7 Best Auto Attendant Phone Systems for Small Business (2023)

Miscommunications can occur if you select the wrong auto attendant system for your business. It can send customers to voicemail, which is often perceived as a dead end, and may result in them hanging up. Furthermore, irrelevant automatic responses lead to customer dissatisfaction.

However, choosing the right auto-attendant system is key to ensuring smooth integration into your business operations. It can serve as a valuable first point of contact for customers and a key component of a successful business model.

We have researched 38+ auto answering systems and picked the top 7 auto attendant service providers based on their prices, features, and business compatibility.

An auto-attendant phone system is an automated response system that answers incoming calls and directs them to the desired recipient or department. It typically includes a recorded voice message that greets callers and provides them with a menu of options, such as pressing a number to reach a specific department or person. This feature improves efficiency via automatic answering and routing of calls, eliminating the need for human intervention.

Generally, setting up a phone system with an auto attendant will consist of the following steps:

Step 1) Select your phone number(s) to be forwarded.

Step 2) Prepare the greeting in text, machine-generated, or recorded audio format.

Step 3) Keep your menu options short and sweet.

Step 4) Specify a department and receptionist for each menu option to take the call.

Step 5) Create call groups based on requirements (i.e., agents with the same working hours, skillsets, departments, etc.).

Step 6) Set timeout settings for directing callers to the main menu.

Step 7) Arrange the menu options in descending order of their importance.

Step 8) Remember to include an option allowing customers to instantly talk directly with a live agent to solve critical queries.

Step 9) Lastly, save your auto attendant settings.

When selecting an auto attendant system, it’s important to consider key factors to ensure that you choose the right one for your business:

Features and capabilities of the system: Ensure the system has the features you need, such as call routing, forwarding, and voicemail. It should have self-service capabilities.
Compatibility with existing phone system: If you already have a phone system, you’ll want to ensure the auto attendant system is compatible.
Cost of the system: Consider your budget and ensure your chosen system is within your price range. Picking up auto-attendant phone answering systems for small businesses to meet the basic requirements can save immense money in the long run.
Customer support: A phone system with an auto attendant having 24×7 support and technical assistance provided by the manufacturer should be your priority. So, when you have any issues with the system, you can quickly get immediate help from the manufacturer.
Service Provider Reputation: Choose a Service Provider with a good reputation for producing high-quality auto attendant phone answering systems.

Here are the top Auto-Attendant Phone Systems:

RingCentral – Best multi-level auto-attendant phone system
Nextiva – Best IVR smart auto attendant phone answering systems
GoToConnect – Best Auto Attendant System for Call Routing
Vonage – Best for Setting Pre-configured menu
DialPad – Best for Maintaining Call flow prioritization
8×8 – Best App for Intuitive data handling
Phone.com – Best App for Spam & Robocalls Screening

If you’re considering using either an Auto Attendant or a Virtual Receptionist to manage incoming calls for your business, here are some key differences.

Auto Attendant:

An auto-attendant is a business phone system that uses pre-recorded greetings and menu options to answer and route incoming calls based on the caller’s response.
This system can improve the efficiency and professionalism of a business’s phone communications, allowing calls to be automatically answered on time.
It can reduce the workload on customer service teams, as it can handle a significant portion of the incoming call volume without human intervention.

Virtual Receptionist:

A person who provides remote receptionist services, typically through a call center or other remote location, is a Virtual Receptionist.
It enhances the customer experience by offering personalized assistance and professionally addressing inquiries and complaints.
Such a person answers call on behalf of a business, greets callers, and handles basic inquiries and tasks.

Best Auto Attendant Phone Systems

Name	Device Support	Key Features	Toll-Free Support	Free Trial	Link
Ringcentral	Android, iOS, Windows	• IVR Mode • Dial-by-Name Directory • Multi-level auto-attendant	Yes	15 days	Learn More
Nextiva	Android, iOS, Windows	• Custom Greeting • Smart call routing • Call Flow Prioritization	Yes	15 days	Learn More
GotoConnect	Android, iOS, Windows	• Advanced Call Flows • Custom Routing • Call forwarding	Yes	30 days	Learn More
Vonage	Windows	• Route Calls • Call Queue • IVR menu analytics	Yes	30-day Money Back Guarantee	Learn More
Dialpad	Android, iOS, Windows	• Call flow prioritization • Custom Messaging • Custom greetings	Yes	14 days	Learn More

1) RingCentral – Best multi-level auto-attendant phone system

RingCentral is one of the best cloud-based phone system that offers a customizable auto-attendant feature with multi-level call routing. This system allows you to create profiles for various departments or locations. Each account can accommodate up to 250 sub-menus.

RingCentral ensures quick responses to incoming calls, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. It works as a UcaaS platform, ensuring easy future scalability of your business. You can also seamlessly add new devices, lines, or remote teams and enjoy its hassle-free integrations with popular CRM platforms.

Features:

Greets callers and automatically directs them to staff and departments worldwide.
Program your virtual answering service to direct calls to the relevant department, extension, or voicemail box.
Customize business hours and menu systems to handle inbound calls using the IVR feature.
Handle large-scale call volumes and respond rapidly to potential customer queries.
Select single-level or multi-level mode for the best possible auto-attendant customer experience.
IVR offers unique features like a dial-by-name directory, live operator, call center automation, etc.

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Cloud-based VOIP service prevents onsite hardware from turning obsolete.	RingCentral VOIP does not support landline customers.
Monitor and document the quality of service, system usage, and critical performance metrics.	It only allows a single number per device.
It offers 24/7 customer support.
RingCentral MVP Analytics enables you to gain insights in real time, make instant decisions, and act immediately.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows
Customer Support: Email Help Desk, Phone & Chat Support, Online Forum
Pricing: Starts at $19.99/ month per user
Free Trial: 15 days

Visit RingCentral >>

15-Days Free Trial

2) Nextiva – Best IVR smart auto attendant phone answering systems

Nextiva is a cloud-based auto attendant phone system that provides user-friendly features for effectively managing calls, voicemails, and faxes. Use Nextiva to route calls to specific extensions based on the caller’s input.

For example, if a caller presses 1 for sales, the call will connect to the sales department. This app follows HIPAA and SOC-2 compliance standards and ensures tight security for customer data protection.

Features:

Upgrade to a multi-level auto attendant system with submenus to manage calls throughout your PBX.
The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system is based on keypad input.
Reduces load on your team and ensures better workflow by clarifying their doubts or queries.
Make custom greetings for every incoming call and route callers according to your business hours.
The virtual receptionist helps in handling large volumes of callers and boosts scalability.
Use professional voice recording to make your business look big.
Smart routing enables prioritizing calls from toll-free numbers.
HD Voice technology and high-performance data centers ensure excellent customer experience and reduce time.

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Add unlimited users without any additional costs.	Advanced CRM integrations are only available in expensive plans.
Integrated CRM software aids in tracking leads and maintaining customer relationships.	The user count impacts the surge in prices.
The anonymous call rejection feature blocks call from blacklisted/unknown caller IDs.
Obtain account info access for incoming customer calls, including the last interaction, account value, etc.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Windows, Android, iPhone/iPad
Customer Support: Phone, Email/Help Desk, Online Forum
Pricing: Starts at $18.95/month per user
Free Trial: 15 days

Visit Nextiva >>

15-Days Free Trial

3) GoToConnect – Best Auto Attendant System for Call Routing

GotoConnect is one of the cost-effective business phone systems for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and businesses of all kinds. This powerful automated phone system provides a range of meeting and cloud VoIP features. It seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like Zendesk, Microsoft, and Google to simplify data management.

These features allow remote employees to receive and make business calls without using a personal phone number. It also assists in setting up auto-attendant menus for holidays or work hours.

Features:

Use the GoToConnect app to send unlimited customized messages and greetings.
Pre-recorded menus and directories route callers to the endpoint very quickly.
Store your voicemail messages in the cloud through a virtual voicemail system.
Share relevant company information or updates with each caller automatically while in the queue.
Host up to 250 attendees in a meeting and connect 25 webcams for face-to-face interaction.
Single password system enables every department or team to share voicemail inboxes.
One-click professional video conferencing enables a seamless transition from a call or chat to an ad hoc meeting without switching apps.
Using the Dial Plan Editor’s visual drag-and-drop interface features, get a clear call flow you can follow.
You can design an intuitive workflow for each user with features like Click-to-Call and Automated Call Logging, in your business.
Other unique features include vanity numbers, call forwarding, hot desking, local, toll-free, number porting, call queuing, etc.

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
The auto-attendant drag-and-drop interface makes it simple to route calls.	The central web portal lacks intuitiveness in design.
Geolocation and time-based routing route incoming calls to the appropriate device.	Customer support lacks efficacy in its online resources and chatbot functionality.
View real-time reports to enhance call queues and incoming client call handling.
Integrates with over 180 desk phone models and devices.
Answer a call to quickly join a meeting using no PINs or codes.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Android, iPhone/iPad, Windows
Customer Support: Email Help Desk, Phone & Chat Support, Online Forum
Pricing: Starts at $27/month per user
Free Trial: 30 days

Visit GoToConnect >>

30-Days Free Trial

4) Vonage – Best for Setting Pre-configured menu

Vonage is a highly reliable auto-attendant system that is beneficial for business owners and popular brands. It has an impressive 99.99% uptime reliability. The system’s automated solutions enable virtual extensions, allowing you to link your mobile device to the business’s virtual phone system.

Vonage can ring up to five numbers simultaneously, ensuring that calls are answered even if some lines are busy. Apart from providing home and commercial phone services, such as local and long-distance calling plans, it also offers international calling plans.

Features:

Preconfigure call routing paths for utilizing the Virtual Receptionist feature.
IVR handles many daily business schedules for efficient call management.
Set up recurring monthly or yearly events for holidays and other special occasions in advance.
Prompt customers to select from your customized menu based on business working hours or after hours.
Never miss a call by using an advanced call management system that is incredibly user-friendly and reduces the workload on IT.
Unique features include call holding, forwarding, call Logs, call transfer, call waiting, 3-way calling, etc.

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Track and evaluate call patterns, employee productivity, and resource utilization.	No free trial is available.
Top-notch compliant security safeguards customer data.	Have limits on the number of simultaneous calls or extensions.
Easily configure and manage the extensions with a user-friendly portal.
Purchase toll-free lines and call recording through Vonage.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS
Customer Support: Phone, Email Help Desk, Online Forum
Pricing: Starts at $14.99/month per user
Free Trial: 30-day Money-Back Guarantee

Visit Vonage >>

30-Days Money-back Guarantee

5) DialPad – Best for Maintaining Call flow prioritization

Dialpad is fast, secure, and efficient in maintaining call flow. It is one of the best auto attend systems that integrates voice, messaging, video, and meetings into a single platform you can access from any device with internet access. It leverages the latest cloud telephony technology, including WebRTC and Opus codec, and delivers exceptional VoIP call clarity.

Dialpad offers robust integrations with popular business tools such as G Suite, Office 365, Salesforce, Zendesk, and Okta. It route calls if callers choose incorrect options or attempt to a dialed number of multiple times.

Features:

Dialpad’s auto attendant feature handles large volumes of incoming calls by directing them to relevant departments.
It offers custom messaging for various hours using interactive voice response (IVR).
Versatile call routing tool directs calls to your agents depending on their skill levels, idle time, and other factors.
Greet customers with your customized recorded audio.
IVR Menu statistics reveal how frequently your callers use each IVR menu item.

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Its seamless integration with Google Contacts makes it easy to dial contacts quickly.	24×7 Customer support is not available.
Offers flexible plans to customize your autoresponders at affordable rates.	Video conferencing for more than 10 participants incurs an additional $15 fee.
The graphical chart analytics indicate call traffic over time and a call count breakdown.
Compliance with HIPAA, PCI, GDPR, and CSA ensures strict security measures to protect the players.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS
Customer Support: Email Help Desk, Phone Support, Online Forum
Pricing: Starts at $15/month per user
Free Trial: 14 days

Visit DialPad >>

14-Days Free Trial

6) 8×8 – Best App for Intuitive data handling

8×8 auto attendant is a versatile call system solution that allows users to tailor call variations for different departments. Using filters, users can identify bottlenecks and assess the performance of queues, teams, or individuals. They can also drill down to individual interactions to monitor daily statistics or key metrics.

With superior features like user provisioning, role-based access controls, and multi-level auto attendant, 8×8 is designed for intuitive data handling services. It also offers video conferencing with a capacity for 100 participants in its basic package. Users can upgrade to higher tiers to support up to 500 participants.

Features:

Use Call Waiting and Parking feature for immediate response to callers.
Configure multiple auto attendants with different profiles, all configured in line with set rules.
Manage how each phone with auto attendants performs their tasks irrespective of location.
Promote your brand by delivering helpful information, upbeat music, and entertainment during the customer wait time.
Call Queues temporarily detain incoming callers until an employee or agent is available to take the call.
Enrich customer experience using professional artists to write, record, and produce customized caller greetings.

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Ring groups distribute incoming calls among employees, allowing teams to handle higher call volumes.	You can access professional greetings only if you subscribe to premium plan.
It offers unlimited calls in U.S. and Canada.	Lacks minimal reporting in higher plans.
Utilize Zendesk CRM to get integrated voice support for the ticket management system.
Customizable plans enable businesses to use their rich contact center analytics.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS
Customer Support: Email Help Desk, Phone Support, Online Forum
Pricing: Starts at $15/month per user
Free Trial: 30 days

Visit 8×8 >>

30-Days Free Trial

7) Phone.com – Best App for Spam & Robocalls Screening

Phone.com is one of the best-automated phone systems for small business owners and entrepreneurs to tackle spam calls and messages. It can easily oversee voice calls, fax, video calls, or conference calls.

The system uses a variety of Points of Presence (POPs), multiple carriers, and 24/7 technical support to maintain call quality. Users get a comprehensive account-wide view of caller data, including breakdowns of new and returning calls. This service is accompanied by a quick-responding customer support team that is available 24×7 in case of any critical issue.

Features:

Meetings and appointments are scheduled directly into your calendar by live receptionists.
White-Glove Service enables users to add a personal and professional touch to their business at affordable rates.
Screen annoying inbound calls like robocalls or solicitors and forward only those relevant to your business.
Take messages feature ensures business calls get picked up even during non-working hours.
Access client information using CRM integrations while the auto-attendant feature routes the call.

👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Facilitates video conferencing via a web browser without software installation or downloads.	A lack of IVR features can limit the ability to manage incoming calls effectively.
Get a thorough, historical insight into your business call logs by tracking and filtering them.	No professionally recorded phone greetings are available.
The HD phone feature makes phone conversations incredibly clear.

Key Specs:

Supported Platforms: Windows, Android, iOS
Customer Support: Email Help Desk, Phone Support, Online Forum
Pricing: Starts at $11.99/month per user
Free Trial: 30-day Money-back guarantee

Visit Phone.com >>

30-Days Money-back Guarantee

Verdict

All businesses and enterprises must use auto-attendant phone systems to handle heavy call volume and reduce customer waiting times. Being equipped with automated methods can give businesses wings to attain great heights.

RingCentral is our top recommendation for the best auto-attendant phone system. It offers an intuitive centralized admin interface to manage your auto-attendant profile and adjust your call routing strategy. Nextiva and GoToConnect are the other two picks if you want to scale up and avail a variety of features that fit all kinds of businesses.

Best Automated Phone System for Small Business

Name	Device Support	Key Features	Toll-Free Support	Free Trial	Link
Ringcentral	Android, iOS, Windows	• IVR Mode • Dial-by-Name Directory • Multi-level auto-attendant	Yes	15 days	Learn More
Nextiva	Android, iOS, Windows	• Custom Greeting • Smart call routing • Call Flow Prioritization	Yes	15 days	Learn More
GotoConnect	Android, iOS, Windows	• Advanced Call Flows • Custom Routing • Call forwarding	Yes	30 days	Learn More
Vonage	Windows	• Route Calls • Call Queue • IVR menu analytics	Yes	30-day Money Back Guarantee	Learn More
Dialpad	Android, iOS, Windows	• Call flow prioritization • Custom Messaging • Custom greetings	Yes	14 days	Learn More

Matthew Martin

Matthew Martin is a Professional Software Engineer who is now a manager in a leading MNC. He spends his time creating various types of tools, plus writes tutorials on the topics like Project Management, Salesforce, Accounting, MIS, ITIL, etc.