Which VoIP provider to choose: comparing Zadarma and Nextiva

VoIP is seen as a smart, money-saving alternative to making regional and international phone calls over a traditional landline. However, the choice between VoIP and landlines is not always straightforward given the choice in providers and the variance in cost and features.

Why do you need a virtual PBX?

If your company has more than one employee, you are growing your workforce and targeting global customers, you would benefit from a Cloud PBX (Private Branch Exchange) for voice communications. A virtual PBX provides a ready-made solution for your business. There is no need to invest in expensive hardware equipment and telephone wires. You simply connect to the network via the internet while your system is created and maintained by the operators servers.

We have compared two Cloud PBX providers, Nextiva and Zadarma today and reviewed key features and service plans.

The most obvious difference is price and accessibility. Zadarma offers an accessible, global, free PBX with registered users in 160 countries worldwide https://zadarma.com/en/services/pbx/. This is an easy to use the system, allowing you to connect any amount of phone numbers in any region. It also provides an added convenience for direct calls to both your clients and remotely based or overseas employees. Nextiva is a leading provider however the obvious restriction is the service is only available in the US and Canada. Registration, set up and connections do take a little more time, often with a need to speak to a representative to activate and complete full set up.

Set up comparison: Nextiva vs Zadarma

We have taken a closer look at the set up process against the two providers. You can set up Zadarma’s virtual phone system for your entire company in a few minutes. All you need is a laptop and a good internet connection and to follow these simple steps:

1. Register with Zadarma - choose the right price plan for you and click register by confirming your email
2. Top up your account
3. Choose and order a virtual (DID) number
4. Activate your PBX and follow the setup instructions you can find in your personal account
5. Download and install a softphone on your PC/mobile phone

To set up Nextiva, they request you to follow their steps:

1. Add Employees - Start here by adding your employees who will be using a Nextiva VoIP phone
2. Create Hunt Groups - A hunt group allows a phone number or extension to connect to multiple users
3. Set Auto-Attendants - Program multiple auto-attendants to direct callers with interactive voice messages
4. Start Connecting - attach phone numbers to your employees to designate their connection

You then have to follow more steps, to register your PBX and create a device within your Nextiva SIP Trunking Portal. This will generate a unique set of authentication details necessary for the PBX to register.

The return on investment on VoIP technology is a growth driver for any customer-focused organisation. Providers such as Zadarma and Nextiva are transforming the way businesses communicate. Both provide a communications platform with ‘big-business’ phone features at a ‘small-business’ price. Both providers continue to fine-tune their features within their systems. Zadarma is the more affordable, accessible option, representing manageability, scalability, reliability with enterprise-class functionality.