Introduction: Choosing the Best Cloud Phone System for Your Remote Team
Are you looking for a reliable and efficient cloud phone system for your remote team? Using a cloud-based phone system can have numerous benefits for businesses with remote employees, including flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and access to advanced features. In this article, we will compare and evaluate some of the top cloud phone systems available for remote teams. Selecting the right system is crucial for facilitating smooth and effective communication within your business.
Understanding Cloud Phone Systems
If you’re not familiar with cloud phone systems, let’s begin with a brief explanation. A cloud phone system, also known as a business VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephone system, enables you to make and receive business calls through the internet. Unlike traditional phone systems that require physical landline connections, a cloud phone system allows you and your remote team to handle calls from anywhere, making it ideal for remote work environments.
The Advantages of Cloud Phone Systems for Remote Teams
There are several advantages to using cloud phone systems for your remote team:
Flexibility: Cloud phone systems enable your team members to receive business calls using virtual business phone number apps on their cell phones, eliminating the need for sharing personal cell phone numbers for business purposes.
Cost-Effectiveness: By eliminating the need for physical on-premise landlines, cloud phone systems save businesses money on equipment, installation, and maintenance costs.
Advanced Features: Cloud phone systems offer a wide range of features, including unlimited free domestic calls, advanced call routing, voicemail to email and text, SMS messaging, online faxing, and auto attendants.
Now, let’s delve into the details of some of the leading cloud phone systems for remote teams.
Nextiva: The Ideal Cloud Phone System
Nextiva is a highly recommended cloud phone system known for its user-friendliness and reliability. With features like unlimited free domestic calls, advanced call routing, and voicemail to email and text, Nextiva provides all the necessary tools for effective business communication.
Key Features of Nextiva
- Free local or toll-free number
- Web-based admin panel for easy management
- Caller ID, call forwarding, and custom greetings
- Advanced IVR (interactive voice response) system
- Additional features include CRM integration, marketing automation, live chat, and call analytics
Nextiva guarantees excellent call quality, uptime, and connectivity through their reliable data centers, with no reported outages in the past two years. Their customer service team is also known for being responsive and helpful.
Price: Starting from $14.95/user/month (pricing varies based on the number of users)
Editorial Note: WPBeginner and Awesome Motive use Nextiva for their team and highly recommend it.
RingCentral: A Feature-Rich Cloud Phone System
RingCentral is another popular cloud phone system that offers a wide range of features for remote teams. Along with unlimited calling, call forwarding, and caller ID, RingCentral provides video conferencing with screen sharing and seamless integration with services like Google Workspace, Dropbox, and Salesforce.
Key Features of RingCentral
- Video conferencing and team messaging capabilities
- Cloud PBX for easy call routing and extension management
- Integration with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office365, and Slack
Similar to Nextiva, RingCentral offers free unlimited calls within the US and Canada, making it an affordable option for businesses.
Price: Starting from $19.99/user/month (billed annually), with a free 15-day trial available
Ooma: A Reliable Cloud Communications Solution
Ooma is a trusted business VoIP provider that offers a reliable cloud phone system for remote teams. With features like a virtual receptionist, extension dialing, and mobile and desktop apps, Ooma provides essential tools for effective communication.
Key Features of Ooma
- Toll-free number and other useful features included for free
- Cloud PBX for easy call transfer and team collaboration
- Option to use existing devices or purchase dedicated phones
Ooma’s cloud VoIP phone system seamlessly integrates with your remote employees’ existing devices or offers new phones at a reduced upfront cost.
Price: Starting from $19.95/user/month
Zoom Phone: An Affordable All-in-One Cloud Solution
Zoom Phone is an affordable VoIP service provider built on the popular Zoom platform. It offers unlimited calls, video conferencing, and team chat in one comprehensive solution.
Key Features of Zoom Phone
- Seamless integration with Google Calendar, Google Fi, and Google Meet
- Call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and auto attendants
- Streamlined collaboration with instant conversion to a Zoom Meeting
Zoom Phone is easy to set up and use, making it a convenient choice for small businesses with remote teams.
Price: Starting from $10/user/month for unlimited internal calls, with pricing options for unlimited outbound calls starting at $15/user/month
Grasshopper: A Cloud Phone System for Small Businesses
Grasshopper provides a virtual phone number that can forward calls to any phone number or mobile device. With features like call forwarding, routing, voicemail to email, and mobile and desktop apps, Grasshopper caters to the needs of small businesses with remote teams.
Key Features of Grasshopper
- Virtual receptionists and custom greetings
- Simultaneous call handling and quick response
- Mobile and desktop apps for easy remote communication
Grasshopper’s plans include unlimited minutes, although international calls are not offered.
Price: Starting from $28/month (includes one phone number and up to 3 extensions)
Phone.com: A Simple and Cost-Effective Cloud Office Phone System
Phone.com offers a straightforward web interface and mobile app for managing your cloud office phone system. With features like call forwarding, caller ID, text messaging, and conference calling, Phone.com meets the standard requirements for efficient business communication.
Key Features of Phone.com
- Local call minutes to Canada and select European countries
- Additional telephony features available for purchase
- 24/7 live customer support
Phone.com offers cost-effective calling to Canada and select European countries, making it a suitable choice for businesses with international communication needs.
Price: Starting from $11.99/user/month (billed annually)
Google Voice: Google’s Cloud Business Phone System
Google Voice is a cloud business phone system that offers essential features like free calling to US and Canadian numbers, call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and text messaging. It seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar, Google Fi, and Google Meet, providing an all-in-one solution for remote communication.
Key Features of Google Voice
- Integration with Google services and CRM software
- Use through cell phones or desktop/laptop apps
- Option to forward calls to mobile phones or other devices
Google Voice is a cost-effective solution with a free personal plan and affordable business plans.
Price: Business plans starting from $10/user/month
Conclusion: Selecting the Right Cloud Phone System for Your Remote Team
After careful evaluation, Nextiva stands out as the top choice for the best cloud phone system for remote teams. With its advanced features, reliable support, and scalable options, Nextiva provides everything you need for seamless communication. RingCentral is also an excellent alternative with similar features and benefits.
Before making a decision, consider the needs and size of your remote team to find the most suitable option. Remember, effective communication plays a significant role in the success of remote teams.
Disclaimer: This article focuses on the top cloud phone systems mentioned. Other options, such as Vonage, 8×8, Dialpad, and eVoice, were not included to avoid overwhelming choices.
For more insights on enhancing business communication, check out our comparisons of the best live chat software and push notification software to connect with your customers even after they leave your website.
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