Grasshopper is affordable and provides professional phone features for small businesses. But what if you're looking for more than the standard calling functionality it packs for $14/month? Alternative VoIP providers may offer video solutions, varied app integrations, and better support for growing teams.
I've sifted through the very best of the VoIP providers out there to help you pinpoint which alternative may be right for you.
» Discover the top VoIP features your small business needs.
Our 5 Best Grasshopper Alternatives in 2024:
- RingCentral MVP - Best Grasshopper alternative overall
- Vonage - Best for small corporations with specific VoIP needs
- GoTo Connect - Best for unified communications (UC) at an international level
- Dialpad - Best for modern and mobile-centric companies
- Phone by Web.com - Best for new businesses and entrepreneurs
A Closer Look at the Best Grasshopper Alternatives in 2024
1. RingCentral MVP
A comprehensive communication solution offering cloud phone functionality
- Best for - Remote or blended small teams
- Starting price - From $20/month/user
- No. of users - Unlimited
- Toll-free numbers - Yes
RingCentral MVP delivers a full suite of UC and collaboration tools. With the Core plan, you get unlimited calls in the US and Canada and HD video conferencing for up to 100 participants. Plus, it offers advanced features like team chat, task management, and customizable call flows.
It integrates seamlessly with tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Its reporting component also gets more sophisticated by plan. This functionality gives you valuable insights into call metrics, enabling you to make data-driven decisions that you may usually have to get from an IT department.
What Makes RingCentral MVP a Good Alternative to Grasshopper?
While Grasshopper primarily focuses on virtual phone numbers and call forwarding, RingCentral MVP gives me a wider range of communication tools, including voice, video, messaging, and collaboration features. This is my top alternative for corporations that require a complete communication solution in one platform.
Pros
- Robust integration capabilities
- Analytics and reporting features on all plans
- Reliable and scalable infrastructure
Cons
- Monthly pricing is on the higher end
- Interface with a learning curve
2. Vonage
A versatile VoIP solution catering to medium-sized corporations
- Best for - Those requiring a tailored VoIP solution
- Starting price - From $13.99/month/user
- No. of users - Unlimited
- Toll-free numbers - Yes
Not every business requires all the features that come with unified phone systems. That's the niche Vonage taps into with its frills-free service that lets you customize features based on your needs. The mobile plan is basic but very budget-friendly at just $14, offering unlimited domestic calling and text.
Once you've signed up, you can scour its menu of over 20 integrations, some free (including Google Workspace, Microsoft365, and Zapier) and some paid (Salesforce will put you back an additional $4.99/month). It's also got an AI receptionist feature, which helps you extract context for calls before a team member handles the request.
What Makes Vonage a Good Alternative to Grasshopper?
Vonage offers advanced features, like CRM integration, that go beyond Grasshopper's offerings. Grasshopper is primarily designed for small companies, while Vonage caters to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that anticipate growth. I believe this scalability makes it a valuable alternative for firms looking for more robust capabilities.
Pros
- Flexible and scalable plans
- Advanced call management features
- Integration with Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics
Cons
- Inconsistent customer service
- Can get expensive with advanced needs
3. GoTo Connect
A UC solution that seamlessly integrates VoIP calling, video meetings, and messaging
- Best for - Flexible work solutions
- Starting price - From $27/month/user
- No. of users - Unlimited
- Toll-free numbers - Yes
GoTo Connect gives you unlimited international calling to over 50 countries with the higher-priced Standard plan—which can be useful if you frequently need to touch base with clients dotted all over the world. It's relatively pricey compared to some competitors, but you get a lot for what you pay.
It works well for bigger businesses that are expanding, especially on a global scale, with compatibility across devices. The Basic plan strips things back with charges on international and toll-free calling, but it has unlimited meetings and messages for 150 people. You'll need to upgrade to Standard for real-time analytics.
What Makes GoTo Connect a Good Alternative to Grasshopper?
Grasshopper tailors its on-call services to small teams, while GoTo Connect's UC platform caters to larger operations seeking expanded VoIP functionalities, such as video messaging and global reach. I also value its robust security features, like device encryption and separate personal and business data storage on private devices.
Pros
- Seamless integration with other GoTo products
- Advanced call routing and forwarding options
- Mobile apps for access to communication features on the go
Cons
- Higher pricing for businesses needing advanced features
- Limited texting
4. Dialpad
An AI-powered customer intelligence platform for all-round assistance
- Best for - Companies aiming to enhance communication with real-time transcription
- Starting price - From $15/month/user
- No. of users - Unlimited
- Toll-free numbers - Yes
Dialpad has a tech-forward approach, focusing on user experience and efficiency. Its reliable performance and cost-effective systems mean you can use this provider in a remote environment, particularly if your needs are smaller than, say, a large enterprise.
Moreover, Dialpad's mobility and flexibility make it an ideal solution for startups and small organizations. Whether you're working from home, in the office, or on the go, you can count on Dialpad to keep you connected and productive.
What Makes Dialpad a Good Alternative to Grasshopper?
Dialpad is all about innovation, hence the focus on AI, which sets it apart from Grasshopper's call-centric offering. AI makes keeping track of things easy, with little need for a human to go in and edit transcriptions or meeting notes, which means I can be more productive and efficient with my time.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Innovation-driven with frequent product updates
- Analytics available on all plans
Cons
- Minimal integrations on the Standard plan
- Limited meeting participants
» Looking for calling solutions on the go? Check out our best mobile VoIP providers.
5. Phone by Web.com
A straightforward VoIP solution for very small businesses
- Best for - Entrepreneurs seeking a budget-friendly yet efficient communication tool
- Starting price - From $14.99/month
- No. of users - Unlimited
- Toll-free numbers - Yes
Phone by Web.com provides a simple phone system for small businesses. With features like voicemail transcription and the option to keep personal numbers, it's suitable for basic communication requirements. Unlimited calls and texts to the US are run through the dedicated app, which splits them out from your personal communication.
Plus, if you're just getting started, Phone by Web.com can help you hook up your domain, website, and phone number in one go. It's powered by Web.com and Phone.com, bringing the best of web hosting and VoIP together.
What Makes Phone by Web.com a Good Alternative to Grasshopper?
Phone by Web.com focuses on delivering a straightforward and cost-effective VoIP solution. Still, it offers more advanced call center features, such as caller menus, queues, custom greetings, and hold music. I also like that its pay-per-minute option allows businesses to scale as they grow.
Pros
- Inexpensive pricing plans for entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Speech-to-text transcription for voicemails
- Functional interface
Cons
- No integrations
- No desk phone
Grasshopper Alternatives: Consider Your Business Goals
Grasshopper is excellent for entrepreneurs with basic needs, but these alternatives offer more integrations, advanced features, or even a simpler service.
When selecting your alternative, consider what features it offers and what you may need as you grow your enterprise. Think about how much call and video time you get for your package price and assess its scalability.
» Expanding your firm? Here's how a VoIP phone service will transform your business.
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