Businesses added 35 million internet phone lines between 2010-2018, and call centers now save up to 50% in costs with VoIP systems. The reason? Traditional phone systems are killing your bottom line.

Poor call quality loses customers. No call insights stunt growth. Expensive landlines waste budgets. Limited remote capabilities restrict talent.

VoIP software eliminates these problems. You can streamline sales and support teams from anywhere, improve customer experiences, and scale at any speed—all while cutting costs in half.

Ready to find the right system? Let’s explore the top VoIP platforms and key features that will transform your business communications.

Key takeaways:

  • VoIP providers need to ensure exceptional audio quality with high reliability and consistent service availability.
  • Standard internet phone system features include messaging, audio conferencing, call recording, and auto-attendants. Advanced features might include AI suggestions, time-saving capabilities, and productivity-boosting tools.
  • CloudTalk is highlighted as an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes, particularly those prioritizing AI integration and advanced analytics.

CloudTalk’s full-service VoIP platform gives you access to localized numbers from 160+ countries.

Criteria to Look for in Your Internet Phone System

Before we explore your options, it’s important to consider how you plan to use your VoIP system and all the essential features. 

If you’re supporting remote working for multiple agents, you’ll need a platform with a Hosted Private Branch Exchange (PBX). This cloud-based system enables your business to use VoIP technology to handle calls without physical, on-premise equipment. 

Put yourself in your agents’ shoes too. Will they be working primarily from their cell phone? Will they be more productive with a desktop app and headset replacing their traditional landline and desk phone? Do they need flexibility to work in either scenario?  

Then there are individual VoIP features to bear in mind. These are fairly standard as part of a basic package:

  • Porting existing numbers
  • Caller ID
  • Call Forwarding and Transfer
  • Incoming Call Routing
  • SMS
  • Automated Hold
  • Conference Calling 

Beyond these, you may discover features that you hadn’t previously considered but offer significant benefits to your business. Think about how your business imagines call center automation and ways to improve agent performance to meet, or surpass, industry benchmarks

Below, we dive into some specialized features that can truly transform the way your sales and customer service teams communicate.

Call Quality

“I’m sorry, who’s calling?”, “It’s a bad line.”, “I give up.” 

Responses that no call center agent wants to hear, and no customer wants to say. Poor phone call quality is a major contributor to call abandonment, so choosing software with a proven record of call clarity is a must. You can’t close a sale, convert a prospect, or solve a customer’s issues if they’ve hung up.

Why you need it: Clear call quality across countries at all times, no wasted time checking connections or quality, streamlined call processes

Local Number Availability

Trust and cost. Two key factors in any customer/business communications. With software that creates a global network through the cloud, you can work internationally with local efficiency.

In their Local Presence Dialing Survey, research company Software Advice found that prospects are four times more likely to trust and answer a phone call from an unknown phone number if it has a local area code.

Why you need it: Improved client trust, shorter call waiting times, higher pick-up rates, higher productivity, lower international costs.

Ease and speed of setup

By choosing a cloud-based VoIP software, you can handle the entire installation and onboarding process remotely. Experts will be on hand to advise over the phone or web chat but, usually, it’s a ‘Plug & Play’ approach that means you can get started as soon as installation is complete.

Why you need it: Set-up savings, more experienced autonomous staff, time and cost-efficient recruitment and training.

Software Integration

If you’re using CRM software — Zendesk, HubSpot, Salesforce, or Pipedrive, for instance — then choosing an internet phone system that integrates seamlessly should be high on your agenda.

From consumer analysis to communication tracking, you want a holistic view of every exchange your business has had with a customer, via email, phone, web chat, messaging app, or SMS.

Why you need it: Higher productivity as software tools talk seamlessly, reduced admin, improved reliability, cost savings.

AI and Productivity

Platforms like CloudTalk include AI-powered tools like AI Voice Agents, or powerful Conversation Intelligence features like sentiment analysis, allowing agents to gauge their counterpart’s mood over the course of a conversation, or talk/listen ratios that measure how engaged the customer is.

As a result, your agents can focus on topics that get a positive response, you can gain insights for future training, and adjust strategies accordingly. These VoIP features can help your agents and your business in the short term and enable you to adapt and grow in the future.

Why you need it: Time savings, more helpful responses, better understanding of clients, improved conversations

Competitive Pricing

The most cutting-edge features, simplest installation, and crystal-clear call quality don’t necessarily guarantee a return on investment (ROI).

Even with ROI, it’s still annoying to find out you could’ve been getting many of the same tools for much better pricing. Either way, cost is always a key consideration.

Why you need it: Added profitability, efficient fast growth, lower set-up costs, international reach with low-cost overseas calls.

Security

Information shared by either party needs to be secure, so security, data encryption, and overall compliance are always important considerations.

Recording a conversation for agent training purposes shouldn’t put the customer or your business at risk.

Why you need it: Protect sensitive customer data, comply with regulations, and maintain business reputation.

Your Top 8 Choices for Internet Phone Systems

Now you know why you need an internet-based phone system, and what to look out for when choosing it.

Next, let’s look at the leading platforms, so you can choose the best one for your business.

VoIP

Global Reach

CRMs

AI Tools

Annual Price (user/month)

CloudTalk

$19

Nextiva

$23

Dialpad

$15

RingCentral

$30

CallHippo

$18

Ooma

from $9.99 + setup fees

Vonage

Upon request

Google Voice

$10

Below we take an in-depth look at 8 providers, but if you want to narrow it down the video below mentions top 4 picks:

Now you know why you need an internet-based phone system, and what to look out for when choosing it.

Next, let’s look at the leading platforms, so you can choose the best one for your business.

4 Best Business Phone Systems for Small Businesses in 2025

1. CloudTalk

Cloudtalk dashboard showing talk/listen ratio analysis

As a full-service call center software, CloudTalk delivers an internet phone system with a host of features built to increase productivity. Designed to give you unparalleled control over your customer’s experience, you can create intuitive and customized call flows that connect your customers to the correct agent, every time. 

As well as getting a macro and micro view of calls in real-time, you can adjust automation to make sure you never miss a call. Its hosted PBX system has all the building blocks you need to manage your sales or customer service call center remotely and give your agents a greater chance of a positive outcome on calls. 

Key features:

  • Crystal-clear call quality internationally, through a network of telco partners
  • Provides local phone numbers for 160+ countries (the largest in the market)
  • Fast implementation with a specialist available before, during, and after the process
  • Native integration with 35+ CRMs and helpdesk solutions
  • A central, real-time dashboard that gives an overview of all live calls, with archival information saved for review
  • Advanced features driven by AI, including AI Voice Agents, Sentiment Analysis, Call Transcription in five languages using Conversation Intelligence technology, and Topic Extraction to meet customers’ interests and needs
  • End-to-end encryption, secure call recording, and compliance with industry regulations

Pricing (annual billing):

  • Lite (LATAM & NA only): $19/user/month
  • Starter: $25/user/month
  • Essential: $29/user/month
  • Expert: $49/user/month

Best for: With clients that include Revolut, Mercedes-Benz, Fujitsu, and DHL, CloudTalk is industry-agnostic. It’s a great choice for organizations looking for a cloud-based solution to optimize their productivity while providing full employee support.

“We have seen a significant increase in our outbound call volume since we started using CloudTalk and now reach more prospects and customers than ever.” 

Quote Icon
—­Elay Sasson, Call Center Manager, MyHeritage

2. Nextiva

Nextiva home screen showing sample conversations

This unified communication platform combines PBX and VoIP phone services, video conferencing, and team messaging. It offers a scalable solution with features like call analytics and management, CRM integration, and 1-click call recording and transfer.

Key features: 

  • Clear call quality
  • Supports local phone numbers you purchase
  • Easy cloud-based implementation
  • Integration with almost 20 CRM and helpdesk solutions
  • AI tools include Sentiment Tracking and same-language voicemail transcription
  • Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) encryption between all endpoints

Pricing

  • Essential: Starting at $17.95 per agent
  • Professional: Starting at $21.95 per agent
  • Enterprise: Starting at $31.95 per agent

Best for:

Businesses looking for scalable solutions with features like call analytics, advanced call management, and CRM integration.

3. Dialpad

Dialpad’s business phone system prides itself on using AI to simplify customer service and simplify operations for staff, and for being easy to set up and use on multiple devices. It prioritizes helpful AI-powered tools such as assisted answers, customer satisfaction gauges, and automation of call summaries and online chatbots. While the platform is effective, it may not offer the level of customization some users might require.

Key features:

  • AI-powered tools such as Agent Assist, for better answers to customer questions
  • In-call cards to boost customer service agent confidence and improve job satisfaction
  • Unlimited calling within the US and Canada
  • Hold queues, auto-attendant, and voicemail to reduce missed calls
  • High-definition voice tool
  • Performance metrics
  • Extensive marketplace with common integrations

Pricing:

From $27 per user per month for the Standard Business Communications solution.

Best for: Businesses who want to maximize the power of AI-powered features.

Most helpful user review: “Dialpad is a comprehensive and efficient communication platform that stands out with its AI capabilities and integrations.” — G2

4. Ooma Office Phone

Ooma Office Phone desktop app showing call directory

A comprehensive business phone system, with features such as virtual receptionist, extension dialing, and conference bridges. This option is designed to deliver a high-quality internet phone system without a broad array of additional features.

Key features:

  • Low international calling rates
  • Analog and ethernet equipment provided, with an app platform for mobile
  • Integration with 12 CRM and helpdesk solutions
  • Government-standard encryption technology

Pricing

  • Essentials: Starting at $19.95 per agent
  • Pro: Starting at $24.95 per agent
  • Pro Plus: Starting at $29.95 per agent

Best for:

Small to medium-sized businesses based in Mexico, the USA, Canada, or India, in need of a ‘no frills’ VoIP solution.

5. CallHippo

CallHippo dashboard showing call volume comparison graph and keypad

Designed to support both sales and customer service, this VoIP provider delivers a platform that scales according to your business needs. A common hosted PBX choice for companies looking for a streamlined call center solution. 

Key features:

  • Clear call quality
  • Local phone numbers for over 50 countries
  • Cloud-based implementation
  • Extensive integrated app ecosystem
  • AI enhancements including Sentiment Analysis and Topic Detection
  • International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certified multi-layered security

Pricing: 

  • Starter: Starting at $18 per agent
  • Professional: Starting at $30 per agent
  • Ultimate: Starting at $42 per agent

Best for: 

Its scalable nature and tiered pricing system make this a useful option for many kinds of businesses, from start-ups to internationally established brands.

6. RingCentral

RingCentral Add-Ins menu with external app logos

An all-in-one cloud communication solution, this platform combines phone, video, team messaging, and contact center services. Its features include a mobile app builder with software integration, making it a popular choice among tech-savvy businesses with a broad service set.

Key features:

  • Clear call quality with a minimum internet connection of 92 Kbps
  • Local phone numbers for over 75 countries
  • Remote setup
  • Over 300 pre-built integrations with leading business software solutions
  • AI automation for data logging and agent training
  • Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) voice — end-to-end encryption available in closed beta version

Pricing

  • Core – Starting at $20 per agent
  • Advanced – Starting at $25 per agent
  • Ultra – Starting at $35 per agent

Best for:

Businesses of all sizes, though some technical expertise is helpful to fully leverage some of the more complex features on offer.

7. Vonage

Laptop showing Vonage call history with dialer overlaid

This business VoIP service provider offers software that creates a solid foundation for businesses adopting internet phone systems for the first time, or that have found other solutions costly without meeting their core needs.  

Key features:

  • Generally clear call quality
  • International and local numbers available as paid-for add-ons
  • Remote setup
  • 20 software integrations
  • AI virtual agents available
  • Wide range of security compliance certifications

Pricing

  • Mobile: Starting at $10.49 per agent
  • Premium: Starting at $17.49 per agent

Best for:

Small to medium businesses on a budget with a focus on establishing a call center service, rather than rapid growth. 

8. Google Voice

Part of the larger Workplace ecosystem, this extension of the internet giant’s software suite offers certain advantages for businesses that center their broader working practices around it. Ready to use on desktop or mobile devices wherever there’s wi-fi or a strong mobile data signal.

Key features:

  • Clear call quality dependent on internet connection
  • Local and international numbers available
  • Cloud-based nature requires subscription rather than installation
  • Seamless integration within its own ecosystem, but not external CRM software solutions
  • AI limited to spam call blocking and voicemail
  • Data stored but encrypted, optional privacy settings

Pricing

  • Starter: Starting at $10 per agent
  • Standard: Starting at $16 per agent
  • Premier: Starting at $24 per agent

Best for: 

Businesses of any size that centralize their workflow through Google Workspace and are prepared to wait for additional AI features.

Streamline sales and customer service with CloudTalk’s VoIP phone system.

Explore Your Options to Understand Your Needs

Before you shut down your phone lines and commit to any one solution, try CloudTalk for free. You’ll see how easy it is to set up and use, find out how to create an international presence wherever you are, and experience exceptional call quality. As one of the most robust, feature-packed options, it’s an ideal opportunity to see which elements suit your business best and start gaining insights into how you can boost productivity and profit. 

With a clear view of the software and its impact on agent performance through a real-time dashboard, you can make fully informed business decisions—instead of enduring weeks of costly trial and error. 

Whether you’re driving sales or enhancing customer support, CloudTalk is the ultimate solution. It lets you create a unified communication ecosystem for customer-facing teams, revolutionizing how they connect and collaborate.

Discover how CloudTalk VoIP system redefines your calling experience!

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