The Tool Desk
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This guide compares the main hosted business phone services available in 2022. The prices and plan names below are historical 2022 information—not current recommendations. Providers have since changed their names, packages, availability, and pricing.
What counts as a VoIP service for a small business?
Here, VoIP means a hosted business phone system that carries calls over the internet. Depending on the provider and plan, that can include a business number, extensions, call forwarding, auto-attendant menus, voicemail, mobile and desktop apps, texting, video meetings, call recording, analytics, and integrations.
This is different from consumer calling apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime. Those apps may be useful for individual conversations, but they generally do not provide the business-number ownership, call routing, emergency-calling controls, admin tools, and support that a company needs.
#1 Best Overall
- Microsoft Teams Certified & UC Optimized: Ensure crystal-clear communication with Microsoft Teams Open Office certification and UC platform compatibility, perfect for hybrid workspaces and virtual meetings. Use of USB-A receiver required for all Microsoft Teams functionality.
- Bluetooth 5.3 & Multipoint Technology: Seamlessly switch between two devices with dual Bluetooth connections or use the USB-A receiver for plug-and-play convenience
- Advanced Noise Cancellation: Three-mic noise suppression technology blocks distractions, delivering unmatched audio clarity for professional calls or casual gaming
- Ergonomic & Lightweight Design: At only 140g, the headset features adjustable memory foam earcups and a flexible headband for extended comfort during long workdays or gaming sessions
- Unmatched Battery Life: Stay powered with up to 31 hours of talk time or 60 hours of music playback on a single charge, ensuring productivity and entertainment without interruptions
Prices also need careful reading. A per-user price may not include taxes, regulatory fees, toll-free minutes, international calls, desk phones, premium support, extra numbers, faxing, recording, or contact-center features. “Unlimited” usually refers to specified domestic destinations and normal business use—not unlimited international calling everywhere.
Best VoIP services for small businesses in 2022
| Service | Best fit | 2022 pricing note | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| RingCentral MVP | Businesses wanting a broad all-in-one system | Office Essentials was listed at $19.99 per user per month in one contemporaneous comparison; annual billing and a 10-user maximum applied | More features and administration than a very small business may need |
| Nextiva | Small and midsize businesses wanting an integrated phone system and support | 2022 packages were commonly described as Essential, Professional, and Enterprise; exact quotes depended on users, term, and promotions | Feature and price comparisons required a detailed quote |
| Ooma Office | Small businesses seeking a relatively simple, lower-cost system | Essentials $19.95, Pro $24.95, and Pro Plus $29.95 per user per month in 2022 investor materials | Important features were split across tiers |
| Grasshopper | Solo operators and very small teams | Solo $26 annual/$29 monthly; Partner $44 annual/$49 monthly; Small Business $80 annual/$89 monthly | Package-based pricing and fewer advanced collaboration features |
| 8×8 X Series | International operations and contact-center requirements | Pricing varied substantially by country, plan, user count, contract, and sales quote | More difficult to compare on headline price |
| Vonage Business Communications | Businesses wanting modular features and integrations | Plan and feature costs depended on configuration and quote | Optional modules could make the final bill less predictable |
| Dialpad | Software-first teams that preferred desktop and mobile calling | 2022 pricing and AI feature availability depended on the dated plan | Desk-phone and advanced-feature requirements needed checking |
| Google Voice for business | Organizations already using Google Workspace | Business editions were separate from free or personal Google Voice | Not a complete replacement for a contact-center or enterprise UCaaS platform |
| Zoom Phone | Companies already using Zoom Meetings | Phone service was a separate product from a standard Zoom Meetings account | Best value depended on an existing Zoom investment |
1. RingCentral MVP: best full-featured business phone system
RingCentral MVP was the strongest general-purpose choice for a company that wanted calling, team messaging, video meetings, SMS, fax, integrations, and call-management controls in one service. It could support a simple office setup while also offering features useful to a larger sales or support operation.
A 2022 comparison listed RingCentral Office Essentials at $19.99 per user per month, with annual-billing and user-count restrictions. That figure should not be treated as the cost of every RingCentral configuration: other tiers, additional users, hardware, taxes, and usage could change the total.
Choose it when your business values one communications platform and expects to use more than basic call forwarding. For a two-person business that only needs one professional number and voicemail, its broader feature set may not justify the administrative complexity.
Historical naming note: the product was called RingCentral MVP in 2022. The company now uses different branding, including RingEX, so current plan pages should not be read as 2022 pricing.
2. Nextiva: best for many small and midsize businesses
Nextiva was a direct alternative to RingCentral in 2022 and was often attractive to small and midsize companies wanting a conventional hosted phone system with collaboration features and vendor support. Its lower package was positioned as the more affordable entry point, while higher tiers added communications and collaboration capabilities.
Nextiva was a sensible shortlist candidate if you needed extensions, call routing, voicemail, business texting, mobile apps, and a more structured office-phone setup than a simple virtual number. The important financial question was not merely the advertised rate: compare the total for your number of users, contract term, phone hardware, setup, and any required premium features.
Rank #2
- 【Compatible List for Yealink IP Phones】RJ9 connectivity to Yealink IP phones, including T19(P)E2 /T20P/T21(P)E2/T22P/T23P/T23G/T26P/T27G/T28P/T29G/T30/T30P/T31/T31P/T31G/T33P/T33G/T38G/T40P/T40G/T41S/T42S/T46S/T48S/T42U/T43U/T46U/T48U/T53/T53W/T54W/T57W/T58A/VP59/T41S SFB/T42S SFB/T46S SFB/T48S SFB/T55A SFB/T56A SFB/T58A SFB/MP56 etc.Works seamlessly with most RJ9 Yealink IP phones as listed. This headset is also compatible with **RJ12 corded telephones** – please note that audio volume may be slightly lower on RJ12 devices, as this headset is optimized for RJ9 connections.
- 【Perfectly Compatible with More VoIP Phones】Supports QD(Quick Disconnect) to RJ9 plug-and-play setup can be directly connected to the landline phones. Compatible with Yealink All IP Phones, Avaya 96xx Series / 16xx Series / J1xx Series phones, Snom VoIP Phones 300 320 360 710 821 870 , Grandsteam GXP 1400 1405 1610 1615 1620 1625 1630 2000 2120 2124 2130 2135 2170 280 285 GRP2613 GRP2604P GXV3005 3006 3240 3275 3370 and more desk phones listed in description.
- 【Crystal Clear Chat & Ultra Durable Design】Wideband Sound RJ9 Telephone Headset with microphone compatible with Yealink landline phones enables excellent sound quality for natural listening experience, features Noise Cancelling Microphone to reduce background noise, Acoustic Shock Protection Circuit to protect your hearing. Precision design, quality plastics, unibody headband construction, superior quality microphone makes this call center phone headset with RJ9 jack sturdier and more durable. **For optimal audio quality, position the microphone 0.8-2 inches (2-5 cm) in front of your chin** – this placement ensures the mic captures your voice clearly while minimizing background noise.
- 【All Day Wearing Comfort & Quick Disconnect Cord】Super lightweight wired Hands-free RJ9 office Phone Headset compatible with Panasonic Grandstream Snom Desk Phones with adjustable headband to fit all head sizes, high quality and soft leatherette ear cushion enhance all-day wearing comfort. Professional Mic Mute/Volume Control built in. Quick Disconnect(QD) feature enables you to walk away from the desk without taking headset off.
- 【1-Year Warranty & Compatibility Notes】ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH SOME SPECIFIC PHONE MODELS LISTED IN DESCRIPTION (include but not limited). NOT FOR SMARTPHONES AND COMPUTERS. For Other Phones, Pls contact us for Compatibility Guide or Advice. Compete with Jabra heavy duty Telephone Headphone for Call Center, Hospital, Office, Home, Insurance, Business, School, Bank, Telephone Counselling Services.
Older articles may call the plans Essential, Professional, and Enterprise. Those were the relevant 2022 names; current Nextiva pages use different tier names, so do not mix current prices with this historical comparison.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →3. Ooma Office: best relatively low-cost option for a small office
Ooma Office offered a straightforward alternative for businesses that wanted more than call forwarding without immediately buying a large unified-communications package. Its 2022 investor materials listed:
| 2022 tier | Price per user per month | Examples of features associated with the tier structure |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $19.95 | Core business calling functions and basic phone-system tools |
| Pro | $24.95 | Additional app, messaging, conferencing, or productivity capabilities |
| Pro Plus | $29.95 | More advanced features such as queues, integrations, transcription, or hot desking, depending on the 2022 package |
The exact feature boundaries mattered. Virtual receptionist, ring groups, voicemail, smartphone apps, SMS, virtual fax, conferencing, desktop access, voicemail transcription, integrations, call queues, and hot desking were not all included in the entry plan.
Ooma made the most sense when the business wanted predictable per-user pricing and a manageable feature set. Before subscribing, list the functions you actually need—especially call queues, fax, transcription, and integrations—and verify which tier included each one in 2022.
4. Grasshopper: best for solo operators and very small teams
Grasshopper used package pricing rather than charging separately for every employee. That made it particularly easy for a consultant, contractor, realtor, or very small service business to establish a professional number and route calls to existing mobile phones.
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A December 2022 comparison listed:
| Plan | Annual billing | Monthly billing | Numbers and extensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | $26 per month | $29 per month | 1 number, 3 extensions |
| Partner | $44 per month | $49 per month | 3 numbers, 6 extensions |
| Small Business | $80 per month | $89 per month | 5 numbers, unlimited extensions |
Grasshopper’s strengths were mobile use, flexible call handling, greetings, extension-level schedules, unlimited U.S. and Canada calling, and basic texting. Its limitation was depth: it was not designed to replace a broader unified-communications or contact-center platform with sophisticated analytics, CRM workflows, integrated video, and extensive collaboration tools.
For a one-person business, compare the package price with a per-user service. Grasshopper could be cheaper when several extensions shared a package, but a growing team might get better administration and collaboration from a conventional per-user system.
Rank #3
- Designed with Skype in Mind: For professionals using Skype for Business, who require a consistently excellent hands-free communication solution
- HD Sound: Powered by a neodynium speaker for legendary Sennheiser HD sound to ensure a clearer and more natural audio experience
- Noise-Cancelling Technology: Filters out all unwanted background noise for crystal-clear conversations
- Bendable Boom Arm: Flexible arm ensures that your microphone stays in the perfect position and cannot be twisted out of place
- Comfort and Durability: Large, comfortable ear pads and solid construction create the perfect light-weight headset solution
5. 8×8 X Series: investigate for international and contact-center needs
8×8 was worth considering when international calling, analytics, customer-support queues, or contact-center functions were central to the purchase. It was less useful to rank by a single advertised number because 2022 pricing depended heavily on country, plan, user count, contract terms, and sales quotation.
Ask for a written quote that separates licenses from international usage, toll-free service, recording, analytics, implementation, and contact-center modules. A low base rate can be misleading if the features that matter to your support team sit in a higher package.
6. Vonage Business Communications: best modular approach
Vonage Business Communications appealed to businesses that wanted a cloud phone system and the option to add integrations or other capabilities as needed. It was especially relevant for companies that already had a preferred CRM or workflow and wanted to connect calling to it.
Do not confuse Vonage Business Communications with Vonage’s developer APIs or consumer products. Also price optional features individually: the apparent monthly rate may not include every integration, recording function, number, or contact-center capability your team expects.
For business texting, registration and carrier rules matter. Current 10DLC guidance requires registration for applicable U.S. business SMS numbers, but that current compliance regime should not automatically be presented as a universal condition of every Vonage plan in 2022.
7. Dialpad: best for software-first calling
Dialpad was a good fit for teams that wanted to work mainly from a browser, desktop app, or smartphone rather than rely on physical desk phones. Its software-first approach could reduce hardware spending and suit distributed teams.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIts appeal was strongest for companies interested in searchable communications, transcription, and conversation-intelligence features. However, do not assume that every AI feature was included in every 2022 plan. Check a dated plan description and confirm whether desk phones, recording, analytics, and integrations were included or sold separately.
Rank #4
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: Business-grade Wideband Corded USB HEADSET, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Noise-Cancelling Mic for crystal-clear conversations, Acoustic Shock Protection(ASP) to protect your hearing.
- MOST COMFORT HEADSET: Ultra Lightweight USB headphones with adjustable headband to fit all head sizes, a flexible boom mic to suit your preference, soft and high quality ear cushion enhance all-day wearing comfort.
- ULTRA DURABLE HEADSET: Precision design, Quality plastics, uni-body headband construction, flexible metal mic boom make this Dual Ear USB Skype headset with mic more durable and sturdier. Compete with Plantronics or Jabra High-grade Office Headsets.
- SIMPLE AUDIO CONTROLS: Plug and Play, No Drivers needed for PC, Computer, Laptop, Mac…USB compatible devices. Convenient in-line Controls, easy to adjust this computer headset volume up/down, mute/un-mute the microphone or speaker.
- 2-YEAR WARRANTY & WIDE COMPATIBILITY: 45 days money back & 24-month worry-free. Works with Windows 2000/7/8/10/XP/Vista, Mac OS X and most leading UC Platforms, Softphone. Ideal for Skype Chat, Business, Call Center, Conference calls, Dictation, Dragon speak, Online courses, Webinar presentations and more.
8. Google Voice: best for existing Google Workspace customers
Google Voice for business was a natural option for a company already using Google Workspace and wanting business numbers managed alongside its Google accounts. It could cover everyday calling, voicemail, number assignment, and basic business administration without requiring a separate full UCaaS ecosystem.
It was not equivalent to a full contact-center platform. If you need complex queues, advanced analytics, extensive CRM integrations, or a large desk-phone deployment, compare it with RingCentral, Nextiva, 8×8, or another purpose-built business system. Make sure you are comparing business editions—not the free or personal Google Voice service.
9. Zoom Phone: best for businesses already using Zoom
Zoom Phone was particularly attractive to organizations already paying for Zoom Meetings. It added voice calling to an ecosystem employees may already understand, potentially reducing the cost and training burden of introducing another communications application.
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How to choose without overpaying
- Count people, numbers, and extensions separately. A service may charge by user, by phone number, or by package. A solo operator and a five-person office can get very different results from the same price list.
- Write down must-have features. Include auto-attendant, simultaneous ringing, business hours, call queues, voicemail transcription, SMS, fax, recording, CRM integration, video, desk phones, and international calling.
- Calculate the first-year cost. Add monthly licenses, annual taxes and regulatory fees, extra numbers, toll-free usage, international minutes, hardware, setup, porting, recording, and premium support.
- Check the network before blaming the provider. Use wired connections or business-grade Wi-Fi where possible, prioritize voice traffic, and test from the locations where employees actually work.
- Test number porting before canceling anything. Gather the current carrier account number, service address, authorized name, PIN or passcode, and a list of numbers. Keep the old service active until the port completes and inbound and outbound calls work.
- Review emergency-calling arrangements. Confirm how the provider handles registered and dispatchable locations, especially for remote or nomadic employees.
Common VoIP problems small businesses should budget for
Choppy, robotic, or delayed audio
Packet loss, jitter, latency, overloaded Wi-Fi, inadequate bandwidth, and network handoffs can cause calls to cut out, sound robotic, or become one-way. A provider cannot fix every problem caused by the office network. Test the connection and ask whether the service provides network-quality diagnostics.
Calls failing during an outage
Hosted VoIP needs working internet and powered equipment. A UPS can keep a modem, router, and desk phones running during a short power failure, but it cannot restore a lost broadband connection. Configure mobile failover where available and understand what happens to emergency calls during an outage.
Incorrect 911 location
A desk phone, softphone, or adapter moved to another address may still be associated with its old emergency location. Remote workers need a process for updating locations and confirming that each device can provide a dispatchable address. VoIP is not automatically equivalent to a traditional fixed line for emergency calling; review the provider’s disclosures and the applicable FCC rules.
Best Value
- [ALL-IN-ONE BUNDLE DEAL] – This premium package includes our Professional Wireless Headset plus the Remote HookSwitch (EHS) Device. Gain full remote answering capabilities for a wide range of Poly Polycom phones including VVX series VVX101, 201, 300, 400, 500, 600, etc., and SoundPoint models.
- [TWO DECADES OF EXPERTISE] – With over 20 years of specializing in premium audio solutions, our office wireless headset delivers unmatched all-day comfortability and a high-performance alternative to standard DECT or Bluetooth devices. Enjoy a dedicated 2-year warranty from a brand trusted by professionals and top-tier wireless audio manufacturers worldwide.
- [CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS & NOISE CANCEL] – Communicate professionally with our advanced Digital Noise-Canceling Microphone, designed to eliminate distracting office chatter. Combined with high-definition audio, it ensures your voice remains clear and uninterrupted for every critical business call.
- [300FT RANGE & TOTAL MOBILITY] – Break free from your desk with a massive 300-foot wireless roaming radius. The integrated remote call control allows you to answer and end calls directly from the headset, providing the ultimate mobility to multitask around the office while staying connected.
- [SUPERIOR DECT 6.0 TECHNOLOGY] – Experience 3x the range and significantly better stability than standard Bluetooth headsets. Our newest DSP DECT 6.0 technology provides a dedicated, interference-free connection for up to 12 hours of talk time, eliminating the occasional call drops common in Bluetooth devices.
Business texts being delayed or blocked
Business SMS can face carrier filtering, registration requirements, opt-in rules, and sending limits. A number that can make calls may not be ready for reliable application-to-person texting. Confirm registration, message limits, and compliance responsibilities before using VoIP SMS for appointment reminders or customer support.
Porting delays
Errors in the account name, service address, account number, PIN, or authorization can delay a number transfer. Do not cancel the old account early. Schedule the port, keep a temporary forwarding plan, and test both directions of calling after completion.
Bottom-line picks for 2022
- Best overall full business phone system: RingCentral MVP.
- Best for many small and midsize businesses: Nextiva.
- Best relatively affordable small-business option: Ooma Office.
- Best for solo operators and very small teams: Grasshopper.
- Best for international or contact-center requirements: 8×8 X Series.
- Best for software-first teams: Dialpad.
- Best for Google Workspace users: Google Voice for business.
- Best for existing Zoom customers: Zoom Phone.
These are use-case recommendations, not a universal ranking. The financially sensible choice was the service whose pricing model and included features matched the business—not necessarily the provider with the lowest per-user headline.
FAQ
What was the cheapest VoIP service for a small business in 2022?
There was no single cheapest option for every business. Grasshopper started at $26 per month with annual billing for one number and three extensions, while Ooma Office Essentials was listed at $19.95 per user per month. The cheaper choice depended on whether you needed one shared package or individual user accounts and which features you required.
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Was VoIP reliable enough for a small business?
Usually, but reliability depended on the internet connection, Wi-Fi, bandwidth, latency, packet loss, jitter, and powered network equipment as well as the provider. A UPS and mobile failover can reduce disruption, but neither replaces an internet connection during a broadband outage.
Can a small business keep its existing phone number when switching to VoIP?
In many cases, yes. Porting can be delayed by an incorrect account number, service address, authorized name, PIN, or authorization. Keep the old service active until the transfer is complete and test inbound and outbound calls before canceling it.
Does a VoIP business number support 911?
Emergency calling may be available, but it has important limitations. A registered location can become incorrect when a device or softphone is moved, and internet or power outages can prevent calls. Confirm the provider’s emergency-calling process and keep dispatchable locations current.
The Bottom Line
For a 2022 small-business purchase, start with the operating model: Grasshopper for a solo professional number, Ooma Office for a straightforward small office, Nextiva or RingCentral MVP for a fuller business system, and 8×8 when international or contact-center functions drive the decision. Google Voice and Zoom Phone were most compelling when the company already used their surrounding ecosystems. Compare the complete first-year bill and test porting, network quality, texting, and emergency-calling arrangements before making the switch.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
