Introduction
Are you a business looking for an intelligent VoIP solution but are confused between Ooma and 8×8? Well, it is time you broaden your horizons and explore what each of these platforms has to offer. In this blog, we will help you get a comprehensive understanding of Ooma and 8×8, and draw a comparison based on their features, pricing, pros, cons, and more. Stay tuned to make an informed choice!
What is Ooma?
Ooma is a VoIP provider offering communication solutions for businesses and individuals. It includes essential calling features such as call forwarding, call routing, call recording, and voicemail transcription. Known for its affordability and ease of use, Ooma is designed to provide reliable phone service with straightforward functionality.
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.
Ooma vs 8×8: Feature comparison
Ooma Features
- Call Forwarding – Redirect incoming calls to another number to ensure availability.
- Call Routing – Directs calls to the appropriate person or department based on set rules.
- Call Queuing – Places callers in a queue when all agents are busy, improving call handling.
- Call Queuing Groups – Allows grouping of agents for efficient call distribution.
- IVR Menu/Call Tree – An interactive voice menu that helps route calls based on user input.
- Call Recording – Records and stores calls for quality monitoring and compliance.
- Call Conferencing – Enables multiple participants to join a single call.
- User Extensions – Assigns unique extensions for different users or departments.
- Business Working Hours Setup – Allows businesses to define when they are available to receive calls.
- Multi-location Setup (Limited) – Provides some support for businesses operating in multiple locations.
- Auto Attendants – Automated virtual receptionist to guide callers to the right destination.
- Voicemail Transcription – Converts voicemails into text for easy access and reference.
- Two-way Texting – Allows businesses to communicate via SMS with customers.
- Broadcast/Bulk SMS (Limited) – Send bulk messages for promotions or updates to multiple recipients.
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.
Here is a quick comparison of the features of Ooma, 8×8, and Emitrr:
Features | Ooma | 8×8 | Emitrr |
Call Forwarding | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Call Routing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Call Queuing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Call Queuing Groups | Yes | No | Yes |
IVR Menu/ Call Tree | Yes | 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 | Limited | Yes | Yes |
Auto Attendants | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Missed call to text | No | No | Yes |
Two-way texting | Yes | No | 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 | No | Yes |
Broadcast/Bulk SMS | Limited | 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 | No | Yes |
Ooma vs 8×8: Pricing comparison
Ooma Pricing
Ooma Office offers 3 pricing plans to its customers: Essentials, Pro, and Pro Plus, starting at $19.95 per user per month and going up to $29.95 per user per month
8×8 Pricing
8X8 entails 4 core pricing plans: Contact Center, CX Beyond the Contact Center, Communications APIs, and Unified Communications. However, 8X8’s pricing is not available, so you can request a quote from them based on your business needs.
Ooma vs 8×8: Pros and cons
Let’s explore the pros and cons of Ooma and 8×8 to find out which platform suits your needs best:
Ooma Pros
- Simple Setup Process – Easy to install and get started without extensive technical expertise.
- No Contracts Required – Users can subscribe on a month-to-month basis without long-term commitments.
- Scalable for Growing Businesses – Can accommodate small businesses looking to expand their phone systems.
- Offers a Physical Device Option – Unlike many cloud-only providers, Ooma provides hardware solutions for businesses that prefer on-premise VoIP setups.
Ooma Cons
- False Promises – Customers report discrepancies between advertised features and actual performance.
- Limited Feature Set – Lacks many advanced VoIP functionalities compared to competitors.
- No Call Hold or Transfer – Lacks basic call management options, making it inconvenient for businesses.
- Poorly Designed User Interface – The platform is not intuitive, leading to usability issues.
- Rude Customer Service – Users have reported unhelpful and dismissive support experiences.
- Security Concerns – Allegations of insufficient protection against data breaches.
- Unreliable Messaging – Some users face issues with messages not being received.
- Call Forwarding Issues – Calls do not always get forwarded as expected, causing disruptions.
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.
When to use Ooma?
Ooma is a VoIP service that offers a reliable, cost-effective, and feature-packed phone system, making it an excellent option for both individuals and businesses, particularly as a replacement for landlines or for using your home phone on the go via their app. Ooma is known for its simple setup process and ability to accommodate businesses as per their growing business needs. Having said that, you may have to face issues like poor user interface and lack of call hold and transfer features, which are essential when looking for a VoIP phone system for businesses.
When to use 8×8?
8×8 is a good choice for remote or hybrid teams as the software is known for offering stable connections. 8×8 supports global communication for businesses with overseas clients as well, making it an ideal option for remote teams or hybrid teams. However, if you also want texting capabilities, a mobile app, and easy-to-use software, then 8×8 may not be a good choice for you, and considering an option like Emitrr may be a much better option.
Emitrr: The Better Alternative to Ooma vs 8×8
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 – 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 – Smart 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 Comparison Table
Features | Emitrr |
Call Forwarding | Yes |
Call Routing | Yes |
Call Queuing | Yes |
Call Queuing Groups | Yes |
IVR Menu/ Call Tree | Yes |
Call Recording | Yes |
Call Conferencing | Yes |
User Extensions | Yes |
Business Working Hours Set Up | Yes |
Multi-location Set Up | Yes |
Auto-responder | Yes |
AI Receptionist | Yes |
Missed call to text | Yes |
Two-way texting | Yes |
Group Texting | Yes |
Webchat-to-Text | Yes |
Team Chat | Yes |
Facebook Messenger | Yes |
Voicemail Transcription | Yes |
Auto-responders | Yes |
Schedule-based texting | Yes |
Broadcast/Bulk SMS | Yes |
Appointment Scheduling | Yes |
Automated Reminders | Yes |
Reviews + Reputation | Yes |
Customer Surveys | Yes |
Digital Forms | Yes |
Customer Recall | Yes |
Birthday wishes | Yes |
24/7 Customer Support | Yes |
Emitrr Pros
- User-Friendly Interface – Intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for any users.
- Seamless Integrations – Connects with 1,000+ third-party apps (CRM, EMR, PMS, scheduling platforms) for streamlined workflows.
- Reliable Uptime – Ensures 99.99% uptime, preventing service interruptions and enabling smooth communication.
- Outstanding Customer Support – Quick response times and dedicated support to resolve issues efficiently.
- Flexible Pricing Plans – Affordable and customizable pricing to fit businesses of all sizes.
- Comprehensive Communication Tools – Offers call analytics, CRM automation, call queue management, and IVR to enhance business operations.
- HD Call Quality – Crystal-clear and reliable calls for seamless communication, essential for remote teams and customer interactions.
- Scalable for Remote Teams – Works efficiently across multiple locations, supporting businesses with remote employees.
- Automated Workflows – AI Receptionist (upcoming) and text automation reduce manual tasks and improve customer engagement.
- Multi-Channel Communication – Combines VoIP and text messaging for an all-in-one customer communication platform.
Emitrr Cons
More features will be added soon!
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 seamlessly integrates with over 500 EHR/PMS software, including:
- Mailchimp
- Zapier
- Hubspot
- Pipedrive
- Drchrono
- eClinicalWorks
- Denticon
- AthenaHealth
- Dolphin
- Dentrix Enterprise
- Curve Hero
- Kareo
- Dentrix Ascend
- Eaglesoft
- Orthotrac
- Dentrix
- OpenDental
- Practiceworks
- And more!
Emitrr Reviews
Emitrr’s has a high rating of 4.8/5 on Capterra and 4.7/5 on g2. Have a look at what Emitrr users are saying:
“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.”
“You have it all integrated into one platform, the signatures, the amount of characters, you can attached files, send photos. You are able to create and send forms. Unlimited amount of things we can use and take advantage of.”
Ooma vs 8×8: Frequently Asked Questions
There are many competitors of Ooma, including Emitrr, Vonage, RingCentral, 8×8, and Dialpad, among others. However, we find Emitrr to be the best Ooma alternative because of its comprehensive features and affordable pricing.
Yes, Ooma customers are required to pay monthly fees and taxes in addition to the price of their chosen plan.
Ooma does not rely on a single carrier. Instead, it utilizes a network of multiple carriers, including T-Mobile, UScellular, AT&T, and Verizon. With “Ooma AirDial,” you can make and receive calls easily via any of these carriers, depending on your location.
Yes, Ooma can block spam calls. Users can easily enable this feature by navigating their account settings. Once enabled, Ooma will start blocking spam calls.
8×8 offers four kinds of pricing plans, however, 8X8’s pricing is not as accessible. You can request a quote based on your business needs to get more details on the same.
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