- Google Voice: Best free VoIP provider
- RingCentral: Best for comprehensive features
- Dialpad: Best for artificial intelligence (AI) features
- Nextiva: Best for ease of use
- Intermedia Unite: Best all-in-one UCaaS
- 8×8: Best for medium businesses
- Zoom Phone: Best for video conferencing
Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 12:16pm
Grasshopper is one of the best voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) services, and it continues to provide phone and messaging services to small businesses. But while it stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, Grasshopper lacks some helpful features in competitor platforms. If you want an all-in-one business communication hub where you can manage your calls efficiently or combine your VoIP system with other productivity tools seamlessly, consider other VoIP providers.
We’ve highlighted Grasshopper’s shortcomings and compiled top Grasshopper alternatives, outlining their unique features and costs and what to look out for when choosing one to help you determine the one that best suits your business.
The Best Alternatives to Grasshopper in 2024
Compare Grasshopper Competitors
The table below shows how Grasshopper compares to its alternatives in rating, pricing, specific features and the chance to try out its premium features.
Company | Forbes Advisor Rating | Starting Price (annual billing) | Free Trial | Call Monitoring | LEARN MORE | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Google Voice | ![]() |
4.9 | ![]() |
$10 per user, per month | Not available for business plans | Not available | Learn More | Read Forbes Review | |
RingCentral | ![]() |
4.8 | ![]() |
$20 per user, per month | 14 days | Available | Learn More | On RingCentral's Website | |
Dialpad | ![]() |
4.8 | ![]() |
$15 per user, per month | 14 days | Available | Learn More | On Dialpad's Website | |
Nextiva | ![]() |
4.6 | ![]() |
$20 per user per month | Seven days | Available | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | |
Intermedia Unite | ![]() |
4.6 | ![]() |
$27.99 per month | 30 days | Available | Learn More | On Intermedia's Website | |
8x8 | ![]() |
4.5 | ![]() |
Contact for quote | 30 days | Available only on higher plans | Learn More | Read Forbes' Review | |
Grasshopper | ![]() |
4.4 | ![]() |
$14 per month | Seven days | Seven days | Learn More | On Grasshopper's Website | |
Zoom Phone | ![]() |
4.2 | ![]() |
$10 per month, per user | Demo only | Available | Learn More | On Zoom's Website |
Learn More:
What To Look For in a Grasshopper Alternative
While Grasshopper’s offerings are straightforward and ideal for sole proprietors and smaller businesses, they need some features you’ll find in some of its competitors. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive business communication suite or are on the verge of upscaling, go for a Grasshopper alternative with more functionality, such as call recording, call monitoring and video conferencing.
Consider a VoIP system that won’t limit you to domestic calls or cost you extra to obtain an international number. If you want to send internet faxes or perform other functions requiring integration with third parties, choose a Grasshopper alternative with robust call functionality, and one that also enables direct and smooth integration with several communication or productivity platforms.
Your budget is another thing to consider when choosing a Grasshopper alternative. Weigh your business needs against factors such as monthly and annual prices, the costs of necessary add-ons, hardware and additional phone numbers or users, billing discounts and the quality of services you’ll get. Also, pay attention to how easy a VoIP service is to use when setting up and navigating.
Then, check how supportive the provider is in attending to your call for help. Are they available to attend to you through various channels or around the clock? And will they be helpful? You can read user reviews to determine that.
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Is Grasshopper the Best VoIP Service?
Grasshopper can be the best or least recommended VoIP service for your business. It all depends on what you’re looking for.
Grasshopper Pros and Cons
Below are Grasshopper’s common pros and cons.
Pros
- Seven-day free trial available
- Affordable plan options for solopreneurs and small businesses
- Easy to set up and use
- All plans include multiple extensions
- Unlimited users
- Simultaneous call handling
- Virtual receptionist
- Instant response features
Cons
- Lacks video conferencing tools
- No call recording feature
- No direct third-party app integrations
- Cannot send internet faxes
- Quite pricey for limited phone lines
- Minimal discount for annual subscribers
- International calls cost extra
Grasshopper Cost
Grasshopper offers four pricing plans—True Solo, Solo Plus, Partner and Small Business.
- True Solo: $14 per month (when billed annually), which is best for solopreneurs
- Solo Plus: $28 per month (when billed annually), which is best for small teams
- Partner: $46 per month (when billed annually) for growing businesses with one to three employees
- Small Business: $80 per month (when billed annually) for small businesses that require more functionality
All Grasshopper plans (except True Solo) enable unlimited users. However, to add more phone numbers, you’ll need to pay for additional phone numbers. Also, prepare to spend a few more dollars (less than $10) if you want to pay per month.
When To Choose a Competitor Over Grasshopper
While many Grasshopper users enjoy how well Grasshopper smoothens their communication systems, especially since it’s easy to use, there are times you’ll need to go for Grasshopper’s alternatives instead. Here are the primary reasons to choose an alternative VoIP service.
- If you want to hold video conferences on your VoIP
- If you intend to make or receive a lot of international calls
- If you want to record calls
- When you prefer direct integration with third-party software
- If you want to send e-faxes
- If you require ample time to test a VoIP provider’s premium features
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Grasshopper good for small businesses?
Grasshopper is good for small businesses, especially sole proprietors and small businesses with a few team members. However, your business communication needs will determine whether or not Grasshopper is good for you. For example, if you’re looking for a simple phone system, you’ll like Grasshopper. But any recommended Grasshopper alternative will be better for those seeking features such as video conferencing and call recording.
Is there a free alternative to Grasshopper?
Yes, there are free alternatives to Grasshopper, one of which is Google Voice. However, remember that free VoIPs are limited in offering and may not be the best for you, especially with their hidden fees. For example, Google Voice’s free plans are suited for individuals, while its business plans will cost you money. If you’re not ready to pay for VoIP service, we recommend testing the premium features of the best VoIP providers.
What are sites similar to Grasshopper called?
Software platforms offering similar services to Grasshopper are called VoIP providers. The ones with more functionality, serving as all-in-one business communication hubs, are called UCaaS, that is, unified communications as a service.
Does Grasshopper charge by the minute?
All Grasshopper pricing plans provide unlimited domestic calling, so you won’t need to pay per minute or spend beyond your monthly or annual budget for VoIP communications.