8 Ooma alternatives for your business phone system

So you’re thinking about using Ooma as your business phone? Great! That means you understand the benefits and flexibility of a VoIP system.

But Ooma’s just one of many VoIP phone systems on the market — and it’s not the best fit for every business. In this guide, we’ll help you make an informed decision by sharing the eight best Ooma competitors on the market.

What you need to know about Ooma

As you may already know, Ooma’s VoIP phone system serves homeowners and business owners. It works alongside analog phones, Ooma’s proprietary IP phones, iOS or Android smartphones, and desktop or laptop computers.

Ooma allows remote workers to place or answer calls from any device using your company’s phone number. If you set up the system using PBX, you may need to rent an Ooma Office Base Station (like Ooma Telo, but for businesses) or purchase its proprietary IP phones. 

Why small businesses choose Ooma alternatives

If your goal is to decrease telephony costs for your business, then Ooma certainly delivers. But if you’re looking to integrate your phone system with the tools you already use, Ooma may fall short. 

Perhaps their broad product offering — phones, internet security devices, etc. — prevents them from focusing on building a great business phone system.   

See for yourself:

Limited insights on your team’s performance

Ooma doesn’t make it easy to keep an eye on your team.

For example, call analytics is only available on Ooma Office Pro, which is $24.95 per user per month. Even if you upgrade, there aren’t any analytics for texting, so you might have to guestimate your team’s messaging volume.

Ooma also doesn’t offer shared phone numbers, which means your team can’t work together to answer calls, texts, and voicemails.

These factors may be a dealbreaker for teams that need to work together to provide great customer service and support.

Speaking of customer service. . .

Unreliable service

According to several customer reviews, Ooma’s phone service may not be reliable. Call quality issues, missing texts, and not-so-user-friendly applications are common complaints. 

To make matters worse, the customer support team may not be responsive. Multiple users cite waiting for weeks only to be told there was ‘nothing Ooma could do.’

See for yourself:

• “…The quality of the phone service proved to be very poor overall. Calls were dropped, noise in the background, etc. I cancelled after 20 months. A month after cancelling, I was charged $129.99. [Ooma] is insisting I have to pay the charge or return the equipment at my expense even though that is contrary to the terms explained to me when I both enrolled and later cancelled the account. It is still up in the air.” — Trustpilot
• “This company has very bad call quality and very poor customer service. When I try to cancel using their online customer service, I am told I need to call. When I call, they keep me on the phone for 20 minutes, asking me for information and then attempting to upsell me when I have already expressed my displeasure with their cancellation procedures.” — Trustpilot
• “I got Ooma for my business. Horrible decision. I spent countless hours with tech support. [The] issue lasted for months. They claimed it was the other phones I had, not the one they sent me. … The new phone created a new set of issues. Again I spent hours on the phone with Ooma.” — Trustpilot

Limited integration capabilities

Ooma’s only integrations are with Google and Office 365 — and you can only access them on the second-highest tier (Pro). Salesforce and HubSpot integrations are available, but these are only included on the most expensive plan (Pro Plus).

Want to integrate your softphone with tools not on the integration list? You’ll have to upgrade to Ooma’s Enterprise tier. Keep in mind this is a totally separate plan that requires a contract, custom onboarding, and lots of expensive equipment.

Basic phone features require upgrades

Unless you’re managing legacy hardware, Ooma’s base plan doesn’t offer many useful features. Intercom and overhead paging support, for example, don’t make much sense if you’re a remote or distributed business.

You also can’t access text messaging or video conferencing unless you pay for the Pro plan, which means Ooma isn’t really a ‘unified communications platform’ unless you upgrade.

You also have to upgrade for bare-bones features that most VoIP providers offer on their base plans. This includes: 

Ooma pricing

There are three Ooma Office pricing plans:

• Essentials: $19.95 per user per month for unlimited calls in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, virtual receptionists, extension call monitoring, and access to the mobile app
• Pro: $24.95 per user per month for video calling (25 participants max), call recording, text messages (250 texts per user per month), and more
• Pro Plus: $29.95 per user per month for CRM integrations, team chat, hotdesking, call queues, 1,000 text messages per user per month, and more

8 Ooma alternatives

Almost every VoIP service can help your business make and receive calls over the internet. However, each one comes with different features and functionality — and some have big differences price-wise.

With this in mind, here are eight of the best alternative phone systems to Ooma:

Provider	Starting price	Unlimited calling to US & Canada	Unlimited SMS/MMS to US & Canada	Shared phone numbers	Additional phone numbers
Ooma	$19.95 per user per month	✓	Requires upgrade	✓	$4.99 per number month
OpenPhone	$15 per user per month	✓	✓	✓	$5 per number per month
RingCentral	$20 per user per month	✓ (limited toll-free minutes)	X (25 messages per user per month)	Calls only	$4.99 per number per month
Nextiva	$20 per user per month	X	X	Shared call appearance only	Undisclosed fee
Vonage	$13.99 per user per month	✓	✓	X	$4.99 per local number ($39.99 per toll-free number)
Grasshopper	$14 per user per month	✓	✓	✓	$9 per number per month
Google Voice	$16 per user per month (including Google Workspace)	Unlimited calls to Canada from the US only	US customers only	Requires upgrade (ring groups only)	X
magicJack	$15.99 per month per line	US and Canada (select regions only)	Continental US only	X	$5 per month
Dialpad	$15 per user per month	✓	US & Canadian customers only	✓	Requires upgrade, then $5 to $15 per month

1. OpenPhone: The best choice for growing small businesses

Pros

• Free unlimited calling and texting (SMS/ MMS) in the US and Canada
• Take calls as a team with shared numbers
• Intuitive user interface
• 7,000+ integrations 

Cons

• No verification through two-factor authentication*

*Nearly all virtual phone numbers share this problem. For safety reasons, companies like Facebook, Uber, and Google rarely let you authenticate accounts through a virtual phone number.

OpenPhone is a cloud-based business phone system designed for startups, small businesses, and individuals. We designed our platform to be intuitive and simple so you can hit the ground running — no expensive onboarding or training courses required.

Features like call recording, shared phone numbers, text message templates, and auto-replies come standard with every plan, whether you want to use your mobile device, laptop, or web browser. Whenever you’re ready, you can upgrade to our Business plan to access ring order, auto-attendants, and out-of-the-box CRM integrations with tools you already use (think Slack, Zapier, and HubSpot).

Try OpenPhone for yourself by signing up for a free seven-day trial.

Key features of OpenPhone

• Free SMS and MMS to any US or Canadian number
• Call recording
• Caller ID
• Mobile, desktop, and web apps
• Call forwarding
• Call routing

OpenPhone pricing

OpenPhone’s pricing is simple and transparent — with no added expenses or hidden fees.

• Starter: $15 per user per month for unlimited calls to the US and Canada, integrations with workflow tools, low international calling and messaging rates, and more
• Business: $23 per user per month for call transfer, analytics and reporting, integrations with HubSpot and other CRMs, interactive voice response (IVR), and more
• Enterprise: Custom price for a dedicated account manager and priority support 

2. RingCentral: The best choice for Microsoft Teams

Pros

• Voice, video, and text message capabilities
• Integrates with Microsoft Teams on the base plan

Cons

• Limited text messages
• Limited toll-free minutes
• No unlimited storage

Long-term industry player RingCentral is a popular VoIP system designed for large enterprises. It has all the business phone number features you’d expect from a VoIP service, plus a wide range of integrations (such as Microsoft Teams) and APIs to customize your system.  

If you compare Ooma vs RingCentral, you’ll see RingCentral comes with pricey limitations. Startups and smaller businesses may find it too expensive to upgrade for more toll-free minutes and text messages (since you only get 100 pooled toll-free minutes and 25 text messages per user on the base plan).

Speaking of storage space, there’s no way to get ‘unlimited’ storage with RingCentral — even if you upgrade to the most expensive tier. Considering most VoIP platforms offer unlimited storage on every plan, this is a costly limitation that could affect your business down the line.

Key features of RingCentral

• Unlimited calls in the US and Canada
• SMS and MMS (limited messages per month)
• Toll-free number support (limited minutes per month)
• Integrations with Slack, Office 365, and more
• HD video calls

RingCentral pricing

• Core: $20 per user per month for unlimited calls in the US and Canada, IVR, visual voicemail, AI video meeting transcriptions, and more
• Advanced: $25 per user per month for CRM integrations, business analytics, unlimited internet fax, hot desking, call management tools (e.g., call barging), and more
• Ultra: $35 per user per month for unlimited AI video meetings, device analytics/alerts, and unlimited storage for files and records (still subject to time-based deletion policies)

If you want additional features for customer support reps, you’ll need to purchase RingCentral’s Contact Center plan. There are four other service options outside of RingCentral’s business phone plans, so it can quickly get confusing if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform.

Check out the rest of RingCentral’s pricing.

3. Nextiva: The best choice for omnichannel sales

Pros

• Digital service helpdesk
• Integrates with social media channels

Cons

• Missing key features
• Above-average price point
• No SMS without upgrading

Nextiva positions its small business VoIP service as a complete communication system in a single platform. They’ve been around a while — long enough to build a customer base of over 100,000 companies — but longevity and market share don’t necessarily mean Nextiva is the right solution for growing businesses.

For one thing, Nextiva’s base plan doesn’t offer the features you might expect, which prompts many teams to switch to Nextiva alternatives. This includes:

• Voice calling
• Text messaging

• Voicemail transcription
• Call recording

You should also know Nextiva’s plans are more expensive than other providers. Their base plan starts at $20 per user per month, which is higher than other Ooma competitors.

See how Nextiva and Ooma compare by checking out our Ooma vs Nextiva guide.

Key features of Nextiva

• Social media integrations
• Review management tools
• Digital service helpdesk
• Inbound and outbound voice (requires upgrade)
• Text messaging (requires upgrade)

Nextiva pricing

Though contracts aren’t required, Nextiva’s pricing is structured to steer you into one.

This is what you’d pay per user per month without volume discounts or incentives for prepayment, annual billing, or contract durations.

• Digital: $20 per user per month for access to email and messaging apps (no texting or calling)
• Core: $30 per user per month for inbound and outbound calling, texting features, voicemail transcriptions, access to integrations, and more
• Engage: $40 per user per month for customer-to-team SMS messaging, toll-free numbers and minutes (2,000 minutes included only), inbound sales and service call center, and more
• Power Suite: $60 per user per month for unlimited SMS messages per user per month, agent voice and digital platform, unlimited reports, and more

Keep in mind certain features in Power Suite may require extra setup and usage fees.

4. Vonage: The best choice for business communication APIs

Pros

• Voice, video, and SMS APIs available
• Unlimited domestic calling

Cons

• Many key features are add-ons
• Best features locked behind plan upgrades
• Limited integrations

In 2001, Vonage introduced a way for homeowners to ditch their landlines by making phone calls over their internet connection. They’ve since enhanced their VoIP phone systems to include features and functionality for business owners.

Although Vonage for Business offers basic features and functionality, several limitations render them unusable. Between the dated user interface and the complex setup process, it’s not ideal for brand-new startups (or teams that don’t have a developer on staff).

Vonage also prices its services based on your team’s size. The smaller your team, the more you’ll pay, which isn’t ideal for small businesses.

Worst of all, Vonage services listed as ‘advanced call features’ are hidden behind the most expensive plan. You can’t access on-demand call recording, visual voicemail, or call groups unless you upgrade to Advanced ($27.99 per user per month).

Key features of Vonage

• Mobile, web, and desktop app
• 20+ third-party integrations (requires upgrade)
• SMS and MMS support
• Voicemail to email
• Free number porting

Vonage pricing

Vonage’s plans are priced per line rather than per user, and its features are mostly a la carte on Vonage compared to Ooma. They also charge more if you have fewer users on your team.

Here’s what you’ll pay for a team of four or fewer:

• Mobile: $13.99 per line per month for unlimited domestic calling, business SMS, voicemail, and more
• Premium: $20.99 per line per month for video conferencing, unlimited team messaging, auto-attendant, and CRM integrations, plus the desktop app and ability to use an IP phone 
• Advanced: $27.99 per line per month for call recording, visual voicemail, and more

To get the full picture of Vonage’s pricing, you also have to consider add-on costs and hidden fees, which aren’t all directly listed on the website. 

Be prepared to pay extra for:

• Local numbers: $4.99 per number per month
• Toll-free numbers: $39.99 per number per month
• Additional extensions: $14.99 per extension
• Voicemail to text: $4.99 per month

5. Grasshopper: The best choice for phone number extensions

Pros

• Charges per line, not per user
• Mobile and desktop apps available

Cons

• Only one user allowed on the base plan
• Additional extensions locked behind more expensive plans
• Lacks key automations and integrations

Grasshopper is a popular VoIP business phone provider for small businesses. Since it charges per line and not per user, it might seem like a cost-effective option on the surface.

But if you compare Ooma vs Grasshopper, you’ll see Grasshopper comes with limited calling features on the base plan. You can’t purchase more extensions or have more than one user unless you upgrade to the next tier (which is nearly double the price).

Grasshopper also lacks important AI features such as contact suggestions and suggested message responses. And it doesn’t integrate with the tools and workflows that are already part of your business, including Slack, Gong, or your CRM.

The biggest limitation? You can’t make simultaneous calls unless you upgrade to the Solo Plus plan and then purchase individual phone numbers for every user on your account. 

While it seems cheap at first, Grasshopper’s pricing adds up fast — and it’s unlikely to fit most small business budgets.

Key features of Grasshopper

• Custom greetings
• Voicemail to text
• Business hours
• Call reports
• Auto-responses (limited to new callers only)

Grasshopper pricing

• True Solo: $14 per month for one user, one phone number, and one extension
• Solo Plus: $25 per month for call transfers and simultaneous call handling, plus unlimited users, one phone number, and three extensions
• Small Business: $55 per month for unlimited users, four phone numbers, and unlimited extensions

You can purchase additional phone numbers for $9 each.

6. Google Voice: The best choice for Google Workspace users

Pros

• Integrates with other Google Voice tools
• Free plan available for personal users

Cons

• Paid plan requires Google Workspace
• Limited outside integrations (Google Workspace only)
• User limits may force you to upgrade

Google Voice, launched in 2009 as a free way to make calls over the internet, is now a popular VoIP phone service for businesses. Solopreneurs, freelancers, and very small business owners who use Google Workspace and live in the US may find it meets their needs. 

But with no international, toll-free, or vanity numbers, Google Voice’s phone system isn’t the right solution for global businesses. Plus, teams can’t share a single number or integrate their tasks with CRMs and workflow tools, so it’s not a good choice for streamlined communication.

You also have to upgrade to the second-highest tier if you have more than 10 users, so you might feel forced to switch plans before you’re ready.

Another kicker? You’re required to have a Google Workspace subscription to use Google Voice, which adds at least $6 per user to your monthly costs.

Check out our guide to Ooma vs Google Voice to see how these platforms compare.

Key features of Google Voice

• Unlimited calls to the US and Canada
• Web and mobile apps
• Unlimited texts in the US only
• Voicemail transcriptions
• Integrations with Google Calendar, Gmail, and more

Google Voice pricing

It’s still free to obtain a Google Voice number and make calls and texts within the US — if you’re a personal user.

If you’re a business requiring additional features, you’ll need to refer to this Google Voice pricing:

• Starter: $10 per user per month for free calls and texts within the US (for up to 10 users and 10 US locations)
• Standard: $20 per user per month for unlimited users, auto-attendants, ad-hoc call recording, ring group functionality, and more
• Premier: $30 per user per month for unlimited international locations, automatic call recording, advanced reporting features, and more

7. magicJack: The best choice for desk phones

Pros

• Mobile app (Android and iOS)
• Offers desk phone hardware

Cons

• For use in the US and Canada only
• Unlimited calling only in select areas
• No MMS support

magicJack has been around longer than most of the alternatives on this list. This VoIP service lets you manage inbound calls but has several missing features — like no MMS support and integrations — that other VoIP phone systems offer.

While the price tag alone makes magicJack look affordable, the cost of add-ons can pile up quickly. It’s missing key features like call recording and integrations, and its ‘unlimited calls’ in the US and Canada exclude Alaska and the Yukon, the Northwest Territories of Canada, and calls to non-8YY calling cards, platform, conference, or chat lines.

There are mobile apps available for magicJack, but this business phone solution was built primarily for desk phones. This isn’t ideal for distributed brands needing a more efficient solution for their remote or global workforce.

Find out more in our Ooma vs magicJack guide.

Key features of magicJack

• Unlimited calling in the US and Canada (select regions only)
• Caller ID
• Music on hold
• Conference bridge
• Voicemail

magicJack pricing

magicJack for Business has a single-tier pricing structure: $15.99 per month per line for unlimited calling within the US and Canada.

However, you should know that magicJack’s complex pricing structure requires purchasing add-ons to unlock the full feature portfolio. The subscription price excludes hardware, toll-free numbers, virtual fax, and auto-attendants.

You’ll need to pay more money for the following features:

• Desk phones: Between $54.99 to $219.99
• Auto-attendant: $10 per month
• Virtual fax: $5 per month
• Toll-free numbers: $5 per month
• Phone number porting: Porting is subject to an additional fee, but there’s no public pricing available

8. Dialpad: The best choice for AI communication solutions

Pros

• Unlimited calls and texts in the US and Canada (so long as you live in either country)
• Desk phone compatible

Cons

• Additional numbers require upgrade
• User minimums
• International SMS requires upgrade

Dialpad is a customer communications platform that combines UCaaS tools with AI. Each plan comes with calling, texting, and video meetings, along with real-time call transcriptions, analytics and reporting, and meeting and voicemail transcripts.

While Dialpad focuses heavily on AI tools, they leave off critical features your business needs to grow. For example, you can’t access international text messaging unless you upgrade to the second-highest Pro tier and are located in the US or Canada. You also can’t add additional phone numbers unless you pay for the Pro plan, which isn’t ideal for a fast-growing business.

The not-so-great cherry on top is user minimums, which aren’t evident at first glance. You need to pay for at least three licenses to unlock the Pro plan and at least 100 to unlock the Enterprise plan — even if you don’t have that many users on your team.

Key features of Dialpad

• Visual voicemail
• Multi-level auto attendant
• Call routing
• Call recording
• Unlimited calling within your country, the US, and Canada

Dialpad pricing

The cost of Dialpad is deceptively low — and there’s a big difference between its month-to-month pricing and annual contracts. You should also know there are user minimums that may increase the cost of your plan.

Take a look:

• Standard: $15 per user per month for calls and texts in the US and Canada, team messaging, 10-person video meetings, real-time analytics, and more (one-user minimum)
• Pro: $25 per user per month to unlock CRM integrations, international SMS, additional phone numbers, quality of service reports, and more (three-user minimum)
• Enterprise: Custom price for 99.9% uptime, dial by extension, unlimited ring groups, and more (100-user minimum)

See why OpenPhone is the best Ooma alternative

Now that you know more about Ooma and some popular alternatives, it’s okay to expect more from your business phone system. OpenPhone offers more features and functionality than the other VoIP systems — all at a lower price.

Why not see it for yourself?

Sign up for a free trial of OpenPhone today.