Grasshopper vs. Sideline
Get a complete business phone system with unlimited users, desktop and mobile apps, and a shared number. So you sound professional from the very first ring.
Get the best alternative to Sideline
GRASSHOPPER | SIDELINE | |
|---|---|---|
Starting price | $14/month flat rate | $9.99/month (single user only) |
Pricing model | Flat rate. Unlimited users | Per account, single user; no multi-user option |
5-user monthly cost | $25/month (Solo Plus) | Not supported (single user only), $49.95 for 5 numbers for 5 users |
Shared number | Yes | No |
Unlimited users | Yes, Solo Plus & Small Business plans | No, one number per account |
Desktop app (calling) | Included on all plans | No. Mobile only, web portal for texting only |
Toll-free & vanity numbers | Yes, local, toll-free, and vanity | No, local numbers only |
24/7 live human support | Yes. Included on every plan | No |
Call recording | Yes | No |
Call forwarding | Yes | No |
One flat rate. Your whole team.
With Grasshopper, unlimited users and a shared number means your whole team works from one business line:
- Everyone stays up to date on customer communications, nothing slips through the cracks
- One business number across all your marketing, business cards, website, socials, and more
With Sideline, each user gets their own separate account and phone number, not a shared business line.
Here's what that looks like in real numbers:
- 1 user: Grasshopper $14/mo vs. Sideline $9.99/mo
- 3 users: Grasshopper $25/mo vs. Sideline not supported ($29.97 for 3 users)
- 5 users: Grasshopper $25/mo vs. Sideline not supported ($49.95 for 5 users)
A real business phone system, not just a second number
Sideline gives you a second number on your mobile device, but not the professional features a growing business needs: no call forwarding, no toll-free or vanity numbers, no call recording, no shared number.
Grasshopper is a complete virtual phone system.
- Unlimited calling and texting. No usage-based charges
- Local, toll-free, and vanity number options
- Shared number and shared inbox for team-wide visibility on every customer interaction
- 24/7 live human support on every plan
- Voicemail transcription, to keep track of every call, so nothing slips through the cracks
- Call forwarding, virtual receptionist, desktop and mobile apps, custom greetings, business hours, advanced analytics, and more!
Work from any device, not just your phone
Grasshopper works on your iPhone, Android, Mac, and PC. Handle calls and texts from anywhere, over VoIP, Wi-Fi, or your carrier’s PSTN network.
Sideline is mobile-only and tied to your carrier’s network. If your signal drops, so does call quality.
Why Grasshopper is the better choice for small businesses
Grasshopper is purpose-built for entrepreneurs and small businesses that want a professional phone system that’s simple, flat-rate, and ready from day one.
With Grasshopper, you get:
- Add unlimited users on flat-rate plans, with no per-seat fees
- Desktop and mobile apps on any device
- Toll-free, local, or vanity numbers to match your brand
- Get a shared number and inbox so your whole team stays in sync calls, texts, and voicemails, all in one place
- Reach 24/7 live human support, no matter which plan you're on
A virtual phone system in your pocket.
Grasshopper gives you the features you need to stay connected on the go.
Business phone number
Select from our inventory of vanity, local, or toll-free numbers — or port your own number for free.
Customized extensions
Give employees or departments extensions with their own call forwarding options.
Add users easily
Add multiple users with their own extensions and quick set up guide.
Send business texts
Provide updates and quick replies via text messaging through your business number.
Desktop and mobile apps
Stay connected with Grasshopper on your desktop, iPhone, or Android device.
24/7 support
Access live support agents at any time to help answer any of your business questions.
Grasshopper gives you the features you need to stay connected on the go.
Call forwarding
Send business calls to your personal phone or to another team member.
Call recording
Set up automatic recording for all inbound and outbound calls - on every extension.
Custom greetings
Record personalized messages to welcome your customers.
Accept simultaneous calls
Take multiple calls at once so customers are never left waiting.
VolP/Wi-Fi calling
Use your internet connection to make and receive calls when cell reception is unreliable.
Customized extensions
Give employees or departments extensions with their own call forwarding options.
Grasshopper gives you the features you need to stay connected on the go.
Instant text response
Automatically send a text to new callers whenever you can't pick up.
Easy access voicemail
Receive voicemail as digital audio recordings sent to your email.
Voicemail transcription
Receive read-outs of voicemail over email for quick scannability.
Conversation filters
Customize your view-filter by calls, texts, voicemails, or see everything in one place.
Receive virtual faxes
Connect your email to your phone number to receive incoming faxes as PDF files.
Grasshopper gives you the features you need to stay connected on the go.
Setup assistant
Customize your extensions, greetings, call flow, permissions, and more in a simple guided set up.
Business hours
Automatically direct your callers based on a pre-set schedule for open and closed hours.
Incoming call control
Screen callers, block calls, and set up custom schedules for your business operations.
Contacts management
Clearly identify personal from business contacts with dedicated lists.
Reporting
Receive easy-to-read success reports that dive into every aspect of your calls.
Exclusive discounts
Save on essential small business services like LegalZoom, WordPress, and Ruby.
Grasshopper gives you the features you need to stay connected on the go.
Additional extensions
Position yourself with a larger footprint by adding department and/or employee extensions. ($3/month each)
Additional phone numbers
Add more Grasshopper numbers anytime, without having to change your plan. ($9/month each)
Call blasting
Ring each line simultaneously to reduce wait times and increase customer satisfaction. ($9/month)
Professional voice actors
Make the right first impression with polished greetings by professional voice actors in English, Spanish, or French. ($75/order)
International calling
Select an international calling plan that works best for your business.
Virtual receptionist
Never miss a call by adding live, US - based receptionists. (30% off your first month)
Frequently Asked Questions
A smarter phone system starts with a simpler bill.
See why Grasshopper is the best Sideline alternative for small businesses.