Choosing a phone service provider involves considering several factors, including features, user reviews, and the reliability of customer support. Staying within budget is crucial, and for many businesses, voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) has become a cost-effective option, as it avoids expensive hardware and simplifies installation compared to traditional landlines.
To help you find the right solution, I evaluated and then ranked the cheapest VoIP phone service providers based on pricing, features, and real-world use cases.
| Cheapest VoIP phone service providers | Best for | Monthly starting price | My expert score |
| RingCentral | Low-cost VoIP services | $30 per user | 4.53 |
| Zoom | Metered phone plans | $10 per user | 4.23 |
| Dialpad | Automation and AI | $27 per user | 4.12 |
| Phone.com | Privacy and compliance | $18 per user | 4.00 |
| Nextiva | Enterprise teams | $23 per user | 3.93 |
| Vonage | Unified communication | $19.99 per line | 3.85 |
| Grasshopper | Solopreneurs | $18 per month | 3.76 |
Featured partners
Why you can trust us
AAt TechnologyAdvice, our editorial team evaluates numerous business software tools each year using a standardized methodology. For this guide, I analyzed real user reviews from third-party platforms, tested software, and attended product demos to compare pricing, features, and usability.
I also have over a decade of experience researching and evaluating communication platforms and technology. Therefore, my aim is straightforward: to help you make confident software decisions more quickly. If you want to learn more about my evaluation criteria, visit the methodology section at the end of the article.
Comparing the cheapest VoIP phone services
“Cheap” is a somewhat loaded term commonly defined as “inexpensive due to poor quality or low value.” However, none of the vendors on this list qualify under that definition. Each of these VoIP providers, from the most comprehensive platforms to the most basic offerings, delivers a big bang for your buck.
So, instead of thinking about the negative connotations of the word, think about how much money you can save by choosing one of the following affordable options.
RingCentral: Best overall low-cost VoIP service
Overall Score
4.53/5
Pricing
5/5
General features
4/5
Advanced features
4.38/5
Ease of use
3.75/5
Customer support
5/5
Expert score
4.63/5
Pros
- All plans include unmetered calls, text messaging, IVR, and visual voicemail
- AI-powered video features, including automated meeting transcriptions and insights
- Extensive integrations, API, and developer tool options
Cons
- Some semi-standard features (e.g., auto call recording, advanced call monitoring, unlimited internet fax) are unavailable for entry-level subscribers
- No unlimited option for international calls
- Custom roles and user permissions require upgrading
Why I chose RingCentral
When reviewing RingCentral as one of the cheapest VoIP phone services, it consistently stood out to me for the extensive functionality it offers at the entry level. Even on the Core plan, it offers a strong baseline of features, like unlimited domestic calling, messaging, and built-in AI tools, without immediately pushing you to upgrade. Compared to other providers I’ve reviewed, that’s not always the case, especially when essential features are often locked behind higher tiers.
In my experience assessing VoIP features, RingCentral delivers one of the most well-rounded subscriptions for small to midsize teams, particularly those operating primarily in North America. While it’s not the most cost-effective option for businesses with heavy international calling needs, its depth of integrations and AI-powered capabilities make it a reliable choice for teams that want room to grow, especially in call center or customer support environments.
- AI assistant: Enhance your video calls, conferences, and webinars with AI-powered features, including live transcriptions, automated summaries and insights, and searchable notes.
- IVR editor: In addition to customizable call menus, RingCentral’s IVR tools allow you to visualize call flows by building phone trees and can be integrated into a variety of third-party workflow apps.
- Hardware options: Use some of RingCentral’s certified VoIP phones or bring your own, as several providers support BYOD.
- Flexible functionality: RingCentral’s software offers a host of convenient features that let you reconfigure your setup and make changes on the fly, including hot desking, call monitoring, whispering, barging, and shared lines.
| Plans & pricing (per user) | Monthly | Yearly |
| Core | $30 | $20 |
| Advanced | $35 | $25 |
| Ultra | $45 | $35 |
| Customer Engagement Bundle | Contact sales for pricing. | |
Zoom Phone: Best for metered plans
Overall Score
4.23/5
Pricing
4/5
General features
4.5/5
Niche features
3.13/5
Ease of use
4.63/5
Customer support
5/5
Expert score
4.63/5
Pros
- The Pay-As-You-Go plan is the least expensive option on this list
- Offers domestic calling and international calling plans
- Can bundle VoIP services with Zoom Workplace for maximum features and savings
Cons
- The entry-level plan meters domestic calls
- Toll-free numbers are not included in any plan
- Limited integration options compared to other providers
Why I chose Zoom Phone
When reviewing the most affordable VoIP providers, Zoom Phone stood out to me as the clear price leader. At just $10 per user per month for metered calling, it’s one of the lowest entry points I’ve seen across dozens of business phone systems I’ve evaluated. For small teams or startups trying to minimize costs, it delivers a reliable way to get a dedicated business line without a significant upfront investment.
From my experience comparing platforms, Zoom Phone becomes even more compelling if you’re already using Zoom Workplace. The ability to bundle voice, video, and AI tools into a single ecosystem adds meaningful value beyond basic calling. That said, I noticed that some advanced call-handling and analytics features are less extensive than those of higher-priced competitors. Still, if your priority is getting dependable VoIP service at the lowest possible cost, Zoom Phone is one of the strongest options available.
- AI Companion: Zoom enhances your calls with automated transcripts and summaries, voicemail prioritization, workflow optimization, and more.
- Unlimited international calling: Although it’s not included, you can upgrade to unmetered calling to more than 15 countries for a nominal fee.
- Multi-device support: Use multiple devices and/or apps to both make and receive calls.
- Phone-video interoperability: With the Zoom Workplace add-on, easily transfer calls to live video meetings, among other innovative integrations.
Zoom Phone plans
| Plans & pricing (per user) | US & CA metered | US & CA unlimited | Global select |
| Monthly | $10 | $15 | $20 |
Zoom Workplace + Phone plans
| Plans & pricing | Phone + Workplace Pro Plus | Phone + Workplace Business Plus |
| Monthly | $21.99 | $26.99 |
| Yearly | $18.33 | $22.49 |
Dialpad: Best for automation and artificial intelligence
Overall Score
4.12/5
Pricing
3.63/5
General features
4/5
Niche features
4.38/5
Ease of use
4.19/5
Customer support
5/5
Expert score
4.38/5
Pros
- Includes multiple AI features, such as call transcriptions, summaries, and automated action items
- Free and secure number porting for local and toll-free numbers
- Team collaboration features, like messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing
Cons
- Internet fax is an add-on feature
- Additional numbers and extensions aren’t available on the base plan
Why I chose Dialpad
When evaluating VoIP providers with built-in AI, Dialpad consistently stood out to me for its early and deep investment in automation. While many platforms are now adding AI features, Dialpad has been building around conversational intelligence since 2018, and that maturity shows. In my experience reviewing these tools, it offers one of the more practical and well-integrated AI feature sets at this price point.
During my comparison, I found Dialpad especially useful for automating everyday tasks like call transcription, post-call summaries, and voice analytics. These features make it easier to stay organized and collaborate without relying on manual note-taking. I also see strong value in its free number porting, which lowers the barrier for teams switching providers. For businesses that want affordable VoIP with meaningful AI capabilities baked in, Dialpad is one of the more compelling options.
- Call transcription: Dialpad’s AI software provides real-time transcription features, enabling you to save time while efficiently documenting your call notes. This technology streamlines note-taking, ensuring accurate and quick documentation during conversations.
- HD meetings and call quality: With its dual cloud architecture and global voice network, Dialpad delivers HD-quality video conferencing and enhances audio quality for HD calls on both the mobile app and desktop.
- Custom call routing: No matter what type of routing you need, Dialpad has you covered with skills-based, fixed order, and automated response menus, to name a few.
- Real-time analytics: Each Dialpad plan includes distinct reporting features for both business phone systems and call centers. This includes sentiment analysis, call tagging, and IVR analytics.
| Plans and pricing (per user) | Standard | Pro | Enterprise |
| Monthly | $27 | $35 | Contact sales for pricing |
| Yearly | $15 | $25 |
Phone.com: Best for privacy and compliance
Overall Score
4/5
Pricing
4/5
General features
4/5
Niche features
3.13/5
Ease of use
3.75/5
Customer support
5/5
Expert score
4.38/5
Pros
- The platform prioritizes privacy, particularly HIPAA compliance, for both audio and video calls
- Video conferencing functionality across plans
- Mix-and-match subscriptions based on user need, rather than paying the same subscription price for everyone
Cons
- Inclusion of domestic phone numbers is limited
- International phone numbers cost extra on every plan
- Some “standard” features, like those offered by other competitors, require upgrading subscriptions or paying for add-ons (if available at all)
Why I chose Phone.com
Although Phone.com doesn’t have the deepest feature set on this list, it strikes a solid balance between functionality and flexibility. What stood out to me most during the evaluation was its “mix-and-match” pricing model, which lets you assign different plans to different users. In my experience, that level of customization can make a real difference in controlling costs, especially for teams with varying needs.
Another area where Phone.com stood out in my research is its strong focus on privacy and compliance. It’s one of the few budget-friendly providers that offers HIPAA-compliant communications across both voice and video. Even for businesses outside healthcare, that higher security standard can be a major advantage. If data protection and flexible pricing are priorities, Phone.com is a practical and cost-conscious choice.
- HIPAA compliance: Audio and video communications are encrypted and HIPAA-compliant, ensuring enhanced data privacy and security.
- Video conferencing: All users, including Basic users, can access it. While participant numbers have caps, meeting durations are not limited.
- Voicemail features: Voicemail-to-email notifications are included with every plan, and voicemail transcription is available for all subscribers except those on the basic plan.
- Live answer: As an add-on service, Phone.com offers live answering and attendant services for those who need them.
| Plans & pricing (per user) | Basic | Plus | Pro |
| Monthly | $18 | $27 | $40 |
| Yearly | $15 | $22.50 | $33.33 |
Nextiva: Best for enterprises and large-scale teams
Overall Score
3.93/5
Pricing
2.63/5
General features
4.5/5
Niche features
3.75/5
Ease of use
4.63/5
Customer support
5/5
Expert score
4.75/5
Pros
- Live chat and chatbots are available, depending on the subscription tier
- Includes social media management and review management (unique features in this particular list)
- Group email, productivity tools, and other features are designed to help teams work more effectively together
Cons
- Business integrations are an add-on feature on the base plan
- With many key features reserved for the Engage and Power Suite plans, Nextiva is better suited to meeting the needs of larger teams (with slightly larger budgets)
Why I chose Nextiva
Nextiva is not often the first provider that comes to mind when considering cheap VoIP services, but it is one of the best providers on the market for improving customer experience. With a wealth of premium features, a legion of valuable add-ons and upgrades, and an enterprise-focused design, it’s the best fit in this list for larger teams with room in the budget to grow.
Therefore, Nextiva is my top choice for an affordable premium option, offering everything from reputation management to AI receptionists. At the same time, many of the more desirable features are only available to top-tier subscribers, unlike brands like RingCentral, which provide access to these functions at the entry-level tier. But if top-tier was where you were aiming in the first place, then Nextiva is your best bet.
- Review management: Nextiva offers tools for managing branded social accounts and assisting with online customer feedback and reviews.
- Unified inbox: Set up a shared inbox account for managing incoming support tickets, customer requests, and other relevant communications.
- SMS messaging: Nextiva supports both outgoing branded messages to customers and customer-to-team messaging (e.g., text support).
- XBert AI receptionist: Nextiva offers a live virtual assistant that can handle incoming calls, schedule appointments, and answer questions from the platform.
| Plans & pricing (per user) | Core | Engage | Scale |
| Monthly | $23 | $50 | $75 |
| Yearly | $15 | $25 |
Vonage: Best for unified communication solutions
Overall Score
3.85/5
Pricing
4/5
General features
4/5
Niche features
2.5/5
Ease of use
3.75/5
Customer support
5/5
Expert score
4/5
Pros
- Unlimited domestic calling across plans with SMS and MMS messaging
- Virtual receptionist and IVR to automatically route calls through the phone system
- Access to unified communication and collaborative tools, like team messaging and meetings
Cons
- Most features are à la carte, which can cause additional features to add up in cost
- Limited unified communication features on the base plan
- More difficult to set up than other providers on this list
Why I chose Vonage
When evaluating VoIP providers that also offer unified communications, Vonage stood out to me for its flexibility. While it’s often positioned as a UCaaS platform, its VoIP foundation still delivers cost savings on hardware and calling, especially for businesses looking to modernize their phone systems. In my experience, it’s a strong option for teams that want more control over how they build their tech stack.
That said, during my comparison, I noticed that many of Vonage’s collaboration features, like team messaging and meetings, are reserved for higher-tier plans or available as add-ons. This means costs can increase quickly depending on what you need. Still, if you prefer a customizable approach, where you can choose specific VoIP and UCaaS features rather than paying for a bundled package, Vonage offers greater flexibility than many competitors.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): Instead of needing to start from scratch, you can use your VoIP phones or allow employees to access the phone plan using their own devices, such as smartphones, laptops, or tablets, thereby saving money on purchasing new hardware.
- Virtual receptionist: Automate the process of answering and transferring calls using a simplified IVR that functions like a traditional front-desk receptionist.
- Spam Shield: Block calls and messages from unwanted numbers to keep your lines open for genuine business clients and customers, rather than spammers.
- Team messaging: Use the Vonage Business Communication (VBC) apps to chat with team members, share files, and collaborate on projects.
| Plans & pricing (per line) | Mobile | Premium | Advanced |
| Monthly | $19.99 | $29.99 | $39.99 |
| Yearly | $13.99 | $20.99 | $27.99 |
Grasshopper: Best for solopreneurs
Overall Score
3.76/5
Pricing
4.38/5
General features
4/5
Niche features
1.25/5
Ease of use
4.19/5
Customer support
5/5
Expert score
3.63/5
Pros
- Provides a dedicated business phone line without using your personal number or purchasing an additional device
- Leverage automated greetings, professional voice talent, and caller ID to make an excellent first impression
- Plans are designed around solo professionals and small businesses
Cons
- No options for video calls or conferencing are available
- International calling can only be enabled after 60 days of service
- Can receive faxes, but cannot send them
Why I chose Grasshopper
When reviewing VoIP options for individuals and very small teams, Grasshopper stood out to me for its simplicity. Not every business needs a full-featured phone system, and in many cases, the priority is just separating personal and professional calls without adding extra hardware. Grasshopper does this exceptionally well, offering a straightforward way to establish a professional presence with minimal setup.
During my evaluation, I found its affordability and features especially useful for solopreneurs who want to appear more established or utilize VoIP with mobile phones. That said, it’s not designed for growing teams that need video conferencing or advanced collaboration tools. If your needs expand beyond basic calling, I’d recommend looking at providers like Phone.com, which offer more robust communication features at a similarly accessible price point.
- Virtual business line: With a dedicated business number and a full-fledged virtual phone service, you can keep your personal and professional communications separate while using the same device for both.
- Cross-platform functionality: Use your phone, your desktop, your tablet, and more to take calls, send and receive messages, read incoming faxes, and the like.
- Professional custom greetings: Let your callers know you’re the real deal. You can even check out Grasshopper’s Voice Studio to have something recorded for you by professional voice actors, in English, Spanish, and French.
- Small-team focus: Built to serve individuals and small teams, Grasshopper’s features can help you make the most of your human assets. Call forwarding, call blasting, instant response, simultaneous call handling; the list goes on.
| Plans & pricing | True solo | Solo plus | Small business |
| Monthly | $18 | $32 | $70 |
| Yearly | $14 | $25 | $55 |
How to choose the best cheap VoIP service
If you’ve never heard it before, let me be the first to tell you: there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution, least of all in software (so don’t let any vendor tell you otherwise).
The fact is, just as no single hat fits every head size and shape, each business has its own unique needs and circumstances. Even within the same industry, one use case can vary wildly from another. However, there are still a few common threads and overlapping factors that are worth keeping in mind if you need help guiding your search. I’ve covered some of the top priorities below in the tabs.
Methodology: How did I evaluate the cheapest VoIP phone service?
How did I make these picks? I followed the same inquiry and due diligence process I would if I were signing up for tools like these myself. I start with an initial investigation of the prominent players in the space, based on search results, customer feedback, trusted third-party reviews and lists, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
From there, I review the websites and marketing materials of the leading candidates to understand their target markets, the promises they make, and the solutions they offer. I compare those value propositions against those of their peers and those mentioned in customer feedback to identify what’s most important to the people who are using these tools.
Then, I assemble a grading rubric based on these factors and evaluate the top contenders for a given niche. For this guide, I focused specifically on affordability and overall value, using consistent scoring criteria across all providers, including the following:
- Pricing & plans: I compared entry-level pricing, plan tiers, billing flexibility, and the availability of free trials or low-cost options to determine which providers deliver the best value at the lowest cost.
- Core VoIP features: I evaluated essential capabilities such as call handling, voicemail, auto-attendants, and messaging to ensure even the cheapest plans meet basic business needs.
- Advanced & niche features: I assessed tools like AI-powered insights, call analytics, automation, compliance features (e.g., HIPAA), and customization options that add value beyond basic functionality.
- Ease of use: I considered setup time, interface design, and overall usability to determine how quickly teams can adopt and manage the platform.
- Integrations & compatibility: I reviewed how well each provider integrates with common business tools, including CRMs, collaboration platforms, and help desk software.
- Customer support & reliability: I looked at support availability, service reliability, and user-reported experiences to gauge long-term dependability.
I also incorporated real-world insights from product demos, user reviews, and hands-on exploration where possible to better understand how these platforms perform in everyday business scenarios.
The rest is pretty straightforward, as I take those results and render them in a much more readable form, which is the guide you see above.
Which cheap VoIP service is best for your business?
Ultimately, what’s best for your business will depend on what you truly need. Each provider on this list offers specific benefits that will appeal to different types of businesses as well as particular industries and standards.
While I chose RingCentral as the all-around best option for a low-cost VoIP service, if price is a priority, then select Zoom Phone for its $10-per-month subscription fee or Grasshopper for its solopreneur plans. However, if customer experience is more important than the lowest price, choose Nextiva for its small-business and enterprise plans.
If you’re in a regulated industry like healthcare, Phone.com is your best bet. But if you want the option to expand into automation and artificial intelligence, consider Dialpad and Vonage. Either way, the choice is yours.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
