Ooma Phone Review

Ooma Phone is a leading Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) business phone service that caters specifically to the needs of small businesses. What sets Ooma apart from its competitors is its ability to offer a comprehensive set of features typically found in costly "premium" packages at a highly affordable price point. In this in-depth Ooma Phone review, we'll explore the service's features, pricing, and benefits to help you determine if Ooma is the right fit for your small business communication needs.

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Is Ooma Right for You?

Ooma is an exceptional choice for small businesses seeking a cost-effective, feature-rich, and reliable VoIP phone service. The company's "basic" package, starting at just under $20 per user per month, offers an impressive array of features that other providers often reserve for their premium plans. These include unlimited calling, call blocking, and a virtual receptionist, among others.

One of the standout aspects of Ooma's service is its no-contract option, which provides small businesses with the flexibility to cancel their plan at any time without incurring penalties. This is particularly beneficial for companies that are exploring VoIP solutions for the first time and want to avoid long-term commitments.

PROS

  • Affordable pricing
  • Feature-rich basic package available
  • Excellent customer support
  • Mobile app compatibility

CONS

  • Some useful features not available in basic plan
  • Not HIPAA compliant

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Ooma is an excellent choice for small businesses looking for robust phone services at an affordable price. 

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Ooma's Pricing and Plans

Ooma offers three business phone service plans: Essentials, Pro, and Pro Plus, all with varying features and prices that are ideal for different businesses. 

Essentials ($19.95/User/Month)

Ooma’s Essentials plan is the company's entry-level plan, but it comes packed with an impressive array of features. These include a virtual receptionist, the Ooma mobile app, call forwarding, transfer music, voicemail with audio email attachments, call blocking, caller ID, SMS messaging, multi-device ring, overhead paging, and unlimited calling.

Pro ($24.95/User/Month)

Ooma’s Pro plan includes all the features of the Essentials plan along with several advanced functionalities. These include video conferencing, a desktop app, call recording, enhanced call blocking, and voicemail transcription.

Pro Plus ($29.95/User/Month)

The Pro Plus plan includes all the features from the Pro and Essentials plans as well as CRM integrations, text messaging capabilities, video conferencing, team chat, hot desking, and call queuing. 

Ooma Features and Functionality

Ooma offers a comprehensive set of features designed to streamline communication, enhance productivity, and improve the overall customer experience for small businesses. The service's functionality caters to the unique needs of small businesses, providing them with the tools they need to stay connected and competitive in today's fast-paced business environment. Some of Ooma's most notable features include:

  • Virtual receptionist: Greets callers with a professional, customizable message and directs them to the appropriate department or team member, helping small businesses project a more established and professional image.
  • Ooma mobile app: Available for both Android and iOS devices, the app allows users to make and receive calls, manage their voicemail, and adjust settings from anywhere, ensuring that they can stay connected and productive even when away from the office.
  • Call management: Ooma offers a range of call management features, including call forwarding, transfer music, multi-device ring, call blocking, and caller ID, ensuring that calls are always directed to the right person and protecting against unwanted calls and fraud.
  • Voicemail functionality: With options like voicemail-to-email and voicemail transcription, Ooma makes it easy for users to access and manage their messages, while the overhead paging feature allows businesses to make announcements across their entire office or facility.
  • Unlimited calling: Ooma's unlimited calling feature ensures that small businesses can stay connected with clients, partners, and team members without worrying about incurring additional charges or exceeding their plan limits.

Ooma Phone Alternatives

While Ooma is one of our top picks for small business VoIP solutions, there are several noteworthy alternatives to consider:

Phone.com

Phone.com offers three affordable small business phone service packages with features like SMS texting, call routing, voicemail transcription, and video conferencing. With prices starting at just $14.99 per user per month, Phone.com is an excellent choice for budget-conscious small businesses.

RingCentral

RingCentral offers four subscription plans and a wide range of desk phones, cordless phones, and conference phones to suit various business needs. While RingCentral's plans are slightly more expensive than Ooma's, starting at $30 per user per month, the company's extensive hardware selection makes it a good choice for businesses with specific device requirements.

UniTel Voice

Unitel Voice provides four pricing plans tailored for small and micro businesses, with features such as call announcement, virtual receptionist, and follow-me find-me call forwarding. The company's plans range from $9.99 to $69.99 per month, making it a suitable option for very small businesses with limited communication needs.

Conclusion

Ooma Phone is the one of the best business phone services for small businesses in 2024. Its combination of affordability, flexibility, and essential features makes it an unbeatable choice for companies looking to streamline their communication processes and boost productivity without incurring high costs. Ooma's user-friendly interface, exceptional customer support, and no-contract options further enhance its appeal to small businesses.

While alternative VoIP solutions like Phone.com, UniTel Voice, and RingCentral may better suit specific business needs, Ooma remains the top choice for most small businesses seeking a reliable, cost-effective, and feature-rich VoIP service. By choosing Ooma, small businesses can enjoy the benefits of a powerful communication system that scales with their growth and helps them stay connected with clients, partners, and team members alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Ooma system founded?

Oooma was founded in 2004 but did not become publicly available until July 2007.

Does Ooma require a landline?

 No, Ooma Office and Ooma Office Pro do not require a landline. However, a fast and stable internet connection is necessary for high-quality VoIP calls.

Is Ooma the best VoIP service?

While the best VoIP service ultimately depends on individual business needs, Ooma stands out as the top choice for small businesses due to its affordability, no-contract options, excellent customer support, and comprehensive feature set.

What are the benefits of Ooma's business phone system?

The most significant benefits of Ooma's business phone system include exceptional customer service, exclusive business contact support, no-contract subscriptions, essential features, low cost, and robust security.

Is Ooma a free phone service?

No, Ooma is not a free phone service, but it offers excellent value for money considering its features and pricing compared to competitors.