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

Is your business struggling to find the right VoIP solution? With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Ooma, Nextiva, and Emitrr are three popular choices, each offering unique features designed to improve business communication. But which one truly fits your needs?

In this blog, we’ll compare their pricing, features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you make the best decision for your business. Let’s dive in.

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 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.

Ooma vs Nextiva: Feature Comparison

Ooma and Nextiva may both be VoIP solutions, but they cater to businesses in very different ways. If you’re weighing your options, a feature-by-feature breakdown is the best way to see which one fits your needs. Let’s take a closer look at what each platform brings to the table.

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 IVR (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.

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.

Below is a direct comparison of Ooma, Nextiva and Emitrr’s features, making it easier to see which VoIP solution fits your business best.

Features	Ooma	Nextiva	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	Limited	Yes
Auto Attendants	Yes	No	Yes
Missed call to text	No	No	Yes
Two-way texting	Yes	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	Yes	Yes
Schedule-based texting	No	No	Yes
Broadcast/Bulk SMS	Limited	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

Ooma vs Nextiva: Pricing Comparison

Pricing can be a deciding factor when choosing a VoIP provider, especially for small businesses working within a budget. Ooma and Nextiva follow different pricing models, each offering various plans with distinct features.

We’ll break down their pricing structures to see which service provides the best value for your investment.

Ooma Pricing

Ooma Office offers three pricing plans tailored for businesses of all sizes:

• Essentials
• Pro
• Pro Plus

Each plan comes with internet calling, phone management tools, and real-time customer support. With no long-term contracts, Ooma keeps pricing simple and flexible, starting at $19.95 per user per month.

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.

Ooma vs Nextiva: Pros and Cons

Every VoIP solution has its strengths and weaknesses, and Ooma and Nextiva are no exception. Understanding this can help you determine which one aligns better with your business needs. 

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.

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.

When to Use Ooma?

Ooma is best suited for small businesses that want a simple, affordable, and easy-to-deploy VoIP system without unnecessary complexity. Here’s when Ooma makes the most sense:

• You need a low-cost phone system – If keeping costs down is a priority, Ooma is one of the most budget-friendly VoIP options. With a free tier for essential features and no per-user pricing, it’s ideal for solopreneurs, startups, and small teams looking for professional call handling without high monthly fees.
  
• You prefer a plug-and-play setup – Not every business has an IT team to handle complicated installations. Ooma’s hardware-based system is easy to set up, making it a great fit for retail stores, service providers, and offices that need a reliable phone system without technical headaches.
  
• Your internet connection isn’t the best – If your business operates in an area with inconsistent internet speeds, Ooma’s PureVoice HD technology helps maintain clear call quality even with limited bandwidth.
  
• You’re moving away from landlines but still need desk phones – Businesses transitioning to VoIP but still relying on analog phones can integrate them with Ooma’s system, avoiding a complete overhaul while gaining modern VoIP features.
  
• You need toll-free or virtual numbers without a complicated setup – If your business wants to appear more professional or expand its reach, Ooma makes it easy to get toll-free or virtual numbers at a low cost.

When to Use Nextiva?

Nextiva is a strong choice for businesses that need more than just a phone system. It’s designed for companies looking for advanced communication tools, scalability, and reliability. Here’s when Nextiva is the better option:

• You need a full-featured communication platform – Nextiva offers much more than VoIP. It includes voice, video conferencing, team messaging, and CRM tools, making it an all-in-one communication hub for businesses that need seamless collaboration.
  
• Reliability and uptime are a priority – If your business can’t afford downtime, Nextiva’s 99.999% uptime ensures constant connectivity. This is especially crucial for customer support teams and sales departments that rely on consistent communication.
  
• You want built-in customer engagement tools – Features like call pop, which shows customer details before answering, and sentiment analysis help businesses improve customer interactions and service quality.
  
• You operate across multiple locations – Whether you have multiple offices or remote teams, Nextiva’s cloud-based infrastructure makes managing communications across different locations easy, with a centralized dashboard for oversight.
  
• You rely on data and analytics – Nextiva provides deep call analytics, including call volume trends and performance metrics. If your business makes data-driven decisions to improve customer service and sales, Nextiva’s reporting tools offer valuable insights.

Emitrr: The Better Alternative to Ooma & Nextiva

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 Choose Emitrr Over Ooma & Nextiva?

Here’s why businesses might find Emitrr a better fit:

Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Fees

Emitrr offers straightforward pricing without unexpected costs. Unlike Nextiva’s tiered pricing model, which can become expensive as you scale, or Ooma’s hardware-based approach, Emitrr provides a flexible, cloud-based solution with no setup fees or hidden charges. Small businesses can enjoy enterprise-level features without breaking their budget.

AI-Powered Automation for Efficiency

Emitrr takes VoIP beyond traditional calling by integrating AI-driven automation. It streamlines appointment reminders, follow-ups, and customer interactions, reducing manual work for businesses. Neither Ooma nor Nextiva offer the same level of intelligent automation, making Emitrr a smarter choice for efficiency-driven businesses.

All-in-One Multi-Channel Communication

Unlike Ooma, which focuses primarily on voice, and Nextiva, which leans toward a business suite model, Emitrr unifies communication across SMS, VoIP, WhatsApp, and email. Businesses can manage customer interactions seamlessly without relying on multiple platforms.

Superior Customer Support

Emitrr is known for its responsive, round-the-clock support, ensuring businesses get immediate assistance whenever needed. While Nextiva offers business-hour support and Ooma provides basic assistance, Emitrr prioritizes hands-on customer care with a dedicated team that resolves issues quickly.

Seamless Integrations with Business Tools

Emitrr connects effortlessly with CRMs, scheduling tools, and customer engagement platforms, allowing businesses to automate processes without disrupting their workflow. While Nextiva provides some integrations at higher pricing tiers and Ooma offers limited connectivity, Emitrr ensures a hassle-free experience with robust integration capabilities.

Designed for Growing Businesses

For companies looking to scale, Emitrr provides flexibility without forcing unnecessary upgrades. It adapts to business needs with customizable workflows, unlike Ooma, which is better suited for basic phone systems, or Nextiva, which may require expensive plan upgrades to unlock advanced features.

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:

“Overall very positive. The service works like I need it to, the customer service is amazing, up-time is great, and changes made seem to be well thought out and well, not just changes for change’s sake.

“Exceptional! Friendly! The team at Emitrr handles your needs promptly. Emitrr customer service is unmatched! I don’t need help often but when I do, it is handled quickly. The system is very user-friendly. I haven’t run across a con as of yet.”

Source: Capterra

Ooma vs Nextiva: FAQs

Conclusion

Neither Ooma nor Nextiva is a one-size-fits-all solution. Ooma is great for businesses looking for an affordable, no-frills phone system, while Nextiva caters to those needing a more advanced communication suite. But if your business demands more than just VoIP, you may need a better alternative.

Emitrr goes beyond traditional VoIP by offering AI-driven automation, multi-channel communication, and seamless integrations—all at a competitive price. It’s built for businesses that want to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and work smarter.

Explore how Emitrr can transform your business—book a demo today!