Best VoIP Phone Systems of 2023

9/25/2023

In recent news, US News has unveiled its comprehensive ranking of the top VOIP Phone Systems for 2023. A word of caution from us at Rich Technology Group, however: the criteria used by US News to determine these so-called 'best' providers remains somewhat opaque to us. In this article, Rich Technology Group is going to cover these providers and list down the details of what these providers offer to be able to achieve this position.

Best VoIP Phone Systems of 2023

Nextiva

Rich Technology Group is pleased to recognize Nextiva in US News top VOIP service provider list after securing the coveted spot in RTGs VoIP Awards in 2022. In addition to leading last year's list, Nextiva has also made it to the pinnacle of our top three recommended providers for 2023.

The driving factor behind Nextiva's continued excellence in our rankings is its remarkable customer service. The current era, characterized by an ever-increasing number of individuals working remotely, underscores the paramount importance of stellar customer service - particularly in scenarios where immediate access to IT support may not be given.

Another noteworthy attribute that cemented Nextiva's top position in our list is their pioneering product, NextivaONE. This innovative tool has revolutionized the small business landscape. While NextivaONE caters efficiently to larger entities and serves as a comprehensive solution for call centers and contact centers, its true power lies in its versatility. We've found it to be an exceptionally fitting all-in-one solution for small to midsize businesses, positioning Nextiva as an undisputed leader in the realm of VoIP services.

Ooma

While Rich Technology Group hasn't directly collaborated with Ooma, this company has earned its spot on the US News list for a few notable reasons. Firstly, Ooma offers highly competitive pricing. While it doesn't quite match the rock-bottom rates, it holds its own when compared to other leading providers such as RingCentral, Nextiva, and Vonage.

Secondly, Ooma consistently positions itself as having "award-winning" customer service. We believe that this focus on customer satisfaction might be a significant factor in their inclusion on our list.

Last but not least, Ooma has distinguished itself as one of the staunchest proponents of replacing traditional Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). They not only offer special promotions to businesses making the switch from analog phone services, but they also provide dedicated onboarding and orientation. This support has proven invaluable for companies transitioning away from antiquated phone systems or copper lines, making Ooma a champion for businesses modernizing their communications infrastructure.

Zoom Phone

Zoom certainly deserves a spot on this list, but Rich Technology Group would hesitate to place them in the upper echelon. Based on our experience and client feedback, Zoom's customer service does not compare favorably with top-tier providers such as Nextiva or Ooma.

Despite being a relatively new player, with its phone service product approximately three to four years old, Zoom offers a solid platform. However, when contrasted with industry veterans like Vonage, RingCentral, or Dialpad – with decades of experience behind them – Zoom lacks the extensive data and expertise these older providers bring to the table.

On the upside, Zoom has proven an excellent fit for companies like ours at Rich Technology Group, which require a global communications platform. With staff spread across the United States, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, and Bangladesh, we found that Zoom met our needs as an international organization better than Vonage.

That said, there are areas where Zoom falls short. For instance, the mobile app doesn't quite match up to the standard we were accustomed to with Vonage. If we could combine the back-end global support of Zoom with the user-friendly mobile app from Vonage, I'd be content.

Zoom shines for businesses with a global presence or those heavily reliant on video meetings. However, they need to improve their customer service and mobile app functionality to truly compete with seasoned providers. Ultimately, any service provider must deliver excellent service and show its customers that they truly care. As it stands, Zoom has work to do on both fronts.

RingCentral

RingCentral is undeniably a fixture in Rich Technology Group's daily operations. Every day, we either receive inquiries about RingCentral or recommend it to viewers following consultations. Without a doubt, RingCentral merits its place on this list. In fact, if this were a ranking from one to six, RTG would position RingCentral much higher.

RingCentral's strengths are manifold. Firstly, they stand as the king of features among all providers, boasting an impressive array of functionalities that continues to expand on a near-monthly basis. Their long-standing history and affiliation with AT&T, one of the pioneers of telephone communications, grants them both credibility and substantial financial backing. This financial muscle enables RingCentral to invest heavily in research, development, and cutting-edge technologies, including AI.

However, the potential downsides of RingCentral worth mentioning are their pricing and customer service. RingCentral tends to be on the pricier side of the spectrum. Therefore, if cost is your primary concern, RingCentral might not be your first choice. Yet, for those seeking software with serious value, the price is justified.

In terms of customer service, RingCentral performs adequately but does not outshine providers like Vonage or Nextiva. While their service is vastly superior to Zoom's, it doesn't match the high standards set by Vonage or Nextiva. Depending on your company's size and requirements, you might even find Ooma Office's customer service more suitable.

Therefore, while RingCentral might not be the cheapest option or have the absolute best customer service, its feature-rich platform, backed by a storied history in telecommunications, makes it a strong contender in this field.

The Best VoIP phone systems of 2023 from US News w/ commentary from
Prince & Sunita!

Vonage

Vonage, one of the original providers Rich Technology Group worked with, holds a special place in our operations. They were our exclusive business provider before we expanded our portfolio to dozens of other vendors. We used Vonage for close to 14 years until our growing need for a more globally versatile service compelled us to switch.

Vonage, now in its 21st year in business, is a household name. Initially known for its residential services, Vonage has been adopted by people worldwide, including military personnel stationed overseas. From our firsthand experience using Vonage business for almost 15 years, we found it consistently reliable, offering upgrades that kept pace with our evolving needs. One of Vonage's standout features, in our view, is its mobile app. Its seamless operation allows us to stay connected across various international and domestic locations. Therefore, it proved a reliable tool for anyone with frequent travel needs.

Another commendable aspect of Vonage is the simplicity and ease of use of their platform. Whether it's the mobile app, the desktop app, or the admin portal, all interfaces are intuitive, even for users with minimal tech-savviness. Users can effortlessly make intermediate to advanced changes to their call patterns, auto attendants, and more.

On the pricing front, Vonage is one of the most competitively priced options on this list, especially for small to mid-market businesses. Although they offer contact center solutions as well, that's a different sphere altogether.

However, there are a couple of areas where Vonage falls short. The primary concern is its suitability for businesses with a significant international presence, especially in far eastern regions like Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Although adequate for businesses with employees in proximate countries like Mexico or Colombia, Vonage isn't ideal for more globally dispersed teams.

Another issue with Vonage is its customer service for small businesses. While their support for mid to large-size businesses is top-notch, small businesses have reported dissatisfaction following some changes made in late 2020 and early 2021. Fortunately, Vonage is aware of these issues and is making efforts to improve its customer service.

DialPad

Dialpad

Dialpad deserves its place on US New's top VOIP providers list without a doubt, but its placement can be a subject of debate. One aspect where Dialpad unquestionably leads the pack is in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

The prominence of AI in today's world is undeniable. From social media platforms to business mastermind groups, everyone is discussing AI. However, the crucial question is how you can take AI and apply it to tools that solve real-life problems and create practical solutions. In this regard, Dialpad stands out.

Dialpad's integration of AI into its services is innovative, practical, and most importantly, effective. They are number one in their artificial intelligence application, pioneering ways to utilize this technology to facilitate easier, more efficient communication. This sentiment is echoed by clients who operate large call centers, reinforcing that Dialpad's implementation of AI "makes sense".

However, Dialpad may not be the best fit for every business. The platform seems to be most beneficial for companies with more than ten employees. Our observations indicate that businesses with around 12 to 20 employees and upwards can best justify Dialpad's price and features. For instance, a debt collection company with approximately 40 employees appreciated Dialpad's impressive features but found them unnecessary for their operations.

Dialpad is perfect for businesses seeking to harness AI for a more efficient phone system and streamline their operations. However, these businesses also need to justify Dialpad's cost, given its advanced capabilities. For companies that fit this description, Dialpad outshines all other contenders on the list.

One more point to note is Dialpad's exceptional customer service. Feedback from our clients has consistently praised their post-sale service, maintaining an excellent relationship with the representatives. This culture of ongoing customer support after the sale is another reason why Dialpad gets Rich Technology Group's vote.

Disclaimer

While the US News lists monthly plan costs for the above-mentioned providers, Rich Technology Group wants to clarify that these prices may not accurately reflect what customers typically pay. Take Zoom, for instance. Even though it's listed at $10 per user per month on US News, none of the clients that Rich Technology Group has worked with, including us who use Zoom internally, are paying this rate. So, when examining the pricing listed under each provider, bear in mind there are a multitude of variables at play. What you see often represents the lowest possible cost and may not include potential discounts. In other words, the price you see shouldn't be taken at face value.

If you like this article and want to ask any questions regarding any of the above providers, get in touch with Rich Technology Group. We provide free consultations as we are paid directly by the service provider in question. So, there is nothing to hesitate.

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