Leave the landline behind because it’s 2021 and we’re in the golden age of VoIP services. You can get virtual phone numbers that can totally replace your office phone system. In fact, they can do much more than your traditional phone setup. But where should you start your search? Take a look at our favorite small business office phone systems and services in 2021.
The Three Best Small Business Office Phone Systems and Services
1. 8×8 Express
8×8 Express sits comfortably atop our list because of its amazing price. You can get a virtual phone number for the low cost of only $12 per user per month. That’s an unbeatable deal, and it doesn’t even require a large number of users to get started. The 8×8 Express package includes everything you need: their mobile and desktop apps, a virtual phone number, and unlimited calling.
Their cloud-based system is one of the best in the business. 8×8 also has more advanced phone systems in their X series. If you still plan on having desk phones, you can opt for the X series and get your calls routed through the internet straight to your receptionist’s desk phone at the speed of light. 8×8 gives you an unbeatable deal and a professional service.
2. GrassHopper
We love GrassHopper for small businesses. They specifically designed their software to be easy to use for small business owners. Their packages are also priced per month, not per user. You get one, three, or five virtual phone numbers depending on the plan you choose. But what makes their product unique is how it leverages extensions to make your small business seem much bigger.
The most basic plan includes three extensions that you can customize. For example, one extension could direct a call to your mobile phone, while another could direct them to a different user entirely, perhaps a remote worker. You can even set up automatic greetings and phone menus so people can find the right extension. You could even just pretend you’ve got a few employees to give the impression that your business is a bit larger.
3. RingCentral Office
RingCentral is great for the small business on its way up. They make it very easy to scale your service. All you have to do is log into your account and add more users with a few clicks. RingCentral also stands out because of its excellent mobile and desktop apps.
You can use RingCentral to take calls on your mobile phone or desktop computer using their apps. The apps also let you send instant messages to other people, even people who don’t pay for RingCentral! You can invite anyone to join your chat groups, making it great for a small business that only needs one phone number but wants to keep everyone connected.
For more information on our favorite small business phone systems, check out our longer comparison of small business phone services. We also do deep dives on specific providers so you can find the right one for you.
