Switch to the #1 Rated Cloud Phone System to Run Your Business
Move on from your old PBX and upgrade to the industry’s highest rated hosted VoIP system. G2 ranked Nextiva as the #1 cloud-based VoIP provider. Get flexible, reliable cloud communications anywhere your team works.
What is a cloud
phone system?
phone system?
A cloud phone system is a VoIP-based hosted PBX solution that helps you move your business phone service to the cloud. Cloud phone systems use the Internet Protocol to transmit calls over the Internet, converting voice signals into digital packets. Unlike traditional systems that rely on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and on-premises hardware, cloud phone systems leverage internet-based technology for greater flexibility, cost savings, and scalability.
Cloud-based phone systems can serve as a basic business phone system for small companies, while also scaling to advanced unified communications as your needs grow. Cloud systems host their infrastructure in secure, redundant data centers, improving disaster recovery and business continuity. Cloud phone systems streamline business communications, offer advanced features, and provide greater security.
Cloud phone system pros and cons
Handle business phone calls with ease using your iOS or Android smartphone. Cloud phone systems provide mobile access, enabling users to handle business calls from their smartphones and use their own devices, such as personal smartphones or computers, without needing traditional desk phones. Keep your phone number separate from your business line.
Save up to 60% off traditional phone systems with Nextiva. Cloud phone systems are more cost-effective than traditional systems, offering savings on long-distance calls and typically lower long-distance and international calling rates. With a top-rated cloud phone system like Nextiva, you can now access affordable nationwide calling.
Manage every aspect of your phone solution from the cloud. Add new desk phones in seconds. Do it all with your existing internet connection. Providers manage all updates and maintenance for cloud phone systems, reducing the burden on in-house IT teams. Easy setup and management are available through online dashboards, eliminating the need for complex installations.
Take advantage of 45+ business VoIP features. Many advanced features, such as AI receptionists, call forwarding, video conferencing, voicemail transcription, and team chat, are included in the price. Cloud phone systems also offer intelligent call queues and call controls to efficiently manage and direct calls, improving user experience and customer service.
Our cloud communications solution is secure to the core — zero outages in two years. Our carrier-grade data centers are among the most reliable in the world. Providers of cloud phone systems invest in enterprise-grade security measures, including end-to-end encryption and multi-factor authentication.
You might have to move to routers and switches optimized for VoIP. A mesh Wi-Fi network helps with speed and coverage.
A cloud phone system doesn’t use massive amounts of bandwidth, but you need at least a 100 kbps of upload speed per phone line.
Jitter and latency are call quality issues you may experience with your cloud-based phone calls. It’s a natural function of wireless networks.
Cloud phone system pricing
For small teams
Reliably run your business and communicate with your team and customers through unified voice, video, SMS, and digital channels with instant setup, no hardware, centralized conversations, and built-in tools for productivity, collaboration, and responsiveness.
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Core features:
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Inbound & Outbound VoiceConnect with customers and your team using award-winning, reliable voice conversations within the U.S. and CA*. Get a new number or bring over your existing number for free.
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Business SMS
Send and receive SMS text messages from your business phone number using the desktop and mobile app.
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Video meetings
Collaborate face-to-face with video meetings. Engage in sidebar chats and record for future reference.
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Screenshare & file share
Get on the same page by sharing your screen during a video call or exchanging key files.
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Call routing
Ensure all calls are professionally answered and properly routed using a virtual receptionist recording that directs callers to, for instance, “press one for Sales and two for Service.”
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Team chat & collaboration
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Mobile app
For growing teams
Equip your sales and service teams to deliver fast, personalized experiences at scale with automation, advanced service tools, multi-site management, customizable workflows, intelligent routing, and real-time performance insights.
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Everything in Core, plus:
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Customer-to-team SMS Messaging
Enable customers to reach your entire team via a shared SMS inbox, allowing multiple team members to access messages, respond promptly, and deliver faster resolutions.
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Toll-free number & minutes
Give your business a professional edge by offering a universal, non-local, toll-free number.
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Advanced reporting
Move your business forward with insight gained from data found within your voice analytics.
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Inbound sales and service call center*
Manage high-volume inbound calls and use touch tone prompts to route calls to best-fit agents.
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Web chat: Live & bot
Offer 24/7 support and efficiently manage responses to FAQs with web chatbot automation. Start with automated prompts to gather essential information, then seamlessly transition to a live-agent interaction.
For sales & service teams
Deliver inbound and outbound service across two essential channels—voice and web chat—with built-in journey orchestration, automations, intelligent routing, and unified customer context. Everything you need to create a seamless, scalable customer experience.
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Power Suite CX features:
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Voice & web chatProvide consistent support across voice and web chat channels. Use web chatbots to collect key information upfront and offer 24/7 self-service, with the option to transfer to a live agent when needed.
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Blended inbound & outbound calling
Let agents handle both incoming and outgoing calls in a single interface—maximizing productivity and reducing idle time.
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AI transcription & summarization
Automatically capture the content of voice conversations in real time and create post-call summaries.
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Customizable intelligent and skills-based routing
Improve first-call resolution by routing callers to best-fit agents equipped to handle interactions specific to area of expertise, language, or demographic.
Got pricing questions?
Nextiva is the category leader in Business VoIP.
Essential phone system features
Auto attendants
Most small business owners like offering a menu system to callers. Your auto attendant could say, “Press 1 for sales, 2 for support” when customers call.
Local phone numbers
Choose a phone number your business needs in any area code. No matter where your office is, handle inbound and outbound calls with confidence.
Advanced call routing
Direct inbound calls to your team based on set criteria, transfer to other members, and even conference-call anyone using the app.
Screen sharing
Unlike most phone system providers, Nextiva gives every user a virtual room along with a free VoIP number. Share screens, files, and tasks in real time.
Toll-free numbers
Get a toll-free number with Nextiva’s business phone service. Let customers reach you from landlines without extra toll charges.
Call recording
With your cloud-based, virtual PBX, silently record all calls without any hardware. All call recordings are securely stored, so only authorized personnel can access them.
Video conferencing
HD video conferencing, including video calls as part of Nextiva’s unified communications features, is an excellent way to connect with your team members when you’re away from the office phone. Included in all phone plans.
Advanced voicemail
Listen and manage voicemails from the convenience of a VoIP app. Benefit from voicemail transcription, making it easier to read and manage messages. Get alerts for new voicemail messages, download, forward, or listen to them anytime.
Intelligent call forwarding
Protect your personal number by forwarding your incoming calls to any desk phone or mobile device. Also, forward calls during business hours or on holidays.
Get more than a dial tone with our cloud phone system 🚀
Business phone system
VoIP call center
Reliable customer support
Video conferencing
Call analytics
Team messaging
Mobile & desktop app
Online faxing
Popular integrations
Cloud phone system FAQs
How does a cloud-based phone system work?
To place a call, first dial the phone number on your cloud phone. The system uses the Internet Protocol to transmit calls over the Internet, converting your voice into digital packets for efficient delivery. The phone connects to a VoIP service provider and verifies that it has permission to place that call.
Users can receive phone calls on any device connected to the cloud phone system, whether it’s a desk phone, a mobile device, or a computer. The VoIP phone provider handles the routing and connects your phone to the person you are calling. And it does it all within a fraction of a second.
Can I use a cloud phone system with my cell phone?
Yes. Users can use their own devices, such as personal smartphones, to access a cloud phone system. There are many ways a cell phone can integrate with a cloud-based phone service.
- Your cell phone can make and receive calls with an authorized VoIP softphone app.
- Configure intelligent call forwarding and pulling so you never have to worry about being away from your IP phone.
- Get voicemail transcriptions conveniently delivered to your inbox or your text message..
How do I choose a cloud phone system?
To choose your cloud phone system, consider your unique business needs, employee count, and budget. Some providers offer a basic business phone system designed for small businesses seeking a simple, entry-level solution. In contrast, others provide more advanced unified communications platforms that scale with your organization. Every cloud business phone provider offers plans and features at different price points.
Nextiva, for example, offers a Core plan at $15 per month and an Enterprise plan at $25 per month. Both plans come with advanced features you can choose from. Compared to virtually all business phone providers, Nextiva provides the best value.
The next step is to request a personalized quote so you can tailor it exactly to your organization’s needs, discounts, hardware, and any additional fees/taxes that might apply.
Can I transfer my phone numbers to Nextiva?
Yes, it’s easy to transfer your existing business phone number(s) to Nextiva’s cloud phone system via number porting. Number porting lets you keep your current numbers, ensuring a seamless transition to the cloud without service interruption. Porting lets you transfer your phone number to a new VoIP provider.
You can transfer any number you use, including:
- Landline numbers
- Wireless/cell phone numbers
- Virtual numbers (Google Voice, Grasshopper, etc.)
- VoIP phone numbers
- Toll-free numbers
Nextiva handles everything related to migrating your phone numbers. All you need to do is submit a letter of authorization online. Our porting team will advise you of the port-in date. From there, you can begin receiving calls through Nextiva’s cloud phone system instantly.
Transferring business phone numbers will take approximately 2–4 weeks, depending on the previous carrier. In the meantime, you can use temporary numbers.
Watch this short video to see how to transfer your phone numbers to Nextiva:
Is a cloud phone system different from a call center?
VoIP call center phone systems are designed to handle higher call volumes than a typical cloud phone system. Call queues are an essential feature for managing high call volumes in call center environments, helping to efficiently route incoming calls, reduce wait times, and improve the overall customer experience.
Virtual call centers use VoIP and are run entirely over the internet. With a business communications platform like Nextiva, you can also opt for built-in tools such as a contact center.
How does a hosted PBX differ from cloud VoIP?
A hosted PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a telephone switching system accessible over a cloud network. Traditional PBX systems connect to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using physical phone lines, while cloud-based systems use Internet Protocol to transmit calls. Because it’s cloud-based, a trusted VoIP provider like Nextiva can manage your infrastructure. This lets you replace individual phone extensions with a VoIP desk phone.
A cloud VoIP phone system also routes calls over the internet, eliminating the need for traditional telephone lines.
How much is a cloud based phone system?
Nextiva’s cloud PBX phone system costs $15 per month per user. But it doesn’t stop there, connect with one of our agents to get a personalized quote for your business.
What is the best cloud-based phone system for 2026?
According to software review site G2, Nextiva is the #1 cloud-based phone system for 2026 out of more than 400 VoIP providers in the same category. As of December 27, 2025, Nextiva has 3,438 verified customer reviews and a 4.5 out of 5.0 rating. Runners up included RingCentral, Zoom Phone, Webex, and Quo.
In its assessment, G2 named Nextiva the best VoIP provider in an earlier analysis on March 25, 2025. Here are excerpts from its qualitative assessment of the best VoIP providers:
Nextiva: Best for phone features with modern automation
For desk-to-desk calling, robust phone systems, and auto-attendant features.
[…]
“As a category leader on G2, Nextiva has a customer satisfaction score of 91 in the overall business segment, with 89% of G2 users that will likely recommend it for phone calls, AI voice assistance and direct VoIP calls.”
[…]“What impressed me was the clear and consistent call quality, even when working remotely or juggling multiple conversations at once. The voice clarity was on another level compared to what I’d experienced with previous providers. It made our day-to-day operations, from calls to client coordination, feel more professional and less stressful.”
“I immediately noticed how robust and reliable their VoIP platform is. It offers real-time call routing, built-in texting options, and even voicemail-to-email, which has saved me more time than I can count.”
Why a cloud PBX phone system is the right solution for your business
A cloud PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a system that is rooted through the internet, which means you won’t need to have a traditional server in each location. All you need to do is choose a provider like Nextiva, to host your communications. You’ll have a secure, remote data center that delivers all conversations over the internet, with no need to buy expensive hardware. Cloud phone systems offer easy setup and management through online dashboards, eliminating the need for complex installations. Additionally, geographic redundancy in cloud infrastructure ensures your service remains available even during regional outages.
The features you need from a cloud PBX phone system
Your communications system should provide more than just connecting phone calls. The right cloud PBX phone system does. Our VoIP features include:
- Advanced call management. Have options to select, hold, route, or even block any calls.
- Call controls. Easily transfer, hold, or set up simultaneous rings across devices for better call management.
- Customizable call flows. Optimize and route incoming calls with features like IVR, queueing, and visual dial plan editors.
- Call queues. Efficiently manage incoming calls, reduce wait times, and improve customer experience.
- Auto-attendant. Let your team handle the right requests by having a virtual system direct any call to the right department.
- Business text messaging. Let your customers reach you via text with our unlimited messaging service.
- Call analytics. Have real-time insights from your calls, from call session metrics to individual agent performance.
- Zero maintenance. You will not need to touch any telecom settings, SBCs, network firewalls. Nextiva handles that for over 100K companies today.
How does a cloud phone system benefit your business?
As your company grows, you’ll need the right tools to help you scale. That’s why a cloud phone system is the right choice for a small business. Let us highlight a few of the top benefits of Nextiva’s cloud PBX:
- Save money: Don’t buy extra equipment. You’ll be able to use any equipment you already have, like desk phones, cellphones, etc.
- Have flexibility to scale: Since you won’t need a direct connection, you can work from anywhere. Employees can use their own devices, such as smartphones or computers, to access the system, making it easy to stay connected on the go. You’ll be able to assign business phone numbers to your employees remotely.
- Have a reliable communication system: Nextiva’s cloud PBX delivers 99.999% uptime, ensuring your system continues to work even during a power outage. Have the options to route your calls to different locations or devices in just seconds.
- Better team collaboration: Give your virtual team the right tools to stay connected through internal communication. With Nextiva, the leading unified communications platform, we’ll integrate multiple communication channels such as voice, video, and messaging into a single interface. You can let your team connect via chat or even a video conference.
Request a free, no-obligation price quote to get an accurate, “out the door” price on your cloud-based phone system to support your growing business. No surprises. Amazing Service.
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