Compare Our Top Cloud Phone Services
Updated November 2023: We researched, analyzed, and reviewed the best business cloud phone systems to help you choose the right solution for your business.
TOP PICK
Highly Rated
Is a Cloud System Cheaper than a Landline?
Yes. In most cases, cloud systems are significantly cheaper than a traditional landline. First and foremost, you don’t need any hardware or infrastructure to implement a cloud system. In most cases, your calls are transmitted entirely over the internet rather than through dedicated phone lines. As such, phone companies no longer have to maintain extensive infrastructure, either. Providers then pass these savings on to customers in the form of lower monthly bills.
Cloud services are especially cost-effective for businesses since you only pay for the features you need.
Is a Cloud Phone System Worth it for Small Businesses?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth it for small businesses. In fact, the benefits of lower costs, enhanced features, and increased flexibility make cloud systems especially advantageous for smaller operations.
For starters, the cost savings versus traditional phone services allow small businesses to put money back into growing the company. But it’s not just about saving money. It also provides productivity enhancing features like auto-attendants, voicemail to email, call recording, conferencing, mobility options, and advanced call management. Modern cloud phone systems enable smaller teams to access features that used to be reserved for large enterprises.
How Much Does a Cloud Phone System Cost?
Costs can vary quite a bit. At a minimum, you can expect to spend around $20-$50 per phone line per month plus the cost of hardware if needed. To get the best price, we recommend determining your must-have features, expected call volume, and number of users. From there, you can shop around and see which cloud provider offers the best rates for your needs.
How Do I Choose a Business Cloud Phone System?
We recommend starting with a list of everything you absolutely need. This will help you narrow down a massive list of providers to the few that can actually provide everything on your list. From there, pay close attention to pricing, ease of use, customer support, included communication tools (texting, video, and faxing, for example), call management features, hardware options, and integrations. You can use these factors to figure out which provider is the right one for you.
In most cases, we recommend Nextiva because of its fantastic customer support, excellent ease of use, high value per dollar, scalability, and robust feature set.
What Is the Best Business Cloud Phone System?
There’s no definitive “best” cloud phone system for every company. The right fit depends on your size, requirements, and budget. However, we highly recommend Nextiva for most businesses—not only do you get an amazing phone service and robust set of features, but you also get high-quality support and an incredibly simple admin interface for managing your system.
Can a Cell Phone Be Used as a Business Phone?
Yes. In fact, many freelancers, startups, and solopreneurs use their existing phone and phone number.
But just because you can doesn’t mean it’s the best way to go. Giving out your personal phone number can get overwhelming very quickly. Plus, your existing plan just can’t support the more advanced call management features you’ll need as your business grows. The good news is there’s softphone functionality with every cloud phone systems provider on our list. All you need to do is install the mobile app, pick the cheapest plan, get a business number, and you’re good to go. With this approach, you get all the call management and communication tools you need at a low cost for one user with plenty of room to grow. And the best part? No desk phone or additional hardware required.
Can I Get a Virtual Phone Number for My Business?
Getting a virtual phone number for your business is incredibly easy. With cloud systems, you can set up a full business phone system, including virtual numbers, without installing physical desk phones. Many providers let you port existing numbers or choose new local toll-free numbers at no cost. Top providers like Nextiva, make the process quick and hassle-free.
Simply pick your plan, choose your numbers, and provision phones or app logins for each user.
