Best Zoom Phone Alternatives and Competitors in 2024

5 best zoom alternatives and competitors

Table of contents


Choosing the right phone system for your organization may be difficult in the ever-changing digital communication landscape. Zoom Phone is a popular VoIP phone system due to its enhanced video conferencing platform. However, it has restricted functionality, poor security, and integration challenges that may make it unsuitable for many businesses.

Several companies may need communication systems with sophisticated features, more integrations, or customization options. So, they need to look for better Zoom Phone alternatives. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems with numerous integrations and better customization options help to improve workflow and productivity.

There are multiple Zoom Phone alternatives and competitors with better communication features and prices. They provide comprehensive solutions with improved features and advantages that fit your business. This guide aims to assist you in finding the best alternative to Zoom phone for virtual team communication.


What is Zoom Phone?

Zoom phone is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) based phone system that allows individuals and companies to communicate online instead of using traditional telephone systems. It provides users with HD audio calling, video calling, text messaging, and file-sharing features, allowing for efficient and effective communication. You can access Zoom Phone through the computers (macOS/windows) and mobile (iOS/Android) devices.

Zoom Phone is becoming popular daily due to its robust communication tools for seamlessly making and receiving HD calls and enhanced collaboration features. According to Zoom’s CEO's blog, in March 2024, they reached more than 200 million daily participants.

Pricing and Plans of Zoom

Like most other VoIP service providers, Zoom Phone has categorized its pricing and plans into three tiers:
 

  • The base plan (US & Canada Metered) is for small businesses with limited calling.
  • The second plan (US & Canada Unlimited) is for growing businesses with unlimited calling.
  • The third plan (Global Select) is for enterprise-level companies with not only US & Canada but international reach.


The pricing and plans of Zoom are as follows:
 

Plans

Pricing/User

Services and Features

US & Canada MeteredMonthly: $10
Annually: $120
Domestic US & Canada Calling (Metered)
International Calling (Metered)
SMS & MMS (Domestic)
US & Canada UnlimitedMonthly: $15
Annually: $180
Domestic US & Canada Calling (Unlimited)
US & Canada Number
Centralized Management Portal
Global SelectMonthly: $20
Annually: $240
Domestic Calling in the 48 Countries
Multiple Device Use
Direct Dial Number

Major Features of Zoom

  • AI Assistant
    The Zoom phone has an AI assistant called Zoom AI Companion, which summarizes meetings and chat messages, drafts emails, analyzes speeches, and generates new ideas on a whiteboard.
  • Call Routing and Management
    Zoom phone has a call routing feature that directs callers to the right department or person for better solutions. Call centers mainly use call routing to manage a high volume of callers through call center software.
  • Conferencing and Collaboration 
    Zoom Phone provides audio and video conferencing features, making it possible to conduct meetings from anywhere via the Internet. It also has a collaborative mode, so users can share ideas, files, and information within the same platform, enhancing business processes.
  • Unified Platform
    Zoom Phone offers a unified communication platform for receiving and making calls, messaging, and video conferencing on one streamlined platform. It is more efficient and cost-effective than traditional phone systems.

Why Business Seek for Alternatives to Zoom Phone?

The most common issues with Zoom Phone are poor security, unreliability for handling large meetings, lack of customization options, and poor customer support and services. Given these issues, it is better to look for Zoom Phone alternatives.

Here are some of the factors that companies seek for other Zoom Phone alternatives:

Challenging to Manage Larger Teams and Projects

Zoom's global select plan offers a 1,000-participant option. However, managing and handling meetings with 1,000 participants can be challenging. The Zoom Phone struggles with call quality, latency, and overall performance. Hence, people seek other Zoom Phone alternatives due to its unreliable performance.

Challenges in Ensuring Security and Reliability

Zoom Phone had bad experiences related to security concerns. There are several other issues with Zoom Phone, such as Zoombombing and data breaches, which makes it better to look for other alternatives to Zoom. Some of the cases related to Zoom Phone’s security threats are:

 

  • 2023: Fake Zoom app containing full of malware used to steal information.
  • 2020: Zoombombing, where numbers of trolls create unwanted and disruptive intrusion into video conference calls.

Limited Integration Tools Compared to Other Competitors

Zoom Phone integrates with limited tools like contact center, app, and compliance integrations compared to competitors. These integrations include:
 

  • Cloud Contact Center Integrations: Genesys, Five9, Nice inContact, Talkdesk, and Twilio
  • App Integrations: Salesforce, Google Workspace (G Suite), Slack, Microsoft Teams, and PowerPack
  • Compliance Integrations: Theta Lake, Nice, and Global Relay
     

Similarly, RingCentral has over 300 integrations, making it more reliable, superior, and a better alternative to Zoom in terms of integrations.

Limited Customization

Zoom Phone customization options include changeable account levels and customizable phone settings. Zoom Phone does not offer customization options such as customizable IVR, customizable call analytics, customizable hold music and greetings, and more. So, it is better to have Zoom Phone alternatives for enhanced customization options.

Poor Customer Support and Services

Zoom’s customer support options, such as live chat and phone support, were only available for higher plans with an additional cost. However, live chat and phone support are now included in all Zoom phone plans, but it responds slowly to customers’ feedback. The lack of onboarding support with Zoom’s plans makes it impossible for new users to utilize its features thoroughly. Hence, users get frustrated with Zoom’s poor customer service and look for alternatives.

Comparing Top 5 Zoom Alternatives

Worldwide, there are several alternatives to Zoom Phone that eliminate its weaknesses and offer more robust communication tools to individuals and businesses. Some of the best alternatives are:
 

  1. Calilio: Best for all sizes of Business
  2. Google Voice: Best for ease of Setup.
  3. RingCentral: Best for Comprehensive Features
  4. Dialpad: Best for Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  5. OpenPhone: Best for User Interface

Exploring Major Zoom Phone Competitors

Zoom Phone Competitors

Pricing and Plans 
(Per user/Month)

Key Features

Calilio

Basic - $12

Business - $28

Enterprise (Custom)

Unified Callbox
VoIP Analytics and Reporting
Internal Messaging
Call Management and Analytics
Google Voice

Starter - $10

Standard - $20

Premier - $30

Ring Groups
HD Calling
Video-Conferencing
Auto Attendant
OpenPhone

Starter - $15

Business - $23

Enterprise - (Custom)

Call Transfer
Group Calling
Advanced auto-attendant/IVR
AI-generated call transcripts and summaries
RingCentral

Core Plan - $30

Advanced - $35

Ultra Plan - $45

Call Park
IVR Response
Live transcription (AI)
Remote Desktop Control
DialpadStandard - $27
Pro - $35
Enterprise - (Custom)
AI call center
Power Dialer
Unlimited video meeting
Custom call routing


Businesses can also look for the best Zoom competitors that provide similar VoIP solutions with enhanced communication features and better calling capabilities. Here are some of the best Zoom Phone alternatives:

Calilio

Calilio is a VoIP phone system that offers virtual numbers and provides modern communication solutions to individuals and businesses. It complies with HIPAA requirements for more reliability and security of users’ sensitive data or information, making it one of the best alternatives to Zoom Phone. Calilio also offers various customizable options for interactive voice response (IVR), call notes and tags, greeting voice messages, and call-on-hold music according to the user’s preference. Calilio might be the better  Zoom Phone alternative with enhanced VoIP features, such as unified communication platforms, AI-powered call summaries, internal messaging, bulk SMS campaigns, and more.
 

Calilio

Why We Picked Calilio?

  • Advanced functionalities for comprehensive business needs.

  • Customizable plans for every business type.

  • Country coverage is over 100, which is best for international business communication.

  • 24/7 technical support for prompt response.
     

Where Does It Fall Short?

  • It is time-consuming in terms of fully utilizing all the provided tools.

  • There are various customization options, which can be confusing initially.

Where Does it Fall Behind?

  • Calilio sets itself apart from Zoom Phone with its customization options to fulfill users' needs and expectations.

  • The detailed analytics and security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance, make it reliable compared to Zoom Phone.

  • Calilio ensures 24/7 technical and customer support features in all business plans, making it superior to Zoom Phone.

 

Key Features


Key features of Calilio that improve the efficiency and productivity of businesses are:

Queue Call Back
Queue Call Back (QCB) allows users to automatically connect back to the following persons in line, reducing the queue of callers. Using QCB helps to eliminate call abandonment, time delays, and high call volume issues, improving agent productivity.

Customization Options
Calilio offers various customization options, such as language customization, greeting styles, and customizable playback music. Users can customize and use their system interfaces according to their needs and preferences.

Members ROI
Members ROI features allow users to measure and assess the level and intensity of workplace engagement and efficient performance tracking, making better optimization and allocation of resources.

Internal Messaging
Internal messaging is a way of sending and receiving text messages among team members in an organization, which is mainly used for collaborative activities among employees. It allows users to receive and send instant messages among team members to share information, maintain communication, and ensure clarity.

Call Sentiment Analysis
Call sentiment analysis is a compelling feature that accurately measures behavior, attitude level, customers’ interests, and employees’ performance. It provides real-time analytics, records the audience’s reactions, and generates sentiment reports.

Google Voice

Google Voice is a well-known online communication service provider that includes texting, calling, and voicemail. Initially, it was used for personal use for free. However, with the increased demand for better communication platforms, Google Voice extended its service to the business level (paid-to-use) with better functionalities. It has integrations called G Suites, such as Google Meet, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Gmail, and more. Users can access all these tools by setting up Google Voice with a single Google account or phone number, making it a one-time set-up.
 

Google Voice

Why We Picked Google Voice?

  • Users can use their Google account to access Google Voice and G Suits easily.
  • Simple and user-friendly interface with essential communication tools.
  • Customization options for language selection, privacy settings, voicemails, and more.
     

Where Does It Fall Short?

  • Advance reporting is only available on the premier plan.
  • Do not offer a toll-free number.

How Does It Compare to Zoom Phone?

  • Google Voice has built-in integration tools (G Suites), making it a one-time setup compared to Zoom Phone.
  • Google Voice is budget-friendly with enhanced communication features, making it a suitable alternative to Zoom Phone.
  • Enhanced security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance, make it reliable compared to Zoom Phone.

 

Key Features


Ring Groups
Google Voice’s ring groups allow specific team members to answer calls using its single number. In Ring Groups, the call cloud rings call the members of teams until someone answers the call. It helps to boost the efficiency and productivity of workflows and business communication.

Auto Attendants
Google Voice’s auto attendants direct callers to the correct person or department, improving customer relationships. It helps to manage and control a large volume of callers efficiently and effectively, decreasing the workload.

Voicemail Transcripts
Google Voice’s voicemail transcripts help to convert voicemails or speech into readable text format so you can understand them easily. Voicemail transcripts are searchable, which makes it easy and faster to find information rather than relistening.

Personalize Voicemail Greetings
Google Voice allows you to custom record your voicemail greetings. This feature helps you respond with voice to customers when you cannot answer their calls rather than text, improving users’ experience.

đź“– You may also read: Google Voice vs Zoom Phone

RingCentral

RingCentral (aka. RingEX) is a popular cloud-based system that provides virtual phone numbers and sophisticated communication features for individuals and businesses of all sizes. With over 300 integrations, RingCentral has the largest ecosystem with third-party apps, making its communication platforms more reliable and effective. Hence, it is one of the best Zoom Phone alternatives regarding integration capabilities. Before 2023, RingCentral’s host video meetings feature of the core plan charged additional costs, but after the modification, it is set to no added fees.
 

RingCentral

Why We Picked RingCentral?

  • Offers over 300 robust integrations for more reliable and effective workflows.

  • Provides better AI features that manage calls and generate reports from conversations.

  • It provides sophisticated communication features that benefit large businesses, especially sales teams.

     

Where Does It Fall Short?

  • A wide range of features leads to confusion and is time-consuming to understand.

  • Internet faxing is not available without an upgrade.

How Does It Compare to Zoom Phone?

  • RingCentral has over 300 integrations, which ensures more reliable and better communication than Zoom Phone.

  • RingCentral focuses primarily on the UCaaS platform, offering calls, video conferencing, team messaging, and contact centers.

  • RingCentral can make real-time AI notes, making it better in AI capabilities than Zoom Phone.

 

Key Features


Predictive Dialer
RingCentral’s predictive dialer allows team members to place phone calls before the agents become available. It helps to increase agents’ efficiency and productivity by attending as many customers as possible. Predictive dialers also automatically allow users to move quickly to the next person after an unanswered call.

Multilevel IVR
Multilevel IVR is an automated voice system connecting multiple users, offices, and departments with a single number. RingCentral’s multilevel IVR automatically routs the calls across these offices and departments. It provides various IVR menus for multiple locations.

Unlimited Cloud Storage and Security
RingCentral offers users online cloud storage and backup services, ensuring reliability and security. This feature allows users to share and store unlimited files in RingCentral. The seven layers of protection level ensure that the data and information of users are preserved and well protected.

RingSense AI
RingSense AI is an enhanced artificial intelligence system of RingCentral that manages and summarizes calls, messages, and voicemails. It also coaches team members in real time, improving their skills. RingSense AI also analyzes the company’s performance metrics and suggests areas for improvement.

đź“– You may also read: RingCentral vs Zoom 

Dialpad

Dialpad is an intelligent cloud phone system that utilizes AI features to make or receive audio and video calls, messages, and voicemails. It offers a top-level AI-based communication platform among competitors, making it one of the best Zoom Phone alternatives in terms of AI capabilities. Built-in AI features transcribe calls and messages, take notes, track items, and create new content, allowing employees to focus on more important activities.
 

Dialpad

Why We Picked Dialpad?

  • Better AI capabilities, including real-time transcription, call summary, and agent assistant, improve productivity and user experience.
  • Offers enhanced custom call routing features, automatically managing and distributing the calls to the right team member or department.
  • Provides better customer support with chat, phone, email, FAQ, and 24/7 live support.
     

Where Does It Fall Short?

  • Integrations cannot be accessed without upgrading the plan.
  • Additional cost for a toll-free number.

How Does It Compare to Zoom Phone?

  • Dialpad has a 14-day free trial compared to Zoom Phone without a trial.
  • Dialpad has built-in AI that provides valuable insights to boost the performance of an organization compared to Zoom Phone.
  • Dialpad has better customer support features and more channels, such as chat, phone, email, and 24/7 live support with a 100% uptime SLA, compared to Zoom Phone, which has a general channel.

 

Key Features


AI-based Communication
Dialpad uses its AI, Dialpad Ai, which includes AI-powered communication features and services like AI messaging, calling, meetings, and more. Dialpad Ai helps transcribe meetings in real time, track keywords used in conversations, detect customer sentiments, and more. Dialpad’s contact center also uses AI for call monitoring, coaching, and handling large volumes of customers efficiently and effectively.

Visual Voicemail
Dialpa’s visual voicemail can easily and quickly transcribe calls, messages, and voicemails in real time. Visual voicemail allows users to personalize voicemail greetings to their preferences. Dialpad automatically translates voicemail into readable text rather than listening, saving time and providing a better user experience.

Custom Call Routing
Custom call routing is a call management feature that automatically distributes the callers according to your preferred criteria based on call centers or team’s capacity. Using custom call routing, you can route the callers to your team members who are ideal for a longer time or according to fixed order and skill levels.

Auto Attendant
Auto attendant (aka. Virtual receptionist) is a communication tool that interacts and records callers' conversations without the receiver’s physical existence. Using the auto attendant feature in communication platforms helps eliminate the abandonment of calls and improves customer relationships.

OpenPhone

OpenPHone is an internet-based phone system that provides communication services to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Businesses get unlimited calling, texting, and collaboration features, improving efficiency and effectiveness, making OpenPhone one of the best Zoom Phone alternatives. OpenPhone provides more robust texting features such as auto-replies, scheduled messages, and templates, which can be crucial for customer support. OpenPhone out signs in terms of these enhanced messaging features than Zoom phone.
 

OpenPhone

Why We Picked OpenPhone?

  • Customizable messages with AI for business texts, including auto-reply, scheduled messages, and more.
  • The three-way calling feature helps to add a third person on ongoing calls easily and quickly.
  • Provides both manual and automatic call recording features.
     

Where Does It Fall Short?

  • It has Limited calling features in the base plan.
  • Additional cost for messaging.

Where Does it Fall Behind?

  • OpenPhone has a 7-day free trial compared to Zoom Phone without a trial.
  • OpenPhone has a unified inbox that centralizes all communication channels like calls, messages, and voicemails compared to Zoom Phone.
  • OpenPhone provides an auto-reply feature compared to Zoom Phone’s manual reply.

 

Key Features


Robust Texting Capabilities
OpenPhone has an AI texting feature that includes auto-reply, scheduled messages, and templates as snippets, which save time and improve customer relationships. You can set custom messages based on unique actions as auto-reply when a team member is unavailable.

Voicemail Transcription
Using OpenPhone’s voicemail transcription, you can translate voicemails into readable text format. Readable text format helps to save time with transcripts rather than listening to audio for longer periods. 

Three-way Calling
Three-way calling allows users to add a new person on an ongoing call for seamless communication, improving efficiency. Quickly connecting best-fit team members with the customer helps to resolve issues efficiently.

Ring Groups
Using the ring group feature, OpenPhone manages the inbound calls and helps team members by reducing the workloads. OpenPhones ring group helps to manage the large volume of calls, reduce missed calls, improving customer experiences with faster response.

Choosing The Better Alternatives to Zoom Phone

Alternatives to Zoom Phone offer more secure and reliable communication services. Here are some Zoom Phone alternatives: Calilio, Google Voice, RingCentral, Dialpad, OpenPhone, etc. While choosing the better Zoom options, you must understand factors such as pricing and plans, features, security, and reliability.  Considering alternatives to Zoom Phone also depends upon specific business needs, budgets, and preferences.

đź“– You may also read: Top 5 Ringover Alternatives and Competitors

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best alternative to Zoom Phone for business?

The best alternatives to Zoom Phone for businesses are Calilio, WebEx, Google Voice, RingCentral, Dialpad, and more. Since they provide improved communication features with enhanced AI capabilities and more integration tools.

What type of businesses use Zoom?

Businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprises in tech, healthcare, education, and finance, use Zoom since it offers high-quality calling and video conferencing to a wide range of participants.

Is the base version of Zoom Phone free?

Yes, Zoom Phone's base version is free. You can access its service using its website, desktop, or mobile app.

Which is the affordable alternative to Zoom?

Google Voice is an affordable alternative to Zoom, with prices ranging from $10 to $30 per user/month.


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