Nextiva vs Vonage vs Emitrr: Which is the Better VoIP Solution?

Trying to decide between Nextiva, Vonage, and Emitrr for your business VoIP needs? With so many options available, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming. Each platform offers unique features, but which one truly meets your business requirements?

In this blog, we’ll break down Nextiva, Vonage, and Emitrr, comparing their features, pricing, and overall value to help you make the best decision. Keep reading to find out which VoIP solution is the right choice for your business!

What is Nextiva?

Nextiva is a cloud-based VoIP provider offering communication and collaboration solutions for businesses of all sizes. It provides voice, video, messaging, and customer relationship tools to streamline communication and enhance productivity. Known for its user-friendly interface and scalability, Nextiva is designed to support remote and hybrid work environments.

What is Vonage?

Vonage is a cloud-based VoIP solution offering communication services for businesses of all sizes. It provides voice, messaging, and video conferencing features to streamline communication. Known for its flexible pricing and integrations, Vonage caters to remote teams and businesses needing scalable communication tools. While it offers essential VoIP functions, some users report concerns about call quality and customer support.

Nextiva vs Vonage: Feature Comparison

Let’s take a closer look at how these platforms stack up, breaking down their key features and capabilities one by one:

Nextiva Features

• Call Forwarding – Ensures calls are seamlessly redirected to another number or device, minimizing missed calls.
• Call Routing – Directs incoming calls to the right person or department based on predefined rules.
• Call Queuing – Places incoming callers in a queue until an agent is available, improving call management.
• IVR Menu/Call Tree – Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system allows callers to navigate menu options for efficient self-service.
• Call Recording – Records conversations for training, compliance, and quality assurance purposes.
• Call Conferencing – Enables multiple participants to join a single call for collaboration.
• User Extensions – Assigns unique extensions to users, making internal communication easier.
• Voicemail Transcription – Converts voicemails into text for quick review and easy access.
• Two-Way Texting – Allows businesses to send and receive text messages for better customer communication.
• AI Receptionist – Uses AI to handle and route calls, reducing the need for manual call handling.

Vonage Features

• Call Forwarding – Ensures calls are redirected to another number or device when unavailable.
• Call Routing – Directs incoming calls to the right department or agent based on predefined rules.
• Call Queuing & Call Queuing Groups – Manages high call volumes by placing callers in a queue until an agent is available, with group-based distribution.
• IVR Menu/ Call Tree – Provides an interactive voice menu for callers to navigate to the right destination without human assistance.
• Call Recording – Records calls for compliance, training, and quality assurance.
• Call Conferencing – Enables multiple participants to join a single call for seamless team collaboration.
• User Extensions – Assigns unique extensions to employees for easy internal and external calling.
• Business Working Hours Setup – Allows businesses to configure call handling based on working hours.
• Multi-location Set Up – Supports communication across multiple office locations under a unified system.
• Voicemail Transcription – Converts voicemail messages into text for easier access and reference.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Nextiva, Vonage and Emitrr’s key features:

Features	Nextiva	Vonage	Emitrr
Call Forwarding	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Routing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Queuing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Queuing Groups	Yes	Yes	Yes
IVR Menu/ Call Tree	Yes	Yes	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	Limited	Yes	Yes
Auto Attendants	No	Yes	Yes
AI Receptionist	Yes	No	Yes
Missed call to text	No	No	Yes
Two-way texting	Yes	Yes	Yes
Group Texting	No	Yes	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	Yes	Yes
Schedule-based texting	No	No	Yes
Broadcast/Bulk SMS	Limited	Yes	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

Nextiva vs Vonage: Pricing Comparison

Finding the right VoIP solution starts with the right price. Let’s see how Nextiva and Vonage compare in terms of cost and value.

Nextiva Pricing

Nextiva offers two pricing models: one for small businesses and another for enterprises, each designed to accommodate different communication needs.

• Small Business Plans – Four tiers: Digital, Core, Engage, and Power Suite, starting at $25 per user per month. These plans provide essential VoIP features, scalability, and collaboration tools suitable for growing businesses.
• Enterprise Plans – Three options: Essential, Professional, and Premium, with pricing based on per agent per month, usage-based, or concurrent pricing models, starting at $129 per agent per month. These plans offer advanced call management, integrations, and enhanced support for large organizations.

Vonage Pricing

Vonage offers flexible pricing across four main categories, catering to different business communication needs:

• Communications APIs – Pricing starts at €0.00735 per message, allowing businesses to integrate messaging and voice capabilities.
• Unified Communications – Plans start at $17.99 per month, providing VoIP calling, messaging, and collaboration tools.
• Contact Center – Custom pricing is available based on business requirements, offering advanced customer support features.
• Conversational Commerce – Requires a $5,000 setup fee along with a monthly recurring charge for AI-driven customer engagement solutions.

Nextiva vs Vonage: Pros and Cons

Every VoIP provider has its strengths and limitations. Let’s break down the pros and cons of Nextiva and Vonage to see how they compare.

Nextiva Pros

• Cloud-Based System – Eliminates the need for traditional phone lines, making it easier to manage communications.
• Designed for Businesses – Built to support professional communication needs across various industries.
• Reliable Performance – Generally provides stable connectivity when network conditions are good.
• Expandable for Growth – Can accommodate businesses as they scale, with options for additional users and features.
• Basic AI Functionalities – Offers automation tools that help streamline call management.

Nextiva Cons

• Unintuitive Interface – The platform is difficult to navigate, making it less user-friendly.
• Multiple Dashboard Logins – Requires too many logins, adding complexity to the user experience.
• Poor Customer Support – Users report slow response times and ineffective issue resolution.
• Difficult Setup – The initial configuration process is not seamless and can be time-consuming.
• Missed Calls & Voicemail Issues – Users have reported losing customer calls, and voicemail transcription is lacking.
• Inefficient Workflow – Teams experience delays due to usability challenges and wasted time on navigation.

Vonage Pros

• Established VoIP Provider – A well-known name in the VoIP industry with years of experience.
• Customizable Plans – Offers different pricing options to suit various business needs.
• Supports Remote Work – Can be accessed from different locations, making it useful for distributed teams.
• Scalable Solution – Can accommodate growing teams with features like user extensions and call conferencing.

Vonage Cons

• Poor Customer Support – No real-time issue resolution, unreliable service, and difficult cancellation process.
• Frequent App Crashes & Freezing – Both desktop and mobile apps often crash or freeze, disrupting business communication.
• Limited Integrations – Lacks flexibility to connect with essential third-party tools.
• Mandatory Contracts – Requires users to sign contracts, limiting flexibility.
• Unreliable Call Features – Issues with call forwarding, missed call notifications, and call drops.
• Deceptive Sales – Overpromises on features that do not work as expected.

When to Use Nextiva?

Nextiva works well for businesses that need a communication suite with added features beyond basic VoIP. If your business has specific needs that align with the points below, Nextiva might be worth considering:

If You Need a Business-Centric Communication Suite

Nextiva is designed for businesses that need more than just a VoIP phone system. It offers a complete communication suite, including voice, video, team messaging, and customer relationship management (CRM) tools. If you want an all-in-one platform that enhances customer interactions and internal communication, Nextiva is a solid choice.

If You Prioritize Reliability and Uptime

Nextiva boasts a 99.999% uptime, ensuring your business remains operational with minimal disruptions. If your company relies on uninterrupted communication, such as a customer service center or a high-volume sales team, Nextiva’s reliability makes it a compelling option.

If You Want Built-in Customer Experience Tools

With features like call pop (which provides customer details before answering a call) and sentiment analysis, Nextiva is ideal for businesses focused on improving customer interactions. If your business depends on delivering personalized support, these tools can give you a competitive edge.

If You Operate a Multi-Location Business

For companies with multiple offices or remote teams, Nextiva’s scalable infrastructure makes it easy to maintain seamless communication across locations. Its centralized management dashboard allows for quick adjustments, ensuring consistency in operations.

If You Need Advanced Call Analytics

Nextiva provides detailed call analytics, including call volume trends, response times, and performance tracking. If your business relies on data-driven decision-making to optimize customer service and sales, Nextiva’s analytics tools will be beneficial.

When to Use Vonage?

Vonage provides VoIP solutions with industry-specific features and integrations. If your business requirements match the scenarios listed below, Vonage could be an option to explore:

If You Need Industry-Specific VoIP Solutions

Vonage offers tailored solutions for industries like healthcare, retail, and finance, providing compliance-friendly features for secure communication. If your business operates in a regulated industry and requires sector-specific tools, Vonage is worth considering.

If You Want a VoIP System with Flexible Pricing

Vonage’s modular pricing allows businesses to customize their plans by selecting only the features they need. If you’re a small business looking for cost-effective VoIP without paying for unnecessary extras, Vonage’s flexibility is a strong advantage.

If You Require Global Calling and Mobility

Vonage’s VoIP solutions come with extensive international calling options, making it ideal for businesses with global clients or remote employees. If your company frequently communicates with overseas partners, Vonage offers competitive international rates and mobile-friendly calling options.

If You Rely on Third-Party App Integrations

Vonage supports integrations with a wide range of business applications, including Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and Slack. If your team depends on these tools for workflow automation and productivity, Vonage’s compatibility makes it a seamless addition to your tech stack.

If You Need Simple, User-Friendly VoIP

Vonage is known for its straightforward setup and user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for businesses that want a hassle-free VoIP solution. If you’re a small business owner without an in-house IT team, Vonage’s simplicity ensures easy implementation and management.

Emitrr: The Better Alternative to Nextiva & Vonage

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

Let’s take a look at the list of features that make Emitrr stand out in comparison to Ooma and Vonage:

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 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.

Why Emitrr Is the Smarter VoIP Choice for Small Businesses?

Selecting the right VoIP provider is crucial for small businesses aiming to enhance communication efficiency and customer engagement. Emitrr distinguishes itself from competitors like Nextiva and Vonage through a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses. 

Here are some of the top points that highlight why it is a better choice:

Unified Communication Platform

Emitrr offers an all-encompassing communication solution that integrates business texting, team messaging, and VoIP phone services into a single platform. This consolidation streamlines workflows, reduces the need for multiple tools, and ensures seamless internal and external communications.

Advanced Automation Capabilities

Beyond standard VoIP functionalities, Emitrr provides automation tools such as appointment reminders, review requests, and text campaigns. These features help businesses reduce no-shows, enhance customer feedback collection, and execute effective marketing campaigns without manual intervention.

Customizable Digital Forms and Online Scheduling

Emitrr enables businesses to create digital forms and offer online scheduling, facilitating efficient data collection and appointment management. These tools enhance customer experience by allowing clients to interact with the business at their convenience.

Robust Integration with Existing Systems

Designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows, Emitrr integrates with over 1,000 CRM and business management tools. This compatibility ensures that businesses can maintain their current systems while enhancing communication capabilities.

Dedicated Customer Support

Emitrr is committed to providing exceptional customer support, offering 24/7 assistance to ensure businesses receive timely help whenever needed. This level of support is crucial for small businesses that may not have extensive in-house IT resources.

HIPAA Compliance for Secure Communications

For businesses in regulated industries, Emitrr ensures compliance with standards such as HIPAA, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining trust with clients.

User-Friendly Interface and Quick Deployment

Emitrr’s intuitive design allows for quick setup and easy adoption, minimizing downtime and training requirements. This user-friendly approach ensures that businesses can swiftly leverage the platform’s features to improve operations.

Transparent and Flexible Pricing

Emitrr offers straightforward pricing models without hidden fees, allowing businesses to select plans that align with their specific needs and budgets. This transparency ensures that small businesses can effectively manage costs while accessing premium features.

Enhanced Remote Work Support

With features like VoIP for remote workers, Emitrr supports seamless communication for distributed teams, ensuring productivity and collaboration regardless of location. 

Emitrr Pricing

Emitrr offers flexible pricing tailored to different business needs. For VoIP, it provides two plans:

• Standard
• Professional

Pricing starts at just $20 per month, making it an affordable yet powerful solution for businesses looking for seamless communication.

Emitrr Integrations

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

• DrChrono
• Dentrix
• MailChimp
• Denticon
• AthenaHealth
• Zapier
• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Facebook
• HouseCall Pro
• And more!

Emitrr Reviews

Emitrr has an overall rating of 4.8/5 on Capterra. Here is what customers have to say about Emitrr:

“I LOVE Emitrr. The support you get is wonderful, the app is easy to use and they have been incredibly responsive. As a small business, we needed a messaging platform that wouldn’t break the bank and this meets all our needs (and then some) without making us feel overwhelmed.”

“You have it all integrated into one platform, the signatures, the amount of characters, you can attach files, send photos. You are able to create and send forms. Unlimited amount of things we can use and take advantage of.”

Source: Capterra

Nextiva vs Vonage: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Nextiva and Vonage offer strong VoIP solutions, but they aren’t always the best fit for small businesses looking for simplicity, affordability, and automation. Nextiva provides a feature-rich platform suited for larger teams, while Vonage focuses on flexibility and integrations, but both come with added costs and complexity.

Emitrr takes a different approach. Built specifically for small businesses, it delivers a streamlined VoIP experience with automation, hassle-free pricing, and top-tier customer support. No hidden fees, no unnecessary extras, just an efficient communication system that helps businesses stay connected and grow.

If you’re looking for a VoIP solution that works for you instead of against you, schedule a demo with Emitrr today and see the difference firsthand.