Best VoIP Apps in 2022

Want to stay connected on the go? For years now, VoIP has helped users ditch the PSTN network and it’s physical wiring in favor of a virtually-powered solution. With applications like Skype, WhatsApp amongst many others, users can converse over the internet and afford international calls without hesitation.

Many companies have already picked up on this trend and have their VoIP apps set up and ready to go. Many more, however, are still searching for their perfect fit. Whether you are taking the first glance at the options available or skimming through for alternatives – this guide is here to help.

What Are VoIP Apps?

A VoIP app is an application for a desktop or smartphone designed to make and receive calls over the internet. It helps stay connected at any time, from any place, and using any device.
Thanks to the added mobility and flexibility, VoIP apps bring unified communications to life. With options for chat, audio- and video-conferencing, users can easily magnify their business potential and personal communication on the go.

What’s Different About Business VoIP Apps?

Business VoIP apps interact directly with a PBX system to manage communication flow, unlike the apps we typically use for our personal interactions. That’s why they require a voice plan to activate their features.
The apps are usually included for free by your VoIP provider. Once installed and configured on your chosen device(s) – a full spectrum of features is available from the palm of your hand.

5 Top Rated Business VoIP Apps

Here are the 2022 front runners that offer a seamless app experience for Android and iOS users supported by an all-in-one business communication hub:

3CX

3CX remote working apps take your user experience a step further. Combined with a fully-featured PBX system, 3CX supports video, call, business SMS, Facebook integration, and live chat to fully empower your business communication suite. A native Windows Desktop app is also available.

The system also integrates with popular CRM solutions, Microsoft 365 and Teams. This helps centralize communication flow, improve tracking and boost efficiency for remote teams working from the apps.

Pricing

It’s the most affordable solution on the market thanks to its unique pricing model based on the number of simultaneous calls, instead of per user subscription. Plus, with the 3CX free trial and complimentary hosting for the first year – you don’t need to spend a cent to give it a go! You can also enjoy the 4SC Standard subscription at no cost even after the trial period expires.

Advantages

• Easy setup: scan your QR code to configure your app.
• Intuitive design: simple, clean and easy to use.
• Customizable: pick your notifications and themes for a more personal experience.
• Collaboration tools: create groups of people for in-team messaging.
• Accessible: hands-free and Bluetooth integrations.
• Secure: protocols enabled to prevent malicious network attacks.
• Customer service team ready: respond to queries from Facebook and live chat directly from the app.
• Call monitoring features: Listen, Whisper, Barge, Take over options available.
• Call forwarding: transfer your calls to your colleagues.
• Availability status: let your team know if you are available, in a meeting, or away for the day.
• Contacts: automatically import your contacts to your app.
• High call quality: seamless conversations even when on Wi-FI.
• Elevate: go from an audio call to a video conference in a split second, without the need to redial.
• Calendar support: track your meeting and synchronize your Google and Outlook calendars.

Disadvantages

Voicemail transcription is not available from the app.

8×8

8×8 is a popular solution with an extensive unified communications portfolio. It lets you hand pick your add-ons to guarantee a personalized and tailored experience. This helps match the communication system to your current infrastructure and communication needs, while users are supported with a top-notch VoIP app.

Pricing

8×8 pricing depends on two factors: the number of extensions and the number of features you would like to add as part of the package. However, it generally holds the reputation of being a pricey solution and it will very unlikely match a tight budget of a small business or start-up.

Advantages

• Easy to use: straightforward and user-friendly design.
• Call forwarding: transfer your calls to your colleagues directly from the app.
• High call quality: assure the best possible quality of your calls.
• Synchronize: sync your business and personal contacts.
• Secure: protocols enabled to prevent malicious network attacks.

Disadvantages

Negative customer service reputation.
Voicemail transcription is not available from the app.

RingCentral

RingCentral App is a powerful tool in an all-in-one format. It features a number of useful integrations and collaboration tools for business. A desktop application is also available.

Pricing

RingCentral provides small business and enterprise editions to ensure more affordable rates across the board in comparison to 8×8. Unfortunately, since the pricing is based on the number of users, its cost effectiveness will depend on the nature of your business. Paying a monthly subscription for an extension that’s barely used can feel like a waste.

Advantages

• Collaboration tools: ‘Message Team’ option.
• User-friendly: easy to set-up and straightforward to use.
• Screen share: share your screen directly from your app.
• Contacts: automatically import your work contacts on your app.
• Voicemail: access your voicemail directly from the app.
• Fax: send fax directly from your device as an attachment.
• Call forwarding: transfer your calls to your colleagues directly from the app.

Disadvantages

The line doesn’t always switch over to voicemail.
Voicemail transcription is not available from the app.
Doesn’t have a high usability score.

Zoom

Zoom is one of the leading web conferencing applications that also incorporates features for telephony, webinars and chat. It quickly self-established as a video-first solution during the start of the pandemic and since then, Zoom has become one of the favorites amongst Android and iOS users.

Pricing

Zoom offers a free version of it’s service that’s commonly used for personal, rather than business, interactions. The corporate rates, on the other hand, are at times difficult to afford, depending on the combination of add-ons you require. For instance, smaller companies may struggle to pay several thousands a month for an extended webinar option.

Advantages

• Simple: straightforward and easy to use.
• Route your calls: direct your calls to your assistant or a colleague.
• Elevate: go from an audio call to a video conference in a split second, without the need to hang up and redial.
• Call monitoring features: Listen, Whisper, Barge, Take over options are available directly from the app.
• Google calendar support: track your meeting and synchronize your calendar.
• Webinar-ready: supports up to 10,000 attendees in one meeting.

Disadvantages

Issues with security concerns and cyber attacks, including Zoombombing.
Add-ons are very costly.
Voicemail transcription is not available from the app.

Dialpad

Dialpad is a cloud communications platform that’s powered by AI to promote efficient connection and collaboration within and outside the team. The app is available to all Dialpad users, including the desktop version.

Pricing

To gain access to the Dialpad’s PBX, the company offers 3 different packages to accommodate different budgets. These vary on the number of features and user liberties available and the final price is calculated on a per user basis.

Advantages

• Voice Intelligence: AI-empowered with options for voicemail transcription and in-depth analysis of the call content to elevate customer service.
  Easy switch between devices: seamless switch between devices without having to hang up.
• Security: incorporate call blocking and spam filters to assure a safe user experience.
• Working hours: set your working hours and keep your work-life balance intact.

Disadvantages

No automatic call recording on individual lines and admin does not have access to call recordings.
Users often experience unexpected app glitches.
Call quality is inconsistent.
Issues with call notifications.

To Conclude

Price, features, and user-friendliness are always at the top of the priority list for a VoIP app, be that for personal or business use. Picking a business VoIP app, however, is a little trickier. Because of how closely it’s tied in with your VoIP provider – by selecting one, you are inherently making a choice about the other.

Luckily, with so many reliable and established products, there is no need to compromise. You can always handpick the solution that fits your business communication goals while having access to the state-of-art apps that are ready to hit the road with you.