Best Business Phone Systems for Small Businesses in 2025: OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs JustCall vs Dialpad vs Ringo
Looking for the best unified communications solution for your small business? Whether you're running a local shop, a remote team, or a seasonal operation, having a reliable VoIP provider with robust SMS capabilities can make a big difference in your business communication platform.
In this guide, we compare four top business phone services and VoIP providers for small businesses in the U.S.
We also introduce Ringo, a mobile-first alternative that solves key pain points like seat-based pricing and lack of SMS broadcasting. This virtual phone system comparison will help you choose the right solution for your needs.
TL;DR: Best Business Phone System in 2025
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price (Annual) | Bulk SMS Support | Flat vs Per-Seat Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenPhone | Startups, solo founders | $15/user/mo | No | Per-seat |
| Grasshopper | Budget-friendly shared lines | $14–$55/account/mo | No | Flat rate (unlimited users) |
| JustCall | Sales teams, CRM integrations | $29/user/mo | Yes (Pro plan) | Per-seat (min. seats) |
| Dialpad | All-in-one communication suite | $15/user/mo | Limited | Per-seat |
| Ringo | Mobile teams, seasonal businesses | Based on active contacts | Yes | Unlimited users included |
1. OpenPhone: Modern & Easy, But No SMS Marketing
Pros:
- Clean UI, easy setup
- Shared numbers across team members
- Voicemail transcription, call recording included
Cons:
- No SMS broadcasting
- CRM integrations only on higher-tier plans
- Occasional reliability issues
Pricing:
- Starter: $15/user/month (annual)
- Business: $23/user/month (annual)
Verdict: Perfect for solo operators or small teams who need 1-on-1 communication. But skip it if you plan to run bulk SMS campaigns or need advanced CRM integration.
2. Grasshopper: Great for Budget, Light on Features
Pros:
- Flat pricing (no per-seat fees)
- Includes multiple extensions
- Unlimited users on all plans
Cons:
- No SMS broadcasting
- No CRM integrations
- Mixed reviews on app reliability
Pricing:
- Solo: $14/month (annual)
- Partner: $25/month (annual)
- Small Business: $55/month (annual)
Verdict: Best value for teams that want to avoid paying per user. Not ideal if you need advanced features or texting campaigns. Consider Grasshopper as a budget-friendly Dialpad alternative.
3. JustCall: Feature-Rich, Built for Sales
Pros:
- Bulk SMS and SMS automation
- Power dialer and call monitoring
- Deep CRM integrations (HubSpot, Salesforce, etc.)
Cons:
- Higher cost per seat
- Requires 2–3 user minimum
- Complaints about billing/cancelation issues
Pricing:
- Team: $29/user/month (annual)
- Pro: $49/user/month (annual, includes Bulk SMS)
Verdict: Ideal for sales or support teams that live in their CRM. Watch for contract fine print, especially with seasonal usage. For those seeking JustCall alternatives, consider options with more flexible pricing.
4. Dialpad: AI-Powered and Versatile
Pros:
- Real-time AI call transcription
- Unified platform for calls, SMS, video
- Google Workspace integration
Cons:
- No native bulk SMS campaigns
- Long-term contracts limit scaling down
- Mixed reviews on number porting and app UI
Pricing:
- Standard: $15/user/month (annual)
- Pro: $25/user/month (annual)
Verdict: Great all-around tool with AI features. Just make sure you're clear on your contract terms if you're a seasonal business. When comparing OpenPhone vs Dialpad or Grasshopper vs Dialpad, consider your specific needs for unified communications.
5. Ringo: Mobile-First, Built for Flexible Teams
Pros:
- Mobile-first experience for teams on the move
- SMS broadcasting to re-engage contacts
- Shared inbox for calling and texting
- Pricing based on active contacts, not users
- Add unlimited users at no extra cost
Cons:
- Less suitable for large in-office call centers
Pricing:
- Based on number of active contacts, not seats
Verdict:
Ringo is ideal for dynamic, mobile-first teams who need flexibility. It's also a great fit for seasonal businesses that don't want to pay for idle user seats. Unlike traditional phone systems, you only pay for what you use, and everyone stays in the loop with a shared inbox. Ringo offers excellent scalability for growing businesses.
Why Seat-Based Pricing Can Hurt Small Businesses
Most modern VoIP systems charge per user (aka per "seat"). Sounds simple, but it can become a problem:
- Underutilized seats: You pay for users who barely use the system.
- Seasonal challenges: Can't reduce user count during slow months.
- Annual contracts: Lock you into a user count you might not need later.
Tip: If your team size fluctuates, look for providers with flexible pricing. Ringo and Grasshopper are great options that avoid per-seat traps.
Who Wins?
- Best for Mobile Teams & Flexibility: Ringo (shared inbox, contact-based pricing)
- Best Budget Option: Grasshopper (no seat charges)
- Best for Sales & SMS Campaigns: JustCall (Pro plan)
- Best All-in-One Suite: Dialpad (calls + SMS + video)
- Best for Solo Founders: OpenPhone (simple and sleek)
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right business communication platform depends on how you operate. If you send bulk texts, need integrations, or have a changing team size, your provider's pricing plans and features matter more than ever.
Make sure to:
- Check trial versions
- Ask about SMS broadcasting rules
- Read the fine print on annual contracts
- Consider compliance requirements for your industry
- Evaluate call quality and customer support options
Need SMS campaigns and flexible pricing? JustCall or Ringo might be your best bet. Want a dead-simple setup with no surprises? Grasshopper or OpenPhone could be perfect.
Need more help picking a provider? Drop us a message and we’ll walk you through what fits your workflow best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which business phone system is best for bulk SMS?
JustCall and Ringo are your best options. JustCall supports SMS campaigns on its Pro plan. Ringo includes SMS broadcasting by default, based on active contacts.
Is OpenPhone good for SMS marketing?
No. OpenPhone is designed for one-on-one conversations. It doesn’t support SMS broadcasting or marketing campaigns.
How can I avoid overpaying for unused seats?
Use Ringo or Grasshopper. Ringo charges based on active contacts and lets you add unlimited users. Grasshopper uses flat-rate plans regardless of team size.
Do these systems integrate with CRMs like HubSpot or Salesforce?
JustCall and Dialpad offer strong CRM integrations. OpenPhone supports integrations on higher tiers. Grasshopper and Ringo focus more on shared communication and don’t have deep CRM hooks yet.
What’s the most budget-friendly option for a small team?
Grasshopper offers the best value if you want unlimited users and don’t need CRM or bulk texting. Ringo offers scalable pricing for teams that prioritize SMS.
Can I try these services before buying?
Yes. All five providers—OpenPhone, Grasshopper, JustCall, Dialpad, and Ringo—offer free trials.
How important is ease of use when choosing a business phone system? Ease of use is crucial, especially for small businesses with limited IT resources. OpenPhone and Ringo are known for their user-friendly interfaces, while Dialpad offers AI-powered features that can simplify communication tasks.
What should I consider regarding compliance when choosing a VoIP provider? Ensure the provider offers features that help you maintain compliance with all relevant regulations. For example, HIPAA compliance is essential for healthcare businesses, while PCI-DSS may apply to companies processing payments. If you use SMS marketing, compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and CTIA guidelines is critical to avoid legal issues and fines. Most business phone providers offer some compliance-related features, but it's important to verify what is included and whether it meets the specific standards for your industry and use case.
