It’s popular with small to mid-size businesses because it lets teams manage voice calls, voicemail, and call queues, as well as chats, meetings, and documents. If your team is already using Microsoft 365, it’s an easy add-on that keeps everything in one place.
Why switch from Microsoft Teams?
That said, it’s not always the best fit for everyone. Teams Phone can get expensive fast, especially when you start layering on calling plans, international minutes, or extra features.
Some users also run into integration hiccups, limitations with advanced call center tools, or slow support when they need help. If you’re feeling boxed in, it might be time to explore options that give you more control, better pricing, or features that are actually built for how your team communicates.
Let’s take a look at the most popular alternatives.
Top Alternatives To Microsoft Teams Phone
| Provider | Key features | Pricing | Pros | Cons |
| 1. Voiso | Omnichannel communication, intuitive workflow builder, AI-predictive dialer, speech analytics, real-time dashboards. | Starts at $49/user/month. | Cost-effective, strong outbound tools, powerful analytics, AI-driven insights. | Limited workforce management tools. |
| 2. Avaya | Robust communication suite, reliable VoIP, and collaboration tools. | Starts at $20/user/month. | Strong for enterprise-level communication, solid reliability. | Higher learning curve, expensive for SMBs. |
| 3. 3CX | Advanced VoIP capabilities, flexible deployment options, and unified communication tools. | Check website for custom pricing calculator. | Cost-effective, user-friendly, global reach, comprehensive features. | Limited advanced features, steep learning curve. |
| 4. Talkdesk | AI-powered automation, seamless integrations, and omnichannel capabilities. | Starts at $85/user/month. | User-friendly interface, seamless CRM integrations, scalability to accommodate growing businesses. | Pricing can be steep, support quality varies depending on the service tier. |
| 5. Nextiva | VoIP, call management, CRM integration, video collaboration tools. | Starts at $20/user/month, all the way up to $199 for enterprise packages. | Intuitive interface, all-in-one business communication. | Limited advanced call center analytics. |
| 6. CallHippo | Virtual phone numbers, team collaboration tools, and call analytics. | Starts at $18/user/month. | Affordable pricing, easy setup, supports global communication. | Limited advanced features, basic reporting tools, occasional call quality issues. |
| 7. CloudTalk | International calling, call tagging, and performance monitoring. | Starts at $25/user/month. | Easy to use, excellent call quality, great for remote teams. | Limited integrations, fewer advanced features. |
| 8. Zendesk Talk | Seamless integration with Zendesk products, call management, and ticketing features. | Starts at $19/user/month. | Ideal for Zendesk users, excellent for customer support teams. | Lacks advanced telephony features for non-Zendesk use cases. |
| 9. Grasshopper | Virtual phone system with voicemail transcription and call forwarding. | Starts at $14 when billed annually, and $18 when billed monthly. | Affordable, easy-to-use for startups and solo entrepreneurs. | Limited features for larger teams or advanced use cases. |
| 10. Google Voice | VoIP, SMS, voicemail transcription, Google Workspace integration. | Starts at $10/user/month and goes up to $24 for higher-tier plans. | Ease of use, affordability, mobile-friendly, and voicemail transcription. | Limited advanced features and scalability issues for larger teams. |
| 11. GoTo Connect | VoIP, video conferencing, team messaging. | Contact sales for a customized quote. | Omnichannel communication, extensive advanced tools, robust integrations, user-friendly interface. | Higher costs, mobile app limitations, and a steep learning curve. |
1. Voiso
Voiso’s cloud-based contact center platform is built to simplify communication for small to medium businesses. With its user-friendly design and rapid setup, it’s the perfect choice for teams who want to get started as soon as possible. Whether it’s customer service, sales, or juggling multiple communication channels at the forefront, Voiso has the tools you need to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
With productivity-boosting AI features like speech analytics and chatbots, your business can optimize workflows and get meaningful insights into customer interactions, enabling smarter, data-driven decisions. Plus, Voiso can automate routine tasks, freeing up agents for more complex tasks.
With its blend of simplicity, cutting-edge technology, and efficiency-driving automation, Voiso is the top choice for businesses looking to scale personalized and effective support.
Key features
Advanced analytics
Voiso’s powerful and in-depth reporting capabilities give businesses the ability to improve customer experiences with meaningful data, while easily and efficiently measuring performance metrics and optimizing workflows.
Local caller IDs
Local caller IDs are the key to building trust and familiarity with prospects, leading to higher answer rates and ultimately, more conversions. Calling from a local number increases the likelihood of prospects answering your call, because the call feels familiar from the outset, which results in more sales opportunities and higher revenue.
AI-predictive dialer
Optimizing talk time is essential for high volume outbound call centers. Nothing wastes time like manually dialing one number after another, waiting for a pick up, and getting nothing. Voiso’s AI-predictive dialer cuts all of that out; it dials numbers in bulk, and only connects agents to calls answered by a human. With the help of machine learning algorithms, it guesses when an agent will be available before dialing the next call, and even incorporates answering machine detection to avoid dead-end calls.
Real-time dashboards
Managers need to know what’s happening in their call centers on a daily basis to maintain high levels of productivity, which real-time dashboards are the perfect tool for. They give contact centers a full overview of performance metrics, customer satisfaction, agent productivity, enabling data-driven decisions making.
Omnichannel communication
Customers connect from everywhere: phone, email, web chat, SMS, social media, WhatsApp, and Facebook, which can get messy for customer service teams. Omnichannel brings all communication channels together in one platform, allowing agents to see a full interaction history no matter where the customer is reaching out from.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Seamless CRM integration allows sales teams to efficiently track and manage leads. | Major CRM integrations only. |
| Robust call recording enables support teams to review and analyze all past interactions, leading to better ongoing training and improvement. | |
| A competitive, budget-friendly pricing structure making it a good choice for businesses of all sizes. | |
| Automation features like auto-dialers and IVR save time by automating repetitive tasks and allowing agents to focus on value-adding activities. |
Pricing
| Start-up | Pro | Pro+ |
| Great for any team getting started and requiring quick and easy setup. | For larger teams that need enhanced flexibility and advanced features. | Full automation, integrations, multi-channel and unlimited capacity. |
| $49/user/month. | $79/user/month. | $129/user/month. |
What’s included:
|
Everything in Start-up, plus:
|
Everything in Professional, plus:
|
Use cases
Voiso’s flexibility, scalability, and cloud-based nature make it the ideal solution for scaling and remote teams. It’s budget-friendly, making it a good option for small businesses and startups, and its AI-driven features and automation fit it at any business looking to optimize and modernize.
2. Avaya
Avaya is a cloud-based contact center tool built primarily for remote teams with powerful video conferencing and instant messaging features. It’s an excellent platform for boosting workplace efficiency by integrating seamlessly with some of the most popular tools on the market, making daily operations smoother and more efficient.
Key features
Omnichannel capabilities
High-quality customer interactions across voice and digital channels in one place.
Workforce optimization
Provides powerful scheduling and performance tracking tools, plus agent productivity monitoring to optimize operational efficiency.
Local and toll-free numbers
Global communications with access to a variety of number types.
AI-driven tools
Virtual assistants, speech analytics, and sentiment analysis are all on offer to improve customer satisfaction.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Comprehensive feature set including omnichannel routing, workforce optimization, and AI-driven customer interactions. | Complex setup and maintenance with a steep learning curve and skilled IT resources needed for setup. |
| Scalability designed to grow with your business, handling both small teams and large enterprises with ease. | Higher pricing compared to alternatives. |
| Strong international presence for businesses operating in multiple regions, with local solutions and support. | Less user-friendly interface designed for large enterprises, which makes it overwhelming for smaller teams. |
| Strong reliability with high uptime and service stability, making it dependable for businesses that require uninterrupted operations. | Limited updates on legacy systems which can be a challenge for businesses using older Avaya systems. |
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
| Core | $20/user/month | Business phone and toll-free numbers, inbound caller ID, unlimited calls within US/CA, business SMS, voicemail transcription, team messaging, document sharing, 24/7 support, business phone numbers in 100+ countries, SSO, unlimited audio conferencing, video meetings up to 100 people, up to 24 hour meeting duration, AI video meeting summaries, transcripts, and highlights, quality-of-service reports, and popular integrations. |
| Advanced | $25/user/month | Everything in Core plus automatic call recording, multi-site admin and management, unlimited internet fax, up to 8 digit extensions, hot desking, advanced call handling, video meeting up to 200 people, real-time analytics, popular CRM integrations, industry-specific integrations, and developer system and custom integrations. |
| Ultra | $35/user/month | Everything in Advanced plus devise status reports and alerts, and unlimited storage. |
Ideal use cases
Avaya caters to large enterprises and businesses with complex communication needs, high call volumes, or those that need advanced customer interaction features. It’s the perfect solution for organizations with omnichannel contact centers, an international presence, or requiring AI-driven customer engagement. Companies in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services would benefit most from Avaya’s powerful and customizable solutions.
3. 3CX
3CX’s software-based business phone system provides unified communication for companies of all sizes, especially small to mid-sized. It helps them manage voice, video, chat, and contact center needs through a single platform, and can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud, offering flexibility and cost efficiency. 3CX is especially popular among businesses seeking a VoIP-based, scalable, and easy-to-manage PBX solution.
Key features
Unified communication
3CX integrates voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, and SMS into a single platform, allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly.
Web-based management console
Admins can configure and manage the entire phone system via an intuitive web interface, reducing IT overhead.
Mobile and desktop apps
Employees can make and receive business calls using 3CX apps on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, ensuring connectivity on the go.
Call center features
Includes advanced call queues, reporting, CRM integrations, and whisper/listen/barge functions for efficient support and sales teams.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to install and configure, even for teams without deep IT knowledge. | Some advanced features require more technical setup or third-party tools. |
| Cost-effective with no per-user licensing to reduce communication expenses. | Customer support can be limited unless you’re on a paid support plan. |
| Highly customizable with open SIP support and broad integration options. | Interface and UX may feel dated compared to some newer competitors. |
| Reliable mobile apps that support remote and hybrid workforces. | Reporting tools are basic unless enhanced via integrations. |
Pricing
Pricing plans aren’t readily available on 3CX’s website, but they have a pricing calculator that allows businesses to enter all their details and receive a custom quote.
Ideal use cases
3CX is perfect for SMBs and mid-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective, flexible phone system that supports remote teams and omnichannel communication. It’s especially useful for companies wanting to integrate customer support, sales, and internal communication in one platform, or those with a mix of on-site and remote workers thanks to its cross-device accessibility and powerful VoIP infrastructure.
4. Talkdesk
Talkdesk is a smart-calling platform that improves the communication capabilities of sales and customer support teams through high-tech automations and reliable call quality. Its innovative contact center platform integrates AI-powered tools and omnichannel support into its cloud-based system, and its advanced automation and analytics ensure that customer issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Key features
Customizable integrations
Seamlessly connects with CRMs and other existing business tools to improve workflows.
Intelligent routing
Customers are automatically routed to the right agent or department based on their query, bringing down wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
Omnichannel support
By bringing together voice, chat, email, phone, and social media, agents have access to full customer interaction histories, improving consistency and efficiency.
AI-powered automation
Agents can be more productive and efficient with powerful tools like virtual agents, predictive insights, and automated workflows.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Talkdesk’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for teams to get up and running quickly. | Talkdesk is a great call center platform, but it doesn’t have video conferencing and messaging, which can be a turn off for certain businesses. |
| Powerful AI features like Virtual Agent and AI insights enhance productivity and provide valuable analytics for customer interactions. | Talkdesk has fewer integrations with CRMs and business tools compared to other VoIP solutions. |
Pricing
| Plan | Price (per user/month) | Includes |
| CX Cloud Digital Essentials | $85/user/month | Talkdesk Ascend AI, digital engagement, studio & routing, connections, API access, real-time dashboards, business intelligence, conversations mobile app, QA, feedback & Guardian. |
| CX Cloud Voice Essentials | $105/user/month | Everything in Cloud Digital, plus voice engagement, studio functions, workspace designer, automation designer.
Also available: Digital access for essentials, 70+ out-of-the-box integrations, 100+ AppConnect marketplace. |
| CX Cloud Elite | $165/user/month | Everything in Digital & Voice, plus, custom reporting, performance management, screen recording, automated notifications, workforce management, proactive outbound engagement. |
| Industry specific cloud editions | $225/user/month | Includes specific plans for financial services, healthcare, retail, and government. |
Ideal use cases
Talkdesk caters more to enterprises and larger-scale businesses with a blend of customer support and internal collaboration. It’s perfect for any business prioritizing high-quality customer service, and its industry-specific workflows and advanced analytics make it the best tool for healthcare and financial service with unique needs.
5. Nextiva
As one of the biggest contenders in the contact center software industry, Nextiva is an all-in-one VoIP communication platform offering businesses a variety of cloud-based telephony features. It gives businesses the power to improve both their internal and external communication, and offers features like omnichannel and team collaboration tools to support remote work.
Key features
Advanced integrations
Nextiva integrates seamlessly with tools like Outlook, Google Cloud products, QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Zendesk.
Round-the-clock customer support
Nextiva’s customer support team is available 24/7, giving business support whenever they may need it.
Advanced call features
Conference calling, voicemail transcription, and multi-level attendant are just a few of Nextiva’s powerful calling features.
Analytics
Nextiva’s platform provides detailed call activity and performance reports so managers can monitor call volumes and agent efficiency in real-time.
Pros vs cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Users can be calling within minutes thanks to Nextiva’s simple and intuitive setup. | Analytics and reporting tools aren’t as strong as some competitors. |
| Combines communication and CRM tools in one platform. | Limited customization options for specific, niche industries. |
| Excellent customer service and support. | Missing certain integrations, like Slack and Zapier, which can be a barrier for some businesses as Zapier enables further connections to VoIP telephony systems. |
Pricing
Small business
| Plan | Price (per user/month) | Includes |
| Digital | $20 | Competitive monitoring, messaging apps, social media channels, review management, and digital service helpdesk. |
| Core | $30 | Everything in Digital, plus inbound & outbound voice, business SMS, video meetings, screenshare & file share, and call routing. |
| Engage | $40 | Everything in Core, plus customer-to-team SMS messaging, toll-free number & minutes, advanced reporting, MS Teams integration, and web chat (both live and bot). |
| Power Suite | $60 | Everything in Engage, plus inbound sales and service call center, priority and skills-based routing, unified team interface, supervisor dashboard, and ACD callback. |
Enterprise
| Plan | Price (per user/month) | Includes |
| Essential | $129 | Inbound & outbound channels, full workflow engine for journey orchestration, workflow automation and APIs, transcription and summarization, and customizable skills-based routing. |
| Professional | $159 | Everything in Essential, plus full customer journey context & history, omnichannel communication, advanced AI bots, real-time supervisor support, and secure payment agent assist. |
| Premium | $199 | Everything in Professional, plus full workforce management, optimized workflows for interaction deflection, and CX analytics for all business functions. |
Ideal use cases
Nextiva’s platform fits in perfectly with small businesses looking for affordable and intuitive communication software. It’s also the perfect solution for organizations that want to integrate their VoIP and CRM functions, and any teams with remote workers who need a reliable mobile app.
6. CallHippo
CallHippo’s cloud-based VoIP phone system is tailored for startups, small to mid-sized businesses, and global sales or support teams, enabling organizations to set up virtual phone numbers in over 50 countries. CallHippo can manage calls, automate workflows, and integrate with popular CRMs like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zoho. It’s quick to set up, affordable, and has a user-friendly interface, helping businesses streamline communication and scale their operations efficiently.
Key features
Global connect
Automatically detects a contact’s local time zone, helping teams schedule calls at optimal times for international outreach.
Power dialer
Accelerates outbound calling by dialing numbers sequentially from a list, reducing manual effort and increasing agent productivity.
Multi-level IVR
Provides customizable call routing menus, ensuring callers are directed to the appropriate department or agent efficiently.
Smart DID routing
Assigns dedicated numbers to specific regions or departments, enhancing call management and tracking.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple and fast setup makes it ideal for non-technical users. | Call quality can vary depending on internet and location. |
| Affordable pricing plans that scale with business growth. | Limited SMS functionality compared to specialized platforms. |
| Global number availability supports international expansion. | Occasional bugs and downtime reported by users. |
| Power dialer boosts outbound team productivity. | Customer support responsiveness can be inconsistent. |
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
| Starter | $18/user/month | Unlimited minutes for landline and mobile, 100 SMS, 1 free phone number, basic report analytics. |
| Professional | $30/user/month | Everything in Starter plus 500 SMS, call recordings, AI reports and analytics. |
| Ultimate | $42/user/month | Everything in Professional plus 1000 SMS, dedicated account manager, custom integrations, SSO. |
| Enterprise (min. 20 users) | Contact sales for a custom quote | Everything in Professional plus unlimited calling to 48 countries, customized add-ons for other countries & SMS, power dialer, speech analytics or CallHippo AI, priority support, custom reports, custom data storage and API usage, developer support, dedicated compliance support. |
Ideal use cases
CallHippo is a scalable and affordable phone system with global reach that startups and small businesses looking would hugely benefit from, in particular sales and support teams that need outbound calling tools and CRM integration. Businesses wanting to establish a multi-country presence quickly without heavy infrastructure will benefit most from its virtual number capabilities.
7. CloudTalk
CloudTalk fits in perfectly at small and medium-sized businesses looking to streamline how they connect with customers. True to its name, CloudTalk’s cloud-based platform stands out for its ease of use and flexibility, making it a breeze for teams to handle inbound and outbound calls, whether for sales, support, or a mix of both. With intuitive features like call routing and seamless integrations, CloudTalk helps businesses boost productivity while delivering standout customer experiences. Whether your team works remotely, in-office, or somewhere in between, CloudTalk adapts effortlessly to any setup.
Key features
Smart call routing
Calls are intelligently directed to the right agent to handle the customer’s specific query, reducing wait times, improving issue resolution, and enhancing customer experience.
Remote first
Thanks to CloudTalk’s international phone numbers and call recording and monitoring, agents can work from anywhere, while managers easily track their performance and keep an eye on quality assurance.
Call analytics
With insights into call metrics thanks to real-time dashboards and detailed reports, managers can gauge agent performance and call quality with ease.
Interactive voice response (IVR)
IVR allows callers to interact with a menu system to route themselves to the correct department or agent based on their query, significantly improving issue resolution and reducing wait times.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| CloudTalk’s intuitive design makes it easy for teams to navigate and manage calls without extensive training. | Mobile app limitations like call drops and glitches can affect on-the-go communication. |
| CloudTalk integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like HubSpot and Zendesk, keeping customer data centralized. | Some users find outbound call costs higher than expected, especially in certain regions. |
| With support for international numbers in over 160 countries, CloudTalk is ideal for businesses operating across borders. | CloudTalk relies heavily on stable internet connections, which can be a drawback in areas with unreliable connectivity. |
| Advanced call features like smart call routing and IVR enhance call management and provide valuable insights into customer interactions. | Businesses with custom-built CRMs may face integration issues. |
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
| Starter | $25/user/month | 500 domestic outbound minutes in UK, EU, Iceland & Norway, unlimited inbound and intracompany calls, international numbers in 160+ countries, softphone, call recording, click to call, automated call distribution, unlimited call queueing, and email and chat support. |
| Essential | $29/user/month | Everything in Starter plus unlimited domestic calls in EU, UK, Iceland & Norway, 24/7 live human support, real-time analytics, integrations and API, IVR, skills-based routing, AI smart queueing, global SMS/MMS, unlimited concurrent calls, and workflow automation. |
| Expert | $49/user/month | Everything in Essential plus Salesforce integrations, advanced support features, advanced sales features like power dialer and smart dialer, live call monitoring and wallboards, mandatory call tagging, WhatsApp, and SSO. |
| Custom | Tailor-made price | All Expert features plus unlimited worldwide call packages, custom onboarding and priority support, custom reporting, enterprise-level security, developer support, and SLA. |
Ideal use cases
CloudTalk is best used by small to medium-sized businesses looking to streamline their customer communication. It’s particularly best for sales teams in managing outbound calls with power dialers and call routing, and customer support teams to handle inbound calls efficiently through IVR and smart routing. Plus, thanks to CloudTalk’s international phone numbers and cloud-based accessibility, it’s ideal for teams operating across borders.
8. Zendesk Talk
Zendesk’s cloud-based telephony solution, Zendesk Talk, is designed to integrate seamlessly with Zendesk Support. It’s the go-to solution for customer service teams as it combines Zendesk’s own ticketing and workflow automation features with call management functionalities. Zendesk Talk helps businesses stay organized and boost efficiency, while blending customer support, CRM, and team collaboration.
Key features
Fully integrated with Zendesk Support
Companies already using Zendesk Support can easily integrate Zendesk Talk with their current setup to maintain a unified platform for calls, email, chat, and other communication channels.
Call routing and IVR
Advanced call routing options send callers to the right agent or department to handle their query based on skills, availability, and any other predetermined criteria.
Call recording and monitoring
Supervisors can listen in on live calls and use “whisper” functionalities to guide agents through difficult interactions.
Omnichannel capabilities
Zendesk Talk integrates with Zendesk’s omnichannel tools, giving agents the ability to switch between calls, chats, emails, and social media messages in one interface.
Pros vs cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfectly tailored for Zendesk users with an integrated support workflow. | No integrations with e-commerce and online stores like Shopify and BigCommerce. |
| Efficient ticketing and call management help reduce response times. | Per-minute pricing can result in higher costs for teams with high call volumes. |
| Top-tier team collaboration. | Not the best for non-Zendesk users as the platform is heavily tied to the Zendesk system. |
Pricing
These prices are included in Zendesk Talk’s Customer Service Suite Plans. Visit their website for their Employee Service Suite prices.
| Plan | Price | Includes |
| Support team | $25/user/month ($19 with annual billing) | Ticketing system, email, contact form and Web Widget, Facebook & X, unified agent workspace, customer history, predefined responses, custom business rules with triggers and automations, prebuilt analytic dashboards, prebuilt apps and integrations, on-demand trainings and best practices, and online support from the Zendesk team. |
| Suite team | $69/user/month ($55 with annual billing) | Everything in Support team plus AI agents, customer and internal knowledge base, Google Analytics, live chat messaging, proactive customer messaging, social messaging, phone support with call routing, automated phone ticketing, voicemail and call recording, and text messaging. |
| Suite professional | $149/user/month ($115 with annual billing) | Everything in Suite team plus live and custom analytics, skills-based routing, side conversations, customer satisfaction surveys, SLA, Light agent restrictions, multiple ticket forms, customer self-service portal, business hours, IVR, HIPAA enabled, data location options, and multilingual support. |
| Suite enterprise | Contact sales for a custom quote. | Everything in Suite professional plus Sandbox, custom agent roles, AI-powered content cues, content blocks, audit logs, approval workflows, dynamic workspaces, extended queue size and wait times, up to 300 help centers, ticket queues, business rules analysis, and visual data alerts. |
Ideal use cases
For teams already using Zendesk as their primary solution, Zendesk Talk is the obvious choice for customer service teams. Alternatively, any businesses looking for unified voice and digital customer interactions, or a quick setup and integrated workflows, Zendesk Talk is the solution to go for.
9. Grasshopper
Grasshopper’s virtual phone system designed for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers looking for professional communication solutions. Its powerful call features such as call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and custom greetings help users maintain professionalism, while its user-friendly interface and desktop apps enable easy and quick setup.
Key features
Voicemail transcription
Converts voicemail to text, so users can read messages when they’re not able to listen.
Business texting
Allows users to send and receive texts on their business number, enabling quick communication.
Simultaneous call handling
Enables users to handle multiple calls at the same time, reducing the likelihood of missed connections.
Custom greetings
Allows businesses to create personalized messages, improving the caller experience.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to use with intuitive mobile and desktop apps that simplify call, text, and voicemail management. | Grasshopper doesn’t offer call recording, which can be a turn off for businesses who rely on recordings for agent training and compliance. |
| Professional image for small businesses with custom greetings, call forwarding, and multiple extensions. | Lack of power dialer and automated dialing features which makes Grasshopper unsuitable for businesses with high volumes of outbound call campaigns. |
| Affordable and predictable pricing make it a cost-effective option for small businesses and entrepreneurs. | No click-to-call feature which can interrupt workflows and force users to waste time on manual dialing. |
Pricing
| Plan | Price (base, annual) | Price (base, monthly) | Includes |
| True Solo | $14 | $18 | 1 business number, 1 extension, 1 user, VoIP/WiFi calling, business SMS, virtual fax, custom greetings, auto attendant, call forwarding and screening, mobile and desktop app, and 24/7 customer support. |
| Solo Plus | $25 | $32 | Everything in True Solo plus 3 extensions and unlimited users. |
| Small Business | $80 | $92 | Everything in Solo Plus plus 5 numbers, unlimited extensions, and unlimited users. |
Ideal use cases
Grasshopper is a great VoIP call center solution for smaller businesses thanks to its ease of use and wide variety of key features. It’s perfect for startups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who need to create a professional image while using simple yet effective communication tools.
10. Google Voice
Google Voice is one of the most affordable contact center solutions, offering both free and paid versions at very reasonable prices. It’s ideally suited for small businesses, but any sized company will find something beneficial with Google Voice. It’s got all the features for small startups and entrepreneurs to thrive on, as well as call recording, 24/7 customer support, and unlimited US/CA calling, to name a few.
Key features
Unlimited calling
The free version includes unlimited calling within the US & Canada, making it the perfect solution for companies with a domestic presence.
Call recording
All plans allow users to record incoming calls, which can be used for training and quality assurance.
24/7 support
Round-the-clock customer support means businesses have access to help whenever they need it.
Easy implementation
User-friendly and easy to set up, Google Voice allows businesses to get started within minutes.
Pros vs cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable pricing for small businesses and freelancers. | Limited advanced features like predictive dialing and analytics, which are essential for larger teams. |
| Simple interface and seamless integrations with Google Workspace, making it an easy to use solution for those already using Google products. | No toll-free numbers can be a drawback for businesses seeking a more professional image. |
| Works on multiple devices, including phones, tablets, and computers, so users can connect from anywhere. | Limited to certain regions, so it’s not suitable for businesses with a global customer base. |
Pricing
| Plan | Price (per user/month) | Includes |
| Starter | $10 | Up to 10 users, up to 10 domestic locations, calls between Google Voice numbers, calls to the US & Canada, calls to the EU (from EU), unlimited US texts, Google Fi compatibility (US only), voicemail transcription, Google Calendar & Meet integration, mobile apps, 24/7 support, SLA, usage and activity reporting, and call forwarding. |
| Standard | $16 | Unlimited users, unlimited domestic and regional locations; everything in Starter plus SIP link, multi-level auto attendant, Ring Groups, desk phone and ATA support, eDiscovery for calls, voice mails, and text messaging records, and ad-hoc user call recording. |
| Premier | $24 | Unlimited users, unlimited regional, domestic and international locations; everything in Standard plus advanced reporting. |
Ideal use cases
Small businesses and freelancers are Google Voice’s main market, as it’s designed for individuals and teams operating on a small scale thanks to its cost-effectiveness and straightforward phone system. It also caters to on-the-go professionals who use multiple devices to take calls, enabling simple call management without advanced features or integrations.
11. GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect is an excellent VoIP solution that combines voice, video, and team messaging in one unified interface. Its feature-rich platform is known for its scalability and comprehensive feature set, catering to businesses of all sizes with powerful tools like call queues, analytics, and CRM integrations. GoTo Connect is the perfect solution for modern business communication.
Key features
VoIP and video conferencing
High-quality voice calls and HD video meetings.
Call routing and IVR
Intelligent call handling for improved efficiency.
Team collaboration
Messaging and file sharing for seamless teamwork.
Integrations
Works perfectly with CRMs and productivity tools like Salesforce and Slack.
Advanced analytics
Provides in-depth call performance data.
Pros vs cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Unified platform for all business communication needs. | Pricing may be a little steep for small businesses. |
| Powerful integrations with popular business tools. | Some features, such as advanced analytics, require higher-tier plans. |
| Scalable solutions for small teams and large enterprises. | Occasional learning curve for new users. |
Pricing
GoTo Connect have a wide variety of plans with varying features, but their prices aren’t publicly available on their website. For more information and a custom quote, contact their sales team or request a demo.
Ideal use cases
Businesses looking for a comprehensive platform for voice, video, and messaging will find a solution tailored to their needs with GoTo Connect. Any enterprises that need advanced call routing and in-depth analytics to streamline operations and enhance customer interactions are well-supported. Plus, teams that prioritize seamless integration with existing tools and workflows can rely on GoTo Connect to boost productivity and maintain consistency across their communication channels.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Cloud Phone Solution
Features and functionality
When you’re picking a new phone system, the basics still matter, like VoIP calling, voicemail, SMS/MMS, IVR menus, and call recording. But what separates a ‘just okay’ tool from a great one is how smoothly everything works together. Call analytics should actually help you make better decisions, not just show you charts. And if you’re regularly on team calls or client meetings, solid conference calling is non-negotiable.
Advanced contact center capabilities
If you’ve got a busy support or sales team, you’ll want more than just the basics. Features like automatic call distribution (ACD) make sure inbound calls go to the right person without chaos, and predictive dialers can give outbound teams a serious productivity boost. These aren’t just ‘nice-to-haves,’they’re the kind of upgrades that save time, reduce burnout, and make customers happier. If your current setup is missing these, you’ll feel the difference fast.
Integration capabilities
No one wants to bounce between tabs all day, which is why integrations with CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce (and support tools like Zendesk) are huge. When everything connects properly, your team gets more done, your data stays clean, and you don’t need a developer every time you want two tools to talk. The best systems plug in seamlessly and just work.
Other productivity tool integrations
Beyond your CRM, your phone system should also fit into the tools you already live in, like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace. Being able to get notifications, schedule meetings, or log calls without leaving your main tools saves your team a ton of hassle. It’s one of those small quality-of-life things that ends up being a big deal over time. The smoother the workflow, the happier the team.
Pricing and value
Some providers keep it simple with flat per-user pricing, while others go the subscription route, so you really have to watch what’s included. It’s easy to get lured in by a low base price, only to find out you’re paying extra for must-have features. The key is finding a setup that balances flexibility with transparency, because nobody likes surprise charges or complicated billing.
Transparent vs. hidden costs
Setup fees, premium support, ‘optional’ features: these can all add up fast. A provider that’s upfront about pricing from day one earns major trust points. Before you sign up, make sure you know what’s actually included and what’s going to cost extra later. The last thing you want is to scale your team and watch your bill double unexpectedly.
Scalability and reliability
You might not need a huge feature set today, but your business won’t stay the same forever. A good phone system should make it easy to add users, numbers, or features without jumping through hoops. And of course, it needs to actually work; no dropped calls, no random outages. Reliability isn’t a luxury, it’s the baseline.
Uptime and service reliability
If your system isn’t consistently up and running, it doesn’t matter how many features it has; you need near-perfect uptime and solid infrastructure behind the scenes. The best providers will back this up with real SLAs (not just vague promises), because if your phones are down, your business is down too.
Customer support and onboarding
Getting started should feel smooth, so look for platforms that offer clear tutorials, live training, and helpful walkthroughs rather than a dusty FAQ page. And if something goes wrong, you’ll want real people on the other end of chat, email, or phone support. Fast, human help makes a huge difference.
Support channels and responsiveness
You shouldn’t have to wait hours (or worse, days) for a support reply when something breaks. Reliable providers offer multiple channels (like chat, phone, or email) and actually respond quickly. The best support teams are proactive, friendly, and know their product inside-out. It’s like having a safety net for your team.
Security and compliance
Whether you’re handling customer data or internal calls, security should be a priority, not an afterthought. Make sure your provider follows industry standards like GDPR or HIPAA, depending on your needs. Encryption, secure storage, and clear privacy policies aren’t just for show, they protect your business (and your reputation). Trust is built on transparency and solid security practices.
Encryption, data handling, and privacy policies
Your data shouldn’t be floating around unsecured. Look for providers that clearly explain how they encrypt calls, where your data’s stored, and what their privacy policies actually mean. If they’re vague or evasive about any of that, it’s a red flag. Security should be visible, not buried in fine print.
FAQs
What are the main reasons to look for Microsoft Teams Phone alternatives?
Many users find it too limited for advanced call center needs, too expensive once add-ons pile up, or too dependent on the Microsoft ecosystem.
Is it difficult to migrate from Microsoft Teams Phone to another provider?
Not really; most providers help with number porting, setup, and onboarding to make the switch smooth.
How do pricing models typically differ between Microsoft Teams Phone and its alternatives?
Teams Phone often requires separate licenses and calling plans, while alternatives usually offer simpler, all-in-one pricing.
Which Microsoft Teams Phone alternative is the easiest to set up and use?
Voiso and Aircall are both known for fast setup and intuitive dashboards, especially for non-technical teams.
Do these Microsoft Teams Phone alternatives offer the same integrations with CRMs and other tools?
Yes, and many go further by supporting more platforms and offering deeper automation.
Are there features offered by other platforms that Microsoft Teams Phone doesn’t have?
Definitely. Some alternatives offer smarter dialers, real-time coaching, better analytics, and stronger mobile apps.
Is Voiso better than Microsoft Teams Phone?
If you’re running a high-volume outbound team or want more flexibility with global calling, Voiso is often a better fit.
How reliable are Microsoft Teams Phone alternatives in terms of call quality and uptime?
Top-rated alternatives usually offer 99.99% uptime with consistently clear call quality, even for remote or international teams.
When Microsoft Isn’t on Your Team
If Microsoft Teams Phone is starting to feel more like a workaround than a real solution, you’re not alone. Whether it’s the creeping costs, limited features, or the hassle of working within the Microsoft ecosystem, there are plenty of valid reasons to start exploring other options.
The good news? You’ve got choices. From platforms with better support and simpler pricing to tools built specifically for sales teams or growing startups, there’s likely something out there that fits your needs better. So take the time to figure out what actually works for your team, not just what’s convenient on paper. The right phone system should help you scale, not slow you down.
But if that’s not what you’re after, and you just want a powerful, AI-driven solution without the hassle, talk to us today to make the choice easier. Voiso is the number one solution to streamlining your workflows and boosting your team productivity to new levels.
