When choosing a business phone system, price is usually a top priority for startups and small businesses. While Nextiva’s robust VoIP platform has been a go-to for businesses seeking reliable unified communications, its pricing and complexity often leave small business owners asking how Nextiva’s plans truly stack up? Are there smarter alternatives - like Grasshopper - that not only cut costs but also offer the mobility ambitious entrepreneurs need?

Let’s break down Nextiva’s pricing structure to analyze what you get for your money.

How Much Does Nextiva Cost?

Nextiva offers three primary plans for its business phone service:

• Core: Starting from $15/user/month
• Engage: Starting from $25/user/month
• Power Suite CX: Starting from $75/user/month

For most startups and small teams, the actual monthly cost is often higher, as Nextiva bills more for fewer users or monthly contracts. For a small business with just 3–5 employees, you will likely pay upwards of $45-60 per month—a significant cost, especially for bootstrapped operations.

What's Included in Each Nextiva Pricing Plan?

Nextiva offers an impressive array of features tailored to larger organizations with advanced collaboration needs. However, many of these tools often prove unnecessary for solo entrepreneurs or small teams seeking a simple, cost-effective phone solution.

Core Plan - $15/user/month:

• 100 SMS per user per month
• Unlimited voice calls
• Voicemail with AI Transcriptions
• Unlimited audio conferencing and video meetings
• Basic integrations (Outlook, Google Contacts)

Engage Plan - $25/user/month:

• 500 SMS per user per month
• 2000 Toll-Free minutes
• Video meeting recording
• Voice analytics and unlimited dashboards
• Additional integrations (Outlook, Google Contacts, Microsoft)

Power Suite CX Plan - $75/user/month:

• Advanced integrations
• Unlimited calling
• Up to 5 call routings
• 1 real-time reporting dashboard

Nextiva is packed with features, but many are designed for larger teams with more sophisticated collaboration needs, not solo entrepreneurs or small teams.

The Hidden Costs of Nextiva

The per-user pricing structure can quickly become expensive, with limited flexibility for adding or removing team members as you scale. On top of base costs, certain advanced features are only available at higher-priced tiers or as paid add-ons, which can further strain a tight budget.

1. Per-User Pricing:
   If your business is small, or if team size fluctuates with seasonality, Nextiva’s pricing structure can be costly and unpredictable.
2. Add-On Charges:
   Features like premium analytics, video meetings, or advanced integrations may require additional costs or a higher tier.
3. Hardware Requirements:
   While Nextiva can be used with softphones, many businesses end up purchasing desk phones or additional hardware, further driving up costs.
4. Setup & Administration:
   More features mean more time spent on configuration and training. For non-technical teams, this is a hidden cost often overlooked.

What is a Less Expensive Alternative to Nextiva?

If you’re a solopreneur, start-up, or small business seeking simplicity and savings, Grasshopper emerges as the best alternative to Nextiva.

Grasshopper Pricing: Straightforward and Budget-Friendly

Grasshopper’s pricing is refreshingly simple. Unlike Nextiva, there are no per-user fees—you flat rate for your plan, not per seat. Grasshopper offers three core pricing options:

• True Solo: $14/month (1 phone number, 1 extension, 1 user)
• Solo Plus: $25/month (1 phone number, 3 extensions, unlimited users)
• Small Business: $55/month (4 phone numbers, unlimited extensions, unlimited users)

All plans offer unlimited minutes within the U.S. and Canada, meaning you don’t pay extra for high call volume. There are no hidden setup fees, and you don’t pay extra for adding devices – you can use Grasshopper on any smartphone or computer.

Example Cost Comparison Between Nextiva and Grasshopper:

Let’s say you have a three-person team.

• Nextiva: Core plan, annual, per user: $15 x 3 users x 12 months = $540/year
• Grasshopper: Solo Plus plan covers unlimited users: $25 x Unlimited Users x 12 months = $300/year

You’d pay nearly half the cost with Grasshopper and have the flexibility to add more numbers and extensions at no added per-user cost.

Comparing Grasshopper vs. Nextiva Phone System Features

Grasshopper is designed for simplicity and professionalism. You get:

• Toll-free, vanity, or local business numbers
• Multiple extensions to route calls professionally
• Custom greetings, voicemail transcription, and call forwarding
• SMS texting from your business number
• Dedicated mobile and desktop apps for easy access, no integration or hardware needed

While Nextiva’s platform offers advanced analytics and video conferencing, most small businesses simply don’t need those extra features. Grasshopper strips out the complexity, saving you money and time.

Why Choose Grasshopper vs. Nextiva?

Grasshopper stands out for its affordability and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a straightforward flat rate, small businesses have a predictable cost each month – forget having to worry or calculate the cost for expanding your team and your business. Plus, Grasshopper requires no hardware, just download the easy-to-use app on your existing devices. Setup is quick and intuitive, so you can get your virtual phone system running in minutes. And as always, if there is ever a question about set-up or particular settings, Grasshopper’s 24/7 support is here to help, whether it’s mid-day or midnight.

Top benefits of Grasshopper include:

1. Low, Predictable Monthly Fees:
   Transparent pricing ensures you always know what you’ll pay - no confusing per-user pricing.
2. Unlimited Calls Included:
   All plans include unlimited calling - no surprise bills when business heats up.
3. App-Centric Approach:
   Get started immediately with an easy app download on the phone or computer you already own.
4. Minimal Training Required:
   Grasshopper’s user-friendly interface is made for business owners. You can set up your business phone system in minutes.
5. Scalable With Ease:
   Easily add numbers and extensions as your team expands, without paying for unnecessary seats.

Additional Benefits with Grasshopper

• Support: 24/7 customer support ensures help is available whenever you need it, without extra fees.
• Professional Image: Look established with custom greetings, call routing, and dedicated extensions.
• Work Anywhere: Make and receive business calls from anywhere with mobile/desktop apps, so you can stay on-the-go.

Who Should Choose Grasshopper vs. Nextiva?

Grasshopper is the ideal solution for:

• Entrepreneurs and freelancers who need a simple, professional business number
• Startups and small teams seeking affordability, flexibility, and quick setup
• Remote or distributed teams that don’t need video/chat/collaboration features
• Seasonal businesses scaling up or down and who don’t want lock-in by per-user contracts

Choose Value and Simplicity

Nextiva offers a powerful unified communications platform—but with power comes complexity and price. For smaller businesses focused on cost control and simplicity, Grasshopper is the best alternative: streamlined features, predictable pricing, and easy setup, with substantial savings that can be reinvested in growth.

You don’t have to sacrifice professionalism to stay lean. If you need a business phone system fit for startups and solopreneurs, why pay more? Get Grasshopper and see how much more you can do for less.

Looking to cut costs and upgrade your business phone system? Explore Grasshopper and make the switch today.