The best business VoIP services in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems are now considered the standard if you want to attract customers. Users expect a range communication methods including phone lines, text and app messaging, and video conferencing. There’s not much that is more frustrating than being stuck in a phone queue with a poor-quality line. This is where VoIP solutions shine as convenient, often affordable, scalable, and bolstered by smart features such as smart routing or AI.

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Whether you’re looking for VoIP, text messaging, video conferencing, collaborative tools, or an entry-level solution suitable for a growing business, there is a massive range of providers. These are the best providers on the market that combine business calling with advanced features, scalability, and value for money.

In ZDNET’s February update, we completed an overhaul of our guide for 2026, including a refresh of the services we recommend.

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What is the best business VoIP provider right now?

ZDNET’s top recommendation for a business VoIP provider is RingCentral. Available from $20 per user per month, RingCentral provides a high-quality VoIP service that businesses of almost any size will appreciate. It also offers valuable optional extras like AI transcription.

If you’re a smaller business looking for a VoIP service that provides the essentials, you could opt for DialPad‘s service instead. This is a more affordable option at $15 per seat per month, and it still excels at the basics.

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When I compiled my top choices, I sought out the experiences of ZDNET authors and users themselves. I also considered the reputation and history of each VoIP provider on our list ensuring that I only selected vendors who provide the services and features businesses need today.

The best business VoIP Services of 2026

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RingCentral is one of the most well-known and respected VoIP services in the U.S., making it my top choice for VoIP services in 2026.

Why we like it: Used by more than 400,000 businesses worldwide, RingCentral provides team messaging and collaboration tools, text messaging, call quality analytics, fax, call recording, cloud storage, and even an AI-backed transcription service.

RingCentral provides more than just a VoIP phone system. You can take advantage of a huge variety of additional extras. After you create a free account, you can set up a business line with your existing phone number, create a new, business-only line, or select a toll-free number.

The company is very interested in AI and has rolled out smart features utilizing LLMs including call routing and quality improvement.

Who’s it for: Business users may find this option particularly interesting, especially if they are on the smaller side. Customer feedback on call quality indicates that it is generally reliable, although some customers reported call drops.

RingCentral’s IP phones only require a 90kbps connection, but if you are having issues, it’s worth investigating whether or not end-user hardware is appropriate. In addition, check whether or not your internet speeds can support the right number of phones. You can test capacity here.

Plans begin at $20 per month per user. The entry-level plan includes domestic calling, SMS texting, HD meetings, voicemail, as well as Google and Microsoft integrations. Premium plans begin from $20 per user per month.

Who should look elsewhere: Customers say they like the features and services on offer, but many feel that billing practices could be improved. Furthermore, customer service needs improvement. If you think you will need frequent on-call support, this likely isn’t the best option for you.

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If call quality is your top priority, consider 8×8’s VoIP services. It’s gathered solid customer reviews related to call quality, soft phone usage, and interoperability.

Why we like it: 8×8’s website and sales approach could do with an overhaul, especially when you consider that many competitors are transparent about pricing. Given its high levels of positive reviews for call quality, 8×8 is still a top contender in the VoIP space.

8×8 focuses on unified communications, offering customers the chance to go beyond VoIP. These expansion opportunities include adopting multi-channel and global support, call center and agent functionality, appointment scheduling, collaborative tools, AI, and centralized management via an admin console.

You can also set up a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), which allows you to create an internal switchboard as well as accept calls from outside the network.

Improvements made to the service over the past year include AI tool integration to improve productivity, enhancements to workforce management solutions, and analytics.

Who’s it for: A number of small to medium-sized businesses will find this solution meets their needs, but it should be noted that a vast number of complaints relate to 8×8 support. Still, if call quality is king, 8×8 might be your best bet.

Who should look elsewhere: Anyone who is new to VoIP services might find that the support does not adequately meet their requirements, and so you might be better off with a different solution.

Furthermore, a definitive price requires you to contact sales, although reports suggest pricing begins at roughly $24 per user per month, depending on customer needs. This lack of transparency may deter some users.

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If you’re interested in harnessing artificial intelligence for your VoIP needs, check out DialPad.

Why we like it: AI is one of the hottest buzzwords in the industry. Lofty claims of AI power need to be taken with a pinch of salt. VoIP providers are still putting these technologies to good use, and typically through agentic AI technologies.

DialPad is affordable and focuses on AI applications to improve productivity, streamline operations, and manage customer relationships. You can use AI to help you manage call and meeting summaries, as well as call transfers, and post-call surveys, team coaching, live call categorization, and to develop business-related responses to queries.

AI-based “assist cards” are also available to help your operators in real-time.

Who’s it for: This service describes itself as a communications platform but focuses on streamlining VoIP, business operations, and customer support through artificial intelligence.

While customer feedback on support is a mixed bag, users note the intuitive nature of the platform and its excellent features. This is the ideal option for customers seeking to discover how AI-based VoIP can benefit their businesses.

Who should look elsewhere: DialPad’s pricing begins at $15 per user per month. However, the basic plan is limited.

If you want features like customer relationship management software integrations, single sign-on (SSO), or Microsoft Teams integration, you must opt for a package starting at $25 per user per month or look elsewhere.

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If you plan to use a VoIP service for collaboration, and especially in the Microsoft ecosystem, you will want to explore the features offered by Intermedia Unite.

Why we like it: Intermedia Unite sports stand-out features such as mobile and desktop apps, auto-attendance, call transfers, three-way calling, voicemail transcription, archiving, team chat, video meetings, and analytics.

It’s particularly useful for Microsoft Teams users, with a standalone plan available for Teams and collaborative use.

In terms of integrations, you can use Intermedia Unite software with other third-party apps, including Slack, Chrome, Zoho CRM, Salesforce, and Zendesk.

In recent months, the company introduced a zero-cost migration service and an AI supervisor assistant for business users.

Who’s it for: Considering the popularity of Microsoft Teams and this service’s focus on interoperability, I consider this one of the best options for existing Teams users. Customers like the reliability and call quality of the VoIP service and note that there is rarely any downtime.

Two plans are available: Unite Pro and Unite Enterprise, separated into subscriptions for Teams or United. Plans start at $23 per user per month, but keep in mind that some features — including AI assistance and video conferencing — are only available on premium plans, which start at $28 per user per month.

Who should look elsewhere: If Microsoft Teams is not part of your existing business ecosystem, investigate other solutions that offer a wider free calling network or a broader range of plans.

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Nextiva is a great VoIP option if you’re looking for a solution focused on multi-channel support with the flexibility for hybrid and remote work.

Why we like it: According to Nextiva, their “AI-powered Unified-CXM platform delivers personalized experiences throughout the entire customer journey.”

In short, the company specializes in multi-channel customer support and services.

Customers now expect businesses to offer multiple communication channels, not just traditional phone lines. As such, even Nextiva’s basic plans — Digital and Core — include calls to the U.S. and Canada, social media channels, messaging apps, SMS, email, and web chat. To help budding startups, Nextiva monitors review sites, forums, and blogs for brand-associated content.

Consider Nextiva digital communication first, VoIP second.

Who’s it for: It’s an excellent option for multi-channel support, including VoIP, although you must choose the right plan for toll-free numbers, routing, and callbacks. Customers generally applaud the Nextiva onboarding service and appreciate the support on offer.

Subscriptions begin at $25 per user per month on the Nextiva Engage plan. The company also offers Core, a cheaper alternative solution at $15 per user per month.

Who should look elsewhere: Nextiva has another plan, NextivaONE. This is potentially a better option if you are an emerging business and you want to keep a tight rein on costs. For the equivalent of $15 per user per month, the annual plan — suitable for up to 10 seats — includes business calling, texting, video meetings, contact routing, and social media tools.

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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make a phone call through the internet rather than traditional phone lines, also known as analog lines.

If you’ve already used WhatsApp calling or Zoom, you have used a VoIP system. Your voice is translated into data and then converted back into sound, a regular phone signal, before it reaches an end device. Typically, you will need an internet connection, a router, and a device capable of handling VoIP communications such as a dedicated VoIP handset, a smartphone, or a PC.

VoIP is gradually replacing analog Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems, used by companies to operate phone switchboards and extension numbers. VoIP services can reduce the cost associated with physical lines. They also utilize the cloud to scale up capacity as well as handle internal, domestic, and international calls.

VoIP is also very useful for hybrid and remote working setups, as VoIP-ready phones or apps can replace traditional office phone lines.

Below, you will find some of the most important factors to help you decide on the best VoIP option for you in 2026.

Business VoIP provider	Cost (starts at)	Call quality feedback	Video conferencing	AI
RingCentral	$20 per user per month	Excellent	Yes	Yes
8×8	$24 per user per month	Excellent	Limited by plan	Limited by plan
DialPad	$15 per user per month	Good	Limited by plan	Yes
Intermedia Unite	$23 per user per month	Good	Limited by plan	Limited by plan
Nextiva	$15 per user per month	Good	Limited by plan	Limited by plan

Choose this business VoIP provider…	If you want or need…
RingCentral	The best business VoIP provider overall. RingCentral goes beyond basic VoIP and provides employee tools, artificial intelligence, and more. Over 400,000 businesses have signed up for its straightforward approach to voice calling.
8×8	The best business VoIP provider for call quality. 8×8 is pushing toward the enterprise market and omnichannel functionality. It is also rapidly exploring the applications of AI for workforce management and data analytics.
DialPad	An AI-first VoIP solution. DialPad leverages automation and AI to help you manage calls, meetings, analytics, and feedback. If you want to automate communication and streamline customer communication, this option is the way forward.
Intermedia Unite	A feature-rich, reasonably priced VoIP option geared toward Microsoft Teams. You can take advantage of VoIP, video conferencing, AI, analytics, and a range of call center features. This solution should be on your radar if you’re a fan of the Microsoft ecosystem.
Nextiva	A multi-channel VoIP solution suitable for remote work. Nextiva’s modern approach will likely appeal to startups and small businesses, especially those that want to stick to a strict budget.

While compiling the list of the best VoIP providers in 2026, I considered the following factors:

Scalability: VoIP services suitable for business users must be scalable. There’s no point in starting small to cap costs and then being unable to expand as your business grows. I prefer to showcase solutions that allow customers to scale up or down as their requirements change.
Cost: Ongoing costs are a factor when a business makes any form of investment. The VoIP providers I have chosen must meet different budgetary needs and, preferably, will offer a variety of plans.
Features: I want to see VoIP providers offer more than barebones service. I have included solutions that provide features like transcription, video conferencing, chat, and analytics.
Mobile: Mobile connectivity is a staple for communication today, and it is important that VoIP providers offer customers some form of mobile support.
AI: In general, I like to see VoIP providers leverage new and emerging technologies in interesting ways. Regarding VoIP, features like AI-assisted transcription or sentiment analysis can be a real benefit for customers.
Support: With any business service, you expect some form of customer support, whether via chat, email, phone, or live help. The best options will provide a variety of channels for customer troubleshooting, although, unfortunately, many VoIP services aren’t known for great customer support.
Customer feedback: I have examined and researched each VoIP provider to learn how existing customers feel about the services provided. I prefer to see an established pedigree of happy clients, solid support, and feedback taken into consideration by providers themselves.

If you’re considering replacing a traditional analog setup or starting off with VoIP, consider these VoIP features and what the most important aspects are for your business.

Call management: You might want an automated or smart system to handle call routing and processing. This could include virtual waiting rooms, voicemail and transcription services, grouping, and messaging.
Capacity: Consider whether you need high-volume capacities for your VoIP system. A benefit of VoIP is that it is generally scalable based on the number of seats you require and how many calls you expect to handle.
Reach: Some VoIP services are limited to domestic calling, such as within the U.S. and Canada only, and others may charge for international calling. Many businesses now also prefer softphone capacity, which allows customers to reach out through mobile and PC apps and software.
Call quality: Call quality should feature as a prominent aspect of any VoIP service you select. If your VoIP setup will be constantly used, you should opt for a solution with robust audio, low downtime, and low drop rates.
Advanced features: You might also want to explore new technologies and innovations in the VoIP space, such as how AI and LLMs are being applied to call quality, sentiment measurements, or workflow automation. If these interest you, select a provider that is active in this arena.

In the same manner as many industries, VoIP providers are adopting artificial intelligence features to stay competitive and to lure in users with the promise of streamlined operations, automatic content generation, and improved data analytics. AI and large language models (LLMs) may also be used to optimize performance and manage traffic loads.

You can find AI linked to automatic call transcription, for example, alongside implementations in customer assistance chatbots, environmental noise-cancelation — to improve call quality — and call routing. The latter may be able to help route customers to their desired location more efficiently.

Sometimes it’s less artificial intelligence and more simply “smart” features in a shiny AI wrapper. So, it is worth taking new announcements with a pinch of salt before their true benefits and ROI can be measured.

Latest news in the VoIP, telecoms space

Easybell and Fonio.ai announced a voice AI solution designed for cloud-based phone systems based in the EU.
Voip Unlimited launched AI Meeting, a tool focused on analyzing video meetings for actionable data on consumer trends and sentiment.
A new VoIP-based botnet is leveraging default passwords to compromise routers and internet-facing devices.
VoIP-Pal filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google, Apple, and Samsung, with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile named as co-conspirators. The suit alleges the companies are involved in a coordinated effort to prevent competition in the standalone Wi-Fi Calling space.

Business communications firm Blueface suggests that around 35% of businesses worldwide have adopted some form of VoIP, with approximately 60% of organizations being open to the idea of phasing out traditional phone lines.

The market is also expected to expand further, with researchers suggesting the market will grow to more than $236 billion in 2028.

A benefit of VoIP is that it requires very little bandwidth. While the speed and reliability of your internet connection will determine the quality of a VoIP call, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that a typical VoIP call only requires 0.5Mbps. This is far less than your typical YouTube video or social media visit. If you have a basic internet package, VoIP calling is likely possible.

While VoIP can work with a minimal internet connection, it still needs one to operate because there is no offline functionality, unlike traditional analog systems. Weak connections will result in laggy calls with poor latency.

In addition, VoIP systems are likely usable during power outages and usually unsuitable for emergency situations. You should also consider the potential security ramifications of VoIP as they are more prone to cyberthreats than standard phone lines.

VoIP and Wi-Fi calling are similar in some respects but not the same. Wi-Fi calling is a smartphone feature that lets you make calls through your internet connection instead of using cellular services. In comparison, VoIP is a dedicated service that uses an available internet connection to make a call with a compatible device.

Yes, especially when you consider the cost savings element of these services. For example, it may be cheaper and quicker to set up VoIP than traditional phone lines in an office. This can provide more flexibility where employees work without relying on hardwired lines or hardware. VoIP services can also provide useful features such as video conferencing and collaborative tools.

Latest updates

January 2026: In ZDNET’s January update, we completed an overhaul of our guide for 2026, including a refresh of the services we recommend.
July 2025: In ZDNET’s July update, we performed substantial editorial and layout updates. We also provided more information on our favorite alternative VoIP services.
June 2025: In ZDNET’s June update, we performed significant editorial and layout changes.

Alternative business VoIP providers worth considering

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Zoom operates an affordable VoIP service best suited to domestic calling. Features include U.S. and domestic calling, SMS messaging, online fax, workflow automation, and an AI companion for Zoom Phone. Plans start at $15 per user per month.

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Grasshopper provides a range of flexible phone plans for your business lines including custom and toll-free numbers. A solo line costs $14 per month, and there’s also a plan for small businesses that provides more phone numbers and unlimited extensions.

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Line2 is an option if you just want a single virtual line with the possibility of expansion later. This is a great way for small businesses to get started with VoIP without the need for complex hardware or a high start-up investment. Features include domestic and international calling, VM transcriptions, and call screening. You can sign up for a starter price of $8 per month on an annual plan or $10 per month.

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Consider GoTo Connect if you are interested in leveraging AI and automation for your call center operations. Features on offer include toll-free calling, multi-device support, call queues, SMS, an AI messaging assistant, and AI-based call summaries, transcription, and analysis. Reports suggest pricing currently ranges from around $25 to more than $30 per month.

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If you would like to explore our other recommendations for business services, check out our favorite picks for business messaging apps, the best business plan software around, and our top choices for the best business internet service providers in 2026.

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The best business VoIP services in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

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