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

Introduction

Are you a business searching for a smart VoIP solution but unsure whether to choose Ooma or OpenPhone? It’s time to explore both platforms and see what they bring to the table. In this blog, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of Ooma and OpenPhone, covering their features, pricing, pros, cons, and more. Read on to make an informed decision!

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 Simple and direct functionality.

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.

Ooma vs OpenPhone: Feature comparison

Let’s dive right into the feature comparison between both platforms: 

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.

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	Ooma	OpenPhone	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	No	Yes
Business Working Hours Set Up	Yes	No	Yes
Multi-location Set Up	Limited	Limited	Yes
Auto Attendants	Yes	No	Yes
Missed call to text	No	No	Yes
Two-way texting	Yes	No	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	No	Yes
Auto-responders	No	Yes	Yes
AI Receptionist	No	No	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 OpenPhone: Pricing comparison

Ooma Pricing

Ooma Office offers 3 pricing plans to its customers:

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.

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. 

Ooma vs OpenPhone: Pros and cons

Ooma Pros and Cons

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.

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 Ooma

Ooma is a VoIP phone system suitable for small businesses, home offices, and individuals looking for an affordable yet reliable communication solution. Below are the ideal use cases:

Small Businesses & Home Offices

If you run a small business or work from home, Ooma provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone systems. It offers essential features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and a virtual receptionist.

Businesses Needing a Landline Alternative

Ooma is a great option for those who want to replace traditional landlines with VoIP without losing reliability. It ensures high call quality and works with existing phone hardware.

Teams with Limited Call Volume

If your business doesn’t require high call volumes or advanced call center features, Ooma provides a simple and easy-to-use solution without unnecessary complexities.

Budget-Conscious Users

Ooma offers low-cost VoIP services, including a free residential plan (Ooma Telo) with basic calling features. Businesses can opt for Ooma Office, which provides additional features at an affordable price.

Remote & Hybrid Work Setups

With its mobile and desktop apps, Ooma enables employees to make and receive business calls from anywhere, making it ideal for remote work environments.

Businesses Needing Virtual Fax & Conference Calling

Ooma supports virtual faxing and basic conference calling, making it suitable for businesses that need these features without investing in expensive VoIP solutions.

Local and Toll-Free Business Numbers

Ooma allows businesses to get local and toll-free numbers, making it a great choice for those looking to establish a professional presence.

When To Use OpenPhone

OpenPhone is a VoIP texting and calling solution designed for modern businesses, especially startups and remote teams. It’s best suited for companies that need flexible, cloud-based phone services with advanced messaging capabilities. Here are the use cases: 

Startups & Growing Businesses

OpenPhone offers an intuitive, scalable VoIP system with features that cater to modern startups, including automation, CRM integrations, and shared business numbers.

Remote & Distributed Teams

If your business has employees working from multiple locations, OpenPhone provides seamless communication with mobile and desktop apps, ensuring your team stays connected.

Businesses Needing CRM Integration

Unlike Ooma, OpenPhone integrates with tools like Slack, HubSpot, and Zapier, making it ideal for teams that rely on workflow automation and CRM systems for customer management.

Teams Using Shared Numbers

OpenPhone allows multiple team members to manage one business number, making it perfect for customer support, sales, or any department that requires collaborative communication.

Businesses Focused on SMS & VoIP

OpenPhone has robust texting features, including automated replies, scheduled messages, and MMS support, making it a great choice for businesses that rely on text-based customer interactions.

Startups Needing Affordable International Calling

OpenPhone offers competitive international calling rates, making it a good choice for businesses that frequently communicate with clients or partners abroad.

Businesses Needing Call Recording & Transcription

OpenPhone offers built-in call recording and voicemail transcription, useful for teams that need to review past conversations for training, compliance, or customer service purposes.

Emitrr: The better alternative to Ooma & OpenPhone

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 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 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 
• 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

Ooma vs OpenPhone FAQs

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Ooma and OpenPhone both have the best features suited to small and large businesses, as they provide various services but differ in their approach, pricing, and functionality. While Ooma is known for its reliable hardware-based VoIP solutions with advanced call management features, OpenPhone focuses on a modern, app-based VoIP experience tailored for remote teams and startups. Understanding their key differences will help you choose the right fit for your business needs.

However, Emitrr here serves the most comprehensive VoIP experience by combining advanced call management, automation, and seamless integrations. Unlike Ooma and OpenPhone, Emitrr focuses on enhancing business communication with AI-driven features, improved customer engagement, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking for efficiency and growth. Book a demo today to take your business to the next level!