6 picks that’ll get the job done well

Intermedia Unite isn’t as well known as the likes of RingCentral or Vonage because it typically works as a reseller, but it’s well worth checking out for your small business needs. Both of its packages offer unlimited calls within the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, along with unlimited texting. The cheaper package provides video conferencing for up to four people, while the premium plan increases that to 30 attendees. There’s also cloud storage for file sharing and back ups with 2GB per user for the lower plan and 100GB for the more expensive offering. 
Where Intermedia Unite really stands out is its extensive integration with other software packages, including GSuite, Outlook, Office 365, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoho, and other CRM software. It’s a huge advantage for companies that already use such software and want to streamline how they use it. The premium plan also bundles in Salesforce support. With automatic call recording, spam protection, and the ability to keep your existing number, it’s everything a small business could want when upgrading their VoIP services.

8×8 offers a lot for the price, even at its simplest. The cheapest enterprise package currently works out at $25 per month per user for up to 99 users, and even then it still packs in the essential features. You get unlimited calling within 14 countries, voicemail, call handling features, along with GSuite and Office 365 integration. There’s call recording too and simple-to-use team messaging. 
Where things get better is with the higher-end packages that bundle in an operator switchboard, call quality reporting, and useful customer service tools like post call surveys and analytics. Things get much more expensive here, but it’s reassuring to know that you can adjust your 8×8 plan accordingly as your business develops. 

Aimed at small businesses, Ooma keeps things low in price while still offering plenty of features. For $20 per month per user with no limits on user numbers, you still get unlimited calling in the US and Canada, the ability to keep your own number, a virtual receptionist, extension dealing, conference calls, and hold music. It’s the kind of feature set that often costs more elsewhere.
The downside? Ooma strongly encourages the use of its own phones, although you can use a dedicated app too. That can be pricey at first, but it is worth it in the long term, and it’ll work with other compatible phones too. There’s also more limited integration with CRM packages and other software, so if you want a full range of options, you might be disappointed here. Still, it’s very cheap.

While some cloud-based VoIP services can be a little overwhelming for anyone less tech savvy, Vonage has the consumer at the forefront of its plans. Its web-based console is incredibly easy to use with intuitive options — meaning it takes you hardly any time to learn how to use it. That’s further compounded by similarly simple apps for all major platforms. 
The basic package is well priced with unlimited calls and SMS messages, along with team messaging. However, most small businesses should expect to need to upgrade to gain useful features like video conferencing, an auto attendant ,and any form of CRM integration. Even call recording or visual voicemail is an added extra. That’s where Vonage can end up more expensive than its rivals, but you can’t beat how easy it is to use. 

When it comes to VoIP services, few are entirely free but Lifesize bucks that trend. For free, you can host up to 25 participants in unlimited meetings with native desktop and mobile apps, making it a breeze to set up. Ultimately though, businesses will want to switch to the standard package that allows for meetings up to 24 hours in length and provides room for up to 100 participants. A centralized management console makes it easy to arrange, too.
Where Lifesize gets a bit pricier is when you opt for their separate video conferencing equipment, but it’s worth doing if you’re a small business with a series of remote offices. There’s limited integration potential here too, although at the least there is support for Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook workflows. If you’re primarily looking for a video based service, Lifesize is very well priced for what it offers. The fact that you can effectively try it for free for six months is a great way of seeing if it works for you.