Introduction
For small businesses, every call matters. In fact, almost two-third of small and mid-sized businesses miss calls because of lack of resources or outdated systems. The only available solution for it is to choose the best business phone systems that offer reliable, modern features perfect for your needs.
Features to Look in a Business Phone Number
The most important aspect of a business phone service is its features. Ringtree customers enjoy a variety of features that streamline their operations. Let's explore some of the key features offered by Ringtree.
1. Call Routing
Ringtree empowers you to manage incoming calls effectively. For instance, you can set up a rule to route calls to your main office line during business hours and to your mobile phone after hours. Along with that, you can create a call queue to manage high call volumes during peak times, and make sure that no call goes unanswered.
2. AI Voice Attendant
An AI-powered voice attendant enhances your business's professional image by greeting callers professionally. It provides menu options for self-service and improves the customer experience. This automated assistance guides callers to the appropriate department and ensures smooth communication.
3. Desktop and Mobile App
With Ringtree, you can make business calls from both desktop and mobile apps. All you need is an internet connection. This mobility enhances productivity and allows you to stay connected with your business no matter where you are.
4. Voice Mail
Now, you don't have to miss any important calls with HD voicemail. Ringtree transcription service converts voicemail messages into text. It allows you to review and respond to messages quickly, even when you're unable to answer the phone.
5. Unlimited Extensions
You can create as many extensions as you want without paying any extra charges. Ringtree's unlimited extensions feature allows you to scale your phone system as your business grows.
8 Best Business Phone Systems for Small Businesses
For small businesses, effective communication should be the foremost priority. Why? Because it enhances productivity and customer satisfaction. To achieve this, top business phone systems are used, out of which eight of the best ones are:
1. RingTree
RingTree is a top-tier VoIP platform that offers the best business phone systems, especially for small businesses. With RingTree, businesses can maintain a professional image, streamline communication and never miss an important call ever again. This platform offers a range of features such as the ability to choose a local area code, toll-free numbers and even an AI-powered virtual receptionist.
Features
- AI Auto Attendant (IVR): Greets callers with a virtual receptionist and offers self-service menu options. You can choose from over 50+ natural voice models and offer self-service menu options.
- Custom Hold Music: Personalizes the customer's hold experience with music or important messages. Keeps callers engaged while waiting.
- Voicemail Transcription: Offers a way to read voicemails as emails to save time and improve efficiency.
- Unlimited Free Extensions: Create unlimited extensions for departments or individuals.
- Round-Robin Call Routing: Distributes calls evenly across your team or departments.
Pricing Plans
For just $24 USD/month, you gain access to the full suite of professional features offered by RingTree. It includes everything mentioned above and much more. You can also add additional users for only $4 per user/month.
2. RingCentral
With over 400k customers worldwide and an uptime of 99.9%, RingCentral is undoubtedly reliable business phone systems currently available. It offers unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada along with HD audio and video conferencing. One of its standout features is the integration of RingSense AI in its RingEX service.
Pros:
- Extensive app integration options with bidirectional sync
- Scalable for large teams with task management features
- Unlimited calls and video conferencing options
Cons:
- Doesn't offer unlimited text messaging with RingEX
3. Nextiva
Nextiva is a well-rounded phone system for small businesses. It combines essential communication tools into a single platform. Its desktop app, NextivaONE, offers VoIP calling, video conferencing, SMS texting, team chat and advanced routing features. Nextiva also provides unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada, making it an excellent option for small businesses that require reliable communication tools.
One of Nextiva's standout features is its Message Pro, which goes beyond the traditional one-to-one texting by enabling message routing to teams or departments. Each user gets a dedicated local number and portal access which allows them to manage settings like voicemails and working hours. While the desktop app is robust, the mobile app offers quicker access to key features like IVR and voicemail.
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive desktop app for easy navigation
- Includes advanced call routing and IVR functionality
- Efficiency support team for quick setup and troubleshooting
Cons:
- Video meetings don't have features like breakout rooms or whiteboards
4. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a simple business phone system designed for solopreneurs and small teams that prioritize simple solutions. Its interface is quite simple as it offers both desktop and mobile apps with basic call controls such as forwarding and hold. Additionally, it supports unlimited texting and calling with the U.S.
One of Grasshopper's most notable advantages is its unique account-based pricing model. Unlike competitors that charge per user, Grasshopper charges per account. This makes it cost-effective for small teams that share phone extensions across multiple users.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface with no unnecessary features
- Cost-effective pricing for teams sharing extensions
- Unlimited calling and SMS in the U.S.
Cons:
- No routing features like IVR or call queues
5. 8x8
8x8 is a powerful communication platform offering VoIP, video conferencing, and messaging tools designed for growing businesses. What sets it apart is its global reach with direct inward dial numbers in over 55 countries and virtual numbers in 120+ countries. This makes 8x8 an excellent choice if a company is looking to expand its services internationally.
This platform also excels in analytics and provides real-time data on call quality and activity trends. For companies exploring wireless phone systems for small businesses, 8x8's mobile app adds flexibility which allows users to stay connected on the go.
Pros:
- Unlimited international calling for businesses with global reach
- Customizable plans to fit different business needs
- Advanced admin tools for managing multiple sites and call flows
Cons:
- Limited AI features if compared with competitors like RingEX
6. Vonage
Vonage is one of the leading business phone systems with VoIP calling, video meetings, team chat and SMS. It allows unlimited calls and texts within the U.S., Canada and Mexico which makes it a practical choice for small and mid-sized businesses. Vonage provides essential features like IVR, call groups and analytics, all of which are accessible via desktop and mobile app.
A feature that makes Vonage worth investing in is its shared messaging inbox. This inbox consolidates customer communications in one place for efficient management. However, some of its advanced features like call recording, are offered only as add-ons for additional cost. Vonage might lack a few interactive tools, but has enough features for conferencing needs.
Pros:
- Works with popular desk phone models
- Offers abundant DID numbers across North America and many global locations
- Allows hosts to record meetings and access all recordings in one place
Cons:
- Lacks advanced features like call management and call monitoring in base plans
7. Ooma Office
Ooma Office is a user-friendly UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Service) platform designed for small businesses. It offers VoIP calling across North America and Mexico, along with SMS texting and video meetings for up to 25 participants. A feature that mostly appeals to users is the inclusion of a free toll-free number and 500 toll-free minutes with each account signup.
The platform also includes multichannel analytics which offers insights into both phone and messaging trends. These tools help businesses optimize their communication strategies based on real-time data. For businesses needing more advanced features, the Pro and Pro Plus plans add video conferencing, call queueing and CRM integrations, making Ooma Office a contender for the top business phone systems for small business.
Pros:
- Ideal for businesses needing only mobile communication
- Comes with 500 toll-free minutes per account
- Simple and effective call routing controls, including call forwarding and parking
Cons:
- No team chat feature for the internal team to communicate
8. Zoom Phone
When it comes to the business phone systems, Zoom Phone stands out as well with its advanced features and integration capabilities. It provides team chat, call monitoring, IVR, call queues, and analytics. Additionally, Zoom Phone offers businesses the choice of per-minute payment of unlimited domestic calling in 40 countries.
This platform can be integrated effortlessly with Zoom Meetings to allow smooth transitions between calls, chats and video conferences. With superior quality powered by the Opus codec and intuitive apps, Zoom Phone offers an elevated communication experience.
Pros:
- Unlimited domestic calling in 40 countries, with optional add-ons for 19 more
- Smooth integration with Zoom Meetings
- Uses the Opus codec for incredible call clarity
Cons:
- Analytics in the base platform are limited
Business Phone Numbers by the Numbers
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Business Phone Systems
If you're looking for wireless phone systems for small business needs, you need to keep a few things in mind or else you might end up choosing the wrong one. These factors include:
1. Features That Make Life Easier
The best business phone systems have features like voicemail, call forwarding, and video conferencing. These are like little helpers that make your business communications smoother. For example, if a customer calls and you're busy, voicemail will record a message for you. Think about the features you really need to make your work easier and not complex.
2. Costs That Don't Break the Bank
Money matters, right? A small business phone system should be affordable because of lack of resources and smaller size. This is why it's important to look for plans that match your budget and only include the features you will actually use. You don't need fancy add-ons if you're in your initial days. Pick something simple and upgrade later on if you need to.
3. Easy to Use for Everyone
The phone system you're choosing should be easy for your employees to use. If the system is easy to set up and understand, your team will spend less time trying to figure out how it works and more time solving issues that the customers are facing.
4. Works Well with Your Existing Tools
Your phone system should fit nicely with the tools you are already using such as email or a CRM. Look for the best business phone systems that allow easy integration with various third-party tools. This will save much time for your team members and everything will run smoother than ever.
Get the Best Phone System For Small Business That Works For You
If your current system is falling short, it might be time to upgrade to a more reliable and scalable solution. A good phone system doesn't just manage calls, it enhances customer experience and keeps your team connected at all times.
So, is this something that your business has been struggling to maintain? Worry not anymore. With RingTree's virtual phone numbers and advanced features, you can build one of the best business phone systems perfectly suited for your needs.
Choose RingTree today and let us help you set up a system that takes your business forward!
FAQs: How to Get a Business Phone Number on Your Cell Phone
Can I get a business phone number for free?
There are certain applications that facilitate business calls and messaging, such as Google Voice, TextFree, and Callcentric. These platforms can be used to communicate with customers on a limited level using local number and VOIP services. However, for more robust features and professional communication, invest in a paid platform.
What are the benefits of having a business phone number on a cell phone?
- Professionalism: It gives your business a professional image
- Work-life Balance: You can easily separate your personal and professional communication
- Flexibility: Business calls can be received from anywhere with flexibility
How do I choose the right VoIP provider?
While choosing a VoIP provider, consider the following factors:
- Features: Look for features like call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, and video conferencing
- Reliability: Ensure the provider has a reliable network and uptime
- Customer Support: Good customer support is extremely important for troubleshooting issues
- Pricing: Compare pricing plans and choose one that fits your budget
What is a VoIP phone system for small businesses?
A VoIP phone system for small business uses the internet to dial and receive calls instead of traditional phone lines. It allows features like call forwarding, voicemail and video conferencing. VoIP is cost-effective, easy to use and ideal for businesses needing reliable communication without expensive hardware or setups.
What is a PBX System?
A PBX system (Private Branch Exchange) is a phone network used by businesses. It connects internal phones and manages incoming and outgoing calls. It offers features like call routing, voicemail and conference calls. PBX systems can be traditional or cloud-based, helping businesses manage communication efficiently and professionally.
What is the best business phone provider?
The best business phone provider depends on what the business needs, however among the ones available, RingTree stands out as a top choice. It offers affordable plans, unlimited extensions and advanced features like call routing and IVR. With its user-friendly platform and scalable solutions, RingTree is perfect for small businesses looking for reliability and flexibility.
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About the Author
Manny S. is a business technology specialist with expertise in communication systems and small business solutions.