• Best UCaaS provider overall: RingCentral
  • Best for digital engagement: Nextiva
  • Best for easy DIY setup: Ooma
  • Best for videoconferencing: Zoom
  • Best for international calls: 8x8
  • Best for AI-powered communication: Dialpad

Choosing the right UCaaS provider isn’t just about comparing technical features — it’s about transforming communication and collaboration. The best platforms unify calls, messages, and meetings while streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. They scale easily, whether you’re supporting a small team or a global workforce. With the right UCaaS solution, businesses can achieve smoother operations and stronger connections. Let’s take a look at the top options leading the way.

Top UCaaS providers comparison

UCaaS providers differ in how well they adapt to the unique needs of small teams or complex enterprise environments. Some excel at integrating with essential tools, while others focus on simplicity and ease of use. For industries requiring strict compliance, versatile security and data management features can set certain platforms apart.

Here’s a quick overview of the best UCaaS solutions on the market.

Best for
Starting price
Free trial
Scalability
Integrations
RingCentral
Best UCaaS provider overall
$20 per user per month
14 days
High
300+
Nextiva
Best digital engagement
$30 per user per month
Demo only
High
20+
Ooma
Best for easy DIY setup
$19.95 per user per month
No
Low
50
Zoom
Best for videoconferencing
$18.32 per user per month
No
Medium
1,000+
8x8
Best for international calls
Custom quote
Yes
High
66+
Dialpad
Best for AI-powered communication
$15 per user per month
Yes
Medium
70+

RingCentral: Best UCaaS provider overall

RingCentral logo
Image: RingCentral

RingCentral is a leading business communications provider that offers relatively low-cost UCaaS solutions. Despite an attractive price point, the software is feature-rich and supports all of the expected communication channels. With other providers, you would be looking at 3-4 times the cost for the same exact suite of features.

Why I chose RingCentral

These days, every vendor is trying to pass themselves off as a UCaaS “do-anything” platform — RingCentral actually walks the walk. It’s a widely adopted UCaaS platform that works reliably across a wide range of industries and organization sizes. In other words, you’re not really gambling on RingCentral for UCaaS so much as following in the footsteps of thousands of other companies.

RingEx, its business communications platform, unifies chat, messaging, video, and phone systems into one platform. This reduces cost, complexity, and enhances workflow efficiency. Features like seamless scalability, extensive integrations with popular business tools, and strong global infrastructure make it practical for both small teams and large enterprises.

Read my RingCentral review for more details.

Pricing

  • RingEx Core: Starts at $20 per user per month.
  • RingEx Advanced: Starts at $25 per user per month.
  • RingEx Ultra: Starts at $35 per user per month.

Voice, video, SMS, and meetings are included with Core plans, all within a unified platform. Advanced plans come with online fax and additional call administration features. Ultra plans come with advanced phone system analytics, IT management tools, and unlimited file storage.

RingCX, the company’s contact center solution, starts at $65 per user per month. Voice along with more than 20 other digital channels are unified within the RingCX platform.

Features

  • Free local or toll-free numbers.
  • 100, 1,000, or 10,000 free toll-free minutes.
  • Unlimited domestic calling in the US and Canada.
  • Strong IVR capabilities on all plans.
  • AI-powered noise cancellation.
  • On-demand and automatic call recording.
  • Up to 8-digit extensions on some plans.
  • Unique push-to-talk add-on.
Desktop and mobile mockup of RingCentral's collaboration features.
RingCentral makes it easy to centralize conversations across phone, text, fax, chat, and video. Image: RingCentral

Pros and cons

Pros
Cons
  • It doesn’t feel like a cheap solution.
  • Various unique features you won’t find elsewhere.
  • Covers every communication channel.
  • AI transcriptions & summaries.
  • 99.999% uptime & 24/7 customer care.
  • Access to APIs & integrations on every plan.
  • Call center features on affordable business phone plans.
  • Strong business analytics.
  • Can feel overwhelming at first.
  • Longer implementation period.
  • Various add-ons can quickly drive up the price.
  • Overkill if you just need a simple phone system.

Nextiva: Best for digital engagement

Nextiva logo
Image: Nextiva

Nextiva stands out by offering a full suite of UCaaS tools, covering more channels than most even on its cheapest plan. From small startups to large enterprises, it integrates voice, video, team collaboration, social media, live chat, and text messaging capabilities into a single cohesive ecosystem.

Why I chose Nextiva

Nextiva is growing in popularity as a UCaaS provider among companies that are looking for new ways to engage with their customers. This could be something as simple as using social messaging to drive traffic to your store or website. But it could also be part of a long term strategy to improve contact center CX by better serving each step of a multi-channel customer journey.

All of these useful features run on top of Nextiva’s secure, carrier-grade network. With a 99.999% uptime guarantee, its users rest easy knowing the system’s always up and running. Nextiva also provides responsive, 24/7 support, ensuring that any customer issues are swiftly addressed while minimizing service interruptions.

In my Nextiva review, I cover everything the company offers.

Pricing

  • Digital: Starts at $20 per user per month.
  • Core: Starts at $30 per user per month.
  • Engage: Starts at $40 per user per month.
  • Power Suite: Starts at $60 per user per month.
  • Essential: Starts at $129 per user per month.
  • Professional: Starts at $159 per user per month.
  • Premium: Starts at $199 per user per month.

Digital does not include inbound/outbound voice, but all other plans do. Essential, Professional, and Premium are considered enterprise plans for omnichannel contact centers that manage high call volumes and large workforces.

Features

  • Unlimited voice calling in the U.S. and Canada.
  • Top-tier 24/7 customer and technical support.
  • Live chat, messaging, texting, email, social, faxing, and video in one.
  • Simple interactive voice response capabilities across the board, perfect for small teams.
  • Centralized inbox to easily manage communications.
  • GDPR and PCI DSS compliant.
  • Full suite of dashboards and reporting tools.
  • Chabots, intelligent routing, and more on higher tiers.
Section of Nextiva's website that says Work from Anywhere. Transform the way your teams connect and collaborate with the mobile app, desktop app, browser, app, notifications, and DND.
Nextiva lets your team work and collaborate from anywhere. Image: Nextiva

Pros and cons

Pros
Cons
  • You’ll never outgrow it.
  • Never worry about running out of minutes or hitting time limits.
  • Excellent call and video quality.
  • Intuitive setup process.
  • Covers every communication channel.
  • 99.999% uptime guarantee.
  • The industry’s best customer support.
  • Feature-rich packages for businesses of all sizes.
  • Usage-based pricing available on enterprise plans.
  • There’s no free trial.
  • Fax costs extra on the cheapest plan.
  • More expensive than other solutions.
  • No international calling discounts.

Ooma: Best for easy DIY setup

Ooma logo
Image: Ooma

Although Ooma’s entry-level plan only includes voice and fax, its higher tiers include UCaaS features, like texting, team chat, and videoconferencing capabilities. It’s a strong choice for in-person office environments that also need digital collaboration tools.

Why I chose Ooma

Technically, any of the providers on this page are easy to implement if your system is small and your needs are basic.

However, Ooma’s one of the few that truly foolproofs the process of setting up desk phones. On top of that, the system itself is about as simple as it can get. If you’re a fan of straightforward, barebones software, you’ll appreciate its simplicity compared to other solutions.

It also comes with features specifically for traditional offices, like overhead paging and intercom which you won’t find elsewhere.

Read my Ooma review for more details.

Pricing

  • Essentials: Starts at $19.95 per user per month.
  • Pro: Starts at $24.95 per user per month.
  • Pro Plus: Starts at $29.95 per month.

Ooma is one of the few providers that doesn’t make you sign a year-long contract to get the best rates, making it a great choice for businesses with seasonal or temporary needs.

Features

  • Basic virtual receptionist to greet callers.
  • Complete company directory built in.
  • Unlimited virtual faxing on every plan.
  • Extension dialing and monitoring.
  • Music on hold or transfers.
  • Enhanced call blocking capabilities.
  • Overhead paging and intercom.
  • Call recording, queues, and hot desking on higher tiers.
Ooma offers a wide range of features for small businesses.
Ooma offers a wide range of features for small businesses. Image: Ooma

Pros and cons

Pros
Cons
  • Unlimited calling in all of North America.
  • No annual contracts required.
  • Free direct-dial number per user.
  • Affordable for basic communications.
  • As simple and straightforward as it gets.
  • Includes video, texting, team chat, and faxing on higher tiers.
  • Easy plug-and-play setup for physical desk phones.
  • Designed for in-person office spaces with intercom, paging, and more.
  • Not nearly as scalable as others.
  • More suitable for office environments.
  • Limited advanced features.
  • Lacking customization options.

Zoom: Best for videoconferencing

Zoom logo
Image: Zoom

Zoom is well known for its videoconferencing capabilities and user-friendly interface. However, it also offers a range of phone plans and UCaaS solutions for businesses that need high-quality video meetings, team chat, text messaging, and crystal clear audio.

Why I chose Zoom

From white boards and digital backgrounds to document creation, waiting rooms, and an AI companion, it’s hard to beat Zoom’s videoconferencing platform. If you’re already using it for that, upgrading to a Workplace + Phone plan won’t cause disruptions for your team.

It’s also a great choice if you rely heavily on video meetings and need to supplement that communication channel with a straightforward phone system.

You’ll even get a range of basic call center tools, like IVR, automatic call distribution (ACD), and live call monitoring capabilities to improve the inbound call experience.

Check out my full Zoom Phone review if you are unfamiliar its UCaaS capabilities.

Pricing

Zoom has phone-only plans that start at $10 per user per month. However, these don’t include internal collaboration tools.

For UCaaS features, you’ll need to go with one of two Zoom Workplace + Phone plans:

  • Pro Plus: Starts at $18.32 per user per month.
  • Business Plus: Starts at $22.49 per user per month.

Both include the same phone features, but the Business Plus plan includes additional features, like visitor management, translated captions, workspace reservations, customer support via phone, and larger meeting capacity.

Features

  • Unlimited calling in your region.
  • Active noise, echo, and keyboard sound suppression.
  • Automatic call distribution and queueing.
  • Manual and automatic call recording on every plan.
  • Easy call handoff between devices.
  • Hot desking for in-person offices.
  • Elevate calls to a video meeting.
  • Zero-touch device provisioning.
  • Mix and match plans as needed.
Zoom offers various functionalities like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and waiting room features.
Zoom offers various functionalities like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and waiting room features. Image: Zoom

Pros and cons

Pros
Cons
  • Five-star videoconferencing on top of a straightforward phone system.
  • Highly rated mobile and desktop apps, making it great for remote teams.
  • Basic call center features on every plan: ACD, IVR, and more.
  • Phone plans in 40+ countries.
  • Optional add-on for unlimited international calling in 19 countries.
  • Full 256-bit encryption.
  • Extensive list of integrations.
  • Doesn’t include virtual faxing.
  • Customer service for phone plans can be slower than others.
  • Limited to live chat support on the cheapest plan.
  • A lot of features you might not need.

8x8: Best for international calls

8x8 logo
Image: 8×8

8×8 is an established business communications provider with decades of experience. Over the years, it has added a comprehensive suite of collaboration tools, analytics, and basic AI-powered features on top of a secure and compliant platform.

Why I chose 8×8

If you make a lot of international calls or have team members in other countries, 8×8 is a great way to save money. Since it includes unlimited international calling to 14 countries in its cheapest plan and 48 in its next tier, you’ll no longer have to pay international usage fees for those locations.

Other providers don’t offer unlimited calling options or charge extra for them, making 8×8’s inclusive plans a more affordable alternative.

But cost isn’t the only thing to consider when your phone system fields a high-volume of international calls. 8×8 has the security features and know-how to help you detect and prevent VoIP fraud, even when you have to allow calls from all over the world.

Read my 8×8 review for more details.

Pricing

8×8 doesn’t publicly disclose pricing. However, there are five plans to choose from:

  • X2: Standard UCaaS capabilities.
  • X4: Special tools for receptionists and supervisors.
  • X6: Voice-only call center software.
  • X7: Omnichannel contact center solution.
  • X8: Tools for large contact centers.

X2 is the best place to start for standard business communication. If you end up needing more, you can upgrade select users to higher tiers as needed.

Features

  • Unmetered calling to 14 or 48 countries.
  • HD video and audio meetings with up to 500 people.
  • Specialized Frontdesk feature for receptionists.
  • Whisper, barge, and takeover for live calls.
  • Single sign on with every plan.
  • GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO27001 ready.
  • Multi-level auto attendant and hot desking.
  • Livestream video calls on YouTube.
With 8x8’s global presence and reach, you never have to worry about where your business takes you.
With 8×8’s global presence and reach, you never have to worry about where your business takes you. Image: 8×8

Pros and cons

Pros
Cons
  • Unlimited international calling isn’t an add-on.
  • Full range of UCaaS channels: voice, video, chat, faxing, and texting.
  • Host video meetings with up to 500 people on any plan.
  • Lightweight call routing and monitoring capabilities.
  • Strong analytics and reporting.
  • 99.999% uptime guarantee with SLA.
  • Room to grow into advanced contact center solutions.
  • Lack of pricing transparency.
  • Add-ons can quickly increase the price.
  • Some basic changes require reaching out to customer service.
  • Support can be hit or miss.

Dialpad: Best for AI-powered communication

Dialpad logo
Image: Dialpad

As a newer provider in the business communications space, Dialpad started out as a cloud-based solution. As such, it doesn’t have the same technical debt many of the others deal with every day. With a clutter-free interface designed for use on smartphones and laptops, you’ll appreciate its ease of use and powerful AI capabilities.

Why I chose Dialpad

Dialpad offers several call center AI capabilities I haven’t seen with other UCaaS providers.

While most of the advanced capabilities are only on call center and sales plans, regular business users can still enjoy real-time call and video transcriptions, call summaries, action item tracking, voicemail transcriptions, and automated insights.

It also offers a wide range of integrations on top of a stable and reliable collaboration suite that covers texting, team chat, video, and faxing if you need it.

Read my review of Dialpad for more details.

Pricing

Dialpad offers a range of business communications, videoconferencing, contact center, and sales solutions. It’s UCaaS plans include:

  • Standard: Starts at $15 per user per month.
  • Pro: Starts at $25 per user per month (three-user minimum).
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing (100-user minimum).

You can try Standard or Pro free for 14 days.

Faxing starts at $10 per number per month, additional numbers are $5 each per month, and a conference room line starts at $15 per number per month.

If you end up needing more, you can upgrade users to Dialpad’s contact center or sales enablement platforms.

Features

  • One free number per user.
  • AI-powered real-time call transcriptions.
  • Automated summaries and action item tracking.
  • Integrated voice, video, text, and messaging platform.
  • Multi-level auto attendants on every plan.
  • Call recording, routing, and spam detection.
  • Ability to swap devices during a call.
  • HIPAA compliant once a BAA is signed.
Dialpad is a great option for fast-changing startups with its features and scalability.
Dialpad is a great option for fast-changing startups with its features and scalability. Image: Dialpad

Pros and cons

Pros
Cons
  • Unlimited calling in your country, the US, and Canada.
  • Range of powerful AI features you don’t see with other platforms.
  • Modern, cloud-first business communications solution.
  • Streamlined user interface.
  • Designed for cell phones and computers.
  • Second cheapest option on my list.
  • 14-day free trial.
  • Faxing is an add-on.
  • Extensions are only available on the most expensive plan.
  • 10-participant and 45-minute video call limits on every tier.
  • Lacking integrations and phone support on the cheapest plan.

How do I choose the best UCaaS provider for my business?

The best place to start is assessing your current communication tools and processes. Along the way, you’ll be able to identify gaps or pain points, like poor call quality, high operational costs, or inadequate security features. From there, you can look for a UCaaS solution that addresses these issues and offers scalability for future growth.

After you’ve shortlisted a handful of providers, check reviews to evaluate reliability, customer support, and integration capabilities with your existing tools.

A free trial can also be invaluable for testing usability and ensuring the platform meets your expectations.

Beyond that, a personalized demo can give you a good idea of what the solution looks like in action while allowing you to ask as many questions as you need to determine if it’s the right fit.

Methodology

I relied heavily on my personal experience in the business communications category as well as a high volume of publicly available reviews, case studies, and additional online resources to back up my own experiences.

My goal was to gather relevant information on real-world performance, customer satisfaction, and overall quality of each provider.

Here’s a closer look at what I considered when putting this guide together.

Features, functionality, and capabilities

The range and quality of features provided by each UCaaS solution played a crucial role — I specifically sought providers that offer complete sets of tools to meet a wide range of communication needs.

Ease and depth of integration

I carefully considered the quality, depth, and execution of each provider’s integrations with other business tools. Simply having a large list of integrations isn’t enough.

Strong connections with CRM, ERP, and collaboration tools were the bare minimum for inclusion in this post.

Pricing structure

To include a range of tools for different business sizes, I specifically chose platforms that span the spectrum in terms of price.

System reliability

Dependable service with minimal downtime is huge for any business. I favored providers with a strong track record of reliability and uptime.

Security and compliance

The best UCaaS provider gives you peace of mind. As such, I prioritized providers that demonstrate a strong commitment to security and compliance with regulatory standards.

Customer support

Access to responsive and helpful customer support was a minimum requirement for inclusion on my list, as it’s vital for businesses to be able to get assistance when they need it.

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