Written by Matt Reed Reviewed by Tatiana Lebreton Updated on 10 February 2026 On this page 1. 8x8 Work 2. RingCentral 3. Ooma 4. GoTo Connect 5. net2phone Canada 6. Dialpad Buying Guide: How To Choose a VoIP System for Your Business How Does VoIP Work? How Secure is VoIP? Why is Everyone Switching to VoIP? Does VoIP have any disadvantages? VoIP trends How We Test VoIP Phone Systems and Services for Businesses Expert Verdict Best VoIP Providers FAQs Expand We may receive a commission from our partners if you click on a link to review or purchase a product or service. Learn More. 8×8 is our top Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider for Canadian businesses in 2026. It combines unlimited calling to more than 48 countries with advanced call management features — including voicemail transcription, call recording, and whisper/barge — alongside a wide range of CRM and productivity integrations that suit both office-based and distributed teams.As part of our latest VoIP research for Canada, we evaluated leading providers against seven core criteria: cost, features, integrations, security, support, scalability and reputation. Although 8×8 took our top spot overall, Ooma is better suited to smaller teams on tighter budgets, while RingCentral stands out for businesses needing complex integrations and room to grow.With Canada phasing out traditional landline phone systems, now is the time for businesses to switch to a future-proof cloud phone system. Read on to compare the best VoIP providers in Canada for 2026 — or use our free comparison tool to find the right option for your business. What Are the Top 6 VoIP Providers? According to our research, these are the best VoIP providers in Canada:8×8 Work – Best overall VoIP provider in CanadaRingCentral – Best for businesses with high call volumesOoma – Best for small businesses on a tight budgetGoTo Connect – Best for businesses making frequent international callsnet2phone Canada – Best for large teams seeking low per-user pricingDialpad – Best for businesses wanting built-in AI without add-onsClick on any of the links to be taken to our short quotes form and get tailored quotes from VoIP providers. To learn more about how we tested and rated VoIP providers, scroll down to our methodology section. Best VoIP Providers in Canada: Key Takeaways (2026) Expect to pay around $20–$50 per user, per month, for most Canadian VoIP systems, while enterprise platforms like 8×8 are quote-based (historically $30–$195) due to their broader feature depth.International calling can inflate costs, so prioritise plans with bundled overseas minutes if you call abroad regularly. 8×8 includes unlimited calls to more than countries, while GoTo covers more than 50 — without this, pay-as-you-go rates add up fast.RingCentral integrates with over 500 popular software apps, more than any other provider we’ve researched. Others — like Ooma — are more limited, only offering 15 integrations in total.Security features are not standard, so check for specific gaps. For example, some providers may lack multi-factor authentication, while others are missing spam call prevention.Feature trade-offs matter: Dialpad’s conversational AI delivers live transcripts/summaries and 100% uptime (Enterprise), while RingCentral and 8×8 includes call monitoring (including whisper and barge) that Ooma’s cheaper tiers don’t.True value goes beyond the headline price. Some providers offer volume discounts for larger teams (such as net2phone Canada), while others offset costs with included hardware, reducing upfront setup spend (as seen with Ooma).Best VoIP Providers: Quick ComparisonBefore we dig into our detailed reviews, here’s a glance at how the best VoIP providers compare when it comes to price, call limits, and integrations. Swipe right to see more 0 out of 0 backward forward BEST OVERALL 8×8 RingCentral Ooma GoTo Connect net2phone Canada Dialpad Expert rating 4.7 Expert rating 4.6 Expert rating 4.2 Expert rating 4.0 Expert rating 4.0 Expert rating 3.9 Price Custom (C$30 – C$195) Price C$30 – C$45 Price C$24.95 – C$34.95 Price Custom (C$33 – C$103) Price C$23.99 – C$49.99 Price C$20–Custom Domestic calls Unlimited Domestic calls Unlimited calls within US and CA Domestic calls Unlimited calls within US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico Domestic calls Unlimited Domestic calls Unlimited Domestic calls Unlimited International calls Unlimited inbound and outbound minutes to 48 countries International calls N/A International calls N/A International calls Free international calling to 50+ countries International calls N/A International calls N/A Integrations CRMHelpdeskWeb conferencingExternal and internal live chatEmail Integrations 90+ CRM platformsHelpdeskWeb conferencingExternal live chatEmail Integrations CRMHelpdeskWeb conferencingEmail Integrations Internal live chatCRMHelpdeskWeb conferencingEmail Integrations CRMHelpdeskWeb conferencingAnalyticsAPI Integrations Internal live chatWorkspaceCRMHelpdeskAPI Why Trust Us? Expert Market has been helping businesses choose the right software and services for over a decade. Our VoIP recommendations are based on independent research and are designed to reflect the real needs of Canadian small and mid-sized businesses in 2026.All rankings are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in pricing, feature availability, and industry shifts, including Canada’s ongoing move away from PSTN phone line infrastructure. While we may earn a commission if you use our comparison tools, this never influences how providers are scored or ranked. 1. 8×8 Work: Best Overall VoIP Provider in Canada8×8 is the best overall hosted VoIP provider in Canada. It’s great for businesses looking to scale, has a large range of integrations, and unlimited domestic and international calls to more than 48 countries. However, it’s on the expensive side. 8x8 4.7 Pricing Custom Get Free Quotes Read our review Strengths Excellent integrations (helpdesk, web conferencing, email, CRM and more) Excellent features for contact centres (SMS, chat, email, messaging, post-call surveys, etc.) Unlimited calls to 48+ countries Weaknesses Expensive option with non-transparent pricing No spam-call prevention Pricing See more See less Price 8x8 no longer publicly displays its pricing, so these prices may not be accurate Custom (C$30-C$195/month) 8×8’s Work software pricing is no longer public; however, the above prices are the last prices that were publicly available. You’ll need to contact the provider directly for an accurate quote.What are 8×8’s key features?Unlimited inbound and outbound minutes to more than 48 countriesVoicemail transcriptionsComplete call handling (forwarding, park, ring groups, etc.)Call monitoring (barge, whisper)Integrations with CRM, helpdesk, web conferencing and more8×8 ticks all the right boxes when it comes to connecting you with your clients. Its unlimited inbound and outbound minutes extend to 48 countries, making it a great choice for Canadian businesses with an international client base.It also has an ample range of integrations, from CRM to helpdesk, web conferencing and more, making it easy to merge 8×8 with your pre-existing software infrastructure, or for it to grow with you as you expand. Popular integrations include Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams and Freshdesk (but this is by no means an exhaustive list).It’s also compatible with various third-party desktop phones, including Polycom, Cisco, Panasonic, and Yealink. This makes it a robust and scalable tool that can support your business through growth and downsizing. Testing Summary: 8x8 During testing, I found 8×8 very intuitive to use. It has a simple interface with just a few icons in the sidebar and a few in the top menu table, so it wasn’t overwhelming.I particularly like the fact that, before transferring a call to another colleague, I could check their status and see if they were available. While on a call, the icons for mute, hold and transfer were clearly visible, and I could hover over an icon to see what function it indicated.How does 8×8 compare with other VoIP providers?RingCentral is the only provider that truly matches 8×8 on scalability. Both platforms offer multiple plans that increase in features and price, along with flexible customisation options — RingCentral through feature add-ons, and 8×8 via its mix-and-match plan structure.If you expect rapid headcount growth over the next year or two, both providers are strong long-term options.Ooma, Dialpad and net2phone Canada are more affordable than 8×8. While 8×8 no longer publishes pricing, its historical costs place it above many competitors on a per-user basis. Businesses prioritising predictable, lower monthly fees will likely find better value with these providers.RingCentral, GoTo Connect and net2phone Canada include built-in spam prevention tools, which 8×8 lacks. For businesses that regularly deal with nuisance or spam calls, choosing a provider with call-filtering and blocking features can help protect staff time and reduce disruption.Other than that, 8×8 is a reliable brand with impressive features to help you hit the ground running, ensuring minimal downtime when switching.We were able to record customised voicemails in 8x8 in just a few clicks. Source: Expert MarketWhat type of business is 8×8 best for?Growing teams that need to scale fast, due to its flexible plans, deep admin controls, and features that support expansion across roles and locations.Businesses with international customers, thanks to unlimited calling to more than 48 countries included on the 8×8 Work plan.Companies with a busy software stack, because 8×8 supports broad CRM and productivity integrations (ideal if you rely on tools like Microsoft 365/Teams, Google Workspace or Salesforce). 2. RingCentral: Best For Businesses With High Call VolumesRingCentral is the best VoIP system for scalability, thanks to its range of paid plans that suit businesses of different sizes. It’s got great call management features and offers AI-assisted video transcripts. However, like 8×8, it’s not the most affordable provider. RingCentral 4.6 Pricing C$30-C$45/user/month Get Free Quotes Read our review Strengths Free 15-day trial available Businesses with more than 100 users on the system will be offered discounted prices Integrates with a wide range of CRM, communication and productivity software Weaknesses The cheapest plan (Core) only includes 100 toll-free minutes, fewer than competitors No CRM integrations on the cheapest plan Some users report that integrations drag down the quality of the system Pricing See more See less PlanPrice Prices displayed are for annual billing, which is 33% cheaper than monthly billing Core C$30/user/month Advanced C$35/user/month Ultra C$45/user/month What are RingCentral’s key features?Unlimited calls to Canada and the USVoicemail transcriptionsCall monitoring (whisper, barge)Video and audio conferencingAI tools (video transcription and captioning, call notetaking and summaries, message summaries, etc.)RingCentral has unlimited calls to Canada and the US, and a complete suite of call management tools, from call queues and auto-attendants to call monitoring for managers.With an Advanced or Ultra subscription, you can also integrate RingCentral with more than 500 software solutions and apps, including CRM solutions like Salesforce, and industry-specific ones like Canvas. All plans also integrate with communication software, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack and Google Teams.This can help your call agents stay on track with your valued customers and provide seamless service. Integrating CRM systems allows agents to access and store customer information, including notes, order history and ticket history, enhancing customer service delivery.RingCentral also now offers AI-powered tools on its platform. All plans have RingSense AI for Video, a tool that can produce live transcriptions, video note-taking and captions for the hearing-impaired.You can complete a quality test for your internet connection on VoIP provider websites, like RingCentral, seen here. Source: Expert Market Testing Summary: RingCentral Using RingCentral was mostly a smooth experience, with standout features like its intuitive contact management system.Adding contacts is straightforward, and I appreciated the ability to organize them by personal or company categories while syncing with Google or Outlook accounts. A minor improvement could be clearer indicators for required fields when saving new contacts.The voicemail interface is another highlight, with notifications that are clear and hard to miss. Call quality was excellent — far better than some competitors — with no noticeable background noise or muffling.However, call recording features could use some refinement. The recording option felt unnecessarily buried in dropdown menus via the web app, making it harder to access than expected.Overall, RingCentral is easy to use in most cases, though making a few small adjustments, like surfacing frequently used tools, could improve the experience even further.How does RingCentral compare with other VoIP providers?Ooma, Dialpad and net2phone Canada all offer lower starting prices than RingCentral, whose entry plans begin at $30 per user, per month.RingCentral justifies this with strong core calling features, such as voicemail, customizable greetings and a virtual receptionist on every plan, although access to CRM integrations and advanced analytics are locked behind its higher-tier Advanced and Ultra subscriptions. Yet, budget-conscious teams may find better value with these lower-cost alternatives.net2phone Canada and GoTo Connect offer solid core calling tools, but their feature sets are narrower than RingCentral’s at the top end.RingCentral’s higher-tier plans include advanced call management tools such as call transcripts, monitoring and supervisor insights, making it one of the best VoIP systems for small businesses looking to grow. These capabilities are either unavailable on net2phone Canada or limited to a single plan with GoTo Connect.8×8 offers unlimited international calling to more than 48 countries, which RingCentral does not. While RingCentral supports international calls as paid add-ons (outside the US), businesses with overseas customers or international teams will generally get better value from 8×8’s inclusive global calling model.Overall, if you’re looking to switch to a VoIP provider that can grow alongside your thriving business, then RingCentral is one of the strongest competitors on the market, only matched by 8×8.You can add RingCentral Rooms to your account via the marketplace. Source: Expert MarketWhat type of business is RingCentral best for?Businesses handling high call volumes, particularly those needing queues, auto-attendants, and strong call routing to keep wait times down.Organisations that live in their integrations, especially teams that want to connect their phone system with CRM and other apps (more than 500 available on higher tiers).Fast-growing teams that need analytics and visibility, due to RingCentral’s strong reporting tools that can track call quality and usage across departments or sites. 3. Ooma: Best For Small Businesses On a Tight BudgetOoma offers great value for money. Starting at $24.95 per user, per month, Ooma is one of the most affordable VoIP providers on this list, cheaper than 8×8 and RingCentral.It also provides quality features for a relatively low price, including a virtual receptionist, call routing and unlimited calling to North America. However, it’s lacking in terms of security features and integrations. Ooma 4.2 Pricing C$24.95 - C$34.95/user/month Get Free Quotes Read our review Strengths Not tied to a contract — can use the system for as long as needed and can be easily cancelled on demand Features specifically tailored toward small businesses that work remotely or from the office Competitive pricing that won’t break the bank Weaknesses Limited integrations on Essentials and Pro plans Fewer call features than competitors (no call transcription, monitoring, call lists, etc.) Limited security features (no multifactor authentication or user permissions) Pricing See more See less PlanPrice Essentials C$24.95/user/month Pro C$29.95/user/month Pro Plus C$34.95/user/month Enterprise Custom What are Ooma’s key features?Unlimited calls (Canada, US, Puerto Rico, Mexico)Decent call management tools (transfer, park, queues, blocking, etc.)Limited call monitoring (call recording and analytics)Video conferencing (up to 100 participants on Pro Plus)Ooma offers some of the cheapest price points of all the providers we researched, with its Pro plan having the best value for its price ($29.95 per month). It includes call and video conferencing, call analytics and recording, features unavailable in the $24.95 Essentials plan.That said, Ooma is quite limited when it comes to integrations (it only offers 11) and restricts integrations on its Essentials and Pro plans, but it’s a good option if you’re simply not in a position to invest a bunch of cash in a VoIP system.It’s an incredibly easy system to set up, since Ooma supplies dedicated desk phones that work out of the box, and they can be configured in less than 15 minutes. This is a great option for new businesses and will minimize the disruption to your customer communications while switching to a new telephone system.It’s a little limited when it comes to call features, with even the Pro Plus plan lacking advanced features like call barging, monitoring and call transcripts. But if you’re running a small business and not a call centre, this won’t be an issue.Ooma's call logs page has a helpful guide to explain exactly what actions you can take. Source: Expert Market Testing Summary: Ooma During our testing of Ooma, I found it really easy to create a call. I wasn’t the biggest fan of how it started in a new window, meaning I had to switch between two screens to see my dashboard. Still, it was easy to know where to start/end the call, due to Ooma’s intuitive layout.Equally simple were connecting my Google calendar to the platform, listening to voicemail, and diving into Ooma’s call analytics. I would prefer if you could add users to video calls while inside a meeting, rather than copy the link to send to them separately. But, besides that, there’s little to complain about Ooma’s usability.How does Ooma compare with other VoIP Providers?RingCentral starts at a higher price point than Ooma, with plans from around $30 per user, per month. Ooma’s business phone plans begin at $24.95 per user, per month, and include useful inbound call handling features such as ring groups, a virtual receptionist, and customer support tools.For small teams prioritising affordability without dropping core functionality, Ooma offers better upfront value.If value is one of your top priorities, check out our detailed comparison of the cheapest VoIP providers.Google Voice provides stronger built-in security controls than Ooma, including better authentication and account protections — and at a lower starting price of around $10 per user, per month.However, Google Voice falls short on advanced call handling features, which limits its suitability for growing businesses and is why it didn’t rank among our top providers. Ooma, while lighter on security, delivers a more complete VoIP feature set overall.8×8 offers far broader software integration options than Ooma, particularly compared with Ooma’s Essentials and Pro plans, where integrations are extremely limited. Businesses that rely on CRM, helpdesk or productivity tools — and want tighter security controls alongside them — will find 8×8 a more flexible and future-proof option.Overall, Ooma is a great option for new or very small businesses that don’t need full call centre features and need to set up quickly. We also suggest Zoom Phone for those after great value calling.Once your webcam is connected, you'll be able to see yourself pop up in an Ooma video meeting. Source: Expert Market ▶ Read more: The 15 Best Office Phone Systems for Canadian Businesses What type of business is Ooma best for?Very small businesses and startups on a tight budget, that still want “proper business phone” features (virtual receptionist, ring groups, call routing).Teams that want a quick setup with minimal IT input, especially if you prefer a straightforward system and optional bundled desk phones.Low-complexity businesses that don’t rely on deep integrations, where you mainly need reliable calling rather than call centre features or heavy software connectivity. 4. GoTo Connect: Best VoIP Brand for International CallsGoTo’s Connect software is great for international calls, offering free calling to over 50 countries. However, it has fewer software integrations than 8×8 or RingCentral, which is an issue if your business already uses a lot of software applications. GoTo Connect 4 Pricing Custom Get Free Quotes Read our review Strengths Enables free calls to over 50 different countries Has an easy to use, colour-coded, drag-and-drop call flow editor Great video conferencing features (up to 250 participants on all plans) Weaknesses More expensive than some of the others on this list Missing a call transcript feature (but has call recording) Limited integrations (around 30) Pricing See more See less Plan GoTo applies custom pricing, so you may face different rates depending on your requirementsPrice Phone System C$33/user/month Connect CX C$46/user/month Contact Center C$103/user/month GoTo Connect’s software pricing is no longer public; however, the above prices are the last prices that were publicly available. You’ll need to contact the provider directly for an accurate quote.What are GoTo Connect’s key features?Unlimited domestic callsFree calling to more than 50 countriesDecent call management (smart routing, queues, ring groups, transfer, park, etc.)Team messaging and video (up to 250 participants)Call recording and meeting transcriptionsGoTo Connect offers free international calling to over 50 countries on all three of its plans, making it a great option for businesses with an international customer base.It also has a great admin portal, which allows supervisors to easily configure call flows and comb through call analytics to identify which team or agent needs improvement.GoTo Connect is also a very secure option, with nearly all the VoIP security features you need to be reassured that your operation is safe from unwanted attention. This includes end-to-end video encryption, user permissions, and multifactor authentication.That said, we don’t like that GoTo Connect often switches between public and private pricing. At the time of writing, pricing is quote-based, but based on GoTo’s previously advertised pricing, it’s one of the most expensive options on the market.As you can see, there are variety of phone brands and models supported by GoTo Connect. Source: Matt Reed/Expert MarketHow does GoTo Connect compare with other VoIP Providers?8×8 includes unlimited calling to more than 48 countries, but GoTo Connect goes slightly further, supporting calls to over 50 countries. This makes GoTo Connect a particularly strong choice for businesses that regularly communicate with international customers or partners and want broader global coverage built into their plan.RingCentral and 8×8 both offer far broader integration ecosystems than GoTo Connect. GoTo Connect’s CRM integrations are limited mainly to Salesforce and Zoho, with a handful of niche, industry-specific tools such as VetPawer for appointment scheduling and Curve Dental for dental practices.Businesses that rely on multiple software platforms — or expect their tech stack to grow — will find RingCentral or 8×8 more flexible options.Looking for the best VoIP phone system for your specific industry? Check our guide to the best VoIP for hospitals.What type of business is GoTo Connect best for?Businesses making frequent international calls, thanks to free calling to more than 50 countries on supported plans.Teams after strong admin control without complexity, with an admin portal built for managing call flows and monitoring performance.Companies that prioritise security basics, including features like multifactor authentication and user permissions (useful if you’re tightening access controls across staff).Want to keep it professional while staying a remote business? Learn about the best virtual phone number providers.The different nodes in GoTo Connect allow you to edit call flows in a visual manner, as well as see how effective the route is directly inside the console over the past seven days. Source: GoTo web via Expert Market 5. net2phone Canada: Best For Large Teams Seeking Low Per-User Pricingnet2phone Canada is a great option for large teams looking for discounts. You can save up to $10 per user, per month, if your team is over 51 people compared with under 25. However, an area where net2phone Canada doesn’t do as well is software integration, with almost none offered on the cheapest plan. net2phone Canada 4.0 Pricing C$23.99-C$49.99/user/month Get Free Quotes Read our review Strengths Offers free desk phone rental when you sign up to a 3 or 5-year contract Discounted pricing for larger teams Integrations with Slack, Salesforce, Zendesk and Klipfolio make operations smoother Weaknesses Call recording costs $10–$20 extra/seat/month If you want more than one phone number, you'll need to pay $5/additional number No integrations on the cheapest plan Pricing See more See less PlanPrice Discounts for teams of 26-50, and 51+ users Starter Kit C$134.99/month (flat rate up to 5 users) Business Lite C$23.99-C$29.99/user/month Business Select C$27.99-C$39.99/user/month Business Premier C$39.99-C$49.99/user/month What are net2phone Canada’s key features?Unlimited domestic callingBig discounts for large teamsGreat call management (transfer, screening, park, hold, queues)On-the-go capability (mobile app, team messaging, hot desking)Audio and video conferencing (up to 100 participants)net2phone Canada is one of the rare providers to offer discounts to larger teams, which can save you a lot of money in the long run, since VoIP plans are charged per user, per month. The cheapest plan, Business Lite, goes down to $23.99 per user, per month, from $29.99 for teams of over 51, making it the second cheapest starting plan after Dialpad’s $20.Price isn’t the only thing net2phone Canada has going for it — it’s also a great option for remote working. With the net2phone SONAR Mobile app, your mobile can effectively act as your desk phone, while keeping work and personal calls separate.You can stay connected with your customers on the go, which especially suits sole entrepreneurs or smaller startups without a designated team of call agents.Plus, it’s one of the rare providers on this list to have a Canadian office and a Canadian-based support team, making it a truly local provider.The main downside to net2phone Canada is that call recording and transcription both cost extra on all plans, whereas these features are included for free with most competitors.The net2phone mobile app has similar features to the computer application. Source: net2phoneHow does net2phone compare with other VoIP providers?RingCentral and 8×8 both offer far more extensive third-party integration ecosystems than net2phone. net2phone’s Business Lite plan supports virtually no integrations, and even its higher tiers only connect with a small number of platforms.Businesses that rely on CRM, helpdesk or productivity tools will find RingCentral or 8×8 far easier to fit into an existing tech stack.RingCentral and 8×8 include advanced call-monitoring tools, such as call whispering and call barging, which net2phone does not offer on any of its plans. As a result, net2phone is less suitable for call centres or larger teams that need to coach agents, monitor performance or maintain consistent call quality at scale.What type of business is net2phone best for?Larger teams interested in driving down per-user costs, especially if discounts kick in at higher seat counts.Remote-first teams that rely on mobile calling, where the mobile app can function as a “desk phone replacement” while keeping work and personal spaces separate.Businesses that don’t require call recording/transcription included, and are comfortable paying extra for those add-ons if required. 6. Dialpad: Best For Businesses Wanting Built-In AI Without Add-OnsAlthough many of Dialpad’s rivals have since caught up with it, it was one of the first VoIP providers to roll out AI features and it still provides a great range of conversational AI-powered tools, which include call transcriptions and summaries. However, it’s unable to seamlessly integrate with a vast software infrastructure. Dialpad 3.9 Pricing C$20–Custom Get Free Quotes Read our review Strengths Built-in AI for easy transcriptions Great customer support, including a user forum, knowledge base, and live chat Great security features (spam-call blocker, user permissions, etc.) Weaknesses Not very easy to scale, because of limited number of plans Limited number of eligible platforms for integrations Pricing See more See less PlanPrice (per user, per month) Standard C$20/user/month Pro C$30/user/month Enterprise Custom What are Dialpad’s key features?Unlimited domestic callingDecent call management (routing, ring groups, hold queues)Team messaging and video conferencingCall and video recordingsAI call, meeting and voicemail transcriptionsDialpad is known for its innovative use of conversational AI. Known as Dialpad AI, this function accurately transcribes your phone calls in real-time and flags whether or not the conversation features happy or frustrated customers.It also automates post-call summaries and enables you to create notes with tips and advice that appear on the screen when certain keywords or phrases are said during a call.The AI features allow your call agents to constantly improve their call performance by providing live advice during calls, ultimately strengthening your business’ customer relationships over time. You can also choose to turn off this feature for confidential conversations.The other great thing about Dialpad is its robust customer support. It gives you access to a user forum, a knowledge base, live chat, a phone line, 24/7 live support and a 100% uptime guarantee.Here's an example of what one of Dialpad's AI call recaps looks like. All key information is summarised and an action is suggested. Source: DialpadHow does Dialpad compare with other VoIP providers?RingCentral and GoTo Connect both offer more advanced training and call-monitoring tools than Dialpad. While Dialpad covers the essentials — such as call switching, forwarding and queues — it lacks features like call monitoring, barge and whisper, which are important for businesses that actively train or supervise call-handling teams.Other enterprise-grade VoIP providers on this list guarantee up to 99.99% uptime, but Dialpad exceeds this on its Enterprise plan with a 100% uptime guarantee. For businesses where even minimal downtime could disrupt operations, Dialpad offers stronger reliability assurances than most alternatives.8×8 and RingCentral provide broader integration ecosystems than Dialpad. Businesses that want their VoIP system to slot seamlessly into a wider CRM, helpdesk or productivity stack will find these platforms more flexible than Dialpad’s more limited integration options.What type of business is Dialpad best for?Teams that want built-in AI without bolt-ons, especially for live transcriptions, summaries and conversation insights baked into the experience.Organisations where uptime is mission-critical, particularly at the Enterprise level, as 100% uptime is guaranteed.Customer-facing teams focused on coaching via AI insights, due to Dialpad’s slick automated note-taking and post-call reporting capabilities. Buying Guide: How To Choose a VoIP System for Your BusinessTo find the right VoIP system for your business, consider the following factors:Scalability: Think about where your business will be in the next 12–36 months. A strong VoIP system should let you add or remove users, numbers and locations easily, without forcing a contract change or upgrade just to unlock basic features. Support for multi-site management and mixed licence types helps prevent overpaying as you grow.VoIP features: Most businesses need solid core calling tools, such as call forwarding, auto-attendants, ring groups and voicemail with transcription. Depending on how your team works, you may also want messaging, video meetings, SMS or contact centre features, like call queues and monitoring, while AI tools can also be huge time-savers.Reliability: Call quality and uptime matter more than feature count. Look for a clear uptime guarantee (typically 99.99%), backed by redundant infrastructure. Tools for monitoring call quality and automatic call forwarding during outages can make a big difference when internet or power issues occur.Cost: VoIP pricing goes beyond a per-user monthly fee. Add-ons for recording, international calls, AI features or extra numbers can quickly raise costs, as can hardware, setup fees and long contracts. Always check for exit fees, storage limits and paid support tiers that affect long-term value.Integrations: A VoIP system works best when it connects with your existing tools. Prioritise integrations with CRM platforms, helpdesk software, and productivity suites like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. If you rely on single sign-on or industry-specific software, confirm compatibility upfront.Security: VoIP systems handle sensitive data and should be treated like any other cloud app. Keep an eye out for safeguarding features, such as encrypted calls, role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication, especially for admin access. Get Free VoIP Quotes For Your Business Our free supplier-matching service can help you to zero in on the best VoIP phone systems for you, and compare free, tailored quotes directly from providers. How Does VoIP Work?VoIP works by converting voice into digital data packets transmitted over the internet, rather than traditional phone lines. This allows teams to make calls from any location with a Wi-Fi connection.Since VoIP runs over an internet connection, features like call forwarding, video meetings, voicemail-to-email and call analytics are handled in software rather than hardware. This is what enables remote working, easy scaling and faster feature updates, compared with traditional landline systems.Our guide to VoIP explains everything you need to know about this popular technology. How Can You Ensure Your VoIP System Is Secure?VoIP is not inherently “less secure” than traditional phone lines. In practice, it’s about as safe as any other cloud business app, as long as you pick a reputable provider and configure it properly. The risk comes from the same things that threaten the rest of your IT stack: weak passwords, unpatched systems and poorly secured networks.However, there are certain security features to look out for when comparing VoIP options, especially for Canadian businesses handling sensitive customer data:End-to-end encryption:TLS for signalling (SIP over TLS)SRTP for voice and video streamsThis protects calls in transit from interception on public or shared networksStrong identity and access controls:Multifactor authentication (MFA) for all admin and portal loginsRole-based permissions (e.g. only supervisors can download recordings or change routing)Single sign-on (SSO) with your identity provider, where possibleProactive fraud and spam protection:Built-in spam call blocking and caller ID authenticationAutomated limits and alerts on international or premium-rate callingAnomaly detection that flags unusual call patterns in real timeHardened, well-maintained infrastructure:Regular patching of SBCs, gateways and PBX componentsNetwork segmentation so VoIP traffic isn’t sitting on the same flat LAN as everything elseDDoS protections at the provider and/or ISP levelCompliance and data-handling transparency:Clear documentation of how and where call data, recordings, and logs are storedSupport for Canadian privacy requirements (e.g. PIPEDA) plus recognised security frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 or SOC2, where applicableIf a provider can demonstrate these controls, and your own team commits to basics like MFA, strong passwords, regular user training and keeping endpoints patched, then VoIP can be a very secure option. In fact, it’s often far more controllable and auditable than legacy phone lines. Why is Everyone Switching to VoIP?The main reasons people are switching to a VoIP provider are:Canadian telecoms are phasing out landlines: Major providers are actively sunsetting older copper-based phone networks in favour of fibre and internet-based infrastructure. For many Canadian businesses, this makes VoIP the more reliable, future-proof option as traditional landline services become less supported over time.Easier long-distance calling: If you run a business with multiple sites or home workers who are frequently on the phone, VoIP will ensure easy communication as long as there is a Wi-Fi connection. In other words, no matter where your staff or your customers are located, calling is simple.Robust handling of high call volumes: VoIPs can distribute incoming call traffic evenly across your VoIP service network, making sure no path is overwhelmed and all incoming calls are handled promptly. Better still, you can often set up specific call-routing pathways to optimally distribute these calls to the right agent or department. This can also be helped by auto-attendant and IVR systems, which automatically, or based on the callers’ input, direct callers to the right departments.Multiple communication channels in one: VoIP allows you to have multiple communication channels in one package, too. Not only can you make phone calls, but video calls, text messages, social media posts and more, via a single VoIP software. This ability to manage multiple communication channels in one platform is often referred to as UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Service) software.Cost savings: Overall, and perhaps most pertinently of all for your business, VoIP is almost always cheaper than landlines. It uses the existing internet connection, so you don’t need to have a whole new system installed or expensive hardware ordered, and VoIP providers typically charge lower call charges than landline service providers.Increased scalability: As your business grows, new VoIP ports can be easily bought and installed with zero interruption to your business operations. You can upgrade your package and add new calling features, user numbers and more, adapting to your specific needs.Integration with other tools: VoIP can integrate with other tools businesses use, unlike traditional phone lines. For instance, by integrating a VoIP tool with CRM software, you can synchronize call history, notes, deals, recordings and tags with contact information, lead histories, SMS campaigns and more. Does VoIP have any disadvantages?Even though VoIP can help your business save money and boost efficiency, there are some small downsides to consider:You need a high-quality internet connection to use VoIP.You need a continuous power supply (for the internet).If the internet goes down, some VoIP providers will automatically reroute your calls to a phone number. This is an extremely useful service, so we recommend you check which providers offer it. VoIP trends over the next decadeLooking ahead, several trends are likely to define VoIP’s next decade:AI-powered calling becomes normal, not niche: Providers are rapidly embedding AI for live transcription, call summaries, coaching prompts and even automated quality scoring. As Canadian businesses adopt AI more broadly, including tools for text and voice analysis, those capabilities will increasingly be expected in phone systems, not sold as exotic add-ons.Hybrid work cements cloud voice as the default: With Canadian workplaces settling into long-term hybrid models, cloud PBX and UCaaS platforms give employees the same phone identity on desk phones, softphones and mobiles. Market researchers see this as a key driver of Canada’s IP telephony and UCaaS growth through 2031 and beyond.Mobile and browser-first experiences improve: As broadband and LTE/5G coverage expand, particularly outside major urban centres, more calls will originate on softphones and browser clients rather than desk hardware. Regulators already note a steady shift in Canadian subscriptions towards higher-speed, unlimited internet plans, making VoIP over mobile data or Wi-Fi increasingly viable as a primary channel rather than a backup.Hosted PBX and UCaaS keep eating into legacy systems: In North America, hosted PBX services are forecast to grow at more than 15% CAGR into the early 2030s, as businesses phase out TDM and older IP-PBXs in favour of managed cloud services. For Canadian firms, this usually coincides with broader IT refresh cycles, swapping legacy lines, servers and phone hardware for a single, subscription-based comms stack.For Canadian businesses, the practical takeaway is that VoIP’s “future” is already arriving in how providers design their products. Easily switch VoIP systems with tailored quotes from the best providers Get Free Quotes How We Test VoIP Phone Systems and Services for BusinessesWe've researched 10 market-leading VoIP phone systems, evaluating them in terms of functionality, usability, cost, and security options, so we can make the most useful recommendations to Canadian businesses.Using our in-house research framework and ranking process, we evaluated each VoIP system across seven core categories of interest, each weighted differently, and then combined the results to come up with a final score.Our main testing categories for VoIP products and services are:Cost: The pricing structure associated with the VoIP service, such as monthly subscription fees, call rates, setup fees, hardware costs, and any additional charges for add-on features or services.Call features: The functionalities and capabilities offered by the VoIP service, including basic features such as call forwarding and voicemail, as well as advanced features like auto-attendant and conference calling.External connections: The VoIP service's ability to connect and integrate with external systems or devices, such as compatibility with existing phone systems or integration with mobile devices.Customer support: The assistance and resources provided by the VoIP service provider to customers, including technical support, online resources, and access to customer support representatives.Security options: The measures and features implemented by the VoIP service to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and protection of voice communications and data.Scalability: The ability of the VoIP service to accommodate the growth and changing needs of an organization, e.g. capacity to handle a growing number of users or support multiple locations.Reputation: External customer opinion; the feedback and ratings given by customers who have used a particular VoIP product — the market position and reputation a VoIP software holds. Expert Verdict The best VoIP provider for Canadian businesses is 8×8 Work, according to our last round of research. It ticks all of the right boxes in the ultimate business communication checklist, thanks to its wealth of features and scalability.However, it is pricier than the other providers, so if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, we suggest Ooma or Dialpad. If integrations are your top priority, we’d recommend considering RingCentral, since it has great features and an impressive menu of eligible software you can sync your communication operation with.Of course, businesses come with unique needs and goals, so finding the right VoIP system can be a challenge. Fortunately, we can go one step further and match you with the best VoIP provider for your business.You can use our quick and free quotes comparison tool to find the VoIP providers that will best suit the communication needs of your business. All you need to do is give us a few details about your company for us to connect you with providers that will share obligation-free quotes. Best VoIP Providers FAQs Does my VoIP data stay in Canada? Not always. Some VoIP providers operate Canadian data centres, but still route certain data — such as call recordings, analytics or AI features — through servers in the US or elsewhere. This is common with global platforms that prioritise redundancy and performance over strict data residency.If Canadian data sovereignty matters to your business (for example, for PIPEDA or public-sector compliance), check where call logs, recordings and backups are stored — not just where numbers are hosted. Some providers offer Canadian-only data storage on request or on higher-tier plans. How are small teams managing seat-based pricing for VoIP tools? Small teams manage seat-based VoIP pricing by matching licences to real call usage, rather than giving every employee a full seat by default. In practice, this means assigning paid licences to team members who handle calls daily, such as sales, support or a receptionist, while routing calls to shared numbers, hunt groups or mobile forwarding for everyone else. Many teams also opt for softphone-only users and lighter call-only plans to avoid paying for features they don’t need.A common use case is a five-person business where only two people regularly answer inbound calls. In this setup, the team pays for two full VoIP seats with call analytics and CRM integrations, while the remaining staff receive calls via shared extensions or voicemail alerts. When deciding what to buy, small teams should compare how often calls are answered and judge how important call handling is to revenue, and whether advanced features, like call queues or reporting, will actually be used, as this is where seat-based pricing delivers real value. Can AI features in phone systems effectively handle appointment scheduling? Yes, AI features in modern phone systems can effectively handle appointment scheduling, particularly when bookings follow clear, repeatable rules. Many small teams use AI-powered virtual receptionists to answer calls, collect key details, check availability and book appointments directly into linked calendars. This helps reduce missed calls, shortens response times and takes pressure off staff — especially during busy periods or outside normal working hours.For example, a small clinic or local service business offering fixed appointment lengths can rely on AI to book standard slots and confirm times automatically, while routing unusual or complex requests to a human. Do small teams actually benefit from a full cloud PBX, or is basic VoIP enough? Yes, for many small teams, basic VoIP is often enough to get started. If calls are infrequent and mainly need to be answered or forwarded to mobiles, a simple VoIP setup with a business number and standard features like voicemail and call forwarding keeps costs low and setup straightforward. This approach suits teams where phones support the business, rather than drive day-to-day operations.However, for businesses handling larger call volumes, a full cloud PBX becomes more valuable. Advanced capabilities, like auto-attendants, call queues, shared extensions and call reporting, help reduce missed calls and create a more professional customer experience, even for teams of five or fewer. Written by: Matt Reed Senior Communications and Logistics Expert Matt Reed is a Senior Communications and Logistics Expert at Expert Market. Adept at evaluating products, he focuses mainly on assessing fleet management and business communication software. Matt began his career in technology publishing with Expert Reviews, where he spent several years putting the latest audio-related products and releases through their paces, revealing his findings in transparent, in-depth articles and guides. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism from City, University of London, Matt is no stranger to diving into challenging topics and summarising them into practical, helpful information. Reviewed by: Tatiana Lebreton Senior Grow Online & Business Software Expert Tatiana is Expert Market's resident payments and online growth expert, specialising in (E)POS and merchant accounts, as well as website builders.