Top Vonage Alternatives to Compare Features, Pricing, and Integrations

If you’ve recently found yourself searching for the best Vonage alternatives, you’re not alone. While Vonage has an excellent reputation in the business communications space, thanks to its reliability, intuitive AI features, and flexible APIs, it still has some limitations.

The price you pay for a platform like Vonage can be high, particularly if you want to tap into numerous communication channels and AI tools. Vonage also falls behind competitors in terms of collaboration features, user experience, and sometimes customer service.

The good news is that there are plenty of great Vonage competitors worth considering. The bad news is that there are so many options out there that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Fortunately, we’re here to help, with this complete comparison guide covering some of the best alternatives to Vonage for businesses today.

What is Vonage? A Quick Overview

Vonage is a world-leading cloud communications company, offering a range of solutions for unified communications as a service (UCaaS), contact center as a service (CCaaS), and conversation APIs. It’s a popular choice among many businesses.

With APIs, companies can build the ideal communication stack from scratch and unlock unlimited capabilities. Vonage’s contact center solutions are robust and omnichannel, with options to tie in conversational commerce features.

Plus, Vonage allows companies to take advantage of conversational AI for customer service and intelligent tools for analytics, reporting, and security.

The company even offers an industry-leading 99.999% uptime guarantee, making it ideal for companies searching for reliable service. However, there are downsides to Vonage ,too.

Why Consider Alternatives to Vonage?

While Vonage is an excellent communication technology vendor overall, it might not be the perfect option for every business. One of the main issues companies have with Vonage is that its fees can be prohibitively expensive.

Plans start at around $19.99 per month, and then you need to manage additional expenses for all the add-ons you need, like voicemail transcriptions, SMS, MMS, and API access.

If you’re building a contact center solution, you’ll even need to pay extra for CRM integrations, post-call surveys, workforce management, and virtual assistants. But it’s not just the pricing that pushes companies to look for Vonage alternatives.

Other potential issues include:

Complex Add-ons for Communication Channels

Although Vonage’s UCaaS and CCaaS solutions support omnichannel communications, not every channel is included in your base plan as standard; you’ll need to pay extra fees if you want to leverage business texting tools (SMS, RCS, and MMS).

The same applies if you want to access web chat solutions, social media integrations, email, and so on. This can make it prohibitively expensive to build an omnichannel contact center over time.

Integration Issues

Vonage integrates with various tools, from CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms to unified communication and collaboration tools. However, most of the time you’ll need to pay extra fees for these integrations. Additionally, leveraging Vonage’s APIs for custom workflows can be complex for non-technical users.

Clunky User Experience

Like most communication platform providers, Vonage is constantly refining its tools to make them more user-friendly. However, many consumers say that the user interface for Vonage contact center and unified communication tools is pretty outdated. You may also struggle to use Vonage’s apps on mobile devices.

Problematic Customer Support

Based on the reviews we’ve read, Vonage’s customer support can be a little “hit and miss”. Some people say that the company is very prompt and effective at addressing issues, while others say they’ve struggled to get the assistance they need quickly. If you need constant support from a reliable service team, it might be a good idea to consider an alternative.

Gated AI Features

Like many advanced features available from Vonage, most AI capabilities are locked behind additional purchases. For instance, you’ll need to pay extra for the Vonage AI assistant, as well as AI-driven sentiment analysis and analytics. Many Vonage competitors offer access to these features for free, as part of standard plans.

What to Look for in Vonage Competitors

So, if you decide to consider Vonage alternatives, what should you be looking for? Ultimately, it all depends on the specific needs and priorities of your business. We recommend paying close attention to:

• Advanced Features: Most alternatives to Vonage will have similar features, from omnichannel routing to reporting tools. However, some competitors do offer more advanced features, like AI SMS solutions or flexible workflow automation tools, without charging you the extra fees you’d pay with Vonage.
• Cost-Efficiency: While you shouldn’t necessarily prioritize the “cheapest” communication platform, you should feel like you’re getting good value for your money. Make sure your vendor offers transparent pricing that matches your budget.
• Reliability: One area where Vonage excels is in reliability. You want that same level of reliability from any communication vendor you work with. Look for uptime guarantees, failover options, and solutions for maintaining call quality.
• Ease of Use: The more intuitive and user-friendly your technology is, the more it will benefit your team. Your solution should be accessible to team members on any device and have a straightforward, clean interface.
• Customer Support: Not all communication tool vendors offer the same level of customer service. Look for a vendor that will help you address technical issues, streamline onboarding, and enhance employee training.
• Integrations: This is crucial; your chosen communication system should integrate with various tools, from your CRM and collaboration tools to your SMS archiving solution, and workforce management apps.

The Top 13 Vonage Alternatives to Consider

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing the best Vonage alternative. Your decision will depend on how you use your communication tools, budget, and more. To give you the best view of your available options, we considered dozens of Vonage alternatives and picked our top contenders based on specific business needs.

Let’s dive in.

1. Clerk Chat: The Best Vonage Alternative for Messaging

Clerk Chat is one of the more unique competitors of Vonage on this list. Unlike most alternatives, Clerk Chat focuses less on traditional voice communications and more on omnichannel messaging, making it ideal for messaging-first brands.

Clerk allows companies to bring their own carrier into the system, combining VoIP with SMS, MMS, RCS, and various other digital channels.

Clerk Chat is flexible, user-friendly, and affordable. It’s more affordable than Vonage, as you’ll see in our Clerk Chat vs Vonage comparison. Plus, it gives companies the tools they need to streamline sales, customer service, and marketing tasks, from intuitive templates to scheduling solutions, and even conversational AI agents for both voice and messaging.

Key Features:

• Omnichannel messaging (RCS, SMS, MMS, and more)
• Expedited 10DLC registration
• Bring your own carrier
• In-depth reports and campaign analytics
• Endless workflow automation options
• Top notch compliance and security
• Versatile conversational AI and AI agents
• Integrations with dozens of business tools

Pricing: Pricing for Clerk Chat starts from as little as $9.99 per month for the Basic plan, or $19.99 per month for the Ultimate plan.

2. RingCentral: Best for Larger Companies

Like Vonage, RingCentral is a “legacy” communications company - one that’s been around for decades. It offers a comprehensive range of unified communications and contact center management tools. Plus, it’s excellent for omnichannel companies, with tools for calling, SMS/MMS, video conferencing, and more.

Notably, RingCentral doesn’t have quite as many messaging features as Clerk Chat, and it can be a lot more expensive (check out our Clerk Chat vs RingCentral comparison here). However, it is a versatile, scalable platform with a lot of advanced features.

RingCentral offers access to built-in team collaboration tools, in-depth reporting solutions, artificial intelligence, and a wide range of integrations. While other RingCentral alternatives might be more cost-effective for smaller brands, this solution is great for larger companies.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive artificial intelligence
• Powerful reporting and insights
• Exceptional reliability (99.999% uptime)
• Wide range of number options
• Integrated collaboration tools
• Flexible calling features
• Lots of integration options

Pricing: Plans for RingCentral’s comprehensive communication platform (RingEx) start at around $19.99 per month, though you may need to pay for extra minutes and add-ons.

3. 8x8: Best Vonage Alternative for Security

8x8 delivers a lot of the same benefits as many other Vonage alternatives listed here. Like Vonage, 8x8 supports omnichannel communication, with solutions for calling, chat, video conferencing, and messaging. Notably, though, you will be a little limited if you’re looking for SMS, MMS, and RCS solutions.

Although 8x8 supports simple two-way texting capabilities, for instance, you can’t create comprehensive campaigns. On the plus side, 8x8 does offer access to AI for customer service and collaboration workflows.

It’s also one of the most secure solutions for highly-regulated industries. The 8x8 phone service is FCC and GDPR compliant, and companies can take advantage of multi-factor authentication, advanced admin and user controls, and risk monitoring features.

Key Features:

• Customizable IVR and routing capabilities
• In-depth analytics
• Number porting options
• Integrated artificial intelligence
• Unlimited users on most plans
• Excellent security and compliance
• Flexible APIs and integrations

Pricing: As 8x8 allows companies to mix and match the tools they need to build the perfect plan, you’ll need to contact the team for a custom quote.

4. OpenPhone: Best for Small, Collaborative Teams

OpenPhone is one of the best alternatives to Vonage for smaller teams looking for affordable, user-friendly, and flexible communication tools. The system comes packed with practical tools, from customizable IVR menus to multiple number management, call recording capabilities for compliance, and more.

It’s also frequently considered by companies looking for Textmagic alternatives, because OpenPhone allows companies to send and receive SMS messages globally. OpenPhone users can leverage artificial intelligence for automated self-service, respond faster to customers with shared numbers, and build custom automated workflows.

Plus, you get a fantastic shared inbox where all your team members can share notes and work together on customer support. This inbox even comes with access to AI tools for call transcriptions, summaries, and suggested next steps.

Key Features:

• Global SMS and calling capabilities
• Built-in AI support
• Flexible collaboration tools
• Integrations with dozens of apps
• Useful team analytics
• Integrated call recording
• Custom IVR menus

Pricing: OpenPhone offers various plans, starting with the Standard plan for $15 per user per month, and the Premium plan starting at $23 per user per month.

5. Nextiva: Best Flexible Solution

Nextiva is one of the few Vonage alternatives that also empowers companies to build their ideal “phone system” from scratch. You can mix and match numerous conversational customer engagement channels, from business SMS to live chat and social media.

Plus, there are plenty of in-built collaboration tools for teams (including video conferencing apps), and even automation and productivity tools. For instance, you can design your own unique workflows with Nextiva’s workflow automation builder.

Nextiva excels in the AI space too, with solutions for speech-to-text transcription, sentiment analysis, and AI classification. There are also plenty of great security, compliance, and data privacy solutions available for highly regulated companies.

Key Features:

• Unlimited voice and video calls
• Integrations with countless business apps
• Flexible AI tools for analysis and self-service
• Intelligent dialling and routing options
• Workflow automation tools
• Omnichannel customer engagement options
• REST APIs for flexible connections

Pricing: The price you pay for Nextiva will depend on the channels you need. For instance, digital channel plans start at $20 per month, per user, while Core plans (which include voice), start at $30 per month, per user.

6. Google Voice: Best Vonage Alternative for Freelancers

Compared to most Vonage alternatives, Google Voice is a very simple solution, not necessarily intended for large, scaling companies. It’s great for smaller companies or freelancers who want access to a straightforward calling solution that won’t cost a fortune.

You can even make and receive calls for free with Google Voice throughout the United States. Plus, you’ll be able to easily integrate your Voice system with the productivity and collaboration tools you already use, like Gmail and Google Calendar.

Many services like Google Voice don’t support global calls, however, which makes them less ideal for larger companies. However, if you’re looking for a simple system that delivers call logging, forwarding, spam blocking, and more, Google Voice is a good pick.

Key Features

• Free US calling and simple SMS
• Voicemail transcription
• Call forwarding and routing
• Reporting and analytics
• Integrations with existing Google tools
• Spam blocking for security
• Mobile apps for easy access

Pricing: Plans for Google Voice start at just $10 per month, per user, although this doesn’t include advanced features, like Ring Groups.

7. Ooma: Best for Small Businesses

If you’re looking for one of the more straightforward alternatives to Vonage, but Google Voice doesn’t offer enough functionality, Ooma might be a good choice. Again, this solution is pretty basic, but it does give you most of the features you need to enhance business customer service and manage calls.

You’ll be able to experiment with auto attendants and custom IVR systems, flexible call distribution and monitoring tools, and even call blocking options. You can also access solutions for call recording.

Text messaging is also an option, but you’ll need to upgrade to a more expensive plan - and even on the Ooma Office Pro plan, you only get 250 messages per month, per user. Still, Ooma is easy to set up and use, and offers unlimited calling in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.

Key Features:

• Free calling in the US, Canada, and Mexico
• Text messaging capabilities
• Voicemail transcriptions
• Integrated call recording
• Auto attendant and IVR systems
• Convenient mobile app
• Call blocking for security

Pricing: Pricing for Ooma starts at around $19.95 per month, per user, but you will need to upgrade to access SMS capabilities.

8. Dialpad: Best for AI Features

If you’re searching for Vonage alternatives with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and intuitive customer service tools, Dialpad is a great choice.

This cloud-based communication platform makes it easy to master personalization in customer service, with flexible conversational AI bots, intelligent routing capabilities, sentiment analysis, and AI agent assist.

Compared to Vonage, Dialpad is a far more advanced platform for customer service. It makes it easy to customize voicemail greetings, routing strategies, and campaigns. Plus, it supports omnichannel communications. For instance, you can use Dialpad as an SMS call center solution, leverage MMS, and even embed video calling and social media into the mix.

Key Features:

• Global calling and SMS/MMS
• Advanced artificial intelligence
• Exceptional reporting and analytics
• Affordable plans (based on functionality)
• Intuitive collaboration tools
• Integrations with dozens of business apps
• Easy call forwarding and routing

Pricing: Standard plans from Dialpad start at $15 per user, per month. However, you may need to pay extra for additional features.

9. Zoom Phone: Best for Collaboration

Zoom might be best known as a video conferencing solution, but over the years, it’s evolved to become one of the top Vonage alternatives around. Similar to Google Voice, Zoom’s phone system integrates seamlessly with the company’s existing collaboration and productivity tools, from Zoom Meetings to Zoom Docs.

Plus, Zoom supports a range of core calling features, such as caller ID, voicemail screening, transcriptions, and customizable greetings. Unlike Vonage, Zoom also doesn’t charge companies extra to access its AI companion - you can use this tool for call transcription and summarization, as well as content generation, for free.

Notably, Zoom doesn’t have the best SMS capabilities, but you can always access Zoom texting features by leveraging an integration with something like Clerk Chat. Zoom offers integrations for various tools, including CRMs and archiving systems.

Key Features:

• Excellent collaboration tools for meetings and file sharing
• Video and audio conferencing
• Intuitive calling features
• Free access to Zoom AI Companion
• Integrations with countless business tools
• Flexible workflow automation
• In-depth reporting and analytics

Pricing: Pricing for Zoom Phone starts at around $10 per month, per user, for the metered calling plan in the US and Canada.

10. Twilio: Best for Communication APIs

A few Vonage competitors give companies a lot of freedom to “integrate” communication capabilities into their existing tools (aside from Nextiva and 8x8). Twilio, however, is a unique solution that prioritizes “CPaaS” (Communication Platform as a Service) systems over traditional UCaaS and CCaaS offerings.

The flexibility of Twilio means you can experiment with a range of APIs, embedding all the features you need into your existing workflows. You can create your own voice and SMS customer service platform, with built-in AI capabilities and flexible routing. There’s even support for various other channels, like RCS and WhatsApp.

Another thing that makes Twilio stand out among other Vonage alternatives, is its scalability. You can easily use the system to send billions of messages worldwide, and handle endless calls or digital interactions.

Key Features:

• Omnichannel messaging capabilities
• Programmable APIs
• Reliable connectivity
• Artificial intelligence
• Global reach for calling and text
• Integrated analytics

Pricing: With Twilio, you’ll pay for features based on the APIs you’re using, so it’s best to contact the company for a custom quote.

11. Webex: Best Vonage Alternative for Enterprise Users

Like RingCentral, Webex is one of the better Vonage alternatives for larger, enterprise users in search of exceptional scalability, reliability, and flexibility. With some of the best security and compliance features around, Webex is great for any company worried about call or SMS compliance - you can even access end-to-end threat monitoring tools.

Webex supports omnichannel communications, allowing organizations to connect with customers across digital channels (social media and chat), as well as voice, MMS, and SMS. It also has a massive global reach, as well as a variety of number options to choose from.

Plus, with Webex, companies can take advantage of built-in collaboration tools for file sharing and video conferencing. There are even lots of fantastic AI features to help you streamline self-service or improve your internal help desk.

Key Features:

• Included meeting and collaboration tools
• Advanced artificial intelligence bots
• In-depth reporting and analytics
• Powerful omnichannel functionality
• Exceptional security and access controls
• Agent and supervisor dashboards
• Intelligent routing and call management

Pricing: Webex plans vary depending on the features you need, particularly if you’re looking for a contact center solution, so you’ll need to contact the team for a quote.

12. GoTo Connect: Best for International Teams

GoTo Connect is another of the top Vonage competitors, focusing on the needs of modern teams. It gives organizations the tools they need to keep remote and hybrid workers aligned, from shared numbers to integrated chat and meeting tools.

Similar to many Vonage alternatives, GoTo Connect supports various communication channels, from voice to SMS, email, social media, and web chat. The phone system even comes with more than 100 great enterprise-grade features.

The best thing about GoTo Connect, however, is its versatility for international teams. You can access free, unlimited calling in more than 50 countries, depending on the plan you choose. Plus, you can use AI to translate and transcribe calls, too.

Key Features:

• Integrated artificial intelligence for employees and customers
• In-depth analytics and reports
• In-meeting chat and whiteboard tools
• SMS, social media, and email integrations
• Powerful global phone system
• End-to-end encryption

Pricing: GoTo Connect doesn’t list pricing plans on its website. You’ll need to contact the team for a custom quote based on the features you need.

13. Aircall: best for Sophisticated Routing

Finally, Aircall is a user-friendly and intuitive phone system, great for companies that want to upgrade their approach to customer service. Like many of the alternatives to Vonage mentioned here, Aircall supports SMS capabilities as well as voice, with great TCPA compliance features; however, it lacks RCS and other channel options.

Still, it does give companies a range of fantastic tools for managing customer interactions, such as custom call routing solutions and automatic call-back features. You can also use Aircall for outbound campaigns, with its intuitive auto-dialers.

On top of that, companies also gain access to advanced analytics, in-depth call logs, and monitoring tools to help them keep on top of performance analytics.

Key Features:

• Customizable call routing and IVRs
• Integrated AI for call management
• CRM and business app integrations
• Performance analytics and call logs
• Straightforward chat and collaboration tools
• Shared inbox for unifying teams

Pricing: Plans for Aircall start at $30 per license for up to three licenses, with unlimited calls across the United States and Canada.

Choosing from the Best Vonage Alternatives

As you can see from the list above, there’s no shortage of great Vonage alternatives you can consider for business communications today. Whether you’re looking for a flexible API-based solution like Twilio, an enterprise-grade platform like Webex, or a system packed with cutting-edge AI solutions like Dialpad, the options are endless.

However, if you’re planning on diving deeper into the world of conversational messaging with your communications strategy, few companies can compete with Dialpad. With flexible number porting options, endless integrations with business tools, and state-of-the-art AI features, Clerk Chat makes it easy to take your communication stack to the next level.

Plus, compared to many of the alternatives to Vonage we’ve mentioned, Clerk Chat is one of the most affordable options on the market. Ready to step into the next era of business communications? Find out how businesses are using Clerk Chat to increase sales, strengthen customer satisfaction, and cut costs.

Alternatively, reach out to our team to get started with a free demo of Clerk Chat today.