compare business phone plans

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best business phone plans: Reliable 5G for work

When I started writing for ZDNet 15 years ago , mobile phones were being used by 74% of the US population, but only 14% of those people were using these basic phones to access the internet. The latest data shows that 97% of Americans own a mobile phone, with 85% of those being smartphones that access the internet multiple times a day.

Smartphones and wireless cellular services are now essential for businesses to compete in today's market and broad coverage is an expectation. After T-Mobile's recent acquisition of Sprint, the US market is dominated by Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. Each of these carriers offers various plan options for businesses of all sizes.

5G continues to roll out across the US, but reliable LTE service is still essential to getting work done. The pricing for business service is competitive, and as someone who has been in the industry for decades, it is amazing to see the reasonable pricing for such fast service that reaches across the nation.

Verizon phone plans for businesses

Verizon Wireless has the most subscribers in the US and is popular with businesses. Three Business Unlimited plans make it easy to find the perfect option for your business. All three  Business Unlimited plans  from Verizon include unlimited talk, text, and data. Support for 5G, mobile hotspot, and tablet use differentiate the three plans. Pricing is also for five or more lines, targeted for business and not for family usage.

Business Unlimited Start

$30 per line per month.

While there are no limits on minutes, texts, or data, in times of congestion data may be slower with this Start plan. Nationwide 5G, low-band spectrum 5G, is supported with the Start plan and a compatible smartphone.

Tablet, smartwatch, and hotspot options are available for additional costs on the Business Unlimited Start plan. The price also includes $5 per month savings for paper-free billing and auto pay.

Pros  

• Nationwide 5G coverage
• Able to add additional devices (watches, tablets) to the account
• No support for mmWave, high-band, 5G
• Data speeds slowed down during times of congestion

Business Unlimited Plus

$40 per line per month.

For $10 more per line per month, Verizon adds 100GB of premium network access, 5G UWB (mmWave) support, and unlimited mobile hotspot service. In addition, Verizon's Business Mobile Secure is included at no additional cost. This enhanced security bundle includes lookout mobile endpoint secure, mobile device management, Wi-Fi protection, and tech support.

• Nationwide 5G coverage, including mmWave spectrum
• Enhanced security bundle included
• Unlimited mobile hotspot service
• 100GB limit during high usage time periods

Business Unlimited Pro

$50 per line per month.

The highest level Verizon Business Unlimited plan provides twice the amount of premium network access, 120GB, along with 50% off on Business Unlimited Pro tablet plans.

This plan may be perfect for businesses using connected tablets out in the field and smartphones that are using data throughout the day away from Wi-Fi service.

• Nationwide 5G coverage with mmWave support
• 50% cost savings on tablet plans
• $50 price per line higher than other tiers

T-Mobile phone plans for businesses

After the purchase of Sprint, T-Mobile is now the second largest (in terms of subscriber count) carrier in the US. While T-Mobile has long been known for its consumer-friendly cellular plans, it also has one of the most extensive  libraries of business offerings  for small companies, large companies, and government agencies. Its new  Business Unlimited plans  are presented below, but other options require  direct discussions  between businesses and T-Mobile.

Business Unlimited Select

$25 to $60 per line per month.

Business Unlimited Select plans are designed for small business customers who need 1 to 12 lines of service. A one line plan is the most expensive, at $60 per month. Two lines are priced at $45 per line per month, four lines are $30 per line per month, and six or more lines are just $25 per line per month.

These plans include 5G network support, 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data, as well as unlimited calling/texting/data in Mexico and Canada.

• Very affordable small business plan
• Unlimited service in Mexico and Canada
• Unlimited streaming is limited to SD content
• Included data in Canada and Mexico is 128kbps speed

Business Unlimited Advanced

$30 to $70 per line per month.

If the employees of your small business travel by airplane and need Microsoft apps, then you should consider the T-Mobile Business Unlimited Advanced plan. This service plan includes 40GB of high-speed hotspot data, Microsoft 365, one hour of Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi, and 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico.

• Affordable per line price point
• Microsoft 365 productivity service included
• One hour of in-flight Wi-Fi service
• 40GB of high-speed hotspot
• 100GB of premium data

Business Unlimited Ultimate

$40 to $85 per line per month.

For small businesses that want it all at reasonable per line prices, the new Business Unlimited Ultimate plan is for you. In addition to the unlimited talk, text, and data (with 5G included) small businesses also get unlimited premium data, 100GB of mobile hotspot, and Microsoft 365.

Streaming content is provided with unlimited 4K UHD quality, WiFi on your flight is unlimited, and data in 210 countries is twice as fast (256kbps) as the other T-Mobile small business plans.

• Unlimited premium data
• Unlimited WiFi on your flight
• Microsoft 365 services included
• 5GB of high speed data in Canada and Mexico

AT&T phone plans for businesses

After T-Mobile added Sprint subscribers to its total subscriber base, AT&T dropped to third in total subscriber count. However, AT&T is also well established as an enterprise service provider with  four enterprise options  available to customers. AT&T also serves as the backbone for the  FirstNet network  optimized for first responders.

Unlimited Your Way for Business

Starting at $30 per month.

The Unlimited Your Way for Business plans allow up to 10 devices per plan group and are designed for small to medium-sized businesses. The more lines you add, up to 10 lines, the less expensive the starting price is for AT&T Business Unlimited Starter, Business Unlimited Performance, and Business Unlimited Elite. For 10 lines, the starting price is $30, $35, and $40 per line per month, respectively. For just a single line, these prices are $65, $75, and $85 per line per month, respectively.

Hotspot data allotments, priority data transmission, and higher definition streaming are features that improve as you move from the Starter tier to the Elite tier of service. Select the number of lines on the Unlimited Your Way website to view pricing for your company.

• Price per line decreases with additional lines
• Multiple tiers of service are offered
• Limited to 10 lines of service
• Priority data transmission restrictions
• Hotspot data limits

AT&T Mobility Select - Pooled

Starting at $35 per month.

Unlimited calls and text messages in the US, unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada, and unlimited texting from the US to more than 120 countries are included in the  AT&T Mobility Select - Pooled  plan service. Data is served up to each employee from a single shared pool for each business account.

Plans start at $35 per month, but potential customers need to contact AT&T to discuss specific details and plan pricing.

• Affordable plan pricing
• Unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada
• Shared pool requires management to allocate

AT&T Mobile Share Plus for Business

Starting at $50 per month.

The AT&T Mobile Share Plus for Business plan supports from one to 25 smartphone lines with various monthly data caps, ranging from 3GB to 120GB per phone. Pricing per phone starts at $50 per month for 3GB and goes up to $615 for one phone with 120GB of data.

Shareable data, rollover data, unlimited talk and text, mobile hotspot service, and international talk, text, and data are provided with these plans.

• Support for up to 25 lines of service
• Rollover data support
• Mobile hotspot service included
• Data caps allocated by service option

AT&T Business 4GB

Unlimited talk, text, and 4GB of data per line are provided with the AT&T Business 4GB  plan. Hotspot data and standard mobile security services are also provided with the plan. Pricing for smartphones starts at $50 per month, but further pricing requires consultation with an AT&T representative.

AT&T Business 4GB is available for tablets for $20 per month and for wearables for $10 per month. AT&T advertises this plan as best for small businesses.

• Unlimited talk and text
• Controlled pricing per each phone
• Service options for tablets and wearables
• 4GB data limit per each line

MVNO options for businesses

While the three major carriers offer focused business plans, there are also a few MVNOs that offer attractive per line plans that may work well for small businesses. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) are companies that use establish wireless carrier infrastructure to provide no or minimal contract options for customers. The MVNOs do not openly advertise which wireless carrier infrastructure they are using, but as soon as you insert a SIM into your phone, you can see which carrier is connected to which MVNO. MVNOs are optimized for consumers looking for phone service with no contracts and prepaid options, but these same elements may help small businesses control costs and adjust to market demands.

US Mobile for business

$9 per line and $2 per gb per month.

Most MVNOs offer attractive per line prices with each account limited to five or six lines. US Mobile is one MVNO that actually provides shared data plans for companies of any size. Enter the number of lines you need and the amount of shared data to view your total monthly payment. 

A couple of examples include 50 lines with 100GB of data for $674 per month or 30 lines with 50GB of data for $385 per month. We had the opportunity to test out the two available US Mobile SIM cards and found the service to be fast and reliable.

• Specific service offering for businesses
• Scalable to your business size and line needs
• Competitive $9 per line base fee
• Verizon and T-Mobile serve as network providers
• Data price per GB may be higher than unlimited plans

Mint Mobile

$30 per month per line.

Mint Mobile is one of the most popular MVNOs thanks in large part to advertising by one of its owners, Ryan Reynolds. While there are no specific business plans, three/six/twelve month plans for individual phones are available starting as low as $30 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.

T-Mobile provides the network for Mint Mobile's service so you will need GSM handsets for the service.

• Unlimited talk, text, and data plan options
• Flexibility for less expensive data limit plans
• No specific business service plans
• Limited to T-Mobile coverage area
• Three available contract period options

Cricket Wireless

Starting at $25 per line per month.

Cricket Wireless is an established MVNO, service provided by AT&T, that has retail stores around the country so you can get support and establish service in person if you desire. One to five lines can be setup for each account with measured data or unlimited data. Mobile hotspot data can also be added to each line.

4G LTE and 5G data is provided, along with international support, cloud storage, and more.

• Established, trusted MVNO
• Physical retail stores around the country
• Unlimited and measured data plan options
• No long term contract required
• Service coverage area limited to AT&T network
• Five line limit per account

What steps should a new business take to establish wireless service?

While this buying guide provides current pricing and service options from the three primary US wireless carriers and MVNOs, specific pricing for your business requires a conversation with the carrier to fully define your company needs, available service discounts, and contract lengths.

One of the first things to figure out is where you will need service geographically in the US as all three carriers have slightly different coverage maps. Your geographic operating area may remove one, or more, carriers from your viable candidate list. 

The next step is to determine how many lines of service you will need and then the data needs of those lines. Calling and text messages are unlimited in all cases, but data speed and amount of data will drive your costs.

Most carriers also offer additional incentives and services, such as hotspot, in-flight coverage, Microsoft 365, and more. Make sure to account for the value of these incentives in your decision-making process.

What are the disadvantages of a MVNO?

Most MVNOs are focused on the consumer market so business plan offerings for more than six lines of service are rare. Pricing can be very competitive and with no contracts these MVNOs may be attractive to businesses just getting started that do not want to lock in long-term contracts.

Account management may require more time from businesses given the consumer focus of MVNOs. MVNOs are also subject to the infrastructure provided by the big three US carriers, but there are several established MVNOs with solid reputation and a record of high-quality service and support.

What is the best business phone plan?

We analyzed reliability, coverage, and price to compile a list of the best phone plans for your business which includes: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Does the choice of my smartphone model limit wireless service?

In the past, the US wireless market was split into GSM and CDMA service technologies with two carriers supporting each of these technologies. Modern smartphones support LTE and 5G service without CDMA technology your choice of smartphone is not as limited.

The most popular smartphones in the US, Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, support all wireless technologies in the US wireless market so there are no limits on using these phones with any US carrier. If you purchase these phones directly from Samsung and Apple, then you can choose to purchase unlocked models.

Some phones are sold in a locked state so they can only be used on one specific carrier. This may be changing soon and there are processes to unlock your phone from your carrier if you decide to switch carriers. There used to be incentives for purchasing locked phones, but in today's world purchasing unlocked phones gives you the most flexibility for choosing your service provider.

ZDNET Recommends

The best cheap 5g phones: expert tested, the best business internet service providers, the best at&t phone deals right now.

Office Technology | Buyer's Guide

6 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2024

Published January 18, 2024

Published Jan 18, 2024

REVIEWED BY: Corey McCraw

WRITTEN BY: Sam Dadofalza

This article is part of a larger series on VoIP .

• 1 Best Business Cell Phone Plans Compared
• 2 Verizon: Best for Mobile Hotspot and Premium Data
• 3 RingCentral: Best for Streamlined Call Distribution
• 4 AT&T: Best for Mobile Security
• 5 Nextiva: Best for Toll-free Calling
• 6 T-Mobile: Best for Global Communications
• 7 Google Voice: Best for Budget-conscious Freelancers
• 8 How We Evaluated the Best Business Cell Phone Plans
• 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• 10 Bottom Line

The best business cell phone plans offer unlimited calls, texts, and mobile data, support remote work via mobile hotspot access, and enable communications with overseas contacts. They provide robust mobile security through proprietary apps for spam call detection and safe browsing. The plans have valuable add-on features such as subscriptions to streaming services and business tools. In this article, we outlined our top picks for business cell phone plans:

• Verizon : Best for mobile hotspot and premium data
• RingCentral : Best for streamlined call distribution
• AT&T : Best for mobile security
• Nextiva : Best for toll-free calling
• T-Mobile : Best for global communications
• Google Voice : Best for budget-conscious freelancers

Best Business Cell Phone Plans Compared

Verizon: best for mobile hotspot & premium data.

What We Liked

• Unlimited calling and texting in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
• TravelPass offers 24 hours of unlimited talk and text in overseas locations and 2GB of high-speed international data
• Huge discounts on tablets when subscribed to the Unlimited Pro plan

Where It Falls Behind

• Expensive subscription plans, with the entry-level package starting at $70 per line, per month
• Caller ID and personal block list feature are not available in the base-level plan
• Mobile security requires a separate activation fee of $5 per device

Verizon Monthly Pricing*

• Business Unlimited Start 5G: $70 per line for unlimited talk, text, and data, unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, 5GB of 5G and 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, call filter, and 480p video streaming
• Business Unlimited Plus 5G: $80 per line for 100GB of premium smartphone data and mobile hotspot data, enhanced security features, up to 4K video streaming, and TravelPass for two days (24 hours of unlimited talk and text, 2GB of high-speed international data, and then unlimited data at 3G speeds thereafter)
• Business Unlimited Pro 5G: $85 per line for unlimited premium smartphone data, 200GB of premium mobile hotspot data, TravelPass for four days, and 50% off on tablet plan

*Pay only $35, $45, or $50 per line for the tiered subscription plans when you get five or more lines. Secure $5 savings per month when you sign up for Auto Pay and paper-free billing.

Verizon is our top provider in this list of the best business cell phone plans, offering a generous allotment for mobile hotspot and premium data. This allows on-the-go professionals to have fast access to the internet wherever they are. The provider features 200GB of premium mobile hotspot data in its most expensive plan. While its direct competitor, AT&T, has the same maximum cellular data, Verizon’s mobile throttling speed is more tolerable.

AT&T slows down the speeds to a maximum of 128Kbps when you reach the data usage threshold. Verizon, on the other hand, reduces the speed to 600Kbps for 4G LTE and 5G and 3Mbps for 5G Ultra Wideband. Meanwhile, its premium data has no cap and won’t slow down based on the data used. On top of the excellent data offerings, Verizon has a range of business cell phones for small businesses, carrying top brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google.

The downside of using Verizon is that some of its call filtering features, like caller ID and personal block list, are not available in the entry-level plan. You must upgrade to the second-tier package, which costs $80 per line, monthly, to access those tools. Other business cell phone plans providers have these call filtering capabilities in their base-level subscription packages. You’ll save more with RingCentral , for instance, as it’s priced at $30 per user, per month.

Verizon Features

Block high-risk calls automatically using Verizon’s spam filter. (Source: Verizon )

• Call filter: Screen and block incoming spam calls and those from unwanted numbers. Upgrade to Call Filter Plus to access caller ID for robocall control and total spam protection.
• Business Mobile Secure: Get alerts when a device tries to connect to unsecured Wi-Fi. It protects your phone against phishing and other cybersecurity risks.
• Bring your own device (BYOD) : Verizon allows users to keep their smartphones and numbers when switching to the provider. Simply check your eligibility, bring your smartphone and number, and activate them with one of Verizon’s unlimited business plans.

RingCentral: Best for Streamlined Call Distribution

• Free local and toll-free numbers in all plans
• 99.999% uptime guarantee, which translates to less than six minutes of annual downtime
• Up to 200 video meeting participants
• Only offers up to 200 business texting credits per user
• Phone rentals are only available for those tied to a multi-year contract
• Unlimited storage for files is locked behind the most expensive plan

RingCentral Monthly Pricing*

• Core: $30 per user for unlimited domestic calling, local or toll-free numbers, 100 toll-free minutes, 25 short messaging service (SMS) credits, and multi-level auto-attendant
• Advanced: $35 per user for 1,000 toll-free minutes, 100 SMS credits, advanced call queues, automatic and on-demand call recording, and up to eight-digit phone extensions
• Ultra: $45 per user for 10,000 toll-free minutes, 200 SMS credits, and unlimited storage for files, messaging, and recordings
• Free trial: 14 days

*Save up to 33% by paying annually. Volume discounts for 50-plus users are available.

RingCentral ranks second on our list of the best small business cell phone plans, most suitable for teams wanting to improve call management. Its wide array of voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) features route phone calls to team members more efficiently. For one, the multi-level auto-attendant automatically directs calls to the right departments based on the caller’s key presses. Its call queue accommodates up to 25 waiting calls.

The VoIP phone system supports various call routing modes: round-robin, sequential, and simultaneous. Aside from organizing the flow of inbound calls, these distribution methods ensure you won’t miss important customer queries.

Before choosing RingCentral, note that it only provides a maximum of 200 SMS credits per user. If you frequently send texts for marketing or customer service, explore other best cell phone plans businesses use, like Verizon and AT&T , which offer unlimited texting.

RingCentral Features

Get an overview of all your voicemail messages on RingCentral. (Source: RingCentral )

• Visual voicemail: Access and manage your voicemail through RingCentral’s admin portal. Instead of listening to audio files and playing them repeatedly to get the details of the message, read the voicemails. Users have the option to preview, delete, and forward these messages.
• Team huddle: Let team members hold spontaneous virtual meetings that resemble face-to-face, informal huddles. Easily host audio and video conferences where participants come and go as they please.
• Video conferencing: Host virtual meetings for up to 200 participants. If you get the large meeting add-on, your sessions will be able to accommodate a maximum of 500 attendees.

AT&T: Best for Mobile Security

• Unlimited texting from the U.S. to 200+ countries
• All subscription plans feature mobile app security
• Waived activation fees for new customers who buy plans and devices online
• More expensive subscription plans compared to other providers listed here
• 5G+ is available in limited parts of select cities only
• Hotspot data speed slows to a maximum of 128Kbps when your allotted data is consumed

AT&T Monthly Pricing*

• Standard: $70 per line for unlimited talk, text, and data within and between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, 5G/5G+ access, 5GB of mobile hotspot data, basic ActiveArmor security, and standard-definition video streaming
• Advanced: $80 per line for 100GB of mobile hotspot data, advanced ActiveArmor security, and high-definition 1080p video streaming
• Premium: $90 per line for 200GB mobile hotspot data, high-definition 4K video streaming, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Latin America

*Pay only $40, $45, or $50 for the tiered subscription plans when you get six or more lines. Secure a $10 discount when you sign up for AutoPay and paperless billing.

AT&T is the best cell phone plan for businesses prioritizing the privacy of confidential company information. Among the providers mentioned in this list, it offers the most comprehensive mobile security through the AT&T ActiveArmor app. This app offers spam risk call blocking, safe browsing, public Wi-Fi protection, and identity monitoring. The last one involves tracking the dark web for your personal information.

On top of these key features, you’ll be able to receive data breach alerts, run reverse number lookups, identify unknown caller details, and get information about your Android smartphone if it gets lost or stolen. While AT&T offers excellent mobile security among the best cell phone plans for small businesses listed, its data offering may be a deal-breaker. It slows down the hotspot data to a maximum of 128Kbps when the user hits their data cap.

In contrast, Verizon’s mobile throttling speed is 600Kbps, a more acceptable speed for professionals who need to stay connected. Consider this option if you need internet access when working remotely. The provider offers some valuable mobile security features as well, such as Wi-Fi protection and robocall blocking.

AT&T Features

Turn on data roaming when traveling internationally. (Source: AT&T )

• Video streaming: Watch shows on your smartphone in standard definition, high-definition, or ultra-high definition, depending on your plan. To control data usage, AT&T’s Video Management feature automatically renders streaming video in standard definition.
• International roaming: Call, text, and use mobile data in Latin America with no usage limits. This lets you communicate with colleagues and customers whenever needed, wherever you may be.
• Mobile hotspot: Plug your devices into your hotspot and secure your internet connection instantly. With AT&T’s broad coverage nationwide, you’ll connect and work remotely without the hassle.

Nextiva: Best for Toll-free Calling

• High-definition voice is featured in all subscription plans
• Number porting is free of charge
• Lets users bring their own device
• Only allows a 45-minute duration in video calls
• SMS isn't available in the entry-level plan
• Users must upgrade to the most expensive package to access call recording and voicemail transcription

Nextiva Monthly Pricing*

• Essential: $30.95 per user for free local and toll-free numbers, up to 1,500 toll-free minutes, auto-attendant, and call history
• Professional: $35.95 per user for up to 3,000 toll-free minutes, multi-level auto-attendant, voicemail-to-SMS, and a maximum of 1,000 messages sent and received per user
• Enterprise: $45.95 per user for up to 12,500 toll-free minutes, call recording, a maximum of 2,000 messages sent and received per user, and voicemail transcription

*Save up to 33% by paying annually. Volume discounts are available for more than four users.

Nextiva is included in this list of the best cell phone plans for small businesses, ideal for companies catering to a national client base because of its generous toll-free minute allowance. It offers a maximum of 12,500 toll-free minutes, allowing customers from different parts of the country to reach out to the business without any charge.

The provider’s call management features, specifically the multi-level auto-attendant, call queueing, call park, and five-digit phone extensions, make accommodating several customer queries easier. The threaded conversations, which put all customer interactions from different channels in one interface, help users be more organized in addressing concerns.

One disadvantage you need to know before subscribing to Nextiva is that its video calls only last for 45 minutes. Consider other best cell phone plans for businesses if you frequently go on long video calls for client and team discussions. RingCentral is a good option, as its video meetings have a duration of 24 hours.

Nextiva Features

Set your status on Nextiva to let colleagues know if you’re available for a call. (Source: Nextiva )

• Call recording: Capture phone calls and store the recordings to secure a reliable reference for business deals and agreements. These files may serve as training materials for new customer service representatives in the future.
• Call presence: Know who among colleagues is available for calls. The phone system’s presence displays user status: available, on a call, unavailable (do not disturb), or offline.
• Call pop: See who’s on the other end of the line before answering a call. Refer to the call pop feature to know the customers’ last interaction, account value, and experience score or customer sentiment.

T-Mobile: Best for Global Communications

• Offers valuable productivity tools, like Microsoft 365 license
• Add-ons, like extra high-speed hotspot and high-definition streaming, offer flexibility when users need additional data
• All plans have dedicated customer care services
• Wi-Fi for traveling isn't available in the entry-level plan
• Reverse number lookup tool is only available at the most expensive subscription package
• Netflix subscription is locked behind the Ultimate plan

T-Mobile Monthly Pricing*

• Select: $60 per line for 50GB of premium data, unlimited mobile hotspot with 5GB of data, unlimited international texting and up to 5GB of data in 11 countries, and unlimited calling, texting, and data in Mexico and Canada with up to 5GB of data
• Advanced: $70 per line for 100GB of premium data, unlimited mobile hotspot with 50GB of data, four full-flight Wi-Fi sessions a year, and secure Wi-Fi without additional charge
• Ultimate: $85 per line for unlimited premium data and unlimited mobile hotspot with 100GB of data

*Pay only $25, $30, or $40 per line for the tiered subscription plans when you get six lines.

T-Mobile is our top pick for international communications among the listed small business cell phone plans, given its attractive travel benefits. For one, you’ll have access to in-flight Wi-Fi with streaming on select airlines, namely Alaska, American, Delta, and United. To use the service, you must have your Wi-Fi calling settings enabled. The in-flight solutions cover video streaming, text and picture messaging, visual voicemail, and over-the-top messaging.

On top of that, you have unlimited international texting and data in more than 215 overseas locations. The high-speed data is capped at 5GB per month, and the unlimited data is up to 256Kbps. If you’re traveling to Mexico or Canada, maximize the unlimited talk, text, and data of up to 5GB.

One downside of choosing T-Mobile is that the business cell phone plan has a more expensive subscription when you want to secure unlimited premium data. You must upgrade to its highest-tier package, which costs $85 per line, monthly. Verizon is slightly more affordable at $80 per line.

T-Mobile Features

Block spam calls automatically using T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app. (Source: T-Mobile )

• Microsoft 365 access: Higher T-Mobile plans like the Advanced and Ultimate packages come with a single Microsoft Office license. Access popular productivity tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and collaboration features, such as Microsoft Teams and OneDrive (1TB cloud storage).
• Scam Shield: This feature automatically identifies and prevents spam calls, which may put your security at risk or negatively affect productivity. It features a caller ID that displays callers’ information even on numbers not registered on your contact list. Additionally, it provides a proxy number to keep your real phone number private.
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get exclusive access to free offers and attractive deals from different brands on T-Mobile’s app. The perks include prizes and discounts on food, fuel, hotel stays, gadgets, and app subscriptions.

Google Voice: Best for Budget-conscious Freelancers

• Service level agreement (SLA) is offered in all subscription plans
• Offers seamless access to other Google apps, like Calendar and Meet
• Google AI blocks spam calls automatically
• Doesn’t have call recording in the entry-level plan
• Users must subscribe to the most expensive package to access advanced reporting
• Lacks advanced VoIP features other providers offer, like toll-free minutes and call monitoring

Google Voice Monthly Pricing

• Personal: Free for one user, local phone number, unlimited calls and text messages within the United States (U.S.), and voicemail
• Starter: $10 per user for up to 10 users, calls to the U.S., Canada, and most European countries, unlimited text messaging within the U.S., voicemail transcription, and integration with Calendar and Meet
• Standard: $20 per user for unlimited users, multi-level auto-attendant, ring groups, and eDiscovery for calls, voicemails, and text messages
• Premier: $30 per user for unlimited international locations, advanced reporting, and automatic call recording

Google Voice is our top-recommended small business phone plan for budget-conscious freelancers, as it’s the most affordable solution in this list. For only $10, you’ll have unlimited calls within the U.S., Canada, and select European countries and unlimited texts within the U.S. Solopreneurs who only need a second phone number and unlimited domestic calling will benefit from the Personal plan, which is free of charge.

The VoIP provider is likewise an excellent option for freelancers who are already working with other Google products. It seamlessly integrates with Calendar and Meet, so if you need to switch to a longer huddle with colleagues and clients, the video conferencing feature is easily accessible.

But unlike other small business VoIP services , Google Voice doesn’t have advanced VoIP tools like toll-free minutes and call monitoring. RingCentral is your best option if these features are essential to your business communications. It offers up to 10,000 toll-free minutes and call monitoring tools, like whisper, barge, and takeover.

Google Voice Features

Get spam call alerts from Google Voice. (Source: Google Voice )

• Multi-level auto-attendant: Send callers to different departments by letting them choose from a phone menu. Record your greetings using Google Voice’s text-to-speech tool or uploading a professionally recorded audio.
• Enhanced spam protection: The phone system automatically labels spam calls as such using advanced artificial intelligence. On top of this, it marks suspicious text messages on Android and iOS devices.
• Ring groups: Delegate a ring group to a specific Google Voice user. A ring group manager will be able to configure the ring group members, call routing rules, ring duration settings, and working hours.

Manage your VoIP costs better by exploring pay-as-you-go and prepaid VoIP options. Take into account your business and communication priorities as you consider the providers mentioned in our buyer’s guide.

How We Evaluated the Best Business Cell Phone Plans

To assess the providers objectively, we developed a scoring rubric that takes into account companies’ considerations when choosing business cell phone plans. These factors include subscription costs, essential features like unlimited calling, spam call blocking, and international calling, and customer service hours. The popularity of each vendor was likewise a part of our assessment.

Learn how we evaluated the top cell phone plans for business by clicking on the tabs below:

• General Features
• Advanced Features
• Ease of Use
• Customer Support
• Expert Score

20% of Overall Score

To determine if the vendors have an accessible pricing point, we considered the entry-level plan’s fees and the number of subscription packages offered. We assigned higher points to those providing annual and volume discounts and free plans.

25% of Overall Score

The general features we looked at were unlimited calling, call forwarding, and call routing. Similarly, we assessed how robust the third-party integrations are.

The niche features include tools improving security and international communications. We gave more points to those with spam blockers, in-flight texting, and international calling support. Those with video meeting features earned more points as well.

10% of Overall Score

Since not all users are tech-savvy, we considered how easy it is to set up accounts and maximize the features offered by the provider. We checked if the vendors’ proprietary apps’ interfaces are beginner-friendly.

The customer support channels we included in our evaluation were live chat, phone, and email. We considered the schedule of customer service, giving more points to those with 24/7 operations.

15% of Overall Score

The vendors’ standout features and ease of use were part of our expert score. We checked third-party review websites to evaluate their level of popularity among professionals. In addition, we evaluated the feature inclusions for every subscription plan to determine if they provide great value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best cell phone carrier for coverage.

According to the Federal Communications Commission’s national broadband map, AT&T and Verizon have the broadest 4G LTE coverage, covering 56.95% and 55.9% of the country, respectively. Meanwhile, T-Mobile covers 35.3%. AT&T and Verizon are excellent options if you prioritize coverage.

How fast is Verizon’s 4G LTE?

Verizon 4G LTE can accommodate download speeds between 5 and 12Mbps and upload speeds between 2 and 5Mbps.

How do I choose the best cell phone plan?

In a nutshell, these are the factors you must consider when comparing cell phone plans:

• Data and voice coverage: Check the carriers’ coverage maps to see if your business areas are included. Ask contacts as well which providers work well in different locations.
• Device options: If you plan to get a new device, see if your carrier offers your preferred brands and models. Meanwhile, if you plan to stick to your existing phone, ensure your phone plan provider supports BYOD.
• Plan inclusions: Compare the high-speed data limits for each provider’s unlimited data offerings. If you frequently travel for work, check if there’s mobile hotspot access included in the plan. Those traveling overseas should benefit from a package that features international coverage. If you choose VoIP platforms, check if the plan includes a toll-free minute allowance and robust call routing tools.
• Subscription rates: Determine how much you will spend on your mobile plan each month. When comparing quotes, consider the taxes and fees on top of the subscription rates. Note that some providers offer discounts for bulk lines and enrollment in AutoPay and paperless billing. VoIP vendors provide discounted prices for those who choose annual billing.

Bottom Line

Your cell phone plan of choice ultimately depends on your calling and texting habits, travel frequency, and monthly budget. The best providers offer affordable packages, unlimited calling, and essential features like call forwarding and call routing. They offer robust support for remote work and mobile security and make availing new devices easier.

In our evaluation, Verizon reigns supreme over the best business cell phone plans, especially for on-the-go employees who need reliable internet connection wherever they are. With its broad coverage nationwide, premium data offerings, and unlimited talk and text features, you’ll be able to stay connected to your customers and colleagues, regardless of your location.

Visit Verizon

About the Author

Sam Dadofalza

Sam is an office tech writer at Fit Small Business, covering various topics including virtual phone systems, contact center platforms, and unified communications tools. She produced content for the digital marketing campaigns of small businesses from different industries and countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Join Fit Small Business

Sign up to receive more well-researched small business articles and topics in your inbox, personalized for you. Select the newsletters you’re interested in below.

Home > Services > Phone

The 5 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2023

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *AutoPay Discount included: -$5/mo. per line. Plus taxes & fees.

We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our editorial guidelines and advertising disclosure .

Business.org’s 5 best business cell phone plans

At&t: best full-featured plans.

Looking for a broad choice of bells and whistles? As a telecom behemoth, AT&T has plenty of cell phone features and packages to offer a business—around 20 plan variations, small to large. All plans include free US roaming, unlimited talk, and text messages, as well as unlimited texting outside of the country. Basic features like call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and conference calling also come standard with all AT&T business cell phone plans, along with bring-your-own-phone support.

AT&T's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Business Unlimited plan prices start at $35 a month per line, and there is a new perk where unlimited data is included in the unlimited talk and text plan. This means there is no need to worry about overages or data caps. 

 AT&T business plans can also accommodate up to 10 lines per account, and they come fully loaded with perks—like Stream Saver. This feature optimizes streaming video on your phone to 480p so you can watch webinars on-the-go without dealing with a blurry picture.

Each plan also includes a decent array of iOS and Android smartphone options and even a few good ol’ flip phones. A 15% military veteran discount can be applied to the Business Unlimited plans, as well as AT&T-owned DIRECTV services (because, again, telecom behemoth).

Users are eligible for a discount if they elect for autopay and paperless billing but this discount is only applied until after two pay periods. We don't know why the discount cannot be applied earlier in the billing process but we do find it frustrating. 

T-Mobile: Best flexible plans

Not sure exactly what you’ll need in a mobile plan besides future adaptability? T-Mobile, the third-largest wireless service in the US, offers four Magenta® for Business plans, all packed with unique features that set T-Mobile apart from the rest. The German-owned company has also earned a reputation for stellar customer service and was the first to eliminate annual contracts (an idea that stuck—none of the plans reviewed on this page require contracts). In April 2018, the company announced its intention to merge with Sprint under the T-Mobile banner.

T-Mobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *While using AutoPay.

All of T-Mobile’s Business cell phone plans offer the same basic features:

Unlimited talk and text

Unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data on our network

• Unlimited mobile hotspot
• Scam Shield

Unlimited calling and texting to Mexico & Canada

Unlimited video streaming

In addition, all T-Mobile Business plans include DIGITS, which allows you to access up to five phone numbers on a single device. That means you could answer calls to your work number and your personal number on one device—no more packing two phones in your bag every day. DIGITS also lets you share your phone number across multiple devices, so you can answer on your phone, smartwatch, tablet, or computer.

T-Mobile users with a Business plan can also add the PlusUp add-on and get extra features, like Voicemail to Text, HD streaming, 20 GB of 4G LTE mobile hotspot data, unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, caller ID, and double the data speed when roaming internationally.

Keep in mind, though, that T-Mobile’s Business plans are available only on plans with two to 13 lines. If you need more than 13 lines, you’ll need to sign up for the 13+ Plan ($285 per month for 13 lines, plus $25 per month for each additional line).

T-Mobile plans also allow bring-your-own-device convenience, or you can buy phones up front with a single payment (there are nearly 40 iOS and Android phones to choose from).

Now that T-Mobile and Sprint have been merged for almost six months, some significant changes have taken effect. T-Mobile’s website is now the only place businesses can sign up for Sprint or T-Mobile business phone accounts.

Sprint still has an active business website for previous users but all new plans will be sold by T-Mobile on its website.

By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .

Verizon: Best growing business plans

Serving over 150 million customers, Verizon isn’t just big, it’s BIG. Such a mobile mammoth might not seem like the obvious choice for a small business, but for what it lacks in a personalized customer service reputation, Verizon more than makes up for by offering every cell phone feature there is, as well as dominant US, and near-dominant global, coverage. Like McDonald’s and Marvel movies, Verizon is everywhere.

Verizon's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7/22. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. *With 4+ lines

While business owners can get business cell phone plans with limited data, we recommend choosing an unlimited plan if you have multiple employees (or do a lot of work via cell phone).

Verizon’s Business Unlimited cell phone plans are scalable from four employees up to and over 40. And with plans starting at just $40 per line, Verizon Business Unlimited plans are an attractive option whether you’re running a tiny company with no expansion plans, a medium-sized business with an eye toward growth, or a large enterprise with heavy cell phone requirements.

Verizon Beyond Unlimited plans also include unlimited mobile hotspot use, though your speeds are limited depending on your plan. Plus, you get unlimited calling and texting to Mexico and Canada—not to mention unlimited calling, texting, and data while in those countries. And naturally, you also get unlimited talk and text as part of your Beyond Unlimited package.

Verizon doesn’t skimp on device choices either. There are nearly 100 iOS and Android phones and tablets available—including the Verizon Jetpack, a mobile hotspot device that can connect 10 devices to its 4G LTE network and an additional five to 3G.

If your company requires truly “unlimited” cell phone service and scalability to grow and is in the position to pay for functionality with frills, Verizon Business Unlimited is the way to go. Bare-bones operations, however, might want to look elsewhere.

Each of our recommendations has its strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes the most difficult part about finding a phone system is determining exactly what you need and don't need. The best place to start is separating your needs between installing a new system, replacing a system or expanding system.

If you are having trouble sorting out exactly what your phone needs are, use this tool to help you understand what the best options are for your unique needs. 

MintMobile: Most affordable plans

We are sure you’ve seen the commercials with Ryan Reynolds talking about this new phone carrier business with a fox logo called Mint Mobile. In fact, a lot of Mint customers were drawn to Mint because of Ryan Reynolds Hollywood looks, but that’s not the only thing Mint has to offer. 

Mint is inexpensive and transparent, compared to other cell phone carriers with hidden fees and seemingly random regulations.

MintMobile's business cell phone plans

Data as of 12/7 /22 . Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

T hese are the prices for new customers and will last up to three months. After the third month, you are eligible to sign up for a 6- or 12-month contract on one of the tiered plans, all less than $35/mo/user, which is astronomically less than other providers. 

MintMobile is no fuss, and you really do feel like you must be tricking the rest of the world with its pricing. The only issue is that MintMobile is fairly new, launched in 2015, coverage is not completely everywhere. There are still a couple of coverage gaps in the West, namely Utah, Nebraska, Idaho and Nevada. If you are east of the Rocky Mountains, you are good to go!

Teltik: Best perks plans

If you’re a strapped startup, New Jersey’s Teltik can get you up and running on the cheap. Teltik is a reseller service operating on T-Mobile’s 4G LTE network, meaning it can offer the reliability and reach of a giant provider at smaller-company prices. Teltik also has the advantage of being completely US-based, with 24/7 local customer service that’s not outsourced overseas.

Teltik's business cell phone plans

3 more (non-business) cell phone plans reviewed by business.org.

Teltik appears to have a dozen plans, but they’re mostly just variations of the essential plan that offers all the expected basics. Not coincidentally, the features mirror those of T-Mobile, as they’re on the same network.

The most basic plan starts at $20 a month and includes unlimited calling and texting, mobile hotspot service, and unlimited data—with a 2 GB cap on 4G LTE speeds (meaning your speed gets throttled to 128 Kbps if you use more than 2 GB of data in a month). From there, you can upgrade your plan to include more 4G LTE data and more mobile hotspot data. Upgraded plans cost anywhere from $30 to $40 per month, and they all include one cloud-phone VoIP line—perfect for small businesses looking to save on all their telecommunications needs.

One distinctly entertaining feature (pun intended) of Teltik’s business plans? You get unlimited media streaming from over 40 music services (including Spotify, Pandora, and Apple Music) and more than 100 video services (including YouTube, Netflix, and any other channel you can think of). That means you can stream as much TV as you want without it eating into your data. It’s almost as if Teltik doesn’t want you to get any work done.

Another thing you need to know: Teltik doesn’t sell phones. Instead, the company operates on a strict bring-your-own-device basis. Any unlocked phone will work with its network, as will any T-Mobile device, of course. However, you will have to spend $10 plus shipping and handling to buy a new SIM card for each of your devices (unless they’ve already got brand-new, unused T-Mobile SIM cards).

The takeaway

Assess your company’s current cell phone usage, and projected future needs, before diving into any plan. What looks like a great deal could turn out to be more than you actually need—or you may have initially underestimated your business’s cell phone requirements. Also, if your company has both cell phone and regular office phone needs, check into bundling. The larger telecom providers offer both types of phone coverage, and bundling services is an easy way to save money in the long run.

Don’t want to carry around separate phones for work and personal calls? With the right VoIP service, you don’t have to. Check out our favorite business VoIP providers to see which ones offer on-the-go business phone capabilities.

Business cell phone plan FAQs

If you have several employees working outside of the office on a regular basis, desk-bound phones obviously aren’t going to work for them. Some may be only calling and texting while others will be checking email, using GPS navigation, and accessing the internet for work, but a cell phone is a must for employees in the field.

If you’re a one-person operation accountable to only yourself, you could get by with a personal cell plan. Keeping track of multiple employees’ hours, data, and providers, however, would be an extra headache you don’t need. For streamlining and collaboration purposes, a business cell phone plan would be the easier route.

Most of the plans we’ve reviewed here offer unlimited data—domestically, at least—so hitting the data ceiling won’t likely be an issue. But if you want to forecast how much data your business uses every month, providers make data plan estimators available on their websites. Or you could use a third-party calculator app.

BYOD stands for bring your own device . Another common term is BYOP for bring your own phone . These can mean that employees are using their personal phones, tablets, or laptops on their own carrier plans for work or that they’ve put those devices on the company’s plan. The upside? Less expensive than buying devices. The downside? Extra security concerns.

In the annoying absence of Wi-Fi, you can use a cell phone signal to connect a wireless device to the internet by switching on the mobile hotspot option and simply treating it like a Wi-Fi router. For multiple device connections, a dedicated hotspot (such as Verizon’s Jetpack) can provide a faster, and more stable, connection.

Business owners weigh in

Methodology

To find the best business cell phone options, we considered pricing plans, customer support, and data limits. We also looked at the variety of contracts and whether these plans were flexible with discounts. 

At Business.org, our research is meant to offer general product and service recommendations. We don't guarantee that our suggestions will work best for each individual or business, so consider your unique needs when choosing products and services.

5202 W Douglas Corrigan Way Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Accounting & Payroll

Point of Sale

Payment Processing

Inventory Management

Human Resources

Other Services

Best Small Business Loans

Best Inventory Management Software

Best Small Business Accounting Software

Best Payroll Software

Best Mobile Credit Card Readers

Best POS Systems

Best Tax Software

Stay updated on the latest products and services anytime anywhere.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use  and  Privacy Policy .

Disclaimer: The information featured in this article is based on our best estimates of pricing, package details, contract stipulations, and service available at the time of writing. All information is subject to change. Pricing will vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the customer’s location, package chosen, added features and equipment, the purchaser’s credit score, etc. For the most accurate information, please ask your customer service representative. Clarify all fees and contract details before signing a contract or finalizing your purchase.

Our mission is to help consumers make informed purchase decisions. While we strive to keep our reviews as unbiased as possible, we do receive affiliate compensation through some of our links. This can affect which services appear on our site and where we rank them. Our affiliate compensation allows us to maintain an ad-free website and provide a free service to our readers. For more information, please see our  Privacy Policy Page . |

© Business.org 2024 All Rights Reserved.

The Top Small Business Cell Phone Plans

Find out more about the best small business cell phone plans with customer rating, pricing information and frequently asked questions.

Updated on December 21st, 2023

The SMB Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

4.5 out of 5 overall

• Widest U.S. coverage.
• 5G coverage
• Solid network coverage.
• No overages.
• Access to 20M WiFi hotspots.
• Unlimited talk and text.

Business cell phone plans are offered by phone carriers to help small businesses have affordable access to a reliable phone network. Businesses are often eligible for discounts when they add more numbers or opt for additional monthly features.

Best Small Business Phone Systems

Get information on the top business phone systems, including pricing, reviews, and FAQs.

Dec 21, 2023

Why We Chose Verizon, AT&T, and Xfinity Mobile:

Verizon is one of the largest network providers in the United States . With plans for as little as four employees, Verizon offers phone packages suitable for small and large teams. All of Verizon's phone bundles include great unlimited features, including unlimited calling, texting, and data while in Canada and Mexico.

Verizon is ideal for businesses that plan on supplying their employees with handsets . The network provider offers nearly 100 different iOS and Android phones and tablets for teams that are constantly on the go.

All of AT&T's plans offer great unlimited features , including unlimited data and calling in Canada and Mexico, as well as unlimited international texting, domestic calling, and free domestic roaming. AT&T's Business Unlimited Plan comes in three variations: Starter, Performance, and Elite. With all three plans, users also have access to 5G network.

Xfinity Mobile offers a large variety of plans for businesses to choose from , with prices ranging between $30.00 and $240.00 per line. Thanks to its multi-line pricing system, businesses pay less as more lines are added to their plan. Xfinity Mobile also offers 4G LTE and 5G network access, making it great for employees who are always on the move.

Things to Consider When Evaluating Small Business Cell Phone Plans:

• Carefully consider the contract as most plans require business owners to sign up for extended contract periods of one to two years.
• Check coverage and compare it to where your employees live and travel. Some cell companies offer better coverage in rural areas, others offer much less expensive international plans.
• Keeping up with the latest in phone technology could be important to your business, so see how often the contract entitles you to new phones.

Best Business Cell Phone Plans:

How to choose a business cell phone plan:, 1. look at your business's communication needs..

Every business's communication needs will vary. For example, construction companies will require a smartphone with excellent data access for teams that are on the move and working on different sites, while call center teams will only require wireless services and ordinary phones.

International Phone Plans

See our list of top international phone plans, which includes ranking and frequently asked questions.

Sep 19, 2023

Carrier Strengths:

2. choose a plan designed for businesses..

Look for plans with multiple lines and unlimited talk, text, or data options. In addition, your plan should be tailored to fit your specific business. If you won't require talk options, look into business text and email plans.

3. Make good network coverage a priority.

Your plan should have excellent coverage in your area, especially if your business requires strong talk capabilities. Consider sound quality, speed, and network coverage. More importantly, your network coverage should be reliable in urban and remote areas.

Best Network Coverage:

T-Mobile provides the widest network coverage, making it the best fit for businesses that operate in urban areas. Since acquiring Sprint's network in 2020, T-Mobile's network coverage has grown exponentially, narrowly surpassing Verizon's coverage in the U.S.

4. Look for strong security features.

Instead of paying for a separate network security service, look into network providers that include VPNs and encryption with their cell phone plans. Your business's private information is a top priority and with so many open networks, you'll want to ensure your and customer's information is secure.

Best Security Features:

5. purchase hardware..

You can either ask employees to use their own smartphones or you can supply them with hardware. This option should only be considered if your business has off-site teams. Look into the hardware and handsets on offer and compare the plans that offer data and hardware bundles.

Common Cell Phone Plan Offers:

• Reduced costs as the number of lines and devices increase.
• Multiple lines and devices free of charge.
• International coverage.
• Data-only plans.
• Unlimited options for talk, data, and/or text.

More Related Articles:

• Best call tracking software .
• Small business VoIP providers .
• Top business phone systems .

Who has the best small business cell phone plans?

• Xfinity Mobile .
• RingCentral .
• Cricket Wireless .
• Metro PCS .

What is the average cost of small business cell phone plans?

The cheapest business cell phone plans are usually in the $15.00 to $30.00 per month range, while a complete business cell phone package could cost $60.00 or more per line per month.

What carrier has the best small business smartphone plans?

In terms of cost, Republic Wireless has some of the best cheap business phone plans for smartphones. However, Verizon has the best data coverage and features, meaning you can use your smartphone to access emails and business documents almost anywhere.

Who are the best business phone providers?

What is the best business cell phone plan for companies with less than 10 employees.

It really depends on what features your employees need on their phones, but most businesses with 10 employees or less can find an affordable plan that suits them.

How do I know what the best cell phone plan for my small business is?

The best way to find the best small business mobile phone plans is to do a small business cell phone plan comparison. Compare current offers from several providers to find out who can give you the best deal.

• GTA 5 Cheats
• Print on a Chromebook
• Nothing Phone 2 Review
• Best YouTube TV Alternatives
• Asus ROG Ally vs. Steam Deck
• Gameshare on Nintendo Switch

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The best small business cell phone plans

Just as one shoe size can’t fit all, there’s no single cell phone plan that will suit every small company. But there are numerous high-quality plans that are worth considering as they strive to meet the needs of different types of businesses. To settle on the best cell phone plan for your business, you first want to figure out what kind of plan best fits your company.

How to choose a plan

Big four basics.

Business owners generally buy and pay for employee cell phones or plans or both when workers spend at least some part of their time off-site. With employees, you may want to track hours and data. In that case, to streamline operation and collaboration, a specialized business cell phone plan might be optimal. Today, more American businesses are accommodating work-at-home schedules that avoid meetings and travel, but note that quarantines and shelter-in-place orders will not last forever, so it’s a good idea to take the entire spectrum of your business activities into account.

• Best iPhone deals: Save on iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro Max and more
• Best iPhone 14 deals: Unlocked and refurbished
• Best phone deals: Save on the iPhone, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and more

There are numerous factors to reflect on when choosing a cell phone plan for your small company. Here are some major issues you’ll want to consider.

Business design: Is your proposed plan built for businesses and scaled for business customers? If you’re a solopreneur or an extremely small company with just a handful of employees, you may be able to get away with a personal friends-and-family-type plan, as opposed to a bona fide business plan. But once you have more than a couple of employees, start to think bigger about scalabilities such as multiple lines, unlimited options on talk, text, and data, data-only plans for companies that don’t need talk or text, and discounts for more lines or devices.

Network coverage: Consider sound quality, data speeds, coverage, and overall dependability. Make sure the plan you choose has good coverage in the area where your employees are located or are traveling. If your employees travel internationally, choose from plans that have good rates for the target countries. Also, don’t forget about airline coverage and in-flight texting services.

Security:  Some cell phone business plans offer virtual private networks, encryption, and other features to protect your company’s data. That could be quite valuable, as it relieves you of having to research, choose, and pay for additional services.

Hardware: If you need to supply employees with handsets, consider the kinds of phones offered with the plans you’re considering, or whether employees prefer to use their own smartphones.

Hot spot: Some business environments just don’t have usable Wi-Fi, but you can use a cell phone signal to connect a wireless device to the internet with a mobile hotspot. For multiple device connections, look for a dedicated hotspot with a fast, stable, secure connection, as well as other services like call forwarding, voicemail, call hold, analytics, and call queuing.

Data: Business plans should be generous with data, but unlimited is best — unless you really do not need data to conduct business.

Customer service: Count on problems arising, and when they do, you or your employees will want someone reliable to call before customers and clients get restless.

Price: Price is always a factor, and sometimes the cheapest plans offer just the service and features you’re looking for. But for something as critical as your business communications, do not buy on price alone.

Just in case you’re also looking for the best all-around mobile cellular deals, have a look at our survey of the  best cell phone plans of 2020 and our report on the best prepaid cell phone plans . Meantime, below are some of the business-oriented plans available now.

AT&T offers several variations of its Mobility Rate Plans — Mobile Share Plus, Mobile Select Priority Pooled, and Business Unlimited Elite, plus several in between — tailored to your budget for $50, $55, and $85 per line per month. Designed for small- to medium-sized businesses, the Elite plan offers unlimited data, talk, and text for up to 10 devices. The Pooled plan gives employees a data allowance alongside pooled data within a single account. The Plus plan lets you share data across up to 10 or up to 25 business devices. All plans feature unlimited domestic talk and text and unlimited talk from the U.S. to Mexico and Canada, plus unlimited texts from the U.S. to over 120 countries, along with high definition video streaming. The Elite and Pooled plans also feature 5G . Data speeds may slow down with congestion past certain data points.

Verizon markets the Plan for Business, Business Unlimited, the New Verizon Plan, and the Flexible Business Plan specifically for small companies. The Plan for Business starts at $175 per month for up to 25 lines, with data plans ranging from 25GB to 200GB for various prices and topping out at $1,000 per month. All plans include carryover data, safety mode, calling to and from Mexico and Canada, use of your device in Mexico and Canada, and data boost costing $15 per 1GB. With all business plans, you can turn your device into an internet hotspot and send unlimited messages to more than 200 countries worldwide. Additional smartphones cost $15 per month.

Simple Choice for Business by T-Mobile costs $50 per line per month up to $110 per month for up to five lines. You can add $10 per line per month for 6 to 12 lines and up to 2GB of 4G LTE Data. You can call and text from any Wi-Fi connection, as your unused LTE data (up to 20GB) rolls forward for 12 months. The plan features unlimited calling and texting to and from Mexico and Canada, plus you get up to 5GB of data at 4G LTE speeds. If you’re looking for a more streamlined option, T-Mobile Essentials only costs $30 per month per line for four lines. It offers unlimited 3G mobile hotspot data, unlimited talk, text, 2G data in Mexico and Canada, and unlimited texting and flat-rate calling at 20 cents per minute in over 210 countries. An additional 10GB of high-speed 4G LTE mobile hotspot data will cost you $10 a month. For a more robust plan, the Magenta for Business plan is available for two, four, eight, and 12 lines for $60, $40, and $30 per month per line, respectively. It features 5G service, 3GB of 4G LTE hotspot data, plus unlimited 3G data, in-flight texting and data, unlimited data and texting in over 210 countries, and unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico. The included Digits program eliminates the need for separate work and personal phones, allowing you to access up to five numbers on one device and use one number across several devices.

RingCentral

RingCentral is a VoIP system that functions extremely well in an office setting. It supports unlimited calling and conferencing toll-free numbers and a customizable caller ID. Functionality is its primary priority; It supports useful features, like texting, online meetings, and faxing. When you use RingCentral, incoming calls go through the same call-routing system as your office phones. It helps make your office number into a portable communication system. You can call, text, and fax from your business number on any mobile device. The service could be used by two users to 1000 and offers four levels: Essentials, Standard, Premium, and Ultimate for $20, $25, $35, and $50, each with a free trial.

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is a highly-rated and widely-used prepaid wireless service that prides itself on its affordability. It typically costs users from $30 to $60 per month. With Cricket Wireless, users can build their own custom phone plans. If you prefer a more basic plan with talk and text and no data, that’s manageable. You can build off that basic plan by adding data (2GB, 5GB, or unlimited), unlimited talk and text, picture messages, a mobile hotspot, and SD quality video streaming. If you often travel or need international coverage, that’s also manageable. You can add coverage for Canada and Mexico and unlimited text to 37 countries, HD Voice, and Wi-Fi calling from a compatible phone. Data-only plans of 20GB and 40GB are available for $35 and $50 per month, respectively, with Mexico and Canada coverage in the mix.

Republic Wireless

Consider Republic Wireless for your business if you don’t exactly need a phone network, but you do use a significant amount of Wi-Fi. This plan functions more like a virtual network than other cellular providers. The vendor relies on T-Mobile and Sprint networks when Wi-Fi is unavailable. The base plan is incredibly affordable, starting at $15 a month or $150 a year for unlimited talk and text. At this level, Republic Wireless charges $5 per gigabyte of data, up to 15GB. Fortunately, Republic won’t let a person’s bill skyrocket if they start to use too much data; Instead, the company disables data before you stretch past your limit. Using their data plan, users can also opt to make their smartphone a hotspot. One feature we enjoy about Republic is their Extend Home service. This feature allows people to connect their cell phones with their home phone to access contacts, receive calls, or make calls from one direct number using either of their phones.

Editors' Recommendations

• Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 deals: Grab the foldable phone for $700
• Best refurbished iPhone deals: Get an iPhone 14 for $513
• Best cell phone plan deals: T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Mint Mobile and more
• Best iPhone 15 deals: How to get Apple’s latest iPhone for free
• The best Android tablets in 2024: the 11 best ones you can buy
• Buying Guides

As much as we love having the best smartphones in our pockets, there are times when those small screens don't cut it and we just need a larger display. That's when you turn to a tablet, which is great for being productive on the go and can be a awesome way to unwind and relax too. While the tablet market really took off after the iPad, it has grown to be quite diverse with a huge variety of products — from great budget options to powerhouses for professionals.

We've tried out a lot of tablets here at Digital Trends, from the workhorses for pros to tablets that are made for kids and even seniors -- there's a tablet for every person and every budget. For most people, though, we think Apple's iPad Air is the best overall tablet — especially if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem. But if you're not an Apple user, that's fine too; there are plenty of other great options that you'll find in this roundup.

There are lots of different types of ring lights, but they all have the same primary purpose -- provide a steady light source that will illuminate your subject, whether that's an object, another person, or yourself. If you need a ring light for your phone, there's also an overwhelming number of options, so to help you out, we've rounded up the best ring lights for phones right here. We're going to take you through our recommendations, their advantages over other ring lights for phones in the market, and our selection process that resulted in our top five choices below.

Whether you're a travel vlogger, a video game streamer, or any other kind of content creator, and you prefer using your phone over a dedicated camera or webcam, then you should check out the best ring lights for phones that we've gathered here. Even if you're only going to use it for your personal photos and videos, it's always better to have nice lighting that will simply make everything look nicer, especially in low-light environments. Not everyone needs a ring light for their phone, but for those who do, read on to determine the one that would be perfect for you. The best ring lights for phones in 2024

Buying the best tablet for business isn’t quite as simple as just buying something from our look at the best tablets. Business users have specific needs which mean they don’t have to worry so much high-end gaming performance or a particularly sharp and speedy display. Instead, it’s mostly about strong number crunching ability, plenty of storage, good cameras for calls, and those kind of responsible considerations.

That’s why we’ve specifically picked out the best tablets for business below. Further down, we’ve also gone into greater depth about how we came to our decisions but rest assured, we’re experts in the field and know exactly what a business user needs from a great tablet. For some of you that may mean one of the best iPads but for others, it means an Android device or even a hybrid laptop/tablet setup.

Save by Comparing Business Phone Prices

Start your free quote below

How many phone lines do you need?

• Business Phone Systems /

The 8 Best Business Cell Phone Plans

• 2. RingCentral
• 7. Net2Phone

How Did We Compare the Best Business Cell Phone Plans?

Our rigorous research reveals that 8×8 offers the best business cell phone plan, scoring an almost perfect 4.7/5 in our overall analysis. Equipped with the most comprehensive list of features , 8×8 offers the mobility you need out of a cell phone plan. RingCentral follows close behind with its formidable inbound communication features and scalability .

In this article, we’ll be exploring the top eight business VoIP plans that are accessible via cell phone. We’ll be focusing on domestic and international minutes, SMS capability, and all the features you’ll be looking for in a cell phone plan. Below you will find an  overview for each contender that is sure to help you decide which VoIP to choose for your team.

Alternatively, get expert recommendations specially made for your team with our free quote comparison tool . Just answer a few questions about your business requirements, and we’ll get you connected with the best VoIP providers that match your business’ needs. They will then contact you with tailored, obligation-free quotes.

1. 8×8: Best Overall Business Cell Phone Plan Provider

8x8 leads the pack with an outstanding overall score of 4.7/5 . Right off the bat, 8x8 offers unlimited domestic minutes from its cheapest (Express) plan, allowing you to connect to anyone within the country. On the next pricing tier (X2), you’ll have unlimited international calls to 14 countries added to your features. This will extend to 48 countries when you upgrade to the X4 plan, giving you smoother communication with your team and clients across the globe.

Scoring the highest in features (4.8/5) , 8x8’s plans include call forwarding and call flip to transfer current calls to another user or another gadget, increasing your mobility while you work. It also offers voicemail-to-text, call queue, and ring groups from its X2 plan and above. Plus, advanced features, like power dialer and predictive dialing are also available on X6 to X8 plans for an additional cost. It’s also worth noting that 8x8 ranks first in  our research for customer support (5/5), security (5/5), and scalability (4.9/5).  

The catch is, 8x8 has a user limit of 10 on its cheapest  plan (Express) . That’s far from Vonage, which offers no user limit across all its pricing tiers. Regardless, 8x8’s user limit will be taken down as you upgrade to the next plan.

Most comprehensive list of features

Up to 500 video conferencing participants per meeting

Extensive customer support channels

Widest range of pricing options

Mediocre customer score

Power dialer, predictive calling, and auto-dialer only available at an additional cost

2. RingCentral: Best for Small to Medium Businesses

RingCentral is our runner-up because it achieved the highest scores for external connections (4.2/5), customer support (5/5), and scalability (4.9/5). More specifically, RingCentral plans have near perfect scalability with over 250 software integrations gearing your smartphone  with the essential tools to help manage businesses.  Because of these reasons, our researchers deemed RingCentral the best for small to medium businesses in our research. 

It provides unlimited domestic minutes across all of its plans and it lets you port your existing number when you switch to RingCentral. Notably, it boasts a splendid list of inbound communication features, including a virtual receptionist , customizable greetings , and hold music .. It also has voicemail-to-text, allowing you to convert your voicemails into text messages. RingCentral also has an SMS functionality, and can integrate with Whatsapp, Facebook, Slack, and Hangouts Chat.  

The disadvantage is that many outbound communication features, like auto dialer and custom call lists, require RingCentral Engage on all plans . Apart from this, it has a 20 user limit on its cheapest, the Essential plan. Luckily, RingCentral becomes unlimited when you upgrade to the Standard plan. If you’re planning to expand your business, Vonage has no user limit across all plans and allows you to choose the features you only want to include on your plan.

Up to 97 CRM integrations and 57 analytics platforms

An array of advanced call features on Premium and Ultimate plans

Some features require RingCentral Engage

Bulk of integrations only available on Premium and Ultimate plans

▶ Read more: The Best Small Business Phone Systems

3. Vonage: Best for Scaling Businesses

Vonage offers a unique proposal, boasting over 50 communication features you can choose to include into your plan. This essentially means you’re building your own plan, only adding and paying for the functionalities you need on your cellphone. This sees it score a high 4.5/5 feature score .

Vonage offers unlimited users and unlimited domestic minutes on every plan. Not to mention, it allows you to port your business number so you can keep your professional and personal calls separated. Another plus is that it offers various call features, such as set caller ID, external video calling, team messaging, and spam prevention . 

That said, the advanced features, like voicemail-to-text and call queue, are only available at an additional cost. These functionalities help you manage incoming calls and are offered free by 8x8 and RingCentral. Another drawback is, Vonage’s call conferencing is limited to three participants. If you plan to use this feature for a large group meeting, you would have to pay an extra fee to increase its capacity to 30 users. Even SMS, a fundamental feature in cell phone plans like Ooma and Net2Phone, requires an additional cost for Vonage users.

Affordable plans

A variety of inbound communication features

Wide customer support channels

Most advanced features cost extra

No 24/7 live support

4. Ooma: Best for Low-Cost 24/7 Support

Ooma’s noteworthy key factor is its excellent customer service (4.4/5 ) alongside very affordable plans. For as low as $19.95 per user, per month, you’ll get 24/7 customer support , giving you fast, reliable assistance whenever you need it.

What’s more, you’ll get unlimited user and domestic minutes across all plans. Ooma is also packed with inbound communication features, such as customizable greetings, voicemail, voicemail-to-text, and virtual receptionist . Plus, it also allows number porting on every plan, so you can keep your business number separated from your personal one on your smartphone. 

However, unlike 8x8 and RingCentral, Ooma lacks management and collaboration features like team messaging and call transcripts to help you supervise and work with your team while you’re on your smartphone. Plus, it’s missing important security features for your cell phone, like user permission and multi-factor authentication .

24/7 live support

Affordable pricing tiers

Limited integration capabilities

Poor security features

Lack of outbound features

5. Nextiva: Best for Flexible Set Up

Scoring 4.3/5 in our research, Nextiva provides unlimited users, unlimited domestic calls, and number porting across all its plans. But what makes it stand out is its flexible set up. Nextiva offers you versatility to work efficiently whether you’re on mobile or in the office.  First, it has an impressive list of inbound communication features, including voicemail, spam prevention, and ring groups, so you won’t miss any important call. Likewise, you can have more mobility with features like call flip and call forwarding that transfer calls to another gadget or another user.  Lastly, it offers a good set of collaboration features like team messaging and task management to help you efficiently work with your team even while on the go. 

Do note that many essential features are missing in some plans, seeing Nextiva earn a mediocre 3.9/5 features score . You only gain access to SMS and call and video conferencing on its Professional and Enterprise plans. Likewise, you can only get voicemail-to-text and call recordings when you upgrade to the Enterprise plan. That’s quite a contrast from 8x8 and Dialpad, which offer these functionalities for free across all pricing tiers. Plus, it lacks advanced outbound communication features, like a power dialer and predictive dialing, which 8x8 offers to help you contact people easier.

Award-winning 24/7 customer support

Real-time system status alerts

Great customer feedback

Below average security features

Limited outbound communication features

▶ Read more: Softphone Apps for Business – Everything You Need To Know

6. GoTo: Best for Low-Price Longevity

Check out GoTo Connect if you want a long-term plan that has good value for your money. For $24 per user, per month, you’ll get unlimited users, unlimited domestic minutes, and number porting . The best part, GoTo offers free international calling to more than 50 countries . In addition to this, you’ll get an integral list of inbound communication features, such as voicemail, voicemail-to-text, and a virtual receptionist . Because of these call features, combined with high-security measures, our researchers also gave GoTo a high 4.4/5 scalability score .

With good value for money (4.3/5) and strong scalability (4.4/5 ), our researchers named GoTo the best for low-cost longevity. This means GoTo is adaptable enough to partner with you from starting your business to scaling globally. In other words, it can evolve as your business expands.

The drawback is that GoTo’s SMS/chat feature can only be used within your organization . It also lacks external live chat integrations, so you won’t be able to chat with customers. On the contrary, 8x8 and RingCentral allow you to send SMSes outside of your team and have chat integrations, like Slack.

Offers great value for money

Very easy to scale

Glowing reputation among users

Smaller variety of features

Few ready-made integrations

No 24/7 user support channels

7. Net2Phone: Best for Low-Cost International Calling

Net2Phone prides itself on being the only VoIP that offers free international calling to more than 40 countries across all of its plans. This means you can freely speak and collaborate with your team across countries without being bound by a time limit or fees.

On top of this, Net2Phone lets you set up virtual phone numbers in over 500 countries and 300 cities. So, if you plan to make waves in Europe, the Americas, or Asia, this VoIP will help you establish your presence without breaking the bank. This is why our researchers rated Ne2Phone the best VoIP for low-cost international calling. 

Net2Phone also offers a bountiful set of inbound features, including customizable greetings and hold music, voicemail, and virtual receptionist . As for outbound communications, you’ll get a set caller ID, call and video conferencing, and SMS/chat across all plans.

The disadvantage is that it’s missing call flip, so you can’t switch from your deskphone to your cell phone while on a call. Also, voicemail-to-text is only available on its highest plan (Office Power). Plus, it only has Slack for live messaging integrations, which is only available on its Office Power plan. If you want a more comprehensive features list, check out 8x8 and RingCentral.

Unlimited minutes to 40+ countries across all plans

99.9% uptime guarantee

Limited software integrations

Lacks call flip, barge, or whisper

Call queue is only available on the highest plan

8. Dialpad: Best for Conversational AI

Dial impressed us with its generous list of inbound and outbound communication features across all plans, scoring 4.4/5 features score . Take advantage of functionalities that boost your work mobility, like call forwarding and call flip that transfer your calls to another gadget or user. More importantly, you’ll find many essential and advanced features like SMS/Chat, power dialer, and spam prevention across all its plans. 

The most impressive thing about Dialpad is its focus on technology — incorporating high-quality conversational AI to decipher and analyze your calls. This is most useful for features like call transcript and voicemail-to-text that allows you to transcribe and record conversations, even while on your cell phone.

Unfortunately, Dialpad falls short on external connections, earning a low integrability score of 2.4/5 . As opposed to 8x8’s 10 live chat integrations, Dialpad only has Slack. Luckily, it has its own SMS/chat and team messaging, so you can still reach your team in an instant.

24/7 reliable customer service

An impressive list of communication features

Stellar customer reviews

Limited external connections

Low scalability

▶ Read more: The Best Cloud Phone Systems for US Businesses

Our team of software researchers compared the top business cell phone plans in the US, analyzing key categories, including the following:

• Price – the plan’s cost and value for your money
• Integrability – the software’s ability to integrate with other platforms, such as Salesforce, Slack, and GSuite
• Features – the tools that define inbound and outbound communications, conversations, management, and collaboration functionalities
• Customer Support – the customer support channels available, such as phoneline, chat, and email
• Customer Score – average consumer review scores across the most trusted review sites: G2, Capterra, Trustpilot, and TrustRadius
• Security – the security measures the vendor enforces to protect your data
• Scalability – an aggregated score that assesses a product’s ability to scale with business growth

As a result, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 8 business cell phone plans in the US, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks.

Once we collect the scores from these key factors, we then calculate the final score of each VoIP plan and rank them based on their overall performance.

While many VoIP systems offer great business cell phone plans, we recommend 8×8 because of its solid overall performance. RingCentral comes in a close second, tying with 8×8 in the final scores (4.7/5) . But the reason why our researchers say 8×8 is the best is because it ranks first across four categories: features, customer support, security, and scalability .

Boasting a robust list of functionalities, 8×8 will give you the high performance and mobility you’re looking for in a cell phone plan. Meanwhile, RingCentral is unrivaled in integrability and excelling in customer support and scalability . While 8×8 provides a generous list of external connections, it’s nowhere near RingCentral’s over 250 software integrations. This brings a lot of convenience, especially when you use a lot of apps on your smartphone.

If you are still undecided about which VoIP to choose for your business, try our free quote comparison tool . All you need to do is take our quick survey, and We will match you up with the best VoIP providers. They will be in touch with obligation-free quotes that are customized to your needs.

▶ Read next: The best office phones for business

• Separate your professional and personal calls
• Achieve work mobility and take calls from anywhere
• Transfer calls to your team when you’re busy
• Protect your privacy by keeping your personal number private

Written by:

The 8 Best Virtual Phone Number Apps

Softphone Apps for Business – Everything You Need To Know

The 7 Best VoIP Providers in the US for 2024

Telephone System Costs: The Ultimate Guide

The 10 Best Small Business Phone Systems in 2024

Best Enterprise Phone Systems

The best cloud phone systems for us businesses.

The 8 Best UCaaS Providers for 2023

Best business phone service of 2024

Phone services for small business and enterprises

Best for medium sized teams

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best with CRM

Best for conferencing

• Best established

Best for small business

Best for sole traders.

• How we test

The best business phone service makes it simple and easy to manage a cost-effective and software-based business phone system.

1. Best for medium sized team

2. Best overall 3. Best budget 4. Best with CRM 5. Best for conferencing 6. Best established 7. Best for small business 8. Best for sole traders 9. FAQs 10. How we test

Business phone services have changed radically over the past decade. VoIP services have now replaced the desk covered with a bank of phones. 

The result is that employees can use their mobile devices on the go, using nothing more than an app to join with the corporation's network, whether for chat, conferencing, or even to manage online fax services .

Set up is usually easy and very simple, as it requires little more than signing up to a digital service and then accessing it once paid for. While there may be some small configuration settings that need to be done, this can take only a few minutes. Once completed you now have a full service phone system that can scale up to as many employees as you need to cover.

Different services tiers are commonly offered, with cheaper plans offering essential features, with more expensive plans offering additional features if required. 

Costs are usually based on a user basis rather than business turn-over, and though many phone service companies offer clear and flat-rate pricing, some providers will seek to provide a personalized quote instead which can often cost more while allowing for extra options not normally available.

Here then are the best business phone services, with our main choices featured, with additional options to consider following.

We've also featured the best IP phones .

Reader Offer: Save up to 33% on annual plans RingCentral is a strong solution for organizing all business communications, from voice calls to team chat. It has a wide range of software integration and strong security.

Preferred partner ( What does this mean? )

Reader Offer: Free quote Ooma Office is an easy-to-use VoIP service that can work well for many small businesses. With simple setup and flexible, helpful customer service, it's a top-rated business phone system. 

Reader Offer: Free quote 8x8 X Series is an excellent VoIP solution for small businesses, with multiple methods of communication combined into one efficient yet feature-rich workspace. It has an excellent security system and low starting prices. 

The best business phone services in 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Nextiva is a business phone service that offers all kinds of phone-related services and solutions. Be it VoIP, online faxing, or something else, chances are Nextiva has it. The products are aimed for teams of various sizes, but it’s probably more suited to medium-sized teams and above, due to cheaper prices the more users there are.

That said, for general use, Nextiva has three pricing plans: Essential, Professional, and Enterprise. You can pick the number of users for each plan, with 1-4 users being the minimum. For the following pricing purposes, we’ll be using the default 20+ users option.

The Essential plan costs $18.95 per month for each user when billed annually. This plan includes unlimited voice and video calls, voicemail, toll-free numbers, integration with Outlook/ Google contacts, and unlimited internet fax.

The Professional plan, offered at $22.95 per month per user with annual billing, builds on the Essential plan by adding unlimited conference calls for up to 40 participants, unlimited video conferencing, screen sharing, an auto attendant, and SMS/MMS on both mobile and desktop. It also includes integrations with Salesforce or HubSpot.

Lastly, the Enterprise plan is targeted towards medium-sized teams and is priced at $32.95 per month for each user, also billed annually. This plan includes all the features of the Professional plan, plus enhancements like unlimited voice and video conferencing participants, call recording, unlimited video conference recording, voicemail transcription, integrations with Microsoft Teams/Enterprise, and single sign-on capability.

Worth noting that all plans have unlimited 24/7 live support.

Read our full Nextiva review .

• ^ Back to the top

Best overall business phone service

2. RingCentral MVP

RingCentral MVP promotes itself as an all-in-one solution for all business sizes, with a unified communications strategy that means plenty of integration options, from Google to Microsoft, Oracle to Amazon , and Zendesk to Salesforce. 

The most basic tier offers call management and phone system administration, as well as phone rental options for conference phones and even desks.

However, it's the pricing tiers above this where RingCentral MVP really comes into its own with a comprehensive set of features that should be integral to any modern phone service.

RingCentral also provides Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS ) as well as Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) , meaning that it can provide the enterprise experience for even small businesses.

On top of this, RingCentral can also deliver a Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) , which means access to a developer network which allows you to use APIs to truly customize and integrate your phone system with other software you use.

Overall, though, which the cheaper plan probably delivers enough to satisfy the smallest businesses, it will be mid-sized and larger that will probably get the most from the incredible wealth of features that RingCentral MVP can provide.

Read our full RingCentral Office review .

Best budget business phone service

3. Ooma Office

Ooma Office is a business phone service which aims to deliver a big business phone experience to small businesses. Ooma might not have all the features found with rival services, but it presents itself as a solution for smaller firms with tighter budgets, and is positioned very well in this respect.

However, don’t get the idea that this is a barebones business phone service offering – in fact Ooma Office gives you all the core features you would expect, plus some more advanced functions like a virtual receptionist that allows for calls to be automatically directed to the right department.

Subscribers also benefit from hold and transfer music, and Ooma provides mobile apps for iOS and Android, so you can set up capabilities such as call forwarding, enabling calls to be sent from your desk phone to your mobile when you’re out and about. That said, some of the online feedback about the mobile apps isn’t great, so bear that in mind.

Generally speaking, though, Ooma gives you a lot of functionality for a relatively modest outlay, with the exception of CRM integrations.

Read our full Ooma Office review .

Best business phone service with CRM solution

Aircall is another cloud-hosted business phone service solution, which can be set up with just a few clicks. This then provides your business with a complete communications center solution for calls, video, and messaging from the web, desktop, or mobile. 

Aircall is also very easy to set up, and includes a wide range of CRM, helpdesk , and productivity functions to both support your phone service, as well as improve how your sales and support teams handle calls, not least in terms of transferring them as well as approaching customers. And, as expected, there's an analytics suite to help gauge efficiency and track KPIs in workflows and look for ways to improve them.

Because Aircall looks beyond providing just a business phone system and instead toward unified communications and CRM, it can provide better support for sales and support teams. There are also a large number of integrations available, including some of the best CRM platforms such as SalesForce, Zendesk, Hubspot, Zoho, Freshdesk, and Slack. 

Read our full Aircall review .

Dialpad is especially known for its video and audio-conferencing software, Uberconference. Dialpad Talk is their VoIP system.

The basic tier offers single sign-on which is missing from a lot of other providers. The basic plan includes integrations such as Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) and Microsoft 365.

The pricing structure for Dialpad makes it much more accessible for businesses of any size, which is welcome as other providers favor enterprises over small businesses. Users can also try the service with a 14-day free trial. The annual subscriptions offer discounted monthly rates making it even more cost efficient.

Pricing is a lot more small business-friendly than some of the above, with even the most basic plan including toll free numbers, unlimited calling in US/Canada, call forwarding, call controls, HD video calling, call waiting, voicemail greeting, unlimited, SMS, MMS, group texting US and Canada.

Read our full Dialpad review .

Best established business phone service

6. MiCloud Connect

Mitel offers a cloud-based business VoIP phone system in the form of MiCloud Connect, which aims to provide a comprehensive voice, collaboration, and contact center solution for business.

The platform itself operates using Google Cloud, which means that it satisfies HIPAA and SOC 2 compliance, Key benefits include the Mitel hosted PBX phone systems which can run on mobile devices on the go, plug and play service functionality, as well as a simple interface that allows for one-click management of systems.

MiCloud Connect also includes audio and video conferencing , web sharing, VPN , group chat, contact center, and includes a number of integration options.

The basic pricing tier includes PBX, conferencing, and collaboration tools. The next level up adds call recording and integration features on top. Note that advertised pricing is for 50-100 users and that a smaller number of users will likely be charged at a higher rate.

However, for those with teams you can mix and match different plan types for different users, therefore ensuring you're only paying for the level of service required from each for greater cost efficiency.

Read our full MiCloud Connect review .

8x8 offers a cloud-based platform that provides different service tiers for providing calls, conferencing, collaboration, and a call center.

For small businesses, the cheapest tier available is the 8x8 Express, which is available with a 30-day free trial. There are a lot of basic but essential features present, and this level of plan could be a great way for a very small business or start-up to try out the phone service without much outlay.

After that tier plans offer unlimited calling to fourteen countries, mobile apps, team messaging, HD video conferencing with screen sharing, call recording, transcripted voicemails, analytics, Single Sign On (SSO), as well as integration with Salesforce, Zendesk, and NetSuite. 

More expensive tiers for large businesses and enterprises add unlimited calling to more countries, supervisor analytics, call quality reporting, and an operator switchboard.

Compared to other providers 8x8 can work out as an especially cost-effective phone service for small businesses.

Read our full 8x8 X Series review .

8. Phone.com

Phone.com aims to be an affordable business VoIP service for small businesses, and with base plan that is cheaper than most competitors. The trade-off is that the plan offers limited voice minutes and text message volumes that may not be adequate for most business use.

On the bright side, even on this bare plan there are premium features included, such as voicemail to email, call blocking and call queuing. It is also indicated that the service is HIPAA compliant to meet the standards of privacy for healthcare-related businesses.  

Perhaps the more realistic options for most businesses are the more expensive options which increase the limits on phone minutes and texts. 

What Phone.com does really well is make full-featured cloud-based business phone services really accessible to the smallest of businesses, so whether you're a one-person LLC or sole trading you can still access features normally available only to enterprises.

Read our full Phone.com review .

Other business phone services to consider

Whether you're looking for a more traditional PBX phone system or a VoIP phone system, there are a lot of different providers out there. Which one is best for you will depend on your own needs and business size. While we've featured five providers above, there are a huge number of alternatives. Here we'll take a quicker look at another five.

Avaya is another of the big names in unified communications, and along with Mitel has established itself as a leading specialist player for business telecommunications. Even so, the Avaya OneCloud caters for the full range of business sizes, from small to enterprise, so don't be put off thinking big names means big costs. Cloud-based VoIP is already an established offering from Avaya, with many different options available to suit your business.

FluentStream is another cloud-based VoIP provider that offers a multi-faceted UCaaS platform and a good number of integrations. There's a decent list of features even for the basic plan, with increasing levels of service options up to contact center level. As expected, mobile use is treated as standard rather than an option, with apps available for Android and iOS.

Skype is possibly an option easily overlooked, but had already established itself as a leading provider of VoIP even before it was purchased by Microsoft. Now it offers all the cloud and Office integrations you'd expect from the powerhouse parent company. So long as you're happy to keep your calls online and use mobile phones or tablets for calls and conferencing, this could be the cheapest option of all the ones listed here.

Spitfire is an impressive VoIP provider without being a standout. The fact the company owns and maintains its own SIP trunking infrastructure is a huge plus, as is their porting agreement with major telecommunications providers in the UK. And international porting makes it possible to communicate seamlessly with customers and clients from across the world.

Best business phone service FAQs

Which business phone service is best for you.

When deciding which of the best business phone services to use, first consider what actual needs you have. For example, someone simply wanting to talk to a handful of people on a casual basis may find a cheaper option is the most cost-effective while providing all of the necessary tools that would be required. However, if you're planning to use a business phone service for professional or business purposes, especially with a large number of people and on a regular basis, then you will probably want to look to the higher-end options for the more advanced tools that are included.

How we tested the best business phone service

To test for the best business phone service we searched for a range of popular options as well as took recommendations from people we know who run their own business phone service. We then tried each platform to see how user-friendly each was, as well as determine what range of tools and advanced options were available. Pricing also came into account when determining our best list.

See how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .  

We've also featured the best cloud phone system .

Get in touch

• Want to find out about commercial or marketing opportunities? Click here
• Out of date info, errors, complaints or broken links? Give us a nudge
• Got a suggestion for a product or service provider? Message us directly
• You've reached the end of the page. Jump back up to the top ^

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

Jonas P. DeMuro is a freelance reviewer covering wireless networking hardware.

Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Rugged Phone review

Asus RT-AX57 Go Review

Google is giving Android users hands-free navigation and a way to talk with emojis

Most Popular

• 2 I shot the northern lights with Google Pixel's Astrophotography mode and a mirrorless camera – here's which one did best
• 3 Dell cracks down on hybrid working again — computing giant is going to start color-coding employees to show who is coming back to the office
• 4 You can now play PS1 games in iOS on your iPhone – here’s how
• 5 iOS 17.5 is out now – here are 4 new features it brings to your iPhone
• 2 Google I/O just showed me how to live the laziest life through AI
• 3 Marvel confirms Daredevil: Born Again and Agatha release dates – and reveals when Ironheart will finally land on Disney Plus
• 4 The PS5 is massively outselling the Xbox Series X and S combined, analyst claims
• 5 Canon's flagship EOS R1 is finally official, and it will have never-before-seen power

• What is VoIP?
• What Is a VoIP Phone?
• What is a VoIP Caller?
• About VoIP Phone Systems
• Set Up a VoIP Phone System
• Business VoIP Providers
• Free VoIP Providers
• Non-Fixed VoIP Numbers
• Internet Phone Service for Business
• Get a Business Phone Number
• Business Cell Phone Plans
• Vanity Phone Number Providers
• Online Fax Services
• Get a Toll-Free 800 Number
• Office Phone Systems
• Business Internet Service Providers
• TeamViewer Alternatives
• RingCentral Alternatives
• Vonage Alternatives
• Ooma Alternatives
• Virtual Phone System Definition
• Virtual Phone Systems
• Virtual Phone Number Providers
• Free Screen Recorder Software
• Video Conferencing Software
• Virtual Meeting Platforms
• 14 Best Free File Sharing Sites and Tools of 2023 (Secure & Online)
• Types of Web Browsers

The 7 Best Business Cell Phone Plans of 2024

When it comes to business phone services , cookie-cutter plans just don’t cut it because it’s impossible to have a one-size-fits-all plan.

But there are so many—possibly several dozen—high-quality plans vying for a slice of your communication budget that choosing the right one for your business might seem like a tall order.

To choose the right business cell phone plan for your business, you first need to determine what your needs are; then you’ll need to choose a plan that meets those needs. And that’s where this post comes in.

We’ve done the hard work for you by researching the highest-quality business phone plans and narrowed your choices down from several dozen possible options to the seven absolute best.

In this post, we’ll explore these seven options, suggest possible use cases, dissect pricing, and discuss the pros and cons of each plan.

Best Business Cell Phone Plans

1. ringcentral, best overall business phone plans on a unified communications platform..

RingCentral is a full-featured unified communications platform that offers VoIP and small business phone plans. The system functions extremely well in an office setting, boasting such features as unlimited calling and conferencing, customized caller IDs, text messaging, faxing, online meetings, and toll-free numbers .

RingCentral routes incoming calls through the same call-routing system used by your office phones. This turns your office phone into a portable communication system that can be used with any RingCentral-supported device.

In other words, you and your employees can send texts, faxes, as well as make and receive calls with your business number from your smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer. All you need is to install the top-rated RingCentral app.

This flexibility is good news for businesses with a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy as it allows your employees to switch seamlessly from their mobile devices to their desktops when making or receiving calls.

RingCentral also allows you to rent business hardware—such as headsets or desk phones—for as little as $3.99/device/month. Whether you have 2 users or 1,000, RingCentral has a plan for you. And there are tons of features for customization and third-party integrations.

RingCentral’s plans start at $29.99/user/month ($19.99/user/month with annual billing) after the free trial on which you get 50 free minutes of domestic calls per user for five users and two desk phones.

The Essentials plan only supports up to 20 users. But the higher-tier plans allow unlimited users plus the ability to host video conferences with up to 200 participants. All plans come with voicemail-to-text, unlimited calling and texting, and an auto-attendant.

• Apps for smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers
• Cheaper than traditional carriers
• Supports video conferencing for up to 200 attendees
• Advanced functionality is only available on the premium plans
• Might be overkill for smaller teams

2. T-Mobile

Best business phone plans for flexibility..

T-Mobile became the second-largest carrier in the US by subscriber count after it acquired Sprint in 2020.

The acquisition also increased its coverage; T-Mobile now offers wider 5G coverage than other major carriers, although this is limited to major cities. Also, 4G coverage still lags behind AT&T and Verizon and rural areas have spotty 4G coverage at best.

T-Mobile may be widely known for its consumer-friendly plans, but it also boasts an extensive library of business offerings for companies and organizations of all types and sizes.

Its low-cost plans support local and international teams pretty well, and with in-flight WiFi, you and your employees can stay productive while traveling, too. You can access your voicemail, text, or finish business projects while traveling anywhere in the world.

Opting for the T-Mobile Magenta or Unlimited plan gets you a free subscription to Microsoft 365 , allowing your team to collaborate in real-time on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Plus, you get a company intranet, email program, and project collaboration tools.

T-Mobile also provides users with unlimited 2G data and texting in at least 210 countries, keeping your teams connected anywhere they may go.

Small businesses that need between 2 to 12 lines may opt for the Business Unlimited Select plan which is priced between $45/line/month (for 2 lines) and $25/line/month (for 6 or more lines). This plan gives you 5G support; unlimited calling, texting, and data in Canada and Mexico; and 5GB of high-speed mobile hotspot data.

For $30 – $60 per liner per month, you can get the Business Unlimited Advanced plan. This plan is ideal for businesses with employees that do a lot of air travel and need access to Microsoft tools and apps.

It includes 40GB of high-speed hotspot data, a free subscription to Microsoft 365, 5GB of high-speed data in Canada and Mexico, and one hour of Gogo in-flight WiFi.

Lastly, if you want it all at a reasonable price, then you might want to consider the Business Unlimited Ultimate plan which costs $40 – $70 per line per month. This plan gives you unlimited premium data, 100GB of mobile hotspot, and Microsoft 365 in addition to unlimited text, talk, and data (5G inclusive).

With this plan, you also get 4K UHD streaming, unlimited in-flight WiFi, and data in 210 countries that is twice as fast as the other T-Mobile business plans.

• In-flight data is free on select airlines
• Improved 5G coverage after the acquisition of Sprint
• Allows the use of multiple lines on a single device
• The limited plans are restrictive
• Free international texting is limited to 2G
• Coverage is spotty in rural areas

Best Unlimited Business Cell Phone Plans.

Of all major carriers, Verizon has the widest coverage , which means that most of your employees will be covered wherever they may be. It offers cell phone, landline, internet, and VoIP plans for businesses on devices purchased from Verizon or compatible devices purchased elsewhere.

With their three Business Unlimited Plans, finding the perfect plan for your business is easy. All plans feature unlimited talk, text, and data. Where the plans differ is in support for 5G, tablet use, and mobile hotspot. The plans also require at least five users since they’re for business and not personal or family use.

To use Verizon VoIP, you only have to download the mobile and desktop app on any compatible device.

Verizon’s plans for small businesses include the Verizon Plan for Business, the Flexible Business Plan, Business Unlimited, and the New Verizon Plan. All plans include safety mode, carryover data, calling to and from Canada and Mexico, use of your device in Canada and Mexico, and data at $15 per GB.

All plans also allow you to turn your device into an internet hotspot and send unlimited messages to recipients in over 200 countries.

And finally, the Verizon Plus and Pro plans come with a security bundle that offers premium protection for your employees, data, and devices. In addition to mobile endpoint security, they also feature WiFi protection, mobile device management, and tech support.

Verizon Business Unlimited plans start at $30 per line per month and they all offer unlimited talk, text, and 4G and 5G data. The Plus and Pro plans feature guaranteed speeds during peak hours for up to 120 GB per month, and an unlimited mobile hotspot with reduced speeds after 60 GB.

• Offers unlimited calling in Canada and Mexico
• Solid national coverage
• Flexible pricing plans
• Device selection can be overwhelming
• Might be excessive for small teams
• The costs of international calling quickly add up

Best Full-featured Business Cell Phone Plans.

Like every other major carrier, AT&T provides cell phones, landlines, and internet services to businesses. But AT&T also offers the largest variety of plans among the major carriers . This flexibility allows you to potentially lower your monthly costs by customizing your setup.

For example, on some plans, you may experience slower speeds during peak hours, while other plans offer guaranteed 5G speeds up to a certain amount of data. With pooled plans, you can share data among your employees, which is a great option for teams with varying needs.

After T-Mobile acquired Sprint, AT&T became the third-largest carrier by subscriber count. But it remains well-established as an enterprise provider, offering four enterprise plans to its customers. It is also the backbone of the FirstNet network, a network optimized for first responders.

There are several variations of AT&T’s Mobility Rate Plans—Mobile Share Plus, Mobile Select Priority Pooled, and Business Unlimited Elite, including several others in between. The plans are all tailored to your budget, being available at different price points.

The Elite plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data for up to 10 devices. The Pooled plan gives each employee a data allowance plus access to pooled data in a single account. The Plus plan lets you share data with 10 – 25 different business devices.

On all plans, you get unlimited talk and text within the country and unlimited talk from the US to Canada and Mexico, plus unlimited texting to over 120 countries and HD video streaming. On the Elite and Pooled plans, you get 5G, although data speeds may slow down during peak hours.

AT&T’s Business Unlimited Elite plan is priced at $65/line/month; the Mobile Select Pooled plan starts at $35/line/month; the Mobile Share Plus plan starts at $50/line/month; and the AT&T Business 4GB starts at $50/line/month.

• Impressive coverage
• Data plans rollover
• The wide variety of plans offers flexibility
• Hardware selection can be improved
• Some plans get quite expensive
• Slower speeds can occur at any time

5. Google Voice

Best free business phone plans for small teams and solopreneurs..

Google Voice is a virtual phone number service that lets you make and receive calls on your existing phone or desktop. Getting started is as simple as owning a Google account; with that, you get basic calling & texting, a new local business number, and voicemail.

On the paid plans, you get mobile apps, integration with Google Calendar, and voicemail transcription. You can also set up custom greetings, an optional special announcement that cannot be skipped, custom working hours, menu prompts, and rules for call routing. And you can transfer callers to an extension, a submenu, or voicemail.

Pricing starts at only $10/user but for small teams in need of a free solution, Google Voice is an excellent choice. The apps are supported on any mobile device, eliminating the need to buy any new hardware or pay monthly to call or text anyone anywhere in the US.

The free plan gives you a business phone number and lets you make unlimited calls and send unlimited text messages to any number in the US and Canada.

The paid plans range from $10/user/month to $30/user/month and at the very basic level give you unlimited domestic calls and SMS, mobile apps for Android and iOS devices, and voicemail transcripts.

Other advanced features on higher-tier plans include a multi-level auto attendant, compatibility with desk phones, ring groups, advanced reporting, and the ability to add employees in unlimited international locations.

• Serviceable free version
• Unlimited national calling and texting
• Free local business phone number in most US cities
• Requires an existing personal device
• Features are limited

6. Grasshopper

Best business cell phone plans for small teams needing call routing capabilities..

Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that provides small businesses with VoIP features like unlimited calling between the US and Canada and virtual receptionists.

Just by installing Grasshopper’s user-friendly mobile apps, you can turn any smartphone into a business phone. The apps are available for Android and iOS and allow you and your employees to read text messages, listen to voicemails, or answer calls.

Instead of charging per user, Grasshopper lets you add extensions to your business number . This means that you can route incoming calls to unlimited devices. It’s an effective way to connect several employees without burning a hole in your pocket.

Features like an automated attendant and simultaneous call handling mean that your callers never get a busy signal. Instead, they are greeted with a custom greeting set by you before being transferred to an extension, including an optional self-service extension.

Additionally, this business VoIP system provides you with a virtual phone number and call answering rules that make call forwarding to other devices easy. Small businesses can stay competitive without spending a fortune on expensive business phone systems or hardware since Grasshopper hosts all the data and hardware.

Setting up the system is as simple as installing an app on your mobile or desktop device ; when customers call your business phone number, the call is routed to your preferred device. You never have to give out a personal phone again.

Even better, all calls to your Grasshopper phone number will be marked as business calls, so you’ll always be able to tell a business call apart from a personal one. Grasshopper is a great RingCentral alternative for entrepreneurs and solopreneurs with tight budgets.

Grasshopper pricing starts at $29/month for one phone number and up to three extensions . The most expensive package—priced at $89/month—gives you unlimited extensions and allows you to add dozens of employees and devices.

• Affordably priced
• Provides automated voicemail transcripts
• Intuitive mobile apps
• Might be a bit expensive for solo workers
• Bigger teams might require more advanced functionality
• No support for video calling

Best Value Business Phone Plans.

An authorized reseller of T-Mobile’s business plans , Teltik’s plans include unlimited calls to and from Canada and unlimited domestic roaming. You also get unlimited music and video streaming from select providers that don't count against your data cap, mobile hotspot, visual voicemail, WiFi calling, and roll-over data on qualifying plans.

On your first order with Teltik, you get free access to a PBX cloud phone system , which will give you a new business phone number that works on mobile, desktop, and office phones.

The PBX also includes other features like a customized virtual receptionist to greet your callers and present them with options, call-routing capabilities, simple voicemail management, and many other features.

Since Teltik is an authorized T-Mobile reseller, great coverage is guaranteed. Plus, you also get an international calling plan and Smart Voicemail.

For as low as $20 a month, you can get one of Teltik’s plans with unlimited talk, text, and data. There are no hidden fees, contracts, data overages, or rate increases.

• Excellent coverage
• The Smart Voicemail feature is fantastic
• No number porting, even from T-Mobile

How to Choose a Business Cell Phone Plan

To choose the right business cell phone plan for your organization, you must consider how the cell phones will be used.

Cell phones may be awesome for mobility but there are some trade-offs. If you own a buying business or manage a sales team, then mobility should be paramount in your buying decision.

But if you run an office with largely stationary employees that spend a lot of time on the phone with clients (such as a law firm or an investment firm), then mobility isn’t a key factor. In fact, cell phones might present some issues with call quality that will cause you to miss out on the nuances of speech and interaction.

So, it is important to approach this decision as carefully as possible.

1. Research Your Company’s Calling Habits

The best way to approach this is to pull some copies of past phone bills to get accurate insight into your company’s calling patterns.

Are most of your calls local or international? Would data and texting be useful to your organization? Asking yourself questions like this will help clarify your thinking around the features you need and those that are merely nice to have.

2. Outfit Your Key Employees

It’s unlikely that all your employees will need corporate cell phones for their day-to-day work. So, it makes sense to identify those key employees that truly need a cell phone to function.

Senior management usually requires cell phones so that they can stay in touch in case of emergencies. And salespeople also need them for the sake of mobility.

3. Assess the Mobility Needs of Each Team Member

You also need to assess the mobility needs of each team member. People that spend a lot of time away from the office obviously need cell phones. But those who hardly ever leave the office to do their work might be better served by a desk phone.

Likewise, it doesn’t make sense for salespeople to have both a desk phone and a cell phone as they’ll get the most use out of a cell phone and not much use out of the desk phone.

Armed with the knowledge of the needs of your team, you’ll be able to choose a plan that accommodates everyone’s talk, text, and data needs, and you may even be able to get a discount on the phones themselves.

4. Find a Service Provider

Compare cell phone providers in your area, contrasting their plans, network coverage, range of services, contracts, prepaid plans, unlimited plans, and so on.

If you often have to communicate across the country, then a national carrier like AT&T or Verizon might be your best bet. But if your communication is mostly local, you can opt for a lower-priced local provider.

You’ll also want to check coverage maps and ensure that the provider covers areas in which you’ll need the service the most.

If the provider offers great coverage in your home region but sparse coverage in other cities where you’ll be spending a fair amount of time with clients, then you might get slammed with extra roaming charges for calls to those areas.

5. Pay Special Attention to Security

If you work with sensitive data, then security should be a major concern to you, especially with the preponderance of data breaches these days. A study of Fortune 1000 companies recently revealed that telecommunications companies are the most vulnerable industry to a data breach.

Ideally, you want a provider that allows you to remotely wipe all data from a lost or misplaced company device.

6. Understand That There Might Be Room for Negotiation

Finally, you should know that there might be some room for negotiation when it comes to small business phone plans. You might be able to get a better deal on your plan and equipment than the pricing table shows if you contact the vendors.

And remember: a cell phone plan is just a contract, not a lifelong commitment. So, towards the end of your contract, it makes sense to shop around again to see if you can find a better deal.

You might even be able to negotiate a better deal with your current provider if you can prove that you can get a better deal elsewhere. There’s no harm in trying.

Small Business Phone Plans FAQ

The EIN (Employer Identification Number), sometimes referred to as a Tax Identification Number (TIN), is widely accepted as an alternative to the SSN (Social Security Number) for many business-related transactions, and this includes the purchase of cell phones.

The cheapest plans will generally run you between $15 – 30/month, while a complete business cell phone package may cost as much as $60/line/month or even more. 

This is a largely subjective matter as different businesses have different needs. That being said, Verizon does offer some of the best phone packages for small businesses, even for teams with as few as four employees. You get unlimited calling, texting, and data in Canada and Mexico as well as in the US.  It’s also a great option if you plan on issuing company devices to your employees as it offers a broad selection of nearly 100 different Android and iOS phones and tablets for itinerant teams. 

Quick Best Business Cell Phone Comparison

Staying connected in and out of the office is vital. VoIP and cellular phone plans don’t limit you to certain device brands or cost you an arm and a leg to implement. They allow your employees to bring personal devices, and you can mix and match plans to suit your peculiar needs while taking advantage of call management features.

The best plans allow you to customize packages according to your employees’ data requirements and location while staying flexible and affordable.

And, though Verizon offers stellar business cell phone plans and services, you might be better served by a VoIP caller like RingCentral. So, here are our recommendations:

• For small teams , try Grasshopper .
• The best free solution , albeit with limited features, is Google Voice . But it also offers some really good paid plans, too.
• If you want all the features you can get, RingCentral is a unified communications platform with all the bells and whistles .
• And Verizon boasts the best unlimited cell phone plans on the market.

Was This Article Helpful?

Martin luenendonk.

Martin loves entrepreneurship and has helped dozens of entrepreneurs by validating the business idea, finding scalable customer acquisition channels, and building a data-driven organization. During his time working in investment banking, tech startups, and industry-leading companies he gained extensive knowledge in using different software tools to optimize business processes.

This insights and his love for researching SaaS products enables him to provide in-depth, fact-based software reviews to enable software buyers make better decisions.

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

• Best Business Phone Systems of 2024

Picking a communications system for your business is more complex than just selecting a new phone. The service that provides your business phone capabilities needs to be reliable and provide high-quality communications without static or delays, connecting your employees and customers in a way that's most effective. The following companies have been evaluated for features, pricing, integrations, and hardware to help businesses make the smartest decision possible when choosing a business phone service provider. Intermedia, Nextiva, and Dialpad top our list, but each of the companies we rated offers something unique for businesses of all types.

Popular Business Phone Systems

Intermedia »

Nextiva »

Vonage »

RingCentral »

8x8 »

Why Trust U.S. News

Our ratings are unbiased. We follow strict editorial guidelines, maintain a separate business team, and have a transparent methodology.

Sources Reviewed

Business Phone Services Considered

Companies Selected

Table of Contents

• Best Business Phone Systems
• Rating Details

How Much Do Business Phone Systems Cost?

Business phone systems continue to evolve and innovate. Traditional business phone systems required companies to purchase a great deal of hardware for offices. However, an increasingly remote workforce demands flexibility that on-premise private branch exchange (PBX) systems don’t provide. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) business phone systems have revolutionized the industry, and modern business phone services encompass far more than simply voice calls.

Cloud-based phone systems now offer Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) features to help companies communicate in a variety of ways, including cutting-edge tools that leverage artificial intelligence (AI), customer relationship management (CRM) app integration, and virtual receptionists. The best system for your business won’t be one-size-fits-all, and this guide will walk you through the best options for all types of businesses and needs.

PeopleImages

Our Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 Rating

• RingCentral
• GoTo Connect

Compare Quotes for Business Phone Systems

Fill out this questionnaire to get customized pricing from providers that meet your needs.

Best Business Phone Systems in Detail

Straightforward pricing

Most integrations available with basic plan

Some features require separate add-ons

Video conferencing maxes out at 200 participants

Intermedia is our Best Business Phone System of 2024, and it also takes the No. 1 position in our ratings of the Best Small Business Phone Systems and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

Intermedia offers two unified communications plan options with straightforward pricing. The Unite Pro plan option is $27.99 per user per month, and the Unite Enterprise is $32.99 per user per month. Both plan tiers come with a robust set of features, including unlimited calling, CRM integrations, auto-attendant, call recording, supervisor analytics, meeting transcription, and team messaging. The higher-tier Unite Enterprise plan offers an Exchange mailbox, HD video conferencing for up to 200 participants, integrations with additional programs such as Salesforce , and supervisor functions like monitoring, whispering, and barging.

Learn more in our Intermedia review .

Round-the-clock customer support

Monthly, no-contract plans available

Integrates with existing contact and CRM tools

Some features aren't available on the base plan

Expensive per-user cost for the base plan

Best price requires a three-year commitment

Nextiva takes the No. 2 position in our Best Business Phone Systems, and it also takes the No. 2 position in our ratings of both the Best Business Phone Systems for Small Businesses and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

Nextiva’s three business communication plan tiers – Essential, Professional, and Enterprise – offer a range of features and services that may appeal to growing businesses that plan to scale up in the future. Plans are priced per user and can be billed monthly or annually. All plan tiers come with features such as unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada, video conference recording, 24/7 customer support, auto-attendant, voicemail transcription, mobile apps, and more.

Higher plan tier levels include more advanced features such as CRM integrations, mobile SMS/MMS, and greater participant capacities for conference calls. For businesses with very few employees, Nextiva’s pricing is at the higher end of the companies in our rating, and you may find comparable basic plans at a lower price point elsewhere.

Learn more in our Nextiva review .

Dialpad »

App integrations available at entry-level

AI-powered call analysis and transcription

APIs provide additional user management functionality

14-day trial period is short

24/7 support not available with all plans

Dialpad fills our No. 3 position in our Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 rating, and it also takes the No. 3 spot in our ratings of both the Best Small Business Phone Systems and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

Dialpad has three plan options for business communications: Standard, Pro, and Enterprise. Pricing for the Standard plan starts at $15 per user per month and includes:

• Unlimited calling
• Call and voicemail transcription
• Unlimited video meetings
• Customer support through web or chat 

If you upgrade to the Pro plan for $25 per user per month, you gain access to additional features, such as:

• International SMS
• CRM integrations
• Multiple phone numbers per account
• Open APIs and webhooks
• 24/7 live agent support 

The Enterprise plan unlocks even more features, although interested customers will need to contact Dialpad directly for pricing.

Dialpad Ai, the company’s voice intelligence, powers all plan tiers and can offer not only more accurate transcription but also some unique additional insights, such as live call sentiment analysis. Using this feature, a supervisor can review a transcript of a live call that may not be going well before jumping in to assist.

Learn more in our Dialpad review .

Designed for office, remote, and mobile employees

Unlimited number of users can be added

Offers secure global PBX services

Essentials plan limited to 20 users

No video conferencing capabilities on the base plan

No 24/7 technical support on the base plan

RingCentral ties with 8x8 for the No. 4 position in our ratings of the Best Business Phone Systems of 2024, the Best Small Business Phone Systems, and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

RingCentral offers a range of communications solutions for businesses, including video-only plans and contact center options, and those in search of phone and messaging services will find three plan options: Core, Advanced, and Ultra. Monthly pricing for these plans ranges from $30 per user to $45 per user. Those prices can differ if you do an annual plan.

The lowest plan tier Core includes:

• Business phone or toll-free numbers
• Unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada
• Voicemail to text
• Unlimited video conferencing
• Team messaging
• Document sharing
• Integrations with Slack or Microsoft 365 

You will have to scale up, however, if you want access to any additional features, such as:

• Integrations with SalesForce, Zendesk, industry-specific apps
• Advanced call queues
• Multi-site admin and management 

You will need to upgrade further to the Ultra plan if you are interested in features like:

• Device analytics and alerts
• Unlimited storage
• RingCentral’s Business Analytics Pro

Learn more in our RingCentral review .

Base-level Express plan is very inexpensive

Compliant with various privacy standards including HIPAA

Many plans include unlimited international calling

24/7 support is limited to higher plan tiers

Basic plan doesn’t offer as many features as other companies

8x8 ties for No. 4 in our Best Business Phone Systems of 2024, Best Small Business Phone Systems, and Best VoIP Business Phone Systems ratings with RingCentral.

The company offers several plans for business owners and the option of adding contact centers. If your business has less than five employees, the Express plan that costs $15 per user per month is one of the best values out of the companies we rated. It offers:

• Unlimited calling in the United States and Canada
• A basic auto attendant
• HD audio and video conferencing
• 8x8’s app: Work

If you have more employees or need more features, the X2 plan for $28 per user per month adds:

• 24/7 customer service
• Call analytics
• Interactive meetings

The higher plans allow meetings to have up to 500 active participants, which is among the highest number of the companies in our rating. The services provided by 8x8 are also HIPAA-compliant.

Learn more in our 8x8 review .

GoTo Connect »

Connects with business productivity apps

International calling capabilities

Plans combine phone and virtual meeting features

Meetings are limited at Basic level

Self-service customer support for Basic plan

GoTo Connect ties for sixth in our ratings of the Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems. It has three plan tiers: Basic, Standard, and Premium.

The Basic plan starts at $27 per user per month for two to 10 users and includes:

• Local or toll-free phone numbers
• Video meetings for up to four participants
• Some other basic integrations

Compared to other companies in our rating, the Basic plan offers few features at a higher price point. For $32 per user per month for two to 10 users, you can purchase the Standard plan, which has more features than the Basic plan, including:

• International calling
• Video meetings for up to 150 participants

For a plan that has a lot of features, the Premium plan ranges from $33 to $54 per user per month, depending on the number of users. This plan could be a good option for larger companies that have complex communication needs.

Learn more in our GoTo Connect review .

Includes unlimited calls, SMS, and team messaging

The mid-level plan integrates with CRM software

Provides 24/7 service and tech support

Visual voicemail and call recording only on highest plan

Toll-free numbers are an extra cost

The entry-level plan doesn’t work with desk phones

Vonage, alongside GoTo Connect, Aircall, Ooma, and Avaya, ties for the No. 6 position in our ratings of both the Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

Vonage’s unified communications platform offers three plan tiers: Mobile, Premium, and Advanced. The lowest plan tier, Mobile, starts at $19.99 per user per month for a single user and includes:

• Mobile and desktop apps
• Unlimited calls and SMS
• Unlimited team messaging

The Premium plan for $29.99 per user per month adds many more features on top of these, such as:

• CRM integration 
• Multi-level auto-attendant 
• Unlimited meetings for up to 100 attendants 

The highest plan tier, Advanced, which starts at $39.99 per user per month for one user, includes all the features of Mobile and Premium plans while also adding advanced features like:

• Call-recording 
• Visual voicemail
• Call grouping

Similar to companies like GoTo Connect, Vonage’s sliding-scale pricing means that plans become more affordable as you add more users. But for companies needing business phone services for 100 employees or more, you will have to contact Vonage directly for pricing.

Learn more in our Vonage review .

Aircall »

One-click integrations with third-party software

Offers local, toll-free, and international numbers in over 100 countries

Call recording comes standard with all Aircall plans

Requires a minimum of three users

Base plan costs more than entry-level plans from other providers

No video conferencing available

Aircall, with GoTo Connect, Vonage, Ooma, and Avaya, ties for the No. 6 position in our ratings of both the Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

Of the companies in our rating, Aircall’s team collaboration and productivity features stand out, especially for managing remote teams. Calendar customization and syncing, help desk and CRM integrations, and live activity feeds are just some of the tools that teams can utilize. However, Aircall’s pricing is among the highest of the companies in our rating, so it will be crucial for prospective customers to weigh the benefits of the added collaboration features with the bottom line.

Aircall offers two plan tiers: Essentials, which is $40 per user per month, and Professional, which is $70 per user per month. Both come with a rich set of features and a three-user minimum. Customized plans are also available.

Learn more in our Aircall review .

Ooma »

24/7 customer support

Can be used with existing non-digital office phones

Entry-level plan includes features like digital fax

Toll free numbers cost extra

Video conferencing not available in basic plan

CRM integration is only available for highest tier plan

Ooma accompanies GoTo Connect, Aircall, Vonage, and Avaya in a five-way tie for the No. 6 position in our ratings of both the Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

Ooma offers three VoIP business phone service plans: Essentials, Pro, and ProPlus. Plan pricing ranges from $19.95 to $29.95 per user per month, placing Ooma’s costs at the lower range of the companies in our rating. Ooma’s plans are also feature-rich at all tiers, including over 50 standard features like a mobile app, ring groups, virtual receptionist, and unlimited calling in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Its Pro plan introduces additional features, such as video conferencing, call recording, and call analytics, and the highest-tier plan, ProPlus, offers access to features like call queuing, hot desking, and Salesforce integration.

Learn more in our Ooma review .

Avaya »

Systems available for all business sizes

Wide range of features available

Free plan available with Avaya Spaces

Smaller businesses might not need advanced features

Only top plan has international calling

Avaya is new to our ratings and rounds out a five-way tie with Vonage, GoTo Connect, Aircall, and Ooma for the No. 6 position in both the Best Business Phone Systems of 2024 and the Best VoIP Business Phone Systems.

Avaya’s business communications offerings span four plan tiers: Essentials, Standard, Premium, and Ultimate. Monthly pricing for a single user starts at $22.99 for the Essentials plan and rises to $52.99 for the Ultimate plan. Like many other business phone system providers, Avaya’s pricing is on a sliding scale, and decreases as the number of added users grows. The lowest-tier plan, Essentials, is available for up to 20 users and includes features such as unlimited calls in the U.S. and Canada, unlimited business SMS, team messaging, and 24/7 support. Higher-tier plans introduce features like video conferencing, meeting durations of up to 24 hours, reporting, and integrations with popular software and programs.

Learn more in our Avaya review .

The introduction of VoIP business phone systems has had a huge impact on the cost of office phone systems. Traditional business phones used to be a steep expense that required the installation of a good deal of hardware at your office. Modern VoIP phone systems drastically reduce the upfront hardware costs by instead using mobile and desktop apps on your employees’ smartphones and laptops .

The starting prices of business phone systems in our 2024 rating range from $15 to $40 per user per month.

The starting prices of business phone systems in our 2024 rating range from $15 to $40 per user per month. Most of the companies in our rating work on a sliding price scale: The more business lines you need, the less your company pays per line. Sliding scales are great for enterprises looking to save money on the cost of a communication system, whereas fixed per-user costs may be preferred by small businesses that don't have the large employee count necessary to get the best rates on business phone service. Sliding scale providers include Nextiva, RingCentral, Vonage, Avaya, and GoTo Connect. Fixed-rate providers include Dialpad, Ooma, Zoom Phone, and 8x8.

Business phone plans are generally broken up into several tiers. The base tier of most plans come with unlimited domestic calls and basic calling features, such as call forwarding and voicemail. Higher-tier plans give businesses access to unified communication features, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and CRM integrations.

However, the all-in-one approach comes at a cost. The features unlocked with higher-tier plans drastically drive up the monthly cost of your business phone service. Add-ons like additional toll-free and international phone numbers can further increase your monthly cost.

To offset your monthly business phone expenses, you can sign an annual contract. Many providers offer discounted rates to businesses that agree to a long-term contract. Contract lengths vary from one to multiple years, with longer commitments seeing the greatest discounts.

Best Phones for Small Businesses

Business phone services can vary widely in features and pricing, making it challenging for small businesses to determine which provider may be the best option to suit the bottom line. To help small businesses learn more about how to best evaluate and decide on a business communications system, we’ve looked at cost, features, and scalability to determine our rating of the Best Small Business Phone Systems .

VoIP Business Phone Systems

VoIP is short for Voice over Internet Protocol. A phone system that's VoIP-based uses an internet connection to provide the phone service instead of routing calls through traditional phone lines. It can connect to the internet using an Ethernet cable, Wi-Fi, or your phone's cellular connection.

All of the companies in our ratings offer VoIP business phone services. To learn more about the VoIP phone systems these companies provide, visit our Best VoIP Business Phone Systems rating.

What Should I Look for in a Business Phone System?

A business phone system or service is no longer just about the phone. Today, inbound and outbound calling – and the ways to manage these calls – are just some of the many features available to customers. It’s important to know what options are available and prioritize your must-haves, says Jon Geggatt, a retired IT professional who mentors business owners through SCORE , a resource partner of the Small Business Administration .

Here are some of the most common features to consider in a business phone system:

• Unlimited local and long-distance calling is generally offered by cloud VoIP business phone services, as well as many of the call-management functions available through on-premises PBX systems. 
• A new phone number , local or toll-free, is generally offered but is sometimes an add-on fee. Check if a local or toll-free phone number is included in your plan price.
• Auto-attendants , also called virtual receptionists, route calls to departments and let customers dial by name. 
• Ring groups send incoming calls to multiple employees at once so calls are picked up quickly. Presence features let employees see if coworkers are available, busy, or offline.
• Call flip allows employees to seamlessly switch between desktop and mobile devices during a live call. When using a service’s mobile app to call clients, the caller ID shows the office phone number, not an employee’s personal number.
• Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) gives customers access to collaboration and productivity tools. With UCaaS, users can reach out by SMS or business texting, instant messaging, or group chat. Users also have access to file sharing, online faxing, and joining a video chat or video meeting.
• Unified inboxes and omnichannel routing bring voice, email, chat, text (SMS), and social media channels into one place. 
• Audio, video, and web conferencing make it easier to share ideas with customers or collaborate with remote co-workers.
• Integrations with popular business applications, such as CRM , project management, security, and customer support programs connect businesses and customers. 
• Access to open application programming interfaces (APIs) let software developers customize applications for companies.
• Contact center capabilities are built into some service plans and allow for call queues, call recording, predictive dialing, options to let supervisors listen in on calls for training purposes, and whisper notifications about the next caller.
• Pop-up screens share pertinent contact information when customers call in. 
• Reporting and analytics vary by business phone service provider. Most provide basic call logs, but others offer a more in-depth analysis of users, customers, and the company’s account. Real-time call analytics let managers see how customer conversations unfold and how specific keywords trend over time. Custom reports and dashboards provide high-level insights.
• Access to live telephone customer support may be available 24/7 or on a more limited basis, depending on the business phone service. Live chat and email also may provide support. Customers can search online support centers for specific help topics, videos, articles, and user guides.
• Scalability can meet the needs of a growing business. Administrators simply add users and phone numbers through an online portal, which also can be used to configure settings, manage billing, and access system reports.

Compare the Best Business Phone Systems of 2024

How do i choose the best business phone systems.

Picking a business phone service is more complex than simply selecting a new phone. The service needs to be reliable, provide high-quality communications without static or delays, and connect your employees and customers in a way that's effective for your particular company.

Ask yourself these questions to help narrow down which business phone provider is right for you.

• Are VoIP business phones right for me? Many small and midsize companies are moving to cloud VoIP phone systems, which are subscription-based, because they often don’t have the budgets or personnel to effectively manage and maintain on-site phone systems. End users are not responsible for maintaining the system. Instead, they instantly gain access to the latest UCaaS features. “If you don’t have an in-house IT staff, if you have already outsourced all of that, then I would recommend that you outsource your phone services as well,” says Jon Geggatt, a retired IT professional who mentors business owners through SCORE , a resource partner of the Small Business Administration .
• What’s my budget? The cost of a business phone service is often dictated by the number of users. Most providers offer cheaper rates for companies that need a large number of lines. Other companies have fixed-rate pricing per user. This may be preferable for smaller businesses with fewer employees that don’t require an extensive list of communications features.
• What calling features do I need? Many business phone providers split services into multiple tiers. Lower-tier plans offer basic calling features, while higher tiers include UCaaS features, such as video conferencing and CRM integrations. Depending on how your company communicates internally and externally, you may not need every feature. Determine which calling features you need and look at the appropriate plan tier. You can always upgrade your service later if your needs change.
• Do I need hardware? Most businesses won’t need hardware for VoIP business phone systems. Cloud-based VoIP services are often run on desktop or mobile apps. You can save on upfront expenses by using these apps instead of purchasing desk phones. However, some businesses will prefer to outfit offices with IP phones. Make sure the service you choose offers IP phones or is compatible with the hardware you’re interested in.

The best phone system for one company may not be ideal for another. Before committing to a particular system, service, or provider, look closely at the needs of your organization. For more information, read our guide on How to Buy a Business Phone System .

What Is a Business Phone System?

You have options when it comes to choosing the best type of business phone system for your company. Business phone systems can be broken down into the following categories:

With both a cloud-hosted and cloud-based virtual phone system, call processing occurs in the data center, so calls are still answered even if a company loses power from a man-made or natural disaster.

“Many companies have replaced their traditional PBX systems with IP-enabled PBX, IP-PBX, or cloud telephony solutions,” says Megan Fernandez , a senior principal analyst at technology research and advisory firm Gartner. “Phone system manufacturers have transitioned their portfolios to IP telephony and cloud telephony solutions.”

How Do Business Phone Systems Work?

The process for getting started with a new phone system depends on whether you have an on-premise or a cloud-based service. It also depends on the size of the deployment, another term for setting up a new phone system.

For many small companies, installation is a do-it-yourself endeavor with VoIP phone systems. You sign up for an account, choose or transfer phone numbers, and configure features like voicemail, call recording, and call forwarding. After downloading mobile and desktop apps, employees can make business phone calls and collaborate or use other tools through an internet connection. IP desktop phones may be plug-and-play or require configuration.

For larger organizations, implementing cloud phone services is more complex due to the number of employees, devices, office locations, and phone numbers that must be transferred or ported. Deployment may be phased in, and providers and channel partners (third parties that sell office phone systems) may provide hands-on support, sometimes for an additional fee.

Cloud telephone services are the fastest to deploy. On-premise phone systems take longer because desk phones and software must be set up and configured on-site.

Integrations and application programming interfaces (APIs) can extend the use of your phone system. Integrations allow your office phone system to work with other business software, such as customer relationship management (CRM) and point-of-sale (POS) systems . By integrating your software, you create a connection that allows programs to communicate with one another. This communication allows you to share data and combine some of the functionality of the two systems with a few clicks. If an integration for a business software you use isn’t available, an API can help.

APIs are integrations that have been coded on the back end of programs to automatically push and pull data from one another. This creates a simple, streamlined interface for the user and doesn’t require them to input or pull the data manually. The ability to have your business systems work together improves overall efficiency and organization. For example, you can have a third-party CRM track and record your office phone system’s calls to create a unified approach to your business’ sales calls.

The best office phone services offer numerous integrations and APIs that let you get the most out of all your business software. However, if your business is just starting out, you may prefer a simplified system. Many small businesses will opt for cheaper basic plans that offer minimal integrations. But you may prefer a provider that offers all the business software you will need. Think about your business’s specific needs and decide if integrations are important.

Connecting employees working outside of the office means an additional set of considerations. This workforce may include employees who work from home and those who travel to different offices or worksites.

Here are a few elements to consider:

• Team messaging tools: Find a replacement for the proverbial water cooler that helps your employees easily connect. The tools that are effective for you often depend on your particular office culture. These tools may include instant messaging, screen-sharing, and file sharing, among others. When you have the right collaboration systems in place, employees can work together and communicate almost as easily as if situated in a face-to-face setting.
• Team meetings: Provide an easy-to-use way for your employees to have discussions. Audio-only conference calls can accomplish this, but experts say being able to see each other is important. Bob Frisch and Cary Greene with the Harvard Business Review explain that video conferencing can be used rather than traditional conference dial-ins to help people feel more like they’re all at the same meeting. This technology "helps to personalize the conversation and to keep participants engaged."
• Mobile apps: The best mobile apps for remote employees go beyond just making phone calls. Features, such as contact syncing with the office network, instant messaging with teammates, and voicemail-to-email software, put information at your fingertips wherever you are.
• Calling features that support remote employees: Look for calling features that easily connect smartphones, softphones, and desktop phones (when applicable) into one system. For example, “call flip” lets you move a phone call from one device to another. “Simultaneous ring” sends your phone call to multiple devices at once, while “follow me” takes turns ringing each of your devices in the order you choose.

For some businesses, security and privacy are pivotal. If customers share sensitive information over the phone with your business, you’ll want a provider that follows the regulations that pertain to your industry. For instance, if personal medical information is given over the phone, look for a HIPAA-compliant provider. But security concerns don't stop there.

Providers should also offer users reliable network centers and use encryption to secure calls. Some cloud VoIP providers even use VPNs, which protect the transmission of information between endpoints.

Many business phone providers also have geographically dispersed data centers that act as redundancies and work in conjunction with automatic data backups to ensure that your data is stored safely.

If your company works in an industry with security and privacy concerns, look into your office phone’s features, policies, and certifications to make sure it meets your needs. Most of the business phone companies in our rating explain their security measures on their websites.

Best Business Phone Systems:

• Best Small Business Phone Systems of 2024
• Best VoIP Business Phone Systems of 2024
• What Is VoIP?
• How to Buy a Business Phone System

Compare our Best Business Phones Systems:

• Nextiva vs. RingCentral Business Phone Systems
• magicJack vs. Ooma Business Phone Systems
• Ooma vs. Vonage Business Phone Systems
• RingCentral vs. Zoom Business Phone Systems
• Google Voice
• Grasshopper
• Spectrum Business Phone
• Verizon Business Phone

Other Guides from 360 Reviews

Best Credit Card Processing Companies of 2024

Dennis O'Reilly

Best Web Hosting Services of 2024

Lauren Swift

Best Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software of 2024

Jeremy Brown and Bryce Colburn

Best Payroll Software of 2024

Bryce Colburn and Lauren Swift

Best POS System of 2024

10 Best VPN Services of May 2024

Jeff Kinney

Best Internet Service Providers

Sarah Shelton and Jeff Kinney and Onjeinika Brooks and Kathryn Core

Best Password Managers of 2024

Jeff Kinney and Onjeinika Brooks

Our 360 Methodology for Evaluating Business Phone Systems

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

• Admin console

Contact sales

Get started

Google Voice: Business Phone System & Plans Stay connected and save time with an easy-to-use business phone solution that fits organizations of any size.

Work from anywhere

Your Voice line works on mobile devices, laptops, and supported deskphones so you can stay connected at work, home, or on-the-go.

Voice can be customized to fit your day-to-day workflow. Number assignment, porting, and billing are neatly consolidated in the familiar Google Workspace Admin console.

Voice uses Google AI to help save you time by blocking spam calls and transcribing voicemails to text automatically. Integrations with Google Meet and Calendar help keep the focus on what's important.

Voice can be deployed instantly — and globally — from anywhere, with less administrative work. This feature includes easy set up of multi-level auto attendants and ring groups (also known as hunt groups).

Works with Voice

Expand your reach with sip link.

SIP Link allows customers to connect PSTN services from any carrier to Google Voice through certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs).

Compatible hardware

Trusted by organizations of many sizes, Polycom® devices and certified headsets provide reliable solutions for business communication.

Google Workspace

Receive valuable meeting context from Google Meet Manage your work-life balance with Google Calendar

Get more done with Voice and Google Workspace

Easy for users.

Built for Google Workspace, Voice has a familiar look and user-friendly feel that fits easily into their workflow.

Easier for IT

Make it simple for your IT team to stay on top of their work with Voice, an integral part of the Google Workspace family.

Smart for business

Manage costs for your business with three license editions that help you streamline operations with Voice and Google Workspace.

Choose the right business phone plan for you.

Promotional pricing plans apply to EMEA only. Other regions may vary.

2 Refer to the Voice rate card for a complete list of calling rates for your Voice number.

Voice is for Google Workspace customers only

Tell your google workspace administrator that you’d like voice. if you’re an admin, please sign in below..

Sign up for Google Workspace

Learn more about Google Workspace

Our sales team now uses Google Voice to call and text customers from their smartphones, tablets, and the web. And because it is considerably more affordable to operate than our legacy VoIP systems, we continue to steadily expand our usage of Google Voice.

Nerina Martinez, Senior Director of Technology at Iron Mountain

Add Voice to your Google Workspace account

Voice integrates with your Google Workspace products. Get Voice for your organization. It's easy.

Work with a specialist

Ready for Voice, but have more questions? We've got you covered.

The Best Senior Phone Plans for 2024 (Prices and Coverage)

Our top picks.

Consumer Cellular

The best cell phone plans offer excellent nationwide coverage, unlimited talk and text, and low, transparent prices.

Consumer Cellular provides the best cell phone plans for older adults thanks to its low monthly pricing and excellent nationwide coverage. The carrier uses AT&T’s wireless network to offer the same speeds and coverage as the “big companies,” and they do not have any surprise fees like activation fees. Plans start at $20 per month ($15 for additional lines), with further discounts for AARP members. Consumer Cellular has dozens of phones to choose from, including the most popular iPhone and Samsung phones.

Our second choice is Lively , which makes flip phones and smartphones specifically for seniors that offer unique features like medical alerts. We’ve tested Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 and Smart4 phones, and they are a good choice for a simpler, limited-feature phone. Lively runs on Verizon’s wireless network, and plans start at $20 per month.

If you’re only looking at the “big three carriers,” AT&T Wireless is a great choice. Plans start at $35.99 per month, but can be reduced with AARP, employer, or union discounts.

Continue reading as we describe our experiences with eight providers that have pricing and phones that passed our tests.

Our Methodology: How We Tested and Selected the Best Phone Plans for Seniors

Our team testing out senior-friendly cell phones

Each year, our editorial team analyzes the plans for more than a dozen wireless carriers to find the best plans for seniors. In addition, for carriers that offer phones specifically designed for seniors, we purchase them and put them through a series of tests for usability and durability.  This year, we put 12 providers and over 30 phones to the test. Here’s what we evaluate, in a nutshell:

• Pricing: We’re looking for low-priced, transparent plans with unlimited talk and text. For plans without unlimited data, we want to understand how much is included and how customers are charged if they go over their limit.  We also look for hidden fees like activation fees.
• Coverage: We’re looking for plans that use AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon’s networks. They resell their networks to companies like Consumer Cellular or Lively, so you’re going to be covered by everyone in this article.
• Customer service: There’s nothing worse than running into a problem with your phone or service and being unable to get help from your provider. We’ve tested different plans and dealt directly with customer service representatives to see which companies offer the best overall customer service experience.
• Health and safety services: Some of the carriers on our list offer health and safety services designed for seniors. This will only be an important feature for some users, so for those who want them, we’ve highlighted which carriers that offer them below. From phones with built-in medical systems to health and safety features, there are many perks that make particularly good options for seniors.

Top Questions to Consider When Choosing a Senior Phone Plan

If you’re struggling to choose a phone carrier, ask yourself the questions below to narrow down your options:

• Which cell phone carriers are in your area? Your cell phone plan options will depend on which carriers provide coverage where you live. Ask your local friends, neighbors, and family which carriers they use and if they’re satisfied with their coverage.
• How will you use your phone? Will your phone be for just talking and texting? Or do you plan to use it for heavy internet surfing and video streaming? How you use your phone dictates the type of plan you need.
• Do you already have a cell phone? If you’d like to continue using your current phone, be sure to ask if the plan and carrier you are considering allow you to do so.
• Do you need a health and safety package? Some carriers, such as Lively and Snapfon, offer add-on health and safety packages that include urgent response and fall detection features.
• Do you want a prepaid plan? With prepaid cell phone plans, you’ll pay upfront for the number of minutes, texts, and data you need.
• Are you eligible for a veteran discount or low-income plan pricing? Many carriers offer discounts on phone plans to seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals.
• Do you travel out of the country often? You can stay connected with family and friends, even when you’re out of the country, with a plan that includes overseas coverage.

Five Common Cell Phone Plan Fees

Deciphering cell phone plan pricing can be tricky! Before locking into your new plan, ask the salesperson to total up all of the plan costs, including taxes and fees, so you know exactly what to expect when you receive your monthly billing statement. Don’t be afraid to ask for fees to be waived! You could snag some savings simply by speaking to a customer service representative.

Here are the five most common fees to look out for:

• Activation fee
• SIM card fee
• State and local wireless tax
• Phone upgrade fee
• Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (RCRF)

Free or Low-Cost Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Older adults living on a fixed income may struggle to pay for a cell phone plan. And how much Social Security you get plays a major role! Luckily, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Lifeline program provides help.

Participants in Medicaid health insurance , Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), veterans pension and survivor benefits , and other federal and state assistance programs may be eligible for free or low-cost phone service.

The FCC’s Lifeline program provides a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice and broadband packages from participating wireline or wireless providers. You can also check out our guide to free cell phones for seniors for more ways to save.

Best Phones for Seniors: How to Choose

My grandma making a call on the Jitterbug Smart4

As you shop for the best cell phone plan, you’ll need to make sure you have the right phone to go with it! With so many choices, finding the right cell phone can seem like a daunting task. These resources will help you make the most of your new cell phone and plan.

• Best smartphones for seniors : Our experts spent over 300 hours researching, asking questions, and testing various phones to find the best smartphones on the market.
• Best flip phones for seniors : Find out which flip phones made our top five recommendations.
• Best cell phones for hearing-impaired seniors : Get the most out of your hearing aids by pairing them with one of the best cell phones for hearing-impaired seniors.
• Best cell phones for visually impaired seniors : If you have vision loss or are blind, there are plenty of accessible phone options to choose from.
• Best big-button cell phones for seniors : We tested and reviewed over a dozen big-button cell phones and narrowed them down to our top five picks for seniors.
• Easiest cell phones for seniors to use : Searching for a simple cell phone? We have you covered with the easiest cell phones based on usability, size, and other senior-friendly features.
• Best cheap cell phones for seniors : If you’re on a tight budget, check out our top picks for cheap cell phones.
• Best iPhones for seniors : Are you a big fan of Apple products? We’ve hand-picked the best iPhones for older adults.
• Best Android phones for seniors : If you prefer Android over Apple, check out our top Android picks for seniors.
• Best voice-activated phones for seniors : Want a phone that you can operate with the sound of your voice? Take a look at our top picks for voice-activated seniors, perfect for those with arthritis or mobility issues.

• Back to stores
• Find a Verizon Store
• Request a Store Appointment
• Australia (eng)
• Deutschland (de)
• France (fr)
• Great Britain (eng)
• Netherlands (eng)
• Singapore (eng)

Mobile plans for business

Get the domestic mobile plans, international services, device protection and more that fit your business needs.

Get started

• Explore more

Business devices

Affordability.

Get pricing that works for your business, with mobile plans as low as $30/mo. Per line with 5 lines on Business Unlimited Start 5G smartphone plan. Select customer agreement required. Includes Auto Pay and paper-free billing discount. Taxes, fees and Economic Adjustment Charge apply.

Keep teams connected with coverage virtually anywhere you do business.

Reliability

Keep work flowing with mobile devices your business can rely on. On the network America relies on.

Take advantage of value-added security services to help defend against cyber threats.

Business Unlimited

Switch and get truly unlimited data, plus double the premium hotspot data with select plans. Compared to Business Unlimited 2.0 plans.

Bring your own device

Have a device you love? Save $600 when you switch to Verizon 
and bring your compatible smartphone and number. New line w/month-to-month agmt & Business Unlimited Plus 5G or Unlimited Pro 5G plan req’d. Cust must transfer smartphone & number to VZ; new line activation & number transfer must be completed in one transaction. Smartphone must be compatible w/VZ network. $600 credit applied to acct. over 24 mos; promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 1-2 bills, will include appropriate credit amounts from order date & do not appear in Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee section of your bill. Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee increases in month 25. Cust must retain smartphone & remain on selected plan in order to receive credit(s). Cannot be combined with other device offers. Business Unlimited 5G plan terms apply. Limited time offer.

You may also be interested in

Device protection.

Don’t let a lost, stolen or damaged device destroy productivity. Because your business can’t wait. Verizon device protection options are available for eligible Verizon business wireless lines and devices. You must enroll within 30 days of device activation or during another qualifying event. Certain benefits are available with select plans. Claims limitations, line limits, deductibles, taxes, fees and terms apply.

International services

Whether you're traveling outside the U.S. for business or calling a vendor in another country, our international business plans are built to meet your needs.

Smartphones

Choose from a range of cutting-edge smartphones from top brands, and give your business a boost.

Help your teams stay productive where work takes them with lightweight, portable tablets and 2-in-1s.

Explore a variety of devices designed to meet your business needs.

Get a 5G phone on us. When you switch.

Taxes & fees apply. New line w/device payment purchase agmt & Business Unlimited Pro plan req’d. 0% APR. Up to $1,000 (iPhone 15 Pro Max, Pixel Fold, Galaxy S24 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold5) credit, varying by smartphone trade-in, applied to acct over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credit will not exceed device price. Monthly credits begin 2-3 bills after trade-in is received by VZ. Smartphone trade-in must be received by VZ w/in 90 days & meet program requirements. Most trade-in device conditions accepted; exclusions apply. 10-line trade-in limit per order. Cannot be combined with other device offers. Limited time offer.

New Verizon customers can get $100 off a new smartphone.

New line w/device payment agmt & $34.99 or higher price plan req’d. 0% APR. $100 credit applied to acct after 2-3 bills. Can be combined with select offers. VZ reserves the right to charge back to your acct all or a portion of the value of any promotional credit you received as part of this offer in the event you no longer meet the eligibility requirements. Any such charge back may be subject to the terms of your VZ agmt. Offer available online only for a limited time.

Switch with your phone and number. Save $600.

New line w/month-to-month agmt & Business Unlimited Plus 5G or Unlimited Pro 5G plan req’d. Cust must transfer smartphone & number to VZ; new line activation & number transfer must be completed in one transaction. Smartphone must be compatible w/VZ network. $600 credit applied to acct. over 24 mos; promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 1-2 bills, will include appropriate credit amounts from order date & do not appear in Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee section of your bill. Biz Unlimited 5G plan fee increases in month 25. Cust must retain smartphone & remain on selected plan in order to receive credit(s). Cannot be combined with other device offers. Business Unlimited 5G plan terms apply. Limited time offer.

Let’s connect.

Ready to buy Shop devices

Chat with us Start live chat

Call if you need 10+ devices 800-526-3178

Have us contact you Request a call

Already have an account?    Log in Explore support

Salesforce is closed for new business in your area.

Parking and Transportation

Fleet services newsletter, may 2024, wex card’s expire on 5/31 – time to pick-up your new card .

WEX fuel credit card swaps have been slow so far, we still have a lot of new cards to give out. If you have not yet picked up your new card please make a plan to do so. All you need to do is bring your old card to our office and we will swap it out. The current cards expire at the end of May. Cards can be exchanged Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

New Decals for University Healthcare Vehicles

As part of the  new branding initiative of UI Healthcare, Fleet Services will be updating the decals of all healthcare vehicles. The process began on May 6 th , is ongoing, and should be complete in the next 6 months. The plan is to swap for the new branded decals at each vehicle’s next service appointment. 

Who is Considered a Pedestrian in Iowa?

Current law in Iowa defines a pedestrian as a person specifically on foot and does not include people in wheelchairs, riding scooters/skateboarding, or cyclists. Lobbyists and advocacy groups like, AARP Iowa, and the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center pushed to make the language of the law more inclusive. Late last week Governor Kim Reynolds signed a new law that changes the meaning of a pedestrian. The new definition adds some language and now includes “ a person using a pedestrian conveyance”   in addition to a pedestrian on   foot. A pedestrian conveyance is any human-powered device a pedestrian may use to move or move another person. It also includes electric motored devices as long as they produce less than 750 watts. The bill goes into effect on July 1st.  Check out the full article from CBS .

Driving in a Tornado – How to Stay Safe

Never try to outrun a tornado. According to AccuWeather, tornados can travel very quickly and do not follow road patterns. If you are driving and a tornado develops it is best to try to find shelter in a sturdy building. When there is no shelter nearby, experts recommend staying in your car, secured using your seat belt, putting your head down below the window, and covering your head with your hands or a blanket if you have one. If you can safely get to a low-lying area such as a ditch or ravine, basically lower than the roadway, then exit the car and lie down in the area and cover your head with your hands or use a protective covering like a blanket or tarp. Also avoid taking shelter under an overpass. The winds are higher in these openings and flying debris can still get to you. Check out the full article on tornado safety . 

Real ID – New Deadline to be Enforced

There is a new deadline for Real ID, it is now May 7, 2025. Just a little less than a year away. If you fly commercially or need access to federal facilities you will need a REAL ID or another federally approved ID like a passport. Take a look at the Iowa DOT’s info page . Please note, it can take up to 30 days to receive your REAL ID in the mail so plan ahead.

Fleet Services Severe Weather Protocol

When severe weather pops up and the sirens go off, we lock our doors and evacuate to the CAMBUS Maintenance Facility until we get the all-clear. If you have a reservation scheduled to pick up during a severe weather event, please call our office ahead of time. Our phones will be forwarded to a manager’s cell phone, and they will give you instructions to get your vehicle. We will also leave a sign on our door, so you know where we are.

Honest Mikes Used Cars

Vehicle sale season is on-going and we have a nice variety of vehicles at auction now and coming soon. Check out our GovDeals auction page to view what we currently have listed.

Fleet Factoid

According to Consumer Affairs, Louisiana is the state with the most incidents of road rage. To come up with their ranking, CA analyzed data on aggressive driving, rates of speeding/careless driving, tickets, accidents, fatalities, and traffic incidents involving gun violence, and assigned each state a “Road Rage” score. Iowa was ranked 39 th and New Hampshire was 50 th , having the nicest drivers. Check out the full article from Consumer Affairs .