8×8 Vs Grasshopper Vs Emitrr: Which is the Better VoIP Solution?

Introduction

Are you a business looking for an intelligent VoIP solution but are confused between 8X8 and Grasshopper? Well, Now you need to broaden your horizons and explore what each of these platforms has to offer. In this blog, we will help you get an extensive understanding of 8×8 and Grasshopper, and draw a comparison based on their features, pricing, pros, cons, and more. So stay tuned to make an informed choice! 

What is 8×8?

8×8 is a cloud-based VoIP and unified communications provider offering business phone systems, video conferencing, and team messaging. It provides essential calling features like call routing, call recording, and voicemail transcription, making it a viable option for businesses needing a flexible communication solution.

What is Grasshopper?

Grasshopper is a virtual phone system designed for small businesses, offering core VoIP features like call forwarding, call routing, and voicemail transcription. It provides a simple and easy-to-use solution but lacks advanced functionalities like AI features, integrations, and team collaboration tools. While it works well for solopreneurs and small teams, it may not be ideal for businesses needing scalability and advanced communication features.

8×8 vs Grasshopper: Feature Comparison

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the features offered by both platforms, examining them one by one:

8×8 Features

• Call Forwarding – Redirect incoming calls to another number to ensure availability.
• Call Routing – Automatically distribute incoming calls to the right department or agent.
• Call Queuing – Manage incoming calls by placing them in a queue until an agent is available.
• Call Recording – Record calls for compliance, training, or review purposes.
• Call Conferencing – Enable multiple participants to join a call for collaboration.
• User Extensions – Assign individual extensions for employees within the system.
• Business Working Hours Set Up – Configure availability based on working hours.
• Multi-location Set Up – Manage calls and communication across different office locations.
• Auto Attendants – Provide an automated system to direct callers to the right department.
• Voicemail Transcription – Convert voicemail messages into text for easier review.

Grasshopper Features

• Call Forwarding – Redirects incoming calls to another phone number, ensuring you never miss a call.
• Call Routing – Directs calls to the appropriate person or department based on predefined rules.
• Call Recording – Allows users to record calls for future reference, training, or compliance purposes.
• Call Conferencing – Enables multiple people to join a call, making collaboration easier.
• User Extensions – Provides unique extensions for team members, helping with call management and internal communication.
• Business Working Hours Setup – Lets users define business hours so calls can be routed accordingly.
• Auto Attendants – Provides an automated menu system to greet and guide callers to the right extension.
• Two-Way Texting – Enables businesses to send and receive text messages with customers.
• Voicemail Transcription – Converts voicemails into text, making it easier to review messages without listening to them.

Here is a quick comparison of the features of 8×8, Grasshopper, and Emitrr:

Features	8×8	Grasshopper	Emitrr
Call Forwarding	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Routing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Queuing	Yes	No	Yes
Call Queuing Groups	No	No	Yes
IVR Menu/ Call Tree	No	No	Yes
Call Recording	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Conferencing	Yes	Yes	Yes
User Extensions	Yes	Yes	Yes
Business Working Hours Set Up	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multi-location Set Up	Yes	No	Yes
Auto Attendants	Yes	Yes	Yes
Missed call to text	No	No	Yes
Two-way texting	No	Yes	Yes
Group Texting	No	No	Yes
Webchat-to-Text	No	No	Yes
Team Chat	No	No	Yes
Facebook Messenger	No	No	Yes
Voicemail Transcription	No	Yes	Yes
Auto-responders	Yes	No	Yes
AI Receptionist	No	No	Yes
Schedule-based texting	No	No	Yes
Broadcast/Bulk SMS	No	Limited	Yes
Appointment Scheduling	No	No	Yes
Automated Reminders	No	No	Yes
Reviews + Reputation	No	No	Yes
Customer Surveys	No	No	Yes
Digital Forms	No	No	Yes
Customer Recall	No	No	Yes
Birthday wishes	No	No	Yes
24/7 Customer Support	No	No	Yes

8×8 vs Grasshopper: Pricing comparison

Here’s a pricing comparison of 8×8 and Grasshopper to help you determine which platform offers the best value for your needs, let’s start with 8×8:

8×8 Pricing

8×8 Office offers four pricing plans tailored for businesses of all sizes which start from $0.0102 Per SMS: 

• Contact Center
• CX Beyond the Contact Center
• Communications APIs
• Unified Communications

Grasshopper Pricing

Grasshopper offers three pricing plans tailored for businesses of all sizes which start from $31 per user per month: 

• Solo
• Partner
• Small Business

8×8 vs Grasshopper: Pros and cons

Let’s explore the pros and cons of 8×8 and Grasshopper to find out which platform suits your needs best:

8×8 Pros

• Reliable Call Connectivity – Offers a stable VoIP system for businesses with minimal downtime.
• Cloud-Based System – Allows remote and hybrid teams to stay connected.
• Good Call Quality – Generally provides clear audio for calls and conferencing.
• International Calling Capabilities – Supports global communication for businesses with overseas clients.

8×8 Cons

• Poor Customer Support – Long wait times and unhelpful responses when resolving issues.
• Frequent Call Drops & Connectivity Issues – Users report dropped calls and lagging connections.
• Difficult Setup & Onboarding – The system can be complicated to configure, especially for non-technical users.
• Buggy & Glitchy Platform – Users experience software bugs, including problems with call routing and voicemail.
• Unintuitive Interface – Navigation and usability are not user-friendly, making simple tasks cumbersome.
• Limited Texting & Messaging Features – No two-way texting or group messaging, limiting communication options.
• Billing & Cancellation Issues – Complaints about hidden fees, contract obligations, and difficulties canceling services.
• Unreliable Mobile App – The mobile app often crashes, making it hard to stay connected on the go.
• Lack of Advanced Features – No AI-powered tools or automation, making it less competitive compared to alternatives.

Grasshopper Pros

• User-Friendly for Beginners – Designed for those who need a simple and straightforward phone system.
• Mobile Accessibility – Allows users to manage calls from their smartphones or existing devices.
• Affordable for Solopreneurs – A cost-effective option for freelancers and very small businesses.
• Virtual Phone System – Provides a business number separate from personal lines for professional use.

Grasshopper Cons

• Poor Customer Support – Users report slow response times and unhelpful support.
• Unreliable Text Messaging – Messages often fail to send or receive properly.
• Missed Calls & System Delays – Calls frequently get missed due to system inefficiencies.
• Difficult to Use – The platform is not intuitive and takes time to learn.
• Lack of Analytics – No reporting or insights into call performance.
• Frequent Logouts – Users get automatically logged out, disrupting workflow.
• Low Call Quality – Calls may drop, lag, or suffer from poor audio clarity.
• No Caller ID Visibility – Users cannot see caller names, making it harder to manage calls.
• Loss of Data After Number Porting – Call logs, voicemails, and texts are erased when numbers are moved to another provider.

When to Use 8×8

You Need a Reliable VoIP System with Global Reach

8×8 offers a global cloud communication solution with strong reliability and international coverage. If your business is such that it operates in multiple countries and needs international phone numbers, or requires a VoIP system that can handle high call volumes across regions, 8×8 can be an ideal choice.

You Want Unified Communications (UCaaS & CCaaS)

If you need a solution that integrates voice, video, messaging, and contact center products, 8×8 offers an all-in-one unified communications solution that makes collaboration easier for teams. This platform is perfect for companies that require internal team communication as well as robust customer support.

Security and Compliance Are a Priority

8×8 is HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2 compliant which makes it a strong choice for businesses in healthcare, finance, and legal industries where security and compliance are critical. If you work with sensitive information, 8×8 keeps your communications secure.

You Need Strong Contact Center Features

For businesses that are running a customer support or sales operation, 8×8’s Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) offers advanced call routing, AI-powered analytics, and workforce optimization tools. It’s especially valuable if your company needs features such as IVR (Interactive Voice Response), call analytics, and omnichannel support (voice, chat, email, social media).

You Need a Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Phone Systems

If you’re looking to replace outdated PBX systems or reduce telephony costs, 8×8’s cloud-based VoIP offers predictable pricing with unlimited calling plans. It’s a great alternative to traditional phone systems, especially for businesses wanting to avoid hardware costs and maintenance.

You Need Strong CRM & Business App Integrations

8×8 integrates with popular CRM business tools and third-party software like Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Slack, HubSpot, and more. If your business also relies on these tools, 8×8 helps streamline workflows and improves customer interactions.

When to use Grasshopper

Need a Virtual Phone System Without Hardware

Companies who need a business phone number but do not want to invest in desk phones or other VoIP hardware. In that scenario, Grasshopper gives you the chance to use your current cell or landline while maintaining a distinction between your personal and business calls.

You’re a Small Business, Freelancer, or Solo Entrepreneur

Grasshopper is ideal for solopreneurs, startups, and small businesses that are looking for a professional phone presence but do not need advanced and extensive VoIP features such as call analytics or integrations with CRMs.

You Need a Business Number on Your Personal Phone

If you want to have a dedicated business number (toll-free, local, or vanity) but use your own phone, Grasshopper offers call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and text messaging, keeping your business communications professional.

You Want an Affordable, Easy-to-Set-Up Business Phone Solution

Unlike more advanced VoIP products, Grasshopper is easy to install and does not need IT support. If you require a low-fuss phone system with features such as call routing and auto-attendants, it is an appropriate option.

You Don’t Need a Full VoIP System

If you don’t need video conferencing, advanced call analysis, or CRM integrations, Grasshopper offers a simple solution that keeps things uncomplicated. It emphasizes business calls and texts without the added complexity of a complete UCaaS system like 8×8.

Emitrr: The Better Alternative to 8×8 & Grasshopper

Emitrr Overview

Emitrr is a powerful VoIP phone software designed to streamline business communication with advanced automation and AI capabilities. It offers features like call forwarding, call routing, voicemail-to-text, call recording, and SMS capabilities, ensuring seamless connectivity. With an AI receptionist to handle calls, automate responses, and improve customer engagement, businesses can enhance efficiency and never miss an important call. Emitrr’s VoIP solution is built for industries like healthcare, home services, and local businesses, providing a reliable, intelligent, and scalable communication system.

Emitrr Features

VoIP Features

• IVR/Call Tree – Allows multi-level IVR setup to route calls based on caller input, forwarding calls to specific numbers, extensions, or another call tree.
• Call Forwarding – Forward calls to another extension, number, or voicemail when unavailable.
• Call Queue Groups – Routes calls to predefined teams with customizable rules.
• Missed Call Handling – Redirects missed calls to another extension, number, or voicemail.
• User Extensions – Each team member gets a unique user extension number.
• Multi-Location Setup – Manage multiple locations from a single platform.
• During and After-Hours Routing – Route calls differently based on business hours.
• Call Recording – Enable/disable call recording for training or compliance.
• Business Working Hours Setup – Define standard business hours to automate after-hours call handling.

Emitrr AI Receptionist 

• AI-Powered Receptionist – Answers 100% of customer calls, even outside business hours.
• 24/7 Appointment Management – Handles bookings, rescheduling, and confirmations while syncing with CRM/EMR/PMS.
• Intelligent Inquiry Handling – Provides instant AI responses to common customer queries, reducing wait times.
• Automated Customer Outreach – Proactively contacts customers for confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups, reducing no-shows.
• Smart Call Routing – Engages callers in preliminary conversations and routes them to the right department efficiently.

Texting Features

• Bulk/Mass Text Messaging – Send thousands of messages with a 98% open rate, personalize campaigns, and integrate with CRM/EMR/PMS.
• Automated Text Reminders – Schedule appointment reminders via text, email, and voice with options for rescheduling or cancellations.
• Online Appointment Bookings – Enable self-scheduling via website or link with automated confirmations and reminders.
• And more… 

Future AI Capabilities

• AI Outbound Calling – Automates customer outreach.
• Expanded AI Inquiry Handling – Enhances AI’s ability to answer a broader range of queries.
• AI-Powered Voicemail Management – Listens to and responds to voicemails automatically.
• Automated SMS Conversations – Engages customers via AI-powered text responses.
• Increased Customization & Personalization – Businesses can tailor AI responses to their workflows.

Emitrr Pricing

Emitrr offers different pricing plans for different capabilities. For VoIP, there are 2 pricing plans – Standard and Professional. 

Name of the plan	Pricing if paid annually	Pricing if paid monthly
Standard	$20 per user per month	$25 per user per month
Professional	$25 per user per month	$30 per user per month

Key features of Standard Plan: 

• Calling (1000 mins/user)
• HD Voice
• Call Hold Music
• Call Recording (manual)
• Call Queue Groups
• Call Extensions
• Call Routing (During and After Hours)
• Call Transfer
• Call Forwarding
• Number Porting
• Contact Sync
• Set personal working hours
• Mobile App

Key features of Professional Plan: 

Everything in Standard plus

• Call Transcription
• IVR (Interactive Voice Response)  / Call Tree
• Call Recording (automated)
• Missed Call Auto Text
• Call Conference
• Voicemail Transcription
• HIPAA Compliance
• Access Management 

Emitrr Integrations

Emitrr offers 500+ integrations across different industries such as dental, recruiting, real estate, etc. with tools like:

• MailChimp
• Denticon
• AthenaHealth
• Zapier
• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Facebook
• HouseCall Pro
• Slack 
• Curve Hero
• Kareo
• Dentrix Ascend
• Eaglesoft
• Orthotrac
• Dentrix
• OpenDental
• Practiceworks
• And more!

Emitrr Reviews

“AWESOME. I would recommend to anyone looking for a messaging platform. Especially love having a text friendly retail number that is the SAME as the number we’ve always had.”

“Great. One of the best communications tools that I have used.”

Source: Capterra

8×8 vs Grasshopper Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

When it comes to comparing two popular software it becomes difficult to choose one as both offer robust VoIP solutions. On one hand, 8×8 offers enterprise-class features, worldwide calling, and detailed analytics whereas on the other Grasshopper is a perfect fit for small businesses that require an easy, virtual phone system. But as there’s always continuous improvement in demand, today’s business requires something beyond the essence of VoIP: an improvement in efficiency and a consolidation of communication. That’s where Emitrr outshines them! With robust automation, frictionless customer interactions, and industry-leading support, Emitrr provides a smarter, more agile solution to handle calls and messaging. If you’re interested in a VoIP system that does more than just voice calls to maximize your business operations, schedule a demo with Emitrr today!