Be free of wires. Run a cloud-based call center with a Cisco competitor
- Call Quality: Globally distributed server infrastructure
- Country Coverage: 160 countries
- Online Team Management: Scale your team as you need to
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CloudTalk |
 Cisco VoIP |
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| Pricing | Starts at $25 per user/month | Information is not available. |
| Platform | Desktop, mobile app, as well as a dashboard. | Does not offer a mobile app. |
| Remote-work-ready |
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| Integrations | 40+ industry-top CRM and helpdesk systems like Salesforce, Hubspot, Pipedrive and others. Open API is available. | Integrates only with other Cisco products. |
| SMS/MMS | Personal messages or general notifications. Add images or gifs. | Does not offer this feature. |
| Voicemail |
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| Workflow management |
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| Speech to text |
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| Queue management |
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| Customer history |
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Thousands of companies shifted their call centers to CloudTalk and the number is growing
Explore a unique price-value
the ratio of Cisco VoIP phone system alternative
Effective real-time reporting for KPIs tracking
Making key decisions in real-time is an essential part of a successful business. Gain a competitive advantage by monitoring, analyzing, as well as measuring the performance and efficiency of your call center. Keep an eye on what is happening with a real-time Wallboard. Dig deeper into complex statistics on calls, agents, and call queues, all in one place.
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Reach locals worldwide with international calling
Spread your wings and discover new opportunities in the global market. CloudTalk, the out-of-the-box Cisco VoIP alternative, offers 160+ international numbers that allow you to reach more customers without a need to open new offices. Choose the numbers you like and set up custom greetings for each country. You can even create your own call transfering rules.
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#1 Rated call center software
Based on 400+ CloudTalk reviews on 6 independent software marketplaces & platforms
4.4/5 – 253 reviews
4.2/5 – 527 reviews
4.4/5 – 305 reviews
4.5/5 – 253 reviews
Integrate CloudTalk with tools
you love the most
Connect CloudTalk with powerful and easy one-click CRM and helpdesk integrations. Automatic 2-way synchronization makes that all your data are always up-to-date.
Learn how to turn the data into successful business decisions
Looking for new ways to satisfy your clients, predict their demands, and boost team output? Call statistics allow you to identify gaps in team efficiency, reduce costs, and most importantly, understand your customers’ needs and preferences. Implementing call monitoring, call statistics, and agent monitoring along with emotional analytics is the best strategy to do this.
Call globally for local rates and save on budget
Make calls to 160 countries with no need to have physical phone lines. CloudTalk not only allows you to expand your customer base. With 160 international numbers and toll-free numbers, you can call for local rates.
Choose numbers from countries that matter the most to your business. Already have a phone number? We can easily port it to CloudTalk
Out-of-the-box integrations and intuitive API
Make your work more efficient with the tools you love. CloudTalk is an open-API system. It creates a wide scale of possibilities for one-way or two-way synchronization with many external systems. If you wish to work with Zapier, Zendesk, Hubspot, or Salesforce, we have you covered.
With our open API feature, your employees can always access up-to-date information in all your customer interaction systems.
Watch how CloudTalk works
we will show you how to use the Cloudtalk desktop app, click to call feature and the smart dialer. We will also demonstrate CloudTalk’s dashboard features.
Switch from Cisco
Looking for a Cisco Alternative? Look no further!
You’ve seen the reasons why you should consider CloudTalk as your Cisco alternative.
After all, Cisco does have a number of limitations to worry about. The solution lacks an autodialer, ACD, IVR, SIP trunking, call tagging and more.
But of course, there are plenty of fish in the sea, so to help you make a good and informed decision, we’ve collected the top X competitors on the market. In this article, we’ll discuss their strengths, weaknesses, and prices.
7 Best Cisco Competitors
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the competition:
- CloudTalk
- 8×8
- Ringcentral
- Virtual PBX
- 3CX
- Genesys
- Dialpad
#1 CloudTalk
Here’s why you should give CloudTalk a try:
- High-quality calls with guaranteed latency and minimal jitter
- Smooth workflow with our Intelligent call-routing tools
- Callback feature that redials the number until connected with the agent
- Redirecting calls during busy hours or when outside the office
- The call masking feature keeps your personal number private
- Plans start at $25/month with a free trial and demo.
#2 8×8 vs. Cisco
8×8 is an evergreen telephony solution with a strong focus on integrations and analytics. The provider is well-suited for enterprises, but lower-tier subscriptions also work for smaller organizations.
What makes 8×8 unique?
There are 2 main advantages we want to highlight.
Analytics. The provider went far with their focus on tracking large-scale business processes.
The 8×8’s reporting system centralizes all data in a single place, so managers can make their teams more organized and speed up their workflow. You’ll also get real-time reports.
Comprehensive integrations with software like:
- Salesforce,
- Slack,
- Microsoft Teams,
- and many more.
Furthermore, 8×8 users get unlimited calling into 40+ countries. 8×8 telephony software comes with:
- smart dialer,
- click to call,
- and call recording.
What is 8×8 missing?
Office is required: You need an office in the location where you want to call in order to get a number from there.
Geographical restrictions for SMS: You can only use an SMS feature within the US and 8×8 does not cover costs for mobile numbers in Brazil.
Integrations: 8×8 doesn’t partner with telco companies, which means that users can’t get native integration with certain solutions. For example, Whatsapp. Non-native integrations must be set up by the tech team.
Features: 8×8 is missing some features like call tagging for more efficient calling processes, call masking for protecting your personal information or API for connecting CloudTalk with any tool you love. Automation tools like IVR, skill-based routing or automated callback come only with high-tier plans. You have to pay extra in order to get call recording.
A crucial restriction, mainly for big international companies, is that there are regional constraints on unlimited calling. Users with the basic Express plan can only use unlimited calling in the US and Canada.
How is 8×8 priced?
The cheapest, Express 8×8 plan starts at $15 for both monthly and annual subscription. Though, it only comes with basic features.
Higher tier plans will cost you from $24 to $44 per month, billed annually, and $28 to $57 billed monthly. These include more advanced features, such as multi-level auto attendant, and data history.
8×8 Conclusion
8×8 shines in analytics and integrations but stays behind in the amount of productivity features. There’s also a lack of flexibility to consider, and a few feature accessibility restrictions that may be dealbreakers for international companies.
Price is affordable when you only need a basic Express pack, but for more advanced tools, you’ll have to reach deeper into your wallet.
#3 RingCentral vs. Cisco
When you think about VoIP telephony solutions, Ringcentral is probably among the first ones that comes to your mind. No wonder, the company has been on the market for over 20 years and it has built quite a reputation for itself.
RingCentral has a great variety of features, and offers HD quality voice and video. The provider is a good fit for enterprises, since it offers omnichannel experience, lead qualification tools, as well as management, collaboration and performance features – all in a single software.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes RingCentral unique, what it’s missing, and more.
What makes RingCentral unique?
The platform has excellent video conferencing capabilities. Users get tools like whiteboard, screen sharing, breakout rooms, and a seamless scheduling process.
RingCentral also extensively supports team cooperation. The software offers a native task management system, and integrates with collaboration software, such as Monday.com.
RingCentral offers real-time metrics, so users can monitor the quality of service and enhance team productivity. Voicemail transcriptions allow users to find all information you need without having to always re-listen it.
There are unlimited inbound/outbound calls, business SMS, internal chat option, and international numbers from over 100+ countries.
What is RingCentral missing?
Despite all the positives, RingCentral does lack quite many essential tools that modern businesses require.
Features like:
- native sentiment analytics,
- Speech-to-Text transcription,
- smart dialers
- or Skill-based routing
are only included in Contact Centre Solution. The same goes for some agent management features, like monitoring.
A Call recording tool and Toll-free numbers are only available as add-ons, for an additional cost.
Furthermore, RingCentral’s implementation can take as much as 90 days and involves an implementation fee.
RingCentral UI is also not always the friendliest.
How is RingCentral priced?
RingCentral’s pricing list starts with:
- an Essential plan for $19,99 user/month billed annually, but it is limited to a maximum of 20 users.
- Second cheapest, Standard plan will cost you $27,99 user/month,
- and the list goes all the way up to an Ultimate plan for $49,99 user/month.
Keep in mind that in order to get all communication channels – phone calls, messaging and video conferencing – you’ll have to purchase the second most expensive, Premium plan ($34.99).
RingCentral Conclusion
RingCentral is an established name on the VoIP market and a reliable solution. It has great video conferencing and performance tracking capabilities, yet several essential features are limited.
#4 Virtual PBX vs. Cisco
VirtualPBX has been around since 1996, making it one of the oldest CCaaS companies in the industry. Their plans are tailored to small businesses and home-based clients.
What makes Virtual PBX unique?
Just because VirtualPBX launched in the ’90s, it doesn’t mean they’re not up to speed!
The solution offers applications for both desktop and mobile platforms and a wide range of call center features, such as:
- advanced monitoring and statistics,
- SIP trunking,
- SMS,
- and even auto-dialers.
You can use its API to connect your favorite apps to your call center.
What is Virtual PBX missing?
VirtualPBX misses some basic call center features such as:
- voice-to-text,
- queue management,
- and IVR.
These features are almost compulsory parts of a modern-day call center.
On top of that, VirtualPBX only offers unlimited calling minutes inside the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Outside of these countries, you have limited toll-free minutes, the amount of which is determined by your plan.
How is Virtual PBX priced?
Virtual PBX plans are available at a flat fee or usage-based monthly rates. You can choose from 4 plans:
- A Starter plan for $9 per month,
- a Flex plan for $18 per month,
- a Pro plan for $24 per month,
- and a Premier plan for $34 per month.
The plans only offer unlimited calls inside the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and you can purchase limited toll-free minutes outside of the above-mentioned territories.
Virtual PBX Conclusion
VirtualPBX is a well-established call center solution with reliable service and a wide range of call center tools. However, if you choose this software, you’d probably miss many modern-day tools such as queue management, voice-to-text, or unlimited global calling minutes. Because of this, VirtualPBX is only recommended for smaller companies that don’t wish to take their businesses beyond North America.
#5 3CX vs. Cisco
3CX is a PBX phone system for office-based teams. It runs exclusively with Microsoft Windows or Linux, so MacBook users are out of luck.
It’s a relatively basic phone system, with simple features such as Live Chat and Call Recording. It does not however feature smart capabilities such as AI or real-time transcriptions.
What makes 3CX unique?
3CX’s biggest strength is its affordability.
It’s a bare-bones system, but one that can get the job done for small teams who aren’t interested in the bells and whistles that come with most smart calling software.
What is 3CX missing?
3CX lacks some of the features and integrations most businesses have come to expect when hunting for virtual phone software. For example, users cannot integrate 3CX with Pipedrive or Zapier, two of the most popular business software on the market.
3CX also doesn’t have any direct sales. It is only sold through distributors which can make the sales process, as well as the support process lengthy and costly.
How is 3CX priced?
3CX’s most basic plan is free.
Their first paid plan comes in at 175 euros per user per month, and their more advanced plans cost 296 euros and 330 euros per user per month, respectively.
3CX Conclusion
As we’ve mentioned, 3CX is a virtual phone software for businesses who are only interested in the basics. It leaves a lot to be desired in a lot of areas, so we recommend thinking about whether or not you might need something it lacks — like integrations with Pipedrive and Zapier — at a later date.
#6 Genesys vs. Cisco
Genesys provides customers with the omnichannel platform they need to run an efficient call center operation, but it comes at a higher price than many of its competitors.
Some noteworthy features of the service include campaign management, escalation management, progressive dialers, and real-time chat.
What makes Genesys unique?
Genesys features robust 24/7 customer support that is generally praised by customers.
Genesys also features advanced AI capabilities and comprehensive omnichannel support.
What is Genesys missing?
Genesys has a 90-day implementation period which is carried out by one of their partners.
Getting started with this software is therefore time-consuming, and may not be the right move for a business looking for an out-of-the-box solution.
How is Genesys priced?
Genesys’s most basic plan costs $75 per user per month.
Their intermediate plan costs $110 per user per month, and their most advanced plan costs $150 per user per month.
It’s also important to note that Genesys requires a minimum of 20 users.
Genesys Conclusion
Genesys is a great software for remote teams, and they’ve developed a robust mobile interface, so agents can stay connected even when they’re on the move.
The service is slightly more expensive than other options, so you should consider that when making your decision.
#7 Dialpad vs. Cisco
If you’re not new to the VoIP telephony market, you surely heard of Dialpad. It’s a reliable, unified telephony solution with simple built-in AI, and advanced analytics. A live chat, phone hotline, and knowledge base makes it a great deal for customer support teams.
Dialpad’s scalability fits both small and large businesses.
What makes Dialpad unique?
Dialpad’s main advantages are voice intelligence and uptime between 99% and 100%.
You’ll get conference video calls, sentiment analysis, voicemail transcriptions, call tracking metrics, Speech-to-Text for an automatic call recording, and many more.
With Dialpad, you can call for free to the US and Canada from anywhere in the world. Inbound and outbound calling within your country is also free of charge.
The provider has a modern, well-organized UI, and offers a mobile application, and training videos.
What is Dialpad missing?
While offering a Power dialer, it lacks a Smart dialer and a Predictive dialer. The power dialer just works in Salesforce. Unlike the CloudTalk app, the Dialpad app only allows users to only dial manually.
The Preferred agent feature only works through API.
Dialpad also lacks a visual flow editor for Call flow designer. Sending SMS outside of the US and Canada isn’t possible, although this feature is soon coming to the UK.
The provider offers a limited integration stack, and Voicemail drop just comes with Dialpad Sell.
How is Dialpad priced?
Paid plans start at just $15 per user per month for the Standard Plan, and you can mix and match different packages.
The Pro plan is $35 per user per month.
Pricing for the Enterprise plan is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Dialpad Conclusion
While having some great calling, performance tracking, and productivity tools, Dialpad only offers one auto dialer. It also has its gaps in sending SMS, which you can only do in the US and Canada. The integration portfolio is not too rich.
Dialpad even offers a free unlimited video calling pack for personal use.
Cisco Alternatives: The Final Verdict
We hope that you’re now a step closer to choosing the right provider.
Regardless of your company’s size or focus, CloudTalk is here for you. With 70+ features and integrations covering almost every niche, our affordable solution can help SMBs and enterprises alike. Give it a try free for 14 days and see for yourself!
And for more content like this, check out our site.
Have a question you need answered?
If you have any questions regarding CloudTalk Coverage or the phone numbers, please get in touch at
How does the free trial work?
Simply send us your contact information, and we will send you access to a free CloudTalk trial with no strings attached. You can immediately start making phone calls with CloudTalk.
What are your outbound call prices?
Each package includes one standard local or toll-free number for free. Prices of outbound calls vary, please contact us for more details.
Who is a user?
Users work for your company and communicate with your existing and potential clients. You can add or remove users in just a few clicks anytime you need. As a user, you can imagine your agent, supervisor, analyst, administrator, etc.
Can I change my subscription plan anytime?
Plans billed annually can only upgrade to a higher tier plan (e.g., From Essential to Expert). It’s not possible to downgrade annual billing.
Can I use CloudTalk for more activities?
Definitely. CloudTalk can be used in many different ways, be it customer support, contact center, virtual phone system, or active call center. Our solution is perfect for companies operating several e-commerce at the same time in need of separate customer support for each e-commerce.
What about data safety?
The safety of your data is our topmost priority. CloudTalk uses third-party data centers with industry-standard certifications (Tier III+ or IV, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS). All facilities include physical protection. The interface is accessed through an encrypted SSL connection. You can read more on our page dedicated to Security.
