Aircall vs Dialpad: Features, Price, and Which One to Choose

Trying to decide between Aircall and Dialpad? Both are popular phone systems that help businesses handle calls, messages, and meetings. But which one’s better for your team?

The truth is they each have their strengths. Some businesses may prefer Aircall’s call center tools, while others might like Dialpad’s AI-powered features.

In this guide, we’ll break down what each one offers, how much they cost, and their pros and cons to see what they can offer your business. Perhaps you can even find a better business phone system than these two while reading.

Let’s dive in!

What is Aircall?

Source: aircall.io

Aircall is a phone system that works on any device, making it easy for businesses to stay connected. Since it doesn’t require hardware, users can start making calls in just a few minutes.

Aircall connects with over 50 apps, including CRM tools, helpdesk platforms, and eCommerce software.

This makes it a suitable option for businesses that want to manage calls and improve team productivity. Its features help sales and support teams handle calls smoothly, keeping everything organized and easy to manage.

What is Dialpad?

Source: dialpad.com

Dialpad is a popular business phone service that offers both software and hardware options for companies of all sizes. Its app works on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to make and receive calls from anywhere.

Dialpad also includes video meeting tools and AI-powered features that help with calls and voicemails, which makes communication easier and more efficient.

What is Talkroute?

Talkroute is a virtual phone system designed for businesses that want to stay connected from anywhere. With its app, you can make and receive business calls from your desktop, web browser, or smartphone without buying extra equipment.

Talkroute also offers unlimited minutes for both toll-free and local dialing, and it keeps your personal number private by showing your business number instead.

In addition to calls, Talkroute lets you send and receive text messages using your business number, making it easier to engage with customers. It also includes video meeting tools that allow up to 100 participants to connect without downloads — just click to join.

Talkroute also makes it easy to customize features like call routing, greetings, and schedules, giving businesses full control over their phone system in just a few clicks.

Your business deserves better communication. See how Talkroute keeps your team connected.

Aircall vs Dialpad: Key Features Comparison

Choosing between Aircall and Dialpad can feel tricky, especially when both offer solid features. Let’s break it down.

Call Monitoring and Coaching

If you’re focused on improving your team’s phone skills, Aircall may be the better choice. It gives you live call monitoring, which lets managers listen in and offer guidance in real time. You’ll also get detailed metrics like call wait times and agent availability through the Live Feed. This is handy if you manage a busy sales or support team and want to coach your staff as they work.

On the other hand, Dialpad offers Sentiment Analysis, which tracks the mood of conversations. If a customer sounds frustrated or upset, Dialpad can alert a manager to step in and help.

While Aircall gives you hands-on coaching during live calls, Dialpad’s approach focuses more on flagging conversations that need attention.

AI-Powered Features

If you’re looking for strong AI features, Dialpad has a lot to offer. Its Voice Intelligence feature automatically transcribes your calls in real time, saving you from taking notes. It even highlights key points from the conversation and tracks keywords you set. The best part? This is included in all Dialpad plans, so you won’t pay extra for it.

Aircall also offers AI-generated call summaries and transcripts, but it comes at an additional cost. If you need this feature regularly, Dialpad’s built-in option may save you some money.

Call Routing

Both tools are solid when it comes to routing calls, but they go about it a little differently.

Aircall lets you assign calls based on who’s available or by specific skills. This makes it a suitable choice if you’re running a busy sales or support team and need to connect customers with the right person quickly.

Dialpad also offers smart call routing, but it goes a step further with fallback options. For example, if no agents are available, Dialpad can automatically send calls to another department, voicemail, or even play a custom message. This added flexibility can be helpful if your team gets swamped with calls.

User Interface and Setup

If you’re after something simple to set up, Aircall stands out. Users say it takes less than five minutes to choose a number, test it, and set up greetings like voicemail or after-hours messages. The interface is designed like a decision tree, so you can quickly click through each step without feeling lost.

Dialpad also keeps things simple with an intuitive app. Everything you need—like your call log, voicemails, and recordings—is neatly organized in the call inbox. This makes it easy to stay on top of your day without digging through menus.

Comparing Pricing Plans: Aircall vs Dialpad

When choosing between Aircall and Dialpad, pricing is a big factor to consider. Both offer different plans designed for various business needs, so let’s break down what you get for your money.

Entry-Level Plans

If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, Dialpad’s Standard Plan is a more affordable choice. It costs $27 per user/month. This plan includes unlimited calling, AI-powered transcripts, and integrations with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

In comparison, Aircall’s Essentials Plan starts at $40 per license/month, which is noticeably higher. However, this plan offers unlimited inbound calls (excluding toll-free), call recording, and over 100 integrations. While it’s more expensive, Aircall’s Essentials plan is designed for teams that need features tailored to sales and support workflows.

Mid-Tier Plans

For businesses that want more advanced features, Dialpad’s Pro Plan is priced at $35 per user/month. It includes CRM integrations like Salesforce and HubSpot, 24/7 live support, and support for multiple phone numbers per account.

Aircall’s Professional Plan, on the other hand, costs $70 per license/month. While it’s significantly more expensive, it comes with advanced features like mandatory call tagging, queue callback, and smart call routing. This makes Aircall’s Professional plan a stronger fit for businesses that need detailed call management tools.

Top-Tier Plans

For larger businesses with complex needs, Dialpad’s Enterprise Plan offers custom pricing. This plan includes unlimited office locations, advanced security features, and priority live agent support.

Similarly, Aircall’s Custom Plan is also available at custom pricing but requires a minimum of 25 licenses. This plan includes unlimited outbound calls, custom onboarding, API developer support, and an SLA (service-level agreement).

Add-Ons and AI Features

Both platforms offer extra features that come at an additional cost.

• Aircall’s AI Add-on costs $9 per license and provides AI-generated call summaries, topic recognition, sentiment analysis, and more.
• Aircall’s Analytics+ Add-on costs $15 per license and includes detailed dashboards, drill-down filters, and advanced reporting tools.
• Dialpad, by comparison, includes its Voice Intelligence feature for AI-driven call transcripts and keyword tracking at no extra cost — even in its basic plan.

Here’s a table showing a summary of our pricing comparison:

Pros and Cons of Aircall and Dialpad

When comparing Aircall and Dialpad, it’s helpful to look at their pros and cons to see what each phone system brings to the table:

Aircall Pros and Cons

If you’re thinking about using Aircall, it’s helpful to know what users like about it — and where it may fall short. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons based on real user feedback.

Pros

Many users praise Aircall for its ease of use. Setting up the system is simple, and features are easy to find and manage. If you’re new to business phone systems or switching from another provider, this can save you a lot of time.

Another standout feature is call recording. This makes it easier for managers to review conversations, provide feedback, and improve customer service.

Aircall’s customer support also gets positive reviews. Users have found their support team helpful when resolving issues or answering questions.

Lastly, Aircall’s simple design makes navigating the platform straightforward, which is important if you have team members who aren’t tech-savvy.

Cons

While Aircall offers solid features, some users have reported occasional connection issues. These can lead to dropped calls or poor audio quality, which may be frustrating during important conversations.

Some users also mention that certain features are missing compared to other platforms. If you’re looking for highly advanced tools or specialized functions, you may find Aircall a bit limited.

There are also reports of call issues and dialer problems, such as calls not connecting properly or delays when dialing out. While these issues may not happen often, they’re worth considering if your business relies heavily on phone communication.

Finally, a few users have mentioned concerns about poor call quality. This may be tied to connection problems or network issues, so it’s something to keep in mind when evaluating the platform.

Dialpad Pros and Cons

If you’re considering Dialpad for your business phone system, it’s helpful to know what users like about it — and what they find frustrating. Here’s a breakdown of Dialpad’s pros and cons based on real user feedback.

Pros

One of the most common compliments about Dialpad is its ease of use. Users often mention that the platform’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to manage calls, messages, and meetings without confusion.

Many users also find Dialpad’s features genuinely helpful. From AI-powered transcriptions to seamless call handling, Dialpad includes tools that improve communication and save time.

Speaking of transcriptions, Dialpad’s Voice Intelligence feature is another big plus. It automatically transcribes calls in real time, highlighting key points so you can focus on the conversation instead of taking notes.

Call recording is another feature that users appreciate. This is especially useful for businesses that need to review calls for training, quality control, or legal purposes.

Lastly, many users mention that Dialpad makes communication easier, offering flexible options for calls, messages, and meetings in one app. This can be a big advantage for teams working remotely or across different locations.

Cons

While Dialpad offers many useful features, some users have reported call issues. These include problems like dropped calls or difficulty connecting, which can be frustrating during busy workdays.

Users have also mentioned occasional recording issues, where calls may not record properly, or recordings become difficult to access. Another common concern is call disconnections, with some users reporting unexpected call drops.

Some users have experienced connection issues, which may lead to poor audio quality or delays. While this isn’t common for everyone, it’s something to keep in mind if your internet connection is less stable.

Lastly, a few users have mentioned concerns about poor customer support, with delays in response times or challenges when trying to resolve issues.

Recommended reading:

8 Dialpad Alternatives And Why They’re Better for Your Business

5 Online Business Phone Systems for Growing Companies

Choose the Superior Option—Talkroute

If you’re searching for a business phone system that’s simple to use and packed with useful features, Talkroute is a strong choice. Whether your team works from the office, at home, or on the go, Talkroute provides the flexibility needed to stay connected.

Talkroute is a business phone system designed to help teams stay connected from anywhere. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go, Talkroute offers flexible options that make managing calls simple. Its user-friendly apps for desktop, web, and mobile provide a convenient way for businesses to handle calls, messages, and meetings all in one place.

With no extra hardware required, you can start using Talkroute right away by connecting your existing devices. This makes it great for businesses looking for a flexible and cost-effective communication solution.

With its simple setup, reliable features, and flexible options, Talkroute offers a convenient way for businesses to manage communication and keep teams connected from anywhere.

Your customers deserve a better experience. Try Talkroute’s phone system risk-free for a week.

Features of Talkroute

Talkroute offers a flexible phone system designed to help businesses manage calls, texts, and meetings with ease. Here’s a closer look at its key features:

Call Forwarding & Routing

Talkroute makes it easy to forward and route calls to the right team members. You can send calls to mobile phones, landlines, IP phones, and other devices with a +1 country code. Whether you’re working from home, in the office, or on the go, you can stay connected without extra equipment.

You can also route calls to your desktop or laptop using Talkroute’s desktop app, available for MacOS, Windows, and Linux. For added control, you can schedule call routing times and create custom call paths to manage your phone system the way you want.

Text Messaging

Talkroute allows you to send and receive text messages using your business phone number. This feature works with both toll-free and local numbers, giving you an easy way to connect with customers.

With Talkroute’s desktop, web, and mobile apps, managing text conversations is simple. You’ll also receive text-to-email notifications so you never miss a message. For added control, you can assign text messaging permissions to your team members.

Video Meetings

Talkroute’s video conferencing feature allows you to host or join meetings with up to 100 participants. Meetings are simple to start, and guests can join without downloading any software — they just click a link to connect.

Features like screen sharing and a virtual whiteboard make collaboration easy. Whether you’re presenting ideas, resolving technical issues, or sharing documents, Talkroute’s video tools help your team stay connected.

Voicemail Management

Talkroute gives you multiple ways to manage voicemail. Access your messages through email, the web browser, or the Talkroute apps. You can customize voicemail greetings, manage multiple mailboxes, and read transcribed messages for added convenience.

Custom Settings

Talkroute offers flexible customization options to help you manage your phone system. You can easily adjust call routing, customize greetings, and manage schedules to suit your business needs.

Apps for Every Device

Talkroute’s apps are available for MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. Whether you’re at your desk or working remotely, you can manage calls, texts, and meetings from anywhere.

Menu & Extension Options

Talkroute’s menu and extension options allow you to create custom menus with multiple levels. You can direct callers to specific departments, provide automated messages, or route calls to voicemail. Dial-by-name directories help callers connect with the right team members quickly.

Call Recording

Talkroute’s call recording feature allows you to track conversations, review customer interactions, and improve staff training. With unlimited storage, you can access past recordings whenever needed.

Voicemail Made Simple

Talkroute’s voicemail tools provide full control over your messages. You can assign mailboxes to individual team members or departments, receive voicemail-to-email notifications, and read transcriptions for easier message management.

Your business deserves a smarter phone system. Watch how Talkroute keeps you connected from anywhere.

Talkroute’s Flexible Pricing Plans

Talkroute offers a variety of plans designed to meet the needs of businesses at different stages. Whether you’re a small startup or a growing team, these plans provide the tools you need to manage calls, texts, and meetings effectively.

Here’s a closer look at what each plan offers and how it can benefit your business.

Basic Plan – $19/month

The Basic plan is ideal for small businesses, freelancers, or startups that need essential communication tools without extra costs. This plan helps businesses maintain a professional image while keeping communication simple.

Here are the key features included in the Basic Plan:

• 1 phone number: Suitable for solo business owners or small teams. Additional numbers can be added for $5 each.
• 1 mailbox: Provides a secure way to manage voicemails for your business.
• Unlimited calling: Make and receive as many calls as you need without worrying about extra charges.
• Text messaging: Engage with customers via SMS or MMS using your business number.
• Video meetings: Host virtual meetings with clients, partners, or team members from anywhere.
• Call forwarding & routing: Easily forward incoming calls to your mobile phone, landline, or other devices so you never miss a call.
• Apps for desktop, mobile, & web: Manage calls, texts, and meetings from any device, giving you flexibility on the go.
• 24/7 support: Get help whenever you need it.

This option is suitable for freelancers, small businesses, or home-based businesses looking to maintain a professional image without overspending.

Plus Plan – $39/month

The Plus plan is designed for growing businesses that need more advanced call management tools and improved team coordination.

This plan offers everything the Basic Plan has, plus:

• 2 phone numbers: Great for businesses that need separate lines for sales, support, or different departments. Add extra numbers for $5 each.
• 3 mailboxes: Helps organize voicemails for different teams or departments.
• Menu (auto-attendant): Allows callers to choose from options like “Press 1 for Sales, 2 for Support,” improving call flow.
• Single-digit extensions: Quickly connect callers to the right person or department with simple one-digit options.
• Simultaneous ring: Ring multiple phones at the same time so team members can pick up from wherever they are.
• Live call transfer: Transfer calls to teammates without hanging up or requiring callers to dial another number.
• Hours of operation: Set business hours to control when your phones ring and send calls to voicemail when you’re closed.

This is a good choice for growing teams, retail shops, or service businesses that want to handle their calls more smoothly.

Pro Plan – $59/month

The Pro plan is designed for businesses that need advanced communication tools and additional control over call management.

This plan includes everything from the Plus Plan and also adds:

• 3 phone numbers: Perfect for managing multiple locations, services, or departments.
• 10 mailboxes: Keeps voicemails organized across departments or teams.
• Submenus: Add multiple layers to your phone menu to improve call flow and guide callers efficiently.
• Multi-digit extensions: Useful for businesses with many employees, giving each team member their own extension.
• Call recording: Record incoming and outgoing calls for training, customer support, or record-keeping.
• Scheduled call forwarding: Set rules for when and where calls should be forwarded based on your schedule.
• Reporting tools: Gain insights into call volume, response times, and team performance to improve operations.
• Voice studio services: Create professional greetings and announcements for your business.
• BAA (Business Associate Agreement): This feature supports businesses that require HIPAA compliance for handling sensitive information.

This is a solid pick for larger teams, healthcare providers, or businesses that need better call tracking, detailed management, and tools to stay compliant.

Enterprise Plan – Custom Pricing

The Enterprise plan is designed for large businesses or organizations that need customized solutions and additional support. This plan offers

This plan has everything in the Pro Plan and more:

• 10+ phone numbers: Useful for businesses with multiple locations, departments, or customer service lines.
• 20+ mailboxes: Ideal for businesses that need multiple voicemail boxes for departments, teams, or individual staff.
• SLA (Service Level Agreement): Provides guaranteed response times and dedicated support to maintain service quality.
• Dedicated account management: Offers personalized support with a dedicated contact to manage your account.

This is a good fit for enterprises, businesses with multiple locations, and organizations that need advanced call management and extra support.

Book a demo today or try Talkroute for free!

FAQs About Aircall vs Dialpad

What is better than Dialpad?

Dialpad is a decent choice for handling phone calls, but Talkroute offers better flexibility for businesses that want more control over their phone system. Talkroute provides detailed call forwarding and routing options, allowing you to send calls to desktop users, mobile phones, or landlines. It also includes customizable ring strategies, scheduled forwarding, and flexible call paths to direct calls where you need them.

Talkroute’s text messaging feature works with both local and toll-free numbers, giving businesses more ways to stay connected. With advanced features like call queues, voicemail transcription, and unlimited inbound calls, Talkroute offers a complete solution for businesses managing a high volume of calls.

What is better than Aircall?

Aircall is a decent choice for managing phone calls, but Talkroute offers stronger call management features. Talkroute allows you to create customized call paths, schedule call forwarding, and route calls to desktop users, mobile phones, or landlines.

Its text messaging feature supports both toll-free and local business numbers, and text-to-email notifications help you stay on top of customer messages.

With tools like call queues, voicemail transcription, and flexible call routing, Talkroute provides a better solution for businesses that need a stronger contact center setup.

What is the purpose of Aircall?

Aircall helps businesses manage phone calls and improve customer interactions. It offers call routing, outbound calls, and unlimited calling, along with tools such as its conversation center for tracking performance through advanced analytics.

While Aircall is a decent option, Talkroute offers stronger call management features like scheduled forwarding, custom call paths, and desktop call routing. With unlimited inbound calls, text-to-email notifications, and voicemail transcription, Talkroute provides a more flexible solution for businesses handling a large volume of calls.

What is the disadvantage of Dialpad?

Dialpad offers helpful features for managing phone calls, but it lacks some of the flexible options that Talkroute provides. While Dialpad includes AI features like AI-generated call summaries and sentiment analysis, Talkroute offers better flexibility for businesses that need customizable call paths, scheduled forwarding, and detailed call routing.

Talkroute also provides strong contact center solutions with features like call recording, text-to-email notifications, and voicemail transcription. For businesses looking to manage their business phone numbers with more control, these key differences between the two make Talkroute the stronger business phone system overall.

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.