Voice AI<\/a> is a text to speech engine, not a VoIP provider. Talkroute offers virtual phone numbers, call forwarding, auto attendant, and SMS support, while Voice AI provides natural-sounding voices that can be seamlessly integrated into IVR prompts or voicemail greetings. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIf you need both natural voice prompts and a complete phone system, you will combine a TTS tool like Voice AI with a VoIP provider such as Quo or Avoxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this Provider Can Be a Strong Alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Voice AI excels when audio quality is paramount over telephony features. Content creators, e-learning teams, and product developers can access professional voiceovers without a recording studio, and teams can automate message generation for voicemail or interactive menus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and Budget Notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If you need number provisioning, call routing, or shared inboxes, you will still need a phone system; consider pairing Voice AI with a telephony provider like Quo for complete functionality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nHuman-like voice library:<\/strong> A catalog of expressive voices that make messages feel natural for IVR, narration, and training.<\/li>\n\n\n\nMultilanguage support: <\/strong>Generate speech in multiple languages to reach global audiences and localize prompts.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAPI access: <\/strong>Integrate TTS directly into apps, CRM systems, or call flows to automate the creation of voice prompts.<\/li>\n\n\n\nFast exports and formats: <\/strong>Produce downloadable audio files in standard formats for use in CMS, phone systems, and video. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n2. Quo (Formerly Openphone): Best For Small Businesses And Growing Teams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nAffordable VoIP with strong SMS and integrations for growing teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nUnlimited calling and texting in the US and Canada on every plan, including unlimited toll-free minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Robust integrations and API, plus Zapier and native connectors to Slack, HubSpot, and Salesforce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Shared inbox and team collaboration features that keep conversations centralized.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Flexible business hours and auto responders for automated customer replies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nVirtual numbers have limits for two-factor authentication with some services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Advanced contact center features like skills-based routing are limited compared with specialist vendors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n International calling and texting rates vary and can add cost for global expansion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Quo includes shared inboxes, unlimited SMS on all tiers, and broader integrations out of the box, while Talkroute limits shared inboxes and SMS unless you upgrade. Quo also offers API access across plans and more built-in automation for texting and voicemail handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Quo suits small teams that want a modern VoIP system with powerful SMS, shared conversations, and CRM integrations. It scales as headcount grows and reduces administrative friction with built-in automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If strict enterprise security controls or advanced contact center routing are required, consider Dialpad or Avoxi instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nAI-powered call transcriptions:<\/strong> Converts calls to text and delivers summaries to reduce note-taking.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAuto attendant and phone menus:<\/strong> Route callers immediately to the right team or extension.<\/li>\n\n\n\nShared inbox and call views: <\/strong>Centralizes calls, voicemails, and texts so teams share context.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAuto replies and scheduled messages: <\/strong>Automate follow-up to missed calls and queue texts for later.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n3. Dialpad: Best For Contact Centers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nAI-driven contact center tools for coaching and analytics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nUnified voice, video, and messaging in one interface for agent efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n AI-powered features such as call summaries, real-time coaching, and voicemail transcription.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Strong analytics and reporting to measure agent performance and customer interactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nAdditional phone numbers and some integrations require plan upgrades.<\/li>\n\n\n\n SMS support is limited to US and Canada without extra costs for international texting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Minimum user requirements and tiered pricing can increase the entry cost for small teams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Dialpad provides advanced AI coaching and contact center capabilities that Talkroute does not offer, but many of those features require higher tier plans. Talkroute can be simpler and more cost predictable for basic call routing and shared numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Dialpad excels for teams that need live agent support tools and analytics to improve conversion and service metrics; managers gain insight and coaching in real-time. Caveats and budget notes If budget or small seat counts are a concern, Dialpad\u2019s plan minimums and required upgrades for integrations may steer you toward Quo or Phone.com instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nReal-time speech coaching:<\/strong> Offers live prompts to agents to improve outcomes during calls.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAI recaps and call summaries:<\/strong> Automatically generate notes and highlights from conversations.<\/li>\n\n\n\nUnified communications: <\/strong>Deliver voice, video, and team messaging in one platform.<\/li>\n\n\n\nReporting and analytics: <\/strong>Track call volumes, handle times, and agent performance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n4. Ringcentral: Best For Desk Phone Rentals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nExtensive desk phone support and PBX-style features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nOptions to rent desk phones and support for VoIP hardware for traditional offices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Full suite of voice, video, and messaging features including voicemail to email.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Shared incoming phone numbers for voice and team handling.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nLimited SMS and MMS support, especially on toll-free numbers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Base plans include low text allowances and limited toll-free minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Unlimited storage and some advanced features require higher-priced plans.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n RingCentral offers physical desk phone rentals and a mature PBX-style feature set; Talkroute focuses on flexible cloud call routing with simpler pricing. For heavy desk phone environments, RingCentral provides better hardware support; for light cloud telephony, Talkroute is leaner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n RingCentral fits organizations that still operate from offices and want managed handsets alongside cloud calling, with enterprise-grade features and vendor support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If heavy SMS usage matters or you need generous toll free minutes on a budget, consider Quo or Phone.com as lower-cost alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nDesk phone rentals and hardware support:<\/strong> Deploy managed handsets quickly for office setups.<\/li>\n\n\n\nTeam messaging and file sharing: <\/strong>Collaborate across teams with integrated chat and files.<\/li>\n\n\n\nVoicemail to email and call recording:<\/strong> Store messages and recordings for review and compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAPI access:<\/strong> Integrate with business systems for call logging and automation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n5. Nextiva: Best For Teams That Use Microsoft Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nUnified customer experience with Microsoft Teams integration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nA broad customer experience platform that includes voice, chat, and social channels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Microsoft Teams integration is available for deeper collaboration across platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Enterprise-grade features such as supervisor dashboards and callback options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nMany core voice and messaging features are available only behind paid plan upgrades.<\/li>\n\n\n\n No free trial is available, and some messaging limits apply unless you upgrade to a higher tier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Can be more complex and pricier than basic VoIP systems for small teams.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Nextiva targets a broader customer experience management approach, integrating Teams, while Talkroute focuses squarely on telephony and call routing, offering easier entry-level price points. Nextiva offers more omnichannel features but at a higher cost and with more required upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Nextiva makes sense for mid-market and enterprise teams that need a single platform to manage multiple customer channels linked to Microsoft tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If your primary need is a straightforward phone system without many add-ons, Phone.com or Quo will be more cost-effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nOmnichannel inbox: <\/strong>Consolidate voice, chat, and social messages so agents handle requests in one place.<\/li>\n\n\n\nMicrosoft Teams integration:<\/strong> Let staff use Teams for calling and presence within corporate IT policies.<\/li>\n\n\n\nACD callbacks and supervisor tools: <\/strong>Queue and monitor calls with enterprise contact center controls.<\/li>\n\n\n\nChatbots and live chat:<\/strong> Automate simple queries and free agents for complex work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n6. Grasshopper: Best With Multi-Digit Phone Extensions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nSimple virtual phone system with extensions for small businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nEasy setup and multi-digit extension support to route callers to departments or staff.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Call recording and voicemail features come standard to track conversations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Predictable pricing for small setups and mobile app availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nNo shared numbers for team collaboration on a single line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n The base plan limits to one user; adding users incurs additional costs per month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Additional numbers are relatively expensive compared to other providers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Both systems serve small businesses, but Grasshopper keeps pricing and features basic, whereas Talkroute offers more shared call handling and SMS options. If you need shared inboxes or robust SMS you will find Talkroute more flexible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Grasshopper is a good fit for solos and micro businesses that need a quick virtual number, simple call handling, and extensions without heavy admin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If your team needs shared lines or international texting, consider Quo or Phone.com for a better value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nPhone extensions support: <\/strong>Create multi-digit extensions to route callers to specific people or teams.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCall recording:<\/strong> Preserve calls for training or dispute resolution.<\/li>\n\n\n\nUnlimited calls and texts in US and Canada on plans: <\/strong>Keep domestic communication flat rate for frequent calling.<\/li>\n\n\n\nSimultaneous call handling:<\/strong> Ring multiple devices at once so staff never miss a call.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n7. Vonage: Best For Video Conferencing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nBroad communications with integrated video and APIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nVideo conferencing capabilities alongside voice and messaging.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Unlimited domestic calling on base plans for reliable phone access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n API ecosystem for customizing voice, messaging, and video into apps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nKey features like visual voicemail and on-demand call recording require higher-tier plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n No built-in MMS on standard plans; media messaging needs an additional communications API.<\/li>\n\n\n\n User interface can feel dated and clunky compared with modern competitors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Vonage offers a broader developer platform and more video options, while Talkroute focuses on straightforward call routing and SMS at lower tiers. Vonage is stronger for API driven custom integrations and webinars, but costs can rise when enabling premium features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Choose Vonage when you need integrated video meetings together with a programmable voice and messaging API for custom workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If you need MMS or advanced features without API purchases, Quo or Phone.com may be less costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nVideo conferencing for webinars:<\/strong> Host large meetings with integrated conferencing tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\nVoice, video, and SMS APIs: <\/strong>Extend communications into apps and automate workflows.<\/li>\n\n\n\nUnlimited domestic calling:<\/strong> Flat rate calling across the US for predictable costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\nDesk phone support: <\/strong>Use physical handsets when needed for office environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n8. Goto Connect: Best For Global Reach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nBroad international calling is included on base plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nFree calls to over 50 countries on entry-level plans which support global teams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Shared inboxes and team chat to keep customer context across channels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Strong integration with CRMs to automate call logging and workflows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nShared toll-free minutes are capped across plans and not unlimited.<\/li>\n\n\n\n SMS and MMS availability are limited to US and Canada.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Auto dialer and some contact center tools require plan upgrades.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n GoTo Connect offers more international calling options out of the box than Talkroute, and adds collaboration tools like shared inboxes; however, its SMS capabilities are more limited geographically. Talkroute may be simpler for US-centric SMS needs while GoTo Connect helps teams expanding globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n It suits businesses that require extensive international calling and seamless team collaboration, without a large enterprise budget, particularly those with distributed teams and sales groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If international SMS or unlimited toll-free minutes are mission-critical, consider Avoxi or Quo for alternative pricing structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nFree international calling to 52 countries: <\/strong>Reduce roaming and calling costs for global reach.<\/li>\n\n\n\nShared phone numbers and chat: <\/strong>Coordinate across teams with integrated messaging and shared lines.<\/li>\n\n\n\nDesktop and mobile apps: <\/strong>Support remote agents with consistent tools across devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCall recording and CRM integration: <\/strong>Log and review calls automatically for coaching and compliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n9. 8\u00d78: Best For Secure Online Payments In Call Flows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nCombined communications with secure payment processing built in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nBuilt-in secure payment processing for agents to take payments without leaving calls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Broad global phone number availability in 100-plus countries for international operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n AI-enabled self-service and analytics for better contact center automation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nPricing and plans are not publicly disclosed, which slows down procurement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n User interface and setup can be complex, creating a steep learning curve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Limited default storage for call recordings unless you buy add-ons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n 8\u00d78 integrates payments and AI-enabled self-service, features Talkroute does not offer, but it is less transparent on price and more complex to set up. For regulated payment handling 8\u00d78 provides compliant options that Talkroute cannot match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Pick 8\u00d78 when you need integrated payment capture and a full contact center suite with global number options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If you need simple pricing and ease of setup, Phone.com or Quo will be faster to deploy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nSecure payment processing:<\/strong> Take payments within calls while meeting compliance standards.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAI-enabled self-service:<\/strong> Route routine queries to automated flows to reduce agent load.<\/li>\n\n\n\nContact center analytics:<\/strong> Track queue metrics and agent performance for continuous improvement.<\/li>\n\n\n\nGlobal numbering and metered international calls:<\/strong> Support customers across many countries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n10. Zoom Phone: Best For Large Industry Events And Webinars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nUnified meetings and phone system for event-driven teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nSeamless integration with Zoom meetings for webinars and large events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Automatic call recording on base plans simplifies compliance and archiving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Support for desk phones and mobile apps for flexible access.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nMMS messages to international customers are limited and require add-ons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Some plans and add-ons can change which texting features are available.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Free trials are not readily accessible without contacting sales.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Zoom Phone pairs tightly with video meeting infrastructure, giving an advantage for webinar-driven teams. Talkroute focuses on telephony and SMS, making it simpler for phone-first workflows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Zoom Phone is useful when video meetings are central to your customer interactions and you want a single vendor for both phone and conferencing services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If SMS to international audiences matters or you need transparent free trials, Quo or Phone.com may be easier to evaluate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nBundles with Zoom meetings: <\/strong>Use one ecosystem for calls and video events.<\/li>\n\n\n\nAutomatic Call Recording: <\/strong>Capture voice interactions for compliance and training purposes.<\/li>\n\n\n\nDesk phone and softphone support:<\/strong> Choose physical handsets or apps for phone access.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCustom greetings and shared numbers for voice: <\/strong>Create unified messaging for incoming calls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n11. Aircall: Best For Seamless Integrations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n <\/figure>\n\n\n\nIntegration first cloud phone system for support and sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What We Like<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nOver 100 built-in integrations with CRMs, help desks, and productivity apps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Reliable uptime and call quality suitable for high-volume teams.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Shared inbox and call management tools tailored for contact centers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhere It Falls Behind<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nAdvanced features often require additional paid add-ons that raise cost.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Strict user minimums make small team adoption expensive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n Shared inboxes do not support SMS, which splits voice and text workflows.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nHow It Compares to Talkroute<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Aircall offers a broader native integration catalog than Talkroute and targets call center workflows with more depth. Aircall is pricier per seat and locks some capabilities behind add ons while Talkroute keeps a simpler feature set at lower price points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why this provider can be a strong alternative<\/h4>\n\n\n\n Aircall is a fit for mid-market teams that depend on deep CRM integrations and high availability to drive sales and support operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Caveats and budget notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n If budget or seat minimums are limiting, consider Phone.com or Quo for more flexible pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\nRobust third-party integrations: <\/strong>Sync calls and data with CRMs and help desk tools for consistent records.<\/li>\n\n\n\nShared inboxes and routing: <\/strong>Give teams a central place to manage inbound requests from voice.<\/li>\n\n\n\nCall recording and warm transfers: <\/strong>Support agent coaching and seamless call handoffs.<\/li>\n\n\n\nHigh uptime for reliability:<\/strong> Keep critical phone channels available for customers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n12. Calilio: Best For Global Virtual Numbers And Ai Summaries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n