The 6 Best VoIP Providers in Canada for 2024

Smiling customer support representative with headset talking to a client.

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Finding the best VoIP providers offering reliable connectivity and useful integrations – all within your business’s budget – can be a challenge for the uninitiated.

Handily, we’re here to help. After testing several VoIP systems, we can safely say that the best VoIP provider in Canada is 8×8. It’s a highly scalable system that can grow with your business and includes vital features such as voicemail, call recording, and a huge range of integrations.

8×8 is a little pricey though, so if you’re a business on a budget, Ooma is a more affordable alternative that’s still highly functional. But no VoIP provider is a one-size-fits-all, so we’ve compiled a list of the top six, to give you to best chance of finding the right fit.

What are the Top 6 VoIP Providers?

According to our testing, these are the best VoIP providers in Canada:

  1. 8×8 – Best overall VoIP provider in Canada
  2. RingCentral – Best VoIP system for scalability
  3. Ooma – Great value plans
  4. GoTo – Best VoIP brand for international calls
  5. Net2Phone Canada – Best VoIP system for customer satisfaction
  6. Dialpad – Best VoIP system for conversational AI

Click on any of the providers above to be taken to our short form to receive quotes from suitable VoIP providers. To learn more about how we tested and rated VoIP providers, scroll down to our methodology section.

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Expert Rating
4.7
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4.6
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4.0
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3.9
Price

C$30 – C$195

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C$30 – C$45

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C$24.95 – C$34.95

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C$33 – C$103

Price

C$29.99 – C$49.99

Price

$20 – Bespoke

Domestic Calls

Unlimited

Domestic Calls

Unlimited calls within US and CA

Domestic Calls

Unlimited

Domestic Calls

Unlimited

Domestic Calls

Unlimited

Domestic Calls

Unlimited

International Calls

Unlimited inbound and outbound minutes to 48 countries

International Calls

N/A

International Calls

Unlimited to 70+ countries

International Calls

Free international calling to 50+ countries

International Calls

Unlimited to 40 countries

International Calls

N/A

Integrations
  • CRM*
  • Helpdesk*
  • Web conferencing*
  • External and internal live chat*
  • Email*

 

Integrations
  • 90+ CRM platforms*
  • Helpdesk*
  • Analytics*
  • External live chat*
Integrations
  • Email
  • Workspace
  • Helpdesk
  • Web conferencing
Integrations
  • Internal live chat
  • CRM
  • Helpdesk
  • Web conferencing
  • Email
Integrations
  • CRM
  • Helpdesk
  • Web conferencing
  • Analytics
  • API
Integrations
  • Internal live chat
  • Workspace
  • CRM*
  • Helpdesk*
  • API*

 

Why Can You Trust Expert Market for VoIP System Recommendations?

At Expert Market, all our recommendations are all based on the results from the unbiased, user-led testing and research processes we use to evaluate the software and services we write about.

We’re dedicated to helping our readers make informed purchases to make their businesses thrive, and independent testing is the only way to ensure we know we’re making the right recommendations for you.

1. 8×8: Best Overall VoIP Provider in Canada

8×8 is the best overall VoIP provider in Canada. It’s great for businesses looking to scale, has a large range of integrations, and unlimited domestic and international calls to up to 48+ countries. However, it’s on the expensive side. More affordable providers include GoToConnect, DialPad, or Net2Phone Canada.

8x8 logo
8x8
4.7
Pricing $30-$195
Strengths

Excellent integrations (helpdesk, web conferencing, email, CRM and more)

The X6, X7, and X8 plans provide excellent features for contact centres (SMS, chat, email, messaging; post-call surveys etc.)

The cheapest plan includes unlimited calls to 14 countries

Weaknesses

Can't call mobile numbers in certain countries, including Japan, Italy, Poland, on X2 and X4 plans

More expensive price plans may not be suitable for fledgling contact centre teams

No spam-call prevention

Pricing
PlanPrice (per user, per month billed annually) 8x8 no longer publicly displays its pricing, so these prices may not be accurate
X2 $30
X4 $55
X6 $125
X7 $150
X8 $195

8×8 is no longer public with its pricing, so the above prices may not be accurate. You’ll need to contact the provider directly for a quote. 

Key features: 

  • Unlimited inbound + outbound minutes
  • Voicemail transcriptions
  • Complete call handling (forwarding, park, ring groups…)
  • Call monitoring (barge, whisper)
  • Integrations with CRM, helpdesk, web conferencing, and more

8×8 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to connecting you with your clients. Its unlimited inbound and outbound minutes extend to 48 countries on the X4 plan (14 on X2), making it a great choice for businesses with international client bases.

It also has an ample range of integrations, from CRM to Helpdesk, web conferencing and more, making it easy to merge 8×8 with your pre-existing software infrastructure. Popular integrations include Salesforce, Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams, and FreshDesk (but this is by no means an exhaustive list).

It’s also compatible with various third-party desktop phones, including Polycom, Cisco, Panasonic, and Yealink. This makes it a robust and scalable tool, that can support your business through growth and downsizing. You can also mix and match plans if you’re on a UC or CC license, making 8×8 easily customizable.

Testing summary: 8x8

During testing, I found 8×8 very intuitive to use. It has a simple interface with just a few icons in the sidebar and a few in the top menu table, so it wasn’t overwhelming.

I particularly like the fact that, before transferring a call to another colleague, I could check their status and see if they were available. While on a call, the icons for mute, hold and transfer were clearly visible, and I could hover over an icon to see what function it indicated.

How does 8×8 compare to other VoIP providers?

  • Scalability: 8×8 is only matched by RingCentral when it comes to scalability. Both providers have an array of plans with increasing features and price points, and have customizable plans (mix and match option with 8×8 and feature add-ons with RingCentral). So, if you’re expecting your staff team to grow significantly in the next year or two, keep 8×8 in mind.
  • Cost: 8×8 no longer advertises its pricing, but based on its previous figures, it costs more on average than most competitors. We’d recommend looking at Ooma, Dialpad, or Net2Phone Canada if you’re searching for a more affordable VoIP solution.
  • Security features: 8×8 doesn’t have any spam prevention features, while competitors RingCentral, GoTo, and Net2Phone Canada do. Frequent spam calls can eat up your employees’ time, so if you’re a regular spam-call target, we’d recommend going with a provider that offers protection against them.

Other than that, 8×8 is a reliable brand with impressive features to help you hit the ground running, ensuring minimal downtime when switching.

screenshot of voicemail greeting recording feature on 8x8 VoIP
We were able to record customised voicemails in 8x8 in just a few clicks. Source: Expert Market

What do 8×8’s customers say?

We’ve scoured the web for insight from 8×8’s business users. Here’s what one office lead had to say:

Customer Review

“We use 8×8 for employees to have the capability of receiving and placing work calls from wherever. This allows employees to work from home and stay connected to the office.”

Verified User, TrustRadius
Human Resources - May 2024
What's new for 8x8? Autumn 2024

One of the most practical updates to 8×8 work this Autumn is that you can now send bulk SMS messages to up to 50 numbers or contacts at once. For information, read about its latest release highlights.

2. RingCentral: Best VoIP Provider for Scalability

RingCentral is the best VoIP system for scalability, thanks to its range of paid plans that suit businesses of different sizes. It’s got great call management features, and offers AI assisted video transcripts. But like 8×8, it’s not the most affordable provider.

RingCentral logo
RingCentral
4.6
Pricing $30 - $45
Strengths

Free 15-day trial available

Businesses with more than 100 users on the system will be offered discounted prices

Integrates with a range of CRM, communication, and productivity software

Weaknesses

The cheapest plan (‘Essentials’) only includes 100 toll-free minutes, fewer than competitors

No CRM integrations on the cheapest plan

Some users report that integrations drag down the quality of the system

Pricing
PlanPrice (per user, per month) Prices displayed are for annual billing, which is 33% cheaper than monthly billing
Core $30
Advanced $35
Ultra $45

Key features:

  • Unlimited calls to Canada and US
  • Voicemail transcriptions
  • Call monitoring (whisper, barge)
  • Video and audio conferencing
  • AI tools (video transcription and captioning, call notetaking and summaries, message summaries…)

RingCentral has unlimited calls to Canada and the US, and a complete suite of call management tools, from call queues and auto-attendant, to call monitoring for managers.

With an Advanced or Ultra subscription, you can also integrate RingCentral with 330+ software solutions and apps, including CRM solutions like Salesforce, and industry-specific ones like Canvas. All plans also integrate with communication software, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Google Teams.

This can help your call agents stay on track with your valued customers and provide seamless service. Integrating CRM systems allows agents to access and store customer information, including notes, order history, and ticket history, enhancing customer service delivery.

RingCentral also now offers AI-powered tools on its platform. All plans have RingSense AI for Video, a tool that can produce live transcriptions, video note-taking, and captions for the hearing-impaired.

How does RingCentral compare to other VoIP providers?

  • Cost: RingCentral is cheaper overall than 8×8, while still offering great calling features, like customizable greetings, voicemail and virtual receptionist on all plans, making it one of the best VoIP systems for small businesses. The downside is that you need to sign up for either of RingCentral’s most lucrative subscriptions (Advanced or Ultra) to access CRM integrations and comprehensive analytics. If you’re looking to tighten your belt, we’d recommend considering GoToConnect or Net2Phone Canada.
  • Call features: RingCentral has a bigger suite of call features than most competitors. Its top tiers offer call management features that allow supervisors to analyze their team’s call performance, through call transcripts and monitoring, features not offered by Net2Phone Canada, or on all but one GoTo plan.
  • International calling: RingCentral doesn’t offer unlimited international calling (besides the US), unlike its close rival 8×8, which allows calls to 48+ countries. All other providers on this list (except Dialpad) have international calling, so if you have overseas clients, we’d recommend you avoid RingCentral.

Overall, if you’re looking to switch to a VoIP provider that’ll grow alongside your thriving business, then RingCentral is one of the strongest competitors on the market, only matched by 8×8.

Press image of laptop with RingCentral VoIP phone call
Here's what making a call from a Windows computer looks like using RingCentral. Source: RingCentral

What do RingCentral’s customers say?

To get an insight into a real user’s experience, we’ve taken a look at RingCentral’s honest online reviews. Here’s what an associate from a large business had to say:

Customer Review

“Pros: It is easy to answer calls and transfer to mobile phone. It has a screen share feature like Zoom that I used to use and it was great. I really have liked it. When I have had to call service they were awesome.

“Cons: Now that we have HubSpot the system is pretty bad. Cannot transfer calls or join a third party to calls. It sometimes delays calls so I miss them.” (sic)

Ryan, Capterra
Financial Services Software - April 2024
What's new for RingCentral? October to December 2024

RingCentral is implementing several new features, improvements, and bug fixes for RingEX Core right now. That includes a few improvements with call handling, including a new ability to set Caller ID Names (CNAM) on a per-number, per-site, or company-wide basis. Customers also no longer need to register their business phone line with The Campaign Registry (TCR) to receive SMS text messages via RingCentral.

3. Ooma: Great Value VoIP Provider

Ooma offers great value for money, starting at, $24.95 per month, per user, cheaper than 8×8 and RingCentral. It also provides desk phones, making setting up a breeze. However, it’s lacking in terms of security features and integrations.

Ooma logo
Ooma
4.2
Pricing C$24.95 - C$34.95
Strengths

Roster of features specifically tailored toward small businesses that work remotely or from the office

Not tied to a contract – can use the system for as long as needed and can be easily canceled on demand

Competitive pricing that won’t break the bank

Weaknesses

Limited integrations on Essentials and Pro plans

Fewer call features that competitors (no call transcription, monitoring, call lists...)

Limited security features (no multifactor authentication or user permissions)

Pricing
PlanPrice (per user, per month)
Essentials C$24.95
Pro C$29.95
Pro Plus C$34.95

Key features:

  • Unlimited calls (Canada, US, Puerto Rico, Mexico)
  • Decent call management tools (transfer, park, queues, blocking…)
  • Limited call monitoring (call recording and analytics)
  • Video conferencing (up to 100 participants on Pro Plus)

Ooma offers some of the cheapest price points of all the providers we researched, with its Office Pro plan having the best value for its price ($29.95 per month).

Although Ooma is quite limited when it comes to integrations (it only offers 10+), it’s a good option if you’re simply not in a position to invest a bunch of cash in a VoIP system.

It’s an incredibly easy system to set up, since Ooma supplies dedicated desk phones that work out of the box, and they can be configured in less than 15 minutes. This a great option for new businesses, and will minimize the disruption to your customer communications while switching to a new telephone system.

It’s a little limited when it comes to call features, with even the Pro Plus plan lacking advanced features like call barging, monitoring, and call transcripts. But if you’re running a small business and not a call center, this won’t be an issue.

How does Ooma compare to other VoIP Providers?

  • Cost: Ooma is an affordable option. Its business phone plans start at $24.95 per user, per month, giving you access to numerous inbound communication (including ring groups and a virtual receptionist), and customer support features. By contrast, 8×8 and GoTo’s pricing starts at over $30.
  • Security: Ooma lacks multi-factor authentication, password rules, and user permissions. Google Voice, which at $10 is cheaper than Ooma, has better security features, but its call features aren’t up to the same standard. For slightly better call features than Google Voice, at an affordable starting price of $13.30 per month, Zoom Voice is the next cheapest option, and offers the best overall value for money.
  • Integrations: You’re also very limited when it comes to software integrations with Ooma, especially on its Essentials and Pro plans. This could pose a few potential operational hiccups, so if you want a system that can integrate with tons of systems and is secure, we’d recommend looking at 8×8.

Overall, Ooma is a great option for new or very small businesses that don’t need full call center features and need to set up quickly.

What do Ooma’s customers say?

We scoured the internet for honest reviews from Ooma’s business customers. Here’s the most useful insight we found:

Customer Review

“My business has been with Ooma for the last 9 years. We’ve had minimal issues (there was a problem with forwarding at one point that was resolved pretty quickly), and the crucial find me/follow me service we rely on has been solid. The app works well for outbound calling on our cellphones, and I use an analogue adapter so I can also keep my trusty old rotary phone in service for the fun of it. and the price is far lower than we paid for our old VoIP provider (Speakeasy).” (sic)

JH Turiel, Trustpilot
- March 2023
Ooma Desk phone DP1 in black
Ooma has some hardware available, including the Ooma Desk Phone DP1. Source: Ooma
What's new for Ooma? Autumn 2024

Ooma announced in October its new Ooma AirDial solution, a replacement for the POTS, now has added certifications and boosted regulatory compliance. This should provide Ooma users connecting life safety and physical security equipment such as elevator phones and building entry systems with greater reassurance that their setup is reliable.

4. GoTo: Best VoIP Brand for International Calls

GoToConnect is great for international calls, offering free calling to over 50 countries. However, it has fewer software integrations than 8×8 or RingCentral, which is an issue if your business already uses a lot of software applications.

GoTo logo
GoToConnect
4
Pricing $33-$103
Strengths

Enables free calls to over 50 different countries

Has an easy to use, color-coded, drag-and-drop call flow editor

Great video conferencing features (up to 250 participants on all plans)

Weaknesses

More expensive than some of the others on this list

Missing a call transcript feature (but has call recording)

Limited integrations (around 30)

Pricing
Plan GoTo applies custom pricing, so you may face different rates depending on your requirementsPrice (per user, per month)
Phone System $33
Connect CX $46
Contact Center $103

GoTo has custom pricing, so the above prices may not be accurate depending on your needs. You’ll need to contact the provider directly for a quote. 

Key features:

  • Unlimited domestics calls
  • Free calling to 50+ countries
  • Decent call management (smart routing, queues, ring groups, transfer, park…)
  • Team messaging and video (up to 250 participants)
  • Call recording and meeting transcriptions

GoToConnect offers free international calling to over 50 countries on all four of its plans, making it a great option for businesses with an international customer base.

It also has a great admin portal, which allows supervisors to easily configure call flows and comb through call analytics to identify which team, or agent, needs improvement.

GoToConnect is also a very secure option with nearly all the VoIP security features you need to be reassured that your operation is safe from unwanted attention. This includes end-to-end video encryption, user permissions, and multi-factor authentication.

GoTo seemingly switches between public and private pricing, however at the time of writing we’ve been shown prices for each plan as shown below.

goto connect pricing plans for canada
Often GoTo has shown us custom quote based pricing, and you will still need to contact GoTo for an exact price for your business, however these prices were shown to us at the time of writing - Source: GoTo

How does GoToConnect compare to other VoIP Providers?

  • International calls:  GoToConnect allows you to make calls to over 50 countries, which is greater than Net2Phone’s 40+ countries and 8×8’s 48+ countries. This makes GoToConnect a fantastic option for businesses that are looking to cater to –or maintain– an international clientele.
  • Integrations: GoToConnect’s list of integrations is a little lackluster. For CRM, for example, you can only integrate with Salesforce or Zoho. It does have a few industry-specific integrations, such as VetPawer for appointment scheduling, and CurveDental, CRM designed for dentists. But, if you want a system that is compatible with many more software integrations, we’d recommend opting for RingCentral or 8×8.

Looking for the best VoIP phone system for your specific industry? Check our guide to the best VoIP for hospitals.

What do GoTo’s customers say?

We’ve researched what business users say about GoToConnect. Here’s one manager’s experience:

Customer Review

“Excellent. Started with an online demo, was then offered physical devices and the chance to setup and use the system before making a commitment.[…] The switch over and porting went smoothly and the switch over happened without fuss, which was huge for us as the last time we made a change to our phone system it involved me and another IT employee staying at work until after midnight attempting to get things running.

Pros: Feature rich phone system that provides everything our business needs and more to allow our employees to make and receive calls. The auto attendant has allowed us to free up our document control personnel’s time for more important matters than answering phone calls. Hard phones and soft phones work together seamlessly and offer our employees options on how they would like to receive calls. (sic)

Cons: The only negative I’ve experienced is that the SMS feature of the soft phones is unreliable. I’ve notice there is only about a 50% chance that any text message sent will be received. Particularly text verification (MFA) services don’t seem to be received with the reliability that they would require.”

Alex, Capterra
Construction - January 2024
What's new for GoToConnect? Autumn 2024

GoTo has brought in AI-enhanced integrations between its GoTo Connect system and other leading CRM platforms. These integrations should provide a more comprehensive customer view and leverage AI smarts to improve the workflow between platforms.

Specifically, GoTo now connects with the likes of Bullhorn, Capsule CRM, ConnectWise, Epic CRM, Freshdesk, Freshsales, HubSpot, LaborEdge, MS Dynamics, NetSuite, Pipedrive, Salesforce, ServiceNow, SugarCRM, VinSolutions, Zendesk, Zoho, and Zoho Desk.

5. Net2Phone Canada: Best VoIP System for Customer Satisfaction

Net2Phone is the best VoIP provider for customer satisfaction, with glowing reviews across a range of third-party review sites. However, an area it doesn’t do as well in is software integration, with almost none offered on the cheapest plan.

Net2Phone Canada logo
Net2Phone
4.0
Pricing $29.99-$59.99
Strengths

Offers free desk phone rental when you sign up to a three or five-year contract

Unlimited calls to Canada, the US, and 40+ other countries

Integrations with Slack, Salesforce, Zendesk, and Klipfolio make operations smoother

Weaknesses

Call recording costs $10 to $20 extra per seat, per month

If you want more than one phone number, you'll need to pay $5 per additional number

No integrations on the cheapest plan

Pricing
PlanPrice (per user, per month)
Business Lite $29.99
Business Select $39.99
Business Premier $49.99
Call Centre $59.99
Call Centre Pro Contact Sales

Key features:

  • Unlimited domestic calling + to 40+ countries
  • Great call management (transfer, screening, park, hold, queues
  • On-the-go capability (mobile app, team messaging, hot desking)
  • Audio and video conferencing (up to 100 participants)
  • Call recording and transcription (additional fee)

When it comes to customer satisfaction, no VoIP provider in Canada does a better job than Net2Phone Canada. Taking home the average customer score (4.7/5) on review sites like Capterra and G2, Net2Phone users have left a myriad of positive reviews. So, if you’re looking for a reassuring customer experience, Net2Phone is definitely the one to look out for.

Net2Phone is also a great option for remote working. With the Net2Phone SONAR mobile app, you can allow your mobile to act as as effectively as your desk phone, while keeping work and personal calls separate. You can stay connected with your customers on the go, which especially suits sole entrepreneurs or smaller startups without a designated team of call agents.

The main downside to Net2Phone is that call recording and transcription both cost extra on virtually all plans (call recording is free on Call Centre), and you have to pay extra for additional numbers.

net2phone mobile app
The Net2Phone mobile application has a large degree of similar features to the computer application - Source: Net2Phone

How does Net2Phone compare to other VoIP providers?

  • Integrations: Net2Phone isn’t great when it comes to integrations. Virtually no tools integrate with the Business Lite subscription and a very limited number of eligible platforms in the other subscriptions. RingCentral and 8×8 are better options for their capacities for third-party integration.
  • Call monitoring: Call center features like call barging and call whisper are also, maybe unsurprisingly, only available on the Call Center plan. However, at $59.99 per month, Net2Phone’s Call Centre plan gives you access to these features for a lower price than 8×8, whose prices start at $83 for call center features.

What do Net2Phone Canada’s customers say?

We’ve been reading honest reviews from around the web to bring you experiences from business users. Here’s a helpful insight from a Net2Phone Canada customer:

Customer Review

“net2phone Canada has been a great low-cost option for our small business. We switched a few years back from our local phone company which was charging us several hundred dollars each month; we now pay less than $50/month. We are a busy office with many handsets and multiple phone lines, yet it was easy to set up the directory and auto-attendant with their guidance. I feel it could be just as useful in a larger business setting.

I deducted one star because I noticed the (albeit typical) VOIP warbly sound to some phone calls as well as the odd dropped call, and I find the online attendant interface to be a little confusing to navigate myself, but a phone call to customer service can help with that… otherwise, we have no complaints at all!” (sic)

Tara, Trustpilot
- August 2023
Did you know?

Businesses using VoIP are more likely to grow. In fact, small-to-medium-sized businesses will likely grow more than 15% in the VoIP market by 2025.

6. Dialpad: Best VoIP Provider For Conversational AI

Dialpad provides great AI-powered features, which include call transcriptions and summaries. It also promises 100% uptime, the only provider on this list that does. However, it’s unable to seamlessly integrate with a vast software infrastructure.

Dialpad
3.9
Pricing $20 - Custom
Strengths

Great customer support, including a user forum, knowledge base, and live chat

Built-in AI for easy transcriptions

Great security features (spam-call blocker, user permissions...)

Weaknesses

Not very easy to scale, because of limited number of plans

Limited number of eligible platforms for integrations

Pricing
PlanPrice (per user, per month)
Standard $20
Pro $30
Enterprise Custom

Key features:

  • Unlimited domestic calling
  • Decent call management (routing, ring groups, hold queues)
  • Team messaging and video conferencing
  • Call and video recordings
  • AI call, meeting, and voicemail transcriptions

Dialpad is known for its innovative use of conversational artificial intelligence (AI). Known as Dialpad AI, this function accurately transcribes your phone calls in real-time, and flags whether or not the conversation features happy or frustrated customers.

It also automates post-call summaries and enables you to create notes with tips and advice that appear on the screen when certain keywords or phrases are said during a call.

The AI features allow your call agents to constantly improve their call performance, ultimately strengthening your business’s customer relationships over time. You can also choose to turn off this feature for confidential conversations.

The other great thing about Dialpad is its robust customer support. It gives you access to a user forum, a knowledge base, live chat, a phone line, 24/7 live support, and a 100% uptime guarantee.

How does Dialpad compare to other VoIP providers?

  • AI and call features: DialPad is almost on par with 8×8 when it comes to features, from call switching and forwarding to call queues. However, it loses out ultimately because of its lack of dialing options, like power dialing and auto dialing (available on all but two 8×8 plans).
  • Connectivity: Dialpad, has an unbeaten 100% uptime on its Enterprise plan, while the best competitors can do is 99.99%.
  • Integrations: Dialpad options for integrations are a little limited, so, in this category, you’re better off with 8×8 or RingCentral, if you want to switch to a VoIP provider that enables you to seamlessly integrate your software infrastructure with your VoIP system.
screenshot of Dialpad meeting AI recap feature
Here's an example of what one of Dialpad's AI call recaps looks like. All key information is summarised, and an action is suggested. Source: Dialpad

What do Dialpad’s customers say?

For an insight into how Dialpad’s business customers find its system, here’s what one reviewer had to say:

Customer Review

“I think I can speak for both myself and my team when I say Dialpad was an excellent addition to our tools we use every day to be productive and successful.

Pros: Dialpad makes my dialing and communicating with clients so much easier! The AI technology paired with the user-friendly design and functions makes my life so much easier. (sic)

Cons: I wish you could email clients out through Dialpad!” (sic)

Karly, Capterra
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad - April 2024
What's new for Dialpad? Autumn 2024

In October, Dialpad released its Ai Voice Isolation feature that filters out background noises on calls. Separately, it also introduced the ability for regional admins to search users across all their managed offices, rather than be limited to a single search for each region.

How To Find the Right VoIP System for Your Business

To find the right VoIP system for your business, you might start by asking yourself these questions:

  • Scalability: Can the VoIP system grow with your business as it expands or downsizes?
  • Features: Look out for important features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, video conferencing, virtual attendants, call analytics, and integration with other business tools.
  • Reliability: Check the supplier’s track record for reliable service and minimal downtime.
  • Call quality: Ensure the supplier offers high call quality and low latency to ensure clear and smooth communication.
  • Cost: Compare pricing plans and packages to find a VoIP system that fits your budget without compromising on essential features.
  • Integration: Ensure that the VoIP system can integrate seamlessly with your existing business applications like CRM software or email clients.
  • Support and training: Assess the level of customer support and training the company offers, which can encourage a smooth transition and optimal system usage.
  • Security: Verify that the VoIP system employs robust security measures to protect your communication from potential threats.

Don’t forget that we’ve already researched the best VoIP suppliers in Canada for you, thoroughly testing eight of the leading brands to help you make the best decision for your specific needs.

Our free supplier-matching service can also help you to zero in on the best VoIP phone systems for you, and compare free, tailored quotes directly from them.

How Does VoIP Work?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. With VoIP, your voice is converted into digital data packets that are transmitted over the internet to the person you are calling.

It enables flexible, low-cost phone service that can integrate with other web-based tools and provide advanced call-handling features. With a VoIP provider, phone service is no longer tied to a specific location, which makes it ideal for remote teams.

Our guide to VoIP explains everything you need to know about this popular technology.

How Secure is VoIP?

VoIP is generally considered to be more secure than a traditional phone network. However, as with any data transmitted over the internet, there is a risk that it could be mishandled or intercepted.

And that threat is not going away. For instance, across the first three quarters of 2024, there have been 1,123.52 million user accounts exposed by data breaches. And that’s only the breaches we know about, there could be many more undocumented. To put that in perspective, that’s the highest amount of data breaches during a year since 2022 – and there’s still a quarter of the year to go!

chart showing number of user accounts exposed in a data breach over time worldwide
Number of user accounts exposed through a data breach worldwide from 1st quarter 2020 to 3rd quarter 2024 (in millions) - Source: Statista / Surfshark

But the bottom line is this: You’ll be just as secure with most big-name VoIP providers as you would with any other software platform you’re using at work.

That being said, when selecting a VoIP system provider, it is crucial to verify how they’ll protect your data. Most providers are careful about safeguarding their clients with robust security measures. For instance, many systems automatically encrypt all call data, making it unintelligible even if the call is intercepted.

Nevertheless, it’s important to check:

  • Whether the provider has security accreditations
  • How frequently do they train their personnel to protect data
  • Their response to any previous security breaches or risks
  • How data is encrypted at rest and in transit

If your company deals with highly sensitive data about customers, clients, patients, staff, or others, choosing a secure provider is paramount. Whatever VoIP system you end up choosing, make sure it includes:

  • Compliance Certifications
  • Password Rules
  • Permissions
  • Multi-factor authentications

Why is Everyone Switching to VoIP?

The main reasons people are switching to a VoIP provider are:

  • Easier long-distance calling: If you run a business with multiple sites or home workers who are frequently on the phone, VoIP will ensure easy communication as long as there is a Wi-Fi connection. In other words, no matter where your staff or your customers are located, calling is simple.
  • Robust handling of high call volumes: VoIPs can distribute incoming call traffic evenly across your VoIP service network, making sure no path is overwhelmed and all incoming calls are handled promptly. Better still, you can often set up specific call-routing pathways to optimally distribute these calls to the right agent/department. This can also be helped by auto-attendant and IVR systems which automatically, or based on the callers’ input, direct callers to the right departments.
  • Multiple communication channels in one: VoIP allows you to have multiple communication channels in one package, too. You can’t just make phone calls, but video calls, text messages, social media posts, and more via a single VoIP software. This ability to manage multiple communication channels in one platform is often referred to as UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Service) software.
  • Cost savings: Overall, and perhaps most pertinently of all for your business, VoIP is almost always cheaper than landlines. It uses the existing internet connection, so you don’t need to have a whole new system installed or expensive hardware ordered, and VoIP providers typically charge lower call charges than landline service providers.
  • Increased scalability: As your business grows, new VoIP ports can be easily bought and installed with zero interruption to your business operations. You can upgrade your package and add new calling features, user numbers, and more, adapting to your specific needs.
  • Integration with other tools: VoIP can integrate with other tools businesses use, unlike traditional phone lines. For instance, by integrating a VoIP tool with CRM software, you can synchronize call history, notes, deals, recordings, and tags with contact information, lead histories, SMS campaigns, and more.

Does VoIP have any disadvantages?

Even though VoIP can help your business save money and boost efficiency, there are some small downsides to consider:

  • You need a high-quality internet connection to use VoIP
  • You need a continuous power supply (for the internet)
  • Most VoIP systems don’t support emergency calls

If the internet goes down, some VoIP providers will automatically reroute your calls to a phone number. This is an extremely useful service, so we recommend you check which providers offer it.

What’s the Future of VoIP?

We predict the future for VoIP to be bright. In 2023, the VoIP market was valued at $120.7 billion worldwide, and it is estimated to be worth $132.2 billion in 2024. With its value expected to increase by around 10.2% each year, VoIP is projected to be worth $349.1 billion by 2034.

Why is this? Well, we believe this is down to some significant trends in the business world. The widespread adoption of hybrid work models, the rise of mobile-only communication, and the emergence of other new technologies are all contributing to its increased utility.

Reliance on mobile-only communication

With the increasing reliance on mobile devices and the ongoing advancements in mobile technology, many businesses are shifting towards mobile-only communication.

VoIP plays a crucial role in enabling seamless voice communication over the internet on smartphones and tablets, and as mobile networks continue to improve (and the 5G network grows wider and more stable), VoIP will become even more reliable and efficient, further solidifying its position as a preferred communication solution.

Increase in hybrid work environments

Many businesses have embraced a more flexible approach to work in recent years, allowing employees to work from both office and remote locations.

VoIP is ideally suited for this environment, as it facilitates communication regardless of the user’s location, enabling real-time collaboration and teamwork. Employees can remotely log in to VoIP software without the need for a desk phone, simply by using their laptop or smartphone, and enjoy all the same features from anywhere.

Emergence of new technology

VoIP continues to evolve with the emergence of new technologies and features, such as enhanced video conferencing and improved call analytics.

AI features have seen notable advancements in recent times, helping analyze patterns amongst thousands of calls to detect themes amongst caller responses, as well as catch any suspicious activity like unusually long call durations, aiding security. It could also be used for voice biometrics where a caller’s voice patterns can authenticate their identity, or bring up existing data about that caller automatically.

AI virtual assistants and AI chatbots are already common to many VoIP software to help answer questions, schedule appointments, and route calls. AI transcription is another tool that has been added to some VoIP tools, aiding the record-keeping of previous caller discussions. Meanwhile, real-time translation via AI might be a tool we see coming round-the-corner.

Another area to keep an eye on is Web Real-Time Communication. Developments here have meant that people can now use real-time audio and video communications within web browsers, rather than be required to download software. Some VoIP providers already utilize this, but as this technology develops, it may eliminate the need for software downloads entirely, decreasing the barrier to using a VoIP system in the process.

These advancements, amongst others, should further improve the user experience and contribute to the continued growth of VoIP in the business world.

Easily switch VoIP providers with tailored quotes from the best VoIP providers

How We Test VoIP Phone Systems and Services for Businesses

We've researched 7 market-leading VoIP phone systems, evaluating them in terms of functionality, usability, cost, and security options, so we can make the most useful recommendations to Canadian businesses.

Using our in-house research framework and ranking process, we evaluated each VoIP system across seven core categories of interest, each weighted differently, and then combined the results to come up with a final score.

Our main testing categories for VoIP products and services are:

  • Cost: The pricing structure associated with the VoIP service, such as monthly subscription fees, call rates, setup fees, hardware costs, and any additional charges for add-on features or services.
  • Call features: The functionalities and capabilities offered by the VoIP service, including basic features such as call forwarding and voicemail, as well as advanced features like auto-attendant and conference calling.
  • External connections: The VoIP service's ability to connect and integrate with external systems or devices, such as compatibility with existing phone systems or integration with mobile devices.
  • Customer support: The assistance and resources provided by the VoIP service provider to customers, including technical support, online resources, and access to customer support representatives.
  • Security options: The measures and features implemented by the VoIP service to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and protection of voice communications and data.
  • Scalability: The ability of the VoIP service to accommodate the growth and changing needs of an organization, e.g. capacity to handle a growing number of users or support multiple locations.
  • Reputation: External customer opinion; the feedback and ratings given by customers who have used a particular VoIP product – the market position and reputation a VoIP software holds.
Expert Verdict

There you have it! Our favorite VoIP provider from our last round of research is 8×8. It ticks all of the right boxes in the ultimate business communication checklist thanks to its wealth of features and scalability.

However, it is pricier than the other providers, so if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, we suggest Ooma or Dialpad. If integrations are your top priority, we’d recommend considering RingCentral, since it has great features and an impressive menu of eligible software you can sync your communication operation with.

Of course, businesses come with unique needs and goals, so finding the right VoIP system can be a challenge. Fortunately, we can go one step further and match you with the best VoIP provider for your business.

You can use our quick and free quotes comparison tool to find the VoIP providers that will best suit the communication needs of your business. All you need to do is give us a few details about your company for us to connect you with providers that will share obligation-free quotes.

Written by:
Fernanda is a Mexican-born Expert Market writer, specialising in providing in-depth insights about business software to help businesses of all shapes and sizes thrive. From VoIP systems to project management software, she’s passionate about helping businesses find the tools and methods that will help give them an edge over their competitors. Fernanda has ample journalistic experience, having written for a multitude of online magazines about topics ranging from Latin American politics to cryptocurrency.
Reviewed by:
Headshot of Expert Market Senior Writer Tatiana Lebtreton
Tatiana is Expert Market's resident payments and online growth expert, specialising in (E)POS and merchant accounts, as well as website builders.