6 RingCentral Competitors & Alternatives That You Should Try

RingCentral competitors have been gaining attention as sales teams seek more flexible, targeted and cost-effective communication solutions. 

Many businesses that have relied on RingCentral for years are now exploring RingCentral alternatives to address evolving needs and overcome limitations such as steep pricing, limited sales  features, poor calling audio quality, non-existent multichannel capabilities and more..

In this article, I’m going to share a list of the RingCentral competitors and alternatives that are actually ‘killing it’ in the market!

Let’s explore these RingCentral alternatives, dissect their strengths, and find the one that syncs seamlessly with your sales tech stack.

What is RingCentral?

RingCentral is a cloud-based communications platform that offers a suite of tools for businesses, including voice calling, video conferencing, team messaging, and collaboration features. 

RingCentral provides solutions for internal communication, customer engagement, and remote work capabilities.

Some upsides of the RingCentral that users typically enjoy

Streamlined communication workflows 👍🏼

It unifies all communication tools in one platform. Also, it provides seamless transitions between calls, video conferences, and collaboration tasks.

Enhanced customer experience 👍🏼

Advanced routing connects customers to the right representative quickly which  Improves first-call resolution and customer satisfaction.

Data-driven decision making 👍🏼

Their real-time analytics on key performance metrics empower managers to optimize team performance. 

Flexibility for remote Work 👍🏼

Their robust mobile access helps users in efficient remote work, improving work-life balance. 

Now at this point, you may genuinely feel if the platform is so good and rosy, why are you many businesses looking for the RingCentral competitors?

That brings us to the next section.

Why are businesses looking for RingCentral alternatives?

1) RingCentral is expensive for small teams 👎🏼

RingCentral’s pricing structure is prohibitive, especially for small businesses. With plans ranging from $30 to $45 per user per month, costs can quickly escalate. 

Many features included in higher-tier plans, such as advanced analytics or API access, may go unused by smaller teams, leading to unnecessary expenditure. 

Additional costs for extras like vanity numbers ($30/month) or webinar licenses ($40/month) can further strain budgets.

2) It has a very steep learning curve 👎🏼

While feature-rich, RingCentral’s platform can be overwhelming for new users. 

The complexity of administrative features and navigation between web and desktop apps often results in a steep learning curve. 

This can lead to delayed implementation and extended ROI timelines as teams struggle to fully utilize the system’s capabilities.

3) RingCentral sucks for its calling performance issues 👎🏼

Despite its High definition voice calling capabilities, users frequently report issues with call quality. 

Common complaints include phone echoing, dropped calls, and inconsistent audio. 

Source: G2

RingCentral’s limited number of data centers (only two in the U.S.) can result in higher call latency and reduced redundancy, potentially impacting service reliability for businesses spread across different regions.

4) RingCentral has a terribly bad customer service 👎🏼

Many users express frustration with RingCentral’s customer support. 

Source: G2

Long wait times, difficulty reaching account managers, and slow response to critical issues are frequently cited problems. 

Even some customers report waiting weeks for resolution to their queries, significantly impacting business operations and user satisfaction.

5) It has limited core features for niche users 👎🏼

RingCentral offers bundled services and hence the limitations on key features can be restrictive. 

For instance, the Core plan only includes 100 toll-free inbound minutes, while the Advanced plan offers just 1,000 minutes. 

Similarly, SMS allowances are often inadequate for businesses with high messaging needs, leading to unexpected overage charges or the necessity to upgrade to costlier plans.

What are the best RingCentral competitors & alternatives?

Here are the 6 best RingCentral alternatives for multiple use cases, that we will talk about in this article –

• SmartReach.io – Best RingCentral alternative for outbound sales teams
• Dialpad AI – Best RingCentral alternative for AI workflow
• Nextiva – RingCentral alternative widely known for its VoIP Phone system
• Google Voice – Best for the Google workspace users
• Grasshopper – Good option for small businesses
• Vonage – Regarded as a good alternative for its calling performance

RingCentral Alternative #1: SmartReach.io

• G2 Rating: 4.7/5
• Best for: Outbound-led B2B sales teams looking for lead generation solution

SmartReach.io is an AI-enabled sales engagement platform built for outbound automation for sales/lead generation.

It’s one of the best RingCentral competitors for the sales teams looking for unified collaboration with the power of AI-driven outbound messaging.

Using SmartReach.io you can reach out to the prospects via cold email, LinkedIn DMs, WhatsApp DMs, cold calling and even text messaging.

For teams that rely on outbound calling, SmartReach offers features and benefits such as – 

• Global calling: Call prospects to over 200 countries (including US & UK) with local numbers.
• Calling scripts: Ensure consistent and effective sales pitches by saving calling scripts tailored to each prospect.
• Call management: Seamlessly transfer and forward calls to the right person for better service and assistance.
• Personalized caller ID: Increase call answer rates with recognizable numbers.
• Task management: Stay organized with reminders and scheduling options for calling tasks.
• Sentiment tracking: Measure prospect responses and refine your outreach even better.
• Live coaching: Receive real-time guidance during calls for better outcomes with the berge-in, whisper feature.
• Detailed reporting: Analyze call data to understand sales performance.
• Call recording: Review calls to learn and improve your sales techniques.

In this list of the RingCentral competitors, SmartReach.io stands out for its advanced outbound calling features and collaboration tools, making it particularly suitable for sales teams looking to boost their productivity and conversion rates.

Why is SmartReach.io a better alternative to RingCentral for sales teams?

SmartReach.io offers several advantages over RingCentral Cx for Outbound-led businesses:

#1. Outbound sales calling capabilities

SmartReach.io’s calling software PowerCaller includes features like 

• Call forwarding,
• Personalized caller ID, 
• Calling scripts,
• Calling task manager etc. specifically designed to boost outbound calling efficiency.

Using these features in combination can significantly increase contact rates and conversion for sales teams.

#2. Unlimited outbound calling at a fixed cost

SmartReach.io’s $39/month subscription plan includes unlimited calling seats. 

This predictable pricing model allows sales teams to scale their outbound calling without worrying about per-minute charges or unexpected extra add-on costs.

#3. Sales-centric analytics for better decision-making 

The platform provides detailed insights into key sales metrics like –

• connection rates, 
• call duration, 
• average call duration, 
• call dialed, 
• call connected 
• Call sentiment report etc.

Also, these reports can be further broken down based on individual campaigns andl team members.

These targeted repoprts and analytics help teams continuously refine their sales strategies and improve team performance.

#4. Real-time sales coaching for better team performance

The Listen, Whisper, and Barge-In feature enable managers to provide instant guidance during live calls. 

This real-time support helps sales reps handle objections more effectively, address customer concerns on the spot, and increase their chances of closing deals.

#5. One-click CRM & API integrations for large teams

SmartReach.io offers native integration with popular sales CRMs, and third party intergartion using Zapier.

This facilitatie better data synchronization and smoother workflows for large teams with tons of data.

#6. Multichannel outbound campaigns for 2x engagement 

Sales teams can run multi-touch outbound campaigns across voice, email, and SMS, calling and WhatsApp for higher engagement and conversion potential.

#7. Faster adoption for sales teams 

The sales-specific focus of SmartReach.io often results in a shorter learning curve for sales teams compared to more general communication platforms like RingCentral.

Sales teams can adopt and implement the tool own its own using the vast knowledge base SmartReach provides in the form of blog articles and help center pages.

While RingCentral Cx provides a comprehensive suite of communication tools suitable for enterprise-wide use, SmartReach.io’s specialized focus on sales outreach can deliver higher ROI for teams prioritizing outbound sales performance. 

Its unlimited calling model and sales-centric features provide a direct path to improving key sales metrics and revenue.

SmartReach.io is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses focused on outbound sales, whereas RingCentral Cx might be preferable for larger enterprises requiring a broader communication solution. 

Sales teams should evaluate their specific needs, call volumes, and growth projections to determine which platform aligns best with their goals and budget.

SmartReach plans and pricing

SmartReach offers a 3 tier pricing plan for email users, multichannel users and agencies. 

All the plans include unlimited sending email integration, unlimited campaign users, unlimited emails and unlimited free email validation per month.

The current SmartReach pricing model looks like this.

Plans	Starter	Professional	Expert
Email outreach	$29/month	$59/month	$99/month
Multichannel outreach	$39/month	$79/month	$129/month
Agency	Talk to sales

*Note: Additional discounts available for users looking for higher number of seats.

Overall, SmartReach.io is a great solution to any outbound team looking for solid engagement and conversion from their outreach.

With one SmartReach.io subscription plan, you get the functionalities of a calling software + cold email software + email verification service – all under a single platform at no additional costing.

Still not sure if SmartReach.io works for your outbound sales process?

Start your 1st campaign with SmartReach.io today for FREE. (No Credit card required for sign-up)

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RingCentral alternative #2: Dialpad AI

• G2 Rating: 4.4/5
• Best for: Streamlined AI workflows

Dialpad AI is a comprehensive unified communications platform that use artificial intelligence to enhance business conversations. It offers voice, video, messaging, and contact center solutions in one integrated system. 

Dialpad’s standout feature is its AI-powered Voice Intelligence, which provides real-time transcription, sentiment analysis, and coaching for customer interactions. 

The RingCentral competitor platform is designed to scale with businesses of all sizes and integrates seamlessly with popular workplace tools.

Pros of Dialpad AI ✅

• AI-powered insights: Dialpad’s Voice Intelligence provides real-time transcriptions and post-call analytics, offering valuable insights into customer interactions. This feature helps sales teams identify key moments in conversations and improve their performance over time.

• Seamless integrations: The platform offers robust integrations with popular CRM systems and productivity tools, allowing for streamlined workflows. Users can access customer information and log call details directly within their existing software ecosystem.

• User-friendly interface: Dialpad’s intuitive design makes it easy for teams to adopt and use effectively. 

• Flexible deployment: Dialpad offers both cloud-based and on-premises solutions, catering to businesses with different infrastructure needs and security requirements.

Cons of Dialpad AI ❌

• Complex pricing structure: Dialpad has a complex pricing with various add-ons and features. Some users report that costs can escalate quickly when scaling up or adding advanced features.

• Limited AI accuracy: Dialpad AI transcription and analysis sometimes misinterpret complex industry jargon or heavy accents.

• Limited video conferencing capacity: Compared to some other RingCentral competitors in the list, Dialpad’s video conferencing participant limit is lower, which may not suit larger organizations or those hosting webinars.

• Occasional audio quality issues: Some users report intermittent audio quality problems, particularly in areas with less stable internet connections. This can impact call clarity in certain situations.

• Steep Learning curve for AI features: While powerful, the AI capabilities can be overwhelming for some users. It may take time to fully use these features and integrate them into daily workflows.

Dialpad AI plans and pricing

Dialpad provides plans based on 4 feature bundles. Here’s how it looks like –

Business Communications	AI Meetings	AI Contact Centers	AI Sales
Starts at $27/user/month	$0 user/month	Starts at $95/user/month	Starts at $70/user/month

Note: Annual billing discounts available. Prices may vary based on number of users and specific requirements.

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RingCentral alternative #2: Nextiva

• G2 Rating: 4.5/5
• Best for: Voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) phone service

Nextiva is one of the best RingCentral competitors. The platform is widely known for its VoIP and unified communication feature set. 

It offers voice calling, video conferencing, team messaging, and customer service tools in one integrated solution. 

Nextiva’s strength lies in its focus on customer experience, offering advanced analytics and CRM integrations to help businesses manage customer interactions effectively. 

The platform is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

Pros of Nextiva ✅

• Excellent call quality: Nextiva is widely praised for its consistently high call quality and reliability. The platform uses advanced routing algorithms to ensure clear voice communication, even in challenging network conditions.

• Comprehensive analytics: Nextiva’s advanced reporting and analytics tools provide deep insights into call patterns, team performance, and customer interactions. 

• Scalability: The platform offers flexible plans that can easily scale with your business growth. Nextiva’s ability to handle both small teams and large enterprise deployments makes it a versatile choice for evolving companies.

• Strong customer support: Nextiva is known for its exceptional customer service, offering 24/7 support through multiple channels. Their responsive team and extensive knowledge base help resolve issues quickly, minimizing downtime.

Cons of Nextiva ❌

• Complex UI: Nextiva’s interface feels overwhelming for new users. The abundance of options and settings may require a steeper learning curve compared to the other RingCentral alternatives in this list.

• Mobile app limitations: Nextiva’s mobile app lacks certain features available on the desktop version. This can be a drawback for teams heavily reliant on mobile communications.

• Pricing structure: Nextiva’s plans is more expensive than some competitors, especially for smaller businesses. The cost may be justified by the feature set, but it can be a barrier for budget-conscious start-ups.

• Integration challenges: While Nextiva offers various integrations, some users find that setting up and maintaining these integrations can be complex, requiring technical expertise or support from Nextiva’s team.

Nextiva plans and pricing

Nextiva offers 2 types of pricing tiers, one for the small businesses and the other for the enterprises.

Small Business	Enterprise
Starts at $20/user/month	Starts at $120/agent/month

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RingCentral alternative #3: Google Voice

• G2 Rating: 4.1/5
• Best for: Calling solution for Google workspace users

Google Voice is a cloud-based phone system that  integrates with the Google Workspace ecosystem. It is currently one of the cheapest RingCentral competitors for business phone extension services.

It offers essential VoIP features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and multi-device ringing. 

Google Voice is particularly useful to businesses already invested in Google’s productivity tools. 

It provides a straightforward approach to business telephony, leveraging Google’s robust infrastructure for reliability and performance.

Pros of Google Voice ✅

• Easy integration with Google workspace: It works flawlessly with other Google apps, allowing for easy scheduling, contact management, and communication within the ecosystem.

• Intuitive UI: The platform maintains Google’s signature clean and user-friendly design, making it easy for teams to adopt and use effectively.

• Affordable pricing plans: Google Voice offers straightforward, affordable pricing plans, making it an attractive option for small to medium-sized businesses.

• AI-powered features: The system includes AI-driven spam filtering and voicemail transcription, enhancing productivity and reducing unwanted calls.

Cons of Google Voice ❌

• Limited advanced calling features: Compared to dedicated VoIP providers, Google Voice lacks some advanced call management features like call queues or sophisticated IVR systems.

• Limited calling customization: The platform offers limited options for customizing call flows or creating complex routing rules, which may not suit larger enterprises.

• Browser dependency: Some features are only fully accessible through the Google Chrome browser, which is inconvenient for users of other browsers.

• Limited international coverage: Google Voice’s availability and feature set vary significantly outside the United States, potentially causing issues for global teams.

• Basic reporting capabilities: The analytics and reporting tools are relatively basic compared to the other RingCentral competitors in the market.

Google Voice plans and pricing

They offer 3 pricing plans such as – 

Starter	Standard	Premier
$10/user/month	$20/user/month	$30/user/month

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RingCentral alternative #4: Grasshopper

• G2 Rating: 4/5
• Best for: Budget conscious small business users

Grasshopper is a virtual phone system tailored for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups. 

It allows users to add a professional business line to their existing phones, offering features such as call forwarding, custom greetings, and voicemail transcription. 

Grasshopper’s focus on simplicity and mobility makes it an ideal choice for solopreneurs and small teams who need a professional phone presence without the complexity of a full-fledged VoIP system.

Pros of Grasshopper ✅

• Easy setup and management: It can be set up quickly without technical expertise, making it accessible for non-technical users.

• Flexible call routing: Grasshopper offers customizable call forwarding options, allowing users to route calls to different devices or team members based on schedules or availability.

• Professional business identity: The platform provides features like custom greetings and a virtual receptionist, helping small businesses project a more professional image.

• Mobile app availability: Grasshopper’s mobile application offers nearly all desktop features, enabling true on-the-go business management.

Cons of Grasshopper ❌

• Limited scalability: As businesses grow, they may outgrow Grasshopper’s feature set, necessitating a switch to a more comprehensive system.

• Lack of advanced integrations: The platform offers limited integration options with CRM and other business tools compared to more full-featured VoIP systems.

• No video conferencing: Grasshopper focuses on voice communications and does not offer integrated video conferencing capabilities unlike the other RingCentral competitors.

• Very basic reporting features: The analytics and call reporting capabilities are relatively simple, which may not suffice for businesses requiring detailed insights.

• Potential for higher costs: While initially affordable, costs can add up quickly for businesses requiring multiple extensions or heavy usage.

Grasshopper plans and pricing

They offer 3 flat-rate pricing plans such as –

Solo	Partner	Small Business
$26/user/month	$44/user/month	$80/month

*Note: All plans include unlimited minutes and texts within the US and Canada.

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RingCentral alternative #5: Vonage

• G2 Rating: 4.3/5
• Best for: Business calling solution

Last but no the least – Vonage, one of the best RingCentral competitors in CPaaS market.

Vonage is a well-established VoIP provider offering a comprehensive suite of cloud-based communication solutions.

Known for its reliable calling performance, Vonage provides voice, video, messaging, and contact center functionalities. 

The platform stands out for its extensive API offerings, allowing for deep customization and integration with various business processes. 

Pros of Vonage ✅

• Extensive API library: Vonage offers a rich set of APIs for voice, video, and messaging, enabling businesses to create custom communication workflows and integrations.

• Reliable call quality: The platform is known for its consistent and clear voice quality, leveraging a robust global network infrastructure.

• Advanced call management: The system includes features like call queues, IVR, and call recording, suitable for complex business requirements.

• Strong video conferencing capabilities: Vonage’s video solution offers high-quality, feature-rich conferencing options integrated within the platform.

Cons of Vonage ❌

• Complex initial setup: Users frequently report that the initial configuration and deployment process is complicated, especially for their features.

• Steep learning curve: The extensive feature set and customization options can be overwhelming for new users, requiring significant time investment to master.

• Inconsistent customer support: Some customers have reported varying experiences with Vonage’s customer support, particularly during peak times.

• Mobile app limitations: Their mobile app lacks parity with the desktop version in terms of features and UX.

• Potential for hidden costs: Some users have noted that certain advanced features or usage beyond plan limits can lead to unexpected charges.

Vonage plans and pricing

Vonage has a 2 tier pricing plan for with quote based pricing model. 

To know about the pricing details, users have to fill up their “Contact Us” form with all details.

10 Factors to look for in an RingCentral alternative platform

While choosing from the list of RingCentral alternatives given above, take the below factors into consideration – 

Factor #1: Cost-effectiveness

Seek transparent, scalable pricing models that bundle essential features at competitive rates. 

Prioritize flexible payment terms without long-term commitments, allowing for easy plan adjustments as your business evolves.

Factor #2: User-friendly interface

Focus on platforms with intuitive, clean interfaces that minimize learning curves. 

Look for customizable dashboards and easy navigation between communication functions to boost adoption rates and reduce onboarding time.

Factor #3: Reliability and quality

Evaluate software with multiple data centers and robust failover systems. 

Assess uptime guarantees, performance metrics, and conduct trials to ensure consistent call quality across different locations.

Factor #4: Feature set

Ensure core functionalities like advanced call routing, voicemail-to-email, video conferencing, and team messaging are included. 

Consider future needs and choose a platform that allows for easy feature expansion.

Factor #5: Integration capabilities

Prioritize solutions offering seamless integration with your existing business tools. 

Look for pre-built integrations with popular CRM systems and productivity suites, as well as open APIs for custom integrations.

Factor #6: Scalability

Select a platform that can grow with your business, supporting easy addition of users, features, and communication channels without significant disruption or cost increases.

Factor #7: Customer support

Look for providers offering responsive, multi-channel support with 24/7 availability. 

Consider the quality of self-service resources like knowledge bases and community forums to expedite issue resolution.

Factor #8: Security and compliance

Ensure the RingCentral alternative meets industry security standards, including end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication. 

Verify compliance with relevant regulations like HIPAA or GDPR if applicable to your industry.

Factor #9: Customization options

Choose RingCentral competitors that allow tailored call flows, and detailed reporting and analytics. 

Factor #10: Online reviews

Check the reviews of the RingCentral alternative you choose. Search it on platforms such as G2, Product hunt, Capterra etc. 

Also, keep an eye out for Reddit threads, LinkedIn posts and Quora answers to find unbiased and raw user testimonials that would help you with buying decision.

What is the best RingCentral alternative for your team?

Choosing the best RingCentral alternative depends on your specific business needs, team size, and budget. 

Each platform we’ve discussed offers unique strengths: Dialpad AI excels in AI-driven insights, Nextiva provides robust analytics, Google Voice offers seamless integration with Google Workspace, Grasshopper caters well to small businesses, and Vonage stands out for its API capabilities. 

For sales teams looking to get serious results from their outbound efforts, SmartReach.io is a no-brainer. 

Ultimately, the best choice will align with your communication priorities, whether that’s advanced AI capabilities, ease of use, scalability, or sales-specific functionalities. 

I recommend thoroughly evaluating your requirements and taking advantage of free trials to find the perfect fit for your team.

RingCentral competitors: F.A.Qs

Q. Who are RingCentral Competitors?

Here are some of the top RingCentral competitors –

• Nextiva: Robust features, user-friendly.
• 8×8: Wide range of tools, contact center.
• Zoom Phone: Integrated with Zoom video conferencing.
• Dialpad: AI-powered call center.
• Ooma: Affordable cloud-based phone system.
• Vonage: Versatile platform for business communications.
• Grasshopper: Basic features for small businesses.
• Jitsi Meet: Free, open-source video conferencing.

Q. What is RingCentral?

RingCentral is a cloud-based communication platform offering phone, messaging, video conferencing, and seamless integrations with popular business apps.

Q. What is RingCentral used for?

RingCentral is used for a variety of business communication and collaboration needs. Its use cases include:

• Phone system: For making and receiving calls, managing voicemail, and using call forwarding.
• Messaging: For team messaging, SMS, and video conferencing.
• Video conferencing: For hosting virtual meetings, webinars, and training sessions.
• Integration: For connecting with other business tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.

Q. Is RingCentral a CRM tool?

No, RingCentral is not a CRM tool. While it offers features like contact management and call logging, it primarily focuses on providing a unified communication platform.

Q. Is RingCentral free to use?

No, RingCentral is not a free service. While they offer a free trial period to allow businesses to test out their features, users need to subscribe to a paid plan to continue using RingCentral beyond the trial period.