If you’re looking for a Dialpad alternative, you’ve likely encountered some challenges or limitations with the platform. And that’s okay. Not every communication solution is a perfect fit for every business.
As a small business, you have specific needs and priorities. While the promise of AI and scalability might be appealing, you may not be ready to fully embrace those features just yet. Your focus is on finding a reliable phone system that meets your current requirements without unnecessary complexity.
If you’ve tried Dialpad and find yourself searching for an alternative, you’ve come to the right place. We understand the importance of finding the right communication platform that aligns with your business goals and budget.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ll discuss the top 10 Dialpad alternatives that stand out in terms of features, reliability, user experience, and value for money.
What Is Dialpad?
Dialpad is a cloud-based communications provider that offers Unified Communications as a Service ( UCaaS ) and Contact Center as a Service ( CCaaS ) solutions. The company’s offerings are divided into two main categories:
Business Communications: An all-in-one solution that combines calling, messaging, and meeting capabilities in a single application. It enables seamless internal communication among team members and powers external calling through its cloud phone system. The platform also offers features like call routing, voicemail transcription, call recording, and integration with popular business tools.
Customer Engagement: The customer engagement platform focuses on omnichannel support, allowing businesses to manage inbound customer interactions across multiple channels, including phone, email, web chat, social media, and messaging apps. Key features are intelligent call routing, automatic call distribution ( ACD ), interactive voice response (IVR), and real-time analytics.
Dialpad comes to the fore when you want to use artificial intelligence (AI). Its AI-powered tools help businesses gain valuable insights into customer interactions and improve agent performance.
Why Someone Might Look for Dialpad Alternatives
Businesses might explore alternatives to Dialpad for various reasons: seeking a more budget-friendly option, needing a broader range of integrations, or prioritizing video conferencing capabilities. Here are a few key ones:
1) Not fully ready for AI
AI has become a prominent and proven technology in the communications industry. Dialpad excels when businesses fully use its AI features, such as bot-assisted live chat for identification and verification.
However, if you value the human connection and have established human-centric processes, relying heavily on AI might not align with your current priorities.
In such cases, you may be paying for features you’ll never use, and it might be worth exploring alternatives that better match your needs.
2) Need for quick implementation
Setting up Dialpad can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with complex AI elements like bot scripts and data pre-loading. Rushing through the provisioning and configuration phases may result in suboptimal outcomes.
If you need to set up a contact center solution quickly, other business phone systems might be better suited for quick and self-service onboarding, offering more straightforward setup processes and requiring less upfront configuration.
3) Lack of transparent pricing for small businesses
Dialpad’s UCaaS tools are priced at $23 (Standard) and $35 (Pro) per user per month, but getting a clear picture of the costs for your contact center implementation often requires a lengthy conversation with its sales team.
Smaller businesses with straightforward requirements prefer alternatives that offer more transparent and accessible pricing information, allowing for easier comparison without extensive sales interactions.
Top 10 Dialpad Alternatives & Competitors in 2024
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick comparison of leading Dialpad competitors.
Feature Nextiva Aircall 3CX Grasshopper Zoom Phone Pricing (per user/mo) Starts at $18.95 Starts at $30 Free (limited) Starts at $26 Starts at $10 Integrations Extensive Popular Apps Limited Limited Popular Apps Mobile App Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes International Calling Yes Yes Yes (add-on) Yes Yes Video Conferencing Yes No No No Included Target Audience SMBs, Enterprises SMBs SMBs Solopreneurs, SMBs SMBs Best For Small businesses looking to move quickly and want one phone system for all their team members with plenty of integrations Businesses who spend all day in an app like Zendesk or Slack Basic requirements if you’re looking for a no-frills approach to VoIP Adding a business number to your personal phone Users familiar with Zoom
Here’s a quick guide to which alternative might be a good fit:
For value-conscious businesses: Consider OpenPhone (basic plan).
For extensive integrations: Nextiva or Aircall offer a wide range of options.
For video conferencing-centric needs: Zoom Phone integrates seamlessly with Zoom meetings.
For international calling: 8×8 is a strong contender.
For call centers: Nextiva offers features specifically designed for high-volume calling environments.
1. Nextiva
Nextiva is a cloud-based phone system and contact center solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses.
It offers a unified communications platform that integrates phone, email, video calls, web chat, and social media, into a single workspace. Users can make calls, chat with colleagues, and serve customers efficiently.
Key features
Omnichannel support across phone, email, video calls, web chat, and social media
Cross-channel reporting and analytics
UCaaS and CRM integration library for access to back-office data
Single interface for team messaging and business communications
Advanced telephony features include auto-attendants, intelligent virtual assistants, voicemail transcription, and more
Why Nextiva is a good Dialpad alternative
Nextiva stands out from other communication platforms by offering three unique features:
Combining all communication channels into a single thread
Integrating team and customer collaboration into one tool
Merging business communications and customer support in a single app
With a 99.999% SLA and 24/7 support, including chat and ticketing options, Nextiva ensures reliable service and assistance whenever needed. The Nextiva Support Center provides webinars, phone guides, and documentation for self-administration.
Pricing
Nextiva offers tiered pricing based on the features you need. Here’s a rundown:
Essential: Starts at $18.95 per user, per month. A basic plan suitable for small teams.
Professional: Starts at $22.95 per user, per month. Offers additional features like video conferencing and voicemail transcription.
Enterprise: Starts at $32.95 per user, per month. Designed for small and medium businesses with advanced needs.
Save up to 28% when you pay annually.
Check out all of Nextiva’s pricing options
Who is Nextiva best for?
Nextiva is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a comprehensive, cloud-based communication solution.
It’s particularly suitable for companies that require seamless integration between front and back-office operations, as well as those seeking a scalable and easy-to-set-up communication platform.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons Easy to set up when you need to move quickly Fewer AI options compared to Dialpad Integration of front and back office No integration with Apple Business Chat Scalable and cloud-first approach
2. Aircall
Aircall is a cloud-based call center software that seamlessly integrates with popular business apps. As a Dialpad alternative, Aircall focuses on providing a streamlined and efficient telephony experience for agents who primarily work within a single application, such as Slack or Zendesk.
Key features
Real-time call analytics and reporting
Call recording and monitoring for quality assurance and training purposes
Customizable IVR to efficiently route calls
Softphone functionality for making and receiving calls directly from a computer or mobile device
Pricing
Aircall offers two main subscription plans with a free trial available:
Essentials: At $30 per user per month (billed annually) or $40 per user per month (billed monthly). It includes core call center features, unlimited inbound calls (excluding toll-free numbers), integrations and API access, smart call queuing, and phone support. One phone number is included in this plan.
Professional: At $50 per user per month (billed annually) or $70 per user per month (billed monthly). It includes all the features of the Essentials plan, plus additional benefits like Salesforce integration, a PowerDialer tool, advanced analytics, and more.
Extra phone numbers can be added to either plan for an additional $6 per month.
Who is Aircall best for?
Small to medium-sized businesses and startups that need a reliable and scalable call center solution find Aircall suitable. The platform’s pay-as-you-go pricing model and free trial option make it an accessible solution for growing companies.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons User-friendly interface and easy setup Limited multichannel support (voice-focused) Real-time analytics and reporting Advanced features may require higher-tier plans Customizable IVR for efficient call routing Some integrations may require additional setup
3. 3CX
3CX is a comprehensive Dialpad alternative that offers a phone system, video conferencing, and live chat options to streamline internal and external communications.
The software can be deployed in the cloud on popular services like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, providing flexibility for businesses with varying IT infrastructures.
Key features
Advanced phone service functionality for granular control and customization
Web browser and mobile app access for convenient communication
QR code softphone configuration for easy user setup
Pricing
3CX offers a freemium model with paid plans:
Free: They have a perpetually free tier called “3CX StartUP” which supports up to 10 users and includes hosting.
Paid plans: 3 paid plans (PRO, SMB, ENT) but specific pricing info seems to be limited.
Its pricing changed in August 2022, so it might be best to consult their official website for the latest info.
Who is 3CX best for?
The software’s focus on simplicity makes it an attractive choice for smaller teams or those with basic communication requirements. 3CX is also an excellent choice for businesses with technical expertise and a desire for granular control over their communications system.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons Microsoft Teams integration for direct call routing Lacks modern collaboration features Softphone installation and setup Not a true contact center solution DIY VoIP phone service option Technical skills required for maintenance and configuring PBX systems. Free plan for up to 10 users Limited scalability for larger enterprises
4. OnSIP
OnSIP offers a VoIP replacement for on-premises phone systems. With its user-friendly interface and essential features, OnSIP is an uncomplicated solution for businesses that prioritize simplicity and don’t require advanced collaboration or contact center capabilities.
Key features
Basic call management features, including call forwarding, voicemail, and call parking
Integration with popular business tools like HubSpot and Zendesk
Ability to configure an informal contact center using VoIP capabilities
Web-based administration portal for easy system management
Pricing
OnSIP’s pricing structure revolves around a base subscription with additional features available for separate fees. Here’s a breakdown:
Base plan: At $18.95 per month, including call forwarding, voicemail, auto-attendants, and mobile apps.
Per-feature pricing: OnSIP charges extra for some advanced features like auto attendants: $19.95 per menu, per month.
Free Trial: Offers a free trial, so you can test out the service before committing.
Who is OnSIP best for?
OnSIP is best for small to medium-sized businesses that don’t require advanced collaboration features or a full-fledged contact center solution, OnSIP’s straightforward approach to VoIP communication makes it an attractive Dialpad alternative.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons User-friendly interface and easy-to-use features No omnichannel experience Ability to configure an informal contact center Expensive to configure contact center capabilities Reliable VoIP provider Limited collaboration features Fewer advanced features compared to Dialpad
5. OpenPhone
OpenPhone is a modern alternative to Dialpad for startups and small businesses. The platform offers a unified interface for managing business calls, texts, and contacts, making it a straightforward and user-friendly communication solution.
Key features
Custom phone book for easy contact management
Shared phone numbers for seamless team collaboration
Integration with Salesforce and HubSpot CRMs
Lightweight solution that eliminates the need for traditional VoIP desk phones
Pricing
OpenPhone offers two main pricing plans with a la carte options for additional features:
Standard Plan: $15 per user, per month (billed annually) or $19 per user, per month (billed monthly). It includes unlimited calling and texting within the US and Canada, one domestic phone number per user, text messaging, and more.
Business Plan: $23 per user, per month (billed annually) or $33 per user, per month (billed monthly). It includes all the features of the Standard Plan, plus advanced call routing features, call recording transcripts, and integrations.
Who is OpenPhone best for?
OpenPhone is an ideal choice for startups and small businesses that don’t need the complexity of feature-rich solutions like Dialpad. The platform’s focus on basic phone use cases and its streamlined interface makes it an attractive option for small teams.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons Flexible pricing plans No contact center option User-friendly mobile and web apps Limited CRM integrations (Salesforce and HubSpot only) Customizable business phone numbers Some integrations require higher pricing tiers Integrations with popular business tools Not suitable for enterprises with advanced requirements
6. Grasshopper
Grasshopper provides a business phone number that can be used on personal mobile devices. This feature is particularly beneficial for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to maintain a professional image without a separate business phone.
Key features
Virtual receptionist feature for call forwarding based on caller input
Toll-free number selection for a professional business presence
Easy setup and management through a user-friendly interface
Pricing
Grasshopper offers virtual phone system plans with features suitable for solopreneurs, small businesses, and even larger teams.
Solo: Starting at $15 per month, caters to solopreneurs and includes a single phone number, voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and basic greetings.
Partner: Starts at $49 per month and is ideal for teams of 2-3 users. It includes all features of the Solo plan, plus additional phone numbers, extensions for multiple users, and simulating functionality (the ability to handle multiple calls at once).
Small Business: Starts at $89 per month and is designed for teams of 4 or more users. It includes everything in the Partner plan, along with features like advanced call routing, custom voicemail greetings per extension, and call recording.
Who is Grasshopper best for?
Grasshopper works best for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who want a professional presence without the complexity and cost of a full-fledged business phone system.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons 7-day free trial to test the service Only available in the USA and Canada Easy toll-free number selection Call recording is not permitted Separates business and personal communication No contact center option Limited international calling capabilities
7. Zoom
Zoom Phone banks on the familiarity and ease of use of the popular Zoom video conferencing platform.
With a consumer-style interface that many users have already experienced at home, Zoom Phone offers a smooth transition for businesses looking to adopt a new communication system.
Key features
UCaaS suite including phone, meetings, chat, mail, and calendar
Ability to transform the Zoom interface into a contact center console
Support for popular communication channels like email, web chat, and social media
Integration with other platforms, such as Microsoft Teams
Pricing
Zoom offers a freemium pricing model with tiered paid plans catering to individual users, small teams, and enterprises.
Free Plan (Zoom One Basic): This forever-free plan allows you to host meetings with up to 100 participants for a maximum duration of 40 minutes. It also includes basic features like screen sharing and chat.
Paid Plans (Zoom One Pro, Business, Business Plus, Enterprise): Starts at $12.49 per user per month (Zoom Pro). These plans offer increased features, meeting durations, and participant capacity.
Who is Zoom Phone best for?
Zoom Phone remains a strong contender as a Dialpad alternative, particularly for organizations that value user adoption and ease of use. Its comprehensive UCaaS suite and ability to function as a contact center console make it a versatile choice for businesses with diverse communication needs.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons Free access to 40-minute meetings New to the contact center market Familiar interface for easy adoption Complex configuration for automated workflows and IVR Seamless integration with other Zoom apps and features Regular new product releases may overwhelm small businesses Potential security concerns due to large user base
8. Vonage
Vonage , now owned by Ericsson, is a Dialpad alternative that offers a UCaaS solution. The platform provides chat, calling, and meeting functionalities from a single application, making it a comprehensive choice for enterprise communication needs.
Key features
Developer-friendly products for programmable voice, messaging, and SMS automation
Conversational commerce add-on for enhanced customer engagement
Access to composable Communications Platform as a Service ( CPaaS ) options
Pricing
Vonage’s pricing varies based on specific requirements and the level of API access needed. Interested businesses should contact Vonage directly for a customized quote.
Who is Vonage best for?
Businesses focusing on customer engagement and conversational commerce will benefit from Vonage’s add-on features. The platform’s developer-friendly products and composable CPaaS options make it attractive for organizations with specific customization and integration requirements.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons Global coverage and reliability Relatively new to the unified communications market Robust unified communications platform An amalgamation of previous apps can be confusing for users Advanced call management features Products tend to be more developer-focused, requiring API knowledge Scalable for businesses of all sizes Pricing may be complex due to API-based structure
9. GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect, formerly known as GoTo Meeting and GoTo Webinar, is a unified communications platform that emerged from the merger of GoTo and LogMeIn. The platform offers a complete UCaaS suite, including chat, phone calls, and meetings, as well as a dedicated contact center solution called GoTo Contact Center.
Key features
Add-ons for business continuity and SD-WAN
Direct routing option for Microsoft Teams integration
Access to webinar and conference calling tools
User-friendly interface and easy setup
Pricing
GoTo Connect offers two main pricing plans with a free trial available:
Basic: Starts at $27 per user, per month (billed annually) with a 20-user limit. It caters to small teams and offers features like unlimited voice & video calling, auto-attendants, and toll-free numbers.
Standard: At $39 per user, per month (billed annually), supports teams of all sizes with unlimited users. It offers all the features of the Basic plan, plus unlimited calling to a vast geographic area, uncapped video meeting features, call recording, and more.
Who is GoTo Connect best for?
Companies that use Microsoft Teams benefit from GoTo Connect’s direct routing option, allowing for seamless integration between the two platforms. Additionally, businesses that frequently host webinars or conference calls will find value in GoTo’s robust tools for these purposes.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons Direct routing option for Microsoft Teams Lack of maturity in the cloud communications market Access to webinar and conference calling tools Limited customization options compared to some competitors User-friendly interface and easy setup Potential learning curve for users accustomed to other platforms
10. 8×8
8×8 offers a unique “experience communications as a service” (XaaS) solution that allows businesses to create tailored communication platforms.
It enables organizations to select from various phone and multimedia channels to build a system that best suits their customers’ needs — a single platform for VoIP calls, video meetings, chat, and contact center
Key features
Seamless integration between components
Prescriptive options for contact center, unlimited calling, video, and chat
Ability to choose from phone and multimedia channels
Pricing
8×8 offers a tiered pricing structure with cloud-based communication features:
They don’t have a free plan, but paid plans start at $24 per user, per month (billed annually). Month-to-month billing might be slightly higher.
X2: Starting at $24 per user/month (annual). Ideal for growing businesses.
X4: Starts at $44 per user/month (annual) and builds on X2 features.
Contact Center Plans (X6, X7, X8): Caters to businesses needing advanced contact center functionalities and start at $64 per user/month (annual).
Who is 8×8 best for?
Enterprises with complex communication infrastructures benefit from 8×8’s single-platform approach, which integrates VoIP calls, video meetings, chat, and contact center capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros Cons Advanced analytics and reporting Frequently changed model may cause confusion Global coverage and reliability Some basic features only available in higher pricing tiers Advanced contact center features Steep learning curve to customizing VoIP solutions Seamless third-party integrations Higher prices compared to some competitors
How To Choose the Right Dialpad Alternative
When selecting a Dialpad alternative, consider the following factors:
Budget: Pricing structures vary. Choose a plan that fits your budget and user count.
Number of users: Some options are better suited for small teams, while others can scale for larger enterprises.
Integrations: Ensure the platform integrates with your existing CRM, calendar, or other business tools.
Desired features: Prioritize features like video conferencing , voicemail transcription, or international calling.
Weigh the pros and cons and assess your needs (AI functionality, contact center capabilities, VoIP solution, etc.) to find the best fit.
Nextiva: Your Feature-Rich & Best-Practice Option
If you’re looking for a no-frills, best-practice Dialpad alternative, Nextiva has all bases covered.
Nextiva offers a comprehensive unified communications platform that combines voice calls, email, video conferencing, web chat, and social media into a single hub. It caters to small and medium businesses seeking a solution that focuses on driving team collaboration and better customer experience
Key features include:
Omnichannel support
Cross-channel reporting and analytics
Scalable cloud-based platform
User-friendly interface
Its phone call quality is noticeably sharp and clear, but that’s not all people like about it. Its Android and iOS mobile apps rock a user-friendly interface quite familiar to its desktop apps.
Nextiva has been named the Best Business Phone System by U.S. News for four years. It also scores 4.6 out of 5 with Forbes and is described as highly reliable by CrazyEgg .
Companies like Shelby America, Veterans Home Care, and Orange County Rescue Mission have chosen Nextiva for their business communications needs.
“Setting up a phone tree for a gazillion people is not easy but the questions that our Nextiva reps asked and what they have done with other companies made it easy. What I like the most about Nextiva is how scalable it’s been. We started at 400 employees and we’re at almost 1800 employees now.”
Annie Izquierdo
Leadership & Process Trainer at Titan Solar Power
Ready to get started with Nextiva? Compare features and pricing here!
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Dialpad, Aircall, 3CX, OnSIP, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, Zoom, Vonage, GoTo Connect, and 8×8 have no relationship with Nextiva, Inc. and are the registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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