Choosing the right business phone system can make a big difference in how you connect with your team and customers. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a growing company, having a reliable phone system helps things run smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 7 best business phone systems for 2025. We’ll keep it simple, focusing on what really matters — from useful features that improve your daily calls to their pros and cons.
No tech jargon, just clear information to help you pick the best fit for your business.
Why Should I Get a Business Phone System?
Thinking about getting a business phone system but not sure if it’s worth it? Here’s why it can be a game-changer for your business:
Professional Image
Customers expect businesses to have a dedicated phone system. It makes your company look more organized and trustworthy, which helps build stronger connections with clients.
Better Call Management
With features like call routing, voicemail-to-email, and auto-attendants, you can handle calls more efficiently. This means fewer missed calls and happier customers.
Improved Teamwork
A business phone system makes it easier for your team to stay connected. Features like call transfers, conference calls, and group messaging help everyone communicate better — even when working remotely.
Cost Savings
Many modern VoIP phone systems are more affordable than traditional phone lines. Plus, they often come with extra features at no added cost.
Flexibility
With mobile apps and desktop apps, you and your team can take business calls from anywhere. This is perfect if you have a remote staff or if you’re often on the go.
Never miss a call again. Learn how Talkroute helps businesses stay available 24/7.
7 Business Phone Systems To Try Out Today
Finding the right business phone system can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To make things easier, here are 7 solid options that can help keep your team connected and your calls running smoothly.
1. Talkroute
Talkroute is a powerful yet easy-to-use virtual phone system designed to help businesses manage calls, texts, and video meetings from one platform.
With affordable pricing starting at just $19 per month, Talkroute offers flexible solutions for businesses of all sizes. There are no contracts or hidden fees, and you can add extra phone numbers for only $5 each.
Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or on the go, Talkroute keeps you connected. Its user-friendly apps for desktop, web, and mobile devices make managing your business communications simple and efficient.
Key Features
Here is a list of what Talkroute offers you:
- Desktop application: Manage calls, texts, and meetings directly from your desktop with apps available for MacOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Call forwarding and routing: Forward calls to any phone or device, including mobile phones, landlines, and desktops. Customizable routing paths help direct calls to the right person or department.
- Business text messaging: Send and receive text messages using your business phone number. Text-to-email notifications keep you informed when new messages arrive.
- Video meetings: Host video conferences with up to 100 participants. Features like screen sharing, chat, and a whiteboard make collaboration easy.
- Custom voicemail options: Assign separate mailboxes for team members and departments. Voicemail-to-email alerts and transcriptions help you stay organized.
- Call menus and extensions: Use multi-level menus and extensions to direct callers to the right destination. Options include single-digit extensions, submenus, and voicemail routing.
- Easy setup and management: Customize call routing, voicemail settings, and other features with simple controls in your Talkroute account.
Pros of Using Talkroute
Here is what makes Talkroute stand out:
- Desktop application — Manage your business communications directly from your computer.
- Ease of use — The platform is simple to set up and navigate, making it ideal for teams of all tech levels.
- Easy integration — Easily integrate Talkroute with your existing devices, ensuring smooth communication without the need for special hardware.
2. RingCentral
Source: ringcentral.com
RingCentral helps businesses handle calls, messages, and video meetings all in one place. Because it is cloud-based, RingCentral works on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to stay connected from anywhere.
The system also supports VoIP calling, giving users access to business phone numbers from different area codes around the world.
Key Features
- Team collaboration tools – One-click video huddles, chat, and task assignment features for easy teamwork.
- User-friendly interface – Simple layout with clear notifications and easy-to-use calling features.
- Customizable analytics – Build dashboards to track call volume, queue activity, and user performance.
- IVR and call monitoring – Automated call routing and tools to monitor calls in real time.
- Flexible pricing plans – Plans start at $20 per user per month.
Pros
People choose RingCentral for the following reasons:
- Ease of use – Simple interface that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Customer support – Positive experiences reported by some users.
- Helpful features – Includes chat, video, and task management tools.
Cons
While RingCentral has many helpful features, it does have some downsides
- Customer service – Some feedback suggests inconsistent support quality.
- Limited SMS texts – Monthly text limits can be restrictive.
- Complex analytics tools – Advanced features may require extra learning.
- Missing features – Some users feel the platform lacks certain options they need.
3. Zoom
Source: zoom.com
Zoom Phone is a VoIP phone system designed for businesses, offering voice calls, team chat, and collaboration tools. It works on both desktop and mobile, with an easy-to-use interface that keeps conversations organized.
The platform also allows users to choose between per-minute payment or unlimited domestic calling in countries outside the US.
Key Features
Here’s what you can expect from Zoom:
- Unified communication tools – Combines voice calls, chat, and video meetings for smooth collaboration.
- Unlimited domestic calling – Offers unlimited calling in 40 countries, with an add-on for 19 more.
- Intuitive mobile app – The mobile app mirrors the desktop layout, making it easy to switch between devices.
- Call monitoring and queues – Includes features like call queues, IVR, and monitoring for better call management.
- Flexible pricing options – Users can choose between per-minute billing or unlimited domestic calls in select countries.
Pros
Let’s look at what makes Zoom a decent choice:
- Useful integrations – Supports helpful integrations like Salesforce for better business meetings.
- Easy to use – Simple installation and user-friendly interface.
- Screen drawing tools – Includes a toolbar for drawing on the screen, useful for teaching or presentations.
Cons
While Zoom is a suitable tool, it also has its flaws, such as:
- Feature complexity – Some users may find certain features confusing at first.
- File sharing issues – Sending files directly within Zoom can be challenging at times.
- High battery usage – The app can drain batteries quickly, which may be a problem in remote locations.
- Occasional lag – Zoom may experience lag on older computers, even when other platforms run smoothly.
4. Nextiva
Source: nextiva.com
Nextiva is a VoIP phone system that combines voice calls, texting, team chat, and video conferencing in one platform. It offers helpful tools like call routing, caller ID, and customer experience features. The desktop app is easy to navigate, with all key features organized in a clean layout.
Nextiva also includes a built-in contact list and calendar system, along with useful features like threaded conversations, meeting rooms, and unlimited calls in the US and Canada.
Key Features
Here are some features you’ll find in Nextiva:
- All-in-one platform – Combines VoIP, team chat, video conferencing, and texting in one portal.
- User-friendly app – Offers simple navigation with easy access to voicemail, IVR, and routing features.
- Dedicated numbers for users – Each user gets a local phone number, extension, and personal login.
- Call routing tools – Includes multi-level auto attendants, ring groups, and voicemail management.
- Message Pro – Expands texting options, letting you route incoming texts to team members or departments.
Pros
Here’s what makes Nextiva a decent choice:
- Customer support – Many users report positive experiences with Nextiva’s support team.
- Helpful features – Tools like call routing and team chat make daily communication easier.
Cons
Although Nextiva works well for many users, there are a few issues to note, such as:
- Limited integrations – Only offers 19 third-party integrations, fewer than some competitors.
- Delayed mobile alerts – Voicemail notifications on the mobile app may take several minutes to arrive.
- Limited video meeting features – Lacks collaboration tools like breakout rooms or whiteboards.
- Occasional call issues – Some users report dropped calls or poor connection.
5. 8×8
Source: 8×8.com
8×8 is a VoIP phone system that offers unlimited calling in 48 countries, along with SMS, team chat, and video meetings. It’s designed for businesses that may want to expand their customer service setup, with UCaaS plans that can upgrade into contact center solutions.
The platform offers useful tools like call queues, multi-level IVR, and voicemail transcription, even on its basic plan. 8×8 also supports up to 500 participants in video meetings, making it suitable for larger teams or events.
Key Features
Here’s what you can expect when you use 8×8:
- Unlimited global calling – Includes unlimited calls to 48 countries, ideal for teams with international clients.
- Receptionist support – The Frontdesk app helps receptionists manage calls with features like quick transfers and a live queue view.
- Supervisor tools – The X4 plan offers listen, whisper, barge, and takeover options for better call monitoring.
- Large meeting capacity – Supports video meetings with up to 500 participants and includes interactive features.
- Voicemail transcription – Automatically transcribes voicemails for easier message review.
Pros
Here’s what’s good about 8×8.
- Ease of use – The platform is simple to navigate for most users.
- Easy communication tools – Combines voice, chat, and video in one system.
- Feature-rich plans – Offers useful tools like call monitoring and voicemail transcription.
- Clear communication – Users report good call quality and stable connections.
Cons
While 8×8 offers solid features, it’s not without its flaws.
- Limited international calling – Some international plans exclude mobile numbers.
- Higher pricing – Plans may cost more than some competitors.
- Feature gaps – Some users feel key features are missing in lower-tier plans.
- Navigation issues – Some users find certain settings hard to locate.
6. Dialpad
Source: dialpad.com
Dialpad is a VoIP phone system designed for team collaboration and AI-powered telephony. It offers voice and video calling, team chat, virtual faxing, and SMS texting.
Dialpad’s desktop app is easy to use, featuring a clean and organized dashboard. Each plan includes live call transcription and real-time analytics, which are often reserved for higher-tier plans with other providers.
Key features
Here’s what you’ll get with Dialpad:
- Affordable Standard plan – Offers live call transcription, real-time analytics, and video conferencing for $15 monthly.
- AI-powered analytics – Provides clear insights on call volumes, messages, and meeting records.
- User-friendly app – Modern dashboard design that’s easy to navigate, even with multiple features.
- Global virtual phone numbers – Provides international numbers, along with IVR, call queues, and ring groups.
- Team chat tools – Includes file sharing and chat features for easier team collaboration.
Pros
These key points show why Dialpad is a suitable option.
- Ease of use – The platform’s dashboard is simple and easy to understand.
- Voice transcription – Automatic transcription makes it easy to review call details.
- Clear communication tools – Combines calling, chat, and video in one system.
- Call management – Features like call queues and IVR help manage inbound calls efficiently.
Cons
Although Dialpad is effective, it’s not completely free of issues.
- Small video capacity – Dialpad Meetings only supports up to 10 participants, which may be limiting for larger teams.
- Limited integrations – The Standard plan only integrates with Google Workspace. Salesforce and HubSpot require the Pro plan.
- Call issues – Some users report occasional call drops or disconnections.
- Missed calls – Some users report delays or missed call alerts.
7. Vonage
Source: vonage.com
Vonage’s Business Communications platform is a VoIP phone system that offers calling, video meetings, team chat, and SMS.
It works on both desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to make unlimited calls and texts within the US, Canada, and Mexico. The platform also includes basic features like IVR, call analytics, and call groups.
Vonage provides plenty of toll-free and local virtual numbers across North America and several other countries. However, some advanced features are only available as add-ons.
Key features
The standout features of Vonage include:
- Unlimited SMS – Offers unlimited texting in the US, Canada, and Mexico without monthly limits.
- Simple meeting tools – Easy meeting scheduling with one-click recording and accessible meeting logs.
- Wide phone number selection – Provides virtual numbers in various area codes across the US and internationally.
- Basic routing tools – Includes IVR, call groups, and voicemail for managing calls.
- Flexible add-ons – Features like call recording and shared messaging inboxes can be added for extra flexibility.
Pros
Here’s why Vonage made it to this list:
- Comprehensive communication tools – Combines voice, chat, and video in one system.
- Good calling features – Includes helpful options like virtual numbers and auto attendants.
- VoIP services – Reliable VoIP performance with clear call quality.
- Wide phone number availability – Offers a variety of local and international phone numbers.
Cons
Vonage is a decent option, but there are some areas where it falls short.
- Limited advanced features – Lacks built-in tools like call queues, monitoring, and advanced analytics.
- Call recording as an add-on – Automatic call recording requires an extra $4.99 monthly per user.
- Higher pricing for key features – Features like video meetings and multi-level auto attendants are only available with the Premium plan ($29.99 monthly per user).
- Call connectivity issues – Some users report occasional call drops and connection problems.
Recommended reading:
6 Best Business Phone Systems with Extensions in 2025
Paid vs. Free Call Routing: Which One Is Right for You?
Talkroute: Simple, Affordable, and Packed with Features for Your Business
If you’re looking for a phone system that’s easy to use and keeps your business connected, Talkroute has you covered. For just $19 a month, you can talk, text, and meet with your customers — all from one simple platform.
No Hidden Fees or Contracts
Talkroute keeps things simple. Plans start at just $19 per month, and there are no extra taxes or hidden fees. You can add additional phone numbers for only $5 each. Plus, everything is billed month-to-month — no long-term contracts or surprises.
Take Calls From Anywhere
Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the road, Talkroute keeps you connected. Forward calls to any device, including mobile phones, landlines, or desktops. You can also set custom schedules to decide when and where your calls should ring.
Text Your Customers From Your Business Number
Stay professional by sending business texts directly from your Talkroute number. With easy access through desktop, web, or mobile apps, managing customer messages has never been easier. You’ll even get text-to-email notifications to keep you informed.
Video Meetings Made Simple
Talkroute’s video conferencing feature lets you connect with up to 100 participants. Whether you’re hosting a client call or chatting with your team, Talkroute makes it easy. You can also share your screen, start a chat, and even use a virtual whiteboard for better collaboration.
User-Friendly Apps for Easy Communication
With apps available for MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, Talkroute works wherever you go. Whether you’re at your desk or on the go, you can handle calls, texts, and meetings all from one app.
Custom Voicemail Options
Never miss an important message with Talkroute’s voicemail features. You can assign separate mailboxes for team members or departments, get voicemail-to-email alerts, and even read transcriptions of your messages.
Powerful Call Routing and Menus
Talkroute makes it easy to guide callers to the right place. You can create custom menus, set up single-digit extensions, and even build submenus for added flexibility. This keeps your business organized and improves customer experience.
Affordable and Reliable
Talkroute gives you enterprise-level features without the high cost. With no contracts, simple pricing, and flexible features, Talkroute is a smart choice for businesses of all sizes.
FAQs About Business Phone Systems
What is the best phone system for a small business?
A business phone system works like a network that connects multiple phones, allowing calls to be routed efficiently within a company. The best phone system for a small business depends on your needs. Many small businesses prefer cloud-based phone systems because they are easy to set up, affordable, and offer features like call routing, unlimited calling, and support for both desktop and mobile apps.
Talkroute is a popular option that offers these features, allowing you to manage phone calls from a business phone number using desk phones, mobile phones, or even a cell phone. The right business phone system should provide clear audio, reliable service, and flexible features to support your business communications.
What is the best phone service for a small business?
The best business phone service should offer features that improve communication and simplify incoming calls. Many businesses choose cloud-based phone systems like Talkroute for their flexibility and ease of use.
Talkroute offers features such as call routing, voicemail, and integration with desktop and mobile apps. With this type of service, you can manage phone calls from multiple devices, including desk phones and mobile phones, ensuring you stay connected wherever you are.
How much does a small business phone system cost?
The cost of a small business phone system varies based on the features you need. Talkroute offers affordable plans starting at just $19 per month. Systems with advanced features like unlimited calling, call routing, and support for desktop and mobile apps may cost more.
Choosing a system like Talkroute can provide a balance between cost and features to meet your business communications needs.
What are the phone systems used for business?
Most business phone systems today are cloud-based, offering flexibility and features that improve communication. These systems allow employees to manage phone calls from a business phone number using desk phones, mobile phones, or desktop and mobile apps.
Features like call routing, voicemail, and unlimited calling are common in modern systems. The right business phone system should make it easy to manage incoming calls, improve customer service, and support your business growth.
Stephanie
Stephanie is the Marketing Director at Talkroute and has been featured in Forbes, Inc, and Entrepreneur as a leading authority on business and telecommunications.
Stephanie is also the chief editor and contributing author for the Talkroute blog helping more than 200k entrepreneurs to start, run, and grow their businesses.