Finding the right communication solution for your business can feel like searching for the perfect pair of shoes- comfort and style matter, but so does a good fit. When it comes to SIP trunking services, the right provider makes all the difference.

SIP trunks give businesses a chance to enhance their communication systems, saving both time and money. It’s a smarter, more flexible way to stay connected without the burden of outdated tech.

But with so many SIP service providers out there, picking the best SIP trunk provider can be tricky. That’s why we’ve taken the time to dig into the details for you.

In this review, we’ll highlight the top 5 SIP trunking providers based on reliability, features, and price. By the end, you’ll know exactly which SIP service is right for your business.

Let’s dive in and find your perfect match !!!🚀

🔑Key Highlights
  • SIP trunking (Session Initiation Protocol) is a technology that allows businesses to make voice, video, and contact centers.
  • SIP trunking can enhance team productivity by providing streamlined communication voice solutions.
  • Twilio, Nextiva, Vonage, Alliance phones, and 8×8 are the top 5 SIP trunking service providers for business.
  • Evaluate your communication needs, including call volume, SIP line types, and advanced features like call routing, before choosing the right SIP trunking service provider.

What is SIP Trunking?

what is sip trunking.

SIP trunking is a modern telecommunications technology that uses the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to connect your business’s Private Branch Exchange (PBX) to the internet.

This replaces traditional phone lines, offering flexibility, scalability, and significant cost savings.

Essentially, it allows you to make and receive calls over your existing internet connection, streamlining communication and enhancing efficiency.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a SIP Trunk Provider

Choosing the right SIP service provider can be a lifesaver for your business’s communication needs. For a smooth transition and long-term success, there are several things you need to consider before making your choice.

Below is an organized list of key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a SIP trunk provider that best aligns with your business’s goals and infrastructure.

1. Define Your Business Communication Needs

Before you even begin researching SIP trunk service providers, spend a little time deciding on your business communication goals.

This will allow you to narrow down which SIP trunking providers will be best for you. Below is a checklist to keep in mind:

Channels:

Do you need just voice calling, or do you want additional features like UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service), which includes capabilities like SMS texting, video conferencing, and internal team messaging?

If you plan to use multiple communication channels, you’ll likely need a hosted SIP provider or an IP phone system instead of converting an old PBX infrastructure.

Phone Number Needs:

Determine what type of phone numbers you need: Local area codes, toll-free numbers, vanity numbers, or international numbers? Not all SIP trunking companies provide the same coverage.

Each SIP trunk provider has different offerings, so make sure your provider can support your phone number needs.

Routing:

Consider your call path needs for inbound calls. Do you need advanced features like an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system, or will simple call forwarding suffice?

Complex routing systems often require a virtual or IP PBX-based SIP trunking solution, while simpler setups can work with basic SIP trunks.

Use Cases:

How will you use the system? Will it be primarily for sales or customer support, or will it serve general customer-facing communication?

The specific features you require, such as analytics, call recording, and call forwarding, will vary based on these use cases.

Call Volume:

Figure out how many calls you will need to take at the same time regularly. If you think you will get a lot of calls, look into Elastic SIP Trunking, which charges you based on how much you use instead of a set monthly fee.

2. Evaluate Your Current Communication Infrastructure

Account for your existing communications infrastructure. In the event that you already have an IP PBX infrastructure, computers, or VoIP phones, these may be reusable through SIP trunking.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider:

Repurposing Equipment:

You can likely employ your VoIP phones, routers, and session border controllers (SBCs) with the majority of SIP providers.

IP PBX equipment can also be repurposed to operate using SIP trunks, although additional hardware like analog telephone adapters (ATA) will be required for earlier systems.

Legacy PBX Systems:

If you have an older PBX system, it is difficult to migrate to SIP trunking. You will need to use an analog telephone adapter (ATA) or session border controller (SBC) in order to bridge your system via the internet.

This can lead to higher maintenance costs as well as possible performance problems.

For the majority of cases, replacing your existing legacy system with a cloud PBX or virtual SIP trunking architecture is cheaper and easier to administer.

3. Compare SIP Trunk Providers

Once you have a good sense of your business goals and existing infrastructure, it’s time to go shopping for SIP trunk providers. Here’s what you need to compare:

Pricing:

The majority of SIP trunking providers offer competitive rates. Some of them charge by SIP trunk (virtual phone line), and some use Elastic SIP Trunking, which charges by the minute.

Elastic SIP Trunking is best for businesses that have changing call amounts, while regular SIP trunks are better for businesses with steady call needs.

Compatibility with Existing Equipment:

  • Speak to each provider about your existing setup to see if their solution can integrate smoothly with your current infrastructure.
  • Ask if additional hardware (like IP PBX systems or SBCs) will be required and whether their platform supports your existing devices.

Feature Availability:

SIP trunking providers offer various features, so you’ll need to understand what’s included in the package. Key features to look for:

  • Call routing (e.g., IVR systems, call forwarding)
  • Voicemail and call recording
  • Advanced analytics and call monitoring
  • Integration with cloud-based systems like CRM tools.

Phone Number Offerings:

Different providers have different types of phone numbers, like toll-free, local, or international numbers.

Make sure the provider you pick can meet your needs, especially if you want to grow your business in other countries.

  • Partner Program: If you’re considering a longer-term partnership, see if the provider has a Partner program. Some SIP trunking companies offer partner programs for resellers or companies looking to manage SIP trunking for their clients. This could open new business opportunities.
  • Outbound Voice: If your business depends on high volumes of outbound voice calls, ensure the provider supports outbound voice capabilities with secure, high-quality voice channels, call monitoring, and analytics.

4. Additional Hardware Requirements

Besides checking your current system, it’s important to know what extra hardware you may need to make your SIP trunking work.

  • IP PBX Systems: Some setups require physical IP PBX boxes (hardware) or virtual systems.
  • VoIP Phones: You’ll need compatible VoIP phones or softphones for each user. Be sure to ask your provider which models are supported.
  • Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA): If you are converting a legacy PBX system to SIP, you’ll need an ATA.
  • Session Border Controller (SBC): An SBC helps keep call routing safe and reliable between your network and the provider’s network.

If you’re opting for a software-based system, find out if the setup requires any coding knowledge or if you’ll need to hire an on-site developer.

Some companies offer help with installation or can assist you in connecting the system to your current applications.

5. Work With Your Provider to Install SIP Trunking System

Setting up your SIP Trunking system can differ depending on what you need for your business. That’s why most SIP trunking companies provide you with one-to-one installation help.

This helps make sure everything is set up correctly, with problems eliminated and the process simplified.

Key steps for SIP trunking installation:

  • Establish a contact from your provider
  • Purchasing and installing hardware
  • Purchasing and setting up SIP trunks
  • Purchasing and registering phone numbers
  • Customizing extensions, call path, call controls, and IVR menus
  • Customizing programming and APIs
  • Assisting agents and supervisors

A good SIP trunking provider will offer 24/7 customer support to ensure your system runs smoothly post-installation.

📖 You may like: Hosted PBX vs SIP Trunking: Key differences and which one is better for businesses

Top 5 SIP Trunk Providers for Business

Looking for affordable SIP trunk solutions for your business? We’ve compiled a list of the top providers that offer reliable, scalable, and cost-effective services to fit various business needs.

I. Twilio

Twilio is a cloud communications platform that offers secure SIP trunking in 100+ countries. It’s perfect for companies of any size, with customizable APIs that integrate seamlessly into your existing systems.

Twilio has strong security with end-to-end encryption and meets HIPAA guidelines, so it’s safe for sensitive information. It also has a trust center where businesses can be confident their data is secure.

Its easy-to-use dashboard and broad analytics help firms in perceiving current data in order to boost communication while being adaptable and scalable.

Key Features: 

  • Global connectivity with support for over 100 countries
  • Enterprise-grade encryption and security
  • Flexible APIs for customization opportunities

Pricing:

Twilio offers flexible pay-as-you-go pricing, so the cost depends on where you’re calling and how long the call lasts.

For example, US outbound calls start at just $0.013 per minute. Plus, if you’re making a lot of calls, you can get discounts for higher usage.

Best For: 

Ideal for businesses with a tech-savvy team or developers looking for customizable and scalable SIP trunking solutions.

Customer Reviews & Ratings: 

II. Nextiva

Nextiva is a communication platform that also offers robust SIP trunking capabilities, so it’s a great choice for businesses that need it all in one place.

It consolidates inbound and outbound calling, advanced call routing, supervisor dashboards, and even AI-powered voicemail transcription, all within one easy-to-use interface.

The most impressive aspect of Nextiva is how easy it is to use, even for individuals who are not tech experts. Its solid core offers high-quality, crisp calls and 99.999% uptime, a welcome relief for businesses of any size.

On top of all this, Nextiva keeps expanding with newly upgraded features like review management and social media sites, though the latter are primarily appropriate for organizations that revolve around online interaction.

There is even a mobile application through which Nextiva is available, along with communication solutions everywhere.

Key Features: 

  • Unlimited domestic calling within the US
  • 24/7 customer support to ensure customers get the help they need when they need it
  • Solid integration with popular CRM tools

Pricing:

Nextiva SIP trunking is $15 to $25 a line a month, depending on the calling plan you select. They have pay-as-you-go and unlimited options to fit many business needs.

Best For: 

Small and medium-sized businesses in need of straightforward SIP trunking and modest call management features.


Customer Reviews & Ratings:

III. Vonage

Vonage features SIP trunking among its features for internet telephones, making it a multifunctional product that can fit the needs of companies of various sizes.

How Vonage differentiates itself from the rest is the ease by which it can integrate with more than 25 other applications like CRM and call center software, simplifying the job and decreasing the training duration.

Vonage also has utility features like data monitoring in real-time and call forwarding, which help in maximizing the communication of businesses. Vonage also delivers dependable international calls with good voice quality. The Vonage mobile application provides access to users while in transit.

Key Features:

  • Advanced call routing options
  • Solid integration with Microsoft Teams
  • High call concurrency limits

Pricing:

Vonage prices begin at $19.99 per month for each line, with extra charges for international calling.

Best For: 

Businesses that are mobile-focused and value scalability in their SIP phone or those in need of advanced call routing features.

Customer Reviews & Ratings:

IV. Alliance Phones

Alliance Phones offers simple and affordable SIP trunking to small and medium-sized enterprises. They are committed to providing reliable voice communication that meets major business needs without making things complex.

Each customer has a personal account manager for one-to-one support. Their products are easy to install, so it is simpler for users. The rates are clear, and customer care is available 24/7 through phone, email, or support tickets.

Key Features: 

  • Simple pricing plans
  • Dedicated account managers for a more personalized customer support experience
  • High uptime guarantees

Pricing:

Metered Plan: $9.97 per month

Unlimited Tier: $19.97 per month

Best For: 

Small and medium-sized businesses that need simple and inexpensive SIP trunking with minimal hassle.

Customer Reviews & Ratings:

V. 8×8

8×8 is a cloud communications company offering strong SIP trunking for global businesses and large enterprises.

It has a wide reach and many features, and it is popular among entities that need sophisticated communication solutions. Premium plans include unlimited global calls to 48 countries and reasonable rates for calling over 200 locations.

One of the highlights of 8×8 is Secure Pay, which enables call centers to make payments securely from customers with no agent assistance. The system supports many calls and integrates with most available communication tools.

Smaller companies, however, that want easy-to-use and simple tools might be overwhelmed by 8×8’s many features.

The best feature of 8×8’s SIP calling and SIP trunking solutions is that they provide detailed reports about the performance of calls. It also has excellent security features and adheres to many compliance regulations, which ensures that users stick to several regulations and rules.

The mobile app allows users to manage their communications easily from their mobile devices.

Key Features: 

  • International calling plans for maximum global reach
  • Robust analytics and reporting
  • Integration with 73 major platforms, including Salesforce, Google Workplace, Zendesk, and more on all plans

Pricing:

The pricing is customized to your business requirements, with the entry-level plan priced at around $12 per user per month.

Best For: 

Large businesses and global organizations that require international SIP trunking capabilities.

Customer Reviews & Ratings:

📖 Also read: SIP Phones vs Traditional Phones Which Is Better: A Comprehensive Review

SIP Trunk Pricing Comparison Table

Provider Monthly Cost Setup Fees Per-Minute Rates Contract Terms Customer Support Availability
Twilio Pay-as-you-go No setup fee From $0.013 per min No long-term contract 24/7 support via email and chat
Nextiva $15-$25 per line No setup fee Varies by plan Month-to-month or annual 24/7 support via phone and email
Vonage $19.99 per line No setup fee Varies by plan Month-to-month 24/7 support via phone and email
Alliance Phones $9.97 (metered), $19.97 (unlimited) No setup fee Varies by usage No long-term contract 24/7 support via phone and email
8×8 From $12 per user No setup fee Varies by usage Customizable, month-to-month 24/7 support via phone and email

How to Set Up SIP Trunking for Your Business?

How to setup sip trunking for your businesses.

Setting up SIP trunking for your business doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach and a few simple steps, you can get up and running in no time.

Here’s a simple guide to help you make the switch smoothly:

  • Select a Reputable Provider: Choose a provider that aligns with your business needs and offers the required features.
  • Verify PBX Compatibility: Make sure your current PBX system works with the provider’s SIP trunking service.
  • Optimize Network Infrastructure: Configure SIP trunks and optimize your network for SIP trunking, including bandwidth, firewall settings, and QoS.
  • Port Your Phone Numbers: Transfer your existing phone numbers to the new provider to maintain continuity.
  • Set Up Call Features: Set up call routing, voicemail, and other features to meet your business requirements.
  • Conduct Thorough Testing: Test the system thoroughly to make sure it works well and has good call quality.

Final Words

SIP trunking is a business game-changer program for those organizations looking to upgrade their communications. You can make your work simpler, save money, and expand your business effortlessly with the appropriate provider.

It is suitable for both small business startups and major corporations, providing a scalable and dependable way of meeting your telephone needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Find the best SIP trunk providers, compare your choices, and select the one that suits your business best. Start now and enhance your communication and save money. Don’t wait- get the right provider today and optimize SIP trunking for your business.

FAQs

What is the best SIP trunk provider for small businesses?

Unitel Voice is a great choice for small businesses looking for dependable SIP trunking services. They provide affordable SIP trunk solutions for small businesses and call centers, keeping costs low while still offering good quality.

How much does SIP trunking cost?

The SIP trunking costs vary depending on the provider, but it generally ranges from $9.99/month to a pay-as-you-go model. Additional charges may apply based on usage, such as per-minute rates or setup fees.

Can I use SIP trunking with my existing phone system?

Yes, you can use SIP trunking with your existing PBX system as long as it supports SIP.

What are the security risks of SIP trunking?

The main security risks of SIP trunking include fraud, eavesdropping, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. However, these risks can be mitigated by using encryption, firewalls, and strong authentication methods.

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.

Prasanta, founder and CEO of Dialaxy, is redefining SaaS with creativity and dedication. Focused on simplifying sales and support, he drives innovation to deliver exceptional value and shape a new era of business excellence.