Business Phone Systems
Top Companies in 2024
Grasshopper vs RingCentral
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- Informative free trial
- 24/7 unlimited support
- Unlimited minutes
- Integration with Ruby Receptionist
- Average uptime of 99.999%
- Free 14-day trial available for all plans
- Unified communication through mobile and desktop
- A complete cloud-based communications system
- Highly extensive integrations
- Limited third-party integrations
- Exclusive to small businesses
- No recording or video conferencing tools
- Limited report customization
- Could be pricey
- Some features reserved for higher plans
- No unlimited international calls
headquartered in Boston, MA, Grasshopper has provided VoIP services for small businesses and startups since their inception in 2003. Acquired by GoTo in early 2022, Grasshopper focuses on providing efficient communication solutions. The company has served over 400,000 customers, demonstrating their dedication to specialized VoIP services that help businesses maintain professional and efficient communication. Grasshopper offers a range of features designed to meet the needs of small businesses. These include call forwarding, voicemail transcription, custom greetings, and business texting, all accessible via mobile and desktop applications. The system allows users to manage business communications from anywhere, ensuring that important calls are always answered and messages are promptly addressed. Customer experience is a key focus for Grasshopper. The integration with Ruby Receptionist provides live receptionist services, adding a personal touch to customer interactions and ensuring that all calls are handled professionally. This feature and 24/7 support, helps businesses maintain smooth operations and minimize downtime. Grasshopper offers flexible pricing plans to suit different business needs. The True Solo plan, priced at $14 per month, is ideal for single-person businesses, while the Solo Plus plan, priced at $25 per month, supports unlimited users. The Small Business plan, priced at $55 per month, provides the best flexibility and customization options, making it suitable for growing businesses.
RingCentral is an IT services company that offers business telephone systems and other associated products. Founded in 1999 and based in Belmont, California, they provide UCaaS services as RingCentral MVP, with features that include video meetings, virtual faxing, digital conference rooms, and AI-driven contact centers. They offer integrations with over 300 different apps and have an uptime track record of 99.999%. RingCentral complies with GDPR, has several compliance certifications and attestations, and implements technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. RingCentral's CSR program, Ringcentral.org, focuses on diversity, inclusion, non-profit support, employee volunteerism, and charitable giving. It received an AA rating in MSCI's assessment for ESG factors, and has been recognized as a UCaaS market leader in Gartner's report for nine years straight. RingCentral also received the Frost & Sullivan Award in 2019. Accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating, it responds well to criticism despite mixed reviews on support, call quality, and contracts.
- Free Desktop App : False
- Free Video Conferencing : False
- Business Size Supported : Small businesses
- Transparent Pricing : True
- Pricing Model : Per user per month
- Customer Experience : Good
- Trustpilot Score : 1.5 out of 5
- BBB Rating : N/R
- Free Desktop App : False
- Free Video Conferencing : False
- Business Size Supported : Any
- Pricing Model : Per user per month
- Customer Experience : Good
- Trustpilot Score : 2.4 out of 5
- BBB Rating : A+
- Discounts and offers
- User-friendly mobile app
- Most features are included across all plans
- Unlimited calls & conferencing
- AI-first solutions
- Free trial, cancel anytime.
- High uptime of 99.999% by SLA
- User-friendly interface and simple dashboard
- A complete cloud-based communications system
- Special, discounted plans for schools
- Call Analytics
- Call Monitoring (User Management)
- Call Recording & Voicemails
- Cellphone Compatability
- Cloud-Based Services
- Desktop Application
- Existing Hardware Compatability
- International Telephone
- International Toll-Free Number
- Internet Fax
- Local Numbers for All Users
- Mobile App
- Real-Time Reports
- Team Messaging
- Third-Party Software Integrations
- Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)
- Unlimited Calls
- Unlimited SMS
- Video Conferencing
- Virtual Assistant/Receptionist
- Virtual Phone Numbers
- Voicemail to Email
- Call Analytics
- Call Monitoring (User Management)
- Call Recording & Voicemails
- Cellphone Compatability
- Cloud-Based Services
- Desktop Application
- Existing Hardware Compatability
- International Telephone
- International Toll-Free Number
- Internet Fax
- Local Numbers for All Users
- Mobile App
- Real-Time Reports
- Team Messaging
- Third-Party Software Integrations
- Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS)
- Unlimited Calls
- Unlimited SMS
- Video Conferencing
- Virtual Assistant/Receptionist
- Virtual Phone Numbers
- Voicemail to Email
- Android
- iOS
- macOS
- Windows
- Android
- iOS
- macOS
- Windows
- Adapters (Analog to VoIP)
- Headsets
- Intercom & Paging
- IP Conference Phones
- IP Desk Phones
- Wi-Fi (Cordless) Phones
- Adapters (Analog to VoIP)
- Headsets
- Intercom & Paging
- IP Conference Phones
- IP Desk Phones
- Wi-Fi (Cordless) Phones
- Documentation
- In-Person
- Live Online
- Videos
- Webinars
- Documentation
- In-Person
- Live Online
- Videos
- Webinars
- Demos—Undisclosed
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Social Media
- Demos
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Mobile Application
- Phone
- Social Media
Grasshopper vs. RingCentral
Choosing the right business phone system is crucial for efficient communication, particularly for small to medium-sized businesses. Grasshopper and RingCentral are two popular options that offer distinct features tailored to different needs. This comparison explores the service range, ease of use, security, and pricing, highlighting both similarities and differences between these two platforms.
Service range and customization options
Both Grasshopper and RingCentral offer robust service ranges designed to enhance business communications. Grasshopper primarily caters to small businesses, providing essential features like virtual phone systems, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription. They simplify communication by enabling businesses to manage calls through a mobile app, eliminating the need for complex infrastructure. Similarly, RingCentral offers a comprehensive service range through their Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) platform, which includes messaging, video conferencing, and cloud-based phone systems, all seamlessly integrated into a single platform. Both platforms allow businesses to customize their communication tools to fit their specific needs.
However, the two platforms differ significantly in terms of customization depth and service breadth. RingCentral offers a more extensive platform with advanced features like AI-driven analytics, integrations with over 300 apps, and industry-specific customization, making it suitable for larger enterprises with complex communication needs. On the other hand, Grasshopper’s simpler approach lacks these advanced features and integrations, making it a better fit for small businesses or startups seeking a straightforward and easy-to-use phone system.
Ease of use and integration
Both Grasshopper and RingCentral prioritize ease of use, offering intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup processes. Grasshopper is particularly known for their simplicity, requiring minimal technical expertise to get started. They operate primarily through mobile and desktop apps, allowing users to manage calls and messages on the go. Similarly, RingCentral offers a user-friendly experience with their all-in-one app that consolidates messaging, video, and phone services into a single interface. Both platforms support integration with essential business tools, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Where they diverge is in the complexity and variety of integrations. RingCentral stands out for their extensive integration capabilities, including connections with major platforms like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and custom API tools for building personalized applications. This level of integration makes RingCentral a more powerful tool for businesses that rely on multiple software solutions to manage operations. On the other hand, Grasshopper's simpler system is limited in terms of integration options, focusing more on providing basic phone services without the need for extensive software ecosystems.
Security and compliance
Security is a critical concern for any business communication system, and both Grasshopper and RingCentral take measures to protect user data. Grasshopper offers basic security features, including encrypted communication channels and secure data storage. This ensures that small businesses can manage their communications without worrying about unauthorized access or data breaches. RingCentral, on the other hand, provides a more advanced security framework, including seven layers of enterprise-grade security, AI-enhanced threat detection, and compliance with international standards such as GDPR, C5, and HITRUST CSF certifications. This robust security infrastructure is particularly beneficial for larger enterprises handling sensitive data.
Pricing
Grasshopper offers a straightforward pricing structure with three tiers designed for small businesses. The Solo plan, at $29 per month, is ideal for solo entrepreneurs, featuring call forwarding, voicemail transcription, custom greetings, and business texting. The Partner plan, at $49 per month, includes call routing and simultaneous call handling, making it suitable for small teams. The Small Business plan, priced at $89 per month, provides five numbers and unlimited extensions. It offers more advanced features like toll-free numbers and enhanced call management, making it ideal for growing businesses.
On the other hand, RingCentral's pricing is more complex and tailored to a broader range of business needs. The Essentials plan, starting at $20 per user per month, includes unlimited calling within the US and Canada and business SMS, providing a solid foundation for small teams needing basic communication tools. The Standard plan, at $27.99 per user, builds on this with integrations for tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, as well as unlimited internet fax and audio conferencing. The Premium plan, priced at $34.99 per user, introduces advanced features like automatic call recording and extensive app integrations, catering to businesses with more comprehensive communication needs. The Ultimate plan, starting at $49.99 per user, offers the most extensive features, including advanced analytics, unlimited storage, and additional security options, making it ideal for large enterprises that require full-scale communication solutions.
Conclusion
Both Grasshopper and RingCentral offer valuable business phone systems, but they cater to different types of businesses with distinct needs. Grasshopper is ideal for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs who need a straightforward, easy-to-use communication system with essential features and simple pricing. On the other hand, RingCentral provides a more comprehensive solution with advanced features, extensive integrations, and robust security, making it suitable for larger enterprises or businesses with more complex communication requirements. Ultimately, the right choice depends on the unique needs and scale of your business.
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