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Grasshopper may promise to give you a dedicated phone number for your business.
Nextiva, on the other hand, positions itself as a unified customer experience management platform.
But, there’s a third option. It’s called iPlum. The phone system offers better technology at a lower cost.
You see, there are a few things you need to know about Grasshopper and Nextiva.
If you’re a healthcare provider or work in a regulated industry, you cannot use Grasshopper to send and receive sensitive client information because the platform isn’t HIPAA compliant.
In addition, Nextiva is one of the most expensive business phone systems, with its highest tier costing $75 per user per month.
iPlum, by comparison, is not only HIPAA compliant, but also one of the most cost-effective 2nd mobile line providers with over 50 features to its name.
Table of Contents
1. Grasshopper vs Nextiva vs iPlum—A side-by-side comparison
2. Grasshopper vs Nextiva vs iPlum—User Reviews
3. Grasshopper vs Nextiva vs iPlum—Pricing
4. How to Port Your Number to iPlum
5. Grasshopper vs Nextiva vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Why Choose iPlum Over Grasshopper and Nextiva?
Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum capabilities are notably different.
In this section, we’ll break down their core features to see which platform offers the best value for your business.
Let’s start with a comparison table.
1. Calling Features
The primary reason you’re getting a business phone system is to call customers, right? Let’s compare how Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum handle calling features.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper offers VoIP-based calling coupled with features like voicemail and call forwarding.
Although it supports call recording, the feature is not automatic, so you must turn it on whenever you need it.
Furthermore, the platform’s routing rules are significantly basic compared to alternatives like iPlum. Besides, as a VoIP service, Grasshopper’s calling functionality depends on the strength of your internet connection.
Nextiva
Nextiva offers a wider set of calling tools than Grasshopper, including routing, conferencing, and automatic call recording.
But to access features such as skills-based distribution and advanced routing, you must sign up for the Power Suite CX plan, which costs $75 per user per month.
So, while Nextiva delivers more functionality than Grasshopper, you need to consider the price tag, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
iPlum
iPlum combines carrier and VoIP calling, so you can be sure of stable audio even in areas with weak internet.
All you need to do is switch to “voice network mode” when connectivity drops, or revert to data (Wi-Fi/3G/4G/LTE) when it’s strong.
Apart from dual-mode calling, iPlum offers a wide range of calling and messaging features, including business hours routing, Do Not Disturb, voicemail transcription, number porting, spam blocking, and more.
And the beauty of it is that iPlum makes the most critical calling features available in the Standard plan for $8.99 per month.
2. Secure Texting
If you're in a regulated industry, you need to be mindful of your phone system's texting capabilities.
At the bare minimum, you want a system that guarantees compliance and protects sensitive information.
Let's compare Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum on this front.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper gives you basic SMS and MMS texting alongside your business number.
While useful for simple exchanges, it is not HIPAA compliant and does not provide a secure channel distinct from regular SMS.
Therefore, businesses that handle sensitive information, such as healthcare providers or financial advisors, cannot safely use Grasshopper's texting without risking compliance issues.
Nextiva
Nextiva also includes SMS and MMS in its platform, integrated into the same app as calling and voicemail.
However, once HIPAA compliance is a requirement, SMS is effectively turned off.
That leaves businesses in regulated industries with limited or no secure messaging options, making communicating safely with patients or clients harder.
iPlum
iPlum takes a different route by offering your clients or patients a free, secure account.
The account allows them to engage in encrypted, bidirectional messaging with you, without downloading the iPlum app or using standard SMS/MMS.
It creates a HIPAA-compliant channel that protects both parties and reduces liability.
Compared to Grasshopper and Nextiva, iPlum delivers secure communication built for professional and regulated environments without extra costs.
3. Business Texting Features
Texting has become a critical way for businesses to connect with customers quickly.
Let’s see how Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum stack up when it comes to business texting features.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper provides basic SMS and MMS messaging tied to your business number.
You can confirm appointments, reply to missed calls, and send texts through the mobile or desktop app.
However, it limits picture messaging to local numbers only. Moreover, while Grasshopper gives you the essentials, it lacks advanced tools like archiving or secure texting offered by an alternative like iPlum in stronger alternatives.
Nextiva
Nextiva integrates business texting into its desktop, mobile, and browser apps.
You can send and receive texts across devices, upload contacts from Google or Outlook, and add emojis or images to messages.
These features make Nextiva better than Grasshopper. Still, texting is relatively basic compared to iPlum.
iPlum
iPlum takes business texting to the next level with a broad toolkit designed for professionals and regulated industries.
Features include secure texting, group and broadcast messaging, scheduled texts, text-to-email, archiving, auto-replies, templates, pinned conversations, and unread markers.
You can even add a text signature to keep your messages consistent.
So, compared to Grasshopper and Nextiva, iPlum’s texting features are more comprehensive.
4. Phonetree and Extensions
A phone tree with extensions is a must-have for a professional phone system.
Let’s compare how Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum deliver this feature.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper provides a basic auto-attendant that greets callers and routes them through extensions.
You can customize greetings and add extensions, but unlimited use requires the Small Business plan, which costs $55 monthly.
For advanced reception options, Grasshopper partners with Ruby® to offer live virtual receptionists, which adds cost.
Nextiva
Nextiva includes a multi-level auto-attendant that scales better than Grasshopper’s.
It allows custom greetings, routing by business hours, and submenus across departments, which offers more flexibility for growing businesses.
However, advanced routing and call center-level features remain tied to higher-priced tiers, reaching $75 per user.
iPlum
iPlum offers a cloud-based phone tree with auto-attendant and extensions built into every plan at no extra cost.
With iPlum, callers hear a professional greeting and can instantly be routed to multiple extensions, departments, or voicemails.
Apart from routing, iPlum boasts tools like IVR menus, auto-text replies for missed calls, business-hours announcements, multiple global forwarding rules, and BYOD compatibility.
That said, iPlum’s phone tree is more robust and affordable than Grasshopper and Nextiva, making it a solid option for enterprise-level functionality.
5. Number Sharing
Sharing a business number across team members can help streamline communication with your team and clients.
Let’s see how Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum handle number sharing.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper does not truly support shared phone lines.
Instead, it relies on call forwarding to extensions, allowing multiple users on the same account but without direct access to the main number.
You can tie each extension to different phones and contacts and share it through the mobile app. While this setup works, it lacks true collaborative number sharing where team members can jointly manage calls, texts, and voicemails.
Nextiva
Nextiva offers shared number functionality through its Shared Call Appearance (SCA) feature.
The infrastructure allows one user’s number to ring across multiple devices, such as desk phones and mobile apps.
You can manage the setup in the Nextiva Voice admin dashboard by assigning devices and unique line credentials.
While more flexible than Grasshopper, SCA is still device-centric, meaning it’s less about shared number management and more about mirroring calls across multiple endpoints.
iPlum
iPlum allows flexible number sharing designed for teamwork.
Administrators can grant multiple users access to a single iPlum number through the web portal.
That way, the users can manage texts, voicemails, and contacts connected to the number, creating a truly collaborative environment.
Compared to Grasshopper’s call forwarding and Nextiva’s device mirroring, iPlum’s approach is more practical for teams looking for shared visibility and control over communication.
6. Number Options
The type of phone number you choose can shape how customers perceive your business, whether you want to appear local, national, or international.
Let’s compare the options from Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper offers local numbers with area codes for specific regions. You also get toll-free numbers across all common prefixes, and vanity numbers that are easy to remember.
While these options provide flexibility for U.S.-based companies, Grasshopper leans toward vanity and toll-free branding rather than advanced international coverage.
Nextiva
Nextiva gives you access to local, toll-free, and international numbers. You can also port in existing virtual, VoIP, landline, or mobile numbers.
That said, Nextiva does not offer vanity numbers, which limits branding potential compared to Grasshopper and iPlum.
iPlum
iPlum comes with a full range of number options, including local numbers in the U.S. and Canada, toll-free numbers, and international numbers in multiple countries.
In addition, you can port your existing number or acquire a new one, then configure it with phone trees, call forwarding, and other business-grade features.
Unlike Grasshopper and Nextiva, iPlum offers a more balanced mix of vanity, toll-free, and international numbers at competitive rates. It gives businesses of all sizes a professional and global presence at affordable rates.
Before spending money on it, you need to read what others say about a phone system. Why? …because it tells you what you’ll likely experience with the service.
Grasshopper reviews
A section of Grasshopper users says the service is easy to get started with. However, some complain about the unreliability of features like the app, texting, and integrations.
❌ Calling reliability issues
“It freezes a lot. … Sometimes calls drop without notice, and if they close the call, then it freezes, and we have to restart the app.” – Samuel M., G2
❌ Phone app unreliable
“The phone app is very unreliable. We have been experiencing issues for months now, looking for better options.” – Rachael M., Capterra
❌ Poor Wi-Fi calling performance and caller ID mismatch
“Poor call quality. Wi-fi calling is awful. They claim that they do not alter the caller ID, yet the same calls coming in on the mobile device show the caller’s name.” – Mario D., Capterra
✔ Ease of initial setup
“It was very easy to begin using, not a ton of setup required, very easy to reach technical support when issues arose.” – Rachael M., Capterra
Nextiva reviews
Nextiva users applaud the platform for its strong calling features and integrations. On the flipside, some call out gaps in the mobile app and business texting.
❌ Basic SMS capabilities
“The lack of outbound and inbound SMS capabilities that can differentiate between automated and personal messages is a drawback.” – Ethan H., G2
❌ iOS app bugs and pop-ups
“The iOS app could be a little better with clearing missed calls and stopping the annoying pop-up.” – Cade R., Capterra
❌ Mobile call quality and drop-outs
“Nextiva has a terrible connection while using it on a cell phone, and every single call I have says poor network connection, and people cannot hear me, or the call drops.” – Melanie V., G2
✔ Call recording
“I appreciate Nextiva's call recording feature.” – Sabrina Khoulalène, Capterra
iPlum reviews
Most iPlum reviewers praise the platform’s reliability, HIPAA compliance, and ease of setup. A few mention small issues, such as setup issues.
✔ HIPAA-compliant voicemail for therapists
“I am a therapist, and I needed a HIPAA-compliant voicemail. iPlum works so well for clients to leave messages securely.” – E W., TrustPilot
✔ Fast and effective support
“I had an issue in which my ported numbers got mixed up and my fax line was deleted completely… I sent a support ticket and was responded to within the hour.” – Lindsey Baker, TrustPilot
✔ Great for separating work and personal life
“This app helps me separate my business from my personal life!” – Dannel M Doyle, TrustPilot
✔ Reliable for remote teams
“As a small business owner managing a remote customer service team, I assigned numbers to my team in minutes. Reliability has been excellent.” – Vidur Gupta, US, TrustPilot
⚠️ Small learning curve in setup
“Hadn’t figured out how to change over a previous phone number, but setting up a chat was easy, and they have been very supportive and informative.” – Amanda Carlson, TrustPilot
Grasshopper vs Nextiva vs iPlum—Pricing
Any phone system should be reasonably priced compared to the features it offers. Here’s a breakdown of Grasshopper, Nextiva, and iPlum’s pricing.
How much does Grasshopper cost?
Grasshopper pricing ranges from $14 to $55 per month, depending on the plan:
True Solo — $14 per month
Supports one user, one phone number, and a single extension.
Solo Plus — $25 per month
Offers unlimited users, one phone number, and up to three extensions. Includes everything in True Solo.
Small Business — $55 per month
Gives you unlimited users, four phone numbers, and unlimited extensions. Includes all features from Solo Plus.
How much does Nextiva cost?
Nextiva costs $15 to $75 per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows:
Core — $15 per user per month
Provides inbound and outbound calling, business SMS, call routing, and access through both desktop and mobile apps.
Engage — $25 per user per month
Adds toll-free numbers with bundled minutes, plus access to advanced reporting and analytics.
Power Suite CX — $75 per user per month
Expands calling capacity with skills-based call distribution, call center tools, and enhanced routing for high-volume environments.
How much does iPlum cost?
iPlum pricing starts at $8.99 per user per month and goes up to $19.99, depending on the tier:
Standard — $8.99 per user per month
Includes U.S. and Canada calling and texting through the mobile app, voicemail, auto-replies, business hours settings, and a phone tree with extensions.
Professional — $14.99 per user per month
Adds web-based calling and texting, secure, encrypted messaging, voicemail transcription, group and broadcast texting, message archiving, and full HIPAA compliance with a signed BAA.
Premium — $19.99 per user per month
Extends the Professional plans with automatic call recording and extra compliance features designed for industries such as healthcare, finance, insurance, legal, and customer support.
Grasshopper vs Nextiva vs iPlum Pricing—Which offers more value
When you compare pricing, iPlum offers much more value for significantly less.
Grasshopper plans run from $14 to $55/month. Nextiva’s tiers cost about $15 to $75 per user/month, depending on features. Meanwhile, iPlum starts at just $8.99 and tops out around $19.99 for more advanced plans.
So, iPlum is nearly 50-60% cheaper than Nextiva, based on your plan, and 30-80% cheaper than Grasshopper on comparable tiers.
Thus, for businesses looking for a solid business phone, SMS, and compliance features without overspending, iPlum delivers the best bang for buck.
How to Port Your Number to iPlum
Watch the video below for a detailed walkthrough if you’d like to transfer your existing Grasshopper or Nextiva number to iPlum.
Grasshopper vs Nextiva vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is better than Nextiva?
iPlum is better than Nextiva. It delivers true HIPAA compliance, dual-mode calling, reliability, and is affordable. With pricing starting at $8.99, it's nearly 60% cheaper while offering enterprise-grade features.
What's better than Grasshopper?
iPlum is better than Grasshopper. It offers an advanced phone tree, HIPAA-compliant secure texting, multilingual support, and broader international reach.
Which VoIP provider is the best?
iPlum is one of the best VoIP providers, boasting over 50 features designed to meet the demands of today's dynamic business communication.
Why Choose iPlum Over Grasshopper and Nextiva?
Indeed, Grasshopper and Nextiva are, by all means, solid phone systems.
But they may not be ideal for everyone.
Grasshopper, for instance, is not a good fit if your business involves handling sensitive client information owing to its lack of HIPAA compliance.
While feature-rich, Nextiva may be overkill for small businesses looking for a simple yet effective phone system.
iPlum, by comparison, is affordable and designed to meet the communication demands of small businesses, professionals, healthcare providers, and solopreneurs.
And because iPlum supports global calling, you can use it in over 200 destinations in 23+ languages.
Click the link below to get your iPlum number today.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and may not reflect the most current features or capabilities of the products or companies mentioned. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official sources of each company.
