VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is the voice communications backbone of many small and large businesses. It's an efficient and cost-effective way of voice communication which sends voice data in packets over IP instead of the traditional method of circuit transmissions of the public-switched telephone network (PTSN).
Although there are many providers of VoIP in the U.S. market, there's one that reigns as the most popular. Typically rated by its users as the top business VoIP option, Nextiva tends to be the default choice for those looking for a business internet phone service. It's easy to see why, too: strong product offerings, flexibility, ease of use, and incredible customer service all make Nextiva a compelling choice.
While Nextiva is clearly a powerhouse VoIP solution, it may not be the best option for every business need, and there are some other options out there that also deserve a look. VoIP is a homogenous product with most companies offering basically the same service, but the difference between offerings usually lies within the focus of the service and some advanced features.
Where Nextiva excels most is in innovation. They innovate constantly, and they do it well. But, what if a business has a specific need - an advanced collaborative messaging feature or reliable video conferencing, for example? That's where some alternatives to Nextiva can really shine.
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Nextiva ReviewsAlternatives to Nextiva
As mentioned previously, most VoIP services provide roughly the same suite of features. What can make a particular service right or wrong for a business lies in the details, though. Most VoIP providers differ only minimally on pricing and limitations, but when drilling down on features such as collaboration and video conferencing, the differences can be more significant than many might expect.
Even with the most capable VoIP systems, the occasional hiccup is bound to occur. That makes it paramount to find a provider with a solid and proven record of reliable user support. Most problems can be sorted out, and there can be legal repercussions if a provider is unwilling to stand by their product. If things really go south, though, it might mean that it's simply time to find a new provider.
When searching for a VoIP provider and looking for an alternative to Nextiva, the specific needs of the business can make the right decision easier to arrive at. From turnkey unified communications solutions to capable conferencing platforms powered by Amazon, to communication systems that integrate internet service and security, there are lots of options to consider. This article will examine six major competitors of the popular Nextiva platform.
Vonage Business
Vonage is the closest thing to a household name in VoIP. For many, their television commercials from the early 2000s come to mind. While their start was in VoIP for home use, Vonage has eased into the business sector, with their flagship product now being the lauded Vonage Business platform. They have also collaborated with Amazon, including the Chime UC solution a part of every Vonage Business plan.
Chime brings to the table an ease of use that is quite notable considering the capability of the conferencing features. Enterprise-level security is also standard. The innovative Vonage Desktop app is fully integrated right out of the box and Vonage was one of the first VoIP providers to include such a feature.
Leaving aside the bonus features and focusing only on the core VoIP service, Vonage still manages to set itself apart. Metered extensions are incredibly useful for smaller workgroups who won't be using every phone line every day. This allows the business to pay for only the level of service they are actually using. This can be significantly more cost-effective than a blanket unlimited calls plan.
Who is Vonage best for?
Businesses who need powerful video conferencing powered by Amazon Chime
Reliable VoIP service with customizable service levels and the ability to pay only for what is used.
MegaPath
MegaPath manages to be a one-stop shop for businesses of just about any size. They offer everything from no-contracted hosted VoIP to internet and networking services, security, and cloud-based solutions. They can get a business connected to the internet, get them communicating, and secure them on top of that. ...