In today's fast-paced business world, effective communication is crucial for success. OpenPhone, a leading secondary phone number service, is changing the game for freelancers, startups, and small businesses. This comprehensive review will explore how OpenPhone stacks up against competitors and why it might be the perfect solution for your business communication needs in 2024.

What is OpenPhone and How Does It Work?

OpenPhone is a cloud-based phone number service that offers a user-friendly iOS and Android app. As a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider, OpenPhone allows users to make calls and send texts via WiFi or mobile data. This technology is similar to other secondary number apps like Google Voice, Burner, and Hushed.

Key features of OpenPhone include:

• Local and toll-free phone numbers in the US and Canada
• Number portability
• Privacy-focused design
• Unlimited calling and texting within the US and Canada

Setting Up Your OpenPhone Account

Getting started with OpenPhone is straightforward:

1. Download the app from your device's app store
2. Choose a phone number from available US or Canada area codes
3. Create your OpenPhone account
4. Provide a carrier phone number for authentication
5. Receive a confirmation text on your cell phone

Pro tip: OpenPhone offers one free 7-day trial number per account, allowing you to test the service before committing.

OpenPhone's Impressive Features for Business Communication

Voicemail Transcription and Custom Business Hours

OpenPhone stands out with its voicemail transcription feature, allowing you to quickly read through messages without listening to lengthy recordings. Additionally, you can set custom "business hours" to manage incoming calls efficiently.

User-Friendly Interface and Call Quality

The app boasts a clean, intuitive interface that makes navigation a breeze. During our testing, call quality was consistently clear, though it's worth noting that VoIP call quality largely depends on your internet connection.

Multiple Phone Numbers and Toll-Free Options

OpenPhone allows up to 5 phone numbers per account, with each additional number costing $5 per month. This flexibility is perfect for businesses managing multiple projects or departments. The availability of toll-free numbers also adds a professional touch to your communication setup.

OpenPhone Pricing: Flexible Plans for Every Business

OpenPhone offers two main pricing tiers:

1. Standard Plan:

• Ideal for small teams
• Includes unlimited talk and text, call forwarding, and voicemail transcription
• Integrations with tools like Slack and HubSpot

2. Premium Plan:

• Designed for larger teams or businesses with advanced needs
• Includes all Standard features plus advanced analytics, multiple phone numbers, custom greetings, and API access

Both plans are available on monthly or annual subscriptions, with the annual option offering cost savings.

How OpenPhone Compares to Competitors

While OpenPhone offers many advantages, it's essential to consider how it stacks up against other services:

OpenPhone vs. Google Voice:

1. Pricing: OpenPhone is paid, while Google Voice offers free personal use
2. Business features: OpenPhone provides more robust business-focused features
3. Number selection: Both offer local numbers, but OpenPhone also provides toll-free options
4. Integrations: OpenPhone offers more extensive business tool integrations

OpenPhone vs. Grasshopper:

1. Target market: OpenPhone caters to small teams, while Grasshopper targets larger small businesses
2. Pricing: OpenPhone is generally more affordable for smaller teams
3. Features: Both offer similar core features, but OpenPhone's interface is often considered more modern

OpenPhone vs. Line2:

1. International calling: Line2 offers more extensive international calling options
2. User interface: OpenPhone's UI is generally regarded as more intuitive
3. Team collaboration: OpenPhone provides better features for team communication

OpenPhone vs. Sideline:

1. Number options: OpenPhone offers both local and toll-free numbers, while Sideline focuses on local
2. Business tools: OpenPhone provides more comprehensive business integrations
3. Pricing structure: OpenPhone's pricing is more straightforward and scalable

OpenPhone vs. Burner:

1. Number permanence: OpenPhone is designed for long-term business use, while Burner specializes in temporary numbers
2. Features: OpenPhone offers more extensive business-oriented features
3. Privacy: Both prioritize user privacy, but in different ways suited to their target markets

Overall, OpenPhone distinguishes itself with its focus on small business needs, user-friendly interface, and robust integration capabilities. However, the best choice depends on specific business requirements, team size, and budget constraints.

Pros and Cons of Using OpenPhone for Your Business

Pros:

• Free 7-day trial
• Voicemail transcription
• Local and toll-free number options
• Customizable business hours
• Unlimited calls and texts within the US and Canada

Cons:

• Limited to 5 phone numbers per account
• No short-term disposable number options
• Restricted to US and Canada numbers
• No international calling beyond the US and Canada
• Requires a separate cellular number for account verification

Real-World Applications: How Businesses Are Using OpenPhone

Ryna - Real Estate Leasing Company

Ryna, a real estate leasing company with 10 leasing agents, implemented OpenPhone to overcome communication challenges and improve business operations. They utilize OpenPhone's features in the following ways:

• Shared phone numbers: Leasing agents can share numbers, ensuring customer continuity during time off or vacations.
• Analytics and visibility: Co-founders can easily access call logs, texts, and follow-ups without relying on manual reporting from agents.
• CRM integration: OpenPhone integrates with Hubspot CRM, allowing effortless tracking of conversion rates and sales cycle lengths.
• Conversation history: The team can review the entire history of client interactions, strengthening customer relationships.
• Performance tracking: Management can monitor individual agent performance and provide targeted coaching.

Result: Ryna streamlined their business operations, improved customer continuity, and gained valuable insights for optimizing their sales process. The co-founders now have better visibility into their operation, enabling them to refine processes and become more competitive.

AirGarage - Parking Management Platform

AirGarage, an end-to-end parking lot management platform, adopted OpenPhone to scale their customer support and streamline operations. They utilize OpenPhone in the following ways:

• Dedicated phone numbers: AirGarage uses separate OpenPhone numbers for support of parking lot owners, drivers, and their network of contract enforcement workers.
• Shared communication history: The team can access a centralized location for all customer interactions, allowing any team member to step in and handle relationships seamlessly.
• Zapier integration: AirGarage automates the hiring and onboarding process for new contractors, saving significant time when onboarding large batches of workers.
• Scalability: As AirGarage expanded across the United States, OpenPhone grew with them, supporting their increasing communication needs.
• Improved call prioritization: Unlike their previous Google Voice setup, the team can now assess the importance of incoming calls based on the number dialed.

Result: OpenPhone played a pivotal role in AirGarage's expansion, enabling them to manage growth effectively while maintaining high-quality customer support across various stakeholders.

These examples illustrate how businesses in different sectors can leverage OpenPhone's features to enhance their operations, improve customer service, and drive growth. From real estate companies to rapidly scaling startups, OpenPhone provides the flexibility and functionality needed to professionalize and streamline business communications, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.

For more inspiring case studies on how diverse businesses are benefiting from OpenPhone, visit their customer stories page at https://www.openphone.com/customers.

The Future of Business Communication: Where OpenPhone Fits In

As remote work and digital communication continue to evolve, services like OpenPhone are becoming increasingly vital. The flexibility and features offered by OpenPhone position it as a strong contender in the future of business communication technology.

Conclusion

OpenPhone offers a robust, user-friendly solution for businesses seeking to streamline their communication. With its array of features, flexible pricing, and focus on user privacy, it's a strong contender in the secondary phone number market. While there's room for improvement in areas like international calling, OpenPhone's current offerings make it a valuable tool for freelancers, startups, and small businesses looking to professionalize their communication infrastructure.

Ready to revolutionize your business communication? Try OpenPhone free for 7 days and experience the difference for yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions About OpenPhone

What is OpenPhone and how does it work?

OpenPhone is a cloud-based secondary phone number service accessible through iOS and Android apps. It uses VoIP technology to transmit calls and texts over the internet via WiFi or mobile data, similar to services like Google Voice or Burner.

How does OpenPhone differ from other secondary number apps?

OpenPhone stands out with its:

• Local and toll-free number options in the US and Canada
• Toll-free number portability
• Strong privacy features
• Focus on freelancers, startups, and small businesses
• Seamless integration with popular business tools

What pricing plans does OpenPhone offer?

OpenPhone provides two main plans:

1. Standard Plan: Ideal for small teams, includes unlimited talk/text, call forwarding, and basic integrations.
2. Premium Plan: Suited for larger teams, offers advanced analytics, multiple numbers, custom greetings, and API access.

Both plans are available with monthly or annual billing options.

Is there a free trial for OpenPhone?

Yes, OpenPhone offers a 7-day free trial. This allows you to test all features and determine if it meets your business communication needs before subscribing.

How do I set up an OpenPhone account?

To get started with OpenPhone:

1. Download the app from your device's app store
2. Choose a phone number from available US or Canada area codes
3. Create your account
4. Provide a carrier phone number for authentication
5. Start using OpenPhone's features

Can I have multiple numbers or change my OpenPhone number?

Yes, OpenPhone allows up to 5 phone numbers per account. Each additional number costs $5/month. To change your number or add more, contact OpenPhone's customer support via email or text.

Does OpenPhone work internationally?

While OpenPhone offers numbers in the US and Canada, you can use the service globally with an internet connection. However, international calling is limited to within the US and Canada.

Author Bio

Richard Rembert is a Software Engineer and SEO Specialist with over a decade of experience in web development and digital marketing. He combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of search engine algorithms to create innovative, high-performing web solutions. Richard's articles on software development, SEO strategies, and web technologies are widely read in the tech community.

When not coding or optimizing websites, Richard mentors aspiring developers and contributes to open-source projects.

Connect with Richard

Twitter: @RichardRembert

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/richardrembert

GitHub: github.com/richardrembert

Follow Richard for insights on web development, SEO, and the latest tech trends!