September 17, 2024

Aircall vs Dialpad: Which Business Phone System Should You Choose?

Aircall vs Dialpad: Which Business Phone System Should You Choose?
CategoryZappXAircallDialpad
Primary FocusSales efficiency with AI-driven toolsComprehensive VoIP for large businessesAI-powered communication for SMBs and startups
Ease of UseUser-friendly with AI-driven insightsUser-friendly but with a learning curve for complex featuresIntuitive and simple setup
CustomizationExtensive but focused on salesExtensive, with Smartflow Editor for call flowsLimited customization, focused on AI tools
ScalabilityIdeal for cost-conscious businesses and sales teamsDesigned for large enterprises with global operationsSuitable for SMBs prioritizing technology
PricingCustom quotes, affordableStarts at $40 per user per monthStarts at $27 per user per month
Call Quality and ReliabilityHigh reliability with spam detectionConsistent call qualityMixed reviews, with some call quality issues reported
User RatingsNot extensively reviewed yet4.3/5 on G2 (1,084 reviews)4.5/5 on G2 (173 reviews)
Best ForSales teams focused on warm leadsLarge enterprises needing robust contact center solutionsSMBs and startups focused on AI and cost-efficiency
Unique Selling PointAffordable AI-driven features and extensive integrations tailored to sales teamsGlobal reach and robust feature setAI-driven tools for enhanced customer interactions

Aircall vs Dialpad - Key Differences

Both platforms offer robust features tailored to modern communication needs, but they differ in key areas that can make one more suitable than the other depending on your specific requirements. 

Below, we'll explore the primary differences between Aircall and Dialpad to help you make an informed decision.

1. Features and Functionality

  • Aircall: Ideal for larger businesses with complex needs, offering advanced call management features like call routing, voicemail transcription, and a Smartflow Editor for creating multi-level call flows. It also supports international and toll-free numbers in over 100 countries.
  • Dialpad: Dialpad stands out with its AI-driven features, including real-time call transcriptions, sentiment analysis, and suggested actions through Dialpad AI. It’s great for businesses looking to enhance customer interactions with technology and integrates well with tools like Google Workspace and Salesforce.

2. Ease of Use and CRM Integrations

  • Aircall: It has been praised for its user-friendliness and ease of integration with various CRM tools like HubSpot and Zendesk. However, its setup process, while straightforward, may still require some acclimatization for users not familiar with VoIP solutions.
  • Dialpad: The platform is known for its simplicity and ease of use, with a setup process that is often described as intuitive. Its integrations are also robust, although slightly more limited compared to Aircall in terms of industry-specific software.

3. Call Quality and Reliability

  • Aircall: Users have generally reported consistent call quality, although some have noted that its pricing can be a barrier, particularly for smaller teams or businesses with high call volumes.
  • Dialpad: It has received mixed reviews regarding call quality, with some users experiencing issues such as dropped calls and latency, especially when using the mobile app or during international calls. However, its AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities and user-friendly interface are often highlighted as compensating factors.

4. Customization and Flexibility

  • Aircall: Offers extensive customization options, particularly through its Smartflow Editor, which allows businesses to tailor their call flows to meet specific needs. Additionally, Aircall's API integration capabilities allow for further customization, making it adaptable to various business processes.
  • Dialpad: While Dialpad also offers customization, it is slightly more limited in this regard. It does provide flexibility through its AI-driven tools and integrations with platforms like Salesforce and Google Workspace, but businesses looking for highly specific or industry-tailored solutions might find Aircall more accommodating.

5. Scalability

  • Aircall: Designed with scalability in mind, Aircall is a suitable choice for businesses planning to grow rapidly. Its ability to handle international operations and its wide range of advanced features make it ideal for companies anticipating scaling their operations globally.
  • Dialpad: It is also scalable but may be more suited to companies prioritizing technological innovation over expansive geographic reach. Its AI-powered features and lower cost make it a strong choice for those looking to scale efficiently without heavy investment in international infrastructure.

6. Pricing Structure

  • Aircall: Positioned as a premium service, with plans starting at $40 per user per month. This higher cost reflects the platform’s advanced features and extensive international capabilities, making it a better fit for businesses that need comprehensive VoIP systems.
  • Dialpad: Offers a more affordable pricing model, starting at $27 per user per month. This makes it an excellent option for startups and small businesses looking for value without sacrificing essential features. 

7. User Reviews and Ratings

  • Aircall: With a solid rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 1,084 reviews on G2, Aircall is frequently praised for its ease of use, excellent CRM integrations, and robust feature set. However, some users have shared concerns about its high pricing structure as compared to competitirs.
  • Dialpad: Boasts a slightly higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 173 reviews on G2. It is praised for its AI-driven features, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness among small to medium-sized businesses. However, some users like J. Colby and Derrik B. pointed out some limitations in integrations and occasional call quality issues.

Aircall - A Quick Review

Aircall is a cloud-based phone system designed to meet the modern needs of businesses, particularly those with customer service or sales teams. Launched in 2014, it has quickly grown to serve over 15,000+ users across more than 18,000+ companies globally. 

This VoIP provider is known for its intuitive user interface and seamless integration with CRM platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zendesk. It offers businesses the flexibility to manage both inbound and outbound calls efficiently, making it a strong contender in the world of contact center solutions.

Aircall’s strengths lie in its robust feature set, including advanced call management, interactive voice response (IVR), and smart call routing. It’s particularly well-suited for teams that need a reliable system to handle high call volumes, with features that enhance both customer satisfaction and agent productivity.

Key Features

  • Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Aircall's IVR system guides callers through a pre-configured menu, ensuring they are directed to the right contact center agent or department based on their needs. This feature reduces wait times and improves the overall customer experience.
  • Power Dialer: A crucial tool for sales teams, the Power Dialer feature automates the dialing process, allowing reps to focus more on meaningful conversations rather than manual data entry. It integrates seamlessly with CRM platforms to provide context for each call.
  • Advanced Analytics: Aircall offers advanced analytics and reporting tools that help businesses monitor call volume, agent performance, and other key metrics. These insights are invaluable for making data-driven decisions and improving overall business communications.
  • Call Routing: The platform supports smart call routing, enabling businesses to set customized rules for directing calls to the appropriate agents or departments, improving efficiency and customer service.
  • Voicemail Transcription: Aircall provides voicemail transcription, converting voice messages into text for easier management and follow-up. This feature is particularly useful for busy teams that need to stay on top of customer communications.
  • Call Monitoring and Recording: Supervisors can monitor calls in real-time and provide instant feedback, making it easier to coach sales reps and improve their performance. This feature is especially beneficial for maintaining high standards of customer communication.
  • Customizable Workflows: Sales teams can customize their dialing workflows by skipping numbers, pausing the sequence, or setting call-back reminders for unanswered calls. This flexibility helps in managing large call volumes effectively.
  • Click-To-Dial Extension: The Power Dialer includes a click-to-call extension, allowing reps to initiate calls directly from web pages or CRM profiles, further streamlining the dialing process.
  • Automated Dialing: The Power Dialer automatically dials numbers from a precompiled list, moving on to the next number once the previous call ends. This reduces idle time between calls and helps maintain a steady workflow for sales teams.

Dialpad - A Quick Overview

Dialpad is another leading cloud-based business phone system that was launched in 2011 by Craig Walker. The platform is known for integrating advanced AI features into its communication tools, allowing businesses to manage calls, video meetings, messaging, and more from a single, intuitive interface. 

Its power dialer is designed to boost the productivity of sales teams by automating the dialing process and reducing the time spent on manual tasks. It is particularly useful for businesses that handle a large volume of outbound calls. 

The platform is particularly popular among small to medium-sized businesses and enterprises that require a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective communication solution. Dialpad’s mobile and desktop apps allow teams to work seamlessly from anywhere, making it a strong choice for businesses with remote or distributed teams. 

Key Features

  • AI-Powered Voice Intelligence: Dialpad’s AI Voice technology includes real-time transcription, sentiment analysis, and live speech coaching, helping teams improve their communication effectiveness. This feature also automates note-taking and tracks action items, ensuring that all key details from calls are captured.
  • Unified Communications Platform: Dialpad consolidates voice, video, SMS, and chat into a single platform, enabling businesses to manage all their communications in one place. This integration streamlines operations and ensures that customers receive consistent and personalized support across all channels.
  • Global Presence with 100% Uptime SLA: Dialpad’s infrastructure is designed to support businesses worldwide, with a guaranteed 100% uptime SLA. This ensures that companies can maintain continuous communication with their clients, no matter where they are located.
  • Real-Time Analytics and Reporting: Dialpad provides in-depth analytics, including real-time metrics on call performance, agent availability, and customer satisfaction. These insights enable businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their communication strategies.
  • Automated Dialing Sequence: The power dialer allows sales reps to automatically dial a pre-compiled list of phone numbers with just one click, significantly reducing idle time between calls. This feature ensures that the next call is initiated as soon as the previous one ends, helping to maintain a steady flow of outreach.
  • Contextual Call Information: As part of Dialpad’s AI-powered features, the Power Dialer provides screen pops with relevant customer information at the beginning of each call. This context allows sales reps to engage in more meaningful conversations, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
  • Integration with Business Tools: Dialpad integrates smoothly with tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Teams, enhancing workflow efficiency by syncing communications across platforms. However, its integration options are more limited compared to systems like ZappX or Aircall. 

Pricing - Aircall vs Dialpad

When evaluating Dialpad vs Aircall in terms of pricing, it's important to recognize the differences in cost and value that each platform offers. Both cloud-based phone systems cater to different business needs and budgets, making them appealing to different types of users.

Aircall Pricing

Aircall is generally considered the higher-cost option, making it suitable for larger businesses needing robust contact center solutions and advanced management features. It also offers a 7-day free trial, allowing businesses to explore its features before committing.

PlanPrice per License (Monthly)Features
Essentials$40- 100+ Integrations and API access
  • Unlimited inbound calls (toll-free excluded)
  • IVR, call recording, click-to-dial
  • SMS and MMS sending/receiving
  • Softphone for desktop, Android, iOS
  • Unlimited simultaneous outbound calls* | | Professional | $70 | Includes all Essentials plan features, plus:
  • Salesforce integration
  • Mandatory call tagging
  • Advanced analytics and call monitoring
  • Advanced support features including queue management and smart routing
  • Power Dialer & Voicemail Drop | | Custom | Call for details | Includes all Professional plan features, plus:
  • Unlimited outbound calls*
  • Custom onboarding
  • Access to API developer support
  • Service-level agreement (SLA) - Single sign-on
  • Minimum 25 licenses required |

Dialpad Pricing

Dialpad offers four types of plans—Business Communications Plans, AI Meetings Plans, AI Sales Plans, and AI Contact Center Plans—and is generally the more affordable option compared to Aircall. Its pricing is more accessible, making it a cost-effective choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need a powerful yet budget-friendly business phone system. 

Additionally, Dialpad offers a 14-day free trial, providing more time to explore its features compared to Aircall's 7-day trial.

Business Communications Plans

PlanPrice per User (Monthly)Features
Standard Plan$27- Unlimited calling
  • AI-powered call & voicemail transcriptions
  • Google Workspace & Microsoft 365 integrations
  • Real-time analytics & reporting
  • SMS, MMS & team messaging | | Pro Plan | $35 | Includes all Standard plan features, plus:
  • 24/7 live agent support
  • CRM integrations (Salesforce, Zendesk, HubSpot, Zoho, etc.)
  • Microsoft Teams integration
  • Multiple phone numbers per account
  • Global SMS capabilities
  • 25 ring groups (departments) | | Enterprise Plan | Contact for pricing | Includes all Pro plan features, plus:
  • 99.9% uptime SLA
  • Unlimited office locations
  • Unlimited ring groups
  • Dial-by-extension
  • SSO integration (Okta, OneLogin, etc.)
  • Data retention policies |

AI Meetings Plans

PlanPrice per User (Monthly)Features
Free Plan$0- Host up to 10 participants
  • Meet for up to 45 minutes
  • Instant join on desktop or mobile browser
  • Virtual backgrounds - Unlimited audio recordings | | Business Plan | $20 | Includes all Free plan features, plus:
  • Host up to 150 participants
  • Meet for up to 5 hours
  • AI meeting transcriptions
  • Automated post-meeting summaries
  • Custom hold music |

AI Contact Center Plans

PlanPrice per User (Monthly)Features
Essentials Plan$95- Inbound voice
  • IVR
  • ACD
  • Recording
  • Monitor, whisper, barge
  • Basic AI | | Advanced Plan | $135 | Includes all Essentials plan features, plus:
  • Digital support
  • Live Assist
  • Digital Virtual Assistant | | Premium Plan | $170 | Includes all Advanced plan features, plus:
  • Omni-channel support
  • AI Scorecards
  • AI CSAT |

AI Sales Plans

PlanPrice per User (Monthly)Features
Essentials Plan$70- Recording
  • Monitor, whisper, barge
  • Call transcription | | Advanced Plan | $110 | Includes all Essentials plan features, plus:
  • Local Dial
  • SFDC Power Dialer
  • Real-time Assistance
  • Custom moments | | Premium Plan | $170 | Includes all Advanced plan features, plus:
  • AI Scorecards
  • AI CSAT |

ZappX Pricing

ZappX has not yet made its pricing structure transparent. However, their pricing is known to be more affordable compared to other dialers in the market. To get detailed pricing information, you’ll need to connect directly with their team for a custom quote tailored to your business needs.

Online Reviews: Aircall vs Dialpad

Aircall has received a rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 1,084 reviews on G2, reflecting strong user satisfaction with its advanced contact center features and business phone system capabilities. Users frequently highlight its ease of use and powerful integrations with various CRM platforms.

In comparison, Dialpad boasts a slightly higher rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 173 reviews on G2. This indicates a strong approval of its AI-driven business communications tools, including features like real-time sentiment analysis and AI-powered transcriptions.

All in all, both platforms are well-regarded, but Dialpad's higher rating suggests a more favorable reception among users who value AI features and comprehensive communication tools.

What Users Are Saying

Aircall Customer Review on G2

  • Positive review: Parveen M.- a managing director, says appreciates how easy and powerful the lead source tracking and phone tracking systems are, describing them as unparalleled. She finds it invaluable for consumers to track quotes and sales values and loves the ability to send notification emails when identifying channels that generate calls. Additionally, Parveen highlights the chat log's insights into marketing efforts and keywords as a major advantage.
  • Critical review: On the other hand, a business development consultant, Luis G., notes that the dialer lacks some advanced features and AI tools, which impacts productivity and operational optimization. This limitation prompted them to seek a more comprehensive solution better suited to their needs.

Dialpad Customer Review on G2

  • Positive review: "Great for remote teams!" Ryan M., President of a small business, praises the AI Sales Center for revolutionizing their call management. Managers can now set up trigger words and phrases that automatically alert them when a sales rep has a call needing immediate attention, eliminating the need to sift through dozens of calls manually. The AI recap feature also allows managers to quickly access key points of a call without listening to the entire conversation, significantly improving efficiency.
  • Critical review: Chris S., an Account Executive, shares that it doesn't always sync perfectly with his organization's Salesforce CRM. Despite using Dialpad Analytics for metrics tracking, they also rely on Salesforce Dashboards for real-time visibility into team activities. However, discrepancies in call logging and transcription between Dialpad and Salesforce sometimes occur, causing some issues for the team.

ZappX Customer Review

Aircall vs Dialpad: Choosing the Right Platform for Your Business

When deciding between Aircall, Dialpad, and ZappX, it's essential to consider your business's specific needs and goals. Each platform offers unique strengths, whether it's Aircall's global reach and robust features, Dialpad's AI-driven innovation, or ZappX's cost-effective and lead-focused solutions.

Before making a decision, think about the size of your business, the importance of international communication, and how much you value AI tools and advanced integrations. Understanding these key differences will help you choose the right platform.

Who Is Aircall Best For:

  • Large Enterprises: This cloud-based phone system is ideal for larger businesses needing robust contact center solutions with advanced analytics and call management features. It is ideal for managing high volumes of phone calls and optimizing the performance of contact center agents.
  • Companies With Global Presence: Aircall is perfect for companies with a global reach. It offers extensive support for international business phone numbers and toll-free numbers. It efficiently handles complex call flows, making it perfect for businesses operating in multiple countries, where seamless communication is key.

Who Is Dialpad Best For:

  • SMBs & Startups: Well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses and startups that prioritize technological innovation. It provides a cost-effective VoIP provider solution with AI features.
  • Tech-Savvy Teams: For businesses focused on leveraging technology, Dialpad's AI-driven tools and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice. It allows sales teams to scale efficiently, offering advanced productivity tools without requiring heavy investment in complex infrastructure.

And Here's Who ZappX Is Best For:

  • Budget-Conscious Businesses: ZappX is a great option for businesses looking for a cost-effective dialer solution without sacrificing advanced features.
  • Remote Sales Teams: Ideal for remote sales teams that need a flexible and efficient dialer to stay connected and productive from any location.
  • Call Centers: ZappX provides the tools and integrations necessary for call centers to manage high call volumes efficiently while prioritizing the warmest leads.
  • Sales and Marketing Agencies: ZappX supports agencies in streamlining their outreach efforts, making it easier to track and engage with potential clients.

Why ZappX Is a Better Choice

ZappX is the most powerful power dialer designed to revolutionize the efficiency of sales teams. Founded by Alex Heiden, a seasoned sales professional and CEO of Closify, ZappX was launched in May 2024 with the mission to transform outbound sales through innovative technology. 

Built by salespeople for salespeople, ZappX addresses the common challenges in cold calling by offering a suite of practical  AI features that enable sales professionals to connect with more prospects in less time and with greater precision.

For businesses looking for a comprehensive solution, ZappX offers advanced integrations with popular CRM platforms, ensuring seamless data synchronization and prioritization of the warmest leads. If your company values efficiency, advanced features, and AI-driven insights without the need for heavy investment, ZappX is the ideal choice.

Key Features

  • Parallel Dialing: ZappX allows sales reps to dial up to 5 prospects simultaneously, significantly boosting daily connection rates and ensuring that your team spends more time talking to potential customers and less time dialing.
  • CRM Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular CRM platforms like ListKit, HubSpot, and GoHighLevel, ensuring smooth data syncing and making it easier to manage and track leads within a single, unified system.
  • Automated Call Transcription: Powered by AI, this feature automatically transcribes calls, providing sales teams with easy reference and detailed analysis to improve follow-up strategies and customer interactions.
  • Sentiment Analysis: ZappX’s AI-driven sentiment analysis evaluates customer reactions during calls, enabling sales teams to adjust their approach in real time and improve overall customer satisfaction.
  • Call Summaries: Automatically generates concise call summaries, saving time for sales reps and offering quick insights into each interaction, allowing for more efficient follow-ups and better decision-making.
  • Spam Detection: The robust spam detection system filters out incorrect numbers, ensuring that your team connects only with genuine prospects, thereby maximizing the efficiency of outbound calls.
  • Local Presence: ZappX rotates area codes to match the prospect's location, increasing the likelihood that calls will be answered by presenting a familiar, local number to the recipient.
  • Real-Time Analytics: Provides instant feedback through real-time analytics and live leaderboards, helping teams monitor performance, foster friendly competition, and make data-driven decisions to enhance productivity.
  • SMS Capabilities: Enables sales reps to send SMS messages to prospects, complementing voice calls and enhancing multi-channel communication efforts for a more comprehensive outreach strategy.
  • Lead Scoring: Uses AI-based lead scoring to identify and prioritize the most promising prospects, ensuring that your sales team focuses on high-value leads that are most likely to convert.

Unleash Lightning-Fast Dialing with ZappX - Reach More Prospects, Close More Deals!

When selecting the right communication platform for your business, it's important to consider your specific needs and goals. Whether you're a large enterprise requiring robust contact center solutions with advanced management features or a smaller business focused on leveraging AI-driven tools for efficiency, the choice of platform should align with your company’s priorities. 

Look for a solution that offers the right balance of advanced features, seamless integration, and cost-effectiveness to support your team’s productivity and growth.

Key takeaways:

  • Aircall: A go-to solution for larger enterprises that require robust contact center solutions with advanced management features and global reach.
  • Dialpad: Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and tech-savvy teams looking for a cost-effective, AI-driven platform that can scale efficiently.
  • ZappX: An affordable alternative designed to boost sales efficiency with cutting-edge AI tools and real-time analytics, making it perfect for businesses focused on maximizing outbound sales efforts.

If you're looking for a more powerful and budget-friendly option, consider ZappX. With its lightning-fast dialing capabilities, advanced AI tools, and real-time analytics, ZappX is designed to transform your sales team's efficiency and help you close more deals in less time. 

Book a Demo with the ZappX team today to learn more about how it can elevate your outbound sales efforts!

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