Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems have become a crucial part of modern business infrastructure for handling communication between companies, clients, and customers. VoIP might sound like it's just for audio and calls, but in 2026, these providers offer everything from calls and video conferencing to smart routing, collaborative work tools, AI, messaging, transcription, and even analytics, all of which might be compatible with existing CRMs and SaaS solutions. Also: Best email hosting servicesBefore you choose your new VoIP service, explore whether you want a cloud-based or on-premise solution, your budget, scalability, and whether you want advanced features. These are the best providers on the market that combine business VoIP communication tools, innovative features, scalability, and value for money.In ZDNET's April update, we conducted an overhaul of our guide and FAQs. We also included Zoom Phone as one of our top picks and moved 8x8 to our alternatives, as we prefer Zoom's approach to transparency and pricing.Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.
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Best personal data removal service deals of the week $162 (save $198) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. What is the best business VoIP provider right now?ZDNET's top recommendation for a business VoIP provider is Intermedia Unite. Available from $28 per user per month, Intermedia United provides a high-quality VoIP service that businesses of almost any size will appreciate. It also offers solid integration options, which are especially useful if your business is operating in the Microsoft ecosystem.If you're a small business looking for a VoIP service that provides the essentials, you could opt for RingCentral instead. This is a more affordable option at $15 per seat per month. Also: The best password managers for businesses: Expert testedWhen I compiled my top choices, I sought out the experiences of ZDNET authors and users themselves. I also considered the reputation and history of each VoIP provider on our list, ensuring that I only selected vendors who provide the services and features businesses need today. The best business VoIP Services of 2026 Intermedia Unite If you plan to use a VoIP service for collaboration and business purposes -- especially in the Microsoft ecosystem -- you will want to explore the features offered by Intermedia Unite.Why we like it: Intermedia Unite sports stand-out features such as mobile and desktop apps, auto-attendance, call transfers, three-way calling, voicemail transcription, archiving, team chat, video meetings, and analytics, making it an all-rounder option for VoIP use cases. It's particularly useful for Microsoft Teams users, with a standalone plan available for Teams and collaborative use. In terms of integrations, you can use Intermedia Unite with third-party apps such as Slack, Chrome, Zoho CRM, Salesforce, and Zendesk. In recent months, the company introduced a zero-cost migration service and an AI supervisor assistant for business users.Who's it for: Considering this service's focus on interoperability and smart features, I consider it one of the best options for most users, especially if your business is part of the Microsoft ecosystem. Customers like the reliability and call quality of the VoIP service and note that there is rarely any downtime. Two plans are available: Unite Pro and Unite Enterprise. Plans start at $28 per user per month, but keep in mind that some features -- including AI assistance and video conferencing -- are only available on premium plans. This higher tier starts at $33 per user per month.Free desk phones or headsets are available to new customers. Who should look elsewhere: If you want a broader range of plans or something more budget-friendly, check out my other picks.Intermedia Unite features: Free calling to 33 countries | Mobile support | Mix and match licensing | Three-way calling | Spam blocking | HD video meetings | CRM integration | AI coaching | Trustpilot rating: 4.1/5
