If there’s one thing any modern entrepreneur needs, it’s the ability to 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 dried. With hundreds of iPhone VoIP apps to choose from, you might be feeling lost in a sea of options. Which app works best for your business, and where should you start?
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 eight top options for business.
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:
Provider | Starting Price | Unlimited calling to US & Canada | SMS/MMS to US and Canada | Shared phone numbers | Additional phone numbers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OpenPhone | $15 per user per month | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $5 per number per month |
Google Voice | $16 per user per month (must have Google Workspace) | Unlimited calls to Canada from the US only | US customers only | Requires upgrade (ring groups only) | X |
Skype | Credit-based pricing | X | X | X | Cost varies (up to 10 phone numbers) |
Line2 | $15.99 per user per month | ✓ | Unlimited text in US only | Requires upgrade | Requires upgrade (up to 5 phone numbers) |
Vonage | $19.99 per user per month (1-year contract for new customers) | ✓ | Local US and Canadian numbers only | Requires upgrade or $4.99 add-on for each call group | $14.99 per number per month |
Nextiva | $18.95 per user per month | ✓ | Requires upgrade | ✓ | Contact for a quote |
RingCentral | $20 per user per month | ✓ | 25 messages per user per month | ✓ | $4.99 per number per month |
GoTo Connect | Contact for a quote | X | For US & Canadian customers only | ✓ (up to 8 phones) | Contact for a quote |
8 best VoIP apps for iPhone
Now that you know what to look for with an iPhone VoIP solution, here are eight apps that can help you streamline your business communication.
1. OpenPhone: Best iPhone VoIP app for growing teams
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.
If you need to use OpenPhone with your team, no one is left in the dust. OpenPhone has a downloadable VoIP app for Android, Mac, and PC. Plus, you can use the OpenPhone web app to easily call and text from your browser. 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.
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 iPhones.
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 the device they’re using. Plus, teams can make VoIP phone 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
Get a virtual phone number in minutes
How to get a virtual internet phone number
You can obtain a virtual phone number with OpenPhone in three simple steps:
- Sign up for an account with OpenPhone — when you sign up, you can try out OpenPhone free for seven days.
- During signup, select your city or area code in the US or Canada to pick your phone number or select a North American toll-free number.
- Verify your account with an existing phone number and a credit card.
During the signup process, you’ll be asked for a credit card to help keep bad actors off the platform, but you can try calling from your computer for free to confirm it’s a great fit. And when your trial is set to expire, we’ll even email you a heads-up to the email address you used to sign up.
If you run into any issues during the signup process, fill out this form to reach our support team.
2. Google Voice: Best budget iPhone VoIP app for solopreneurs
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).
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
However, Google Voice can be problematic for businesses with multiple members. Only one number is available per account, and no shared numbers are available if your team needs to work together to build relationships with customers over the phone. 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 – 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: Best pay-as-you-go option for international calls
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.
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
And Skype’s calling features are pretty bare-bones. Besides caller ID and two-way SMS, there isn’t much else. But you can purchase local numbers (up to 10) to provide more personal service to your clients.
Keep in mind 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’s 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 to call or text 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: Best iPhone VoIP app with dual-line support
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. And while you can make unlimited calls and texts in Canada and the US, texts outside the US cost extra.
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’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 annually for a small discount.
- Monthly: $15.99 per month billed monthly
- Annual: $13.75 per month billed annually
5. Vonage: Best iPhone VoIP app with video conferencing
Vonage provides lean functionality with its iOS mobile app. It allows users to communicate through calling, texting, and video conferencing. Pricing is lower compared to standard carriers, but Vonage as a VoIP phone costs more than some other providers.
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 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 or fewer users pay the following prices:
- Mobile: $13.99 per line per month for team messaging and select third-party integrations
- Premium: $20.99 per line per month for multi-level auto-attendants and CRM integrations
- Advanced: $27.99 per line per month for on-demand call recordings and visual voicemails
6. Nextiva: Best iPhone VoIP app with conversational analytics
Nextiva offers unlimited calling in the US and Canada, making it a solid choice for users looking for a reliable iPhone VoIP app. Its starter plan includes conversational analytics, which is helpful if you want to gain insights from calls without extra costs.
Pros
- Generous toll-free minutes
- Call log reports
- Threaded conversations
Cons
- Texting requires upgrade
- Voicemail transcriptions require upgrade
- Not very scalable
It’s worth noting that Nextiva’s base plan lacks SMS/MMS support, call recording, and voicemail transcriptions. If texting or sending images to customers in a cost-effective way is a priority, a Nextiva alternative may be a better choice for your business.
Nextiva key features
- Audio voicemail
- Local or toll-free numbers
- Unlimited digital fax
- Integrations with Outlook and Google Contacts
- Video conference calls (up to 45 minutes)
Nextiva pricing
- Essential: $18.95 per user per month for unlimited internet fax, auto-attendant, and 24/7 support
- Professional: $22.95 per user per month to unlock SMS/MMS, CRM integrations, and voicemail transcriptions
- Enterprise: $32.95 per user per month to unlock unlimited call recording, unlimited video meetings, and Microsoft Teams integration
7. RingCentral: Best VoIP app for iPhone with legacy phone features
With RingCentral, you can manage calls, texts, video meetings, and team chats directly from your iPhone. It’s easy to set up and use, and each plan includes a free business or toll-free number. If you work from an office, you can also set up internet fax and desk phones.
Pros
- Unlimited calling in the US and Canada
- Google and Microsoft integrations
- Shared phone numbers
Cons
- Desk phones only available with multi-year contracts
- Texting limited to 25 texts per month
- Toll-free minutes limited to 100 minutes per month
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, RingCentral may fall short in a few different aspects. If you want third-party integrations, automatic call recording, or analytics, you’ll have to upgrade to the second-tier plan — $25 per user per month. Texting comes with limitations as well. You can only send up to 25 texts per user per month on their base plan and store 5,000 texts per user.
Ringcentral key features
- Voicemail to text
- Desk phone rentals
- ‘Enhanced’ business SMS
- Team messaging
- File sharing
- Unlimited calling in the US and Canada
RingCentral pricing
- Core: $20 per user per month for unlimited domestic calling, SMS and MMS, and IVR
- Advanced: $25 per user per month to unlock automatic call recording, integrations (including Salesforce), and call monitoring
- Ultra: $35 per user per month to access unlimited video conferencing, business analytics, and unlimited storage
8. GoTo Connect: Best iPhone VoIP app with integrations
GoTo Connect combines basic calling and texting features with tools like video meetings and screen-sharing, all accessible through its iPhone app. The platform integrates with many popular business tools, including Salesforce, Zendesk, and Miro.
Pros
- Mobile and desktop apps
- Auto-attendants and call queues
Cons
- No unlimited calling
- Texting only available in the US and Canada
- Shared numbers capped at eight devices
While GoTo Connect may look good on paper, it comes with limitations. Toll-free minutes are capped at 1,000 minutes per month, shared between users. Texting maxes out at 80 messages per user per month. Finally, there are no shared numbers unless you upgrade.
GoTo Connect key features
- Local, vanity, and toll-free numbers
- Call forwarding
- Call routing
- Call management queues
- Instant responses
GoTo Connect pricing
GoTo Connect’s pricing plans aren’t directly listed online. It only provides an overview of their different communication plans. While its last publicly listed prices started at $27 per user per month, you’ll have to contact the company directly for an accurate quote.
How we ranked the best VoIP apps for iPhone
We trialed multiple second phone number apps to determine which platforms stood out. Once we trialed the software, we used reviews from G2 and TrustRadius to back up our research with others’ experiences.
We compiled all this information 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 cost-effective prices for plans.
- Interface: We trialed each provider and then 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: We looked for VoIP apps that come with modern features that make communication a breeze, including additional features that grow alongside your brand, such as call routing, automation, and AI.
- Reach: We looked for VoIP apps that reach contacts all over the world. Whether you’re in the US or 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.
How to make calls from an iPhone
If you’re still not sold on using a VoIP app, you can always make calls from your iPhone. Let’s explore these options below.
- Use a regular SIM: The standard SIM card provided by your network carrier lets you make calls using your provider’s network, typically through a plan that includes voice calling minutes. A regular SIM ties you to one number, and international plans can get pricey.
- Use an eSIM: If your iPhone supports eSIM technology, you can opt for an embedded SIM card. eSIMs offer the convenience of cell service without the need for a physical SIM card. You can switch between phone numbers and carriers using an eSIM — but you’ll need an eSIM-compatible device and may need to activate it before traveling.
- Use a cloud-based VoIP: A VoIP service allows you to make calls over the internet and bypass traditional phone providers. You likely already use (or have heard about) VoIP apps such as WhatsApp to call and text numbers from anywhere in the world.
A VoIP provider such as OpenPhone takes this technology a step further by integrating business features such as shared phone numbers, business hours, and texting automation.
5 benefits of using a VoIP app for iPhone
Let’s dive deeper into the benefits of a VoIP app built for business use.
- Work from anywhere: VoIP apps enable you to stay connected regardless of your location, allowing you to make and receive calls over WiFi or cell data. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or traveling, you can maintain communication without having to set up call forwarding.
- Cut costs: VoIP providers often offer significantly lower rates for domestic and international calls and texts compared to traditional phone services. Plus, you get access to features cell carriers don’t typically provide, such as call transferring and ring groups to help manage calls.
- Manage calls as a team: A VoIP app allows you to easily transfer calls between colleagues, set up call groups, and collaborate on calls using internal notes. These features help you provide better customer service.
- Integrate your phone system with other tools: Most VoIP apps integrate with popular business tools such as CRM software, email platforms, and project management tools. This helps you streamline workflows by accessing relevant information and tools directly from your communication platform.
- Save time with automation: Tools such as auto-replies to text messages, templated messages, and call recording help your team save time. This frees them up to focus on providing a superior experience for your customers.
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 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. On the other hand, 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 headaches.
VoIP systems without integrations are no different from traditional carriers.
3. How intuitive is the 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 time.
To avoid this, you’ll want to choose a modernized app that works as easily as the default calling on your cell phone. 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 a 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 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 are 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 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 them 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 do they last? 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, meeting 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.
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 take repetitive work off your plate 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.
Yes. The best VoIP providers let you use 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 at 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.
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:
1. Create an account with OpenPhone (when you sign up, you get a free, seven-day trial).
2. During signup, choose your city or area code in the US to select your preferred phone number.
3. Once the signup process is complete, you’re all set to use your new VoIP phone number!