7 Best VoIP Business Phone Systems for Just One User

All too often, VoIP business phone systems are marketed to big companies with large teams. Where does that leave the solopreneur or the business that needs modern communications capabilities for just a single person? The answer is that there are plenty of VoIP platforms out there that can be tailored to fit your needs. And many of them are very affordable (or even free).

So, where do you start? First, stop worrying about costs. Yes, your budget is definitely a concern, but it’s more important to define the features and capabilities you require first and then set a budget.

Not sure how to start comparing VoIP business phone system features when it comes to just a single user? We’re here to help. This guide will walk you through some of the most important considerations you’ll need to make, and we’ve even rounded up some of the best-suited VoIP platforms for solopreneurs, sole business owners, and anyone else who needs these capabilities.

Is VoIP right for you?

Let’s start by comparing VoIP business phone systems to traditional landlines. You’ll find that VoIP systems win hands down in almost every comparison because they offer superior: 

• Call clarity

• Affordability

• Automation

• Featured capabilities

• Accessibility

What can VoIP do for you?

Why switch to a VoIP platform from your landline or cell phone? We touched on some of the benefits you can enjoy in the previous section, but let’s get a little more granular. What can VoIP do for you and your business?

• Mobility – The right platform can allow you to access data, take calls, and manage communication virtually anywhere. You’ll find that some of these business phone systems offer desktop/laptop and mobile apps so that you can stay connected at all times.

• FinancialSavings – How much are you paying for that landline? Chances are good that it’s a lot, and it probably doesn’t come with many features beyond caller ID and voicemail. With a VoIP business phone system, you get access to far more features and will spend less (as long as you shop smart).

• Cloud-Based Storage – Say goodbye to physical notes and records or storing data on local drives. With today’s VoIP systems, your data is stored in the cloud, so you can access it from anywhere, anytime.

• Do More – Modern VoIP systems do so much more than provide basic telephony capabilities. They can provide intelligent call routing, voicemail transcription, customizable auto attendants, and tons of other features that will help you do more in less time.

• Scalability – The point of any business is growth. It’s important to invest in business tools that will grow with you. Eventually, you may need a VoIP platform that can work for an entire team rather than for just one person, and many of those we’ve listed below are scalable to almost any degree you need.

Of course, not all VoIP business phone systems are created equal. Some are scalable; others are not. Some are affordable; others are expensive. It’s important to compare your options and then make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget now, but also your plans for future growth and development. Ideally, you’ll find a VoIP platform that will scale with you as your business prospers.

To help simplify matters, we’ve ranked seven of the best VoIP business phone systems for single users. Many of these offer the type of scalability you’ll need, combined with the features and capabilities you want right now.

The 7 best VoIP business phone systems for single users

1. Google Voice

Google Voice is used by a lot of people for personal calls, but it’s also a good choice for those who need a simple business phone solution when they don’t have a big staff. If you’re the only one fielding the calls, you only need a VoIP service that serves one user. There are no additional charges to use this service for those who already have a Google account. It offers call forwarding and number masking, too.

With Google Voice, you can get started with VoIP and enjoy free domestic calls along with a dedicated number for your business. You can integrate it all with G Suite and other tools that you use, too. Plus, it works on any device from mobile to desktop, and you can find upgraded features available for a small cost if you’d like. Consider key features like:

• Price: Free for single users with domestic-only calling

• Call forwarding

• Dedicated number from Google Voice

• Number masking

• Fewer advanced call routing features than some apps

2. Grasshopper

Grasshopper is one of the best VoIP business phone systems for small businesses. Even solopreneurs will find a lot of value here thanks to the low price ($14 per month for the True Solo plan) and the long list of features and capabilities. Plus, there’s a free trial, so you can put it through its paces and see firsthand how well it will fit your needs before you pay for anything.

Some of the features that business users will appreciate include an auto attendant and intelligent call routing. It’s also operable on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices (thanks to the native apps). It’s also scalable, so it’ll fit with business growth. You can have unlimited users if you upgrade to the Solo Plus plan, which costs $28 per month. Some of the things to know about Grasshopper include:

• Price: $14 per month (True Solo with one user), $28 per month for Solo Plus with unlimited users
• Free trial available
• Native mobile apps
• Cloud-based and accessible from any Internet-connected device
• Considerable scalability
• AI and automation

3. Intermedia Unite

Intermedia Unite offers flexible solutions to fit any need, including businesses that require VoIP service for just a single user. Whether you’re the sole salesperson or you’re a solopreneur building your business from the ground up, this is a platform to consider.

This VoIP business phone system offers advanced phone answering software, a desktop app, and native iOS and Android apps. It also features SMS and MMS capabilities, as well as advanced analytics that help you uncover insights within your data. The unlimited calling is also a nice touch, as is the voicemail transcription. Features of note include:

• Price: Starts at $27.99 per month

• Deep dive with analytics

• Screen sharing with up to 100 participants

• Unlimited calling

• Voicemail and voicemail transcription

4. Dialpad

Dialpad offers one of the best VoIP solutions for customization. This platform is built in the Google Cloud Platform, offering mobility, security, and flexibility to businesses of all sizes, including SMBs and solo-user operations. The app includes intelligent features like real-time transcription, and it can integrate with G Suite, Salesforce, Zendesk, and others. 

Dialpad also offers post-call summaries with action items highlighted, and it’s one of our favorites for the sheer number of features that you get for the money. The system is easy to navigate, and you can even try it out for two weeks without paying a dime. Highlights include:

• Price: $15 per user per month

• Free trial for 14 days

• Contact syncing and app integrations

• AI voice intelligence

• Hosted in the Google Cloud for easy scalability

5. RingCentral

RingCentral has been around since the dawn of Internet faxing. They’ve done well to keep up with the changing technology, and today, they offer a full-service VoIP solution that is among the best available. Not only do they have platforms for all sizes of businesses, but they offer some of the most inclusive plans at affordable rates for the solo business owner. 

With RingCentral, you’ll get a free trial to test out the platform and see what it can do for you. The cloud-hosted PBX includes an auto attendant, AI voice intelligence, call routing, and so much more. Subscribers who pay annually can get a discount on the monthly subscription rate, too. Highlights of this platform include:

• Price: $20 per user per month when billed annually

• Auto-attendant and intelligent call features

• Cloud-hosted for easy access

• Compatible with mobile and desktop devices

6. 8x8

8x8 is a great choice for those who want an affordable solution for VoIP. The platform starts with tons of affordable plans and features for VoIP service and includes all-in-one plans for those who want to upgrade for total connectivity. Intelligent call routing, automated greetings, and integrations come standard. 

Plus, 8x8 comes with reliability and a free 30-day trial. You can get a discount for paying annually, and you can enjoy all kinds of calling features and plans that will make your transition to VoIP as a single user seamless and simple. You will even have the support of the company, which offers impressive customer service. Consider key features like:

• Price: By quote only

• Auto-attendant and intelligent call routing

• Unlimited voice calling

• HD video and audio

• Premium features available

• 99.999% uptime

7. Ooma

Ooma is one of the newer options for VoIP, and it offers an impressive service, starting with plans that are affordable even for the solo user. They are a new type of VoIP provider offering two service options. You can choose an Ooma device and get free basic access to their features and services, along with a 60-day trial of the premium plan. This app integrates with smart devices like Amazon Echo, too. 

Ooma also offers traditional VoIP subscription plans that can be used on any device, including mobile and desktop apps. You’ll enjoy intelligent call routing, automated greetings, and tons of other great features. Custom reporting and voicemail transcription are offered, along with top-rated customer support to help you every step of the way. Key highlights include:

• Price: $19.95 per user per month

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Desktop and mobile apps available

• Intelligent call routing and AI-based call features

• Most plans include unlimited calling and texting

Free yourself to focus on what you do best

As you can see, there’s a VoIP business phone system that can fit almost any need. However, don’t forget that your phone system can only do so much. As a solopreneur or sole business owner, your time is incredibly valuable. You must be able to spend it doing things that matter the most. At Smith.ai, we free you to focus on what you do best.

Say goodbye to answering wrong numbers, spam calls, and answering questions with our team of virtual receptionists. When you partner with us, you’ll get 24/7 call answering so that you never miss a call, but you’re free to spend your time doing what matters most. We also offer other important capabilities that solopreneurs and sole business owners need, including SMS message answering, scheduling and intake, and so much more. 

We also understand that your needs are as unique as your business. We can customize our services to suit your requirements and budget today and then scale them up or down as necessary. It’s all about finding the perfect fit to encourage growth and profitability.

To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss what the 24/7 virtual receptionists at Smith.ai can do to help your business communications, from live chat and after-hours answering services to Facebook message answering and more. You can also find us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 709-2710.