Comparisons6 min read

Top 10 Automated Phone Systems for Small Business in 2025

10 Best Automated Phone Systems for Small Business in 2025

Ever wished your business phone system could handle calls without human intervention? Things would be much more easier, right? Well, an automated phone system does just that.

As running a small business can have limited staff and resources, an automated phone system helps you to manage calls efficiently so you can focus on growing your business. It streamlines communication, improves customer service, and boosts productivity, all while keeping costs low.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best automated phone systems for small businesses in 2025, helping you find the perfect fit.


What Is an Automated Phone System?

An automated phone system is a telephony system that handles incoming and outgoing calls without human interference. It effectively manages calls using auto attendants, voicemail, call routing, and Interactive Voice Response (IVR). Installing an automated system smooths communication, lowers operating expenses, and improves customer service.

10 Best Automated Phone Systems for Small Business in 2025

1. Calilio

Calilio is the best small business phone system with automation features and an easy-to-use interface. It offers auto-attendant, voicemail-to-email, call routing, IVR, and CRM integrations to help startups manage calls efficiently.

It also offers sentiment analysis, which detects whether a caller is positive, negative, or neutral. With strong security and compliance features, it’s a good choice for businesses handling sensitive data. Plus, its affordable pricing makes it the best automated phone system for small businesses needing a complete phone system.
screenshot of calilio feature page

Pros

Cons

  • Cost-effective pricing suitable for small firms
  • AI-driven sentiment analysis for improved customer interactions
  • Strong security and compliance features
  • Seamless CRM integrations
  • Limited features on the Basic Plan
  • Lack of multi-level IVR

Pricing Plans (Per user/month):

  • Basic Plan: $12
  • Business Plan: $28
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing

Note: The above-mentioned prices are based on annual billings.

Boost Your Small Business Efficiency with Calilio Today!

2. RingCentral

RingCentral offers a feature-rich automated phone answering system with features like tiered auto attendant and call routing. Moreover, its integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 makes it easy for businesses to access its service directly from email and calendars, improving workflow.

Additionally, RingCentral's scalable capabilities help small businesses grow easily as demands change. It guarantees smooth operations, whether managing remote teams or responding to client inquiries.
Screenshot of ringcentral featurepage

Pros

Cons

  • Comprehensive feature set including unlimited calling and team messaging
  • Strong integrations with various business tools
  • Scalable solutions suitable for businesses of all sizes
  • Higher pricing tiers for advanced features
  • Some features may require additional fees

Pricing Plans (Per user/month):

  • Core: $30
  • Advanced: $35
  • Ultra: $45

3. Dialpad

Dialpad is notable for its intelligent call routing, real-time call transcription, and AI-powered voice intelligence. Its integration with Slack and Salesforce is ideal for businesses prioritizing productivity, and its integrated analytics provide useful data on call trends.

Moreover, Dialpad’s features like IVR, call queuing, call routing, and AI greetings help automate call management for small businesses.
Screenshot of dialpad featurepage

Pros

Cons

  • AI-powered call and voicemail transcriptions
  • User-friendly interface with integrations
  • Competitive pricing for small to medium-sized businesses
  • Limited international calling options in lower-tier plans
  • Some advanced features are reserved for higher-tier plans only

Pricing Plans (Per user/month):

  • Standard: $27
  • Pro: $35
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

4. Nextiva

Nextiva integrates VoIP services with call automation, CRM software, and analytics to provide a comprehensive company phone solution. It also offers user-friendly call management and auto-attendant functions to enhance client interactions for small enterprises.

The system is a dependable option for long-term use because of its scalability, which enables companies to add new users and features easily as they expand.
screenshot of nextiva featurepage

Pros

Cons

  • Reliable service with advanced call management features
  • Includes video conferencing and team collaboration tools
  • Strong customer support and uptime reliability
  • Higher starting price compared to some competitors
  • Many features require additional setup

Pricing Plans (Per user/month):

  • Digital: $25 per user/month
  • Core: $36 per user/month
  • Engage: $50 per user/month
  • Power Suite: $75 per user/month

5. Vonage

Vonage is an automated phone answering system for small businesses with affordable initial cost and advanced AI attendant.

Moreover, Vonage’s VoIP system offers mobile app access, voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and an IVR to improve collaboration and customer service. Another key perk is that it integrates with well-known business platforms like Salesforce to simplify managing client relationships.

vonage as automated phone system

Pros

Cons

  • Scalable solutions with strong mobile applications
  • Robust CRM integrations
  • Flexible plans suitable for various business sizes
  • Customer support response times are slow
  • Additional features increase overall costs

Pricing Plans (Per month/extension):

  • Mobile: $19.99
  • Premium: $29.99
  • Advanced: $39.99

6. Grasshopper

Grasshopper offers a virtual phone system that includes voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and automated call handling. It is designed for solopreneurs and small teams that need a professional phone presence without the complexity of traditional systems.

You can handle calls from any location with the help of desktop and mobile apps.

Pros

Cons

  • Flat-rate pricing suitable for entrepreneurs
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Includes multiple extensions and business numbers
  • Lacks advanced features like video conferencing
  • Extra charge for additional extensions and call blasting, among others.

Pricing Plans (Per month):

  • True Solo: $18
  • Solo Plus: $32
  • Small Business: $70

7. Ooma

Ooma is an easy-to-use and reasonably priced automated phone solution for growing businesses. Its features, such as voicemail management, phone blocking, and a virtual receptionist, help improve business communication.

Because of its easy setup and mobile-friendly platform, it is perfect for companies without a dedicated IT staff.

ooma as automated phone system

Pros

Cons

  • Budget-friendly options with essential features
  • Simple setup, ideal for small businesses
  • Virtual receptionist included in all plans
  • Advanced features limited to higher-tier plans
  • International calling incurs additional charges

Pricing Plans (Per user/month):

  • Ooma Office: $19.95
  • Ooma Office Pro: $24.95
  • Ooma Office Pro Plus: $29.95

8. 8×8

8×8’s automated phone answering system for small businesses has advanced features like AI-powered call insights and advanced call management services like video conferencing, call queuing, and IVR. These features benefit growing businesses by streamlining communication both internally and externally.

8x8 as automated phone system

Pros

Cons

  • Unlimited calling to multiple countries depending on plans
  • Strong global reach with international calling options
  • Includes video meetings and team messaging
  • It can be complex for users new to VoIP systems
  • Advanced features often require higher-tier plans

Pricing Plans (per user/month, billed annually):

  • X2 Plan: $24
  • X4 Plan: $44
  • X6 Plan: $85
  • X7 Plan: $110
  • X8 Plan: $140

9. Aircall

Aircall is a cloud-based phone system built for small businesses, offering seamless CRM integrations with tools like Zendesk and Freshdesk to simplify customer interactions. It helps small teams manage calls efficiently with features like auto-attendant, call forwarding, call queuing, call recording, voicemail-to-email, IVR, and call routing.

With built-in collaboration tools, Aircall provides a centralized platform for handling customer service and sales calls.

Pros

Cons

  • Multiple CRM integrations for streamlined workflows
  • Easy-to-use interface with quick setup
  • Advanced call analytics for performance tracking
  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors
  • No unlimited calling on lower-tier plans

Pricing Plans (per user/month):

  • Essentials: $40
  • Professional: $70
  • Custom: Contact sales

10. GoTo Connect

GoTo Connect is a versatile automated phone system designed for small businesses, especially those with remote members. It offers automated call distribution, voicemail management, video conferencing, and in-depth analytics, ensuring seamless communication.

Moreover, with its unified communications approach, micro-businesses can manage calls, meetings, and team messaging on a single platform, improving efficiency and customer service.

goto connect as an automation phone system

Pros

Cons

  • All-in-one platform for calls, meetings, and messaging
  • Unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada
  • Strong security and compliance features
  • Limited customization for call flows
  • Can be complex for beginners
  • Higher-tier plans required for advanced features

Pricing Plans:

  • Basic: $27/user/month
  • Standard: $32/user/month

What to Look for in an Automated Phone System?

When choosing an automated phone system, focus on services and features that improve call management, customer experience, business efficiency, and security.

  • Features – Select the phone system with advanced telephony features like call routing, IVR, voicemail-to-email, call recording, and analytics for better call management.
  • Affordability – Look for transparent pricing, flexible plans, and low upfront costs to fit small business budgets.
  • Reliability – Ensure 99.9% uptime, strong network infrastructure, and minimal call disruptions for smooth operations.
  • Scalability – Choose a system that lets you easily add users and integrate with CRMs as your business grows.
  • Security – Opt for a system with robust encryption, access controls, and compliance with industry regulations to protect customer data.

Conclusion

An automated phone system helps small businesses manage calls efficiently, reducing the need for extra staff while ensuring smooth operations. Businesses can use automation for answering customer inquiries, routing calls, greeting customers, or queuing calls. However, be mindful of choosing the right provider that offers all the essential features.
 

Calilio is an affordable phone system for small business with automated telephony features like IVR, ACD, call routing, transferring, and more. Moreover, its cost-effective plans, which start at just $12 per month (for annual billing), make it ideal for small businesses looking to automate call management without overspending. Register with Calilio today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best phone system for a small business?

A modern and automated phone system is the best kind of phone system for small businesses. Its advanced call management features help streamline communication while helping startups to grow more.

How much does an automated phone system cost?

Depending on the provider, prices usually range from $12 to $50 per user per month. The exact cost depends on your selected plan and available features.

What is the difference between an auto attendant and IVR?

While IVRs allow callers to interact with the system using voice commands or keypad selections for self-service options, auto attendants simply route calls through a basic menu without interactive responses.


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