In this day and age, communicating effectively with your customers and clients is incredibly important if you are to achieve business success. Fortunately, the advancement of cloud technology means you can now set up an efficient phone system for your business without necessarily breaking the bank.

We explored the best cloud phone services available today and compiled a list of the six most affordable ones to help you improve communication and run your growing business more efficiently.

Let’s dive in!

RingCentral

RingCentral is one of the standout names in the cloud phone service ecosystem. It combines voice, video, and data into one easy-to-use package that works on any device — desktop computer, smartphone, or tablet.

The system includes features such as auto-attendant menus, call forwarding and transfer capabilities, voicemail transcription, digital messaging, call recording, and more.

With RingCentral, you can manage your calls from anywhere, which makes it suitable for remote workers. The phone system can also accommodate hybrid teams, with its audio conferencing supporting 1000 attendees and 200 for video conferencing. The monthly prices range between $19.99 and $49.99 with the annual billing option.

Microsoft Business Voice

Microsoft Business Voice Services is a cloud-based telephone system that businesses can use for a variety of services. This can range from basic call management to sophisticated customized applications.

You can use this system to run local and international calls, audio conferencing, messaging, voicemail, and shared phone lines.

The best part about choosing Business Voice as your cloud phone service provider is the ability to add Office 365 Business Premium to an existing Office 365 for Business subscription. This means you can use it with your existing Skype for Business Online or Team chat meeting rooms without worrying about paying for two separate subscriptions.

For $20 per user per month, you get 3000 minutes of domestic calls, audio conferencing that allows you to hold meetings with people who don’t have a team, and an outstanding phone system. For international calls, there is an additional fee of $12 which allows 600 minutes per user per month.

Nextiva

Nextiva is a fast-growing VoIP provider designed to be simple, scalable, and affordable for growing businesses. It offers a complete suite of business communication services: hosted PBX, toll-free numbers, faxes, conference calling, texting, conferencing, unlimited free domestic calls, etc.

The main draw of Nextiva is that it's straightforward to set up — even if you know nothing about VoIP. Your calls will work immediately after installation with no need to change your current phone numbers or make any changes to your existing setup (unless you want to).

Another significant benefit of Nextiva is its affordability — plans start at just $18.95 per user per month for unlimited domestic calls and access to all of Nextiva's features.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a cloud-based chat program that allows you to make video calls. It's an easy way for you to communicate with your team members remotely.

The most significant benefit of using Google Hangouts is that it's free. Hangouts also integrate with other Google services, such as Gmail, Calendar, and Google Docs, so it's easy to coordinate meetings and appointments across multiple platforms.

Zoom

Zoom has been around for a while but gained a lot of popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic. It's easy to use and comes with all the features you need in a small business.

Zoom's features include HD video collaboration, high-quality audio, support for up to 25 people on a call, one-click recording, multiple desktop sharing options, instant messaging, and more. It also has an extensive API that you can use to integrate with other applications.

The service is available with prices ranging from $149.90 and $240 per year.

Grasshopper

Grasshopper is another cheap cloud phone service designed to help you grow your business. With this cloud telephony system, you can easily manage your business communication right from your computer, including your phone calls, messaging, and emails.

Grasshopper offers several low-cost packages that are perfect for small businesses. For example, if you only need three extensions and one local number, you can get the three for as little as $29 per month.

For more advanced users, Grasshopper also offers an Enterprise package with all the bells and whistles. It is the perfect solution if you need to keep track of multiple locations or have more than five extensions.

Conclusion

In general, cloud phone services offer plenty of benefits for businesses and individuals. With six services to choose from, it's up to you to decide which one works best for you depending on the features that are most important to your business. Good luck!