Grasshopper is one of the best voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) services, especially for small businesses with limited budgets This VoIP system stands out for enabling communications across several locations and it is easy to use. In this article, we’ll break down the various Grasshopper plans so you can know what to expect from each plan. That will help you choose the best plan for your business communication needs.
What Is Grasshopper?
Grasshopper is a VoIP service provider that allows you to make and receive calls and exchange messages with team members and customers. It packs features, such as toll-free numbers, extension numbers, voicemail, audio transcription and customized messaging, which create easier communication flows. While this VoIP provider has a few limitations, including its lack of a video conferencing feature and direct integration with third-party apps, users confirm it’s worth the money.
Read our Grasshopper review for more details about its features, pros and cons.
Grasshopper Pricing and Plans
Regardless of the pricing plan you choose, the list below shows the wide range of features you’ll get on every Grasshopper plan.
- Toll-free number
- VoIP and Wi-Fi calling
- Instant response
- Custom greetings
- Call forwarding
- Call screening
- Custom schedules for business hours
- Voicemail
- Voicemail transcription
- Call reporting
- Unlimited business texting
- Virtual fax
- Simultaneous call handling
- Incoming call control
- Mobile and desktop apps
- 24/7 customer support
Grasshopper Tiered Features and Plans
Let’s look closer at Grasshopper’s pricing plans and features.
True Solo
Price: $14 per month (billed annually); $18 per month (paid monthly)
Best For: This plan is the most suitable for solopreneurs and startups on a tight budget.
Key Features | What’s Missing? |
---|---|
One user | Multiple users |
One business phone number | Multiple phone numbers |
One extension | Unlimited extensions |
True Solo is Grasshopper’s lowest tier, offering the same features as Grasshopper’s other plans. This plan costs as low as $14 per month if you pay for a year and $18 per month for those who opt for the month-to-month payment option. It works well for businesses that don’t require more than one user, one phone number and an extension to cover their communication needs.
Solo Plus
Price: $25 per month (billed annually); $32 per month (paid monthly)
Best For: This plan is for VoIP users who prefer customizable extensions and want to involve as many users as possible.
Key Features | What’s Missing? |
---|---|
Unlimited number of users | Multiple phone numbers |
One business phone number | Unlimited extensions |
Three extensions allowed |
Next step up from True Solo, Solo Plus costs $32 monthly if you pay as you go. Its monthly fee on an annual billing is lower and that’s $25 for each month. Besides allowing you one business phone number, Solo Plus gives you more benefits, such as unlimited users and multiple extensions—up to three.
Small Business
Price: $80 per month (billed annually); $92 per month (paid monthly)
Best For: This Grasshopper plan is the best option for more established businesses requiring access to extended features.
Key Features | What’s Missing? |
---|---|
Unlimited number of users | No call recording or video conferencing tools |
Five business phone numbers | No direct third-party integrations |
Unlimited extensions allowed |
Grasshopper’s Small Business plan is its highest tier and it costs $80 per month on annual billing, while those paying month-to-month pay $92 for each month. This plan is more suitable for larger businesses, allowing you to register five business phone numbers. It also enables unlimited extensions and users.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
Your ideal plan depends on your business communication needs. For example, if you’re a solopreneur or startup just getting started with VoIP tools, especially on a limited budget, True Solo will be a great fit with its single user, extension and number offerings. If you want additional extensions, Grasshopper’s Solo Plus will be fine for you.
If you’re a thriving business requiring unlimited users, extensions and more business phone numbers, choose the Small Business plan.
Grasshopper Discounts
Besides the various pricing plans available for users, Grasshopper offers a few more ways to save money.
Annual Billings
Save over 10% on monthly subscriptions when you opt for an annual billing.
Ongoing Discounts
Grasshopper offers discounts from time to time. In November 2023, it offered $75 off all yearly plans. During the cyber week, it offered $100 off all annual plans. You can use Grasshopper’s ongoing discounts alongside annual discounts.
Discounts for Nonprofit Companies
Tax-exempt companies can contact the Grasshopper customer care team with their documentation to get discounts on their Grasshopper subscriptions.
Grasshopper Cost vs. Competitors
The table below shows how Grasshopper compares to other VoIP service providers.
Grasshopper | RingCentral | Dialpad | |
---|---|---|---|
Price range (annual) | $14 to $55 per month | Custom pricing | $15 to $115 per user, per month |
Custom pricing | No | Yes | Yes |
Free trial | Seven days | 14 days | 14 days |
Unlimited users | Available on all plans (except True Solo) | Available when you contact the sales team | Pay per user |
Unlimited domestic calling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Video conferencing | No | Yes | Yes |
Call recording | No | Yes | Yes |
Grasshopper vs. RingCentral
While both VoIP options offer similar features, such as unlimited domestic calling and business messaging, RingCentral beats Grasshopper with its extended free trial and features, such as video conferencing, call recording and a customizable plan. However, Grasshopper stands out for its lower pricing, especially since you won’t need to pay for each user. You can include as many users as you want for as low as $28 per month, whereas RingCentral’s highest plan, which costs $45 per month, doesn’t enable unlimited users.
Grasshopper vs. Dialpad
If you’re considering its pricing plans, Grasshopper is a better option than Dialpad. You’ll get flat monthly rates for as low as $14 and won’t need to pay for each additional user as Dialpad requires. Still, you might prefer Dialpad if you want to customize your plan or need more days to test VoIP features. Also, you’ll enjoy features, such as call recording and video conferencing, which are missing for Grasshopper users.
Learn More:
Grasshopper Free Trial: What You Should Know
To help you determine if the VoIP service is right for your business, Grasshopper allows you to try its premium features for free―and that’s without your card details.
How Long Is the Free Trial?
Grasshopper offers a full seven-day trial.
What’s Included in (and Missing From) the Trial?
Grasshopper offers access to its premium features, which you can try with one business phone number, three extensions, 50 talk minutes and 100 business texts. However, you won’t get premium area codes or enjoy features, such as unlimited texting or unlimited minutes.
Can You Extend a Trial?
No, Grasshopper does not allow trial extensions.
Additional Grasshopper Costs
Grasshopper offers additional features at extra costs to give you enhanced business communications. They are:
- $19 one-time fee and $1.50 per month for number registration to enable business texting
- $10 per month for each additional business phone number
- $10 per month for Call Blasting, a feature that rings as many as 15 lines
- Varying rates for international calling
- $75 per order for Voice Studio, with polished professional greetings available in English and Spanish
- Ruby receptionists for delivering personalized caller experiences
Bottom Line
Grasshopper compares quite well with its top VoIP platforms, especially regarding its low-priced plans. Grasshopper’s pricing plans allow growth, whether you are a solopreneur or thriving small business. However, if you want extensive and advanced VoIP features, such as call recording, call monitoring, video conferencing and direct third-party integration, consider other VoIP service providers, such as RingCentral, Dialpad and Nextiva.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How reliable is Grasshopper?
Grasshopper is highly reliable. Its users agree that it is easy to use, works well with minimal glitches and that its calling features are helpful for businesses, whether you’re using it on your smartphone or desktop. They also commend Grasshopper’s customer service, which they’ve found helpful.
What is the difference between Google Voice and Grasshopper?
Grasshopper and Google Voice allow you to make and receive calls and exchange texts with colleagues and customers but offer different functionalities and pricing plans. For example, Google Voice integrates better with Google products, enables call recording and provides a free version for solopreneurs. However, there’s no free trial for its business plans and you’ll need to pay per user, unlike Grasshopper, which offers a flat rate and allows you to test its business communication features for free.
Can I record a phone call with Grasshopper?
No, Grasshopper does not allow you to record phone calls, except you integrate with a call recording app. However, you can record a personal message for callers whenever you’re unavailable.