With one of the best VoIP services, keeping in touch with friends and family will be cheaper and easier than using a traditional landline. From affordable international rates to blocking scammers and telemarketers, these systems are a must-have.
But with the rising number of VoIP services for Canadian homes, finding one best suited to your needs and budget can be a mammoth task. In this post, we’ve rounded up and analyzed the market’s best VoIP home phone Canada solutions — our top pick is none other than the almighty Ooma, but keep reading to learn more about what each one has to offer you.
Our Pick for the Best VoIP Home Phone Canada 2023 | Ooma
Ooma is easily the #1 VoIP service for homes in Canada.
Here are the standout features of Ooma:
Best VoIP Home Phone Canada 2023 | Top 10 Shortlist
Our extensive research separated the great from the subpar and concluded that these 10 VoIPs are the market’s leading home phone services in Canada:
- Ooma: Top Pick for Call Blocking. Try it Out With the Whopping 60-Day Free Trial.
- Ringcentral Office: Excels in Global Coverage. Check Out the 15-Day Free Trial Before Committing.
- Vonage: Best VoIP Home Canada Overall. Take Advantage of the 14-Day Free Trial Now!
- 8×8: Ideal for Visual Voicemail Display. Offers a Lengthy 30-Day Free Trial.
- Mighty Call: Perfect for Call Screening. Affordable Pricing + a Week-Long Free Trial.
- Nextiva: Ideal for Unlimited Calling and Texting. Offers an Easy Setup and a Generous 30-Day Free Trial.
- DialPad: Popular for its Versatile Connections and Integration Support. Test it Free for 2 Weeks.
- Intermedia Unite: Excels in Virtual Faxing and Voicemail Transcription + Has a 30-Day Free Trial.
- 4Com: Perfect for Big Families and Call Recording. No Free Trial is Available.
- BT: Must-Have for People Who Need Installation Assistance. Also Doesn’t Have a Free Trial.
To narrow down the options and shortlist only the best Canada VoIP home phone services, we took the following factors into consideration:
- Functionality (feature-to-price value)
- Affordability and scalability
- Ease of use and setup
- Customer support
- Bandwidth
These factors ensured that only the best of the market landed up in our top 10 best VoIP home phone Canada picks.
The Best VoIP Service for Home Canada 2023 | Reviewed
Here’s everything you need to know about our top 10 picks for the best VoIP providers for home Canada:
1. Ooma: Top Pick for Call Blocking
One thing that distinguishes Ooma from traditional landline services is that it’s loaded with contemporary features like call blocking and 911 alerts. And since you are making the call over the internet, the audio quality is far better and unaffected by network disturbances.
Also, you don’t have to blindly trust Ooma’s claim that they provide the best audio quality; go ahead and listen to the recorded examples on their website.
Moreover, Ooma is also one of the best VoIP providers in Australia. What makes your experience even better is their money-back guarantee and free service. The only thing you have to pay for is the device itself and taxes (if applicable).
Best Features
Here is what we love about Ooma:
- Emergency Number Alerts: In the time of an emergency, Ooma will automatically forward your address to the emergency department and alert you about any updates you receive from them.
- Call Blocker: Block spammers or telemarketers for good using Ooma. Only the calls that are actually important will come through.
- Mobile App: Ooma VoIP home service comes with a mobile app that you can use to make calls from your home number when you are not home.
- Amazon Alexa Integration: Ooma integrates with Amazon Alexa and allows you to check your contacts, and voicemail, or place a call with a simple voice command.
More information about Ooma:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Call blocking | 1. Emergency number alerts
2. Call blocker 3. Amazon Alexa integration |
Starting at $99.99 | iOS and Android | 60-day free trial | 50+ |
Pricing
Here are the plans offered by Ooma:
- Basic: $99.9 for Ooma Telo White and $0 for their service
- Premiere: $99.9 for Ooma Telo White and $9.99 for their service
Pros
- Superior audio quality
- Integrates with Amazon Alexa
- Access call log and record online
- Block telemarketers automatically
Cons
- Many important features require a premium plan
2. RingCentral Office: Excels in Global Coverage
RingCentral is best known for its all-in-one communication platform, which allows you to call, text, or even video with just one platform. One of their best features for home connections is their VoIP phones, which offer cloud-based communication services.
The best part is since RingCentral also covers all major business communication, you can use the same platform to run your business as well.
Best Features
Here is what we love about RingCentral Office, one of the best home VoIP Canada:
- Global Coverage: RingCentral is available in over 110 countries, meaning you can connect to your friends and family from anywhere in the world.
- Reliable: RingCentral offers an unbeatable and reliable service with a guaranteed 99.99% uptime, so you don’t miss any important calls.
- Voicemail to Text: Another unique feature of RingCentral Office is that it transcribes all your voicemails to texts and forwards them to you right away.
- Audio Conferencing: Want to start a group call with all your friends and spill all the tea for the week? RingCentral’s audio conferencing feature is all you’ll need.
More information about RingCentral Office:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Global coverage | 1. Reliable
2. Voicemail to text 3. Audio conferencing |
Starting at $19.99/user/month | iOS and Android | 15-day free trial | 200+ |
Pricing
Here are the plans offered by RingCentral Office:
- Essentials: $19.99/user/month
- Standard: $27.99/user/month
- Premium: $34.99/user/month
- Ultimate: $49.99/user/month
Pros
- Multiple pricing options
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Available in 110+ countries
- Voicemail to text transcription
Cons
- Conference greeting messages can’t be customized
3. Vonage: One Of The Best VoIP Services For Home in Canada
Vonage is one of the best VoIP services for home and is best known for fostering speedy connections and offering a reliable network that is accessible and ready to connect at all hours. The software specializes in both business and domestic communication, giving it a better chance of providing a global network for its users.
You can use your current number to register for their service or get a totally new one. Vonage will also help you at every stage of VoIP activation. The best part is that all Vonage features are backed by the protection of a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Such is its popularity that it’s also one of the best virtual phone number US providers.
Best Features
Here is what we love about Vonage, the best VoIP service for home international calls:
- Global Network: Since Vonage has a global presence, you can call in up to 60 countries, depending on the plan you choose.
- Affordable International Calling: International calling isn’t expensive anymore. Vonage lets you make international calls at standard rates.
- Free Set-up: Set up your VoIP phone system for free. Starting from shipping to activation, everything is 100% free with Vonage.
- Flexible Buying Option: Vonage allows you to purchase a plan with either a one-year contract or without a contract so that you have the flexibility to tap out whenever you want.
More information about Vonage:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Affordable international calling | 1. Global network
2. Free setup 3. Flexible buying option |
Starting at $9.99/month | iOS and Android | 14-day trial | 20+ |
Pricing
Here are the prices offered by Vonage:
- North America (domestic plan): Starting at $9.99/month
- US and Canada 400 (limited domestic plan): Starting at $9.99/month
- World Prime (international plan): Starting at $9.99/month
- US and Canada 400 World Prime 400 (limited international plan): Starting at $9.99/month
Pros
- Affordable plans
- Flexible buying options
- Available in 60+ countries
- Free set-up and activation
Cons
- Complex pricing
4. 8×8: Ideal for Visual Voicemail Display
8×8 is popular for numerous reasons. For starters, its strict security measures ensure that none of your private details are leaked, and no online attacker can steal your data.
On top of that, it also guarantees maximum uptime and seamless integrations with apps of your choice. This is the reason 8×8 is also one of the best virtual landlines UK and the best VoIP home phone in the UK.
The best VoIP service home feature of 8×8 is its customizable pricing. They not only offer pre-designed plans but also allow you to request a personalized quote based on your unique needs.
Best Features
Here is what we love about 8×8:
- Visual Voicemail: 8×8 offers a visual interface for your voicemail to give you a glimpse into a list of all pending voicemails while you listen to the recent ones.
- Limitless Audio Conferencing: Want to host a virtual meet with your friends and family? 8×8 allows you to invite up to 100 people to each audio and video conference.
- Available in 48 Countries: Depending on the plan you choose, 8×8 lets you make international calls at standard rates in over 48 countries.
- Unlimited Calling: If you are calling within Canada or the US, you get access to 8×8’s high-quality and unlimited voice calling feature.
More information about 8×8:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Voicemail display | 1. Visual voicemail
2. Unlimited calling 3. Available in 48 countries |
Starting at $15/user/month | iOS and Android | 30-day free trial | 60 |
Pricing
Here are the plans offered by 8×8:
- Small business phone system: $15/user/month
- Voice, video, and chat for teams: $24/user/month
- Advanced call handling and analytics: $44/user/month
Pros
- Customizable plans
- Visual voicemail interface
- Music on call hold
- Audio conferencing up to 100 people
Cons
- Doesn’t allow you to delete old chats or messages
5. MightyCall: Perfect for Call Screening
MightyCall is one of the most popular VoIP phone services in Canada, especially owing to its world-class security, reliability, and remote access. It also offers a reliable payment processing system to ensure all your payments are deposited safely and on time.
Unlike other software, MightyCall doesn’t require you to have any special hardware or additional phone system; you can get started with your phone or laptop. The pricing is also pretty reasonable, and you don’t have to pay per feature.
Best Features
Here is what we love about MightyCall:
- Caller ID: Get a caller ID for each caller to check if the call actually needs to be taken or if it can simply go to voicemail.
- Call Screening: You surely don’t want unwanted numbers bothering you on your home line, right? That’s why MightyCall provides a call screening tool to keep away unwanted callers.
- Multiple Device Compatibility: Whether you are using a softphone, mobile phone, web phone, or any other device, MightyCall will work with all.
- Customer Support: The best thing about MightyCall is its stellar customer support team that is available on call as well as live chat.
More information about MightyCall:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Call screening | 1. Caller ID info
2. Call screening 3. Customer support |
Starting at $12/user/month | iOS and Android | 7-day free trial |
Not revealed. Integrations allowed through API and Zapier |
Pricing
Here are the plans offered by MightyCall:
- Small Teams: $12/user/month
- Business: $15/user/month
- Enterprise: $150/month
Pros
- Affordable plans
- Call screening
- Caller ID display
- Reliable customer support
Cons
- Comes with a learning curve
6. Nextiva: Ideal for Unlimited Calling and Texting
Nextiva makes communicating with people around the world easier than ever. For starters, you get instant access to everyone internationally through phone, text, or video calls. Another feature that really comes in handy is its powerful automation tools.
Planning a lavish party but don’t have the time to reply to everyone personally? Use Nextiva’s auto-response feature to send out automated replies to similar queries. And since Nextiva is also available on mobile devices, you can use your home number even on the go.
Best Features
Here is what we love about Nextiva:
- Unlimited Calling and Texting: Missing your favorite ones? Nextiva offers unlimited calling and texting so that you can stay in touch with everyone you care about.
- Call Pop: Call Pop is a unique feature of this tool that gives you information like the last call and calls the subject of a caller so that you can decide if you want to talk at the moment or not.
- Easy Set up: Nextiva is built for everyone. Whether you are a tech genius or an amateur, setting up this tool is a breeze.
- Secure Connections: Nextiva takes the security and protection of its customer data extremely seriously. That’s why their security protocols meet and exceed the standards set by ISO/IEC 27001 certification.
More information about Nextiva:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Unlimited calling and texting | 1. Call pop display
2. Easy setup 3. Secure connections |
Starting at $18.95/user/month | iOS and Android | 30-day free trial | At least 23 |
Pricing
Here are the plans offered by Nextiva:
- Essential: $18.95/user/month
- Professional: $22.95/user/month
- Enterprise: $32.95/user/month
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Next-level security
- Easy to set up
- Unlimited calling and texting
Cons
- The mobile apps aren’t as efficient
7. DialPad: Popular for its Versatile Connections
Being a unified communication platform, DialPad is perfect for those looking for a home line with a global connection. The software is pretty flexible and does not require you to buy a separate phone system — you can use it directly on your smartphone or tablet.
The best thing about this tool is its transparency in its pricing. The plans start at as low as $15/month, and you will know exactly what you are paying for, meaning no hidden charges anywhere in the journey.
Best Features
Here is what we love about DialPad:
- Versatile Connections: DialPad isn’t just designed for traditional phones; it works perfectly fine on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet too.
- Cloud-based: Since DialPad is cloud-based, none of your information is stored on any physical server. This means you get remote access to your contacts and can use your number remotely as well.
- 3-step Setup: Setting up DialPad is extremely easy. All you have to do is select your number, download the app and start calling.
- Call Routing: Not available to receive the call on your home number? Easily route the call to any number of your choice when you are away.
More information about DialPad:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Versatile Connections | 1. 3-step setup
2. Call routing 3. Cloud-based |
Starting at $15/user/month | Desktop, iOS and Android | 14-day free trial | 80+ |
Pricing
Here are the plans offered by DialPad:
- Standard: $15/user/month
- Pro: $25/user/month
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Pros
- Quick installation
- Call forwarding
- Versatile connections
- High-quality audio and video
Cons
- Needs to work on its voicemail transcriptions
8. Intermedia Unite: Excels in Virtual Faxing and Voicemail Transcription
Intermedia Unite’s home phone services work in two steps. First, you need to choose a device of your choice or select from the range of phone systems and then configure the device with Intermedia Unite’s full-suite account.
What makes Intermedia Unite the perfect phone for your home is its integrated services. You can choose to use it for voice calling alone or integrate text messaging and video conferencing into it — the choice is yours.
Best Features
Here is what we love about Intermedia Unite:
- Virtual Fax: Virtual faxing simplifies document sharing by facilitating users to send or receive faxes on the web.
- Screen Sharing: Screen Sharing allows you to get on a call with your friends and show a visual representation of what you are talking about. Planning events together and sharing memories has never been this easy.
- Availability Settings: By setting your availability as busy or available, others in your home will be able to check if the home line is being used or not.
- Voicemail Transcription: Intermedia Unite transcribes all your voicemails and sends them directly to your email or mobile app.
More information about Intermedia Unite:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Virtual faxing | 1. Virtual fax
2. Screen sharing 3. Voicemail transcription |
Starting at $27.99 | iOS and Android | 30-day free trial | Not revealed |
Pricing
Here are the plans offered by Intermedia Unite:
- Unite Pro: $27.99
- Unite Enterprise: $32.99
If your requirements do not match the existing plan, you can also reach out to the sales team and get a custom quote.
Pros
- Screen sharing
- Virtual fax
- Voicemail transcription
- Availability setting
Cons
- The call-answering feature on mobile devices is a little buggy
9. 4Com: Perfect for Big Families and Call Recording
With more than 15000 active customers, 4Com is one of the most reliable VoIP services and provides the best VoIP phones for home use in Canada. The software provides nationwide installation support and a unique offer to buy you out of your existing contract in case you cannot afford to ditch your VoIP service provider.
They are best known for their HiHi3 phones that come with a removable touchscreen display and pre-installed Google Play, giving you instant access to any app you want.
Best Features
Here is what we love about 4Com:
- Call Recording: Want to go back and cherish heartfelt conversations? Try the call recording feature by 4Com.
- Family Solution: 4Com is a complete family solution. Even the most basic device can work for up to 10 people, whereas premium phones can support up to 100 people.
- Mobile App: 4Com phone systems come with a mobile app (HiHi Connect and HiHi There) for remote call management.
- 24×7 Support: 4Com truly offers reliable customer support. Problems can be reported 24×7 with guaranteed action within 24 hours.
More information about 4Com:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
Large families | 1. Call recording
2. Solution for the whole family 3. Mobile App |
On request | HiHi3 Connect (iOS and Android) | Not Available | Not revealed |
Pricing
4Com reveals its pricing only on requesting a quote.
Pros
- Call recording
- Works for 100+ users
- Get reliable support 24×7
- Comes with a responsive mobile app
Cons
- Non-transparent pricing
10. BT: Must-Have for People Who Need Installation Assistance
The 21st century is not the era of you following your phone. VoIP is changing the communication industry to make your phone follow you wherever you go.
BT is another commendable VoIP phone service provider that easily integrates with any device of your choice, giving you the flexibility to make or take a call from anywhere.
BT also provides flexible plans and packages. You can either choose unlimited calls and messages or go for a limited plan so that you are only paying for what you absolutely need.
Best Features
Here is what we love about BT:
- Future-proofing: The system is configured to get all updates completed automatically. And being cloud-based, it will make relocating in the future hassle-free.
- Installation: Depending on the plan you choose, you can either get the system installed yourself or have an engineer do it for you.
- Number of Users: Even the most basic plan by BT supports up to 99 users. So you can easily accommodate all your family and even close friends in one plan.
- Virtual Geographic Numbers: Virtual geographic numbers resemble any regular local number with the only difference being that their sole purpose is to connect a call to your actual number and facilitate cheap, long-distance calls.
More information about BT:
Best For | Top Benefits | Price | Mobile Application | Free Trial | Integrations |
People who need installation assistance | 1. Future-proofing
2. Easy installation 3. Virtual geographic numbers |
Not revealed | Desktop, iOS and Android | Not available | Not revealed |
Pricing
BT does not have a generalized pricing plan. Instead, you must request a personalized quote.
Pros
- Remote access
- Virtual geographic numbers
- Flexible buying options
- World-class security
Cons
- Some users find it pretty expensive
Best VoIP Providers for Home Phone Canada | Comparison Table
To help you compare the 10 best home phone VoIP Canada providers by parameters like pricing, integrations, free trials, and more, we’ve compiled this handy head-to-head comparison table:
2. Call blocker 3. Amazon Alexa integration 2. Free setup 3. Flexible buying option 2. Unlimited calling 3. Available in 48 countries 2. Voicemail to text 3. Audio conferencing 2. Call screening 3. Customer support Not revealed. Integrations allowed through API and Zapier 2. Easy setup 3. Secure connections 2. Call routing 3. Cloud-based 2. Screen sharing 3. Voicemail transcription 2. Solution for the whole family 3. Mobile App 2. Easy installation 3. Virtual geographic numbers
VoIP Provider
Best For
Top Benefits
Price
Mobile Application
Free Trial
Integrations
Ooma
Best for call blocking
1. Emergency number alerts
Starting at $99.99
iOS and Android
60-day free trial
50+
Vonage
Best overall
1. Global network
Starting at $9.99/month
iOS and Android
14-day trial
20+
8×8
Voicemail display
1. Visual voicemail
Starting at $15/user/month
iOS and Android
30-day free trial
60
RingCentral Office
Global coverage
1. Reliable
Starting at $19.99/user/month
iOS and Android
15-day free trial
200+
Mighty Call
Call screening
1. Caller ID info
Starting at $12/user/month
iOS and Android
7-day free trial
Nextiva
Unlimited calling and texting
1. Call pop display
Starting at $18.95/user/month
iOS and Android
30-day free trial
At least 23
DialPad
Versatile Connections
1. 3-step setup
Starting at $15/user/month
Desktop, iOS, and Android
14-day free trial
80+
Intermediate Unite
Virtual faxing
1. Virtual fax
Starting at $27.99
iOS and Android
30-day free trial
Not revealed
4Com
Big families
1. Call recording
On request
HiHi3 Connect (iOS and Android)
Not Available
Not revealed
BT
People who need installation assistance
1. Future-proofing
Not revealed
Desktop, iOS, and Android
Not available
Not revealed
What is a VoIP Home Phone, and How Does it Work?
VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol. This commercial communications technology allows calls to be made and received over the internet.
Any phone that places and receives calls via the internet is a VoIP phone. There are four main features that come with residential VoIP services, including call waiting and forwarding, emergency calls, three-way calling, and voice mail hosted by the provider.
VoIP phones don’t make use of standard twisted-pair copper wiring. The phone is connected to the internet via the same broadband cable plugged into a router or computer.
VoIP phones internally transform calls into digital signals. This signal is then relayed to the person you’re talking to through the internet. The digital signal will be transmitted back into an analog signal at the other end and played over their phone’s speaker. They do not rely on physical exchanges as landlines do.
Desk phones are linked to a VoIP service provider during setup to make calls. Additionally, since these calls are made online, any data, including call recordings, may be stored in the cloud and retrieved later.
A VoIP home phone offers you better mobility, interoperability, and connectivity than a conventional hard-wired phone, which employs direct connection copper cables to provide telephone service.
Benefits of Using a VoIP Provider in Canada
The popularity of VoIP solutions in Canada (and around the world) is unsurprising. Here are some of the top benefits of switching to a VoIP solution over a traditional landline:
Cost-efficiency
The VoIP phone system will help Canadians save money. They will reduce your phone bill by 50%, depending on the type of service you opt for.
In contrast to VoIP, which only has monthly ISP fees, traditional phone lines generally charge by the minute for call time. Plenty of VoIP carriers offer cheap or even free calls.
Additionally, since VoIP is mainly hosted in the cloud, you won’t need to spend money on bulky hardware to enable your employees to make calls from their laptops, desktops, or smartphones.
Voicemail to Email
Voicemail to Email is a function of VoIP systems that sends voicemails as audio files to email inboxes. Instead of contacting your voicemail service, this solution enables recipients to retrieve their voicemail recordings by smartphone, email, or any other device.
Typically, a voicemail-to-email service will empower you to listen to recorded voicemail messages. However, some systems also provide customers with the choice to have their voicemails transcribed, which recipients can read later.
The objective of voicemail-to-email services is to increase voicemail accessibility so that all missed calls are correctly handled without interfering with your company’s workflow.
Integrations
Your company most certainly makes use of a variety of other systems and technologies to improve operational efficiencies. VoIP interacts quickly and readily with a range of current business platforms. Most capable VoIP systems integrate with a client database, CRM, and payment methods, among other components of your company.
That means you can enjoy VoIP’s advantages without changing your IT setup or software configuration. If you like the concept of having a client’s entire file appear on your desktop when they call, you will appreciate these integrated features.
Since not all VoIP companies provide this level of integration, we recommend you shop around while exploring options.
Ease of Installation, Configuration, Maintenance
One of our favorite features of VoIP is how simple it is to install IP phones, even for those with less technical knowledge. Installing phone wires throughout your office does not require the services of experts.
Instead, IP phones are almost plug-and-play. You can simply port your current business number by downloading an app or working with your VoIP software provider.
VoIP software also makes it extremely simple to add new users, and a web interface makes transferring, adding, or modifying your system’s settings a breeze. Due to its structural simplicity, maintenance is simple and hardly necessitates the help of a technician.
Lower International Calling Costs
VoIP helps businesses save money by handling long-distance calls like it treats local ones. Many traditional VoIP providers allow unlimited Canada-to-Canada calls if you use a Canada-based business phone number instead of charging companies for calls made outside their area code.
Additionally, compared to traditional telecoms, most VoIP companies also provide lower prices for international calls, further increasing business savings.
VoIP is a Contract-Free Service
One of the unique aspects of the VoIP sector is that clients are only charged for the services they utilize per month. The company can renegotiate the agreement’s terms before it expires to get better terms.
Apart from the fact that VoIP providers frequently charge less for equivalent phone company services, the absence of contracts could save businesses thousands of dollars in phone costs.
The ability to make regular payments eases the pressure of making large upfront expenditures and gives organizations the flexibility they need to operate successfully in today’s cutthroat market environment.
Unlimited Number of Lines
Every VoIP subscription includes unlimited lines, meaning you can make as many inbound or outbound calls as you want. Additionally, VoIP enables users to connect numerous devices to a single line. This means that you can use the same number to make calls from any device.
Like call routing, it can forward incoming calls simultaneously to a single device or every device. This will allow you to receive calls simultaneously on all your devices—desktops, mobile phones, and tablets.
Plus, you can connect the same VoIP number to each of them. Those who frequently travel and cannot always use their work laptop will find this feature particularly appealing.
How to Choose a VoIP Home Phone Provider in Canada?
Choosing the best VoIP home phone Canada has to offer is no simple task. To help, these are some of the key factors to consider when making your decision for the best one for your needs:
Identify Your Business Needs
When choosing a VoIP system, be sure the service provider can support the growth of your business. Given the advent of mobile devices, choosing a VoIP platform with the most recent technology will give you an advantage over your rivals.
Here are some key considerations you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Which teams are making phone calls, and how frequently?
- Which scenarios should your VoIP solution support?
- What steps of the customer journey take place over the phone?
- Do teams have any problems with their current phone services?
- What applications does your VoIP solution need to be compatible with?
This will assist you in setting clear objectives for your new VoIP service.
Security
Even though security issues make headlines daily, it is something organizations neglect until it is too late. Like any other modern technology, your VoIP service is subject to several risks, too. VoIP data travels across the internet, a public network that is not secure.
When looking for an internet-based business phone system, look for features like end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, strict privacy regulations, secure protocols, and more.
Plans and Pricing
The Canadian VoIP market features different service plans to pick from; some come with built-in features, pay-as-you-go plans, or even custom plans made just for you. There are also call plans with long-distance, unlimited local, or international calls.
Find out if any particular terms or conditions might restrict the use of unlimited plans before choosing a plan. Ask about any return policies, usage restrictions, and cancellation costs.
Examine the plans and pricing strategies of the VoIP provider you’ve chosen, pay attention to the fine print, and determine who offers the best bang for your buck.
24×7 Support
Your company’s VoIP will be the primary means for keeping in touch with your agents, clients, and other team members, so you need a system supported by integration, onboarding, training, and after-support services to keep you connected around the clock.
It is customary for a business to experience issues during initial setup and third-party integrations. Additionally, dedicated customer assistance must be accessible at all times to address these problems.
You may also require help with upgrades, maintenance, or when equipment fails, even after installing the service. So choose a VoIP product with dependable customer service.
Bandwidth
Good bandwidth is essential for a business to attract traffic. Depending on this bandwidth, you may or may not need to upgrade your internet subscription. Make sure every phone has a minimum upload speed of 0.2 Mbps and a download speed of 1 Mbps.
Also, ensure your connection is solid and quick because VoIP depends entirely on the internet. Additionally, even with a strong connection, if your present VoIP provider isn’t performing properly, it won’t be able to generate traffic because of inadequate bandwidth. So, choose accordingly.
Features
One of the most crucial factors to consider when contemplating whether to go ahead with a particular VoIP phone service is the feature set it comes with. Perhaps you require a VoIP provider that can expand with you as your company grows. Make a note of any VoIP requirements you may have.
This should include VoIP features that are essential to your regular communications. Value-added services such as call recording, music-on-hold, call queuing, virtual faxing, audio or video conferencing, and email messaging are non-negotiable.
How to Use a VoIP Home Phone in Canada?
Getting set up with one of the best VoIP services in Canada is easier than you may think. Plus, with leaders like Ooma, it simply couldn’t get any easier.
To help, we’ve compiled a step-by-step guide on getting started with Ooma:
Step 1 — Purchase an Ooma VoIP Router
Visit the Ooma website by clicking the link down below. From there, you’ll want to choose a Business or Residential plan based on your needs. For the sake of this review, we’re going to choose Residential but the Business process is similar.
From the home page, head on over to the Shop tab at the top of the page and select “Home Phones”. Ooma’s “Telo” service is free to use, plus you can upgrade to “Telo Air” for Wi-Fi connectivity. The LTE package does require a subscription fee, but it’ll work even through power outages thanks to a battery backup system.
From there, you can pick the Ooma devices that suit your needs but you’ll need to buy at least one Ooma router to use the service. We recommend you take advantage of their bundled Handset deal so you have devices to test the service with. Remember, Ooma comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Purchasing a handset through Ooma is a painless process, all you need to do is choose where you want your Ooma Telo sent to and enter in some basic payment details. Best of all, it’s free shipping! You can also send the devices back to Ooma if you decide you want to use their 30-day money-back guarantee.
Shipping can take several days depending on your location, but once you have the Ooma device in your hands the rest of the process takes minutes to complete.
Step 2 — Register your Ooma device
Before you can use your Ooma device, you’ll need to register it to activate the subscription plan. Ooma is free by default, but you’ll have to enter some basic details about your usage before you can get started.
To register your Ooma device, go to “Login” on the homepage and then select “My Ooma Telo”. You’ll be taken to a login page, from there you’ll have to click “Activate my new account” to get to the registration page.
The activation code is located on the bottom of your Ooma router, which is helpfully pointed out during the activation process.
After this step, you’ll be asked to enter some basic details about your location and billing if you’re going with one of Ooma’s paid plans, but it’s all pretty straightforward.
Step 3 — Figure Out Your Needs and Follow Their Guide
Finally, you’ll want to decide on everything you need to set up based on your plan and business needs. There’s hundreds of different options, which would be hard to cover in a single guide.
Once you’re done with the setup phase, all you have to do is add your optional extras, download the mobile app, and you’re ready to get calling!
Since there’s a plethora of different options and systems, you can use Ooma’s comprehensive support section to guide your use of the software. If any part of it confuses you, don’t worry! Ooma has a 24/7 support team on hand who are always ready to help you.
What is the Best VoIP for Small Businesses in Canada?
RingCentral Office is the best VoIP service for home offices in Canada. It is a cloud-based platform that enables organizations to interact with their teams and customers by utilizing VoIP for video, chat, and phone calls.
It works best for scaling businesses looking for reliable centralized communications, with monthly fees starting at $29.99.
RingCentral reviews frequently commend its extensive features and dependability, establishing it as a top business phone system solution. Conferencing, unlimited long-distance, auto-recording, and local calling are the solution’s core features.
RingCentral MVP is a completely integrated mobile-based phone system that keeps employees connected across many business and personal devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and phones.
It offers a variety of subscription choices, which is perfect for companies seeking reasonably priced and user-friendly phone service.
Are There Any Free VoIP Home Phone Providers in Canada?
Ooma is a well-known VoIP provider with reasonable costs and a free plan. You can configure a complete phone system with call forwarding, voicemail, call blocking, and other options to suit your needs. Ooma offers various packages for both home and corporate clients.
Home phone customers can begin with a free plan; the only expense is for the phone system itself and any other necessary equipment to be up and running.
The Basic plan, which is entirely free, includes HD audio, call forwarding, and other essential features. There are no long-term commitments or contracts with Ooma Office.
You may also tailor the service using this intuitive and simple cloud admin site, including customized greetings, hold music, and menus.
It even provides a free mobile app for your iPhone or Android smartphone, not to forget that it also offers telephone customer service that is available round the clock, along with live chat, product tutorials, and other web tools.
Are VoIP or Home Phone Providers Secure?
Even though security threats are becoming more sophisticated by the minute, VoIP service providers in Canada are often safer than conventional phone networks.
VoIP calls are made possible through packet switching, wherein the digital voice data is divided into labeled units known as packets. These packets travel to their destination after being dispatched through the network — the internet.
There is no fixed circuit, and the packets could travel via different paths. The packets are reassembled and rearranged once they reach the target node. And, like any other digital transmission, it can be intercepted if there are no proper security protocols in place.
Using an app and service that provides encryption and better security is one method to reduce your privacy concerns as far as VoIP phone conversations and text messages are concerned.
Some business owners are enticed by inexpensive, plug-and-play VoIP phones and networks, but these “simple” choices expose you to security risks. In addition to the correct tools, ensure that your workforce is trained on how not to fall prey to phishing schemes.
Canada VoIP FAQs
Is VoIP legal in Canada?
Who is the best VoIP provider?
Is Ooma free in Canada?
What is the best residential VoIP service in Canada?
What are the best home phone plans in Canada?
What is the best free VoIP in Canada?
What is the best VoIP service for home international calls?
What is the best VoIP for small businesses in Canada?
Conclusion — What’s the Best VoIP Home Phone Canada Provider?
The best VoIP home phone Canada has to offer will largely depend on your needs and budget, however, you certainly can’t go wrong with any of our top 10:
- Ooma: Top Pick for Call Blocking | Try it Out With the Whopping 30-Day Free Trial.
- Ringcentral Office: Excels in Global Coverage | Check Out the 15-Day Free Trial Before Committing.
- Vonage: One of the Best VoIP Home Canada | Take Advantage of the 14-Day Free Trial Now!
- 8×8: Ideal for Visual Voicemail Display | Offers a Lengthy 30-Day Free Trial.
- Mighty Call: Perfect for Call Screening | Affordable Pricing + a Week-Long Free Trial.
- Nextiva: Ideal for Unlimited Calling and Texting | Offers an Easy Setup and a Generous 30-Day Free Trial.
- DialPad: Popular for its Versatile Connections and Integration Support | Test it Free for 2 Weeks.
- Intermedia Unite: Excels in Virtual Faxing and Voicemail Transcription | Has a 30-Day Free Trial.
- 4Com: Perfect for Big Families and Call Recording
- BT: Must-Have for People Who Need Installation Assistance
With that being said, Ooma is our top recommendation for both home and business needs, as it has an impressive global network, top-notch functionality, a 30-day guarantee, plus an incredibly easy setup, phenomenal customer support, and zero setup fees.
Unsure? You can test Ooma in all its glory for as long as you like, thanks to a free basic plan, plus you have a solid 30-day money-back guarantee for a completely risk-free signup. Try it now.