10 Best IVR Phone Systems for 2026

Finding the right interactive voice response software (IVR) can make a world of difference in enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations. 

As our recent research has found, customers don’t like to wait, and the best IVR systems address that pain point. With phone system features like IVR, you can provide faster service, reduce wait times, route customers to the right agent or department, and handle common tasks. 

We’ve made choosing the perfect IVR for your business easier by compiling a list of the best IVR systems, based on careful assessment of customer reviews and personal experience. We share an overview of each vendor, including features and pricing, so you have all the information you need to make a data-driven decision.

At a Glance: Best IVR Systems for 2026

IVR Software	Trustpilot Rating	Best For	Starting Price
Nextiva	4.8	Customer support and office phone systems	$15 per user per month, billed annually
Five9	3.7	Mobile support	$119 per user per month, billed annually
GoTo Connect	2.6	Customization	$29 per user per month, billed annually
Aircall	3.1	Remote teams	$30 per user per month, three-user minimum, billed annually
RingCentral	2.2	Integrations	$20 per user per month, billed annually
8×8	3.4	Cloud-based IVR	Contact 8×8 for custom pricing
Zendesk	1.9	Enterprises	$55 per agent per month, billed annually
LiveAgent	4.0	Live chat	$15 per agent per month, billed annually
Zoom	1.4	Video conferencing	$13 per user per month, billed annually
CallHippo	2.2	Small businesses	$19 per user per month, billed annually

1. Nextiva 

Best for: Customer support and office phone systems

Nextiva’s IVR system is part of its broader communications platform-as-a-service (CPaaS), designed to streamline business communications, optimize call flows, and deliver consistently excellent customer interactions. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to create custom IVR menus, while its multi-channel communication capabilities, such as voice, SMS, email, and chat, keep customers connected through whichever channel works best. 

What really makes Nextiva stand out is the balance between simplicity and ease of use and enterprise-grade power. You can automate complex call flows, integrate IVR actions with data from your CRM, and leverage advanced call routing based on data like history and agent availability.

Businesses also benefit from Nextiva’s reliability record and robust security coverage, which offers peace of mind for teams that handle sensitive or confidential customer information. And the ecosystem goes beyond IVR, with access to conversational AI, advanced analytics, and more in a single platform. This lets you reduce the confusion and cost burden of too many tools while you improve agent productivity and customer experience.

Features

Nextiva’s IVR system includes a wide range of features that enhance both customer and agent experience, including:

• AI receptionist to greet incoming callers, answer questions, gather contact information, and book appointments automatically.
• Intelligent call routing software and queuing efficiently direct customers to the right agent or department the first time. 
• Holiday scheduling enables a positive experience by keeping customers informed and providing alternative support options.
• Conversational AI offers customizable voice response systems to enhance call handling and improve customer experience. 
• Advanced functionality, such as taking payments, account verification, and diverting calls away when agents are unavailable.
• 24/7 support ensures customers get exceptional service and resolve issues right away, even outside of business hours.

Nextiva also integrates telephony advancements and ensures secure payment transactions with PCI DSS Level 1 Compliance.

Pricing

Nextiva’s pricing depends on the needs and size of your team, giving you pricing options that meet you exactly where you are — and where you’re hoping to scale. 

• Core: $15 per user per month, billed annually; best for small teams
• Engage: $25 per user per month, billed annually; best for growing teams
• Power Suite CX: $75 per user per month, billed annually; best for sales and service teams

Nextiva also offers a free demo so you can see the benefits first-hand. 

Pros and cons

“We recently set up our business phone system with Nextiva, and overall, it’s been a solid experience. The platform is professional, the admin portal is intuitive, and once everything is configured, it runs smoothly. We appreciate how easy it is to manage users, set up call flows, and access analytics all in one place.” — Kendall Brown

2. Five9

Best for: Mobile support

Five9 offers an advanced IVR system designed to enhance customer interactions and streamline call routing through its visual IVR, multi-channel support, and personalized greetings. The platform also includes self-service options for tasks like account inquiries and bill payments, reducing the workload on live agents and improving customer satisfaction. 

Additionally, Five9 has introduced more AI- and automation-focused features to its workflow. Its integration with ServiceNow makes real-time transcription possible, as well as sentiment detection and unified routing that directs customers based on intent and complexity. Five9 has also expanded the visual IVR experience to mobile and web, offering app-like menus and estimated wait times.

However, some users report issues with call quality and stability, as well as inaccuracies with reporting and dashboards. It can also be difficult to get up and running or to receive timely support in the event of any issues. As one user writes, “Five9 has an average call quality and decent reporting capability. Reporting is not always accurate, though. Dashboards are rarely accurate.” 

Features

Five9’s IVR system offers various features, including:

• Visual IVR prompts that are optimized for mobile devices
• Embedded call widget that includes wait time information and callback options.
• Visual customer surveys that help gather customer feedback

Additionally, Five9’s integration with CRM systems and real-time analytics offers businesses valuable insights to optimize their IVR performance.

Pricing

Five9 has various pricing plans for digital, voice, and additional services.

• Digital: $119 per seat per month
• Core: $159 per seat per month
• Plus: Contact for pricing
• Pro: Contact for pricing
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing

Five9 also offers custom plans to meet individual business needs.

Pros and cons

Five9 offers an omnichannel platform with visual IVR features and advanced integrations, such as with ServiceNow, to help manage contacts across channels. However, there are some drawbacks, like issues with connectivity and limited reporting and analytics. 

3. GoTo Connect

Best for: Customization

GoTo Connect offers a cloud-based phone system and contact center features like VoIP calling, video conferencing, messaging, integrations, and an IVR system. GoTo Connect’s IVR offers menus and prompts for callers to choose self-service options or connect with a human agent. 

Additional noteworthy features include an AI receptionist add-on that can help ensure callers are routed quickly and correctly, a self-service admin portal to help your team solve problems without delay, and an audio editing feature. However, some users gave poor ratings for customer service and responsiveness, as well as confusing billing and hidden costs.

Features

GoTo Connect’s IVR system features include:

• Automatic call distribution efficiently routes incoming calls to the most appropriate agent or department based on predefined criteria.
• Auto-queue callback offers callers the option to receive a callback instead of waiting on hold, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing wait times.
• Pre-recorded messages ensure consistent and accurate information delivery to callers, reducing agent workload and improving service quality.

GoTo Connect also offers recorded greetings and call queue information, auto-queue callback, pre-recorded agent messages, international calling, video conferencing, and a mobile app.pp. 

Pricing

GoTo Connect offers different pricing across its phone system, customer engagement software, AI tools, and contact center. However, you’ll need to contact their sales team for a quote.

Pros and cons

GoTo Connect balances flexibility and ease of use, making it a solid option for small or mid-sized companies that need professional-level call handling. Its customization and intuitive design are great, but there are limitations to their analytics features, and pricing isn’t clear.

4. Aircall 

Best for: Remote teams

Aircall is a cloud-based phone system and call center software equipped with IVR. Its customizable IVR allows users to add files, choose text-to-speech voices, and select language options, complete with accents. However, creating complex multi-level IVRs can be challenging due to Aircall’s call routing limitations.

Newer additions include a Contact Insights feature, currently in beta, which summarizes contacts’ interactions and suggests next steps for agents. They’ve also added an AI Voice Agent to handle calls and escalate to humans, which can reduce wait times and agent effort. Reviewers seem to appreciate the user experience and ability to integrate with CRM and help desk software. However, several reviews note challenges with customer service and onboarding, as well as billing inaccuracies.

Features

Aircall’s IVR system offers these unique features:

• Single-level and multi-level IVR creation gives you flexibility to design simple or complex menus based on your needs.
• Setup options for creating classic and IVR numbers allow users to choose between traditional phone numbers for calls and dedicated numbers specifically designed for IVR systems.
• Dynamic visual editor offers a user-friendly interface for creating and customizing IVR menus.

In addition to IVR capabilities, Aircall offers access to integrations, APIs, SMS functionality, telephony features such as call recording and click-to-dial, and unlimited simultaneous outbound calls. 

Pricing

Aircall offers these flexible pricing plans:

• Essentials: $30 per license, billed annually
• Professional: $50 per license, billed annually

Aircall also offers a customizable plan (for 25 licenses or more).

Pros and cons

Aircall provides robust tools for distributed and global teams, offering useful features like real-time monitoring and call recording. However, there are limited self-service options and some concerns with pricing practices.

5. RingCentral

Best for: Integrations

RingCentral offers an IVR system as part of its cloud-based phone software. It delivers functionalities like multi-level menus, text-to-speech or custom recordings, and call routing based on various criteria. It offers capabilities such as self-service options, speech recognition, integrations with CRM systems, and analytics and reporting to optimize support team performance. 

A recently added feature is the AI Receptionist, an AI-powered agent that handles inbound calls, conducts transfers, and provides analytics. This makes it possible to handle calls more efficiently and save time.

Users appreciate RingCentral’s innovation and data features, but some find the platform more complicated than a smaller business — or one with limited technical resources — might need.

Features

RingCentral offers features aimed at enhancing the customer experience.

• Self-service options eliminate wait times.
• Skills-based call routing efficiently routes callers to agents based on skills or expertise.
• Speech recognition and natural language processing provide a conversational experience.

Pricing

RingCentral’s pricing comes in three tiers:

• Core: $20 per agent per month, billed annually
• Advanced: $25 per agent per month, billed annually
• Ultra: $35 per agent per month, billed annually

Potential users should consider RingCentral’s pricing plans, which vary based on features and user capacity. They should also note that creating complex menus may require technical expertise or training. 

Pros and cons

RingCentral operates seamlessly across devices and offers strong integration options, but some features are only available with upgrades, and the system can be more complex than some businesses require.

6. 8×8

Best for: Cloud-based IVR

8×8 provides contact center software with an intelligent IVR system and self-service options. The platform uses conversational AI technology to handle routine customer inquiries and offers customizable self-service resources to help with call routing decisions. 

8×8’s contact center includes reporting and analytics for insights into the customer journey and IVR system performance. It also offers scripting tools for administrative tasks and allows manual adjustments to caller options without involving IT. 

Newer features include Intelligent Customer Assistant (ICA) Voice, which leverages natural‑language processing (NLP) to let callers speak requests rather than push buttons. They’ve also added a secure payment functionality so customers can make payments without exposing their card data. Several users note that it’s often difficult to reach a live support person and that 8×8 doesn’t offer as many advanced features as similar platforms. 

Features

8×8’s key features include:

• Advanced reporting and analytics tools for valuable customer insights.
• Speech-enabled voice response system that uses conversational AI.
• Customizable options, including an intuitive call flow designer.

Pricing

8×8 has many pricing plans that allow businesses to customize. However, businesses need to contact 8×8 to get a custom quote. 

Pros and cons

8×8 offers drag-and-drop IVR design and support from NLP so teams can create smarter workflows without deep coding required. And with conversational AI, callers can speak naturally rather than try to navigate confusing numerical menus. However, 8×8 offers limited integrations and customers report inconsistent experiences with usage and support.

7. Zendesk 

Best for: Enterprises

Zendesk offers an IVR phone tree with its Professional and Enterprise Suite plans. Its IVR feature allows businesses to create phone trees and conditions to route customers to the right place. Zendesk’s multi-level IVR systems also offer information and answers to frequently asked questions, like business hours or sales promotions, via recorded messages. Recently, Zendesk has introduced useful features like automatic speaker labeling, keyword boosting, and improved call transcription. While these create a more streamlined workflow and better customer experience, Zendesk does have some drawbacks, including issues with customer support and a lot of configuration and customization required.

Features

A few of Zendesk’s key features include:

• Phone trees that efficiently guide callers through pre-recorded messages and prompts.
• Call recording and monitoring to uncover customer insights.
• Warm transfer options to loop in human agents when appropriate.

Zendesk’s IVR also offers custom greetings, call recording, group call routing, and queue size and wait time information. Finally, Zendesk features options for customers to request a callback or text back while keeping their place in line.

Pricing

Zendesk offers various pricing tiers in its customer service suite:

• Suite Team: $55 per agent per month, billed annually
• Suite Professional: $115 per agent per month, billed annually
• Suite Enterprise: $169 per agent per month, billed annually

Zendesk also offers an enterprise suite, but you need to contact sales to discuss your needs and get a quote..

Pros and cons

Zendesk leverages automation to reduce agent burden and improve performance and insights. On the other hand, some features may lead to more complexity when it comes to implementation and configuration. Some features, too, are only available with more expensive tiers.

8. LiveAgent

Best for: Live chat

LiveAgent is a help desk software platform that manages customer requests across various channels. It offers a built-in IVR system with functionalities like automated call routing based on customer selections from pre-recorded menus or touch-tone options. 

Users can design multi-level IVR menus, record messages, or use text-to-speech functionality. The system also prioritizes calls from high-priority customers to specific agents or departments. LiveAgent has also introduced enhancements like automatic callback requests from IVR workflows, a Blind Transfer call function, and improved routing configuration.

Some reviews note issues with call notifications: “I’ve come across their notification issues a couple of times: customers calling but no pop-ups to answer, no ringing, and sometimes there’s a pop-up but the only option is to decline the call.” Others mention billing issues.

Features

LiveAgent’s IVR system features:

• Automated call routing for efficient call navigation.
• Customizable menus to enhance the user experience.
• Call prioritization to escalate high-value customers.

Additional features include callback service and an automatic callback request feature that prompts callers when they reach preset wait times.

Pricing

LiveAgent’s business pricing offers four different pricing tiers:

• Small: $15 per agent per month, billed annually
• Medium: $29 per agent per month, billed annually
• Large: $49 per agent per month, billed annually
• Enterprise: $69 per agent per month, billed annually

LiveAgent also offers a limited free plan and a 14-day free trial.l. 

Pros and cons

LiveAgent offers a streamlined experience enabling teams to manage requests efficiently, and its intuitive design and strong customer support make it easy to use. That said, some users report that the visual layout is a bit clunky or cluttered.

9. Zoom

Best for: Video conferencing

Zoom provides omnichannel cloud contact center software featuring unlimited IVR and auto attendants. The software offers call routing based on dialed numbers and supports multi-level menus with voice prompts, self-service options, and speech recognition for natural language interaction. 

Zoom’s visual IVR system allows for phone number provisioning and is customizable through drag-and-drop modules. Users can automate customer engagement with speech recognition, recordings, and text-to-speech. Zoom also offers call center AI that can resolve customer inquiries via voice and chat. It supports advanced automation and self-service to lighten agent workloads and help speed up resolutions.

Some users find Zoom’s regular interface updates frustrating, such as this reviewer, who shared, “While I understand they have built an incredible brand, that does not mean they should change the user interface so much that it takes minutes to figure out how to schedule a meeting.” Others note issues with billing, customer support, and quality.

Features

Some of Zoom’s primary features include:

• Unlimited IVR and auto attendants are free.
• No code customization to adapt to changes quickly.
• Speech recognition and text-to-speech to support user preferences.

Additionally, Zoom’s auto attendant feature enables the creation of pre-recorded greetings to guide callers to specific extensions or voicemail boxes.

Pricing

Zoom price plans include a free tier with limited features. They also offer different pricing tiers for businesses.

• Pro: $13.33 per user per month, billed annually
• Business: $18.33 per user per month, billed annually 
• Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing

Pros and cons

Zoom offers robust audio and video capabilities, even with high call volumes. Its scale makes it fit well for any size of business. The platform is optimized for video conferencing, although it does also support other use cases. However, some of these may require an upgrade.

10. CallHippo

Best for: Small businesses

CallHippo offers an IVR system as part of its office phone system and call center software packages. Their IVR solution includes both single-level and multi-level systems. Features of CallHippo’s IVR include 24/7 support through recorded messages, categorized menus with submenus for navigation, and real-time call recording for quality maintenance. 

Other features include an AI voice agent that offers more human-like service through voice prompts instead of menu presses. CallHippo also supports more than 100 integrations with CRMs, help desk tools, and other software. Users can also set up virtual numbers across 50+ countries, making it easy to operate a global organization.

Reviewers note, though, that call quality isn’t the best: “The call quality has always been bad — my clients constantly complain that they can’t hear me properly. The sound is muffled, there’s lag, and the voice often cuts out. I can hear the other side fine, but they can’t hear me clearly,” said one reviewer. Others shared poor experiences with tech support and payment issue.

Features

CallHippo boasts IVR system features, including:

• Intelligent call routing and automatic call distribution for AI-powered or manual configuration.
• Multilingual IVR that provides global support options.
• Power Dialer that automates the dialing process for outbound calling.

CallHippo also provides call forwarding options, advanced reporting, and integrations.

Pricing

CallHippo offers pricing tiers for startups, small teams, feast-growing teams, and larger teams, including:

• Basic: $0 per user per month
• Bronze: $19 per user per month 
• Silver: $29 per user per month 
• Platinum: $45 per user per month

CallHippo also offers a 10-day free trial for the Bronze, Silver, and Platinum plans.

Pros and cons

CallHippo is a budget-friendly option with easy-to-use calling and communication. It covers the core needs of small- and mid-sized businesses, but may lack the features required by large enterprises. Moreover, reviewers note quality and connectivity issues and limited support.

Other Top IVR System Providers: Honorable Mentions

There are numerous other IVR system providers on the market, so here are a few others you might consider. 

• Twilio: A flexible cloud communications platform offering programmable IVR and API-driven call routing. Twilio is ideal for developers who need custom workflows, but because it often requires some technical know-how, it’s not the best for nontechnical teams.
• Genesys: Enterprise-level contact center platform including advanced IVR, AI-driven routing, and omnichannel support. The higher cost and level of complexity make it a better fit for large companies rather than SMBs.
• NICE CXone: Robust IVR, workforce optimization, and AI-powered analytics features. The platform has a lot to offer, but its pricing and implementation effort can make it prohibitive for smaller companies.
• Dialpad: A cloud-based phone system with IVR and AI voice intelligence. Dialpad’s simpler set of features makes it well-suited for small businesses that don’t need complex workflows, but it may not be a fit for bigger enterprises.
• Ooma: VoIP phone and IVR features for small businesses. Easy setup and budget-friendliness are great, while the lack of some advanced features is a drawback to many organizations.
• Plum Voice: Conversational IVR and voice automation to increase customer engagement. This is a highly specialized platform, so it’s less of a fit for general contact center use.
• CloudTalk: IVR, call routing, and analytics for SMBs. It’s great for startups, but less advanced and comprehensive than some of the tools in our top ten when it comes to AI and integrations.
• JustCall: Call routing, IVR, and multi-channel support. Ideal for small teams, JustCall offers a competitive price but less advanced reporting and functionality.

Features to Look for When Choosing an IVR Solution 

The different types of IVR software have a variety of features. Here are some of the top features to look for in an IVR system:  

• Input recognition: Recognize caller choices via touch-tone keypad presses using dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) and speech recognition, so callers can verbally express their preferences. This reduces misrouted calls and improves first-call resolution.
• Call routing and call center queue management: The IVR system directs calls to configured destinations such as agents, departments, call queues, or automated messages, ensuring callers are sent to the right agent or queue. 
• Holiday scheduling: Include pre-recorded messages directing customers to voicemail for specific departments or providing self-service options during holidays or closures. This maintains customer engagement even in the absence of live staff and prevents frustration.
• Self-service options: Callers can complete tasks like checking account balances, making payments, or resetting passwords without needing an agent. This reduces agent workload and gets callers a quick resolution.
• Analytics and reporting: Track important call center metrics like call volume, wait times, and menu selections. This data helps identify areas for improvement and optimize your IVR system, ultimately helping you enhance productivity and customer experience. 
• Integration capabilities: Integrate your IVR with your CRM or other business software for a seamless flow of information, allowing agents to access caller details and give more personalized service.
• Intuitive menu navigation: Make sure the IVR menu is easy to understand and navigate, with clear prompts, short options, and the ability to repeat messages, reducing frustration and drop-offs.
• Omnichannel support: Extend self-service options beyond phone calls. Look for IVR systems integrating with web chat, SMS, or mobile apps for a unified customer experience that helps reduce repeat contacts and enhances efficiency. 
• Dialed Number Identification Service (DNIS) functionality: Allows the IVR to recognize the specific dialed phone number and route calls accordingly. This lets businesses manage multiple campaigns or brands and avoid misrouted calls.
• Callback functionality: Give callers the option to request a callback instead of waiting on hold, improving customer satisfaction and reducing wait times.
• Conversational AI: Uses natural language processing to understand spoken commands and complete tasks based on caller requests — without human effort, reducing staffing costs while improving efficiency.
• Call flow customization: Design IVR flows to reflect your business’s processes and tailor the experience to unique needs or requirements. Customized call flows can increase first-contact resolution and reduce handle time.

How to Choose the Best IVR System Provider

Choosing the best IVR service providers for your business can be easy if you have the right information.

Here are a few common questions when deciding which vendor is right for you.

• Define business needs: Knowing the goals you want to achieve can help you find a provider that aligns with those needs. Some examples include enhancing the customer experience through self-service, improving sales, and streamlining workflows.
• Choose must-have features and capabilities: Create a list of essential features that make it easy to meet those business needs. Consider self-service options, conversational AI, or call center reporting and analytics.
• Consider scalability, flexibility, and ease of use: Choose a provider that can grow with your business. Look for systems that allow you to easily add new features or handle increased call volume. Pay attention, too, to whether the system is easy enough for non-IT people to make changes quickly and confidently.
• Ensure data security and reliability: IVR systems handle sensitive customer information. Verify the provider offers robust security measures and a reliable infrastructure to prevent downtime
• Look at integrations with existing hardware: Ensure the system can work seamlessly with your current phone systems and hardware, as well as software like CRM systems. 
• Seek out strong customer support: Select a provider that offers highly available, responsive support to keep your operations running smoothly.

Reduce Hold Times and Scale Operations More Easily With Nextiva

The best IVR systems blend self-service and human interaction throughout the touchpoints of the customer journey. Whether you’re looking for AI and automation features, strong customer engagement tools, or simple telephony, there are plenty of IVA or IVR systems on the market. For the most robust option, we recommend Nextiva. 

With Nextiva, you get the best of both worlds: An advanced IVR system with intelligent virtual agent functionality that provides fast, reliable self-service and understands when the customer needs a human touch. And with conversational AI, Nextiva is poised to take your business to new heights with your communication. 

See what Nextiva can do for your business today.

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