The Top 9 OpenPhone Alternatives (2024 edition)
Looking for the best OpenPhone alternative? You're in the right place.
We've conducted an extensive, in-depth research into the most popular OpenPhone competitors, analyzing everything from pricing to features and user feedback.
In this article, we’ll share our findings, offering you a comprehensive comparison of the best options available.
Our Selection Method
To ensure that we provide the most accurate and unbiased recommendations, we’ve spent the past six months conducting extensive research on these systems.
For each service, we thoroughly analyzed key features, signed up for trials, and reviewed user experiences. Whenever possible, we tested the tools directly by making test calls and evaluating customer support.
To ensure the accuracy of our findings, we also cross-referenced our results with third-party verified reviews to avoid any potential bias and present a balanced overview of each platform.
Without further ado, let's get started.
Summary
- Allô is best for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs seeking an affordable, AI-powered communication solution with a fixed price that includes all features.
- Google Voice is best for freelancers and individuals who need a budget-friendly secondary phone line integrated with Google apps, but it may not be suitable for businesses with more complex needs.
- Grasshopper is best for small businesses that want a simple, reliable phone system for basic call management and the ability to separate work and personal numbers.
- Ooma is best for small teams or companies with a limited budget that require essential VoIP features, but may not be suitable for larger businesses seeking advanced integrations.
- RingCentral is best for medium to large companies that need an all-in-one communication platform, with voice, video, messaging, and integrations for a unified experience.
- Nextiva is best for large enterprises looking for a scalable unified communications platform with AI and CXM capabilities, though the basic plan lacks some features included by competitors.
- Vonage is best for medium to large organizations, particularly call centers and customer service teams, that need advanced call management features and global coverage, but can manage additional costs for extra functionalities.
- Dialpad is best for companies that want an AI-enhanced communication system for real-time transcription, call analytics, and scalability, but it may have a steep learning curve for some users.
- Aircall is best for customer support and sales teams in medium to large businesses that require robust telephony integrations, frequent updates, and scalable licensing options, although the costs can escalate with add-ons.
Allô
As OpenPhone, Allô is a smart phone system service powered by artificial intelligence, designed to handle customer interactions efficiently.
It can answer inquiries, send quotes, schedule appointments, make reservations, and more. The system is fully customizable, allowing businesses to tailor it to their specific needs and automate routine tasks seamlessly.
Who is it best for?
Allô is ideal for solo entrepreneurs and small companies looking for an intelligent, user-friendly phone solution to manage customer interactions without the need of big setup, educational curve or support.
Allô is a standard app that you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Once installed, simply set up your business by selecting a phone number, customizing greetings, setting preferences, and activating your AI Receptionist. After that, you're ready to start receiving calls.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mobile-first approach enables users to stay connected on the go | Not available on desktop |
| Call analytics: Insights into call patterns and behaviors | Cannot make international calls |
| Extensive integrations: Supports CRM, Slack, and more | AI model selection is not customizable (ChatGPT only) |
| AI-powered virtual receptionist: Handles calls efficiently | Limited number of SMS receive/sent |
| Live Voicemail: Listen to messages in real time | N/A |
Pricing
Like OpenPhone, Allô offers a Starter plan at $19/month. However, Allô stands out by providing coverage in both Europe and North America, whereas OpenPhone is limited to the US and Canada.
The Business plan offers even more value, including three users for $35/month. In comparison, OpenPhone charges $33 per user per month, meaning Allô provides a more cost-effective solution for small teams, with all three users covered for nearly the same price as a single user on OpenPhone.
Demo video
Reviews
Allô has received positive feedback in the app stores, with users praising its simplicity, efficiency, and AI features. The app holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating, indicating high user satisfaction.
Google Voice
Unlike Allô and OpenPhone, Google Voice offers a free plan for personal use, making it a budget-friendly option for individuals who want a simple phone system.
Google Voice is ideal for freelancers or anyone seeking a secondary phone number to maintain privacy. The paid business plans integrate seamlessly with Google Workspace, providing a convenient option for companies already using Google tools like Meet and Calendar.
For example, with the calendar integration you can sync your calendar with Google Voice to automatically decline calls when you're in a meeting or set your availability based on your calendar working hours, while with Meet it is possible to identify incoming Google Voice calls.
Who is it best for?
- Personal users who want a free, secondary number for privacy
- Freelancers needing to manage calls across devices
- Small businesses looking for an affordable phone solution with basic features and Google Workspace integration
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free for personal use | Limited to US and Canada coverage |
| Affordable pricing, ideal for SMBs | Requires a Google Workspace subscription for business use |
| Only charges for outbound calls, with low rates | No customer support for the free version |
| Large support community for resolving issues | Cannot port all US phone numbers |
| Integrates well with Google Workspace | Location restrictions even within the US |
Pricing
Google Voice offers two account types: a free personal account linked to Gmail and a paid business plan available through Google Workspace.
The free version is suitable for personal use, while the paid plans are designed for business users who need more robust features and integrations.
- Personal Use: Free.t is available for any free Gmail account
- Starter: $10/month and requires a Google Workspace subscription
Demo video
Reviews
Google Voice holds a 4.1 out of 5 score on G2, with users praising its ability to provide a separate business line on personal devices, seamless integration with other Google apps, and cost-effectiveness compared to paid VoIP providers. However, some users expressed frustrations with notification issues, spam texts, and occasional call quality problems.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper shares many similarities with the services mentioned above. But it falls short in some areas, such as the lack of a power dialer, call recording, and additional fees for international calls outside the US.
It is primarily available in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom, making it ideal for small businesses, self-employed individuals, and companies with up to 50 users.
Who is it best for?
Grasshopper is best suited for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs who need a simple, reliable phone system with essential features for managing calls and texts.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ruby Virtual Receptionist: Auto-attendant and live call answering services | Lacks features like power dialer and call recording |
| Supports MMS and group messaging | Additional fees for international calls |
| N/A | Limited integrations (no Slack, Zapier, CRM support) |
| N/A | No advanced routing features (e.g., IVR, call queues) |
Pricing
- True Solo $14/month
- Solo Plus $25/month
- Small Business $55/month and supports up to 50 users
Demo
Reviews
Grasshopper maintains a solid 4 out of 5 score on G2, with users appreciating its simplicity and effectiveness as a basic phone system.
However, some users noted issues, such as occasional glitches in the contacts feature and limitations when businesses outgrow the platform. Despite these drawbacks, Grasshopper remains a valuable tool for small businesses needing an affordable, easy-to-use communication solution.
Ring Central
RingCentral is a robust cloud-based communication platform that goes beyond a traditional phone system, offering a unified solution for voice, video, messaging, and fax services, making it an ideal choice for businesses with complex communication needs.
However, its pricing may be a concern for smaller companies, as it primarily targets medium to large businesses.
Who is it best for?
RingCentral is best suited for medium to large companies that require enterprise-level capabilities and a unified communication platform.
Its extensive integrations with popular business tools and AI-powered automation make it an ideal choice for organizations that need to streamline their communication across multiple channels.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-definition (HD) voice quality with AI-powered background noise reduction | Limited unlimited calling to the US and Canada, with additional fees for international calls |
| Extensive third-party integrations (Box, Zendesk, Salesforce, and more) | Free trial has limitations (max five users, no international calling) |
| Unified platform for voice, video, messaging, and team collaboration | Can be expensive for small businesses |
| Fax service and AI-powered video conferencing | Prohibits lead generation and affiliate marketing |
| N/A | Customer support can have long wait times |
Pricing
Unlike Allô and Grasshopper, RingCentral is relatively expensive for a single user, starting at $30 per month.
- Core: $30 per user, per month
- Advanced: $35 per user, per month
- Ultra: $45 per user, per month
Demo
Reviews
In our investigation, we found numerous complaints regarding RingCentral's customer support, particularly about long wait times for assistance.
Many users also expressed frustration with the cancellation process, which requires calling customer service and often involves extended hold times. Feedback from sources like Reddit confirms these issues, with comments detailing experiences of over an hour spent waiting to cancel the service.
Users in Reddit expressed frustration with the cancellation process of RingCentral.However, RingCentral earns a 4 out of 5 score on G2, indicating that many users still find value in its comprehensive features despite the support challenges.
Positive reviews often highlight the platform's unified communication capabilities, high-quality voice service, and extensive integrations with third-party tools.
Ooma
Compared to Allô, OpenPhone, and RingCentral, Ooma stands out for its affordability, with pricing starting at $19.95 per user per month.
While it may not offer the advanced AI features of Allô or the extensive integrations found in RingCentral, Ooma provides a budget-friendly solution for small businesses seeking a basic phone system.
Unlike Grasshopper, which also targets small teams, Ooma includes unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, making it a more versatile option for businesses with cross-border communication needs.
Who is it best for?
Ooma is best suited for small companies or teams with up to 25 users looking for an affordable, low-cost solution with essential communication features. It is ideal for businesses that prioritize budget-friendly options over advanced customization and integrations.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing with plans starting at $19.95 per month | Limited plan options, offering fewer customization features |
| No long-term contracts required, offering flexibility | Desk phone is not included in the basic package |
| Comprehensive basic features even in entry-level plans | Integrations are only available with the Pro Plan |
| Ooma Meetings included | No AI answer service, call transcript, or SMS support |
Pricing
- Essentials $19.95 per user per month
- Pro $24.95 per user per month
- Pro Plus $29.95 per user per month
Demo
Reviews
While Ooma Office has a respectable 4.5 out of 5 rating on Software Advice, user experiences highlight some recurring challenges.
Many customers appreciate its affordable pricing and basic feature set, which includes call transfer and a virtual receptionist. However, there are frequent complaints about call quality issues, service interruptions, and problems with message delivery.
Nextiva
Nextiva offers a versatile communication platform that goes beyond traditional phone services, focusing on an unified and manage teams and clients with features like video conferencing, NextivaONE (a platform for team and 1:1 chat), web chat, Ability to host webinars, and the online faxing. While its pricing is comparable to other VoIP services like Allô and Grasshopper, Nextiva is better suited for larger companies that need comprehensive communication solutions across multiple channels.
However, the basic plan may lack essential features found in competitors' entry-level offerings, making it less ideal for small businesses.
Who is it best for?
Nextiva is best suited for large businesses looking for a unified communication platform that integrates voice, chat, social media, and digital fax capabilities.
Its advanced IVR with conversational AI and extensive integration options make it a strong choice for companies needing a complete solution for managing customer interactions.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports various communication channels: live chat, voice, and email | Basic plan lacks key features like call routing and recording |
| Smooth migration process with dedicated teams for onboarding | Essential plan does not include integrations like CRM software |
| Highly versatile with multiple ways to use and customize the service | SMS registration can be lengthy, taking up to several weeks |
| 24/7 live support with additional assistance options available | N/A |
Pricing
Nextiva's pricing is higher compared to Allô, OpenPhone, and Grasshopper, with the basic plan starting at $25 per user per month.
While the cost may seem competitive at first, the entry-level plan lacks many essential features included in the lower-priced offerings of other providers, such as call routing and integrations.
- Digital $25 per user per month
- Core $35 per user per month
- Engage $50 per user per month
- Power Suite $75 per user per month
Demo
Reviews
Nextiva holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating on G2, with users praising its flexibility and integration with various communication channels.
However, the basic plan is considered too limited for small businesses, as essential features require upgrading to higher-priced plans. Additionally, users report app reliability issues and lengthy SMS registration processes that can be frustrating.
Vonage
Vonage provides a unified communications platform that integrates voice calls, video conferencing, team messaging, and file sharing to enhance collaboration.
While its basic plan is affordable, starting at $19.99 per line per month, it lacks some features included in competitors' entry-level plans like Allô and Grasshopper.
Who is it best for?
Vonage is best suited for medium to large companies that require a robust communication solution with advanced call management features.
It is particularly useful for call centers and customer service operations that need tools like call queuing, forwarding, and conferencing. Businesses handling high call volumes can benefit from Vonage’s infrastructure, such as the receptionist console, available in the U.S. and U.K.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unified communications platform: Voice, video, messaging, and more | Additional fees for advanced features like call recording |
| Advanced call management options like call forwarding and screening | Excessive add-on fees for features like toll-free numbers |
| Wide range of integrations, including CRM systems | Customer service can be difficult to reach, with slow response times |
Pricing
While Vonage's starting price of $19.99 per line per month seems competitive compared to Allô, OpenPhone, and Grasshopper, the costs can quickly add up.
Many essential features, such as call recording and CRM integrations, are only available in higher-tier plans or as paid add-ons.
This pricing structure makes Vonage more suitable for larger companies that can justify the additional expenses for a robust set of communication tools, rather than smaller businesses looking for an all-inclusive plan at a lower cost.
- Basic: $19.99 per month, per extension plus taxes and fees
- Premium $29.99 per month, per extension plus taxes and fees
- Advanced $39.99 per month, per extension plus taxes and fees
Demo
Reviews
Vonage has received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on G2, with users appreciating its unified communications capabilities and flexibility in managing calls.
The platform is praised for its clean design and HD voice quality, but some users express concerns over customer service with long wait times and difficulties reaching support.
Dialpad
Dialpad is an AI-powered communication platform that stands out for its integrated AI features like real-time transcription and call coaching.
However, the platform’s learning curve and limited phone support for lower-tier plans may be challenging for smaller businesses.
Who is best for?
Dialpad is best suited for medium to large companies seeking a scalable, AI-powered communication solution that can grow with their business needs.
It is ideal for organizations looking to streamline business interactions across various channels and leverage AI for tasks such as real-time transcription, call analytics, and automated coaching.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| AI integration with real-time transcription and voice recognition | Learning curve for mastering advanced features |
| Scalability allows easy addition of users and phone numbers | Limited 24/7 phone support for lower-tier plans |
| Competitive pricing considering AI features included in plans | Customer service has been reported as slow to respond at times |
Pricing
Compared to Allô, Dialpad's pricing starts at $27 per user per month, making it more expensive than Allô's basic plan, which begins at $19 per month.
Although both platforms offer AI-powered features like call transcription and an AI-operated virtual receptionist, Allô provides these functionalities at a lower starting price with no hidden fees.
Allô's fixed pricing also ensures that users can access all features, including SMS and AI services, without paying for add-ons, making it a more budget-friendly choice for small businesses looking for a comprehensive AI-enhanced communication solution.
- Standard: $27 per user per month
- Pro: $37 per user per month
Demo
Reviews
Dialpad maintains a 4.2 out of 5 rating on Software Advice, with users highlighting the benefits of its AI capabilities, such as real-time transcription and process automation.
However, several users reported that the setup process can be challenging, and some experienced poor customer service response times.
Aircall
Aircall is design for businesses needing a robust and flexible phone system with integrations for various tools.
Who is best for?
Aircall is best suited for medium to large businesses with high call volumes and the need for multiple phone lines.
It is particularly beneficial for customer support teams and sales operations that require call logging, integrations with tools like Zendesk and Zapier, and access to advanced telephony features.
Pros & cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong integrations like Zendesk and Zapier | Per-license pricing can lead to higher costs for growing teams |
| Frequent feature launches and updates | Issues with call clarity in some foreign countries |
| Intuitive platform with a responsive customer support team | N/A |
Pricing
Unlike Allô, which offers a fixed pricing model with all features included, Aircall's per-license pricing can lead to higher costs due to additional fees for advanced features and add-ons.
While Aircall starts at $30 per license per month (billed annually), the cost can increase significantly, especially for companies requiring advanced analytics or AI capabilities.
- Essentials: 30€/license
- Professional: 50€/license
Demo
Reviews
Aircall has earned a 4.3 out of 5 rating on G2, with users praising its integrations, ease of use, and customer support responsiveness.
The platform's ability to adapt and roll out new features frequently is appreciated by long-term customers. However, some users have noted occasional issues with call quality in certain regions and find that the SMS features are less comprehensive than desired.
Conclusion
| Category | Best Phone Systems | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance and Individuals | - Allô - Google Voice - Grasshopper |
• Allô’s team makes in-person onboarding a unique experience • Google Voice's integration with Google Workspace is ideal for freelancers • Grasshopper's mobile-focused interface is great for individuals on the go |
| Small Companies | - Allô - Ooma - Grasshopper - Google Voice |
• Allô offers an affordable AI-powered communication system • Ooma’s business plans provide flexibility for small teams • Grasshopper’s call management features make it user-friendly • Google Voice offers free call forwarding and voicemail transcription |
| Medium-Sized Companies | - Aircall - Dialpad - RingCentral - Vonage |
• Aircall provides scalability with frequent updates • Dialpad's AI features assist in customer support • RingCentral's advanced reporting and analytics fit mid-size needs • Vonage's custom integrations cater to growing demands |
| Large Growing Companies | - Nextiva - Vonage - RingCentral - Aircall |
• Nextiva provides comprehensive CXM solutions for large teams • Vonage's global reach supports multinational organizations • RingCentral's security features are ideal for large companies • Aircall's cloud-based phone system adapts to large-scale growth |
