What is a cloud VoIP phone system?
Cloud VoIP is a cloud-based phone system that saves companies up to 60% on business communication costs by routing calls over the internet. Companies that switch to cloud-based VoIP experience lower costs and instant access to dozens of advanced features.
In addition to voice calls, cloud VoIP services like Nextiva offer advanced features such as auto attendants, text messaging (SMS), call recording, video conferencing, and flexible inbound call routing. Cloud VoIP acts as a unified platform, delivering unified communications by integrating voice, video, messaging, and team collaboration tools into a single solution. Essential features such as call recording, video conferencing, shared numbers, and team chat are included by default, without the need for expensive add-ons. Cloud VoIP services can also integrate with existing business applications to streamline workflows and improve productivity. By 2026, many businesses are projected to save 20–60% on communication costs by using Cloud VoIP.
Watch this short video to learn about the advantages of a cloud-hosted VoIP solution.
How does cloud VoIP work?
Cloud VoIP 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.
Read moreCore features:
-
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.
-
Business SMSSend and receive SMS text messages from your business phone number using the desktop and mobile app.
-
Video meetingsCollaborate face-to-face with video meetings. Engage in sidebar chats and record for future reference.
-
Screenshare & file shareGet on the same page by sharing your screen during a video call or exchanging key files.
-
Call routingEnsure 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.”
-
Team chat & collaboration
-
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.
Read moreEverything in Core, plus:
-
Customer-to-team SMS MessagingEnable customers to reach your entire team via a shared SMS inbox, allowing multiple team members to access messages, respond promptly, and deliver faster resolutions.
-
Toll-free number & minutesGive your business a professional edge by offering a universal, non-local, toll-free number.
-
Advanced reportingMove your business forward with insight gained from data found within your voice analytics.
-
Inbound sales and service call center*Manage high-volume inbound calls and use touch tone prompts to route calls to best-fit agents.
-
Web chat: Live & botOffer 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.
Read morePower Suite CX features:
-
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.
-
Blended inbound & outbound callingLet agents handle both incoming and outgoing calls in a single interface—maximizing productivity and reducing idle time.
-
AI transcription & summarizationAutomatically capture the content of voice conversations in real time and create post-call summaries.
-
Customizable intelligent and skills-based routingImprove first-call resolution by routing callers to best-fit agents equipped to handle interactions specific to area of expertise, language, or demographic.
Get all the VoIP features your business needs
Get all the VoIP features your business needs
More than a dial tone.
- Unified communication with VoIP, video, & chat
- Bundle with helpdesk software & Sales CRM
- Unlimited calling, faxing, and texting nationwide
- Amazing Service with 24/7 support
- Free toll-free, virtual voicemail, & auto attendant
Work from anywhere.
- Top rated iOS & Android mobile app
- Easy-to-use desktop app for Windows and Mac
- Send text messages from your mobile device
- One-click conference calling from your cell phone
- Declutter your workspace. Ditch the desk phone
Conference calling
- Host unlimited audio and video meetings
- Audio conferencing with messaging & screen share
- Dedicated conference bridge for all your meetings
- Crystal-clear, HD audio with no static on the line
- Advanced VoIP conferencing with call recording
Bring teams together.
- Collaborate using your business phone software
- Create groups to connect via chat, video, & audio
- Chat, screen share, & file sharing made easy
- Schedule meetings, & assign tasks with due dates
- Keep track of conversations and team projects
Reveal insights.
- Access historical and live call data
- Real-time call tracking with custom reports & dashboards
- Identify business trends by analyzing call logs
- Make QA a breeze with call recording and rating
- Gamify your employee performance data
Business apps
- Sales CRM for managing your leads and opportunities
- Helpdesk tools to manage customer service requests
- Workflows to automate mundane tasks
- Call Pop, so you know your customers at the time they call
- Customer journey sentiment and experience management
Integrate your team’s tools.
- Integrate your business phone software with other apps
- Boost efficiency by connecting your CRM and VoIP system
- Easy integration with Google, Microsoft, & more
- Click to dial phone numbers within business apps
- Improve your business communications
On-premises vs. cloud-hosted VoIP
Moving from an on-premises PBX system to a cloud VoIP phone system? These advantages are hard to beat.
Cost-effective without additional setup or hardware costs.
HD audio and video conferencing for real-time collaboration.
Softphones let you work anywhere — even the from car.
Setting up a home office is easy, unlike with traditional phone systems.
45+ features like CRM integrations, call forwarding, auto attendants, and call routing.
Requires a reliable internet connection.
Replaces your private branch exchange (PBX).
Might want to update your desk phones.
Accomplish (virtually) anything with
Nextiva.
Video calls
Never skip a beat in your presentations. Get instant screen sharing, crystal clear audio, and high-definition video conferencing.
Screen sharing
In addition to a free business phone number, every user gets a virtual room, too. Sharing screens, sending files, and managing tasks — all in one place.
Nextiva App
Download the Nextiva mobile app on your iOS or Android mobile devices. Instantly connect your business phone number and set up caller ID, call transfer, call recording, and even hold music.
Software integrations
We understand your teams may rely on critical tools to stay in the loop. With our integrations, connect your trusted business apps to your cloud-based phone service.
Call recording
Silently record all calls without any hardware. Use call recording to verify facts or provide coaching opportunities for your team. Cloud telephony makes it easy and reliable.
Number porting
If you already have one or more phone numbers for your business, you can move them over to Nextiva with VoIP number porting. You also get a toll-free phone number included from Nextiva.
CLOUD VOIP PROVIDERS
Which Cloud VoIP Provider Is Best?
Validated by more than 3,000 reviews on GetVoIP.
TLDR: Nextiva is the best VoIP solution on the market.
|
#1 Rated Professional |
RingCentral Core |
Dialpad Standard |
Vonage Premium |
8X8 Work |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G2 Rating |
4.5 out of 5 (3,438 reviews) |
4.1 |
4.3 |
4.3 |
4.2 |
| Gartner PeerInsights Rating |
4.6 out of 5 (668 reviews) |
4.4 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
4.7 |
| Trustpilot Rating |
4.8 out of 5 (7,943 reviews) |
2.1 |
4.2 |
2.7 |
3.3 |
| Customer Recommendations (GetVoIP) |
92% (3,193 reviews) |
71% (606 reviews) |
94% (266 reviews) |
94% (266 reviews) |
86% (768 reviews) |
| Uptime and reliability (2025) |
99.999% |
99.99% |
99.75% |
99.999% |
99.999% |
| 24/7 Support (Phone, Email, Chat) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Unlimited Calling in US & CAN |
|
|
|
|
|
| HD Audio & Video Conferencing |
|
|
|
|
|
| Text Messaging (SMS & MMS) Included |
|
Additional cost |
Additional cost |
Additional cost |
Additional cost |
| Team Chat & Document/File Management |
|
|
|
|
|
| Mobile and Desktop Softphone Apps |
|
|
|
|
|
| Visual Call Flow Designer |
|
|
|
|
|
| Certified VoIP Hardware (Pre-Configured) |
|
|
|
|
|
| Website Chat Engagement |
|
|
|
Additional cost |
|
| AI-powered Voicemail Transcripts |
|
|
|
|
|
| Unlimited Secure Online Faxing |
|
|
1000 pages incl. |
$14.99/mo |
$18.95/mo |
| Browser-based VoIP Phone Calls |
|
|
|
|
|
| White-glove 10DLC Support |
|
Additional costs |
Additional costs |
Additional costs |
Additional costs |
| Email and SSO integrations |
|
|
Google & Microsoft Incl. |
Additional costs |
|
| International Calling |
Starts at $0.01/min. |
Starts at $0.01/min. |
Starts at $0.01/min. |
Starts at $0.01/min. |
Starts at $0.01/min. |
| Bulk/Mass Texting |
|
Starts at $0.01/msg |
Additional costs |
Additional costs |
Additional costs |
| International Phone Numbers (DIDs) |
|
Starts at $5.99/mo |
Additional costs |
Additional costs |
Additional costs |
| Strengths |
Best for small and medium-sized companies with one or more locations and hybrid workforces. |
Ideal for those with global calling needs and limited SMS and faxing needs. |
One-size-fits-all approach to business voice needs and call transcripts. |
Good for complex environments with engineering teams. |
Strong fit for mid-size companies with global calling needs. |

Nextiva is recommended by 92% customers. Rated by 3190+ customers.
Make the move to a communication platform you can count on.
Get started with cloud VoIP in three
easy steps:
Test your network and internet connection
Choose your VoIP apps and hardware
Find a VoIP provider with the right features
Concerned about how much bandwidth a cloud phone system can use? A rule of thumb is about 100 kbps upload and download speeds per line.
Most internet service providers offer gigabit speeds, so your current connection may be fast enough for a VoIP phone system.
Take our VoIP speed test to check for potential call quality issues.
Convert your existing analog telephone to a SIP phone with an ATA. Or, purchase a hard phone.
VoIP hard phones are similar to traditional phones but let you connect to an IP network. You can easily get a SIP-enabled hard phone under $100.
You can also use a softphone, which lets you make and receive phone calls from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. It works like any VoIP app.
Nextiva is rated Best Business Phone Service in 2023‑24 by U.S. News and is known for unparalleled customer service.
We’ll gladly handle everything for you in the transition. With our award-winning Amazing Service®, we’re here to help your business grow long-term.
Customers love us.
You've made it. See why we're the best business phone service since 2006.
Nextiva uses the information you provide to us to contact you about our relevant content, products, and services. You may unsubscribe at any time. For more information, check out our Privacy Policy.
Cloud-based VoIP FAQs
How do cloud VoIP services work?
Hosted VoIP service manages your company’s calls with a trusted phone service provider like Nextiva.
Since your phone system is in the cloud, you can instantly add users, set up advanced features, change your phone service, and manage how you want to handle incoming calls anytime.
With Nextiva, small businesses and enterprises can streamline business communications into one platform.
Can I keep my existing phone numbers?
Yes, you can keep your existing phone numbers with Nextiva’s cloud-based phone system. The process of transferring numbers is known as porting. You can port landline, toll-free, cell phone, VoIP, and virtual phone numbers.
Nextiva includes complimentary porting with every account. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure you transfer your number successfully.
Watch this short video to learn how to use your existing phone numbers with Nextiva:
To get a new business phone number, you can choose them during account setup. Nextiva accounts also get a toll-free number at no charge.
How many phone lines do I need?
The number of phone lines your business needs depends on your employee count and the number of calls you expect. For small teams, a line per employee is usually sufficient, but if your sales or customer support team handles high call volume, you might need additional lines to avoid busy signals and missed calls. Nextiva’s cloud VoIP phone system makes it easy to add or remove lines as your business grows, giving you flexibility without the hassle of traditional hardware.
Nextiva also supports unlimited users on many plans so that you can scale your phone system with confidence. Whether you need lines for remote employees, meeting rooms, or different departments, Nextiva’s flexible dial plans and call routing features ensure calls are efficiently managed and directed to the right team members. This helps maintain an exceptional customer experience by minimizing wait times and improving call handling.
Finally, if you already have a business phone number, Nextiva lets you port it seamlessly without service interruption. This means you can upgrade to the top-rated cloud VoIP provider while keeping your familiar numbers, making the transition smooth for both your team and customers. Nextiva’s reliable platform and 24/7 support make managing your phone lines straightforward and stress-free.
What does cloud-based PBX mean?
A cloud-based PBX (Private Branch Exchange) is a phone system hosted in the cloud rather than on-premises hardware. Instead of relying on traditional physical phone lines and local servers, a cloud-based PBX uses Internet Protocol (VoIP technology) to manage and route calls over the Internet.
Businesses benefit from cloud-based phone services because of enhanced scalability, lower costs, and advanced features such as call routing, auto attendants, voicemail transcription, call recording, and integration with other business applications.
How do I get a business phone number?
Your cloud-based phone service will offer you a choice of available phone numbers, usually at no additional charge. If you already have a preferred phone number, such as Google Voice, your cell phone, or another business phone service, you have the right to transfer it to the provider of your choice, like Nextiva.
Watch this short video to see how to get a business phone number:
If you need time to think about it, review which phone numbers are available while speaking with one of our cloud communication experts.
Reach us via online chat or by dialing 1-800-799-0600. Rest assured that you can always change your number later.
How reliable is cloud-based VoIP?
Cloud-based VoIP systems are highly reliable, often boasting 99.999% uptime, ensuring your business phone service is virtually always available. Providers like Nextiva use geographically diverse data centers with automatic failover and continuous monitoring to ensure calls are connected without interruption. This infrastructure makes cloud VoIP phone systems more resilient than traditional on-premises phone hardware.
Reliability also depends on a stable, high-speed internet connection, typically requiring at least 1 Mbps per line for optimal call quality. Cloud VoIP providers such as Nextiva implement advanced security measures, including end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, to protect your communications and maintain service integrity. This combination of robust infrastructure and security ensures your business communications remain secure and dependable.
VoIP systems often include enterprise-level features by default, without the need for expensive add-ons. Furthermore, cloud VoIP systems support multiple devices and locations, allowing users to make and receive calls easily on computers, desk phones, and mobile devices. This flexibility enhances business continuity, especially for remote or hybrid teams, ensuring your phone system remains operational and accessible wherever your employees choose to work.
What should you look for in a cloud VoIP provider?
When comparing cloud VoIP providers, we suggest evaluating them based on the following key factors critical to businesses:
- Cost and Value: Seek transparent pricing structures, true value for your investment, and any potential extra fees to ensure you get the best deal.
- Features and Add-Ons: From essential basics to advanced options such as call routing, virtual receptionists, call analytics, and team collaboration tools, assess the full range of capabilities.
- Call Quality: Reliability and clarity are a must, whether you’re in a busy office environment or working remotely, conduct relevant ping and latency performance tests.
- User Experience: Prioritize systems with intuitive mobile and desktop apps, easy call handling, and a hassle-free setup that works for teams from small groups to 1000+ users.
- System Versatility: Support for both traditional hardware phones and modern softphones with proven low-impact to support and integrate preferred business tools.
- Communication Channels: Opt for unified communications platforms offering multiple ways to connect, including voice calls, video meetings, and instant messaging, and SMS to keep your workflow smooth.
- Ease of Use: Compare onboarding options and choose one that and requires minimal training to get your team up and running quickly.
Based on these points, Nextiva is widely recognized as the #1 cloud VoIP provider, trusted by over 100,000 small and large businesses. With its industry-leading 99.999% uptime, comprehensive feature set, and exceptional customer support, known as Amazing Service®, Nextiva consistently delivers a reliable, scalable business phone system that empowers teams to stay connected and provide an outstanding customer experience.
What makes Nextiva the best Cloud VoIP provider in 2026?
Nextiva stands out as the best Cloud VoIP provider in 2026 due to its exceptional combination of reliability, advanced features, and industry-leading customer support. Unlike many budget VoIP providers that rely on slow ticketing systems, Nextiva offers expert-level, friendly, and highly responsive customer service available 24/7, earning it a remarkable 4.8/5.0 rating on Trustpilot and the #1 spot on G2 among VoIP providers as of December 2025.
Nextiva’s platform is built on a robust cloud infrastructure with a guaranteed 99.999% uptime, ensuring your business phone system remains operational without interruptions. This reliability is supported by multiple data centers with automatic failover and continuous monitoring, providing unmatched service resilience.
Beyond reliability, Nextiva delivers a comprehensive suite of advanced features designed to streamline business communications. These include unlimited domestic calling and texting, flexible pricing plans tailored for businesses of all sizes, seamless porting of existing business phone numbers, intelligent call routing, voicemail transcription, call recording, video conferencing, team chat, and CRM integrations.
Nextiva’s commitment to innovation extends to AI-powered tools that provide call summaries and AI answering services, helping businesses gain actionable insights from every interaction. Their intuitive user interface and flexible dial plans make scaling simple, whether you have a small sales team or a large contact center.
In 2026, Nextiva is the best choice for companies seeking a secure, scalable, and feature-rich cloud phone system backed by exceptional customer support and industry-leading uptime. Choosing Nextiva means investing in a future-proof communication platform that grows with your business and ensures an outstanding customer experience every time.


