best-multi-line-phone-system-for-small-business

90% of customers* consider it essential or very important to receive an immediate response to their customer service questions. Can your phone system deliver on that request?

If your business handles a high volume of calls or gets backed up during peak hours, using a multi-line phone system will save you from unanswered calls and losing opportunities.

To help you choose the best multi-line phone system provider for your company, we’ve put together a list of the 11 best options for small businesses in 2025. Let’s jump right into it!

Key Takeaways

  • Multi-line phone systems have become essential for meeting customer demands. They enable your business to manage multiple calls at once, ensuring every call is answered—even during the busiest peak hours.
  • Choosing the right system requires careful consideration of features, scalability, and integration, as these factors directly impact business efficiency, customer satisfaction, and long-term costs.
  • Setting itself apart from competitors, CloudTalk raises the bar with its advanced features, CRM integrations, and unmatched scalability. It offers multiple phone lines in over 160 countries, so you can rest assured that you can answer calls from all over the world.

Never miss a call again with CloudTalk.

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What is a Multi-line Phone System? 

A multi-line business phone system is a solution designed to enable your company to handle multiple calls simultaneously, ensuring no call goes unanswered, even during peak hours. 

It’s a great fit for growing businesses that want to stay connected with customers and team members without missing a beat. With this setup, you won’t have to worry about calls getting dropped or opportunities slipping through the cracks.

Beyond simply managing concurrent calls, multi-line systems come equipped with advanced features such as call transfer, interactive voice response (IVR), call routing, and more. 

These tools can automate routine tasks and free up your team to focus on customer interactions. 

Dive Deeper into Multi-Line Phone Systems

The 11 Best Multi-line Phone Systems for Small Businesses

Multi-line VoIP phone systems offer small businesses an affordable and efficient way to manage calls and improve customer service.

To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 providers of multiple phone lines for small businesses.

Provider

Starting Price

Key Features

Best For

CloudTalk

$19 per user/month

Auto Dialers, Call Monitoring, IVR, Call Notes, Call Flow Designer, Campaigns

Growing SMBs needing versatile call management

Aircall

$30 per user/month

Automatic Call Distribution, Call Monitoring, Call Recording, Call Routing

Small businesses focusing on daily sales and support

JustCall

$19 per user/month

Automatic Call Distribution, Call Recording, Call Masking, Conference Calls

SMBs requiring advanced features and reliable systems

RingOver

$21 per user/month

Call Recording, IVR, Call Monitoring, Analytics Dashboard

SMBs seeking an all-in-one communication platform

8×8

Not disclosed

IVR, Skills-Based Routing, Call Center Analytics, Call Monitoring

Businesses with a global customer base

Dialpad

$15 per user/month

AI Transcription, Google Workspace Integration, Video Conferencing Tools

Teams leveraging AI for productivity and insights

RingCentral

$20 per user/month

Video Conferencing, Omnichannel Communication, Customizable Analytics

Businesses unifying communication tools

Nextiva

$20 per user/month

Advanced Call Queues, CRM Tools, IVR Features

Businesses needing robust multi-channel solutions

Vonage

$13.99 per user/month

Custom API Integrations, Ring Groups, Single Sign-On

Companies with tailored communication needs

Ooma

$19.95 per user/month

3-Way Calling, Virtual Receptionist, Voicemail-to-Email

Small teams with straightforward needs

Talkdesk

$85 per user/month

Call Routing, IVR, Workforce Management, AI Automation

Customer-centric businesses needing scalability

#1: CloudTalk 

Best Multi-Line Phone Systems for Small Businesses

CloudTalk leads the way in AI-powered business calling software, purpose-built to enhance the performance of sales and customer support teams. Trusted by more than 4,000 innovative SMBs, CloudTalk ensures crystal-clear call quality in 160+ countries, enabling teams to have meaningful, results-driven conversations.

Best for: Compatible with businesses of all sizes, with a focus on growing SMBs

Pricing:

  • Lite plan: $19 per user/month billed annually, US & Canada only
  • Starter plan: $25 per user/month billed annually
  • Essential plan: $29 per user/month billed annually
  • Expert plan: $49 per user/month billed annually
  • Custom plan: Contact our team for a tailor-made offer

Key features:

Key integrations:

Rating:

  • Capterra: 4,4 / 5 – 263 reviews
  • G2: 4,3 / 5 – 1,158 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Interface & Set up

Easy to use and set up, with an intuitive interface

Onboarding coach and phone support starting from the Expert plan

Channels

Provides reliable support for cloud-based phone system

There is no support for landlines and traditional PBX

Features

Robust package of calling features and AI-powered tools

Lack of omnichannel capabilities (email, video conferencing, etc.)

#2: Aircall

Aircall is a powerful calling solution trusted by over 15,000 clients worldwide. It’s built to accelerate sales processes, enhance communication with prospects, and drive deal closures. With call-handling features, CRM integrations, and Analytics, Aircall streamlines workflows and empowers teams to connect more effectively.

Best for: Primarily targeted at small businesses using the phone to conduct sales and support business daily.

Pricing:

  • Essential plan: $30 per user/month, billed annually 
  • Professional plan: $50 per user/month, billed annually 
  • Custom plan:  Price-upon-request

Key features:

Key integrations:

  • ActiveCampaign
  • Freshdesk
  • Odoo CRM
  • Alloy Automation
  • Avoma

Rating:

  • Capterra: 4,3 / 5 – 427 reviews
  • G2: 4,3 / 5 – 1,144 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Pricing & Plans

Plans offer comprehensive features across tiers

The starting price is higher than competitors, and advanced features through add-ons.

Features Set

Provides a great set of call-handling features

Lacks essential video calling and webinar hosting features

Technical Infrastructure

Easy to set up and straightforward interface

Users have reported inconsistent call quality, with echoes and disconnections

#3: JustCall

JustCall is a modern call center solution designed to help teams scale efficiently while minimizing complexities, as claimed by the provider. While feature-rich, lower-tier plans have usage caps, it is essential to evaluate your business needs carefully.

Best for: Well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses that need a reliable phone system with advanced features.

Pricing:

  • Essentials plan: $19 per user/month billed annually
  • Team plan: $29 per user/month billed annually
  • Pro plan: $49 per user/month billed annually
  • Business plan:  Price-upon-request

Key features:

Key integrations:

Rating:

  • Capterra: 4,2 / 5 – 212 reviews
  • G2: 4,3 / 5 – 2,055 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Pricing & Plans

Plans offer comprehensive features across tiers

The starting price is higher than competitors, and advanced features through add-ons.

Features Set

Provides a great set of call-handling features

Lacks essential video calling and webinar hosting features

Technical Infrastructure

Easy to set up and straightforward interface

Users have reported inconsistent call quality, with echoes and disconnections

#5. 8×8

8×8 is a well-regarded communication platform with a global reach, chosen for businesses with international operations. Its scalable design ensures it can grow alongside teams of different sizes.

Best for: Businesses with a global customer base.

Pricing: 

  • X2 plan: Not disclosed (used to be $24 per user/month)
  • X4 plan: Not disclosed (used to be $44 per user/month)
  • X6 plan: Not disclosed (used to be $85 per user/month)
  • X7 plan: Not disclosed (used to be $110 per user/month)
  • X8 plan: Not disclosed (used to be $140 per user/month)

Key Features:

Integrations:

Rating:

  • G2: 4.2 / 5 – 199 reviews
  • Capterra: 4.0 / 5 – 302 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Pricing & Plans

Plans are comparatively affordable and well-balanced

The subscription cost quickly balloons with hidden fees

User Interface

Intuitive and user-friendly design

The initial setup can be complex

Features Capabilities

Centralizes operations across calls, SMS, email, and social media

Geographic restrictions for SMS and the requirement of an office for calling capabilities

#6. Dialpad

Dialpad is a communications platform with AI features that empower facing customer teams. While its entry-level pricing is appealing, many handy tools are locked behind premium tiers and add-ons. 

Best for: Teams focusing on leveraging AI for productivity and customer insights.

Pricing: 

  • Standard plan: $15 per user/month billed annually
  • Pro plan: $25 per user/month billed annually
  • Enterprise plan: Tailor-made offer

Key Features:

Integrations:

Rating:

  • G2: 4.4 / 5 – 1,848 reviews
  • Capterra: 4.2 / 5 – 536 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Pricing & Plans

Competitive base pricing

Numerous hidden fees and essential features require add-ons

Features

Excels in video conferencing and workflow integrations

Very limited in calling features and handy tools tied to higher-tier, custom-priced plans

Analytics & Reporting

Basic analytics and reporting for all the plans

AI analytics are available only as additional plans

#7: RingCentral

RingCentral is a comprehensive, unified communications platform offering calls, video conferencing, and team messaging. With advanced features and integrations, it’s ideal for businesses looking to unify their communication tools under one system.

Best for: Businesses looking for an all-in-one communication solution.

Pricing:

  • Core plan: $20 per user/month billed annually
  • Advanced plan: $35 per user/month billed annually
  • Ultra plan: $35 per user/month billed annually

Key Features:

Key integrations:

Rating:

  • Capterra: 4,3 / 5 – 210 reviews
  • G2: 4,0 / 5 – 979 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Pricing & Plans

Plans are comparatively affordable and offer comprehensive features

Many of the advanced features are locked behind expensive add-ons

Technical Infrastructure

Robust platform with a selection of 200+ integrations

Set up can take up to 90 days and involves an implementation fee

Customer Support

Provides business with 24/7 unlimited chat and phone support

Based on review portals, customer support is the most criticized aspect of its service

#8: Nextiva

Nextiva is a trusted communication platform designed to keep businesses operating in-office or remotely. Renowned for its reliability and strong customer support, it serves companies seeking a robust and efficient communication system.

Best for: Businesses needing a robust and reliable phone system that works across multiple channels.

Pricing: 

  • Digital plan: $20 per user/month billed annually
  • Core plan: $30 per user/month billed annually
  • Engage plan: $40 per user/month billed annually
  • Power Suite plan: $60 per user/month billed annually

Key Features:

Integrations:

Rating:

  • G2: 4.5 / 5 – 3,239 reviews
  • Capterra: 4.6 / 5 – 902 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Features Set

Combines multiple channels, including social media, chatbots, and email

Many key features require upgrades. Calls and text are only available in the second-tier plan

User Experience

The platform is intuitive and easy to navigate

Users report mobile app problems like freezing screens, slow loading times

Customer Support

Provides responsive and knowledgeable 24/7 customer service

A considerable portion of users reported long waiting times and poor customer service.

#9: Vonage

Vonage provides a versatile communication solution that adapts to various business needs. It’s particularly valued for its flexibility, allowing businesses to tailor their system to specific requirements.

Best for: Companies with unique requirements needing tailored communication solutions.

Pricing: 

  • Mobile plan: $13,99 per user/month billed annually
  • Premium plan: $20,99 per user/month billed annually
  • Advanced plan: $27,99 per user/month billed annually

Key Features:

Integrations:

Rating:

  • G2: 4.3 / 5 – 465 reviews
  • Capterra: 4.1 / 5 – 309 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Voice Technology

HD codec with adaptive bitrate optimization

Increased data usage compared to competitors

Pricing & Plans

Competitive base pricing for different sizes of businesses

Numerous hidden fees and essential features require add-ons

Reliability

99.999% uptime guarantee

High resource overhead impacting system performance

#10: Ooma

Ooma offers an affordable and accessible communication system tailored to small businesses. It has a straightforward setup and practical tools for teams looking for an easy-to-manage solution.

Best for: Small teams with no major ambitions to scale.

Pricing: 

  • Essentials plan: $19,95 per user/month billed annually
  • Pro plan: $24,95 per user/month billed annually
  • Pro Plus plan: $29,95 per user/month billed annually

Key Features:

  • 3-Way Calling
  • Virtual Receptionist
  • Voicemail-to-Email Forwarding

Integrations:

Rating:

  • G2: 4.5 / 5 – 129 reviews
  • Capterra: 4.5 / 5 – 243 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Features Set

100+ communications features for small business

Requires Ooma hardware for some features

Pricing & Plans

Competitive base pricing for different sizes of businesses

Limitations on “unlimited” calling and hidden fees

Voice System

Easy setup process that doesn’t require advanced technical skills

Users have reported issues with call clarity and reliability.

#11: Talkdesk

Talkdesk has been on the VoIP scene since 2011. Their smart-calling platform has improved the communication capabilities of over 1,800 sales and customer support teams through high-tech automation and reliable call quality.

Best for: Customer-centric businesses of all sizes that need a flexible and scalable contact center solution.

Pricing:

  • CX Cloud Digital Essentials: $85 per user/month
  • CX Cloud Essentials: $85 per user/month
  • CX Cloud Elevate: $115 per user/month
  • CX Cloud Elite: $145 per user/month

Key features:

Key integrations:

Rating:

  • G2: 4,4 / 5 – 2,398 reviews
  • Capterra: 4,5 / 5 – 727 reviews

Aspect

Pros

Cons

Integration Capabilities

Offers a wide range of integrations with popular CRM systems

Some integrations require custom development, which may add time and complexity

Scalability

Flexible cloud-based infrastructure supports scaling as your business grows.

Performance can degrade slightly during peak usage if scaling isn’t managed effectively.

AI and Automation

Provides robust AI-powered tools like virtual agents and automated workflows

It can be challenging to configure without technical expertise

How We Ranked These 11 Best Multi-Line Phone Systems

With so many options out there, choosing the right phone system for your business can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve compiled this list based on the factors that matter most to businesses:

  • Reliability: We looked at each provider’s dependability in terms of uptime and call quality. Those with a consistent and reliable performance ranked higher.
  • Pricing: Cost-effectiveness was a key consideration. We analyzed the pricing of various plans, checked for hidden fees, and evaluated whether the features offered justified the price.
  • Features: The capabilities of each system were a major focus. We looked at call-handling tools, advanced analytics, AI-powered functionalities, and automation. Providers with more comprehensive and practical features earned better rankings.
  • Integrations: Compatibility with existing tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zendesk was essential. Providers that offered seamless integrations with popular software stood out.
  • Reviews and Customer Support: User feedback on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and Capterra helped us gauge satisfaction levels. We also considered the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer support teams, prioritizing those with excellent service records.

Let your consumer find you everywhere.

Customer and agent illustration

How to Choose the Multi-Line Phone System for Your Business

Your choice of VoIP multi-line phone system will have a major impact on your business operations, so it’s important to make a well-informed decision. Keep these essential factors in mind to find the system that best suits your needs:

  • Budget: Look for a solution that aligns with your financial plan while delivering the features your business needs. Scalable pricing options are a plus, as they allow the system to grow with your company, providing long-term value.
  • Essential Features: Identify the features that will benefit your operations the most. Tools like Automatic Call Distribution, Call Queuing, and Voicemail can improve how your company handles multiple calls simultaneously.
  • Scalability: Choose a system that can expand alongside your business, whether that means accommodating more employees, handling higher call volumes, or serving new locations. 
  • Integration: A VoIP system that integrates smoothly with your existing tools—such as CRM platforms or help desk software—can increase productivity by making it easy to access and use customer data.
  • Ease of Use: An intuitive system is beneficial for both your team and your customers. Complicated interfaces or difficult setups can lead to inefficiencies and frustrations, so prioritize user-friendly solutions.
  • Reliability and Customer Support: Check user reviews to ensure the system is dependable and the provider offers quality support. Downtimes and technical issues can harm your business reputation.

Managing Thousands of Calls Without Missing a Beat

A call center receives an average of 4,400 calls in a month. That’s a lot of conversations to manage! For small businesses, it’s a reminder of how important it is to have a reliable multi-line phone system in place to keep things running smoothly and avoid missed opportunities.

A multi-line system ensures your team can handle multiple calls, cutting down on hold times and keeping customers happy. With features like call routing, IVR, and monitoring, these systems don’t just make life easier; they help your business deliver a better overall experience.

Choosing the right system is an investment in your business’s future. CloudTalk stands out as the top choice for growing SMBs. With its advanced features, CRM integrations, and crystal-clear call quality in over 160 countries, CloudTalk handles multiple calls from all over the world.

Still not convinced that CloudTalk is the best fit for you? Then, book a demo.

Ebooks illustration

Sources:

Gabriel Romio
20 Dec 2024