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iPlum is the best alternative to Nextiva, thanks to its overlapping features and a ton of extras like HIPAA/HITECH compliance, mobile second line, eFax, and better pricing.
Nextiva parades itself as “the best VoIP phone system for businesses.” However, user reviews tell a different story.
Speaking of reviews, let’s start by looking at what users have to say about Nextiva.
Nextiva Reviews—What Are Users Saying About Nextiva?
While some users praise Nextiva, others say it’s a service weighed down by persistent issues, including:
Unreliable service and frequent technical problems
“We started experiencing issues with our phones not working… after 6+ months, we finally gave up… and dealt with taking calls through the app only.” – Capterra Reviewer
Poor customer support and ongoing delays
“I would have to reach out to them multiple times to get a response.” – Michael T., SoftwareAdvice
No self-serve help center
“I have to call for everything — adding users, changing any settings… it always takes an hour or multiple hours to get it resolved across multiple reps.” — G2 Reviewer
Delays and bugs in the mobile app
“I don’t like that sometimes it will take a while to refresh when I have missed a call… the missed call will have gone 30 min or more.” — Kristy Y., G2
Some users had positive things to say about Nextiva, though, including:
Simple call transfers
"I love how you can transfer the calls, without any issue." – Lessly B., G2
Useful notifications
"They send me notifications when someone is calling me." – Verified User G2
Nextiva Features
Nobable Nextiva business phone features include:
- Calling: Allows you to make and receive business calls over the internet.
- Texting: Enables you to send and receive SMS messages using your business number.
- Mobile App: Gives you access to calling, texting, and meetings from your phone.
- Basic Phone Tree: Helps you set up a simple menu that directs callers to the right person.
- Call Forwarding: Sends calls to another number when you're unavailable.
- Voicemail: Lets callers leave a message when you can’t answer.
Nextiva Pricing
Nextiva pricing is structured in four tiers as follows:
- Digital Plan at $25/user/month—Includes messaging apps, social media channels, digital helpdesk, review management, and basic social engagement tracking.
- Core Plan at $36/user/month—Comes with everything in Digital plus voice calling, business SMS, video meetings, screen sharing, file sharing, and call routing.
- Engage Plan at $50/user/month—Includes everything in Core plus toll-free numbers, advanced reporting, MS Teams integration, live chat, and team messaging.
- Power Suite Plan at $75/user/month— Features include everything in Engage, plus tools for sales and service teams like call center support.
Why Consider Nextiva Alternative?
As we’ve seen from the Nextiva reviews above, the platform has some drawbacks that can significantly affect your day-to-day client engagement over the phone or text.
Some reasons to look for a Nextiva alternative include:
- You want better mobile app performance: Nextiva's mobile app has been criticized for inconsistent and buggy experiences.
- You need more reliable customer support: Users have reported delays, long hold times, and multiple transfers when trying to resolve simple issues.
- You prefer a more intuitive interface: The admin dashboard and basic settings can feel clunky, making it harder for non-technical users to manage.
- You want simpler onboarding: A few customers mention that the setup took longer than expected due to unclear documentation or support delays.
- You need affordable pricing for small teams: For what it offers, some feel Nextiva's pricing is too high, especially for startups or solo users.
- You rely heavily on texting for business: Some reviews mention ongoing problems with SMS delivery, verification delays, or dropped text support..
- You expect solid call reliability. User reviews often mention dropped calls, connection delays, and unnotified voicemails with Nextiva.
Whether you’re switching for the reasons above or any other reason, we have handpicked the best Nextiva alternatives worth your attention.
Top Alternatives to Nextiva and Competitors
We’ll start by summarizing how these Nextiva competitors compare from a bird’s-eye point of view.
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1. iPlum
iPlum is a mobile-first business phone system. And, unlike Nextiva, which revolves around VoIP desk phones, iPlum focuses on mobile devices.
Yet, you can still use it to route calls to your computer. This gives you the on-the-go flexibility to manage business communication wherever you are.
iPlum vs. Nextiva
As stated, Nextiva is a VoIP-based phone system for businesses. iPlum, by comparison, holds its own by delivering both VoIP and carrier-network calling for better reliability.
Although both offer calls, texts, and voicemail, iPlum goes a step further with encrypted messaging and automated text replies. That way, businesses can protect sensitive information and, at the same time attend to all calls, even outside business hours.
Nextiva and iPlum offer call recording. However, Nextiva limits its recording capabilities to internal review and training.
In comparison, iPlum ensures secure and compliant call recording for industries that require long-term storage, such as healthcare and finance. It also allows you to add a free consent message before recording starts, a feature Nextiva lacks.
Although you can use Nextiva’s auto-attendant to route calls, iPlum’s phone tree allows more control.
With iPlum, you can set up customized extensions for a professional experience. In addition, iPlum integrates directly with enterprise systems through API, giving you better visibility into call logs.
Unlike Nextiva, which prioritizes VoIP, iPlum includes online faxing, advanced security policies, and encrypted messaging. It also allows you to separate work and personal calls on a single device using a second line, something Nextiva doesn’t.
Check out iPlum’s full line up of features
Verdict
iPlum is one of the best Nextiva alternatives for replacing a complicated business phone system with a mobile-first solution.
It packs all the features you need to manage calls and texts while staying compliant. Whether you want to secure client communication, improve efficiency, or keep work and personal calls separate, iPlum has got you covered.
2. Vonage
Vonage is a cloud-based business phone system whose core functionality includes voice, video, and messaging across desktop and mobile apps. Here’s how it compares to Nextiva.
Vonage vs Nextiva
Although Vonage and Nextiva are big cloud-based communication companies, the latter pushes the envelope with more potent customer engagement tools.
Most notable is the Business Inbox, a feature that consolidates messages from SMS, Facebook, and other channels into one place. With the Inbox, you can interact with customers without switching between channels.
Vonage also makes scaling easier. Nextiva locks advanced features behind higher-tier plans. In comparison, Vonage lets users add new functions on demand through its admin portal. This allows you to grow without renegotiating contracts.
For hybrid teams, Vonage provides a smoother experience. Its mobile and desktop apps allow quick switching between devices, while Nextiva’s system is optimized for VoIP desk phones. Thus, businesses that rely on mobile communication will find Vonage the better fit.
Vonage simplifies team collaboration. It includes built-in messaging, so employees can chat within the same platform they use for calls and video. Nextiva lacks a dedicated messaging tool, making internal communication less fluid.
Regarding integrations, Nextiva connects with popular CRM tools, but Vonage goes further. It integrates with Slack, G Suite, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and more, making it a stronger option for businesses using multiple collaboration platforms.
Verdict
Vonage is a good alternative to Nextiva for users who want better third-party integrations and built-in team messaging rather than a VoIP system centered around desk phones.
That said, Plum is a more adaptable solution for secure messaging, compliance, and dual-network calling.
3. RingEX
RingEX, like Nextiva and Vonage, is a cloud-based business phone system with voice, video, messaging, and call management features.
According to RingEX, the platform seeks to be a” trusted leader in AI communications,” claims evidenced by the broad collection of innovative features.
Here’s how RingEX compares to Nextiva.
RingEX vs Nextiva
RingEX and Nextiva boast solid VoIP solutions with calling, video conferencing, and team collaboration.
However, RingEX’s base plan includes multi-level IVR and automatic call distribution (ACD), while Nextiva reserves these for higher tiers. Thus, RingEX is a worthy Nextiva alternative for small businesses that need call routing right out of the box.
Unlike Nextiva, RingEX covers voicemail transcription across all plans, ensuring users can read messages instead of dialing in regardless of the subscription package. Conversely, Nextiva only includes this feature for its Enterprise-tier users.
RingEX does a good job with SMS automation. It allows businesses to send automatic replies based on triggers like missed calls or keywords, which Nextiva doesn’t offer.
Furthermore, RingEX allows longer meeting durations than Nextiva, making it ideal for users relying heavily on video collaboration. Meanwhile, RingEX’s heads-up display feature enables you to monitor up to 100 extensions in real-time, a level of visibility that Nextiva does not match.
While both providers integrate with CRM and productivity tools, RingEX connects with a wider range of third-party apps. This gives you greater flexibility to embed communication within your existing workflows.
Verdict
RingEX is a lightweight yet feature-packed alternative to Nextiva if you’re looking for call management, SMS automation, and longer video meetings.
4. Aircall
Aircall markets itself as the “business phone system for high-performing companies.” Whether this is true depends on who you ask.
One undeniable thing, though, is that Aircall comes with serious features for sales and support teams, including AI-driven coaching, call tagging, and a Power Dialer for high-volume outreach.
Aircall vs Nextiva
Aircall and Nextiva offer VoIP calling, mobile apps, and CRM integrations. However, Aircall is built specifically for sales-focused teams.
Unlike Nextiva, Aircall has Power Dialer, which automatically pulls numbers from a list to help accelerate outbound calls. In addition, Aircall enforces mandatory call tagging to categorize calls for better reporting, a feature Nextiva lacks.
When it comes to call management, Aircall includes pause-resume call recording across all plans, while Nextiva reserves call recording for higher tiers.
Aircall also offers AI-powered coaching tools, including call whispering and live monitoring, and therefore, a good Nextiva alternative for training and performance improvement.
Nextiva has built-in video conferencing and team chat, while Aircall focuses solely on voice. Thus, Nextiva is a better fit for businesses that require a unified communications platform.
However, Aircall compensates with smart call routing, which dynamically assigns calls based on agent expertise and availability. Nextiva’s routing features are pretty basic.
Aircall delivers email performance reports, allowing managers to track productivity without constantly checking the dashboard. Meanwhile, Nextiva offers broader customer engagement tools but doesn’t match Aircall’s granular sales-focused insights.
Verdict
Aircall is a robust Nextiva alternative for teams keen on dealing with sales bottlenecks and want to implement CRM-powered automation.
5. 8x8
8x8, according to the official website, “makes your phones smarter.” Its stand-out features include unlimited international calling, AI-powered analytics, and extensive security certifications.
But is it worth mentioning in the best Nextiva alternatives round-up? Let’s find out.
8x8 vs Nextiva
Nextiva and 8x8 offer VoIP calling, messaging, and video conferencing. However, 8x8 sets itself apart by offering unlimited international calling on select plans, which Nextiva charges extra.
Thus, if your business has a global presence, 8x8’s built-in international coverage can significantly cut costs.
Furthermore, both offer collaboration tools, but 8x8 pushes the envelope with innovative messaging features.
For instance, it offers a unified chat experience with private and group messaging, file sharing, and voice/video call access within the same interface. Nextiva, in comparison, leans more toward voice and video.
Also, 8x8 includes multi-level auto-attendants across plans, allowing users to automate call routing with structured menu options. This reduces the need for live receptionists and improves call-handling efficiency.
Nextiva, by comparison, offers a virtual receptionist, but its customization and routing options aren’t as advanced.
In addition, 8x8’s AI-powered call analytics allows for real-time performance monitoring, agent tracking, and call summaries, features Nextiva doesn’t have.
On the flip side, though, Nextiva’s pricing is more transparent. 8x8 doesn’t show its pricing plans on the official website, so it’s difficult to determine the cost upfront.
Verdict
Choose 8x8 over Nextiva if you’re in for a business phone system that allows you to interact with a global audience.
Consider 8x8 hidden pricing, though. You don’t want unexpected costs sneaking up on you.
That said, if transparency is a deal breaker, iPlum offers clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
6. ZoomPhone
Zoom Phone is a cloud-based business phone solution that integrates with Zoom’s video conferencing and chat. It allows users to transition quickly between calls and video meetings.
Here’s how it compares to Nextiva.
ZoomPhone vs Nextiva.
While Nextiva and Zoom Phone core functionality revolve around cloud-based communication, Zoom Phone delivers better call mobility because of its integration into Zoom’s video ecosystem.
And, unlike Nextiva, which distributes VoIP features across higher-tier plans, Zoom Phone provides all core calling features upfront.
Moreover, its ability to instantly switch a phone call into a Zoom video meeting gives remote teams a communication advantage that Nextiva doesn’t provide.
Meanwhile, Zoom Phone’s dynamic call handling allows for flexible routing and delegation—perfect for businesses with teams in different time zones. In comparison, Nextiva’s call management options are more rigid, often requiring higher-tier plans for advanced routing.
Zoom Phone also offers shared line groups, which enable teams to collectively manage calls and voicemails. This feature is not available with Nextiva.
All of that said, Nextiva boasts a more extensive feature set for team collaboration, including built-in messaging, which Zoom Phone does not fully match.
However, Zoom Phone compensates for this with a more budget-friendly pricing structure, particularly for small businesses. Furthermore, Nextiva charges per minute for international calls, whereas Zoom Phone offers unlimited global calling as an add-on.
Verdict
If you’re into video conferencing, consider Zoom Phone. The platform’s integration with Zoom makes it a great choice for face-to-face communication.
7. Ooma
Ooma is a VoIP provider designed for small business solopreneurs. It offers features like auto-attendants, call forwarding, and voicemail and thrives on cost-effectiveness. But is it a worthy Nextiva competitor? Let’s find out.
Ooma vs. Nextiva
First, Ooma and Nextiva subscriptions come with unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada. However, Ooma takes it to the next level by including Puerto Rico and Mexico at no extra cost. This makes Ooma a better fit for businesses with North American clients.
Moreover, Ooma’s call management tools—like auto-attendant and extension dialing—are available from the base plan. Nextiva, in comparison, reserves many advanced features for higher-tier users.
Unlike Nextiva, Ooma provides built-in IP phone paging, which allows users to send announcements across multiple devices without third-party tools. This can be particularly useful for retail, warehouses, and office environments where quick internal communication is important.
Additionally, Ooma’s digital call deflection lets customers switch from phone to text with a single key press, which Nextiva doesn’t offer.
Ooma falls short in some areas compared to Nextiva, though. For instance, Nextiva outperforms Ooma in integrations, connecting with a wider range of CRM and productivity tools. Hence, users who rely on seamless app connectivity may find Ooma limiting.
Conversely, Ooma has more straightforward pricing than Nextiva. It even offers free number porting and has a call leaderboard for tracking call activity, features that Nextiva either lacks or charges extra for.
Sure, Ooma may not have the sleekest interface, but it delivers solid functionality without the need for costly upgrades.
Verdict
Choose Ooma over Nextiva if you’re on a tight budget. However, with cost-effectiveness comes trade-offs—fewer features and integrations.
If you want to keep costs low, iPlum is an even more affordable yet feature-rich option, with the Standard Plan starting as low as $8.99 per user per month.
Best Nextiva Alternatives - Why Choose iPlum
Nextiva claims to be the best. However, reality paints a different picture.
Call drops. Hidden fees. A clunky system that slows you down, to mention but a few drawbacks.
If you’re looking for a good alternative to Nextiva, iPlum is worth serious consideration.
Starting at just $8.99 per user per month, you get carrier-grade reliability, HIPAA-compliant security, and encrypted messaging.
And, unlike Nextiva, iPlum supports both VoIP and carrier calling, plus mobile-first flexibility for business on the go.
Whether you need a second business line, call recording compliance, or secure messaging, iPlum has it all!
Switch today to experience the iPlum difference.
The best part? You can port/transfer your number into iPlum for free!
Sounds good?
