Best Business VoIP Providers in Canada for 2023
- Ratestead
- April 27, 2023
- 3:14 pm
#1 For Business VoIP
$19.99 & up
VoIP
Phone Type
Yes
Toll-free numbers
Yes
Voicemail transcription
Cheapest & Reliable VoIP Service
$9.45/month
VoIP
Connection
Free Canada & US
Calling
Yes
Number Transfer
Editor’s Choice
$19.99
VoIP
Connection
Unlimited
Lines
Yes
Toll-Free No.
Flexible, affordable plans with no contracts
$24.95
VoIP
Connection
Small Business
Best for
None
Contract
Compare Best Business VoIP Providers in Canada
To integrate the office network and to enhance the efficiency of internal and external calls, most businesses (both small and large) subscribe to VoIP phone services. This also helps businesses cut down the high monthly phone bill while using traditional landline phones.
Identifying the best business VoIP provider can be tricky, but VoipReview has done the hectic part of the process. Through our team of experts in the VoIP industry, we have done a thorough market research and experiments on available VoIP solutions including collecting reviews from existing users of each solution to help you choose the best VoIP service for your business. We offer a comprehensive VoIP buying guide to businesses for free.
There are hundreds of VoIP providers offering an array of services including adding extensions and phone numbers among other solutions like Hosted PBX and SIP.
Phone Type:
VoIP
Toll-free numbers:
Yes
Voicemail transcription:
Yes
Pricing:
From $19.99 per user
RingCentral has been ranked the #1 business VoIP service, and with good reason. As mentioned above, a 2019 Gartner report indicated that is was the best UCAAS provider, worldwide. This is actually the third year in a row that RingCentral has claimed this award. RingCentral is perfectly suited for both small businesses and larger enterprises.
Many customers are reporting 30% savings or more when switching from phone lines to RingCentral’s VoIP services. Some of the most common highlights are the ease of setup, the low cost, and the smooth GLIP integration. It allows employees to work remotely and allows for far more customization in comparison to landlines.
Monthly Cost:
Starting at $9.95
Callling:
Unlimited to 60+ Countries
Internet Required :
Yes
Activation Fees:
$0
One of Canada’s largest independent communications companies, Comwave serves 1,100 cities across Canada and over 1,600 locations in the US. Comwave’s services are divided into three major categories namely, Residential, Business and Wholesale. The company has three data centers and on top of that, they also have their own VoIP network solution.
Connection:
VoIP
Calling:
Free Canada & US
Number Transfer:
Yes
Local Phone No.:
Yes
VoIP Much Phone Company – Available at CAD $17.11/Month
VoIP Much offers several benefits for small businesses that you might find useful. Economical rates is only one of the many positives.
Connection:
VoIP
Best for:
Small Business
Contract :
None
VoiP Adapter:
Add-on
One drawback of Ooma Office is that it can quickly outgrow its capabilities. For small business, this service may have the right features, but deals are typically month to month which might be detrimental for some.
Connection:
VoIP
Lines :
Unlimited
Toll-Free No.:
Yes
Fax:
Yes
Diallog is a low-cost, high flexibility provider. It has more than 20 years of experience in the market and is based in Toronto, Canada. The standard features with its main PBneXt product include voicemail, voicemail to email, call display, call waiting, call forwarding, web portal, tenant-level call limit security, music on hold and find me/follow me functionality.
What is Business Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
Business VoIP refers to a phone system tailored to your specific company’s calling needs. It uses your broadband internet connections to dial or receive calls in place of traditional telephone lines and offers a number of features and flexibility within a small budget. Business VoIP plans are different from residential VoIP packages in that it focuses more on enterprise features and tools required for your business to thrive.
Business VoIP services include PBX phone system and innovative call management and efficiency features, which are considered as add-ons for traditional phone service providers. In addition, various Business VoIP solution providers offer the mobility and flexibility for your business. Comparing between landline and VoIp plans, and you will realize the difference in features and price.
What is Private Branch Exchange (PBX)?
A PBX is special a phone switching system and a phone network that routes outbound and inbound calls. It enables small and large businesses to manage calls to outside users. This involves transmitting both inbound and outbound calls in addition to routing calls between office extensions.
If you have multiple users (extensions) in your office, a PBX system is an ideal solution for you. However, a legacy PBX system is a bit expensive and attracts other additional costs such as storage, manual operation, installation and maintenance costs. It could cost over $20,000.
In the market today, there is a wide range of IP PBX systems that will improve your office phone system. Most VoIP providers include the charges for a basic hosted-PBX in the basic VoIP plan.
In the recent past, most SMEs prefer Virtual and Hosted PBXs in order to cut down on the monthly phone bill. A hosted PBX is a full system ran by your VoIP service provider at their data center, hence your business is saved from the costs of purchasing the equipment and maintenance.
On the other hand, a virtual PBX is a system hosted in the cloud over the internet. The two PBX systems operate normally like the legacy PBX system for 50% the cost. Through the two PBX solutions, you will save money, manpower (technician) and space. In that way, it’s easy to setup VoIP for your business.
You can still have the physical PBX machine and use a digital PBX (IP PBX) software or hardware which allows VoIP calling, but the cost of this kind of a solution is way too high compared to virtual or hosted PBX.
Business VoIP Plans Features
Compared to landline phone systems, VoIP phones have a lot more features. A business VoIP plan offers numerous features which include:
- Call waiting.
- Conference call services.
- Group paging.
- E911.
- No disturbance.
- Hunt group.
- Auto attendant.
- Phone number portability.
- Caller ID.
- Voicemail.
- Virtual extensions.
- Music-on-Hold.
- Dial-by-name.
- Simultaneous ring.
- Find-Me & Follow-Me.
Most of the features come at no extra cost. It is always good to confirm from the provider about all the extra features included in their plans. You should also check add-on features and their prices.
Best Small Business VoIP Service in Canada
Small Business VoIP
Choosing from the various system providers with their varied pricing and features can be a complex task. We have conducted a careful evaluation of the options available today so you can make an informed decision about the best system for your company. Read ahead and understand everything you need to know about VoIP systems for small businesses.
Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) for business communication systems are based on internet connectivity. Companies can get facilities like calling and texting at significantly lower costs as compared to landlines. If you’re considering investing in VoIP systems for your organization, you’ll also get advanced features like automated attendants and built-in video calling that can be used for conferencing, connecting with vendors and customers, and various other activities.
Best Small Business VoIP Canada
Only a few business VoIP providers offer unlimited international calls within their packages, because small business owners tend not to make frequent overseas calls. While most, if not all, providers allow you to place overseas calls, the process can be tedious. You might need a support ticket if your service doesn’t come up by default – and all of us know how long these requests can take – and a few of the providers even ask for a deposit to activate the plan.
If you make or receive international calls after activating the service, they will not count as part of your unlimited minutes. Instead, your provider will bill these calls on the basis of a per country rate, and these prices often vary considerably from country to country. Even finding out the per country rate can be a hassle, requiring you to dig through an extensive list comprising the rates of more than 200 countries. Rates range from over a dollar on the high end, to as low as one cent per minute.
We know that for busy business owners, this process is not ideal, and we like to keep things simple. Some providers have given their international calling models some second thought, and thankfully, many now offer their own unlimited plans.
Evaluation Criteria for Determining the Appropriate Choice of VoIP Systems
You’ll want to keep several factors in mind when choosing the best business phone system provider for your company. High on your list of priorities should be the functions and features they provide and whether these facilities align with the needs of your organization. For instance:
- Support for the given number of employees in the company with adequate provisions for accommodating a growing workforce in keeping with future expansion.
- Availability of features like standard calling with Caller ID and voicemail
- Additional functions like ring groups with the required number of extensions, automated attendants or voice menu systems, and on-hold music.
- Provisions of unified communication systems that also have instant messaging and video conferencing.
- Reliability and assurance that the system will remain functional and not hamper the working of the business with frequent breakdowns. This feature is critical in the case of cloud-hosted solutions.
- Percentage of uptime during a particular year. Anything less than 99.999% and you’ll want to make sure that the provider is making the necessary efforts to resolve the issues.
- Terms and conditions in the service-level agreements regarding the guaranteed uptime. Many phone system providers offer money-back terms if they’re unable to provide a specific uptime percentage.
- Customer support facilities offered by the provider. Not all businesses can have an in-house IT team. Accordingly, you’ll need a system provider who can handle all queries via multiple resources, both online and offline.
On-Premises Systems as Alternatives to Cloud-Based Systems
In case you find that cloud-based systems are not appropriate for your organization, consider opting for a phone provider that offers on-premises communication systems. As in the case of cloud-based systems, all the PBX equipment is hosted in the cloud. But, if you opt for on-premises systems, all the equipment will be housed within the business. You’ll likely pay higher upfront costs as compared to cloud-based systems.
VoIP for Small Businesses is a More Practical Option
As a small business owner, you might find that your company can function efficiently without the need for a phone system with onsite desk phones. If you think that mobile phones are adequate, consider opting for a virtual phone system that connects the business number with mobile phones. Callers trying the business number will reach an automated attendant who can direct them to the right employee or department who can help. The only difference is that instead of reaching a landline, callers will reach the employees mobile phones.
VoIP is ideal for small businesses that have solo entrepreneurs working with a remote team that operates out of locations across the globe. You’ll also find that you get access to all the essential features of high-grade communication systems without having to invest in a lot of capital and purchase the necessary equipment.
Essential Features that All Small Business VoIP Systems Must Have
Before finalizing your cloud-based systems provider, check for these essential features that you’ll need. Here’s a checklist to go over.
- Unlimited calling
- Ring groups connecting to multiple extensions
- Automated attendants with voice menus
- Call recording
- Voicemail
- Extension dialing
- Voicemail to email
- Call forwarding
- Call queues
- Video conferencing
- Instant messaging
- Virtual meetings
- Indicators signaling presence
- Integration with tools like Microsoft Office
- Reliable and efficient customer support
- Overall good sound quality
- Minimal downtimes
- Toll-free numbers
- Mobile Apps
- File sharing facilities
Once you have confirmed that the provider offers all these features, evaluate the pricing structure. Ensure that the pricing plans are economical for a team with 20 or fewer members. You’ll want a communications system that has can be easily set up at the minimum cost. Check that the service provides a high-grade call experience and is convenient to use by employees who are not necessarily tech-savvy.
Why You Should Use a Business VoIP Service Provider for International Calling
Users can save up to 45% on their telephone bills every month with VoIP technology, which changes your voice into “audio packets,” and routes calls through the Internet, bypassing conventional telephone company lines. Many businesses are now switching to VoIP because of the cheap calling rates, among other advantages of using VoIP. You can even get unlimited long-distance and local calls, depending on the plan you opt for. Some providers also give you a fixed amount of international calling minutes each month! On-network calls are usually offered free. This means that if any of your customers use the same network as you, calls to their number will be free.
Which is International Business VoIP Calling Plans are Best for You?
VoIP services are affordable, making them the preferred choice for people who make a lot of overseas calls. It’s essential that you have a means of staying connected without any financial strain, whether it’s family or friends abroad, or a business associate overseas. The best international VoIP service varies for everyone, and largely depends on the regions you call frequently and the length of time you usually spend on the phone. Per minute rates can get really expensive if you make lengthy calls, in which case it usually makes more sense to subscribe to an international calling plan. Visit the websites of the various VoIP providers to see the lists of countries included in their plan (each provider has a different list).
It’s time to move over to VoIP, and get the benefits of international calls without the usual hefty fees.
Top 5 Advantages of Using VoIP for your Business Phone
1. Lower hardware costs
Purchasing new hardware can be very costly, especially with the ever-changing world of modern technology. If you need to add an auto-attendant to your business communications, you have to pay for and install new hardware.
Likewise, if you require an auto-attendant at a separate location, you have to purchase even more hardware. The costs start to build up…
With VoIP at your disposal, you can change and/or update your system in real time — without the cost of new purchases or installation. When you employ VoIP in your business communications, you can add users and phones instantly, route calls to any location, and update IVRs for no added charge.
2. More reasonable maintenance
If you’ve ever experienced downtime because of a phone system hardware failure, you know that it can have tangible effects on your business – sometimes in the form of thousands of dollars! However, when you’re using VoIP in the cloud, you can eliminate the risk of hardware failure as well as other downtime maintenance obstacles.
When you’re using outdated phone system hardware, you not only have the trouble of replacing hard-to-find components, you also risk high maintenance fees from niche professionals.
3. Lower calling charges
VoIP uses the Internet to connect your business calls. Using IP telephony allows you to avoid long distance fees and you can make international calls at half the cost of traditional/landline communications. Good news for your bottom line.
4. Ditch unnecessary fees
Upgrades are unavoidable in any business, but especially in the technology space. With a traditional phone system, updates – and therefore, fees – are your responsibility. System upgrades with VoIP are covered by your service provider. The end result is cutting-edge technology at affordable prices.
5. Make things mobile
When it comes to traditional phone systems, there’s absolutely no mobility. You and your employees are glued to your desks when you’re on the phone. And when you’re not on the phone, you’re sitting at your desk waiting for your next call.
Then there’s the issue of moving offices! If you move office, you’ll have to manually reroute your number to the new location. Once again, VoIP is the money-saving solution.
Your VoIP number represents your account (not your physical location), so it can travel when you do. As long as you have an IP connection, your VoIP system can connect. It can even be accessed by smartphone apps, so your business communications are truly location independent. This is just one of the key differences between landline and VoIP systems.
Conclusion
VoIP can result in huge cost savings for your business, whatever your business size. It’s important to shop around for the best vendor for your needs and when you find the right service you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch earlier.
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It is a technology that allows you to make voice calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines.
VoIP can provide a number of benefits for businesses, including lower costs, greater flexibility, and more advanced features than traditional phone systems.
Some popular business VoIP providers in Canada include RingCentral, 8×8, Nextiva, Vonage, and Ooma.
When choosing a business VoIP provider, you should consider factors such as cost, reliability, call quality, customer support, and the features and integrations offered.
The cost of business VoIP in Canada can vary depending on the provider and the specific plan you choose. Prices can range from around $20 to $50 per user per month.
Common features offered with business VoIP include call forwarding, voicemail, auto-attendants, conferencing, call recording, and integration with other business tools like CRM software.
Can I keep my existing phone number with a business VoIP provider?
Call quality with business VoIP can vary depending on a number of factors, including your internet connection and the provider you choose. However, many VoIP providers offer high-quality, reliable connections with clear call quality.
VoIP can be secure for business use if proper security measures are in place, such as encryption and secure authentication protocols. It’s important to choose a provider that prioritizes security and offers features like firewall protection and two-factor authentication.
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