Pricing
subscription
Best For
Startups and small teams (2-20 people) that want a modern phone system without enterprise complexity
Rating
8.4/10
Last Updated
Mar 2026
TL;DR
OpenPhone is what a business phone system looks like when designed for 2025 instead of 2005. The interface feels like a messaging app, not a PBX admin panel. Shared phone numbers let multiple team members handle calls and texts to the same number. Built-in CRM features tag contacts, add notes, and track conversation history without Salesforce. At $15/user/month, it's one of the cheapest options. Perfect for startups and small teams. Not built for enterprises with complex call routing needs.
What is OpenPhone?
Business Phone Designed for the Modern Era
OpenPhone launched in 2018 out of Y Combinator and quickly became the go-to phone system for startups. The founders looked at how people actually communicate in 2025 — mostly through messaging — and built a phone system that feels like iMessage or WhatsApp rather than a traditional PBX.
The app combines calls, texts, and voicemail in a single thread per contact. Send an SMS, make a call, leave a voicemail — it all appears in chronological order in one conversation view. That unified thread is simpler than any enterprise VoIP platform and immediately intuitive for new users.
Shared Numbers Change Team Dynamics
The standout feature is shared phone numbers. Multiple team members share one business number. When a call comes in, everyone on the team sees it. When someone sends a text, any team member can respond. Internal notes let you tag colleagues and discuss before replying.
This solves a real problem. Small businesses hate giving customers a specific employee's direct line, because when that employee is unavailable, the customer can't get help. Shared numbers mean someone always picks up. The customer sees one business number; behind the scenes, an entire team manages it.
Built-In CRM Capabilities
OpenPhone includes lightweight CRM features without requiring a separate tool. Tag contacts with custom properties. Add notes after calls. Set follow-up reminders. See complete conversation history across calls, texts, and voicemails. For early-stage startups that aren't ready for Salesforce or HubSpot, OpenPhone's built-in contact management covers the basics.
Where OpenPhone Hits Limits
This is a startup and small team phone system. There's no IVR menu system. No multi-level auto-attendant. No call queuing for support teams. No power dialer for sales. Analytics are basic. If you have 50+ employees, complex routing needs, or enterprise compliance requirements, OpenPhone will feel too simple. It doesn't support desk phones — softphone only. International calling rates are per-minute with no bundles.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Interface designed like a messaging app — immediately intuitive without any VoIP learning curve
- Shared phone numbers let whole teams manage calls and texts to one business number collaboratively
- Built-in CRM with contact tagging, notes, and conversation history eliminates need for a separate tool
- At $15/user/month, one of the most affordable business phone options with no user minimums
- Unified conversation threads combine calls, texts, and voicemails in chronological order per contact
Cons
- No IVR menu system, call queuing, or advanced routing on the Starter plan
- No desk phone support — softphone only through desktop and mobile apps
- International calling rates are per-minute with no unlimited bundles available
- Analytics and reporting are basic compared to RingCentral, 8x8, or Dialpad
- Not suitable for companies with 50+ employees or complex enterprise call routing requirements
OpenPhone Pricing
Starter
- 1 phone number per user
- Calling & messaging
- Voicemail transcription
- Contact management
- Snippets (templates)
- Basic integrations
Business
- Everything in Starter
- HubSpot/Salesforce integration
- Group calling
- Call transfers
- Phone menus (IVR)
- Analytics
- Custom ring order
Enterprise
- Everything in Business
- Audit log
- Dedicated account manager
- Priority support
- Custom contracts
Pricing last verified: March 25, 2026
Who is OpenPhone Best For?
- Startups and small teams (2-20 people) that want a modern phone system without enterprise complexity
- Small businesses that need shared phone numbers so customers always reach someone on the team
- Early-stage companies not ready for Salesforce that want lightweight CRM built into their phone
- Remote-first teams that work entirely from laptops and smartphones with no office desk phones
Technical Details
The Bottom Line
OpenPhone scores 8.4/10. It stands out for interface designed like a messaging app — immediately intuitive without any voip learning curve. Best suited for startups and small teams (2-20 people) that want a modern phone system without enterprise complexity. Keep in mind that no ivr menu system, call queuing, or advanced routing on the starter plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on editorial analysis