RingCentral vs Dialpad: Who is the Best VoIP Provider of 2021?

Staying competitive in business is a constant battle, much like a boxing match. You throw a punch by offering a new service and your rivals counter with something new of their own. The battle is constant and fierce, so you need all the advanced tools available to you in order to prevail. That includes finding the VoIP system that will give you an edge with your business communications.
Your company needs to choose a tough competitor to meet your VOIP needs. Anything less means your productivity and profitability suffer. And while you have dozens of choices, critics largely agree that RingCentral and Dialpad are two of the best providers.

Before you make a choice, carefully size up these two competitors — watch them in the ring, so to speak. In today’s post from Compare Hosted VoIP, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each service. Once you have all the information, you will be better prepared to decide which provider is best for your business. Let the battle begin.

The VoIP Ring

A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system offers businesses an excellent option to landlines. With VoIP, you are able to use your internet connection to make phone calls rather than relying on an analog phone line that connects using wires or fibers. In this digital age, many companies have outgrown traditional phone services and have turned to the internet. VoIP systems are quite versatile and allow you to connect calls by using smartphone apps, computer software, special VoIP phones, and traditional phones.

Currently, about 55% of companies use at least some VoIP solutions for their communications. Even individuals are choosing VoIP. That number is likely to continue rising in the coming years as companies and individuals replace traditional phone systems.

The Tale of the Tape: Competitor Comparisons

Want more boxing metaphors? Consider that these two companies are both champions but in different weight classes. They are both experts in the industry but offer different client experiences. All VoIP services are not the same.

The industry agrees that Dialpad and RingCentral are superior companies. Critics give both high marks in ease of use, unlimited calling, and communications quality. And while both cloud-based systems offer similar options like message platforms, web conferencing solutions, Office 365, and G Suite, they still have individual characteristics that appeal to different clients.

Pricing

These companies have multiple plans that offer different service levels. Dialpad is cheaper than RingCentral when it comes to monthly pricing on an annual plan. Dialpad costs between $15 – $25 per user per month when paid annually, while RingCentral’s price is higher — $19.99 to $49.99 per user per month when paid annually. Dialpad also offers less expensive international calling rates. For instance, calls to Australia begin as low as $.03 per minute with Dialpad, while the same call using RingCentral begins at $.039 per minute. For some companies, this difference in rates makes a big financial impact.

On cost alone, Dialpad is the clear winner. You will spend less on their basic plans. Of course, the monthly fees do not tell the entire story. These companies do not offer the same level of service in every case, so the lowest price may or may not be the best deal for your company.

Customer Service

All companies need easily accessible training and support. Fortunately, both of these plans offer a high level of customer service. Dialpad provides phone support on their upper-tier plans and has a knowledge base, forum, and chat features. RingCentral also offers these features with the addition of their special RingCentral University, a training and support resource available at all times for users and administrators that comes free with RingCentral Office. For those who want more extensive support, this benefit may swing them toward RingCentral’s hosted voice platform.

Integrations

Businesses live and die by software applications these days, and they all need to work well together. To enhance productivity, you need to choose a VoIP cloud phone that gives you a high level of integration ability, otherwise, you will not be able to coordinate all of your office applications. Poor integration ability adversely affects productivity, employee morale, and customer satisfaction.

Dialpad offers basic integration services on all of their plans, which may be all that your company needs. In contrast, RingCentral does not offer integrations on their lower-tier plans but provides advanced integration options on their higher tiers. If you want a lower-priced plan with integration options, then Dialpad would be the best VoIP provider. If you need more sophisticated integration options, then RingCentral might work better for your company. To choose a service, you will need to determine what level of integrations you need and how much you are willing to pay for them.

Conferencing Features

With the increase in remote workers, dependable video and audio conferencing ability is a must. For some companies, it’s become the primary communication method for coworkers and department teams. As a result, your service must be dependable and clear.

Each of these hosted voice platforms offers necessary conferencing features, but they vary significantly in scope. Dialpad allows three-way calling and handles as many as ten video participants by using Dialpad Meetings. In contrast, RingCentral allows six to 1,000 audio callers and between 100-200 video participants. Clearly, RingCentral’s plan will appeal to companies who need to hold large conference calls. International companies, in particular, may need that depth of service. Although Dialpad’s teleconferencing ability is much more modest, smaller businesses may not need more of this feature than Dialpad provides and may opt for the lower-priced service.

Mobile App Features

Smartphones and tablets are ubiquitous for personal use and business use. In fact, some employees rely on their mobile devices to conduct much of their business communication. In companies where this practice is the norm, employees need a cloud phone system with excellent mobile app features. Not all VoIP providers approach this aspect of service the same. Both Dialpad and RingCentral offer mobile app features, but Dialpad’s are not as extensive as those of its web browser application. Users may have to switch over to the web browser to take advantage of certain features. In comparison, RingCentral’s mobile features are almost as extensive as their web browser application, which saves time and frustration for their clients.

The Referee

Have you ever heard people debate who was the greatest boxer in the world? They may claim it was Muhammad Ali, Joe Fraser, Sugar Ray Robinson, or Floyd Mayweather. And they may all be correct. It depends on what they are looking for in a boxer. And choosing your VoIP system is a little like that. You can read all about the best VoIP systems and still come away confused about what your company needs and which price point works best for you.

That’s when you turn to the communications referee: Compare Hosted VoIP. Our experts will consult with you and analyze your company’s needs. We will help you choose the best VoIP provider that works with your budget while giving you all the features you need to stay competitive in today’s marketplace. At Compare Hosted VoIP, we understand the pros and cons of the VoIP provider world, including the selling points of the highest-rated companies.

You do not have to agonize about your VoIP choice. Instead, contact our specialists today by filling out a brief online form or using our VoIP Concierge. You should not have to knock yourself out by spending hours debating your choices. Let us help you find the best VoIP provider for your company.