{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-categories-seo-index-jsx","path":"/categories/business-voip-internet-phone/","result":{"data":{"props":{"adsense":true,"adsenseMobile":true,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/categories/business-voip-internet-phone/","docType":"category","guid":"category_5a147ac5a7c88c4adb34089e","hasVwo":false,"lastModified":"2019-01-08T08:00:00.000Z","published":"2018-02-20T19:15:00.000Z","structuredData":null,"subtitle":"VoIP Phone Systems","title":"The Best Business VoIP Phone Systems for 2020","sections":[{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"intro","isInToc":false,"order":0,"tocTitle":"Intro","type":"container","title":"","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\n<div id=\"in-article-vca-2\" style=\"text-align: center;\"> </div>\r\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW140800144\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW140800144\">The explosion of Voice ov</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW140800144\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW140800144\">er Internet Protocol (VoIP) in</span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW140800144\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW140800144\"> the phone service industry has changed the landscape for businesses. </span></span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW140800144\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW140800144\">Being able to access robust phone systems with hundreds of tools and features for a fraction of the cost of a traditional landline phone system continues to drive the demand for VoIP phone systems in 2019.</span></span></p>\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionBestPicks","id":"best-picks","isInToc":false,"order":1,"tocTitle":"Best Picks","type":"bestpicks","title":"Best Picks","bestpicks":[{"description":"RingCentral Office is one of the best business phone services because of its wealth of features, ease of use and multiple price points. The VoIP service is hosted in the cloud and requires no special equipment or wiring to install. All businesses need is the required bandwidth to support their call volume and a router that prioritizes their voice traffic. \r\n\r\nOnce the service has been activated and IP phones are plugged into Ethernet ports, your business can start making and receiving calls. The entire system is controlled via an online portal, from which administrators can assign employees phone numbers and extensions, configure the auto-receptionist, and set up answering rules. \r\n\r\nRingCentral Office has an extensive set of features and tools. Some of the most valuable are voicemail, voicemail-to-email, call recording, call screening, on-hold music, missed call and message alerts, online faxing, and the ability to host video and online meetings. The service also integrates with some popular programs many businesses are already using, such as Google Apps for Work, Microsoft Office 365 and Salesforce.\r\n\r\nAvailable on iOS and Android devices, the RingCentral mobile app lets users make and receive calls from their business lines, send and receive online faxes, and participate in conference calls.\r\n\r\nRingCentral provides customer support by phone 24/7. Its website is also filled with user guides, FAQs, webinars and how-to videos.","tabTitle":"Phone Service","fullTitle":"Best VoiP Business Phone Service","review":{"serviceName":"RingCentral","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/ringcentral-business-phone-systems/","id":"0a7931a57b393ef7787449f9bd958038","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"affiliate","widgetId":null,"widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=82&aff_id=1000&source=business-phone-systems&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&aff_sub3=deal|RingCentral&url_id=1","name":"HasOffers/Tune"}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5de96c9d9c658a7a718b4569/ringcentral.png"}}},{"description":"Ooma Office is a phone system designed specifically for very small businesses. Even though Ooma Office is an on-premises VoIP system, someone without IT expertise can still install it in just a few minutes. \r\n\r\nThe main piece of equipment is the base station, which is a router that prioritizes voice data to ensure reliable service. If you are using analog phones, you also need the system's Linx devices, which wirelessly connect the phones to the base station. The base station can connect to up to four Linx devices.\r\n\r\nIf you want to connect additional analog phones, you will need an expansion base station, each of which can connect five more users. Overall, the system supports up to 20 analog phones or 200 IP phones. If you are using IP phones, you can plug them directly into an Ethernet port without using a Linx device.\r\n\r\nWhile Ooma Office doesn't have all the bells and whistles some phone systems offer, it does have many of the features and tools very small businesses find most valuable. These include unlimited local and long-distance calling, dedicated phone numbers and extensions, a virtual receptionist, voicemail, call transfers, call logs, daytime and after-hours modes, ring groups, music on hold, conference calling and online faxing. \r\n\r\nOoma Office has both one-time equipment fees and recurring monthly service charges. The system comes with a 30-day risk-free trial.\r\n\r\nOoma provides customer support by phone between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. (PT) Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PT) on the weekends. Email and live chat support is available 24/7.","tabTitle":"Very Small Business","fullTitle":"Best VoIP System for Very Small Businesses","review":{"serviceName":"Ooma","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/ooma/","id":"eadc12b671761ac74949cce58317ac21","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10804","widget":{"id":"10804","cta":"Get Quote","isExclusive":true},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=84&aff_id=1000&source=business-voip-internet-phone&aff_sub3=deal|Ooma&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&url_id=1","name":"Genius"}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5defc2e17b4374dd448b4567/ooma-c.png"}}},{"description":"Dialpad was built with the desktop and mobile app in mind, not the desk phone. The system's desktop app and iOS/Android mobile apps are some of the best-designed business VoIP applications, making Dialpad an excellent option for businesses that don't have or want office phones.\r\n\r\nThis cloud-based system that allows employees to work from anywhere. With the apps, employees can make and receive calls, video chat, and send instant messages to co-workers. Other features Dialpad offers include three-way calling, reply by text, visual voicemail, do not disturb, online faxing, call recording, call screening and simultaneous ringing. \r\n\r\nDialpad also fully integrates with Google's G Suite, Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Okta and LinkedIn. The integrations allow your contacts to automatically transfer into the system, so you don't have to toggle back and forth between Dialpad and your other programs when working. \r\n\r\nThe system also allows for excellent collaboration among employees. Dialpad includes screen and document sharing, group messaging, and video and audio conferencing.\r\n\r\nTo help you gain insight into your business and calling statistics, Dialpad gives you access to analytics that show employee engagement, voice and message numbers, and calling trends.\r\n\r\nDialpad is offered for free to businesses with less than five employees. ","tabTitle":"Use Without Desk Phones","fullTitle":"Best VoIP Phone System for Use Without Desk Phones","review":{"serviceName":"Dialpad","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/dialpad/","id":"50f7fc4be03b29c3a3f182d07b3103a9","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=97&aff_id=1000&source=business-voip-internet-phone&aff_sub3=deal|Dialpad&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&url_id=1","name":"QT Program"}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/60aeacdb54d26d970a8b4567/dialpad-logo.png"}}},{"description":"Nextiva Office is a cloud-based VoIP phone system whose service can be spread throughout multiple offices or stores. This setup is ideal for businesses with multiple locations, because all you need to get the system up and running is to plug the IP phones into an Ethernet port at each location. The system then automatically syncs all of the locations and allows them to be managed from the same online platform.\r\n\r\nWithin the online portal, administrators can add employees into the system, assign phone numbers and user IDs, record automated greetings, create call queue routes and priorities, and designate which features each employee can access.\r\n\r\nNextiva offers a vast array of features and tools, including unlimited local and long-distance calling, unlimited online faxing, an automated attendant, music on hold, conference calling, HD call connections, and the option to receive voicemails via email and text messages. \r\n\r\nNextiva's mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices, allows users to make and receive phone calls on their business lines, make video calls, instant-message with co-workers, and update call settings.\r\n\r\nNextiva Office is available in three service plans, which vary in prices based on the number of employees using the system and whether or not a long-term contract is signed. Besides its traditional phone system, Nextiva also offers call center services, a virtual-only system, online fax service, cloud storage and PBX SIP trunking.","tabTitle":"Multiple Locations","fullTitle":"Best VoiP Phone System for Multiple Locations","review":{"serviceName":"Nextiva","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/nextiva/","id":"2bf7e7613afff5ec7e1006a060755069","pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://www.nextiva.com/products/voip-phone-system.html","name":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5de969cc5a215ec0708b456b/nextiva.png"}}},{"description":"GoToConnect powered by Jive is one of the best VoIP business phone systems because of its array of included features and tools. The unified communications system combines Jive's phone service with GoToMeeting's video conferencing solution.\r\n\r\nGoToConnect's cloud-based VoIP system, which has 11 servers to ensure top-notch reliability, has an impressive set of more than 80 features and tools. Some of the more valuable ones are auto attendants, call recording, three-way conference calling, custom on-hold music, voicemail and voicemail to email.\r\n\r\nGoToMeeting is an online web conferencing service that includes screen sharing, call me and cloud recording. GoToMeeting is our choice as the best video conferencing service for small businesses.\r\n\r\nThe system integrates with many popular programs organizations may already use, such as Outlook, Salesforce and Oracle. GoToConnect also provides businesses with a wealth of analytical data about their calls, including call logs, geography-based heat maps, time-of-day histograms and user statistics.\r\n\r\nAvailable for iOS and Android devices, GoToConnect's mobile app allows users to make and receive calls from their business line, conduct conference calls, send and receive text messages, and review call histories.\r\n\r\nGoToConnect's pricing is tier-based. The more employees you have, the cheaper the per-user costs are. Costs range from $20 to $30 per user, per month. What's nice about this system is that there is only one service plan, so all users have access to every feature.\r\n\r\nCustomer support is available by phone, email and live chat 24/7.","tabTitle":"Features and Tools","fullTitle":"Best VoIP System for Features and Tools","review":{"serviceName":"GoToConnect","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/gotoconnect/","id":"9424bc06c460855c6b95ce23da03444b","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.goto.com/connect","name":""}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dd727307b4374801e8b456e/gotoconnect.png"}}},{"description":"8x8 is a cloud-hosted VoIP phone system that's a top option for small businesses because it is easy to use, has a wide variety of valuable features and offers excellent customer service.\r\n\r\nSince the system is hosted in the cloud, there is no expensive equipment to install or maintain. All that's needed is a properly configured router and enough bandwidth to handle your expected call volume. \r\n\r\nThe entire system is controlled and configured via an online portal. Administrators can assign employees telephone numbers and extensions, set up the automated attendants, and create ring groups. Among the robust features 8x8 offers are automated attendants, music on hold, call forwarding, conference calling, voicemail-to-email and the ability to host online meetings.\r\n\r\nThe 8x8 mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices, allows employees to make and receive calls from their business lines, video-chat, and check voicemail and online faxes.\r\n\r\n8x8's service plans differ in price based the features you want included. ","tabTitle":"Small Business","fullTitle":"Best VoIP Phone System for Small Businesses","review":{"serviceName":"8x8","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/8x8/","id":"163ce7b78166db306f0d380bfaba8a08","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.8x8.com/","name":""}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5de962945a215ec0708b4569/8x8lr.png"}}},{"description":"Cisco offers both on-premises and cloud-hosted business phone systems, making it an ideal solution for enterprise organizations. These systems can support thousands of employees and are specially configured with the exact calling, mobility and collaboration features each business wants. \r\n\r\nWhile Cisco offers several different solutions, we looked specifically at the Business Edition 6000 systems. The on-premises version is a VoIP system designed for businesses with up to 1,000 employees. With the Cisco BE6000, businesses can pick and choose the specific applications they want for the system, such as mobility, voicemail, automated attendants, instant messaging, videoconferencing and contact center services.\r\n\r\nSpark, the cloud-hosted system from Cisco, is a unified communications system that allows for voice and video calling. The service works on mobile devices, desktop phones, computers and room-based systems.","tabTitle":"Enterprises","fullTitle":"Best VoiP Phone System for Enterprises","review":{"serviceName":"Cisco","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/cisco/","id":"a56d03f3aa426b5cac02665e84ff9ecc","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.cisco.com/","name":""}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dd6bab97b4374ec458b4567/cisco.png"}}},{"description":"Avaya is a top on-premises phone system because it offers businesses several different platforms that can be customized for your organization's needs. The systems can serve thousands of employees and offer all the features businesses would want in a phone system.\r\n\r\nThe Avaya system we researched in depth was the Office IP platform, which supports up to 3,000 users. When choosing Avaya, businesses start with a two-rack platform unit and then pick specific add-ons, such as mobility or call center services. \r\n\r\nThe Office platform also supports organizations with numerous locations. The phone systems in each location can be managed from a single browser-based interface. Additionally, businesses can automatically switch their service to one of the other locations should the office they are working in lose power. \r\n\r\nThe system is available in five editions – Basic, Essential, Preferred, Server and Select – that differ in the number of features. Some of the available features are automated attendants, caller ID, automatic callback, on-hold music, the option to transfer calls and toggle between multiple calls at one time, voicemail and voicemail-to-email. Altogether, Avaya offers more than 600 features and tools.\r\n\r\nAvaya's phone systems are sold through local resellers that offer customized pricing.","tabTitle":"On-Premises","fullTitle":"Best On-Premises VoiP Phone System","review":{"serviceName":"Avaya","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/avaya/","id":"39e20b96f8bae260dec5bb7a4fa852bd","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.avaya.com/en/","name":""}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dd6aee89c658a4b398b4569/avaya.png"}}},{"description":"Mitel is the best phone system for call centers because it can be hosted several different ways, is available in multiple service plans and includes all the features businesses expect in a contact center solution.\r\n\r\nMitel offers cloud-hosted, on-premises and hybrid solutions. There are also multiple service plans available for both the main phone system and contact center services, which differ by price and features. Employers can mix and match service plans based on the features and tools each employee needs. \r\n\r\nCall center features include universal queuing and enterprise resource matching; optimized call routing by service level, skills, priority, customer identity, schedules and caller location; email, fax, voicemail, SMS and web chat integration; customer callback; and automatic speech recognition. \r\n\r\nThe main phone system includes auto-attendants, music on hold, call screening, call blocking, the ability to dial by name or extension, voicemail-to-email, call blocking, hunt groups, audio conferencing, instant messaging, presence, video chat and desktop sharing.\r\n\r\nMitel offers round-the-clock support, and the support section on Mitel's website features videos and training courses.","tabTitle":"Call Centers","fullTitle":"Best VoiP Phone System for Call Centers","review":{"serviceName":"Mitel","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/mitel/","id":"f483d3b4c40caeba1e2b24f7e74b4500","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.mitel.com/","name":""}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5c9bfc1d7b437479728b4581/mitel.png"}}},{"description":"Vonage is an excellent phone system for growing businesses because it can continue to suit your needs as your business expands. Whether you are starting out with just a handful of employees and growing to three times that, or if you are starting out with a few hundred and expanding to several thousand, Vonage has two different platforms that can fit your needs.\r\n\r\nVonage Business Cloud is designed for small businesses. The systems includes more than 50 calling, collaboration and mobile tools, including virtual receptionists, audio and video conferencing and mobile app that allows you to make and receive calls from your business line from your cell phone. \r\n\r\nVonage Enterprise is designed for mid-size and larger organizations. It provides businesses with access to a dedicated private network that enhances audio and video service. This platform also offers host of valuable features, including auto-attendants, contact center services and remote office capabilities. \r\n\r\nCustomer support is available by phone between 8 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET on the weekends. There is also after-hours emergency support available for those with pressing issues. ","tabTitle":"Growing Businesses","fullTitle":"Best VoiP Phone System for Growing Businesses","review":{"serviceName":"Vonage","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/vonage/","id":"6bc183ac8428751e4637ab565b8ed2fa","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.vonage.com/business/","name":""}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/6048ce119c658ab96e8b4567/vonage_logo.png"}}}]},{"__typename":"SectionMoreCoverage","id":"","isInToc":false,"order":2,"tocTitle":"","type":"morecoverage","isActive":null,"title":"More Coverage","articles":[]},{"__typename":"SectionOurApproach","id":null,"isInToc":false,"order":3,"tocTitle":null,"type":"ourapproach","isActive":null,"ourapproach":{"isClonable":false,"servicesConsidered":"0","servicesTested":"0","servicesSelected":"0","linkText":"How we evaluate products and services","linkUrl":"mailto:editor@business.com"}},{"__typename":"SectionWidget","id":"pricing","isInToc":false,"order":4,"tocTitle":"Pricing","type":"widget","title":"Pricing","widget":{"widgetId":"10144"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"overview","isInToc":true,"order":5,"tocTitle":"Overview","type":"container","title":"","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\n<p>Instead of using copper wiring to make and receive calls, VoIP systems tap into the same internet connection your business is using to get online. Using this type of connection has opened the door to a number of added features that many businesses find valuable, such as the ability to make calls from your computer.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>However, as the number of businesses using VoIP phone systems has grown, so too has the number of phone system providers offering them.  With hundreds of VoIP phone system providers operating in 2019, choosing the right one for your business can be an arduous task. <span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>Besides features, tools, price and mobile accessibility, you need to take various other factors into account when looking for a business VoIP phone system. We want to help you narrow down your choices.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>In addition to spotlighting some of the most important tools to look for and sharing advice on getting a VoIP business system that fits into your budget, this guide offers our recommendations on the business VoIP phone systems for various needs. 8x8, RingCentral, Ooma Office, Jive and Dialpad are the systems we think are best for different types of businesses. You can read more about each and the types of organizations we think they are best for below.  <span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>If none of our recommendations work for you, scroll down even farther to see of a comprehensive list of VoIP phone systems for businesses.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p> </p>\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"what-to-expect","isInToc":true,"order":6,"tocTitle":"What to Expect ","type":"container","title":"What to Expect ","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\n<p>Each year, VoIP business phone system providers look for new ways to enhance the services they offer. Look for additional attention to be paid to artificial intelligence and voice analytics.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>While businesses with call centers have long used these types of tools to analyze how their call center agents are operating, we expect an increase in the number of VoIP phone system providers looking to find ways to work these tools into their core offerings for all businesses.</p>\r\n<p>One example of a company already taking these steps is RingCentral. In the fourth quarter of last year, the VoIP phone system provider announced <a href=\"https://www.ringcentral.com/whyringcentral/company/pressreleases/pressreleases-2018/ringcentral-announces-new-voice-analytics-ai-partnerships-with-gongio-thetalake-and-velvetech.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new partnerships</a> with three companies to provide artificial intelligence enabled voice analytics. One of these partnerships is with Velvetech. The company is developing a custom, real-time transcription solution with machine learning capabilities in order to discover insights that help improve the performance of sales teams.</p>\r\n<p>Another trend that took hold last year that we expect to continue is increased emphasis on unified communications. Instead of building phone systems wherein the basic function is to make and receive calls, many VoIP phone system providers have focused their attention on incorporating other communication elements into their platforms. This includes options for instant messaging and video conferencing.</p>\r\n<p>With a growing number of businesses now looking for unified communications features, we expect more VoIP phone system providers to continue adding these tools to their platforms.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>On example of this move toward more unified communications is what Vonage is doing with social messaging. In the fourth quarter of last year, Vonage unveiled a new integration with Facebook Messenger. This allows customers to reply to messages sent in Messenger through all applications of their Vonage service. We see this trend of adding new communication options to the business phone system platform to continue.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"pricing","isInToc":true,"order":7,"tocTitle":"Pricing","type":"container","title":"Pricing","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\n<div id=\"ad_leaderboard\"> </div>\r\n<p>The cost structure for a business VoIP phone system differs based on whether you have a cloud-based or on-premises system.  </p>\r\n<p>Cloud-based systems have monthly fees, but little to no upfront costs. Conversely, on-premises systems have large upfront capital expenditures with small monthly fees.  </p>\r\n<p>The exact prices for each type of system vary based on how many lines you need and how many features you want access to. Cloud-based phone systems can run anywhere from $10 to $75 per user, per month. Your per user cost typically decreases with the more users you have.  </p>\r\n<p>Besides user costs, some providers also charge extra fees for things like additional toll-free numbers, international numbers and vanity numbers. However, since most cloud-based systems are plug-and-play ready, there usually aren't any major installation charges involved. </p>\r\n<p>With on-premises systems, most of your expenses are paid upfront. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per user. The price will depend on how many users you have and how many features are included.  </p>\r\n<p>There are also some significant installation costs to consider with on-premises systems. Since these systems will be housed within your business, they need to be professionally installed, which, at a minimum, will cost a few thousand dollars. There are also smaller monthly fees with on-premises systems for SIP trunking, or PRI circuits, which brings a dial tone into the system.  </p>\r\n<p>The other expense you need to consider with a business VoIP system, regardless of whether you have a cloud-based or on-premises system, is the cost of IP phones. There are a wide variety of handset phones on the market and wide range of price points. Phones can run as cheap as $50 each to more than $400 each.</p>\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"negotiation","isInToc":false,"order":8,"tocTitle":"Negotiation","type":"container","title":"Negotiation","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\n<p>While many VoIP phone system providers have set pricing, there are a few steps you can take to get the best deal:</p>\r\n<ul>\n<li>See if the provider offers discounts for agreeing to a long-term contract or paying for an entire year in advance.</li>\r\n<li>Check if it would give you a lower price to start if you plan on adding more lines in the future.</li>\r\n<li>Ask if it would be willing to match a competitor's cheaper price.</li>\r\n<li>See if it would be willing to give you phones for free if you commit to a long-term contract.</li>\r\n</ul>\n<p>A critical step when signing any contract, regardless of whether the company is willing to negotiate price with you, is to closely read the entire contract before agreeing to anything. You need to make sure the terms of the contract are exactly what you were expecting and don't include any hidden fees or price increases. Be sure to get specific costs of tax and any surcharges. Many businesses are shocked to see their first bills after signing up for a VoIP service because they weren't anticipating ancillary fees like taxes and surcharges.    </p>\r\n<p>It is also imperative that you fully understand the phone system provider's cancellation policy. You need to know how much advance notice is necessary to cancel and whether there are any fees for it. Make sure you have answers to these questions before signing any contract for VoIP phone service.</p>\r\n<p> </p>\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionReviews","id":"reviews","isInToc":true,"order":9,"tocTitle":"Reviews","type":"reviews","intro":"Below are all of our reviews for business VoIP phone systems and related categories. Our coverage includes reviews of the best business VoIP phone systems and VoIP services. See all of our reviews below.","reviews":[{"title":"Nextiva","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/nextiva/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate","widgetId":null,"widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=87&aff_id=1000&source=business-phone-systems&aff_sub3=deal|Ooma&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&url_id=1","name":"HasOffers/Tune"}},"review":{"title":"Nextiva Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5de969cc5a215ec0708b456b/nextiva.png"}},{"title":"RingCentral","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/ringcentral-business-phone-systems/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate","widgetId":null,"widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=102&aff_id=1000&source=business-phone-systems&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&aff_sub3=deal|RingCentral&url_id=1","name":"HasOffers/Tune"}},"review":{"title":"RingCentral Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5de96c9d9c658a7a718b4569/ringcentral.png"}},{"title":"Ooma","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/ooma/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10804","widget":{"id":"10804","cta":"Get Quote","isExclusive":true},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=102&aff_id=1000&source=business-phone-systems&aff_sub3=deal|Ooma&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&url_id=1","name":"Genius"}},"review":{"title":"Ooma Office Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5defc2e17b4374dd448b4567/ooma-c.png"}},{"title":"8x8","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/8x8/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.8x8.com/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"8x8 Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5de962945a215ec0708b4569/8x8lr.png"}},{"title":"Phone.com","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/phone-com/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate","widgetId":null,"widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=98&aff_id=1000&source=business-phone-systems&aff_sub4=revenue|Affiliate&aff_sub3=deal|GetApp&url_id=1","name":"GetApp"}},"review":{"title":"Phone.com Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/ce/52131-phone.com-box.jpg"}},{"title":"GoToConnect","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/gotoconnect/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.goto.com/connect","name":""}},"review":{"title":"GoToConnect Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dd727307b4374801e8b456e/gotoconnect.png"}},{"title":"Dialpad","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/dialpad/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":true,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=97&aff_id=1000&source=business-phone-systems&aff_sub3=deal|Dialpad&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&url_id=1","name":"QT Program"}},"review":{"title":"Dialpad Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/60aeacdb54d26d970a8b4567/dialpad-logo.png"}},{"title":"Vonage","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/vonage/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.vonage.com/business/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"Vonage Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/6048ce119c658ab96e8b4567/vonage_logo.png"}},{"title":"RingByName","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/ringbyname/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.ringbyname.com/pricing.php","name":""}},"review":{"title":"RingByName Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/ce/55235-ringbyname-box.jpg"}},{"title":"OnSIP","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/onsip/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.onsip.com/pricing","name":""}},"review":{"title":"OnSIP Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/ce/68431-onsip-box.jpg"}},{"title":"Comcast Business","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/comcast-business/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"http://business.comcast.com/phone/business","name":""}},"review":{"title":"Comcast Business Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5c9e80945a215e0d2a8b4573/comcast.png"}},{"title":"Digium Switchvox","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/digium/","pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://www.digium.com/","name":null}},"review":{"title":"Digium Switchvox Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dd6ead47b4374a3338b4567/digium.png"}},{"title":"FluentStream","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/fluentstream-voip-software/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.fluentstream.com/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"FluentStream Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5daf15419c658ae0618b456a/fluentstream.png"}},{"title":"Skype","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/skype-for-business-software/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.skype.com/en/new/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"Skype Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/Skypelogo.png"}},{"title":"Avaya","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/avaya/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.avaya.com/en/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"Avaya Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dd6aee89c658a4b398b4569/avaya.png"}},{"title":"Cisco","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/cisco/","pricing":{"isCapped":null,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"no-monetization","widgetId":"","widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":null,"link":"https://www.cisco.com/","name":null}},"review":{"title":"Cisco Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5dd6bab97b4374ec458b4567/cisco.png"}},{"title":"eVoice","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/evoice/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"http://www.evoice.com/plans-pricing","name":""}},"review":{"title":"eVoice Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5de96e949c658aa00b8b4568/evoice.png"}},{"title":"FreedomVoice","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/freedomvoice/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.freedomvoice.com/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"FreedomVoice Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/ce/69067-freedomvoice-box.jpg"}},{"title":"Grasshopper","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/grasshopper/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://grasshopper.com/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"Grasshopper Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5c9e83787b4374702a8b4582/grasshopper3.png"}},{"title":"Mitel","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/mitel/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10144","widget":{"id":"10144","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.mitel.com/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"Mitel Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5c9bfc1d7b437479728b4581/mitel.png"}},{"title":"Highfive","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/highfive-software/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10091","widget":{"id":"10091","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://highfive.com/","name":""}},"review":{"title":"Highfive Software Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/ce/logo_ni-189.png"}},{"title":"RingCentral Office Software","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/ringcentral-office-software/","pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate","widgetId":null,"widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=82&aff_id=1000&source=business-voip-internet-phone&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&aff_sub3=deal|RingCentral&url_id=1","name":"QT Program"}},"review":{"title":"RingCentral Office Software Review"},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/ce/logo_ni-209.png"}}]},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"methodology","isInToc":true,"order":10,"tocTitle":"Methodology","type":"container","title":"Methodology","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\n<p>To determine the best business VoIP phone systems, we started by looking at a comprehensive list of more than 70 phone system providers. To narrow that list down, we separated all of the vendors that had a good online reputation, such as those services that were consistently ranked highly by other websites.  </p>\r\n<p>We also, at periodic intervals, queried business owners to see which services they use. If we got multiple business owners raving about the vendor they use, they were also added to the final list of contenders.  </p>\r\n<p>Finally, we visited each company's website. If a company stood out to us, we added them to the final list. We also eliminated most companies that only served businesses in their local region.  </p>\r\n<p>We ultimately settled narrowed down our pool to: 8x8, Avaya, Booth, Cisco, Dialpad, Digium, ESI, EVoice, FreedomVoice, Grasshopper, Jive, Mitel, Nextiva, OnSip, Ooma Office, Phone.com, RingByName, RingCentral, and Vonage.  </p>\r\n<p>Next, we researched each provider by investigating its services, watching tutorials and how-to videos, and reading user comments. We also contacted each company's customer service department and posed as business owners to gauge the type of support each provider offers its users.</p>\r\n<p>In all, we analyzed each system based on the following factors: </p>\r\n<ul>\n<li>Deployment options</li>\r\n<li>Level of service</li>\r\n<li>Reliability</li>\r\n<li>Customer service</li>\r\n<li>Calling features</li>\r\n<li>Collaboration tools</li>\r\n<li>Mobility options</li>\r\n<li>Cost</li>\r\n<li>Better Business Bureau accreditation, ratings and complaints</li>\r\n</ul>\n"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"infographic","isInToc":true,"order":11,"tocTitle":"Infographic","type":"container","title":"Understanding VoiP Phone Systems Infographic","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"<figure class=\"alignleft full\"><picture><source srcset=\"/images/content/5a9/6c8d151ee47245f8b457f/1200_-2257- 1200w, /images/content/5a9/6c8d151ee47245f8b457f/668_-1256- 668w, /images/content/5a9/6c8d151ee47245f8b457f/320_-601- 320w\" sizes=\"668px, 100%\"></source><img src=\"/images/content/5a9/6c8d151ee47245f8b457f/2000-3762-\" alt=\"Understanding VoiP Phone Systems\" width=\"2000\" height=\"3762\" data-content-img-id=\"5a96c8d151ee47245f8b457f\"></picture><figcaption class=\"mceNonEditable\">Credit: Grant Reinero</figcaption><div class=\"attributionLink\">Source: <a class=\"img_credit mceNonEditable\" href=\"https://www.business.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business.com</a>\n</div>\r\n</figure>"}},{"__typename":"SectionContainer","id":"state-of-the-industry","isInToc":true,"order":12,"tocTitle":"State of the Industry","type":"container","title":"State of the Industry","container":{"isBuyingGuide":false,"html":"\n<p>The introduction of VoIP has given the business phone system industry a dramatic makeover in recent years. A growing number of businesses have forgone traditional landline technology in favor of VoIP systems.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>Research shows that with <a href=\"http://www.ringbyname.com/benefits-of-voip-how-does-voip-work/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landline services losing 500,000 customers a month</a>, the VoIP market is expected to grow by 10 percent every year through 2020.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>Typically operated by local phone companies, landline systems run on copper wiring, and require businesses to purchase and maintain a large amount of expensive PBX equipment.  <span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>The move to VoIP systems can be attributed to a number of factors, including cost and convenience. VoIP systems run on the same internet connection used to get online. While you can have an on-premises VoIP system, many businesses are forgoing the upfront expenses by using a cloud-based offering. Instead of investing in expensive equipment, you pay a monthly fee for each user with cloud-hosted VoIP phone systems.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>Research has shown businesses see significant savings when moving from landline to VoIP phone systems. Research by RingByName found that companies that <a href=\"https://www.ringbyname.com/benefits-of-voip-how-does-voip-work/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">switch to VoIP save between 50 and 75 percent</a>. In addition, small businesses save about 40 percent on local call costs with VoIP.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> </span></p>\r\n<p>Ease of use is another factor for why some businesses are switching to VoIP. These phone systems require no maintenance and include a wealth of valuable calling and collaboration features. Overall, VoIP systems offer upwards of 100 features and tools.</p>\n"}}],"author":{"name":"Chad Brooks","bio":"Chad Brooks is a Chicago-based writer and editor who has spent more than 20 years in media. A 1998 journalism graduate of Indiana University, Chad began his career with Business News Daily in 2011 as a freelance writer. In 2014, he joined the staff full time as a senior writer. Before Business News Daily, Chad spent nearly a decade as a staff reporter for the Daily Herald in suburban Chicago, covering a wide array of topics including local and state government, crime, the legal system and education. Chad has also worked on the other side of the media industry, promoting small businesses throughout the United States for two years in a public relations role. His first book, How to Start a Home-Based App Development Business, was published in 2014.","thumbnail":null,"status":"enabled","type":"Staff","slug":null,"title":null,"image":null,"social":{"facebook":"","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-brooks-6876b1148/","twitter":"https://twitter.com/cbrooks76","website":"https://www.business.com"}},"breadcrumbs":null,"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Human Resources","slug":"human-resources"},"sub":{"name":"HR Solutions","slug":"hr-solutions"}},"tocElements":[{"id":"overview","title":"Overview"},{"id":"what-to-expect","title":"What to Expect "},{"id":"pricing","title":"Pricing"},{"id":"reviews","title":"Reviews"},{"id":"methodology","title":"Methodology"},{"id":"infographic","title":"Infographic"},{"id":"state-of-the-industry","title":"State of the Industry"}],"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/VOIPBrianAJackson.jpg","caption":"","isBlurred":false},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Our team of experts has compared the best VoIP services for 2020. See up-to-date comparisons, reviews and costs for the top rated services.","title":"Best Business VoIP and Internet Phone System Reviews of 2020 - business.com"}}},"pageContext":{"displayModified":"2019-01-08T08:00:00.000Z","title":"The Best Business VoIP Phone Systems for 2020","template":"seo","meta":{"robots":"index, follow"},"docType":"categories","slug":"business-voip-internet-phone","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/categories/business-voip-internet-phone/"}},"staticQueryHashes":[]}