Let’s be honest: Old-school phone systems are a hassle. Missed calls when you’re out of the office, clunky hardware taking up space, and limited features are enough to make anyone want to chuck their desk phone out the window.
But what if there was a smarter way to handle your business calls? Enter virtual phone systems – the modern solution making traditional phones look like dinosaurs.
Imagine a phone system that lets you:
- Look professional: Get a local or toll-free number, even if you’re working from your kitchen table.
- Never miss a call: Answer calls on your computer, smartphone, or any internet-connected device.
- Work from anywhere: Take your business calls with you, whether you’re at the coffee shop or on a beach vacation.
- Do more than just talk: Set up greetings, voicemail, call forwarding, and more – all without needing a tech degree.
- Save money: Ditch the expensive hardware and contracts of traditional phone systems.
Sounds good, right? But how does it actually work? And which virtual phone system is right for YOUR business?
That’s where we come in! This guide will give you the lowdown on virtual phone systems in plain English – no tech jargon, we promise. We’ll cover the benefits, explain how they work, and even share some real-world examples of businesses using them to their advantage.
Then, we’ll explore the 9 best virtual phone number providers, with a special focus on PressOne, a leading innovative for African businesses. By the end, you’ll be armed with everything you need to choose the perfect phone system for your needs and say goodbye to phone tag frustration for good.
So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s get started!
9 Top-Notch Virtual Phone Systems for Small Businesses
The table below comprehensively compares various communication and phone system providers relevant to businesses in Africa. Each provider caters to different needs and budgets, with varying strengths and weaknesses.
1. PressOne
Ideal for: Small to medium-sized businesses in Nigeria and Africa
Strengths: Affordable, user-friendly, cloud-based phone system with features like call recording, IVR (Interactive Voice Response), automated greetings, call routing, call transcription, call analytics, and call integrations. Strong focus on local support and understanding of the Nigerian market.
2. Termii
Ideal for: Businesses prioritizing SMS, voice, and WhatsApp messaging for customer engagement.
Strengths: Specializes in multi-channel communication, particularly SMS and WhatsApp. Offers bulk messaging, automation, and integration with other business tools.
3. Talkroute
Ideal for: Small businesses looking for a simple, affordable virtual phone system.
Strengths: Easy to set up and use, offers essential features like call forwarding, voicemail,
and extensions.
4. MightyCall
Ideal for: Small businesses seeking an affordable and easy-to-use virtual phone system.
Strengths: Budget-friendly, offers features like call recording, voicemail transcription, and mobile app integration.
5. RingCentral
Ideal for: It is ideal for medium to large businesses that need a comprehensive communication platform.
Strengths: Robust features including phone, video conferencing, team messaging, and integrations with other business tools. Global presence and reliable service.
6. CallHippo
Ideal for: Sales and support teams prioritizing call tracking and analytics.
Strengths: Offers features like call tracking, recording, analytics, and integrations with popular CRMs.
7. Grasshopper
Ideal for: Small businesses and solopreneurs looking for a basic virtual phone system.
Strengths: Simple to use, offers features like custom greetings, call forwarding, and voicemail.
8. eVoice
Ideal for: Small businesses needing a virtual receptionist service.
Strengths: Provides a professional virtual receptionist to answer calls and route them to the right person or department.
9. Phone.com
Ideal for: Businesses of all sizes seeking flexibility and customization.
Strengths: Wide range of features, including international numbers, call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and integrations. Offers various pricing plans to suit different needs.
This table is a helpful starting point for your research, enabling you to make an informed decision and select the ideal communication solution for your specific requirements.
| Provider | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| PressOne | Cloud-based phone system, automated greetings, call routing, call transcription, call recordings, call integrations, call analytics and call notes. | Affordable, user-friendly, good for small businesses in Africa | Primarily focused on the African and Nigerian market | Small and medium businesses in Nigeria seeking an affordable cloud phone system |
| Termii | Two-way SMS, voice, WhatsApp messaging APIs | Robust messaging capabilities, integrates with other platforms | Pricing can be complex, more developer-oriented | Businesses focused on customer engagement and communication via various messaging channels |
| Talkroute | Virtual phone system, call routing, voicemail, call recording, integrations with CRM | Feature-rich, flexible plans, good customer support | Can be expensive compared to some competitors, interface could be more intuitive | Businesses of all sizes needing a robust virtual phone system |
| MightyCall | Virtual phone system, call forwarding, voicemail, business hours, integrations | Affordable, easy to set up, mobile app available | Limited features for larger businesses, fewer integrations than some rivals | Small businesses and solopreneurs seeking a basic virtual phone system |
| RingCentral | Cloud phone system, video conferencing, team messaging, integrations with various business tools | All-in-one communication platform, extensive features, strong reliability | Can be expensive, some features may be unnecessary for smaller businesses | Larger businesses needing a comprehensive communication and collaboration platform |
| Grasshopper | Virtual phone system, call forwarding, voicemail, extensions, mobile app | Easy to use, affordable, designed for small businesses | Limited features compared to some rivals, customer support hours could be extended | Solopreneurs and small businesses needing a simple virtual phone system |
| eVoice | Virtual phone system, auto attendant, voicemail to email, call routing, fax | Affordable, decent feature set, reliable service | Outdated interface, limited integrations | Small businesses seeking a budget-friendly virtual phone system with fax capabilities |
| Phone.com | Virtual phone system, call forwarding, voicemail, text messaging, video conferencing | Flexible plans, wide range of features, affordable international calling | Some features may be confusing to set up, customer support could be improved | Businesses needing a customizable virtual phone system with international calling capabilities |
| CallHippo | VoIP phone system, call center software, sales automation, integrations | Wide range of features, competitive pricing, global coverage | Customer support could be improved, interface can be overwhelming | Businesses of all sizes with a focus on call center operations and sales |
How to Choose the Right Virtual Phone System for YOU
Choosing a virtual phone system is like finding the right pair of shoes. It needs to fit your business perfectly. Ask yourself:
- How many people need access to the phone system? Some providers are better for solopreneurs, while others scale well for larger teams.
- What’s your budget? Prices vary widely, so know your limit.
- What features are non-negotiable? Do you need call recording, CRM integration, or specific messaging capabilities?
- Where are your customers based? Some providers specialize in certain regions.
Tips for Finding “The One”:
- Test drive before you buy: Most providers offer free trials. Take advantage!
- Read the reviews: See what other businesses have to say.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Reach out to the provider’s customer support if you have questions.
- Remember, it’s not forever: If you’re not happy, you can always switch to a different provider.
With a little research and some trial and error, you’ll find the perfect virtual phone system to help your business thrive!
PressOne: Your All-in-One Communication Hub, Made for Africa
PressOne is a game-changer for African businesses. It’s not just a virtual phone system; it’s a complete communication hub designed with the unique needs of the African market in mind.
Key Features That Make PressOne Shine:
- Smart Numbers: Share one number across your whole team – no more juggling multiple phones! This means your customers always reach the right person, and you can track calls effortlessly.
- Call Recording and Analytics: Ever wish you could rewind a customer conversation? PressOne lets you record calls and analyze data to see what’s working (and what’s not). It’s like having a secret weapon for improving customer service.
- Easy CRM Integration: If you’re already using a CRM, PressOne plays nicely with it. This means you can streamline your communication and keep all your customer info in one place.
- Affordable and Flexible Pricing: PressOne offers plans that won’t break the bank, even for small startups. Plus, you can easily add or remove features as your business grows.
The Good, the Great, and the Not-So-Great:
- Pros: Super easy to set up, works seamlessly in Africa, excellent customer support.
- Cons: Primarily focused on the African and Nigerian markets.
Who’s PressOne Perfect For?
PressOne is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses in Africa that want a reliable, affordable, and feature-rich virtual phone system that’s built for their specific needs.
Conclusion on The Top 9 Virtual Phone Number Providers for Small Businesses
Phew! That was a lot of info to take in. But hey, you’re now an expert on virtual phone systems!
Picking the right one is like choosing the perfect coffee order – it has to be just right for you. If you’re an African business looking for a user-friendly system that’s got your back, we highly recommend checking out PressOne. It’s designed for businesses like yours and has all the features you need to stay connected and grow.
But hey, we get it, everyone’s different. So go ahead and take another look at that handy comparison table above. See what catches your eye, try out a few free trials, and trust your gut.
Ready to ditch those frustrating phone tag games? Choose the virtual phone system that feels right and get back to doing what you do best – running your awesome business. You’ve got this
