8×8 vs OpenPhone vs Emitrr: Which is the Better VoIP Solution?

Introduction

Trying to choose between 8×8 and OpenPhone for your business VoIP solution? Let’s break down what each platform has to offer. In this blog, we’ll compare their features, pricing, benefits, and drawbacks to help you determine the best fit for your needs. Read on 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 OpenPhone?

OpenPhone is a modern VoIP solution designed for startups, small businesses, and remote teams. It provides a business phone number that works on desktops and mobile devices, allowing seamless communication. OpenPhone focuses on simplicity, ease of use, and affordability while offering key VoIP and messaging features to streamline business communication.

8×8 vs OpenPhone: Feature comparison

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.

OpenPhone Features

• Call Forwarding & Routing – Ensures incoming calls are directed to the right person or department, enhancing call management.
• Call Queuing & Groups – Organizes incoming calls into queues and assigns them to groups for efficient handling.
• IVR Menu/Call Tree – Helps callers navigate through automated menus to reach the appropriate contact.
• Call Recording – Enables businesses to record conversations for compliance, training, and reference.
• Call Conferencing – Supports multi-party calls for team collaboration and client discussions.
• Voicemail Transcription – Converts voicemail messages into text for easy review and accessibility.
• Two-Way Texting – Allows businesses to send and receive messages, facilitating better customer engagement.
• Auto-Responders & Scheduled Messaging – Set automated replies and schedule texts for better engagement.
• Multi-User Collaboration – Share phone numbers among team members for efficient call handling.

Feature Comparison Table

Features	8×8	OpenPhone	Emitrr
Call Forwarding	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Routing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Queuing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Queuing Groups	No	Yes	Yes
IVR Menu/ Call Tree	No	Yes	Yes
Call Recording	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Conferencing	Yes	Yes	Yes
User Extensions	Yes	No	Yes
Business Working Hours Set Up	Yes	No	Yes
Multi-location Set Up	Yes	Limited	Yes
Auto Attendants	Yes	No	Yes
AI Receptionist	No	No	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	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto-responders	No	No	Yes
AI Receptionist	No	No	Yes
Schedule-based texting	No	Limited	Yes
Broadcast/Bulk SMS	No	No	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		Yes

8×8 vs OpenPhone: Pricing comparison

Let’s compare the pricing point for both the software solutions: 

8×8 Pricing

8×8 entails 4 core pricing plans: Contact Center, CX Beyond the Contact Center, Communications APIs, and Unified Communications. However, 8×8’s pricing is not available, so you can request a quote from them based on your business needs. 

OpenPhone Pricing 

OpenPhone offers 3 pricing plans: Starter, Business, and Scale, with a 7 day free trial as well. Here’s a detailed account of all OpenPhone pricing plans: 

• Starter
• Business 
• Scale

All 3 plans come with Voicemail Transcription, group calling, call recording and more.

Plans start from $15 per user per month. 

8×8 vs OpenPhone: Pros and cons

Let’s dive right into the pros and cons of 8×8 vs OpenPhone:

8×8 Pros and Cons

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.

OpenPhone Pros and Cons 

OpenPhone Pros

• User-Friendly Interface – Simple and intuitive design, making it easy for teams to use without extensive training.
• Affordable for Small Teams – Offers competitive pricing, making it a budget-friendly choice for startups and small businesses.
• Good for Remote Teams – Designed to support remote work, allowing teams to collaborate effectively from different locations.
• Reliable Communication Tool – Ensures consistent and smooth communication, helping businesses stay connected without disruptions.

OpenPhone Cons

• Unreliable Call Functionality – Calls frequently drop, don’t ring, or cannot be answered, causing major disruptions.
• Poor Call Quality – Voice clarity is inconsistent, and call routing has bugs that lead to misdirected or failed calls.
• Unresponsive Customer Support – Customer service is slow, unhelpful, and even requires additional payment for assistance.
• Buggy and Unstable Platform – Persistent technical issues, including problems with call routing, SMS replies, and the DND feature.
• Difficult Setup and False Promises – The onboarding process is complex, with frequent delays and unmet service commitments.
• Limited Integrations – OpenPhone struggles to integrate with other business tools, making workflows inefficient.
• Mobile App Issues – The app crashes frequently, affecting usability and reliability.
• Duplicate or Failed Messages – SMS replies don’t work properly, and voicemail messages sometimes send twice.
• Hidden Costs – Additional charges for customer support and essential features make it less cost-effective.

When To Use 8×8?

8×8 is a great VoIP solution for businesses that need a secure, scalable, and feature-rich communication system. Here’s when it makes the most sense to use it:

Growing Businesses That Need Scalability

If your company is expanding, 8×8 lets you easily add new users, set up remote teams, and manage calls without extra hardware costs. Its flexible pricing plans ensure you pay for what you need without overspending.

Companies with Global Communication Needs

For businesses with international clients or remote teams, 8×8 offers cost-effective international calling and reliable global coverage with high call quality. Its cloud-based platform ensures seamless communication across different time zones.

Businesses Managing a High Volume of Calls

If your business handles a large number of calls daily, 8×8’s call routing, auto attendants, and voicemail-to-email features help improve customer service and efficiency. Advanced call analytics provide insights to optimize call performance.

Organizations That Require Strong Security & Compliance

Industries like healthcare and finance benefit from 8×8’s encrypted communication and compliance with strict regulations such as HIPAA, keeping sensitive information secure. Regular security updates and monitoring protect against potential threats.

Companies That Use CRM and Productivity Software

8×8 integrates with popular tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Teams, helping teams track calls, streamline workflows, and enhance collaboration. Its automation features reduce manual data entry, saving valuable time.

When To Use OpenPhone?

OpenPhone is a simple and flexible VoIP system designed for modern businesses, especially startups and remote teams. Let’s see how OpenPhone helps: 

Startups & Growing Businesses

If you’re running a startup, OpenPhone gives you an easy-to-use phone system that grows with your business. It offers features like automation, CRM integrations, and shared numbers, helping teams manage customer calls smoothly. Plus, you can add new users anytime without hassle.

Remote & Work-from-Anywhere Teams

For businesses with team members working from different locations, OpenPhone makes communication easy. It works on mobile and desktop, so employees can call and text from anywhere. Features like call forwarding and voicemail-to-email ensure no message gets lost.

Businesses Using CRM & Automation

If your team relies on tools like Slack, HubSpot, or Zapier, OpenPhone integrates seamlessly. This means calls and texts can sync with your workflow, saving time and keeping customer interactions organized. You won’t have to switch between multiple apps to manage communication.

Teams That Share Business Numbers

If multiple team members need to handle customer calls and messages, OpenPhone allows everyone to use the same business number. This makes it easier for sales and support teams to work together and respond to customers faster.

Businesses That Depend on SMS & Calls

If texting is a big part of your business, OpenPhone is a great option. It lets you send automated replies, schedule messages, and even send MMS. This helps businesses keep in touch with customers in a fast and convenient way.

Emitrr: The better alternative to 8×8 & OpenPhone

Emitrr Overviews

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 ensure they 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 – Redirect 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 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 
• 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 OpenPhone FAQs

Conclusion

Both 8×8 and OpenPhone are great VoIP options, but they serve different needs. If you want a complete communication system with calling, video meetings, and global coverage, 8×8 is the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re a startup or small business looking for a simple, budget-friendly VoIP service with strong texting and CRM features, OpenPhone is a solid choice.

That said, Emitrr goes a step further by offering smart automation, AI-driven insights, and seamless CRM integrations to make business communication smoother. It helps teams respond faster, engage customers better, and manage calls and messages effortlessly. Looking for a VoIP solution that truly simplifies your workflow? Try Emitrr today!