fast online form, this seeming lack of transparency might ruffle some feathers!

Read our 8×8 VoiP Review here

Bottom Line: Which Leading VoIP Provider is the Best for My Business?

Ultimately, when it comes to making a choice between the top VoiP providers, it really comes down to how many users you have, how many you think you might have, and what kind of features you’re looking for.

For smaller businesses, we recommended shopping around and really asking yourself if you need all of the features on offer – this is where a customized quote might benefit you!

For middle-sized business and bigger businesses, we recommend shopping around to see who can give you the most bang for your buck when you have a certain amount of employees.

VoIP has taken the communications world by storm. However, if you’re still not sure about what VoIP is or what it does, the experts at Top 5 Business VoIP are here to clear all your confusion. Read on to find out about what VoIP means, what it does, and how it is relevant to you and your communication needs.

What does VoIP Stand For?

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. Don’t be overwhelmed by the technical jargon, though; at its core, VOIP is a technology that uses your existing internet connection to transmit voice and multimedia signals across platforms. It’s an alternative phone network to the traditional landline system that uses PTSN to transfer calls from one point to another. With more and more people turning to cellular and broadband networks, VoIP has replaced traditional landlines as the more preferred communications solution for businesses.

What is the Difference Between VoIP and Traditional Phone Systems?

Traditional telephony requires a circuit-based transmission over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN); also known as the Plain Old Telephone System (POTS). With VoIP, your voice signals are broken down into small data packets that are transmitted via SIP Trunks over the World Wide Web. VoIP allows you to make and receive calls over the internet in record time.  In addition, VoIP is compatible with online platforms which give you access to features like conference calling, voicemail to email, online faxing, etc.

In fact, VoIP has an abundance of features that are impossible to achieve through traditional phone lines. Because of this, it makes for an ideal telecommunication service for residences as well as businesses, which can benefit from its various features and save more money when compared to a landline network.

Here are some of the advantages VoIP has over traditional landlines:

Steady phone bills: With a VoIP monthly payment plan, you can have better control over your phone bills and get charged for exactly what you spent, unlike the volatile billing landline systems incur.

International calling is easier: Long-distance calls are a major win with VoIP. The cloud-based network treats local and international calls more or less the same, so you don’t have to worry about racking up phone bills next time you call internationally.
No hidden fees: All internal calls are free of charge and you’re offered unlimited minutes within the network. Some VoIP services even offer free international calls. So you never have to worry about hidden or additional charges.

What Do I Need to Make VoIP Calls?

The name might sound daunting, but the technology behind VoIP is simple and easy to use. There’re no expensive or complex widgets involved. In fact, you can set up the system and have it running in a matter of hours.

You can use your existing phone lines, desktop, and even mobile devices to make calls with VoIP. All you need to ensure is that you have an excellent internet connection, or else your call quality might suffer.

For businesses, the best way to benefit from VoIP services is through desktops. Install the software your provider recommends and enjoy communications via your computer! Many VoIP solutions can also be accessed via mobile phones by simply downloading an app.

Depending on your choice of VoIP provider, the preferred protocols may differ. Some prefer Analog Telephone Adapters, which are used to convert a regular phone into an IP phone, while others may suggest you purchase IP phones, which are built for the very purpose and can be plugged directly into your internet router.

Which Features Can I Expect from VoIP?

Everyone has their own communications needs, so their reason to switch to VoIP may vary. However, whether you’re running a business or looking for a telecommunication solution for your home network, there are certain features that will attract all users. For instance, the inexpensive long-distance calling option will serve businesses that operate globally and, at the same time, will be ideal for individuals who have loved ones living abroad. Here are some of the features that might sit well with your communication needs, business or residential:

• Scalable:VoIP solutions grow with your needs. So if you ever plan to increase your usage, VoIP services will make it easier for you to spread your wings without breaking your budget.
• International Calls:As discussed above, long-distance calling is a lot cheaper and easier than traditional phone lines.
• Collaboration:With VoIP you can host virtual meetings with remote employees and associates, improving communication and collaboration.
• Receptionist Tools:You won’t need a physical receptionist with VoIP. Features like auto-attendant, on-hold music, quick transfers, extension numbers, etc. can all be automated.
• Office extras:Business activity can be monitored via analytics with features like voicemail transcriptions and online faxing.
• Voicemail:With voicemail, you never have to miss any important calls, as all messages will be recorded and forwarded to your account when you’re not available to take the call.
• Mobile:As VoIP networks can be accessed via mobile phones it gives your business and employees the opportunity to work remotely.
• Integrations:VoIP solutions are compatible with CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Zendesk, Oracle Sales Cloud, etc.

Bottom Line: Do I Need VoIP?

VoIP has the upper hand on traditional telephony when it comes to catering to your specific communication needs. You’ve probably had some exposure to VoIP services in the form of Skype and FaceTime, so you know how useful VoIP solutions can be.

However, businesses need something stronger and more reliable than Skype. Therefore, we have made a comprehensive list of the Top VoIP Service Providers for businesses. You can compare the VoIP providers to find the best fit for your business.

An inexpensive, flexible, and rewarding communication solution is waiting for you, in the shape of VoIP than why waste time with traditional costly landlines? Make the switch to VoIP and say hello to the future of communications!

As technology advances, more and more people are switching over from traditional telephony to VoIP solutions for their telecommunication needs. But what is VoIP? How does it work? And how is it different from a landline? These are a few questions that need to be answered before you can decide if VoIP is suited for your telecommunications needs.

In this blog, Top 5 Business VoIP helps you understand the technology of VoIP—Voice over Internet Protocol and if it’s a good fit for your business:

What is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)?

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a technology that uses the internet to transmit multimedia and voice signals between platforms. Unlike landline, VoIP systems are more diverse in their approach to communication methods and aren’t just restricted to voice calls, providing users with a wholesome communications experience.

VoIP is the amalgamation of a number of communications systems, providing you with one comprehensive network. From international calling to online faxing, VoIP systems cover a wide range of telecommunications. This, paired with innovative features and payment options, makes the overall communication management easy and inexpensive. Moreover, VoIP is compatible with an array of hardware and software, in addition to devices likes mobile phones, tablets, and computers.

What is a Landline?

Landline is a telephone system that uses solid copper and optical fiber wiring to transmit voice signals across telephone sets. It’s called ‘landline’ because the wiring is usually laid underground, which is then connected to the telephone set via a two or four-pin wall jack.

As times have evolved, many people have abandoned their traditional telephones, laden with heavy wiring and switched to cellular and internet-based communications solutions. Let’s find out if the new internet-based communication methods (VoIP systems) are actually better than landlines or if it’s all just talk:

VoIP vs. Landlines Comparison: Which Is Better?

Communications have seen an upgrade in the last few decades. Previously, businesses didn’t require more than a telephone line to communicate within and outside their offices. However, as the world is advancing, communication needs have also evolved. In times like these, traditional telephony is falling short on providing its users with solutions that can satisfy their needs. Therefore, more and more people are switching over to internet-based solutions that manage communications better.

Cost Comparison

Although the monthly cost of both landline and VoIP services is more or less the same; the total cost of maintaining the two networks is different. VoIP services save money on installation and maintenance.

Moreover, the long-term cost is also less than landlines, especially when it comes to international calls. So businesses that operate internationally don’t have to pay copious amounts every time they dial long-distance. They can simply make international calls over the internet and save a ton of money.

Voice Clarity Comparison

It’s true that traditional landlines deliver better voice quality that VoIP solutions but it’s only by a small percent. In fact, it’s reported that less than 0.5% of VoIP users have faced problems with voice quality on VoIP. The voice and call quality over VoIP largely depends on the quality of the internet connection. The faster the internet speed, the better the voice quality.

Features Comparison

When it comes to features, VoIP trumps landlines in all departments. With its state-of-the-art technology, VoIP provides its users with features that can easily grow with a business without taking a blow to your budget. A VoIP network can seamlessly integrate with existing phone lines and mobile devices and can be accessed through mobile apps and desktops.

One drawback of using VoIP networks is that in the event of a power-breakdown or internet failure, businesses may lose all communications because VoIP runs on electricity.

However, this can be resolved by keeping a couple of landlines active and getting a hybrid connection so businesses can avail the enhanced features of VoIP and maintain connectivity in case of a power-breakdown via landline phones.

Top VoIP Features

VoIP services are popular with users for their features. But what are these features? Let’s take a look:

• Cost-effective and scalable:VoIP services are known for their inexpensive communications solutions. With affordable payment plans, VoIP makes it easy for businesses to scale up or down as they prefer.
• Local and international numbers:VoIP also allows you to make and receive calls locally and internationally. Businesses are also allowed to opt for international or 1-800 numbers.
• Unified communications:Several extensions, panning across the globe can be monitored and managed as a single, unified network.
• Music-on-hold:Pleasant music and even auto-attendant can entertain incoming calls as the caller waits to be put on the line.
• Connect calls automatically and quickly with extensions:Extensions and dial-by-name directories connect callers with recipient numbers quickly so communications are fast and seamless.
• Collaboration tools:Virtual meetings across the globe can be hosted via web conferencing, making it possible for remote employees to connect and collaborate with each other.
• Call recording:Users can choose to record calls for data keeping and future references.
• Voicemail and greetings features:VoIP also provides its users with voicemail features like, voicemail to email, voicemail transcriptions and greetings.
• Mobile apps:Users can access their VoIP account via their mobile devices through a mobile app that’s available on both iOS and Android platforms.
• Easy integrations:Most VoIP services are compatible with current phone lines along with CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Zendesk, Oracle Sales Cloud, etc.

These are some of the many features that come along almost every VoIP service network which may help you determine if your business needs a VoIP connection for its telecommunications needs.

Bottom Line: Why Choose VoIP?   

As the world becomes smaller, our communication needs have become greater. People, especially businesses need a communications system that is affordable, convenient and multifunctional. VoIP is all of this and more.

With its exciting new features, it helps run your business better and guarantees productivity boost. Choosing VoIP over traditional telephony is more imminent than ever. You can take your pick from our top reviewed VoIP service providers and compare them against each other to find a VoIP service that fulfills all your business communications needs.

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a technology that offers telecommunication solutions to people using their internet connection. The service transmits voice signals over the World Wide Web to make and receive calls—local and international—at a reasonable price. It also provides users with a wide array of innovative features that improve their communications experience. VoIP is ideal for businesses that prefer budget-friendly and multifeatured technology for their communication needs.

Saving Money with Your Phone System

Managing a business entails the expense of communication. This is particularly high when businesses use traditional landlines to make local as well as international calls. The per minute rate of international calls is too high on regular PSTN run phone lines. This can inflate your phone bills if your clientele is based in a different part of the world.

With VoIP systems, there’s not much difference in the local and international calling rates as all calls through VoIP are carried over the internet. Moreover, VoIP services come with affordable and flexible plans that are inclusive of international calls. The plans also include features that help you make calls more efficiently and hassle-free. However, different VoIP providers offer different plans and services so it’s important to do a background check before signing up for any plans so that you don’t end up paying for services that you don’t need.

The features and services are more or less the same offered by top VoIP providers but some plans are better suited for your needs than others, so explore your options well. Some VoIP providers have a 30-day trial period and money back guarantee policies so exploring options won’t cost you a dime!

Useful Features Included

VoIP connections are so much more than just being a reliable phone line that can be accessed through multiple extensions. Along with offering common landline features like caller ID, call transferring and voicemail, VoIP solutions also provide cross functional services with features like video calling, conference calling, voicemail via email, voicemail transcription, online faxing, auto-attendants and so much more.

The features help businesses progress with improved communication and collaboration between employees and customers. VoIP enhances work morale and job satisfaction, resulting in increased productivity. Moreover, your communication experience becomes more diverse, thanks to multimedia sharing like video calling and voicemail transcripts via email.

In addition, VoIP services are flexible and can be accessed. This promotes remote working and provides your employees with opportunities to work from outside the office, so you’re always in the running and available for business even after hours. Some VoIP providers also offer analytics and past records of your internal communications which can help you manage your business better.

Mobility

In today’s fast-paced world, mobility is essential when it comes to running a business. With VoIP, you can make and receive calls from anywhere to anywhere. In fact, most VoIP service providers have specifically designed their interface to enable mobility.

Most VoIP systems allow access to main phone lines from multiple mobile devices, along with seamless call transfers and call forwarding between devices so you can continue calls even after work hours without any disruption or delay.

In addition, VoIP also makes it possible to host virtual conferencing which allows you to hold meetings with employees and business associates that are based in another part of the world.

Improves Customer Service

Today, customer satisfaction is not limited to the product or service you are selling but it’s extended to the quality of customer service that you provide. VoIP systems are ideal for improving customer relations in this regard.

With seamless transfers and call forwarding, the option of answering calls from multiple devices allows you to be available to your customers 24/7, no matter where you are. The simple and multiple options that are available for call transfers help you transfer the call to the right person so your customers are never disappointed. Moreover, the voicemail feature also comes in handy in the event the call recipient is not available to take the call. This way, your customer’s time is not wasted as they can record their message.

Increases Productivity

The better the communication between your employees, the better their productivity. When your employees can collaborate and seamlessly connect with you and each other, their efficiency increases. Their job satisfaction also sees a rise when they’re allowed to work remotely.

They can communicate better with video and image sharing. This boosts their potential which in turn proves beneficial for your business. With the option of making and receiving calls from mobile devices, they can take their work with them; moreover, it doesn’t cost you anything because you don’t have to pay for additional resources.

Bottom Line: How VoIP Can Be Used to Boost Business

VoIP is ideal for businesses looking to improve their business productivity in a limited budget. With customizable features like voicemail to email transcriptions and auto-attendant, VoIP helps boost your business efficiency without any additional charges. It’s believed that VoIP systems can improve your productivity by up to 20% with less than 0.5% people complaining about the quality of service.

VoIP is cost-effective, flexible, customizable and good for building healthy customer relations. It’s a through and through winner when it comes to providing telecommunication solutions for businesses, while increasing their productivity.

However, there are a number of great VoIP service providers on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the one that fits your business needs best. To help you find your match, we’ve reviewed all the top VoIP providers for their plans and features so you can pick the one that suits your specific needs.

We at Top 5 Business VoIP value your business and offer comprehensive comparisons between VoIP providers so you can make an informed decision and not regret it in the future.

As the world becomes more connected, our need for reliable telecommunication services increases day by day. Unfortunately, traditional telephony fails to meet the advanced telecommunication requirements of the modern world.

Therefore, we need a stronger, more reliable, and inexpensive telecommunication solution that caters to all our communication needs. A VoIP Service is one such solution. Standing for Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP service is a telecommunications solution that uses the internet to transmit voice and video calls across platforms.

The technical jargon may sound daunting, but VoIP is a technology that most of us are already familiar with. A VoIP service is like Skype or FaceTime. But while those two are limited to personal and small-scale use, VoIP service networks like Vonage and RingCentral can manage the telecommunications of organizations with hundreds of thousands of employees!

There are many such VoIP service providers on the market that cater to different communication needs. But before you learn about them, we must first understand what a VoIP service is and how it works:

How does a VoIP service work?

As established above, VoIP uses the internet to transmit voice signals across platforms. This is done by employing SIP Trunking, which means your voice signals are broken down into tiny data packets which are then sent over the internet.

These data packages can be transmitted to anywhere in the world, just like an email. However, just like an email needs a mailing address, calls transmitted over the internet need a proper virtual location that they’re addressed to.

This address can be a landline number or even a cell phone number, allowing you to use the internet to make a call to someone’s actual phone line. VOIP also allows you to contact another VoIP service provider’s number or use a VoIP app to connect to them. We’ll discuss this in depth later, but first, let’s take a look at the advantages of using a VoIP service for your communications:

What Are the Advantages of a VoIP Service?

By the end of 2017, there were more than a billion people using VoIP services. This is predicted to grow to approximately 204.8 billion corporate subscribers by 2020. So it’s safe to assume that businesses and individuals alike are benefitting from VoIP solutions, which is why their demand is multiplying so rapidly.

VoIP Services are Highly Affordable

Gone are the days when international calls cost an arm and a leg. With a VoIP service, you can call globally anytime, anywhere with per minute charges as low as a couple of pennies. That’s just a fraction of what you have to pay for using a landline or cell phone services!

VoIP Services are Flexible

VoIP services can be very accommodating of your budget and your communication needs. The service offers a wide variety of prices. All you have to do is sign up for a VoIP service provider of your choice and get an internet-based number, and you can enjoy calling solutions starting at as low as $7 or $8 a month.

Many VoIP service providers offer affordable add-ons with their packages which you can purchase and add to your current plan if need be. Others offer a no-contract subscription with baseline plans that are inclusive of unlimited calling across North America and other specific international locations.

VoIP Services allow Mobility

Mobility is another feature that makes VoIP stand out against traditional landline. You’re no longer stuck with bulky landlines to make important calls. A VoIP service allows you to take your business network with you on your smartphone and mobile devices.

Whether you have employees working from remote areas or you have a business that’s always on-the-go, VoIP services make it convenient for you to keep communications running at all times.

VoIP Services Have Outstanding Features

Not only does VoIP cover all the features that traditional telephony has to offer, but it also has a lot more. From voicemail capabilities, like voicemail transcriptions and voicemail to email options, to features like video calling and web conferencing, VoIP services offer comprehensive solutions for all your telecommunication needs.

VoIP Services are User-Friendly

A VoIP service may seem like it’s only for the tech-savvy, but that’s definitely not the case. VoIP interfaces are so easy and simple that anyone can use and enjoy them.

Moreover, most of them come with 24/7 customer support, making them extremely accessible and easy-to-use. All you need to do is sign up for a plan that suits your needs, install the program as instructed, and start calling!

Who Uses a VoIP Service?

The more appropriate question would be: Who doesn’t use a VoIP service these days? With its customizable features and plans, a VoIP service is ideal for both residential and business communications.

VoIP Services for Business

VoIP services are most popular among startups and small-to-medium businesses as their flexibility allows you to make and receive calls within the organization as well as outside it. Moreover, with features like web conferencing and video calling, businesses can communicate and collaborate better, ensuring a boost in business productivity.

Not to forget that they provide you with a comprehensive communications network that can be enlisted on your website and even published in directories, bringing credibility to your business.

The affordable plans and reasonable payment schedules can also help new businesses maintain their communications without breaking their budget, which can help them grow financially.

VoIP Services for Family Life

Using VoIP for your household communication network is just as profitable. You can call your loved ones living abroad at cheap international rates. Moreover, you can achieve a lot more than you could on a landline, such as forwarding calls to your mobile devices and even video chatting with people. To top it off, many VoIP service providers allow you to keep your old telephone number so the transition from landline to VoIP is as seamless as it can be.

The only condition of using VoIP services at home or for business is that you have a high speed internet. As VoIP calls are made and received over the internet it’s essential that your broadband connection is strong.

Are You Ready for Your VoIP Service?

If you’re not already convinced if you’re ready for VoIP services, Top 5 Business VoIP has got you covered! You can go through our list of top VoIP service providers or visit our Guides Archive to get a handle on what are best VoIP service providers on the market and how they function. VoIP is no longer just a communications network; it’s a lifestyle choice!

VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is advanced technology that allows people to use the Internet as a communication system. It features fast Internet connectivity and allows you to make and receive calls around the world at affordable prices. It offers a host of features to improve customer service and business management. This revolutionary technology is particularly beneficial to businesses that are looking for a reliable communication system to suit their budget.

Saving Money with Your Phone System

Communication can become a significant expense for a business; however, VoIP systems can save you a lot of money. When you use regular types of phone lines (PSTN – Packet Switched Telephone Network), you pay per minutes of calls with the cost for international calls being particularly high. VoIP plans are more affordable than landline plans, especially when you consider international calling rates. The plans will include a number of features with more features and more minutes included in the more expensive plans. However, make sure to check all calling rates before you sign up. There are many different VoIP systems, each with their own set of plans and pricing, and each including different options. While many features will overlap, some plans have unique options and are more flexible to suit your specific needs. In addition, some systems have extra fees for specific features, call minutes or equipment. Make sure to check the fine print of every system and plan before you consider signing up to make sure it suits your needs and your budget.

Useful Features Included

VoIP systems are more than simply phones that are used via your computer. They include a wide range of features that are designed to benefit businesses. Some of these features include caller ID, call forwarding, call reporting, conference calling, contact lists, voicemail, extensions, voicemail to email, voicemail transcriptions, mobile apps, and much more. These features are designed to improve communication, call management, collaboration, and mobility in order to benefit your business. These features have benefits for the business owner, the employees of the business, and the customers. Because of how VoIP works, you can transfer more media types than just voice, which allows you to share video, images, and text as well. This promotes collaboration among team members. VoIP allows you keep in touch wherever you are to ensure you never miss an important call and you’re always available for your team and your customers. Some VoIP plans even include analytics to help you make decisions to benefit your business.

Mobility

In today’s world, mobility is vital when running a business. Using VoIP for your communication allows you mobility without compromising the quality of your calls. In fact, there are many features available with VoIP systems that make mobility even easier. You can use VoIP systems from your desk phone or cell phone. You can set up part of your home office to work remotely using the voice, fax, and data services of your office. You can transfer calls between different devices seamlessly and you can use your cell phone to accept incoming calls and make outgoing calls as if you were using your desk phone. The meeting and conferencing features allow you to connect with participants across the globe.

Improve Customer Service

In an age where businesses have become more aware of the importance of customer service, VoIP can play an important role in improving your bottom line. Customer service is more than just being polite and answering questions. Customer service includes the way that you interact with your customers and it should be high up on your list of priorities for how your business runs. Many features available with VoIP focus on improving the customer’s experience and can be implemented to boost your customer service. For example, extensions and call forwarding allow you to forward calls to the right address to meet each customer’s needs. The mobility features ensure you’ll never miss an important call and that customers can get hold of you when needed. Voicemail makes sure that even when you’re not available, your customer will be able to leave you messages.

Increase Productivity

Improved flexibility commonly leads to increased productivity. By offering flexibility so that employees can work wherever they are, whether in the office, at home or on the go, you will not be limited by standard business hours or space. By being able to attach files and share data via video conferencing, team members will always be up-to-date. You can switch between devices to ensure you don’t lose calls and can take calls out of the office with you if necessary. By saving your business money, funds can now be allocated to other areas of the company to help boost growth.

Bottom Line: How VoIP Can Be Used to Boost Business

VoIP is more than just a phone system. It is a comprehensive communications system that offers many features that can help to boost your business. It offers mobility and increased productivity through its many customizable features. You can use VoIP to improve productivity, save money, enhance customer service and boost your bottom line. Understand how the system works to ensure you set it up to meet your specific business needs. There are many systems available, each with their own range of plans, pricing options, and features, so that you can find a system that will meet all of your business needs and also offer an affordable solution. More and more businesses are discovering the use of VoIP and how it can be set up to promote communication, collaboration, and customer service. Find out how VoIP can be used to meet your personal and business communication needs.

Looking to upgrade your communications systems with the best business VoIP services? Find out more about voice over internet protocol features and why VoIP solutions can enhance communications through useful, cost-effective features.

What is VoIP (Voice Over Protocol)?

Voice Over Internet Protocol, better known as VoIP, delivers voice and multimedia communications over the internet. Rather than using traditional telephone lines, VoIP systems go beyond simply transmitting voice phone calls, and users can rely on VoIP for an all-inclusive communications management system.

VoIP combines a range of communications systems into one, secure network. Through a VoIP network, you can conduct everything from international phone calls, video conferencing, voice to data, and more. Plus enhanced features of VoIP unify communications and make it easier and more affordable to manage calls. In addition, VoIP integrates with a variety of hardware and software as well as devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers.

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What is a Landline?

When people say “landline”, they refer to a telephone network that uses a solid core, twisted pair copper wire that plugs into a two or four pin wall jack. In other words, the landline means a conventional telephone connection using cable laid across land. The landline transmits voice through a metal wire or optical fiber telephone. As new technology has developed, the number of landline users has decreased and more and more people have switched to wireless (cellular) or internet-based methods of communications. Let’s take a look at why so many have started to switch over to VoIP.

VoIP vs Landlines Comparison – Which Is Better?

Communications capabilities have changed a lot over the years. Just a few decades back, the average office would rely on traditional landlines to handle all incoming and outgoing communications. However, these conventional phone services have limitations. While traditional landlines use copper wires to transmit voice as data, VoIP utilizes newer technology to deliver voice as data with a wider range of features than conventional landlines.

VoIP vs Landlines – Cost Comparison

Generally, VoIP solutions cost less than landlines when it comes to both installation and ongoing costs over time. Businesses that need to communicate globally can save a lot of money, especially on international calls with VoIP services. Rather than paying exorbitant rates for international calls, businesses can simply handle communications over the internet paying a monthly subscription.

VoIP vs Landlines – Voice Clarity Comparison

Many VoIP services exist with varying degrees of voice clarity. This can also depend on the quality of the internet connection. A faster, reliable internet connection improves voice clarity. In general, VoIP provides a high-level of voice clarity compared with traditional landlines, especially when it comes to long-distance phone calls. Still, when it comes to local calls, traditional landlines still deliver relatively high-quality voice clarity over the phone.

VoIP vs Landlines – Features Comparison

As a more recently developed technology, VoIP comes with scalable features that can grow with a business and the number of users over time. It also easily integrates with pre-existing phone systems including mobile and in-office devices. Users can use the VoIP systems from their smartphones, desk phone, or computer to make and receive phone calls. On the downside, because VoIP systems depend on the internet or power to work, they will not function in the event that the internet goes off or power cuts out.

Meanwhile, traditional landlines represent the tried and true technology that businesses have relied on for decades. Unlike VoIP systems, offices can still use landlines in the event of a power-outage or when the internet goes down. However, traditional landlines have become outdated and do not offer the breadth of features available through VoIP. Therefore, landlines only really make sense for businesses in remote locations lacking a stable internet or power connection.

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Top VoIP Features

If you’re on the fence about whether to upgrade to VoIP or not sure which is the best VoIP service, take a look at some of the best VoIP features available. Before signing up for a VoIP subscription, consider which features will truly enhance communications for your business.

• Cost-effective and scalable: VoIP solutions have different plans and pricing packages to suit the needs of different business sizes and budgets while also adapting to a growing number of users.
• Local and international numbers: Keep in touch with all contacts all over the world with local, toll-free, and international numbers.
• Unified communications: Connect remote teams working around the world with an affordable, unified system.
• Music-on-hold: Music-on-hold entertains and informs callers while waiting to speak to the right person.
• Connect calls automatically and quickly with extensions: Extensions and dial-by-name directories make it easier to connect callers with the person they need to speak to in a timely manner.
• Collaboration tools: Video conferencing and conference calls allow workers to connect and communicate from anywhere in the world.
• Call recording: Automatic call recording lets users record and playback phone calls.
• Voicemail and greetings features: Businesses can use VoIP voicemail features like voicemail-to-email, visual voicemail, and greetings. In addition, auto-receptionist features greet callers automatically and direct them to the appropriate person.
• Mobile apps: Mobile VoIP tools integrate with popular mobile devices such as iOS and Android smartphones and tablets so users can handle communications from anywhere on-the-go.
• Easy integrations: Top VoIP services integrate with current phone systems as well as CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Zendesk, Oracle Sales Cloud, and more.

Bottom Line: Why Choose VoIP?   

Today, small businesses can choose between voice-over IP (VoIP) or landlines to handle communications. VoIP opens up broader communication capabilities for making and receiving calls over the internet at lower rates. With VoIP, the communications system combines voice, data, and video into a unified, easy-to-manage system. Whether an entrepreneur or large enterprise, business VoIP systems make it easier and more affordable to manage communications with enhanced IP-based features.    

You might have heard the term VoIP bandied around, and never been quite sure what it is, or why it should matter to you. Wonder no more! We’re here to explain exactly what VoIP means, what VoIP stands for, and how it can make your life a whole lot easier.

What does VoIP Stand For?

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, but for many people that means about as much as its shortened form. Simply put, VoIP is a way to send voice calls and messages over the Internet. It replaces the traditional phone systems, which includes landlines for residential homes and even large Public Branch Exchange (PBX) systems for business use. Over the past decade, VoIP has got increasingly popular. In many cases, it has replaced traditional telephony altogether.

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What is the Difference Between VoIP and Traditional Phone Systems?

Traditional phone lines use circuit based protocols over the Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN. Some people call this POTS, or Plain Old Telephone System. VoIP takes your analogue voice signals, and converts them into digital data packets, transmitting conversations in real time over Internet Protocol. You can now make all your voice calls over the internet. Not only this, but VoIP can integrate with other online systems, allowing you to add conference calling, voice to email capabilities and more.

VoIP has more features than traditional telephones will ever have, so if you’re running a business for example – it’s a no brainer. However, it’s also a great option for residential communication, as both businesses and individuals can save a lot of money over a landline phone.

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Control over your phone bill: If you choose your monthly rate, you know exactly what you’re spending. No surprises at the end of the month.

Better international access: For calls abroad, VoIP is unbeatable on price. Say goodbye to the idea of ‘long-distance’ calls.
No hidden fees: All calls within the network are free, and minutes are transparent. Even calls abroad can be free, depending on your provider.

What Do I Need to Make VoIP Calls?

You might think that you will need a lot of expensive or complicated hardware to get started with VoIP. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, most people can begin using VoIP in a matter of hours. Even for a business, there is nothing stopping you using VoIP through your desktop computer or mobile apps built for this purpose. Here’s what you need to know.

No matter what you choose, you will need high quality Broadband. Your internet connection is essential in making sure that you get good Quality of Service.

The simplest way to enjoy VoIP is via your computer. Many providers offer software which allows you to install it in minutes, and then start using VoIP to call others. This is also true via some mobile phone apps, provided by top VoIP companies.

The solution may vary between companies. Some might want you to use an Analog Telephone Adapter, which is used to change a regular phone into an IP phone, while others might encourage you to buy new phones which are IP phones with immediate VoIP capabilities. These connect directly to your router.

Which Features Can I Expect from VoIP?

Whether you’re a business or an individual, there will be different reasons for you to make the change to a VoIP solution. If you’re a business, you might be interested in the integrations with productivity and office tools. As an individual or a family member, you might want free or reduced international calls, or a better solution for voicemail. Take a look at some of these, and see which speak to you.

• Scalable: You can choose what kind of package you want, starting small and then adding phones as necessary, or increasing your coverage.
• International Calls: Do you make a lot of expensive calls for business or family abroad? VoIP will be far more affordable than a regular landline.
• Collaboration: Like a PBX, VoIP can allow team members in separate offices or even countries to speak and communicate seamlessly.
• Receptionist Tools: Think auto-attendant capabilities. On hold music, quick transfers, extension numbers, etc.  
• Office extras: Streamline your business with voicemail to email, web conferencing and more.
• Voicemail: Never worry about missing a call. Many VoIP providers allow messages to be forwarded to you wherever you are, on any device.
• Mobile: For business, this may encourage you to allow your staff to work remotely, while for mobile – it means cheaper calls to anyone, anywhere. Mobile apps have taken VoIP to the next level.
• Integrations: Enjoy seamless integrations with other apps such as Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Zendesk, Oracle Sales Cloud, and more.

Bottom Line: Do I Need VoIP?

There are dozens of reasons why VoIP might be the right choice for your family or business needs. It’s certainly the future of the way we communicate. Less professional options like FaceTime or Skype have already shown us how exciting the potential of VoIP can be. Our experts have looked through the biggest names in VoIP services, and highlighted which ones are perfect for which situation.

As the world becomes more connected, why would you continue to rely on the expensive and old fashioned POTS? Instead, look to the future and embrace streamlined communication, cheaper monthly bills and added functionality for your business or home.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’re probably familiar with VoIP technology, and how it has revolutionized telecommunication for both businesses and households. VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, uses your broadband connection to transmit voice data over the internet. It also provides you with affordable calling plans and other unique features, catering to all and any communication needs.

However, with so many VoIP service providers on the market, you’re bound to get overwhelmed. Thankfully, Top 5 Business VoIP has put together a comprehensive list of all the leading names in the business to help you find the one that is most suitable for your needs.

Vonage VoIP – Top For Flexibility  

When it comes to flexibility, there’s no service better than Vonage. Flexibility is essential for running a business, as you never know when you might need to expand or scale it down. In such events, it comes in handy to have a communication solution that grows with you and rewards you for your success, instead of taking away from it.

With its wide range of plans and three reasonable price models—Starter, Essentials and Business—Vonage offers flexible communication solutions that suit your needs without compromising on features like voicemail transcriptions, call recording, and more.

Ooma VoIP – The Popular Choice

With a base fare of $19.95 per user per month, Ooma is a popular choice for people using VoIP solutions.

Along with unlimited calling across the US and Canada, Ooma also offers low international calling rates. It’s known for its 24/7 helpline and features like call transferring, custom messages, and virtual extensions, along with a wide range of other options.

RingCentral VoIP – Premium Service at Lower Rates

The choice of over 300,000 businesses worldwide, you can’t go wrong with RingCentral. With their base fare plan starting at an inexpensive $24.99 a month—offering 1000 toll-free minutes and up to 25 extensions with a mobile app—this VoIP service provider is ideal for medium-sized businesses.

That’s not to say that it can’t cater to small businesses, in fact, RingCentral is known to offer premium services at low prices. Just remember to go through all the features on a plan before signing up for it, because as a small business, you might not need all of them and could end up paying more than what you need.

Nextiva VoIP – One of the Cheapest Plans Around

Starting from as little as $22.95 per month, Nextiva has some of the cheapest plans on the market, with features like voicemail, email capabilities, call recording, and free calls. It has three comprehensive business plans: the Office Pro, Office Pro Plus, and Office Enterprise, making Nextiva the next big thing in business communication solutions.

The setup is easy too, with simple installation and maintenance, making it the most accessible VoIP service provider on the market.

Grasshopper VoIP – Good Pricing and Service

When using a VoIP solution for your communications needs, good customer service is essential, especially if you’re running a business. In this case, Grasshopper’s customer service is a clear winner!

With exciting features like customizable greetings, call screening, and mobile apps, Grasshopper’s ‘Solo’ plan allows 1 number and 3 extensions at $24 monthly. You can expand the number of lines and extensions with the Partner and Small Business Plans, which are $49 and $89 a month respectively.

ShoreTel VoIP – Premium Plans at Great Prices

With great prices comes great service! ShoreTel VoIP, with its standard $35 a month plans, offers over 90 customizable business level communication features. All plans are customized to the requirements of individual users and allow options for 3^rd-party app integration, call metrics, and even data analysis. These options not only help manage communications within businesses, but also help you monitor all business activity to optimize productivity.

Jive VoIP – Setting the Standard for Standard

Jive VoIP is the ideal choice for businesses that are looking for a simple and standard VoIP service.

Jive VoIP always keeps it straight-forward, charging by number of users (for 1–4 users, the rate is $29.95 per month, and the costs decrease as the number of users increases — $19.95 per month for 50–100 users). Jive VoIP also comes equipped with some standard features, like 3-way conferencing, online fax and transcription, and call recording; all the while offering easy integration with multiple CRM platforms like Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, and more.

8×8 VoIP – Collaboration Made Easy

To stand out in the competitive market, 8×8 VoIP offers two price models: Virtual Office and Virtual Office Pro. Each plan includes unique features, which can be configured to your business’s size and needs.

A certain requirement that usually holds back potential customers from signing up for 8×8’s services is that they require you to contact them to receive a price quote. Although this a simple procedure that only requires a phone call or an online form submission, it could cause customers to back off from the service and look for alternatives.

Bottom Line: Which Leading VoIP Provider is the Best for My Business?

In the end, your choice of the best VoIP service provider for your business is determined by the size and budget of your business, along with the features that you’ll require to run it. Because no matter what the service provider is offering, what’s important is that you know if it’s the best fit for your business.

To make the choice easier for you, our experts have compiled extensive reviews for all the leading VoIP service providers in the market.

You can also compare them side by side to find out which of the top VoIP providers will prove beneficial for your business in terms of cost, productivity and overall experience.

If your business is moving towards using VoIP for your communication system, you’re moving in the direction of many other businesses. However, with so many service providers out there, you need to know what you’re looking for before you can get started. There are a huge range of features and functions, plans and pricing schedules to take into account to make sure that the service meets your business needs. Here we’ll look at some of the most popular VoIP service providers in 2018.

Vonage

Vonage is a VoIP service that is suitable for residential and business communication needs. It has a particularly large number of plans to ensure you find the service that best suits your needs and your budget. With the Vonage Extensions App, you can use your Vonage plan via two smartphones, giving yourself convenient mobility.

RingCentral

RingCentral is particularly well-suited to businesses. It offers multiple plans with features that are appropriate for any size business, from small businesses to enterprises. Its Glip, Professional, and Meetings features are appealing for companies where teamwork and collaboration are important.

VoiPLY

VoiPLY offers a simple and reliable communication system geared towards medium-sized businesses. With up to 60+ features available, you can customize the service to suit your specific business needs, focusing on call management, collaboration, mobility, integration, and more.

Grasshopper

Focusing on entrepreneurs to small businesses, Grasshopper offers three plans and pricing structures to suit the size of your business. With quick setup, this service provider is appealing to those who are looking for a communication system to suit domestic business needs, while allowing for growth.

MegaPath

MegaPath offers a comprehensive VoIP solution for medium to large-sized businesses. With a number of plans, pricing models, and features, MegaPath is a flexible solution that can fill any business needs. Its many features allow for communication and collaboration in the office or on the go.

Jive

Jive is a suitable VoIP service provider for small to large businesses. All plans include the same features with prices based on the number of users to make it an affordable option for all companies. It excels in its Analytics features which are designed to help you optimize all aspects of your business.

Nextiva

Nextiva’s NextOS customer administrative portal is an all-in-one communication management system to help you keep on top of your business communication. With three plans and an increasing number of features in each plan, you can find the right fit for your business needs and budget.

OnSIP

OnSIP is a particularly flexible VoIP solution that allows you to pay for what you use when it comes to features. With a free base plan and the ability to add features for a price, you can create a solution that is unique to your business and fills your specific needs exactly.

As more and more people leave their landlines in the 1900s, they’re turning to VoIP services to fill the gaps in their phone service. A VoIP service allows you to make cheap, convenient calls both locally and internationally using the internet. It literally stands for Voice over Internet Protocol because that’s what it lets you do – send your voice over the internet – although you might see it referred to as an internet phone service provider as well.

In order to use a VoIP you must register with a service provider, which may sound like some elusive company, but could actually be one you’re quite familiar with, like Skype or Microsoft, or something you’ve heard of in passing, like Vonage or 8×8 Virtual Office. But before we get into how to choose a VoIP service provider, let’s explore the details of a VoIP service.

How does a VoIP service work?

Let’s get into the technical stuff a little bit… a VoIP converts the sound of your voice into data to send in a nice package over the internet. This compact data package can be sent anywhere on the internet, just like an email, but it needs a proper mailing address. Thanks to VoIP technology, this mailing address can be a landline or a cell phone number, allowing you to make a call from the internet to someone’s actual phone. It’s also possible to call another VoIP service provider’s number or connect to them through a VoIP app… but more on that to come!  

How does a VoIP service work video

What Are the Advantages of a VoIP Service?

Over one billion people were using VoIP services at the end of 2017 and the number only continues to grow. But just why are VoIP services so popular? There’s a handful of advantages that are encouraging people to get onboard the VoIP train:

VoIP Services are Highly Affordable

Forget crazy fees per minute on international calls or cheap calling at peak hours only. Thanks to VoIP services you can call anytime, anywhere at a low, affordable rate. Calling can be as low as a couple pennies a minute, so you can talk for as long as you want at a fraction of the cell phone or landline price.

VoIP Services are Fantastically Flexible

VoIP services come in a range of prices. Most importantly, you need to start by selecting a provider and choosing an internet-based phone number. Keeping your line active every month can be as low as $7 or $8 a month, depending on the package. Some VoIP providers will offer a monthly package with optional add-ons and extra benefits, whereas most offer a no-contract option. Many baseline prices already include free and unlimited calling around the USA, Canada and many international locations.

VoIP Services are Extremely Portable

That’s right, anywhere you take your cell phone, your VoIP service is going, too. Whether you’re a business professional who needs to have convenient access to an international calling plan (including video conferencing) or a parent who’s trying to keep in touch with their kids who are aware for college, VoIP services can be the answer for you. Most are accessible from cell phones, tablets, laptops or desktops, making them the ultimate in portable convenience.

VoIP Services Have All the Extras

Just because you’re opting for an internet-based phone number, doesn’t mean you’ll be losing any of the benefits or features that come from calling over the phone. Many VoIP service providers offer enhanced voicemail, a 411 assistance number, three-way calling and many other features to personalize your service.

VoIP Services are User-Friendly

While all these features, benefits and advancements in technology might indicate that using this kind of provider is only for the more technologically adept, actually anyone can use a VoIP service. They’re great for both families and businesses and many of them provide 24/7 support, making them extremely accessible. Obtaining a VoIP service is fast and easy, simply choose the provider you’d like, sign up for your preferred plan, download and go… yes, that’s all you have to do!

Who Uses a VoIP Service?

As you can see, there are lots of great reasons to get a VoIP (who even uses landlines anymore?) and while some advantages will benefit a business, others will be more helpful from the home.

VoIP Services for Business

It’s becoming more and more popular for startups and STM businesses to opt for a VoIP phone service over a landline or cell phone. The flexibility of the programs allows for you to direct calls to different phones (or departments) in your business, conduct three-way calls or even video conferences, and have a professional phone line that can be listed on your website or in directories.

The affordability of this service also makes it a great option for new, growing or established businesses. Whether your company is working with partners and clients on a local or international level, you can get the best monthly rates (with unlimited minutes) through a VoIP.

VoIP Services for Family Life

What’s great about using a VoIP phone at home is that it can be set to do things a landline couldn’t. Need calls forwarded to your cell phone? Done. Want long-distance calling for one low-fee rate? Done. Want to easily access your entire call log online? Done! What’s more, many service providers offer you the chance to keep your old landline number, so the transition is as smooth as can be.

In order to use a VoIP service at home, it’s important to make sure you have high-speed broadband internet (either Fiber Optic or cable) and at least 3Mbps of upload speed. Without these qualities, your VoIP service might not send or receive calls as well, however, most of these come pretty standardly these days, so worry not!

Ready for Your VoIP Service?

If the time has come and you’re ready to find the perfect VoIP service for your business (or residence) then we’ve got you covered. Check out our guides and how-tos to learn everything from picking the best plan for your needs to how to set up any special features. Welcome to the new age of the voice calling.