Best VoIP Providers to Move Your Business Phone to the Cloud

The copper wire is officially dead. It is 2026. The traditional landline is no longer just outdated. It is a liability. But let’s be honest. Switching your phone system feels scary. It feels like performing open-heart surgery on your business.

Will you lose your long-held number? Will you get trapped in a long contract? Will there be hidden fees? Will the call quality sound like a robot in a tunnel?

We cut through the noise of 40+ providers. We ignored marketing brochures to test real costs, setup speeds, and call quality. Whether you are a solo founder or a Fortune 500, this guide reveals the best VoIP providers to make your switch seamless, secure, and smart.

Core Components of a Business VoIP System

When choosing a cloud phone system, think in terms of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and optional tools.

Must-Haves

• These are essential for any business to run smoothly:
• Softphone apps for mobile and desktop.
• Desk phone support if your office relies on hardware.
• Call forwarding and voicemail to email.
• Basic CRM integration.
• Clear call quality with reliable uptime.

Nice-to-Haves

• These improve efficiency and experience but are not critical:
• AI tools like call transcription, sentiment analysis, or call summaries.
• Power Dialers for sales teams.
• Video meetings integrated with voice calls.
• Advanced call routing or ring groups.
• Shared inbox for messaging and voicemails.

Optional Tools

• These are extra features that some businesses may use occasionally:
• API platforms for custom workflows.
• Analytics dashboards for call monitoring.
• AI chat agents for customer support.
• Hardware add-ons like paging, analog fax lines, or credit card integrations.
• Visual voicemail with team tagging.

The 2026 VoIP Providers Leaderboard

The 2026 market for business phone systems is growing fast as companies move away from old copper lines. This list shows the best providers clearly, helping you choose without needing to understand complex tech terms.

We rated each provider based on real performance, international calls, AI tools, and total cost.

Key Takeaways: Dialaxy leads SMB adoption with fast onboarding. RingCentral suits enterprise compliance. Zoom Phone benefits video-first teams. Nextiva excels in support. Ooma is ideal for physical store hardware needs.

The Cloud Migration Buying Guide: What Matters in 2026?

Cloud migration in 2026 requires careful planning. Businesses must consider setup time, total cost, migration friction, and user experience to ensure a smooth transition to cloud VoIP systems.

1. Time-to-Value

Time-to-value measures how quickly teams can make calls after setup. Delays in traditional systems reduce productivity, while modern VoIP platforms offer instant communication for remote teams.

• Sign up, download the app, and start live calls in minutes.
• Softphone, SIP phones, and browser-based access are immediately available.
• Call forwarding and voicemail transcription are active during migration.
• Video conferencing, video meetings, and messaging tools integrate instantly.

2. True Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Advertised pricing often hides additional fees. Real cost includes federal, state, e911 service, hardware rentals, and AI feature add-ons. Awareness prevents budget surprises.

• $20/user plan can escalate to $35/user after taxes and fees.
• Premium AI features include AI call analysis, AI transcription, and AI sentiment analysis.
• Integration with CRM software and call analytics may require add-ons.
• Transparent pricing avoids unexpected charges for SMS, toll-free numbers, or voicemail transcription.

3. Migration Friction

Porting legacy numbers involves legal and technical steps. Minor errors on Letters of Agency (LOA) delay Local Number Portability (LNP). Modern providers reduce friction using automation.

• Automated LOA verification reduces rejection by 80%.
• Temporary numbers ensure zero downtime during porting.
• Softphone and SIP phone configuration simplifies migration.
• Call monitoring, call routing, and call logs maintain operations during the transition.

4. Modern UI and Click Fatigue

Old PBX systems require multiple steps for call transfers, voicemail access, or conferences. Modern VoIP apps reduce clicks, improving productivity for support, sales, and remote teams.

• One-click call transfers, call barging, and call whispering are available.
• Visual voicemail, call queues, and a virtual receptionist are accessible via web, desktop, or mobile.
• AI chat assistant, AI voice agent, and automated call-back features reduce repetitive tasks.
• Mobile apps and software phones integrate with CRM for call analytics and AI call summaries.

Top 7 VoIP Providers to Move Your Business Phone to the Cloud

Choosing the right phone system helps your business grow. This list compares the best cloud-based tools for modern teams. We looked at cost, setup speed, and key features to help you decide.

1. Dialaxy

Dialaxy makes business phone systems easy. Teams can use mobile apps or desktop software phones without IT help. Ideal for SMBs and remote startups.

Best For: SMBs, remote startups, and sales groups needing a fast, easy setup.

• Verdict: The top choice for modern businesses. It is both powerful and simple to use.
• Price: Basic $10/month, Plus $20/month, Pro $30/month. No hidden fees.
• Setup (10/10): Very fast. You can use temporary numbers to start calling immediately.
• Features: Handles calls and texts in one view. You get global numbers and smart call routing.
• The Dealbreaker: It does not support old desk phones. It is mostly software-based.

2. RingCentral RingEX

RingCentral offers powerful features for large companies. Works best with IT staff who can handle complex setups. It provides strong uptime, call monitoring, and integrations.

Best For: Large companies with a dedicated IT staff.

• Verdict: A heavy hitter that is very reliable but costs more and takes time to set up.
• Price: Essentials $20 per user, Advanced $25 per user, and Ultra $35 per user. Prices go up if you pay monthly.
• Setup (6/10): Slow. It takes 2 to 4 weeks and requires a manager to help install.
• Features: Near-perfect uptime. It connects to over 300 business apps and records calls.
• The Dealbreaker: The app is complex, and the admin panel is hard to use.

3. Zoom Phone

Zoom Phone works well for teams already using Zoom for video meetings. Voice calls integrate with video and team messaging, but they lack full VoIP phone system features.

Best For: Teams that already use Zoom for video meetings.

• Verdict: Great as an add-on, but lacks some deeper phone system features.
• Price: $15/mo per user for phone, $18.33/mo per user for phone and workplace pro, $22.49/mo per user for all essential features of workplace business and phone.
• Setup (8/10): Easy for current Zoom users, but moving numbers can be slow.
• Features: Switch from a voice call to a video meeting with one click. Simple interface.
• The Dealbreaker: Fast help requires a paid plan. Standard support is via web tickets.

4. Nextiva

Best For: Businesses like law firms that need great customer support.

• Verdict: Focuses on service. Good if you don’t know much about technology.
• Price: price ranges from small business to enterprise level. Starts at core $15/mo per user, engage $25/mo per user, and Power Suite CX $75/mo per user.
• Setup (7/10): A manager helps you, but the process is slower than others.
• Features: Very stable system. Offers 24/7 phone help and AI call summaries.
• The Dealbreaker: The software looks and feels a bit old-fashioned.

5. Quo (Formerly OpenPhone)

Best For: Creative teams and freelancers who text more than they call.

• Verdict: A collaborative inbox that makes it easy for teams to share messages.
• Price: Starter $15/mo, Business $23/mo per user, and scale $35/mo per user. Extra fees for texting.
• Setup (9/10): Very fast self-service. You can do it all yourself.
• Features: Shared inboxes let you mention coworkers in comments. Great visual voicemail.
• The Dealbreaker: No support for physical desk phones. Not for retail shops.

6. Vonage Business

Best For: Tech companies that want to build their own tools.

• Verdict: Best for software developers; too expensive for basic users.
• Price: basic $13.99/mo per user, premium $20.99/mo per user, and advanced $27.99/mo/per user. Many basic tools (like call recording) cost extra.
• Setup (7/10): Standard setup speed.
• Features: Deep technical tools (APIs) allow you to customize how the phone works.
• The Dealbreaker: Customer support is often offshore, which can cause delays.

7. Ooma Office

Best For: Restaurants and shops that need real desk phones.

• Verdict: A simple digital version of a classic landline.
• Price: Essentials $19.95 /mo, Pro $24.95/mo, Pro Plus $29.95 /mo. Price ranges between USD and CAD.
• Setup (8/10): Easy “plug and play” hardware. Moving numbers requires paperwork.
• Features: Supports analog fax and overhead paging. Includes a virtual receptionist.
• The Dealbreaker: The software is weak and does not have many advanced AI tools.

Head-to-Head Comparisons Among VoIP Providers

Comparing top VoIP providers helps businesses decide which system fits their needs. We focus on cost, features, migration, call forwarding, SIP phone support, and cloud VoIP performance.

1. Dialaxy vs. RingCentral

For a 20-person marketing agency, speed matters. You need clear call quality, browser-based calling, and AI call summaries without waiting weeks to go live.

Best Choice For: Dialaxy works best if you want to start calling immediately without extra hassle. RingCentral suits enterprises needing every feature and IT support.

2. Nextiva vs. Zoom Phone

Imagine a small law firm needing reliable cloud VoIP, call monitoring, and voicemail to email. Budget and support are both critical.

Best Choice For: Nextiva is reassuring if you want support and service on every call. Zoom Phone is great for teams comfortable handling setup themselves.

3. Dialaxy vs. Google Voice

A solopreneur growing to three employees needs a business VoIP phone system that integrates with CRM, call logs, AI call transcription, and call forwarding.

Best Choice For: Dialaxy fits small teams who want a professional cloud-based telephony service AI features. Google Voice works for freelancers needing basic calls.

4. Ooma Office vs. Vonage

Restaurants or retail locations need desk phones, paging, fax lines, and call forwarding. Hardware support is key here.

Best Choice For: Ooma is ideal for physical locations needing hardware support and call forwarding. Vonage fits developers who want custom APIs and integrations.

5. Dialaxy vs. Quo (OpenPhone)

A 10-person sales team needs softphone support, AI call summaries, Power Dialer, and VoIP with CRM integration.

Best Choice For: Dialaxy works for teams who need a full PBX with call monitoring and AI features. Quo is best for small teams focusing on messaging and calls.

6. RingCentral vs. Nextiva

A 200-person logistics company needs video conferencing, call monitoring, AI call analysis, and international calling support.

Best Choice For: RingCentral is for tech-heavy teams needing advanced integrations. Nextiva is for teams who prioritize service, support, and smooth onboarding.

How to Move Your Business Phone to the Cloud using Dialaxy

Switching to a cloud-based telephony service can feel confusing. Dialaxy makes it simple. You can keep your current numbers, use mobile apps or SIP phones, and set up call forwarding fast.

Step 1: Check Your Internet

Good internet is key to cloud VoIP. Slow connections can cause bad call quality or dropped calls.

• Use a tool like Speedtest.net.
• Keep jitter under 30ms.
• Packet loss should be 0%.
• Dialaxy’s system helps, but a steady upload speed keeps calls clear.

Checking the internet first stops problems later. Your team can enjoy smooth calls, video meetings, and international calling.

Step 2: List All Your Numbers

Before moving numbers, know which ones you have. Include main lines, fax, alarms, and direct dials.

• Make a spreadsheet with every number and its location.
• Check if any numbers are tied to your internet. Canceling them can stop service.
• Note which lines need call forwarding or voicemail-to-email.

This keeps your business running without missing any calls.

Step 3: Move Your Numbers

You need a Letter of Agency (LOA) to move numbers to Dialaxy. Doing it right avoids delays.

• Upload your latest bill to Dialaxy’s portal.
• Make sure addresses match exactly.
• Dialaxy gives temporary numbers so you can call while waiting.
• AI features like call summaries, call monitoring, and voicemail work immediately.

Dialaxy automates most steps, so your team can focus on work.

Step 4: Decide on Phones and Headsets

Cloud VoIP works with software or hardware phones. Choose what fits your team.

• Softphones: Use Dialaxy apps on computers or phones. Click-to-dial works on websites like LinkedIn.
• Desk phones: Use SIP phones like Yealink, Poly, or Cisco.
• Headsets: Noise-canceling models like Jabra Evolve give clear calls.
• Call forwarding and voicemail: Set up fast for team convenience.

This keeps calls clear and makes your phone system easy to use.

Step 5: Set Up Features

Dialaxy gives useful VoIP phone tools in minutes. You can use AI and team features.

• Set up call routing and ring groups with the visual builder.
• Turn on AI tools like automatic transcription, AI sentiment analysis, and meeting summaries.
• Use call queues, call barging, and call whispering for support teams.
• Connect to your CRM like HubSpot or Salesforce.

Setting up these features saves time and helps your team work better.

Step 6: Test and Train Your Team

Test everything before going live. Make sure softphones, desk phones, and mobile apps work.

• Make sample calls.
• Check call quality, call recording, and AI summaries.
• Train staff on visual voicemail, call forwarding, and video meetings.
• Make sure remote workers can make international calls easily.

Testing prevents mistakes and ensures your phone system is ready.

This guide makes moving from home phones or old PBXs to cloud VoIP easy. Dialaxy helps teams use softphones, desk phones, call forwarding, and AI tools without downtime.

Which Provider Fits Your Industry?

Not every VoIP phone system fits every business. Some industries need speed, others need hardware support or strict compliance. Here’s how the top providers match different needs.

Best for Remote Startups: Dialaxy

Remote startups need fast setup and global numbers. Dialaxy makes it easy to get your team calling immediately.

• Instant provisioning of local numbers in 100+ countries.
• Softphones and mobile apps allow remote work from anywhere.
• Call forwarding and voicemail to email keep the team reachable.
• AI features like call summaries and transcription save time.

Dialaxy works well for small teams that want a modern cloud VoIP system without hardware hassles.

Best for Healthcare: RingCentral

Healthcare organizations need compliance and reliability. RingCentral meets strict regulations like HIPAA.

• HIPAA-compliant infrastructure and HITRUST certification.
• Secure call routing and call recording for patient safety.
• Integration with CRM and scheduling tools.
• High uptime ensures calls are never missed.

RingCentral is ideal for hospitals or clinics that must meet legal standards while managing many calls.

Best for Retail or Restaurants: Ooma

Retail stores and restaurants often use physical phones for ordering, paging, and front desk operations. Ooma fits this need.

• Plug-and-play base station for easy setup.
• Supports analog fax, credit card lines, and overhead paging.
• Visual voicemail and auto attendant simplify customer calls.
• Reliable call quality for high-volume environments.

Ooma is perfect for businesses with physical locations that rely on desk phones or traditional hardware.

Best for High-Volume Sales Teams: Dialaxy

Sales teams need speed, analytics, and CRM integration. Dialaxy keeps calls flowing efficiently.

• Power Dialer and smart call routing improve call volume.
• CRM integration with HubSpot and Salesforce reduces manual entry.
• AI call summaries and sentiment analysis guide team decisions.
• Softphone and desk phone support keep teams flexible.

Dialaxy helps sales teams stay productive while using modern contact center features.

These tips help business owners pick a phone provider that fits their work. Choosing the right cloud system gives you clear calls, easy call forwarding, and smart AI tools.

Conclusion

The verdict is in. It is 2026. Your business phone should not just be a bill you pay. It should be a tool you love. The days of waiting two weeks for a technician are over.

Do you have complex compliance needs? Do you need HIPAA support? RingCentral is your safe harbor. Do you run a retail store? Do you need a physical paging system? Ooma is your reliable workhorse.

But for the modern business, there is a better choice. For startups and remote teams, Dialaxy is the clear winner. It strips away the bloat. It kills the hidden fees. It proves that business calling can be simple.

Do not let old contracts hold you back. Step into the future. Start your free trial with Dialaxy today. Hear the difference for yourself.

FAQs

What is a disadvantage of using a VoIP?

VoIP needs good internet. Slow speed or high latency can make calls drop or sound unclear. SMS, MMS, and instant messaging may be delayed.

Is there a monthly charge for a VoIP phone?

Yes. Most VoIP services charge per user each month. Plans start with $10 in Dialaxy. Some include toll-free numbers, call analytics, or automated callback. Extra features like the copilot add-on may cost more.

What is the best alternate to Google Voice?

Dialaxy is a good choice. It supports softphones, text chat, and MMS messaging. Nextiva works well for call analytics and SMS messaging. Quo is great for messaging and team collaboration. These have more tools than Google Voice.

Can I use a VoIP phone without a provider?

Technically, yes, but not easy. You may lose toll-free numbers, call forwarding, and call analytics. SMS, MMS, and instant messaging may not work.

Can I use a VoIP phone for international calls?

Yes. Most VoIP providers let you call any country. Dialaxy and RingCentral offer local numbers in 100+ countries. Calls use the internet, so latency can affect quality. SMS messaging and MMS messaging also work internationally if the plan allows.