The 6 Best VoIP Providers in Canada for 2025

person on the phone using a headset for VoIP calling in a dynamic office setting, three people behind blurry

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More and more businesses in Canada are opting to switch to VoIP instead of replacing their POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) phones, since this modern technology is easier to use and comes with a wider range of call features and integrations.

To help you find a provider, we’ve researched and tested several VoIP systems, evaluating them based on their suitability for Canadian businesses. Based on our findings, the best VoIP provider in Canada is 8×8. It’s a highly scalable system that includes a wide suite of call management features, such as voicemail transcription and call recording, and has a huge range of integrations, especially with CRM platforms.

However, 8×8 can be a pricey option, so if you’re a business on a budget, Ooma is a more affordable alternative that’s still highly functional. No VoIP provider is a one-size-fits-all, so we’ve compiled a list of the top six to give you to best chance of finding the right fit.

What are the Top 6 VoIP Providers?

According to our testing, these are the best VoIP providers in Canada:

  1. 8×8 Work – Best overall VoIP provider in Canada
  2. RingCentral – Best VoIP system for scalability
  3. Ooma – Great value plans
  4. GoTo – Best VoIP brand for international calls
  5. Net2Phone Canada – Discounted pricing for large teams
  6. Dialpad – Best VoIP system for conversational AI

Click 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.

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C$23.99 – C$49.99

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Unlimited calls within US and CA

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Unlimited calls within US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico

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Unlimited

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Unlimited inbound and outbound minutes to 48 countries

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Free international calling to 50+ countries

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  • CRM
  • Helpdesk
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  • External and internal live chat
  • Email

 

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  • 90+ CRM platforms
  • Helpdesk
  • Web conferencing
  • External live chat
  • Email
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  • CRM
  • Helpdesk
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  • Helpdesk
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  • Internal live chat
  • Workspace
  • CRM
  • Helpdesk
  • API

 

Why Can You Trust Expert Market for VoIP System Recommendations?

At Expert Market, all our recommendations are based on the results of unbiased, user-led testing and research processes that we use to evaluate the software and services we write about.

We’re dedicated to helping our readers make informed purchasing decisions to help their businesses thrive, and independent testing is the only way to ensure we’re making the right recommendations for you.

1. 8×8 Work: Best Overall VoIP Provider in Canada

8×8 is the best overall 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 up to 48+ countries. However, it’s on the expensive side.

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
Price 8x8 no longer publicly displays its pricing, so these prices may not be accurate
C$30-C$195/month

8×8 is no longer public with its pricing, however, the above prices are the last prices that were publicly available. You’ll need to contact the provider directly for an accurate quote.

Key features:

  • Unlimited inbound + outbound minutes to 48 + countries
  • Voicemail transcriptions
  • Complete call handling (forwarding, park, ring groups…)
  • Call monitoring (barge, whisper)
  • Integrations with CRM, helpdesk, web conferencing, and more

8×8 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 grow with you as you expand. Popular integrations include Salesforce, Google Workspace and 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 to other VoIP providers?

  • Scalability: 8×8 is only matched by RingCentral when it comes to scalability. Both providers have an array of plans with increasing features and price points, and have customizable plans (mix and match option with 8×8 and feature add-ons with RingCentral). So, if you’re expecting your staff team to grow significantly in the next year or two, keep 8×8 in mind.
  • Cost: 8×8 no longer advertises its pricing, but based on its previous figures, it costs more on average than most competitors. We’d recommend looking at Ooma, Dialpad, or Net2Phone Canada if you’re searching for a more affordable VoIP solution.
  • Security features: 8×8 doesn’t have any spam prevention features, while competitors RingCentral, GoTo, and Net2Phone Canada do. Frequent spam calls can eat up your employees’ time, so if you’re a regular spam-call target, we’d recommend going with a provider that offers protection against them.

Other than that, 8×8 is a reliable brand with impressive features to help you hit the ground running, ensuring minimal downtime when switching.

screenshot of voicemail greeting recording feature on 8x8 VoIP
We were able to record customised voicemails in 8x8 in just a few clicks. Source: Expert Market
What's new for 8x8? Spring 2025

8×8 Work has expanded its AI features in recent months. Its Spring 2025 updates include AI-powered chat summaries and an AI writing assistant. For information, read about its latest release highlights.

2. RingCentral: Best VoIP Provider for Scalability

RingCentral 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 logo
RingCentral
4.6
Pricing C$30-C$45/user/month
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
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

Key features:

  • Unlimited calls to Canada and the US
  • Voicemail transcriptions
  • Call monitoring (whisper, barge)
  • Video and audio conferencing
  • AI tools (video transcription and captioning, call notetaking and summaries, message summaries…)

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 330+ 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.

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 to other VoIP providers?

  • Cost: RingCentral has one of the highest starting prices on this list, at C$30 per user per month. However, its great calling features, like customizable greetings, voicemail, and virtual receptionist on all plans, make it one of the best VoIP systems for small businesses looking to grow. The downside is that you need to sign up for either of RingCentral’s most lucrative subscriptions (Advanced or Ultra) to access CRM integrations and comprehensive analytics. If you’re looking to tighten your belt, we’d recommend considering Ooma, Dialpad, or Net2Phone Canada.
  • Call features: RingCentral has a bigger suite of call features than most competitors. Its top tiers offer call management features that allow supervisors to analyze their team’s call performance through call transcripts and monitoring, features not offered by Net2Phone Canada or on all but one GoTo plan.
  • International calling: RingCentral doesn’t offer unlimited international calling (besides the US), unlike its close rival 8×8, which allows calls to 48+ countries, although you can pay extra for international calls. If you have overseas clients, 8×8 is a better option.

Overall, if you’re looking to switch to a VoIP provider that’ll grow alongside your thriving business, then RingCentral is one of the strongest competitors on the market, only matched by 8×8.

Press image of laptop with RingCentral VoIP phone call
Here's what making a call from a Windows computer looks like using RingCentral. Source: RingCentral
What's new for RingCentral? Spring 2025

RingCentral, like many VoIP system providers, is concentrating on expanding its AI toolkit. New AI features include AI-suggested replies and AI-powered quality coaching for agents.

3. Ooma: Great Value VoIP Provider

Ooma offers great value for money. Starting at C$24.95 per month, per user, 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 logo
Ooma
4.2
Pricing C$24.95 - C$34.95/user/month
Strengths

Not tied to a contract – can use the system for as long as needed and can be easily canceled on demand

Roster of 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 that competitors (no call transcription, monitoring, call lists...)

Limited security features (no multifactor authentication or user permissions)

Pricing
PlanPrice
Essentials C$24.95/user/month
Pro C$29.95/user/month
Pro Plus C$34.95/user/month

Key features:

  • Unlimited calls (Canada, US, Puerto Rico, Mexico)
  • Decent call management tools (transfer, park, queues, blocking…)
  • 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 Office Pro plan having the best value for its price (C$29.95 per month). It includes call and video conferencing, call analytics, and recording, features unavailable in the C$24.95 Essentials plan.

That said, Ooma is quite limited when it comes to integrations (it only offers 10+) 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 center, this won’t be an issue.

Testing summary: Ooma

During our testing of the Ooma Office platform, I found it really easy to create a call. I wasn’t the biggest fan of how it started in a whole new window, meaning I had to switch between two screens to see my dashboard. Still, it was equally easy to know where to end/start the call, too, due to Ooma’s intuitive layout.

Equally simple were connecting my Google calendar to the platform, listening to voicemail, and diving into the platform’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 to other VoIP Providers?

  • Cost: Ooma is an affordable option. Its business phone plans start at $24.95 per user, per month, giving you access to numerous inbound communication (including ring groups and a virtual receptionist) and customer support features. By contrast, RingCentral’s pricing starts at $30.
  • Security: Ooma lacks multi-factor authentication, password rules, and user permissions. Google Voice, which at $10 is cheaper than Ooma, has better security features, but its call features aren’t up to the same standard, which is part of why it didn’t make it onto this list.
  • Integrations: With Ooma, you’re also very limited when it comes to software integrations with Ooma, especially on its Essentials and Pro plans. This could pose a few potential operational hiccups, so if you want a system that can integrate with tons of systems and is secure, we’d recommend looking at 8×8.

Overall, Ooma is a great option for new or very small businesses that don’t need full call center features and need to set up quickly.

Ooma Desk phone DP1 in black
Ooma has some hardware available, including the Ooma Desk Phone DP1. Source: Ooma
What's new for Ooma? Spring 2025

Ooma hasn’t announced any new features or tech releases this year.

4. GoTo: Best VoIP Brand for International Calls

GoToConnect 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 logo
GoToConnect
4
Pricing Custom
Strengths

Enables free calls to over 50 different countries

Has an easy to use, color-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
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 has custom pricing, so the above prices may not be accurate depending on your needs. You’ll need to contact the provider directly for a quote. 

Key features:

  • Unlimited domestic calls
  • Free calling to 50+ countries
  • Decent call management (smart routing, queues, ring groups, transfer, park…)
  • Team messaging and video (up to 250 participants)
  • Call recording and meeting transcriptions

GoToConnect 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.

GoToConnect 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 multi-factor authentication.

That said, we don’t like that GoTo 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.

goto connect pricing plans for canada
Often GoTo has shown us custom quote based pricing, and you will still need to contact GoTo for an exact price for your business, however these prices were shown to us at the time of writing - Source: GoTo

How does GoToConnect compare to other VoIP Providers?

  • International calls:  GoToConnect allows you to make calls to over 50 countries, which is greater than 8×8’s 48+ countries. This makes GoToConnect a fantastic option for businesses that are looking to cater to –or maintain– an international clientele.
  • Integrations: GoToConnect’s list of integrations is a little lacklustre. For CRM, for example, you can only integrate with Salesforce or Zoho. It does have a few industry-specific integrations, such as VetPawer for appointment scheduling, and CurveDental, a CRM designed for dentists. But if you want a system that is compatible with many more software integrations, we’d recommend opting for RingCentral or 8×8.

Looking for the best VoIP phone system for your specific industry? Check our guide to the best VoIP for hospitals.

What's new for GoToConnect? Spring 2025

GoTo Connect has brought in more AI-enhanced tools this Spring, including AI call quality evaluations for agents and an AI receptionist capable of capturing information and routing calls based on conversation. It’s also improved some non-AI tools, including allowing users to send faxes from the GoTo mobile app,

5. Net2Phone Canada: Offers Discounted Pricing for Large Teams

Net2Phone 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 to under 25. However, an area Net2Phone Canada doesn’t do as well in is software integration, with almost none offered on the cheapest plan.

Net2Phone Canada logo
Net2Phone
4.0
Pricing C$23.99-C$49.99/user/month
Strengths

Offers free desk phone rental when you sign up to a three or five-year contract

Discounted pricing for larger teams

Integrations with Slack, Salesforce, Zendesk, and Klipfolio make operations smoother

Weaknesses

Call recording costs $10 to $20 extra per seat, per month

If you want more than one phone number, you'll need to pay $5 per additional number

No integrations on the cheapest plan

Pricing
PlanPrice Discounts for teams of 26-50, and 51+ users.
Starter Kit C$134.99/user/month
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

Key features:

  • Unlimited domestic calling
  • Big discounts for large teams
  • Great 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 C$23.99 per user per month from C$29.99 for teams of over 51, making it the second cheapest starting plan after Dialpad’s C$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, you can allow your mobile to act as effectively 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 is that call recording and transcription both cost extra on all plans, whereas these features are included for free with most competitors.

net2phone mobile app
The Net2Phone mobile application has a large degree of similar features to the computer application - Source: Net2Phone

How does Net2Phone compare to other VoIP providers?

  • Integrations: Net2Phone isn’t great when it comes to integrations. Virtually no tools integrate with the Business Lite subscription, and a very limited number of eligible platforms in the other subscriptions. RingCentral and 8×8 are better options for their capacities for third-party integration.
  • Call monitoring: Call center features like call barging and call whisper are also not available on any Net2Phone plans. This means it’s not the best option for call centers or large businesses looking to train and monitor staff frequently. Great alternatives are RingCentral or 8×8.
Did you know?

Businesses using VoIP are more likely to grow. In fact, small-to-medium-sized businesses will likely grow more than 15% in the VoIP market by 2025.

6. Dialpad: Best VoIP Provider For Conversational AI

Although 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 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
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...)

Weaknesses

Not very easy to scale, because of limited number of plans

Limited number of eligible platforms for integrations

Pricing
PlanPrice (per user, per month)
Standard C$20/user/month
Pro C$30/user/month
Enterprise Custom

Key features:

  • Unlimited domestic calling
  • Decent call management (routing, ring groups, hold queues)
  • Team messaging and video conferencing
  • Call and video recordings
  • AI call, meeting, and voicemail transcriptions

Dialpad is known for its innovative use of conversational artificial intelligence (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’s 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.

screenshot of Dialpad meeting AI recap feature
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: Dialpad

How does Dialpad compare to other VoIP providers?

  • Call features: DialPad offers great call management features, from call switching and forwarding to call queues. However, it loses out ultimately because of its lack of training and monitoring options, like call monitoring, barge, and whisper. For these features, you’ll need to pay for a more expensive provider, such as RingCentral or GoTo Connect.
  • Connectivity: Dialpad has an unbeaten 100% uptime on its Enterprise plan, while the best competitors can do is 99.99%.
  • Integrations: Dialpad options for integrations are a little limited, so, in this category, you’re better off with 8×8 or RingCentral if you want to switch to a VoIP provider that enables you to seamlessly integrate your software infrastructure with your VoIP system.
What's new for Dialpad? Spring 2024

This Spring, Dialpad released several product updates, including improving the preview option for its “Quick Replies” message answering suggestions, enabling automatic syncing with Google Calendar, and adding a bookmark feature that lets agents save important conversations.

Buying Guide: How To Choose a VoIP System for Your Business

To find the right VoIP system for your business, consider the following factors:

Scalability

Can the VoIP system grow with your business as it expands or downsizes? Providers such as RingCentral and 8×8 not only offer advanced call management features but also integrate with a wider range of software. If your business grows, so will the amount of software you use, so choosing a VoIP system that works with a variety of platforms ensures you’re ahead of the game.

Features

Look out for important features, such as call forwarding, voicemail, video conferencing, virtual attendants, call analytics, and integration with other business tools.

Consider which ones are vital for your day-to-day operations. For example, if you receive more calls than your staff can answer, a good virtual attendant is a must. Likewise, if you do a lot of business with the US, choose a provider that offers unlimited calling to North America.

Reliability

Most VoIP systems are extremely reliable and experience very little downtime. Still, it’s a good idea to check the supplier’s track record for reliable service and minimal downtime.

The same goes for call quality. Ensure the supplier offers high call quality and low latency to ensure clear and smooth communication.

Cost

Compare pricing plans and packages to find a VoIP system that fits your budget without compromising on essential features. Overall, Ooma offers the best value for money, but if you need a VoIP system for a team of over 50, Net2Phone Canada offers discounted pricing.

Integration

At a minimum, ensure that the VoIP system can integrate seamlessly with your existing business applications, like CRM software or email. Bonus points go to VoIP systems that offer a wide range of integrations, covering platforms you might not use yet, but could in the future.

Support and training

Assess the level of customer support and training the company offers, which can encourage a smooth transition and optimal system usage. At a minimum, providers should offer over-the-phone and live chat support during standard business hours. String customer support is 24/7, which is offered by Dialpad.

Security

Verify that the VoIP system employs robust security measures to protect your communication from potential threats.

These include multi-factor authentication, password rules, admin permissions, as well as global security certifications, such as SOC II and ISO 27001, and Canadian compliance certifications, such as PIPEDA.

Our free supplier-matching service can also help you to zero in on the best VoIP phone systems for you, and compare free, tailored quotes directly from them.

How Does VoIP Work?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a technology that allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet rather than traditional phone lines. With VoIP, your voice is converted into digital data packets that are transmitted over the internet to the person you are calling.

It enables flexible, low-cost phone service that can integrate with other web-based tools and provide advanced call-handling features. With a VoIP provider, phone service is no longer tied to a specific location, which makes it ideal for remote teams.

Our guide to VoIP explains everything you need to know about this popular technology.

How Secure is VoIP?

VoIP is generally considered to be more secure than a traditional phone network. However, as with any data transmitted over the internet, there is a risk that it could be mishandled or intercepted.

And that threat is not going away. In 2024 alone, 5.5 billion user accounts globally were exposed by data breaches, up from 730 million in 2023, according to data protection software company SurfShark.

That being said, VoIP is no more vulnerable to attacks than your average online banking platform. The key to ensuring company data stays protected is to choose a VoIP provider that offers robust security measures. For instance, many systems automatically encrypt all call data, making it unintelligible even if the call is intercepted.

Nevertheless, it’s important to check:

  • Whether the provider has security accreditations, such as ISO 27001
  • How frequently do they train their personnel to protect data
  • Their response to any previous security breaches or risks
  • How data is encrypted at rest and in transit

If your company deals with highly sensitive data about customers, clients, patients, staff, or others, choosing a secure provider is paramount. Whatever VoIP system you end up choosing, make sure it includes:

  • Compliance Certifications
  • Password Rules
  • Permissions
  • Multi-factor authentications

Why is Everyone Switching to VoIP?

The main reasons people are switching to a VoIP provider are:

  • 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/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. You can’t just 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.

What’s the Future of VoIP?

We predict that the future for VoIP will be bright. In 2024, the VoIP market was estimated to be worth $132.2 billion. With its value expected to increase by around 10.2% each year, VoIP is projected to be worth $349.1 billion by 2034.

Why is this? Well, we believe this is down to some significant trends in the business world. The widespread adoption of hybrid work models, the rise of mobile-only communication, and the emergence of other new technologies are all contributing to its increased utility.

Reliance on mobile-only communication

With the increasing reliance on mobile devices and the ongoing advancements in mobile technology, many businesses are shifting towards mobile-only communication.

VoIP plays a crucial role in enabling seamless voice communication over the internet on smartphones and tablets, and as mobile networks continue to improve (and the 5G network grows wider and more stable), VoIP will become even more reliable and efficient, further solidifying its position as a preferred communication solution.

Increase in hybrid work environments

Many businesses have embraced a more flexible approach to work in recent years, allowing employees to work from both office and remote locations.

VoIP is ideally suited for this environment, as it facilitates communication regardless of the user’s location, enabling real-time collaboration and teamwork. Employees can remotely log in to VoIP software without the need for a desk phone, simply by using their laptop or smartphone, and enjoy all the same features from anywhere.

Emergence of new technology

VoIP continues to evolve with the emergence of new technologies and features, such as enhanced video conferencing and improved call analytics.

AI features have seen notable advancements in recent times, helping analyze patterns amongst thousands of calls to detect themes amongst caller responses, as well as catch any suspicious activity like unusually long call durations, aiding security. It could also be used for voice biometrics, where a caller’s voice patterns can authenticate their identity, or bring up existing data about that caller automatically.

AI virtual assistants and AI chatbots are already common in many VoIP software to help answer questions, schedule appointments, and route calls. AI transcription is another tool that has been added to some VoIP tools, aiding the record-keeping of previous caller discussions. Meanwhile, real-time translation via AI might be a tool we see coming around the corner.

Another area to keep an eye on is Web Real-Time Communication. Developments here have meant that people can now use real-time audio and video communications within web browsers, rather than be required to download software. Some VoIP providers already utilize this, but as this technology develops, it may eliminate the need for software downloads entirely, decreasing the barrier to using a VoIP system in the process.

These advancements, amongst others, should further improve the user experience and contribute to the continued growth of VoIP in the business world.

Easily switch VoIP providers with tailored quotes from the best VoIP providers

How We Test VoIP Phone Systems and Services for Businesses

We'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.

Written by:
Fernanda is a Mexican-born Expert Market writer, specialising in providing in-depth insights about business software to help businesses of all shapes and sizes thrive. From VoIP systems to project management software, she’s passionate about helping businesses find the tools and methods that will help give them an edge over their competitors. Fernanda has ample journalistic experience, having written for a multitude of online magazines about topics ranging from Latin American politics to cryptocurrency.
Reviewed by:
Headshot of Expert Market Senior Writer Tatiana Lebtreton
Tatiana is Expert Market's resident payments and online growth expert, specialising in (E)POS and merchant accounts, as well as website builders.

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FAQs

What are telephone systems?
Business telephone systems help you and your team to communicate effectively with one another, while providing a professional experience to customers or clients who call your company.Nowadays, most businesses are opting for VoIP phone systems, as they’re affordable, reliable, feature-rich, and can be accessed remotely. Features like on-hold customisation, auto attendant, and find me follow me make for a smooth customer experience when someone calls your business. Meanwhile, unified communications (UC) features, such as video conferencing and instant messaging, mean many VoIP systems are not so much phone services as full team communication suites.Of course, if VoIP isn’t for you, you’ll find that there are lots of more traditional phone systems still available on the market.
Who are the top providers?
There are countless business phone systems providers in Canada at the moment, but they don’t all provide the same standard of service. Our favourites include RingCentral, LogMeIn, Ooma and Net2Phone. These providers all boast highly reliable systems with a variety of impressive features.
How do we work?
Our free quote-matching service is quick and easy to use:
  1. We’ll ask you a few questions about your business, so we can understand what you need.
  2. We’ll use your answers to match you with up to five trusted suppliers. This is why we ask for your contact details. Your details are safe with us – we are fully GDPR compliant and we’ll only ever match you with suppliers that we know can cater to your needs.
  3. Your matched suppliers will get in touch with you, so you can ask questions and receive quotes tailored directly for your needs. You’ll then be armed with all of the information you need to confidently compare, and choose from.