Turning to an iPhone VoIP just makes sense for the modern entrepreneur. Almost anywhere you work, you can immediately receive calls and texts using a device that’s already in your pocket (and without using your personal number).
But picking the perfect softphone isn’t quite so cut and dry. With hundreds of VoIP options to choose from, you might be feeling lost in a sea of options. Which app works best for your business, and where should you get started?
Luckily, we’ve got your back.
In this article, we take a closer look at the factors that go into finding the best VoIP app for iPhone, as well as five top options for business.
5 best VoIP apps for iPhone
Now that you know what to look out for with an iPhone VoIP solution, here are five apps that can help you streamline your business communication.
1. OpenPhone
Pros
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Add numbers for free as your business grows
- Store call recordings with additional context
- Cost-effective for growing teams
Cons
- No support for mass texts
- No guaranteed two-factor authentication texts*
*This is a limitation for all second phone number apps on iPhone.
OpenPhone’s modern VoIP solution and Apple iOS go together like two peas in a pod. You can use all the native features of your iPhone with a number from OpenPhone to avoid making business calls with your personal ID. Plus, you can get multiple phone numbers within US and Canadian area codes along with toll-free phone numbers in North America.
How to get a VoIP phone number with OpenPhone
Getting a new phone number from almost anywhere in the world is a simple process when you choose OpenPhone as your virtual phone number provider. Follow these three steps:
- Create an account with OpenPhone (when you sign up, you get a free, seven-day trial).
- During signup, choose your city or area code in the US to select your preferred phone number.
- Once the signup process is complete, you’re all set to use your new VoIP phone number!
And if you need to use OpenPhone with your team, no one is left in the dust. OpenPhone also has a VoIP app for Android.
Have existing phone number(s) linked with a less flexible VoIP app? Don’t sweat it — you can use OpenPhone’s number porting feature to get all new features with your same number.
When you get a VoIP number from OpenPhone, you can create shared phone numbers that allow teams to collaborate in real-time. Shared numbers allow everyone to answer incoming calls on whatever device they’re using; teams can make VoIP calls simultaneously using the same number.
OpenPhone’s VoIP solution is designed to grow alongside your team. Our lightweight CRM lets you add unlimited contacts and custom contact properties so you can more effectively build relationships with them.
We also offer thousands of integrations that create dedicated workflows for automatic logging, voicemail forwarding, repeat text messages, and more. You can save time on your routine communication workflows in thousands of ways with Slack, HubSpot, and Zapier.
Try out OpenPhone free with a seven-day trial.
OpenPhone key features
- Unlimited phone numbers in the US and Canada
- Access to North American toll-free numbers
- Enhanced collaboration with shared phone numbers
- SMS and MMS texting
- Auto-replies and snippets
- Zapier, HubSpot CRM, and Slack integrations
- Compatible with any iOS system (macOS, iPadOS, etc.) along with Windows and Android devices
OpenPhone pricing
- Starter: $15 per user per month for free calls and texts in the US and Canada, on-demand call recordings, voicemail to text, and more
- Business: $23 per user per month for call transfers, phone menus (IVR), advanced auto-attendants, and CRM integrations
- Enterprise: Call for a personalized quote to unlock audit logs and dedicated account managers
2. Google Voice
Pros
- Calls sync across multiple devices
- Can share responsibility for incoming calls on paid plans
Cons
- No toll-free numbers
- Calls, texts, and voicemails live in separate folders
- No ability to collaborate from a shared inbox
Google Voice is another well-known mobile VoIP service. Their legacy-free VoIP system expands the calling capabilities and features of the iPhone and can synchronize across multiple devices (think your laptop or tablet).
However, Google Voice can be problematic for businesses with multiple members. Only one number is available per account, and no shared numbers are available for teamwork purposes. Even if you’re a solopreneur, being limited to just one phone number could cost you business in the future.
While Google Voice for personal use is free, Google Voice for Google Workspace (the business plan) does cost money. It’s $10 per user per month to access the basic plan and $6 per month to access Google Workspace. That’s a minimum of $16 per user per month – and just for the lowest tier plan.
Once you sign up for Google Voice, you may also run into other major issues as Voice doesn’t offer auto-replies or toll-free numbers. Calls, voicemail, and text messages also live in separate folders in Google Voice’s mobile app, making it far more time-consuming to catch up on conversations.
Google Voice key features
- Free voice calls to Canada from the US
- Unlimited SMS in the US
- Voicemail transcription
- Google Meet and Google Calendar integrations
- Ring groups (upgrade required)
Google Voice pricing
- Starter: $10 per user per month for call forwarding and text messaging in the US only (up to 10 users max)
- Standard: $20 per user per month for on-demand call recording and ring groups
- Premier: $30 per user per month for automatic call recording and advanced reporting through BigQuery
3. Skype
Pros
- Purchase up to 10 local numbers
- Free calls to other Skype users
Cons
- Have to purchase a subscription for calls and texts to mobile devices and landlines
- Only incoming calls are free
- Limited feature set
Skype, one of the oldest players in the VoIP space, also offers an iPhone app. You can use Skype for iOS to make free video and voice calls with up to 100 Skype users. Unfortunately though, your free phone number can only receive incoming calls. To make calls to mobile devices or landlines, you’d have to purchase a subscription or credits.
And Skype’s calling features are pretty bareboned. Besides caller ID and two-way SMS, there isn’t much else. But yes, you can purchase local numbers (up to 10) to provide a more personal service to your clients.
Finally, remember that Skype isn’t a long-term solution for growing teams. After phasing out Skype for Business, Microsoft only recommends the phone service for teams of 20 or fewer employees.
Skype subscription for calls within the United States costs $2.99 per month for up to 2,000 minutes.
Skype key features
- Free calls and video chat with Skype users
- Local phone numbers in up to 25 countries
- Caller ID and SMS support
- Voicemail
Skype pricing
With Skype, you don’t have to pay when calling or texting other Skype users. However, you do have to purchase credits or buy a subscription plan to reach mobile phones or landline numbers.
The price you pay for Skype credits depends on the location you want to reach. For example, calls within the United States cost $2.54 per month for unlimited minutes.
You can also upgrade to different packages:
- US and Canada Subscription: $3.39 per month to reach Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US.
- North America Subscription: $5.54 per month to reach American Samoa, Canada, Guam, Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the US, and the US Virgin Islands
- World Subscription: $11.89 per month to reach 63+ international locations
You can also purchase Skype credits if you want to bundle minutes in smaller packages. Prices start at $5 for up to 165 mins in specific countries.
4. Line2
Pros
- Unlimited calls within the US and Canada
- SMS and MMS support
Cons
- No shared phone numbers for team members
- Doesn’t sync with tools in your tech stack
Line2 is a VoIP service provider that lets you use multiple lines on its iPhone app. However, you can’t set up a shared phone number for your team members. You can make unlimited calls and texts in Canada and the US, though texts outside the US cost extra.
Line2’s base business phone plan essentially replicates the features your iPhone already offers.
Setup only takes minutes — create an account and download the app from Apple’s app store — but if you’re looking to sync your virtual phone system with other apps you use via integrations, you won’t find the option in Line2.
Line2 key features
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- Merged calling (up to 99 callers)
- Phone number porting (takes up to five weeks)
- VoIP call forwarding service
Line2 pricing
All Line2 plans come with the same set of features. You have two options: pay monthly, or pay annual for a small discount.
- Monthly: $15.99 per month billed monthly
- Annual: $13.75 per month billed annually
5. Vonage
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Call, text, and video conferencing features
Cons
- Must upgrade for call recordings and voicemail transcriptions
- Toll-free numbers and business text messaging only available to US customers
Vonage provides lean functionality with its iOS mobile app. It allows users to communicate through calling, texting, and video conferencing. Pricing is lower compared with standard carriers, but Vonage as a VoIP costs more than some other providers.
Vonage offers call recordings and voicemail transcriptions, but these features are only available with the Premium plan. Also, many essential features — like toll-free numbers and business text messaging — are only offered to US-based customers. If your business makes a lot of international calls, you might be better off choosing another app.
Vonage key features
- Call forwarding
- On-demand call recording (requires upgrade)
- Contact list import
- Voicemail transcriptions (requires upgrade)
Vonage pricing
Vonage’s business plans vary widely based on how many users you need to sign up. If you’re a solopreneur, you can expect to pay more.
Teams with four users or fewer have to pay the following prices:
- Mobile: $19.99 per line per month for team messaging and select third-party integrations
- Premium: $29.99 per line per month for multi-level auto-attendants and CRM integrations
- Advanced: $39.99 per line per month for on-demand call recordings and visual voicemails
How the best iPhone VoIP apps compare side by side
Looking for an easy way to see how each of these apps stacks up? Check out our comparison chart below:
| OpenPhone | Google Voice | Skype | Line2 | Vonage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Starts at $15 per user per month | Starts at $16 per month per user (including Workspace subscription) | Credit-based pricing | Starts at $15.99 per month per user | Starts at $19.99 per month per line |
| Unlimited calling to US & Canada | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | ✓ |
| SMS, MMS | ✓ | ✓ | X | Unlimited text in US only | MMS requires API |
| Voicemail transcriptions | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Requires upgrade | Requires upgrade |
| Business hour settings | ✓ | ✓ | X | Requires upgrade | ✓ |
| Call recording | ✓ | Requires upgrade | ✓ | $14.99 per month per number | Requires upgrade; 15 hours max |
| Shared phone numbers | ✓ | X | X | Requires upgrade | $14.99 per month per extension |
| Auto-attendant (virtual receptionist) | ✓ | Requires upgrade | X | X | Requires upgrade |
| Auto-replies | ✓ | X | X | X | Requires upgrade |
| Slack integration | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Zapier integration | ✓ | X | X | X | ✓ |
| CRM integration | Requires upgrade | X | ✓ | X | Requires upgrade |
| iOS and Android apps | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser app | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Desktop apps | ✓ | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
How we ranked the best VoIP apps for iPhone
We trialed multiple second phone number apps to determine which platforms stood out from the rest. Once we trialed the software ourselves, we used reviews from G2 and TrustRadius to back up our research with others’ experiences.
We compiled all this information together to make an informed decision. Then, we ranked our top five best VoIP apps for iPhone based on six criteria:
- Pricing: Money isn’t everything, but the price you pay for a VoIP could have a significant impact on your bottom line. We chose competitive virtual phone number providers with the most effective prices for plans.
- Interface: We selected intuitive platforms that were easy to navigate and understand. That way, you can get a second phone number with as little hassle as possible.
- Features: The best VoIP apps come with modernized features that make communication a breeze, including additional features that grow alongside your brand.
- Reach: We looked for VoIP apps that reach contacts all over the world. Whether you’re in the US or just want to connect with customers overseas, you should have that option with your provider.
- Integrations: Modern business phone numbers should connect your favorite platforms and automate unnecessary tasks. For this reason, we picked VoIP solutions with at least one or more third-party integrations.
6 things to consider when selecting a VoIP app for iPhone
Whether you’re a lean startup or an established business, you’ll want to select a VoIP app that makes daily communications a snap.
Here are six factors you should consider when choosing a VoIP app for your iPhone:
1. Do you need a local or toll-free number?
The type of business phone number you choose to use will set underlying expectations for clients. For example, a local number that starts with a familiar area code might encourage customers to pick up the phone. In contrast, toll-free phone numbers aren’t tied to a specific region but let anyone in the US, Canada, and many other North American regions and countries call you for free. Plus, toll-free numbers can give your business a professional and high-profile appearance.
If you can’t seem to pick between the two, you can always get both with the right provider.
2. What integrations do they offer?
One of the best things about VoIP is its ability to connect with thousands of other platforms. From CRMs to accounting software, you can create workflows that save dozens of hours, hundreds of dollars, and countless future headaches.
VoIP systems without integrations are no different from traditional carriers.
3. How intuitive is their app?
A confusing VoIP app could seriously damage your business. Spending too much time on dashboards that aren’t user-friendly could throw curveballs into your team’s workflow, costing you customers and precious time.
To avoid this, you’ll want to choose a modernized app with a UX as good as its UI. An easier adoption process means you won’t spend all your time training the team — or waiting to hear back from your business phone provider’s customer support.
4. How can you access the app?
You’re not always going to be somewhere with landline — but you’ll still need to make calls. Be sure your VoIP app can run on the devices you use every day, including smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and more.
The best of the best VoIP apps (like OpenPhone) let you make free calls and texts so long as your iPhone has a stable internet connection. If you need to step away from your desk but still on a call, you can switch to your data plan to keep the conversation going. And if you ever wanted to access your number from something other than your iPhone, you can click to call on your Mac to reach contacts in seconds. How’s that for accessibility?
5. What features do they offer that can save you time?
The VoIP app you choose should be filled to the brim with tools that make your life easier.
A few key features to keep in mind include:
- Voicemail to text: Features like voicemail transcription can be a lifesaver, especially while on the go. Quickly skim through translated text without having to download an audio file or call a voicemail inbox.
- Auto-attendants: By using a phone menu that greets callers and gives them options to reach different departments, you can automatically route callers to the right information and teammates. Plus, you can deliver the phone presence of a large company — even if it’s just you.
- Call analytics: How many calls are you getting? How long are they lasting? Analytics should solve all this and more.
6. How scalable is their offering?
Your business is going to grow — it’s just a matter of when. And if you don’t have the right VoIP app in place, rising to meet greater demands can feel impossible. What if your plan only allows a certain number of users? Can you get additional numbers or create shared numbers for teams? In a nutshell, you should choose a VoIP solution that grows as your business grows.
VoIP apps for iPhone frequently asked questions
Yes. The best VoIP providers let you use both your computer and iPhone through the provider’s mobile and desktop apps. That way, you can call and text from your VoIP phone number from whichever device is most convenient for you any time.
To make free calls, you’ll first need to subscribe to a VoIP provider. The best providers will include free calling to the US and Canada with their plans along with free texting to each country. Then download the provider’s iPhone app to make calls on your smartphone.
The best VoIP app for iPhone: OpenPhone
If you heavily rely on your iPhone to manage your business communications, OpenPhone may be the best VoIP app for your business. OpenPhone offers plenty of automation features and integrations to make your life easier, so you can provide top-notch service directly from your cell phone. Plus, with the convenience of receiving business VoIP calls to any of your iOS devices (Mac, iPad, or iPhone) — you won’t have to worry about missing important calls or texts when your iPhone is charging. Start your free trial of OpenPhone today.
