RingCentral stands out for its remarkable flexibility and mobility, enabling users to place calls, join video conferences, and send messages from any internet-connected device. This cloud-based solution is especially valuable for remote workers and those frequently on the move, as it allows seamless transitions between communication platforms without interruption. Security is another cornerstone of RingCentral, offering strong protections that safeguard sensitive business interactions and ensure compliance. Additionally, its web app enhances convenience by allowing instant access to meetings and essential features directly through a browser, without the need for software installation.
Key Features of RingCentral
Cloud-Based Business Phone System
Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
Automatic Call Recording
Business SMS and MMS
Video Meetings
Omnichannel Communication
AI-Powered Virtual Agents and Automation
Analytics and Reporting
Price of RingCentral
RingCentral MVP offers four plans, starting with Essentials at $19.99 per user per month (annual billing), including core phone features and unlimited US/Canada calls. Standard costs $27.99 and adds unlimited internet fax and popular tool integrations. Premium, priced at $34.99, includes advanced call handling, analytics, and CRM integrations. Ultimate, the top tier at $49.99, provides device status reports and unlimited storage. RingCentral Video has a free Video Pro plan for up to 100 participants, while Video Pro+ costs $11.99 with more features and a larger participant limit. Contact Center pricing requires direct inquiry.
Squaretalk overview: Unfortunately, the source material does not furnish a detailed overview of Squaretalk, leaving a gap in our understanding of its core offerings. For prospective customers scoping out contact center software, this absence of explicit details means that the precise functionalities and potential advantages of Squaretalk remain to be fully articulated. In environments where each communication solution is critically evaluated for its capacity to streamline and enhance customer interactions, the current lack of descriptive content on Squaretalk invites further inquiry and clarification. As you consider your options in the competitive contact center landscape, obtaining a comprehensive picture of Squaretalk’s unique features will be essential.
Squaretalk’s pricing is structured around two distinct plans focused on meeting contact center demands. The Axiom Plan, starting at $15 per agent per month, leverages cloud PBX functionality with IVR, automated call distribution, intelligent call routing, and CRM integration. In contrast, the Matrix Plan begins at $30 per agent monthly and delivers smart predictive dialing, adaptive lead recycling, appointment call automation, and comprehensive campaign management. Both plans provide real-time dashboards, advanced reporting, and several intelligently designed call management features, enabling businesses to choose a solution aligned with their operational requirements.
AVOXI overview:
The available source does not offer specific details on AVOXI’s features, leaving its comprehensive description open to interpretation. Nonetheless, one can infer that AVOXI positions itself as a solution geared toward the communication needs of VoIP providers, hinting at an approach that aims to balance innovative functionality with everyday usability. This overview encourages prospective clients to look deeper into how such a product might align with the demanding requirements of modern voice communication services. While the particulars are currently sparse, its very mention underscores an intent to serve a market seeking reliable and adaptable VoIP solutions.
Key Features of AVOXI
Global Virtual Numbers in 170+
High Quality SIP Trunking Service
Comprehensive Cloud Contact Center Solution
Integrated AVOXI Genius Platform Experience
Advanced Call Analytics for Performance
Customizable Call Routing for Efficiency
Reliable Flexible Call Forwarding Capabilities
Real-Time Call Quality Monitoring Tools
Price of AVOXI
AVOXI presents tiered pricing tailored for diverse business scales. The Launch Plan starts at $0 per user each month, ideal for newcomers, offering essential call management and a free trial. The Contact Plan, at $19.99 monthly per user, extends functionalities with advanced analytics and agent tools. For larger organizations, the Enterprise Plan begins at $39.99 per user per month, providing comprehensive contact center engagement. Additionally, a recurring $9.99 platform fee applies with onboarding fees starting at $149.99 for six licenses, ensuring flexibility for evolving communication needs. Tailored options streamline decisions.
GoTo Connect emerges as a versatile communication solution designed to streamline connectivity for businesses, a feature that holds particular promise for VoIP providers. Its integrated approach hints at a system where multiple communication channels work in harmony, enabling smoother interactions and operational efficiency. The platform’s flexible design and commitment to seamless communication suggest that it could nicely align with the evolving needs of modern enterprises. Although the source did not outline specific details, prospective customers can appreciate its potential as a unified, adaptable solution for robust business communications.
Key Features of GoTo Connect
Phone Calls
Video Calls
Conference Calls
Native VoIP Integration
Call Forwarding
Call Recording
Mobile App
Secure Communications
Price of GoTo Connect
GoTo Connect offers two pricing plans tailored for business needs. The Basic Plan starts at $27.00 per user per month, including a business phone system with integrated chat and video conferencing for small groups—ideal for teams up to 20 users with essential features. In contrast, the Standard Plan begins at $32.00 per user monthly, delivering a robust communication platform for larger organizations with unlimited users and advanced functionality such as enhanced auto attendants, call routing, and support for video meetings with up to 250 participants. Absolutely ideal for growing enterprises.
Acefone emerges as a VoIP solution designed with modern communication demands in mind, aiming to streamline voice connectivity for businesses. While the specific functionality details are not extensively outlined, the available information hints at a platform structured to support robust and efficient communication. Prospective customers seeking a reliable software solution may appreciate how Acefone appears to balance innovation with dependable performance. In a dynamic market, its focus on facilitating seamless voice interactions positions it as a potentially valuable asset for VoIP providers.
Acefone offers flexible pricing plans built around business needs. Their Business Phone System is available in a Business plan ($14.99 per user/month, minimum three users) featuring local US numbers, unlimited calls and SMS, voicemail to email, and 24x7 support, while the Premium plan adds dedicated management, call recording, custom integrations, and priority support for $16.99 per user/month. Toll-Free numbers and minute bundles come with fixed fees. For the Interactions Hub and Contact Center Studio solutions, pricing begins around ₹1,199 per seat with enhanced options based on feature tiers.
NUACOM stands as a communication solution crafted specifically for VoIP providers seeking a robust, reliable platform to manage their voice services. It is designed to streamline operations and accommodate the evolving needs of digital communication, aiming to simplify daily tasks while ensuring scalability. With its adaptable interface and forward-thinking approach, NUACOM presents itself as an option that can potentially harmonize efficiency with advanced communication management. This overview underscores its commitment to addressing the core necessities of VoIP service delivery without delving into granular detail.
Key Features of NUACOM
Seamless Voice Communication Phone Calls
Premium High-Definition Video Call Meetings
Efficient Multi-Participant Conference Call Support
Dedicated VoIP Number Provisioning Service
Comprehensive Mobile Access Functionality Enabled
Intelligent Automated Attendant Call Routing
Smart Call Transfer Optimization Feature
Actionable Real-Time Call Analytics Dashboard
Price of NUACOM
NUACOM offers a streamlined pricing structure for its VoIP services. The provider details one pricing plan specifically aimed at small businesses, with pricing reportedly 43% above average compared to other VoIP products, ensuring customers understand the premium that accompanies a reliable communications solution. Details about exactly what the enhanced pricing covers remain unspecified, leaving some intricacies of the plan’s structure vague. Additionally, no free trial option is mentioned, making prospective users encourage direct vendor inquiries for more comprehensive pricing details and potential custom options. Contact the vendor for more details.
7
8×8
4.6 / 5
Read more about 8×8
8×8 is a cloud-based platform engineered to integrate voice, video conferencing, chat, and contact center functionalities into one cohesive system, making it an appealing solution for organizations eager to consolidate their communications into a single, streamlined environment. Its inherent scalability enables businesses—from budding startups to expansive enterprises—to adapt seamlessly to evolving demands without the hassle of juggling multiple software solutions. Offering local phone numbers across numerous countries, 8×8 fortifies global connectivity while simultaneously upholding rigorous security standards through advanced encryption and adherence to crucial compliance requirements like GDPR and HIPAA. Complemented by an intuitive user interface and robust customer support, this platform emerges as an enticing option for prospective customers seeking a versatile and secure communications solution.
Key Features of 8×8
Unified Communications Platform
High-Quality Innovative Voice Calling and Management Features
Crystal-Clear HD Video Conferencing and Collaboration Tools
Instant Real-Time Team Messaging
Advanced Contact Center Solutions
Seamless Business Application Integrations
Intelligent AI-Powered Communication and Transcription Tools
Robust Security and Compliance Standards
Price of 8×8
8x8 pricing structures offer flexible solutions for business communications. The X2 plan ($24 per user monthly) delivers essential voice, video, and chat tools across 14 countries. At $44 per user monthly, the X4 plan expands calling capabilities to 48 nations and provides operator support. With advanced call center analytics and routing, the X6 plan costs $85 monthly. The X7 plan at $110 monthly adds omnichannel integrations, while the X8 plan ($140 per user monthly) includes premium analytics and quality management. No free trial is provided; custom quotes are available today.
8
Zoom Phone
4.5 / 5
Read more about Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone emerges as an enticing option in the realm of cloud-based communications, combining budget-friendly pricing with a comprehensive suite of features that resonate with small businesses and startups. With its plans starting as low as $10 per user each month, it offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on essential communication functionalities. The system is designed for seamless integration with Zoom’s video conferencing tools, allowing users to effortlessly shift from voice calls to virtual meetings, and supports a variety of devices—ranging from mobile phones to desktop applications—thus catering to diverse work environments. Additionally, its array of call management capabilities (including call recording, routing, and auto-attendant functions) along with state-of-the-art encryption protocols underscores Zoom Phone's commitment to efficiency and security.
Key Features of Zoom Phone
Integrated Unified Communication and Collaboration Platform
Secure HD Audio Quality
Native Mobile and Desktop Apps
Flexible Call Transfer and Forwarding
Comprehensive Voicemail Management and Transcription
On-Demand Call Recording with Playback
Seamless Native Salesforce Integration
Advanced Analytics with Complete Reporting Tools
Price of Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone pricing offers structured plans catering to diverse business needs. The Metered Plan, at $10 per user monthly, charges based on outbound calling while offering unlimited inbound calls alongside integrated SMS, chat, and meeting features. The Regional Unlimited Plan, priced at $15 per user monthly, delivers unlimited domestic calling across the US and Canada with similar capabilities. The Global Select Plan, costing $20 per user per month, extends these benefits with international calling to over 40 countries and advanced call management. Optional add-ons extend functionality, providing versatile communication solutions.
9
Dialpad
4.4 / 5
Read more about Dialpad
Dialpad emerges as a dynamic, all-in-one communication solution that consolidates voice, video, and messaging into one platform, enabling businesses to switch seamlessly across channels without juggling multiple applications. Its integration of AI-powered capabilities—ranging from real-time voice analytics and call transcriptions to sentiment analysis—provides actionable insights that empower teams to refine customer interactions and enhance service delivery. The platform further distinguishes itself with features like unlimited domestic calling and a dedicated business phone number, offering a cost-effective option for enterprises of any size. Ultimately, Dialpad’s blend of innovation and flexibility makes it a compelling choice for prospective customers seeking to modernize and streamline their digital communication practices.
Key Features of Dialpad
Real-Time Voice Transcription
AI-Powered Insights
Unified Communications
Call Recording
Video Conferencing
CRM Integration
Real-Time Call Analytics
Mobile and Desktop Apps
Price of Dialpad
Dialpad offers pricing plans that adapt to various business communication needs. The Standard Plan begins at $15 per user per month on annual billing or $27 monthly, delivering unlimited domestic calling, SMS/MMS messaging, AI transcriptions and integrations. The Pro Plan, priced at $25 (annual) or $35 monthly, builds on these features with round-the-clock live agent support, CRM integrations and expanded options for multiple office locations and ring groups. For larger enterprises, custom pricing unlocks unlimited offices and support. Prospective users can test the full suite via a 14-day free trial.
10
Ooma
4.4 / 5
Read more about Ooma
For prospective customers assessing their software communication needs, Ooma presents an impressively economical VoIP solution starting at just $19.95 per user per month, combining affordability with a robust suite of features free from hidden fees. Its remarkably swift installation process—often completed in under 15 minutes without the necessity for professional support—ensures even small businesses with limited IT resources can be up and running quickly. Additionally, the system's array of functionalities, from call blocking to voicemail transcription and conference calling, are complemented by its portability, allowing businesses to carry their numbers and services between locations seamlessly. Overall, with streamlined integration into various business tools and the confidence that comes from 24/7 customer support, Ooma stands out as a comprehensive solution for modern business communication challenges.
Key Features of Ooma
Ooma Unlimited Domestic Calling Service
Ooma Free Mobile App Solution
Ooma Automated Virtual Receptionist Service
Ooma On-Demand Call Recording Feature
Ooma Video Conferencing Meeting Platform
Ooma Detailed Analytics and Reporting
Ooma CRM Integrations with Salesforce
Ooma Customized Hold Music Messages
Price of Ooma
Prospective customers can choose Ooma plans designed for both office and home users. For business, the Essentials Plan is $19.95 per user monthly, offering unlimited domestic calling, virtual receptionist, voicemail, and call forwarding. The Pro Plan at $24.95 per user monthly adds video conferencing, text messaging, and call recording. The Pro Plus Plan, at $29.95 per user monthly, increases capacity with expanded conferencing and CRM integration. For home users, a free Basic Plan and a Premier Plan at $9.99 monthly provide essential advanced call features. A 14-day free trial is available today.
Overview
Choosing the right software for your online meetings and collaborations can be challenging, especially if you’ve already tried Business Hangouts and found it lacking in features or flexibility. Many users face issues such as limited integration options, confusing interfaces, or inadequate support for their unique business needs.
This article will guide you through a range of alternatives that could better suit your requirements, helping you avoid wasted time and frustration. By exploring these options, you’ll gain insights into what features to prioritize and how to find a solution that enhances productivity and communication within your team.
Reading this article will empower you to make an informed decision, ensuring smoother virtual meetings and more effective collaboration. Whether you’re looking for better usability, stronger security, or more advanced tools, you’ll discover alternatives designed to meet diverse professional demands.
What is Business Hangouts?
Business Hangouts is a browser-based platform that enables seamless hosting of meetings, webinars, and virtual events without any software downloads. It suits both corporate and educational environments, offering flexibility to conduct live or pre-recorded sessions, instant meeting rooms, and event series that can range from team huddles to large-scale presentations.
The platform is rich in interactive tools designed to boost participant engagement. Features include live polls, Q&A, real-time chat, and interactive whiteboards, which help maintain dynamic communication throughout events. Additionally, hosts can enable webinar replays and add calls-to-action, ensuring interaction continues post-event.
Branding customization is robust, allowing organizations to tailor registration and landing pages with logos and images, reinforcing a professional and consistent brand presence across the entire event experience.
Integration capabilities extend to various third-party tools such as CRM systems, email marketing software, and learning management systems, streamlining event workflows and follow-up processes. Essential functionalities like file sharing, screen sharing, unified chat, and event registration management support both small meetings and webinars with hundreds of attendees.
Advanced features include automated notifications, administrative controls, analytics, and reporting modules. The platform also manages public and private events and supports paid events through built-in payment processing. Compatibility with platforms like YouTube facilitates easy recording and distribution of webinar content.
For those evaluating digital event solutions alongside educational tools, exploring a list of the top self hosted learning management systems might provide useful context and options complementary to Business Hangouts’ capabilities.
What to look for in Business Hangouts alternatives?
Start by defining your required user capacity. Business Hangouts supports from 25 up to more than 500 simultaneous participants, so alternatives should match or exceed this scalability to fit your meeting or webinar sizes.
Focus on critical features such as video conferencing, screen sharing, file sharing, unified messaging, scheduling with reminders, and managing event registration and Q&A sessions. These functionalities are fundamental to replicating the core Business Hangouts experience.
Consider the platform’s ease of use and accessibility. Business Hangouts is praised for simple setup and mobile compatibility, essential for teams working remotely or across devices. Alternatives must ensure smooth cross-platform support and an intuitive interface.
Integration capabilities are also key. Business Hangouts connects with Google G Suite and YouTube, enabling webinar recording and paid seminar hosting. Look for solutions offering solid third-party integrations, especially with productivity tools and streaming platforms.
Customization options matter for professional settings. The ability to tailor branding, manage user permissions, and customize registration flows can enhance corporate event management and maintain consistent brand identity.
Security and reliability should not be overlooked. Business Hangouts ties security closely to user accounts and maintains strong protections. Evaluate data encryption, access control mechanisms, and system stability to ensure dependable communication.
Finally, weigh pricing structures and support availability. Business Hangouts provides both flat-rate and subscription models, backed by documentation, phone, and email support. When comparing alternatives, analyze their value proposition, support accessibility, and overall cost.
For organizations also managing financial operations alongside communication tools, exploring accounting software for multiple small businesses may provide useful insights into integrated solutions that streamline both accounting and collaboration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Hangouts
What are some of the top alternatives to Business Hangouts?
The leading alternatives include Zoom Workplace, GoTo Webinar, Livestorm, Zoho Meeting, BigMarker, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Webex, BlueJeans Meetings, and Slack.
Are there free alternatives to Business Hangouts?
Yes, several platforms such as Google Meet, along with the free tiers of Zoom and Microsoft Teams, enable hosting meetings without initial costs, though advanced features often require paid subscriptions.
Which alternatives are best for large webinars or virtual events?
For large-scale webinars, GoTo Webinar and Cisco Webex stand out, supporting thousands of participants with tools tailored for event management and audience interaction.
Can I integrate alternative platforms with existing business tools?
Most top alternatives like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet offer extensive integration options with productivity suites, calendar apps, and CRM systems, facilitating smooth workflow connectivity.
How do these alternatives compare in terms of user experience and ease of use?
Platforms such as Zoom Workplace and GoTo Webinar receive praise for intuitive design and straightforward onboarding, whereas Webex may present a steeper learning curve for some users.
Are these alternatives suitable for small businesses as well as enterprises?
Yes, solutions like Zoom, Google Meet, and GoTo Meeting provide scalable pricing and feature sets, accommodating both small teams and large organizations.
What are the main pricing considerations when switching from Business Hangouts?
Pricing models vary significantly; some platforms charge per user monthly (e.g., Zoom, GoToMeeting, Webex), whereas others offer free basic plans or require custom enterprise quotes.
Do these alternatives support mobile and remote work?
Nearly all alternatives supply robust mobile applications and browser-based access, ensuring seamless remote collaboration from any location.
Can I host interactive webinars and virtual events with these platforms?
Specialized platforms like Livestorm, Zoho Webinar, and BigMarker excel at interactive webinars, featuring live polls, Q&A sessions, and tools to boost audience engagement.
How reliable are Business Hangouts alternatives in terms of uptime and security?
Top competitors such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Webex are known for high uptime reliability, strong security measures, and compliance with industry standards, making them dependable for critical business communications.
In evaluating SaaS software, a comprehensive and structured methodology
ensures a fair and accurate comparison across key metrics.
This approach focuses on the most critical aspects that affect user
experience, functionality, and business value.
The following metrics—general features, cost, customer service, integrations,
and mobile support—are evaluated to provide a holistic
view of each software solution’s strengths and weaknesses. These metrics
are selected based on their direct impact on software
usability, scalability, and long-term effectiveness for businesses.
General Features (40%)
This metric evaluates the core functionalities and tools the software offers.
It involves assessing the comprehensiveness of
the features, their relevance to the target users, and the ease of use.
This is important because robust and well-designed
features determine the software’s overall utility
and efficiency in solving user problems.
Cost (15%)
Cost analysis focuses on pricing models, value for money, and scalability.
It’s crucial to evaluate whether the software’s
features justify its price, considering different plans for small and
large organizations. This is vital for businesses to
ensure they invest in cost-effective solutions that fit their budget.
Customer Service (15%)
This evaluates the responsiveness, quality, and availability of customer
support, including channels like chat, email,
or phone. Good customer service is essential for troubleshooting and
ensuring smooth software usage, which reduces downtime
and frustration for users.
Integrations (15%)
This examines how well the software integrates with third-party tools
(e.g., CRM, payment systems, collaboration apps).
Seamless integrations are key for creating a unified workflow and
enhancing productivity by connecting multiple systems,
which is crucial for operational efficiency.
Mobile Support (15%)
Mobile support assesses the software’s functionality and performance on
mobile devices, including apps and mobile web versions.
With increasing remote work and on-the-go usage, strong mobile
support is critical to ensure users can access and utilize
the software effectively, regardless of location.