15 Best Small Business Phone Service Providers of 2025

When you’re running a small business, every call matters. Whether it’s a customer, a vendor, or a brand-new lead — how you handle that call can shape how people see your business. 

That’s why finding the right business phone service isn’t just about cost or features. It’s about choosing something that actually fits how you work.

But here’s the catch: most business owners don’t know what kind of phone service they need — honestly, that’s not your fault. The options sound more confusing than helpful between call forwarding, virtual phone systems, cloud VoIP, and full-on call centers.

That’s why we put this guide together.

We’ve spent the past few months digging into the top phone service providers for small businesses — setting them up, testing them out, and seeing how they hold up in real-world scenarios. 

Whether you’re working solo, managing a remote team, or running things from a brick-and-mortar office, this post will help you figure out exactly what you need — and who’s best at delivering it.

---

Table of Contents

• What to Look for in a Phone Service for Your Small Business
• Top 15 Best Small Business Phone Service Providers of 2025
• Compare the Best Business Phone Services for Small Businesses
• How to Choose the Right Phone Service for Your Business Setup
•  Small Business Phone Service FAQs: What to Know Before You Choose
• Our Take: The Best Business Phone Services for Real-World Use

---

1. What to Look for in a Phone System

Before you start comparing plans and pricing, it helps to know what kind of business phone service actually fits your setup. A solo freelancer working from a laptop doesn’t need the same thing as a small team answering customer calls all day. And the last thing you want is to pay for features you’ll never use — or worse, outgrow your service six months in.

Over the past few months, we’ve tested a wide range of business phone services — from simple forwarding setups to full-blown VoIP platforms — and here’s the big takeaway: You don’t need a complicated system. You just need the right level of service for how you work.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the main types of phone service options you’ll see — and who they’re best for:

1) Basic Business Line with Call Forwarding

This is the most stripped-down (but still useful) type of phone service. You get a dedicated business number—local or toll-free—that forwards calls to your personal phone. You can add a custom greeting and business voicemail and set hours so it doesn’t ring during dinner.

Best for:

• Solopreneurs and side hustlers
• Anyone who wants a business number without switching phones
• People who just want to sound more professional, fast

2) Virtual Phone System

This takes the basic setup a step further. A virtual phone system works through an app or web dashboard and gives you more control — think multiple users, extensions, call routing, voicemail transcription, and even texting. You can manage calls from your phone, laptop, or browser.

Best for:

• Remote teams or home-based businesses

• Solo users who want room to grow

• Businesses that need to handle multiple call flows or team members

3) VoIP or Cloud-Based Phone Service

This is a full-featured business phone service that runs over the internet (VoIP = Voice over Internet Protocol). It can support desk phones (IP phones), advanced call management, integrations with tools like CRMs, and analytics dashboards.

Best for:

• Office-based teams or front-desk setups

• Businesses with multiple users and more complex routing needs

• Anyone looking to replace a traditional office phone system

4) Call Center or Contact Center Service

This is overkill for most small businesses, but good to know about. Call center solutions are designed for high-volume teams — often with dedicated agents, heavy-duty routing, and integrations with customer support platforms.

Best for:

• Sales or support teams taking dozens (or hundreds) of calls per day

• Larger companies with full-time phone reps

• Businesses that need deep analytics and supervisor tools

2. Top 15 Best Small Business Phone Service Providers of 2025

Here are the best business phone service providers we tested and reviewed this year — each one included because it does something particularly well for small business owners.

Some are built for solo entrepreneurs who just need a second number. Others are designed for growing teams that need call routing, voicemail sharing, or more structured communication. A few can scale into full VoIP setups with hardware. And a couple? They’re just surprisingly easy to use — and that counts for a lot. We’ve broken it all down so you can find the one that fits how you work.

1. Unitel Voice

Simple, affordable, and built for small businesses from day one

Unitel Voice doesn’t try to be everything — and that’s exactly why it works so well. It gives you all the core features small businesses need: a business number (local or toll-free), call forwarding, voicemail, auto-attendant, and text messaging — all without a bloated dashboard or steep learning curve.

During setup, everything felt built around the idea that a non-technical business owner should be able to get started in minutes. And if you don’t even want to do that? Unitel Voice assigns every customer a personal account manager who can walk you through setup over the phone and help customize the service to your business.

You can use Unitel Voice on your existing phone or computer — or plug in an IP phone if you want a more traditional setup. It’s flexible, low-cost, and doesn’t lock you into contracts or complex pricing tiers.

Best For:

Solopreneurs, freelancers, or small teams that want to sound professional without the hassle

Highlights:

• Use it on your mobile device, desktop, or IP desk phone
• Includes voicemail, texting, call routing, and auto-attendant
• Personal account manager for every customer
• Starts at $9.99/month

2. eVoice

No-fuss way to get a business number that sounds professional

eVoice has been around for a while, and it’s built specifically for small businesses that need a separate phone line without dealing with a full-blown phone system. During setup, we found it to be extremely straightforward — pick your number, record a greeting, forward calls to your phone, and you’re up and running.

It’s not packed with flashy features, but that’s kind of the point. It gives you the basics — voicemail, call forwarding, auto-attendants, and business texting — in a clean, accessible way. And if you ever need to scale up, you can add users, extensions, or even port your number out to a more advanced provider.

For small business owners who want a business presence without making things complicated, eVoice delivers.

Best For:

 Solo business owners or teams that want a simple, reliable business line

Highlights:

• Local and toll-free number options
• Call forwarding, voicemail, auto-attendant
• Business texting included on some plans
• Starts at $14/month

3. FreedomVoice

An old-school provider that’s still surprisingly easy to use

FreedomVoice might not have the modern polish of newer platforms, but it’s still a dependable option for small business owners who want a basic phone service without a steep learning curve. When we tested it, the setup was fast, the interface was clean (though a bit dated), and the core features all worked exactly as expected.

The real value here is simplicity. You get a toll-free or local number, call forwarding, custom greetings, and voicemail — all manageable through a web portal or mobile app. No hardware needed, unless you want to plug in a desk phone.

It’s not built for team collaboration or fancy integrations, but if all you need is a solid business line that gets the job done and doesn’t cost much, FreedomVoice is still a strong pick.

Best For:

Business owners who want a simple, low-maintenance phone service

Highlights:

• Toll-free or local numbers
  
• Auto-attendant and call forwarding
  
• Voicemail with email delivery
  
• Starts at $9.95/month

4. Talkroute

A virtual phone system that feels like a full office setup — without the office

Talkroute hits a sweet spot between simplicity and structure. It’s designed for small business owners who want to manage calls professionally — with extensions, call menus, and voicemail — but don’t want to mess with traditional office hardware or complex installations.

During testing, Talkroute stood out for how easily it handled multi-user setups. You can create a full call flow (like “Press 1 for Sales, 2 for Support”), assign calls to team members, and even add call queues — all through a clean web interface. And if you want to look big while staying lean, it’s one of the best tools for that.

What’s nice is that it works with your existing phones. You and your team can keep using your personal devices, but with a professional phone system layered on top.

Best For:

 Home-based businesses, remote teams, or solo users who want a professional setup that can scale

Highlights:

• Call routing, extensions, and auto-attendants
  
• Voicemail, call logs, and business texting
  
• Works with mobile phones or desktop softphones
  
• Starts at $19/month
  

5. Mighty Call

Feature-rich and built for small teams that want room to grow

MightyCall is a virtual phone system that gives you a lot of functionality without overwhelming you. From solo entrepreneurs to small teams with a handful of users, it offers just the right mix of features: call routing, voicemail-to-email, business texting, and even call queues — all wrapped in an interface that’s clean and easy to use.

We liked how quickly we could go from sign-up to live calls. The system walks you through setup, and the admin controls are intuitive, whether you’re assigning numbers to users or customizing your call menu.

One thing that stood out: for the price, you get a lot. MightyCall includes features that many providers tuck behind higher-tier plans — like call recording and simple analytics — making it a great value for businesses that want to look professional and stay flexible.

Best For:

Remote teams or growing businesses that want robust call handling without a steep learning curve

Highlights:

• VoIP system with mobile and desktop access
  
• Call routing, voicemail transcription, call recording
  
• Supports multiple users and departments
  
• Starts at $20/month per user
  

6) Grasshopper

A straightforward business phone service that’s perfect for solo use

Grasshopper has been a go-to option for years, and after testing it again recently, it’s easy to see why. It’s built specifically for small business owners who want a separate business number but don’t need a full phone system with a steep learning curve.

You get a professional business number (local, toll-free, or vanity), a mobile app to manage calls and texts, and features like voicemail, call forwarding, and custom greetings. Everything works on your existing phone — no hardware or complicated setup required.

It’s also one of the few services offering flat-rate pricing instead of per-user pricing, which is great if multiple team members share the same line or extension setup.

Best for:

Solopreneurs or small teams who want to keep things simple and mobile-friendly

Highlights:

• Local, toll-free, or vanity business numbers
  
• Call forwarding, voicemail, and texting
  
• Flat-rate pricing regardless of users
  
• Starts at $18/month
  

7) OpenPhone

A modern business phone service with messaging built in from the start

OpenPhone is one of the newer platforms on this list, but it’s quickly become a favorite — especially for solo founders and small remote teams. It combines calling, texting, voicemail, and contact management into a single sleek, refreshingly easy-to-use interface.

When we tried it out, OpenPhone felt like it was built by people who actually run small businesses. The shared inbox feature lets teams collaborate on calls and texts, and integrations with tools like Slack and HubSpot make it easy to connect your communication with your workflows.

It’s not bloated with features you’ll never use, but it’s flexible enough to scale if your business grows. If you want something modern, mobile-first, and team-friendly, this one’s hard to beat.

Best for:

Startups, small teams, or solo entrepreneurs who want a clean, modern interface with strong messaging features

Highlights:

• Voice, voicemail, and texting in one shared inbox
  
• CRM-style contact management and notes
  
• Integrations with Slack, Zapier, and HubSpot
  
• Starts at $19/month per user
  

8) RingCentral

An all-in-one business communications platform that scales with you

RingCentral is one of the most well-known names in business phone service, and it’s easy to see why once you start using it. It combines VoIP calling, SMS, team messaging, and video conferencing into one unified app — making it more than just a phone service. It’s a full-on communications hub.

During testing, we found RingCentral to be especially powerful for small businesses with multiple users or departments. It allows you to create call flows, assign extensions, manage voicemail settings, and route calls across devices with ease. Although it’s built to scale, it still works well for smaller teams that want a professional, all-in-one solution.

It’s more feature-rich than most options on this list, which means it’s not the lightest or cheapest — but if you’re planning to grow or need a more structured setup from day one, it’s a strong contender.

Best for:

Small businesses ready for a scalable solution with voice, video, and messaging in one platform

Highlights:

• VoIP calling, texting, video conferencing, team chat
  
• Auto-attendant, call queues, call recording
  
• Integrates with CRMs, help desks, and productivity tools
  
• Starts at $30/month per user
  

9) Nextiva

A business phone service with built-in tools for better customer communication

Nextiva goes beyond the basics by combining VoIP phone service with productivity and customer service tools — all in one dashboard. It’s great for small businesses that want to do more than just answer calls. With features like team chat, CRM-lite contact management, and voicemail transcription, it’s designed to help you stay organized and responsive.

When we used Nextiva, what stood out was how customizable it felt. You can build call flows, assign users, monitor call activity, and even track customer interactions. This is a solid option if your team works directly with clients or customers and needs to keep things from slipping through the cracks.

It takes a little more upfront setup than some others, but it’s intuitive once you get going — and their support is responsive if you need a hand.

Best for:

Service-based businesses or teams that want to manage communication and customer experience in one place

Highlights:

• VoIP calling with CRM-style contact tools
  
• Auto-attendant, voicemail transcription, call routing
  
• Team collaboration tools and contact tracking
  
• Starts at $25/month per user
  

10) Dialpad

A smart business phone service with built-in AI and real-time productivity tools

Dialpad feels like it was designed for people who are always multitasking. It combines voice, video, SMS, and internal messaging in a clean interface — but what really makes it stand out is the AI. Call summaries, live transcriptions, sentiment tracking, and even real-time coaching tools are all baked in.

During testing, Dialpad felt fast, lightweight, and surprisingly powerful. It’s ideal if your team works remotely or needs to handle a lot of inbound and outbound calls while staying on the same page. And the AI tools aren’t just gimmicks — they actually save time and help you keep track of conversations.

If you want a phone service that feels like it belongs in 2025, this is it.

Best for:

Remote teams, fast-paced small businesses, or anyone who wants smart features without enterprise bloat

Highlights:

• AI-powered call transcription and summaries
  
• Built-in voice, video, SMS, and team chat
  
• Real-time coaching and call analytics
  
• Starts at $27/month per user
  

11) 8×8

A scalable business phone service with global reach and enterprise-grade tools

8×8 is a heavy hitter in the VoIP world, known for delivering robust features at a competitive price — though you now have to request a quote to get exact pricing. While it’s often used by larger teams, we found it flexible enough for smaller businesses that need more advanced call handling, analytics, or international calling options.

When we tested it, we were impressed by how deeply customizable it is. You can build complex call flows, monitor call quality in real time, and integrate it with CRMs, help desks, and productivity platforms. It’s probably more than most solopreneurs need, but for small businesses with growing teams or global clients, it checks a lot of boxes.

Best for:

Businesses that want a serious phone service with enterprise-level features and room to scale

Highlights:

• VoIP calling, SMS, video, and team chat
  
• Advanced call routing, analytics, and reporting
  
• International calling plans and multi-location support
  
• Pricing: Request a custom quote
  

12) GoTo

Reliable VoIP phone service from a trusted name in business tools

GoTo (yes, the same company behind GoToMeeting and GoToWebinar) offers a cloud-based phone service designed for small businesses that want dependability and flexibility. It’s a full VoIP solution, but unlike some of the flashier platforms, GoTo sticks to what matters: call quality, uptime, and practical features.

In our experience, the onboarding process was smooth, and GoTo’s admin dashboard is one of the more user-friendly interfaces for setting up call routing, voicemail, and users. It also includes video conferencing and team chat, so you get more than just a dial tone.

It doesn’t scream “startup cool,” but it’s rock-solid — and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Best for:

Small teams or offices that want a reliable VoIP system from an established provider

Highlights:

• VoIP calling, video meetings, and team messaging
  
• Auto-attendant, call routing, and voicemail transcription
  
• Known for reliability and strong customer support
  
• Starts at $32/month per user
  

13) VirtualPBX

A flexible VoIP phone service that adapts to how your business runs

VirtualPBX isn’t as well known as some of the other names on this list, but it’s built with small business needs in mind — especially if you want flexibility without unnecessary fluff. It offers a fully hosted VoIP system that works with mobile apps, desktop softphones, or IP desk phones, depending on how you prefer to work.

We found it to be especially appealing for businesses that need more granular control over their call flows. You can customize everything from routing schedules to device preferences, making it a great choice for teams that don’t all work the same way.

While it doesn’t have as many modern integrations as some newer platforms, the reliability and feature control are impressive — especially for businesses that want something a little more customizable than average.

Best for:

Teams or offices that need a customizable, flexible VoIP setup without the enterprise overhead

Highlights:

• Hosted VoIP system with mobile, desktop, or desk phone support
  
• Call routing, voicemail, auto-attendants, call recording
  
• Mix-and-match user roles and devices
  
• Starts at $11/month per user
  

14) Phone.com

A customizable, budget-friendly option for small businesses that want control

Phone.com is a great pick if you want a simple, no-frills phone service — but still want the ability to tweak it to fit your exact needs. It offers a wide range of à la carte features, meaning you can keep your costs low by only paying for what you’ll actually use.

When we tested it, we appreciated how flexible the plans were. Whether you want a basic business number that forwards to your cell or a more traditional VoIP setup with call queues and extensions, Phone.com can handle it. 

The dashboard can feel a little overwhelming, but once you get your bearings, you can figure it out, even if you’re not especially tech-savvy.

Best for:

Cost-conscious business owners who want to build a phone service around their specific needs

Highlights:

• Local, toll-free, or vanity number options
  
• Add only the features you want (voicemail, call recording, etc.)
  
• Works on mobile, desktop, or IP phones
  
• Starts at $18/month per user
  

15) Ooma

A plug-and-play business phone service that’s ideal for home offices and small teams

Ooma is one of the easiest phone services to get up and running. Whether you want to work entirely from your mobile device or plug in a desk phone at your home office, Ooma gives you that flexibility without much setup hassle. It’s designed to feel like a traditional business phone system, but with all the modern conveniences of VoIP.

When we tested it, Ooma impressed us with how quickly we could start making calls — and how reliably it worked even with basic internet setups. You get core features like a virtual receptionist, call forwarding, voicemail, and call blocking, all managed from a user-friendly dashboard.

Ooma is a solid pick if you want something that just works and doesn’t require a tech background to operate.

Best for:

Home-based businesses and small teams that want a reliable, traditional-feeling phone service

Highlights:

• VoIP calling with optional desk phone support
  
• Virtual receptionist, call blocking, voicemail
  
• Easy setup, strong customer support
  

• Starts at $19.95/month per user

3. Compare the Best Business Phone Services for Small Businesses

Trying to narrow it down? This table gives you a quick overview of the best small business phone service providers of 2025 — including what each one is best known for, how much it costs to get started, and the kind of setup it supports. 

Use it to quickly spot which services match your budget, your business type, and the way you work.

4. How to Choose the Right Phone Service for Your Business Setup

Even with a solid shortlist, choosing the right business phone service can feel like a guessing game, especially if you’re not 100% sure what features you’ll need down the road. 

The trick is to start by looking at how you actually run your business today. Your work setup, team size, and customer interaction will help point you toward the right service.

Here’s how we’d break it down based on what we’ve seen work best in real-world scenarios:

1) If You’re a Solopreneur or Freelancer…

You don’t need a complex phone system — you just need to sound professional, protect your personal number, and maybe route calls intelligently during off hours. Look for something simple, affordable, and easy to manage from your existing device.

Top Picks:

• Unitel Voice – Super easy setup, personal support, built for solos
• Grasshopper – Clean app, flat-rate pricing, no user limits
• eVoice – Solid basic feature set and competitive price

2) If You Work From Home or Have a Hybrid Setup…

You want flexibility — something that works whether you’re taking calls from your kitchen table or logging in from the road. Bonus if you can forward calls, check voicemail from your inbox, and avoid installing desk phones altogether.

Top Picks:

• Talkroute – Set up extensions and call menus from anywhere
• MightyCall – Feature-rich and optimized for mobile + desktop use
• Ooma – Feels like a traditional office phone, but works great from home
  

3) If You’re Managing a Remote Team…

You’ll need something that supports multiple users, shared access to voicemail or text messages, and smart routing to ensure calls don’t get lost. It should also work across devices and make it easy to collaborate

Top Picks:

• Dialpad – AI tools, call summaries, great for fast-moving teams
• OpenPhone – Clean interface and shared inbox for seamless team collaboration
• Nextiva – Combines VoIP service with CRM-style contact tracking
  

4) If You Have a Physical Office or Front Desk…

Reliability and professionalism are key for businesses with a storefront or traditional office setup. To keep things organized, look for a VoIP provider that supports desk phones (IP phones), auto-attendants, and call queues.

Top Picks:

• RingCentral – Full communication platform that can scale with you
• GoTo – Stable, secure, and ideal for small offices
• VirtualPBX – Customizable VoIP with advanced routing
  

5) If You’re Budget-Conscious or Want to Keep It Simple…

You want a reliable, professional business phone number without blowing your monthly budget. Look for providers that let you choose only the features you need or offer flexible pricing plans.

Top Picks:

• Phone.com – À la carte pricing, low entry cost
• FreedomVoice – Basic, dependable, and incredibly easy to use
• Unitel Voice – Great value, no hidden costs, and support when you need it
  

5. Small Business Phone Service FAQs: What to Know Before You Choose

If you’re still trying to wrap your head around which service to choose (or how any of this actually works), you’re not alone. Most small business owners have the same questions when they first start looking for a business phone service — and they’re good ones. 

Here’s what you need to know to make a confident decision.

1) What’s the difference between a phone service and a phone system?

A phone service gives you a business number and lets you make and receive calls. A phone system includes all the features that manage those calls — voicemail, call routing, extensions, etc. Most modern providers offer both, but the level of control varies.

• Phone service = call connection
• Phone system = call management
• Most VoIP services bundle both in one plan

2) Can I use a business phone service with my current phone?

Yes. Most providers offer an app you can install on your existing smartphone or desktop. This means you don’t have to buy new hardware — your business number just runs on top of your personal device.

• No second phone needed
• Manage calls, texts, and voicemail through an app
• Works on iOS, Android, and desktop

3) Do I need internet to use a business phone service?

Yes — especially if it’s a VoIP or virtual phone system. These services route calls over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. That said, most work just fine on standard Wi-Fi or mobile data.

• VoIP = runs over your internet connection
• Works on home, office, or mobile network
• No landline required

4) Can I keep my existing business number?

Absolutely. Most providers let you “port” your number over to their service. Just don’t cancel your current plan before the porting process is complete — your new provider will guide you through it.

• Number porting is common and usually free
• Keep your current number and reputation
• Setup usually takes 1–5 business days
  

5) What if I want a toll-free or vanity number?

Most providers offer toll-free numbers (like 800, 888, 877, etc.), and many allow you to search for custom vanity numbers (like 1-800-FLOWERS). These are great for national branding or memorability.

• Toll-free numbers look professional and nationwide
• Vanity numbers help with marketing recall
• Usually available during sign-up
  

6) Can I forward calls to my personal phone?

Yes — and for a lot of small businesses, that’s the whole point. You can take business calls on your personal phone without exposing your personal number, and even set up call schedules or ring rules.

• Keep your personal number private
• Set business hours and call handling rules
• Works great for solo or home-based businesses
  

7) Do I need to sign a contract?

Not with most providers. Many small business phone services are month-to-month, which means you can cancel or upgrade whenever you need to. A few may offer discounts if you pay annually.

• Most plans are contract-free
• Look for hidden fees or “activation” charges
• Some annual plans offer lower monthly rates
  

8) Can I share one number across my whole team?

Yes. Many providers let you assign a single business number to multiple users, and then use extensions or call routing to make sure calls reach the right person.

• Set up extensions or departments
• Use ring groups or call queues
• Manage team access from a shared dashboard
  

9) Which provider is easiest to set up?

If you want something up and running fast, Unitel Voice, Talkroute, and FreedomVoice all offer simple onboarding with step-by-step guidance. Some even include a dedicated account rep to help.

• DIY setup takes less than an hour
• No IT experience required
• Personal support available with some plans
  

10) What’s the most affordable option for solo business owners?

For the money, Unitel Voice and FreedomVoice are among the most affordable—and they’re both built for one-person businesses. Phone.com is also great if you want low pricing and à la carte control.

• Plans starting under $10/month
• Keep it simple or build out more later
• No unnecessary features or fees

6. Our Take: The Best Business Phone Services for Real-World Use

When it comes to business phone service, you don’t need the most complex system — you need the one that fits the way you work.

Whether you’re running a solo operation from your smartphone, managing a remote team, or answering calls from the front desk of your office, there’s a provider on this list that’ll make you look more professional and help you stay organized. And most of the time, you can get it set up in under an hour — no IT department required.

The key is to match the service to your business style. If you want something simple and affordable, start with Unitel Voice or FreedomVoice. If you’re building a team and need shared access, Dialpad or OpenPhone might be a better fit. And if you want a full-featured VoIP platform that can scale as you grow, RingCentral, Nextiva, or 8×8 have you covered.

We’ve tested these services in the real world — and we’ve seen firsthand how much smoother day-to-day operations can be with the right setup. So don’t overthink it. Just pick the provider that matches your current needs and gives you room to grow.