Choosing the right phone system for your team isn’t always easy. You might be dealing with dropped calls, hard-to-use software, or tools that don’t work well together.
Your team could be jumping between different platforms just to handle calls, texts, and customer messages, which makes everything feel more complicated. On top of that, some systems are too expensive, take too long to set up, or just don’t fit the way your team works.
This guide is here to help. We’ll compare two popular options: Aircall and RingCentral. We’ll walk through their features, pricing plans, and what makes each one different. Also, we’ll offer you an online phone system that’s even better than these two.
Whether you need something simple or a system that can support a larger team, this article will help you decide which one is the better fit.
What Is AirCall?
Source: aircall.io
Aircall is a business phone system that brings together calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages in one place. It’s designed to help teams handle customer conversations more easily.
It includes tools powered by AI, like voice agents that can answer calls at any time and features that give helpful suggestions during and after calls. You can also see call data and team activity through built-in reports.
Aircall works with other tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, and Shopify. This helps teams view customer information and keep everything in one system.
Many teams use Aircall to support customers and manage sales calls. It’s made to be easy to set up and use with your existing devices.
Recommended reading
Aircall vs Dialpad: Features, Price, and Which One to Choose
What Is RingCentral?
Source: ringcentral.com
RingCentral is a VoIP business phone platform that combines calling, messaging, and video meetings in one system. It’s used by many companies to manage customer support and internal communication.
The platform includes phone services, contact center tools, and features powered by AI. These features can help with tasks like summarizing calls or managing conversations across different channels.
RingCentral works with other business tools such as Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Teams. It also offers many integrations and open APIs for teams that want to connect their existing systems.
Organizations of different sizes, in many countries, use RingCentral to support daily communication needs. It is built to handle a high volume of calls and messages while meeting common security and compliance standards.
Recommended reading
RingCentral vs Dialpad: Which Fits Your Needs Best?
RingCentral vs Grasshopper: Which One Is Good For You?
RingCentral vs OpenPhone: Which One Offers More Value?
What Is Talkroute?
Talkroute is a business phone system that helps teams talk, text, and meet from anywhere. You can use it on your desktop, laptop, or smartphone; no special hardware is needed. It’s a business phone system made for small businesses, hospitals, remote teams, and anyone who wants to stay connected without the hassle.
With Talkroute, you can forward calls, set up custom call menus, send business texts from your very own business phone number, host video meetings, and manage voicemails, all in one place. It’s easy to use, flexible, and works whether your team is in the office or working remotely.
From solo practices to growing teams, Talkroute gives you the tools to manage your phone lines, stay organized, and make every call count.
Aircall vs. RingCentral: Features Comparison
Aircall and RingCentral are both business communication platforms, but they focus on different needs. Here’s how they compare based on key features.
Setup and Ease of Use
Aircall is designed for quick setup. You can get started in minutes with call routing, number selection, and basic integrations. It’s made for teams that want to get going fast without a lot of training.
RingCentral has more features, which may take longer to set up. It offers a full communication suite, so the setup process can be more detailed, especially for larger teams.
Calling and Messaging Tools
Aircall combines voice calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages in one place. It also uses AI voice agents to handle incoming calls at any time.
RingCentral includes phone calls, SMS, and team messaging, plus video meetings. It also offers a contact center for handling customer service at scale.
AI Features
Aircall includes AI tools like voice agents that answer calls for you and help your team during and after conversations.
RingCentral also adds AI features across the platform. It can summarize calls, give real-time insights, and help automate tasks in both sales and support.
App Integrations
Aircall connects with over 100 tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, and Shopify. It’s helpful for teams already using those platforms.
RingCentral supports over 300 integrations and includes open APIs for building custom connections. It’s suited for teams that use many tools and need more flexibility.
Easy menus, clear routing, smart voicemail. Talkroute keeps it simple. Check out our demo!
Aircall vs. RingCentral: Comparing Pricing Plans
Aircall and RingCentral both offer monthly pricing plans designed for business communication needs.
Each platform has different features based on team size, tools needed, and how advanced the setup should be. Here’s how their plans compare.
Entry-Level Plans
Aircall’s entry-level Essentials plan costs $40 per license/month. It includes core calling features like interactive voice response (IVR), call recording, click-to-dial, and unlimited inbound calls (excluding toll-free numbers). It also allows unlimited simultaneous outbound calls and includes SMS and MMS, where supported.
The plan comes with access to over 100 integrations and API support. A minimum of three licenses is required, billed at $120 per month.
RingCentral’s entry-level Core plan is priced at $30 per user/month. It includes unlimited domestic calling, business SMS and MMS, IVR, and HD video meetings for up to 100 participants.
This plan also offers Google and Microsoft integrations, single sign-on, shared voicemail, and real-time call quality analytics. Developer tools and access to APIs are also included. The AI Assistant supports live transcription and meeting summaries.
Mid-Tier Plans
Aircall’s Professional plan is priced at $70 per license/month and includes all the features from the Essentials plan. It adds Salesforce integration, required call tagging, advanced call monitoring, queue call-back, and smart routing. For sales teams, it also includes features like Power Dialer and Voicemail Drop. This plan requires three licenses, billed at $210 per month.
RingCentral’s Advanced plan costs $35 per user/month and includes all features from the Core plan. It adds automatic call recording, advanced monitoring tools, support for multiple locations, and unlimited internet fax.
CRM integrations with platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot are included, along with usage analytics stored for six months, cloud backup with Archiver, and the ability to assign custom user roles and permissions. The AI Assistant in this plan also adds real-time call notes and action item capture.
Top-Tier Plans
Aircall’s Custom plan is designed for larger teams and includes all the features from the Professional plan. It adds unlimited outbound calls, single sign-on, custom onboarding, access to API developer support, and a service-level agreement (SLA). This plan requires a minimum of 25 licenses. The price is unavailable online.
RingCentral’s Ultra plan is available for $45 per user/month and includes all features from the Advanced plan. It adds customizable analytics and reporting, 12 months of analytics history, video meetings with up to 200 participants, and device-level analytics and alerts.
This plan also includes unlimited storage for files and recordings. The AI Assistant can write and translate SMS and team messages.
Real business tools at small-business prices. See how Talkroute compares.
Pros and Cons of Aircall and RingCentral
Choosing a business phone system means looking at what each platform does well and where it might fall short. Below is a breakdown of the most mentioned pros and cons for both Aircall and RingCentral, based on real user feedback from G2.
Pros and Cons of Aircall
Aircall is often praised for its ease of use. Many users say the platform feels simple and quick to learn, even for new team members. Its call recording feature is seen as helpful for training and quality control.
People also appreciate the built-in tools that support daily work, and the platform is generally viewed as user-friendly. Customer support also receives positive feedback for being responsive and helpful.
However, some users report connection problems while on calls. Others feel that certain features are missing or not fully developed, especially when it comes to the dialer.
A few also mention issues with call quality, saying that the audio isn’t always stable. While the platform is easy to use, these technical issues can sometimes affect performance.
Pros and Cons of RingCentral
RingCentral is often described as easy to use and quick to set up. Many users find the system helpful for managing phone calls, video meetings, and messages all in one place.
It’s also seen as a stable platform, which makes it a suitable choice for teams that need consistent communication tools. Customer support is sometimes mentioned as a strong point, especially when help is needed during setup or troubleshooting.
On the other hand, some users have had a less positive experience with support. Complaints include slow response times or not getting clear answers. A few users also pointed out that certain features they expected weren’t available or didn’t work as expected.
While RingCentral offers a lot of tools, there are cases where teams run into limits based on their specific needs.
Looking for a better balance of power and simplicity? Talkroute gives you both. Book a demo now.
Make the Better Choice, Switch to Talkroute
Aircall and RingCentral offer many features, but they often come with high monthly costs, complicated setups, and tools that small businesses rarely use. Talkroute gives you the key features you actually need, in a simpler and more affordable way.
There’s no hardware to install or a confusing system to learn. You can manage your calls, texts, and meetings in one easy app. Talkroute helps your team stay connected and sound professional, wherever they work.
You can even set it up as an after-hours phone service to make sure you stay available to your customers 24/7.
Talkroute Features You’ll Love
Talkroute is designed to give your business more control over calls and messages without needing special hardware. It brings together useful tools that help your team stay connected and work more smoothly.
Here are some of the features that many users find helpful:
Call Forwarding and Routing
Send incoming calls to any device, including mobile phones, landlines, or desktop apps. You can route calls based on schedules, availability, or even caller options. This helps make sure every call reaches the right person.
Text Messaging
Send and receive business texts using your Talkroute number. It supports both SMS and MMS, so you can include pictures or files in your messages. You can also get text notifications by email and control who can access texting features.
Video Meetings
Host online meetings for up to 100 people. You can share your screen, chat during meetings, and even use a digital whiteboard. It’s a simple way to meet face-to-face without needing extra software.
Apps for All Devices
Talkroute works on desktop, mobile, and web. You can take calls, send texts, or check voicemails from anywhere. Whether you’re at your desk or on the go, the apps keep you connected.
Menus and Extensions
Set up call menus that guide callers to the right department or person. You can also use extensions to reach team members directly. It gives your business a more professional feel.
Call Recording
Record incoming and outgoing calls for training or record-keeping. You get unlimited storage, so you don’t have to worry about running out of space.
Voicemail Features
Voicemail messages can be sent to your email and transcribed for quick reading. You can also manage different voicemail boxes and set permissions for who can access each one.
Talkroute’s Pricing Plans
Talkroute keeps pricing simple. Plans start at just $19 per month with no contracts, no user limits, no added taxes, and no surprise charges.
You can also add extra phone numbers to any plan for just $5 per month. Every plan is billed monthly, so you can upgrade or cancel anytime. Let’s take a closer look:
Basic—$19 per month
This plan is perfect for small businesses that need a professional phone setup without complexity. It includes one business number and one mailbox, plus unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada.
You also get text messaging, video meetings, call forwarding and routing, and access to Talkroute’s desktop, mobile, and web apps. It’s everything you need to get started with a modern phone system.
Plus—$39 per month
The Plus plan includes all the features from the Basic plan and expands your system with two phone numbers and three mailboxes.
It adds powerful features like a call menu, single-digit extensions to reach departments, simultaneous ring across multiple devices, live call transfers between team members, and the ability to set custom business hours. It’s ideal for teams that want more control over how calls are handled.
Pro—$59 per month
This plan is made for growing businesses that want access to advanced tools. It includes all Plus plan features, along with three phone numbers and ten mailboxes.
You also get access to submenus for multi-level call menus, multi-digit extensions for direct dial access, full call recording, scheduled call forwarding, reporting tools to track activity, and Voice Studio for custom audio greetings. It also includes a BAA for businesses with compliance needs.
Enterprise—Custom pricing
The Enterprise plan is built for larger businesses that need more numbers, mailboxes, and support. It includes ten or more phone numbers, 20 or more mailboxes, a dedicated account manager, and a service level agreement. With flexible bulk pricing and tailored features, it’s a strong fit for teams that need a scalable communication system without switching platforms.
Every Talkroute plan includes 24/7 support and a 100% free trial. No contracts, no user fees, and no surprises, just one flat monthly rate for everything your business needs to stay connected.
Start With Talkroute Today
Talkroute gives your business a smarter way to handle calls, texts, and meetings—all from one easy app. You don’t need expensive hardware, complex systems, or long-term contracts. Just clear communication tools that help you stay professional, stay organized, and grow your business.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to upgrade from another provider, Talkroute makes it easy to switch.
Make the switch without the stress. Try Talkroute’s features risk-free.
FAQs About Aircall vs RingCentral
What is better than Aircall?
If you’re looking for something better than Aircall, Talkroute is a solid pick. Unlike Aircall, which often charges extra for more advanced features like AI-powered calls or call summaries, Talkroute includes key features like call routing, call recording, interactive voice response, and video conferencing with minimal setup.
It’s a cloud-based phone system that works well for businesses that need a reliable service with excellent customer support. Talkroute also stands out for its user-friendly interface, strong mobile apps, and robust feature set that’s built to handle high call volumes without the inconsistent call quality some users report with Aircall.
What is the best alternative to RingCentral?
A top alternative to RingCentral is Talkroute. When comparing RingCentral vs Talkroute, one of the key differences is simplicity. Talkroute offers a clean, easy-to-use experience with advanced call routing, call monitoring, and video conferencing capabilities built in.
Unlike RingCentral and Aircall, which may be overwhelming for smaller teams or have limited features unless you upgrade to pricier plans, Talkroute gives you the core contact center features right away.
If your goal is to improve customer satisfaction, manage customer interactions better, and boost team collaboration, Talkroute offers an all-in-one solution without the clutter or extra costs.
What is the purpose of Aircall?
Aircall is made to help teams handle business communication through voice and team messaging. It’s a business phone system that supports voice calls, call queuing, and video meetings, mainly for contact center teams and customer support.
It also offers contact center tools like call recording, conversation intelligence, and CRM integrations to help track and improve customer engagement. These tools are very useful for customer support teams looking to improve their services.
But while Aircall focuses on extensive integrations and API access, many users find it lacks the ease and support they need unless they pay for more advanced contact center features.
Is Aircall free?
No, Aircall is not free. It’s a paid service provider with pricing that depends on how many users you have and what advanced features you need. Things like call monitoring, video conferencing tools, and custom integrations usually come at a higher cost.
If you want more cost-friendly contact center solutions that still include strong unified communications platform tools like unlimited audio conferencing, advanced analytics, call center support, and dedicated account manager access, there are many options out there, like Talkroute.
It’s a business phone system that offers seamless customer communication through a mix of voice calls, video conferencing, and team messaging. Talkroute helps teams improve quality assurance by offering call recording, call monitoring, and detailed reporting tools that allow you to collect customer data securely.
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.
