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In this Phone.com review, we’ll analyze this virtual phone number provider, which is popular with small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.
We’ll explore its features, pricing plans, security, pros and cons, and discuss how it compares with other VoIP providers we’ve researched in 2024. Ultimately, we’ll help you decide whether it’s the right fit for your business.
Phone.com Pricing
Phone.com offers three pricing plans: Basic, Plus, and Pro. All three plans offer domestic minutes, video conferencing, and one number per user/account.
Here’s a quick overview of Phone.com’s pricing plans and how they compare:
| Basic | Plus | Pro | |
| Starting Price (Annual) | $12.74/month | $18.69/month | $27.19/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Domestic Calling | 500 minutes | ✅ | ✅ |
| Unlimited Domestic Texting | ❌ | ✅ (additional fees may apply) | ✅ (additional fees may apply) |
| International Calling | Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Puerto Rico, & the UK (billed at US rates) | Same as Basic | Same as Basic |
| Numbers | 1 per account, local toll-free, and vanity available | 1 per user, local toll-free and vanity available | 1 per user, local toll-free and vanity available |
| Video Conferencing | With 10 participants | HIPAA-compliant calls with 25 participants | HIPAA-compliant calls with 100 participants, Whiteboard, Transcription, and YouTube streaming |
| Call Recording | $8/month extra | $8/month extra | ✅ |
| Voicemail Transcription | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Phone.com Features
Phone.com offers a virtual phone solution that works well as a business phone system because of its wide range of features. Below, we’ll dive into some of its top features.
Video Calling
A mainstay of remote working, video calling is an important feature for any business phone system. Depending on the plan, Phone.com offers video conferencing with 10-100 participants.
Phone.com’s AES 256-bit encrypted video conferencing is browser-based, meaning no complicated download is required. It also supports screen and document-sharing to help presentations run smoothly.
The Pro plan also offers some helpful features, such as live streaming, breakout sessions, and AI meeting transcription.
Mobile App
One of the biggest advantages of a virtual phone system is that your staff no longer need to be tied to desk phones. With Phone.com, you can take calls from anywhere in the world as long as you have the iOS and Android-compatible mobile app downloaded.
The mobile app allows users to make and receive calls, send texts, and access voicemail over Wi-Fi or a 4G/5G data connection.
A mobile app makes switching to a virtual phone system a no-brainer for remote teams or digital nomads who want to separate business calls from their personal numbers.
Business Numbers
An essential part of completing your professional brand identity is having a business phone number to match. Phone.com allows you to choose from local, global, toll-free, and vanity numbers when signing up for your virtual phone system.
Putting a little thought into your business phone number has many benefits. For example, customers are more likely to trust calls from a local area code than those from an unknown number – this is where it pays to be selective about your choice.
Each Phone.com plan has one included number per user (or account on the Basic plan), but you can add extra numbers for $4.99 per number.
Live Receptionist
Another great feature on offer from Phone.com is the live receptionist, which isn’t included on any plans but is available for an extra $90 per month on all plans.
If you’re a solo entrepreneur, running a small business, or are simply struggling to keep up with your call volume, the live receptionist option may be helpful.
Live Receptionist is an answering service that uses real human beings based in the US. If you can’t answer the phone, the answering service will take the call, and your customers won’t be directed to voicemail.
The call agents will also be able to book appointments on your behalf, so you won’t miss out on any business. This service is available Monday through Friday, 8am-9pm EST, and Saturday, 9am-8pm EST, so calls can be taken while you aren’t at work.
Phone.com Integrations
Phone.com’s list of integrations is relatively sparse compared with some of the larger virtual phone number providers. Below, we’ll discuss which platforms Phone.com integrates with in more detail.
- AllProWebTools — A cloud-based CRM tool that offers e-commerce and is among the best marketing automation software.
- Chrometa — Time-tracking software used by freelancers.
- Comm100 — Multi-channel engagement platform encompassing live chat, ticketing, social media, and more.
- Zoho — A suite of online apps ranging from CRM, project management, accounting, and human resources to office productivity tools.
- Zapier — An intermediary tool that connects different web apps and services, enabling you to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows without writing code.
While Phone.com lacks some key integrations, its compatibility with Zapier means that you could possibly integrate with thousands of other apps via this tool.
Is Phone.com Safe?
Phone.com, on the other hand, is HIPAA-compliant, which means it is suitable for businesses such as hospitals, physician offices, dental practices, pharmacies, and any other business that retains sensitive information.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) ensures that health information is securely transferred to protect the privacy of patients.
Phone.com takes security seriously and uses triple DES encryption to secure its video meeting service. This ensures that unauthorized individuals cannot access the meetings or “ZOOM bomb” them.
Additionally, the use of high-grade SSL encryption when sensitive information like usernames and passwords are being transmitted is reassuring and helps keep user data safe.
Phone.com could enhance security even further by implementing robust two-factor authentication (2FA) mechanisms and providing transparency about the geographic locations of its data centers, ensuring they reside in countries with stringent data protection and privacy regulations.
What is Phone.com Good for?
We’d recommend Phone.com as an affordable solution for small businesses seeking a professional business number to solidify their brand identity.
We were particularly impressed by Phone.com’s robust video conferencing capabilities, making it a suitable platform for teams to conduct internal meetings and external customer interactions.
While it may lack extensive third-party integrations and advanced features required by larger teams with complex needs, Phone.com’s simplicity and HIPAA compliance, making it one of the best VoIP services for small businesses.
For companies prioritizing cost-effectiveness and essential virtual phone system functionality, Phone.com could be an excellent choice.
Phone.com vs Top Competitors
Now that we’ve seen what Phone.com offers, let’s compare it with some of the best VoIP providers on the market.
| Phone.com | Ooma | Vonage | Nextiva | RingCentral | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Local businesses | Home offices | Growing SMBs | Call centers | Established businesses |
| Starting Price | $12.74/month | $19.95/month | $13.99/month | $17.95/month | $20/month |
| Trial Period | ❌ | ❌ | 14 days | 7 days | 14 days |
| Mobile App | Android and iOS | Android and iOS | Android and iOS | Android and iOS | Android and iOS |
| Top 3 Features | Call analytics, Video conferencing, Premium hold music. | Available in 70+ countries, Home and office plans, Voicemail-to-email | AI assistant, 99.999% uptime, On-demand call recording | Unlimited internet fax, Outlook/Google integration, Admin portal for team management | IVR, Enhanced business SMS, RingCentral webinars |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Phone.com vs RingCentral
When comparing Phone.com and RingCentral, we noticed that the two virtual phone systems cater to different needs. Phone.com is an excellent choice for small businesses seeking a simple and affordable virtual phone number solution.
Its accessible pricing plans and essential features — like call forwarding and local or vanity numbers — make it an attractive option for startups and solo entrepreneurs.
In contrast, RingCentral is an established and comprehensive platform, offering advanced capabilities like robust integrations, call analytics, and scalability for larger teams with complex needs. However, RingCentral’s extensive feature set is reflected in its higher pricing.
Phone.com is more than adequate for small businesses prioritizing cost-effectiveness and simplicity in a virtual phone system, while RingCentral is a better fit for enterprises with intricate communication requirements.
Check out our full RingCentral review for more information
Phone.com vs Grasshopper
Phone.com and Grasshopper are both well-suited for small businesses. While Phone.com is slightly more affordable, Grasshopper’s user-friendly interface and easy setup make it a convenient choice.
Phone.com stands out with robust video conferencing capabilities and HIPAA compliance, making it a better fit for businesses handling sensitive healthcare data—Grasshopper isn’t, which may limit its suitability for certain industries.
However, both platforms provide essential virtual phone system features like call forwarding, voicemail, and virtual numbers for small businesses to present a professional image.
Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on factors like budget, industry-specific compliance needs, and the level of functionality required beyond basic virtual phone system offerings.
Learn more with our full Grasshopper review
Phone.com vs Ooma
Phone.com’s cost-effective pricing plans make it an attractive option for startups and solo entrepreneurs. It offers essential features like call forwarding, voicemail, and virtual numbers to help smaller companies project a professional presence without breaking the bank.
However, it lags behind in seamless integrations with popular business tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and top CRM platforms, so is perhaps better suited for smaller businesses seeking a simpler phone number for customers to book appointments, for example.
In our in-depth Ooma review, we found that it caters to the needs of growing teams and call centers with advanced capabilities like interactive voice response (IVR) and robust call routing options.
Its tight integrations with CRM tools can be particularly helpful for sales teams seeking to track calls and follow up with potential clients efficiently.
While Ooma’s comprehensive feature set and integrations make it a better fit for larger teams with more complex needs, these robust offerings come at a higher price point compared to Phone.com.
Here’s a full Ooma review for more details
Phone.com Customer Reviews
Customer reviews on Trustpilot paint a mixed picture of Phone.com’s virtual phone system. Users highlight concerns about its customer service, while others praise its low cost and great coverage.
— User review collected from Trustpilot
However, some negative reviews mention difficulty during cancellations, and another with billing, but these issues were soon remedied.
How We Test VoIP Services
For over 13 years, Techopedia has established itself as a trusted voice in technology, including the best virtual phone number systems. You can trust our analysis as we extensively test market-leading VoIP solutions.
We meticulously examine the core features, including domestic and international calling, auto-attendant, call-routing, and third-party integrations.
We also consider user reviews across multiple platforms to ensure we provide a comprehensive, well-rounded assessment that considers real-world experiences.
With our comprehensive methodology, you can rely on our recommendations when deciding which VoIP phone system is best for your business.
How to Choose the Best VoIP Provider
Searching for the right VoIP phone service can feel overwhelming, especially with so many providers to choose from. Here are some critical points you should consider before making a decision:
Cost-effectiveness should be a critical factor when selecting a VoIP phone solution for your business. Evaluate the pricing plans thoroughly to ensure they align with your budget while providing the essential features you require.
It’s also crucial to consider the contract terms. Some VoIP providers require minimum commitment periods, which could impact your total spending over time.
VoIP systems provide a wide array of features, but their capabilities and target markets can vary significantly. Some solutions are tailored for small businesses with modest call volumes and basic telephony needs, while others are designed to handle the demands of large-scale call center operations.
It’s essential to evaluate your specific requirements and match them with a VoIP provider that aligns with your business size and communication expectations.
When evaluating VoIP phone solutions, consider scalability and growth potential. Ensure the system allows you to easily add new numbers and users as your business expands.
Check the costs associated with scaling up, as some providers may charge significant fees for growing beyond your initial plan.
We recommend choosing a VoIP phone system with a trial or demo period. This allows you to evaluate its features and usability before committing to a contract.
By taking advantage of a trial period, you can ensure the VoIP solution aligns with your workflow, meets your requirements, and offers a user-friendly experience that facilitates seamless adoption across your organization.
Seamless integration with your existing software ecosystem is another critical consideration when selecting a VoIP phone system. Many leading VoIP providers offer native integrations with popular video conferencing tools, CRM, and marketing solutions.
A well-integrated VoIP system can significantly boost productivity and operational efficiency by reducing the need for manual data transfers. Before committing to a VoIP solution, double-check its integration compatibility with your current software tools.
Reliable connectivity is a top priority for VoIP systems, but occasional disruptions or technical issues may still arise. In such scenarios, having access to prompt support resources can be invaluable.
While some VoIP providers offer round-the-clock telephone support or live chat options, others rely on self-service resources like knowledge bases or community forums.
Depending on your organization’s preferences and support requirements, it’s advisable to evaluate the various support channels offered by prospective VoIP providers.
To avoid contacting customer support for connectivity issues, consider opting for a provider with a high uptime guarantee.
A 99.9% uptime implies downtime of a maximum of 1 minute and 26 seconds per day. 99.99% uptime guarantees less than 9 seconds per day. The ideal 99.999% uptime means less than 1 second of daily downtime.
When budgeting for a new VoIP phone system, consider the upfront costs and any potential additional expenses. Many providers charge extra for multiple phone numbers beyond a certain limit included in the base plan.
Make sure to review pricing structures, termination policies, and hardware requirements to accurately estimate the total implementation expenses and avoid unexpected costs that could strain your budget.
FAQs
Is Phone.com secure and compliant with regulations?
Is Phone.com free?
Why is Phone.com good for small businesses?
What is the biggest advantage of Phone.com?
What is the biggest drawback of Phone.com?
References
- Summary of the HIPAA Security Rule (HHS.gov)
- Reviews of Phone.com (Trustpilot)
- What is a Toll-Free Number, and How Does it Work (FCC.gov)
