%20(1).avif)
.avif)
iPlum and Nextiva share several calling and texting features for business.
But in this iPlum vs. Nextiva comparison, we’ll zero in on the nuances. That way, you can determine which provider offers more value for less.
Before we do, here’s a quick snapshot of iPlum’s standout features:
- Dual-mode calling reliability
- Business hours with Do-Not-Disturb
- Phone tree with auto-attendant and extensions
- Mobile app and web calling
- Business address book
To get started, you can port your current number into iPlum or get a new one.
Either way, our responsive customer support is always at hand to get you up and running as quickly as possible.
We’ll start this comparison by looking at user reviews for providers on platforms such as Capterra, G2, SoftwareAdvice, and Trustpilot.
iPlum vs. Nextiva—What Do Users Say?
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into user experiences, reliability, quality, and a company's overall reputation.
Below are some iPlum and Nextiva reviews providing a glimpse into the providers’ services.
Nextiva Reviews
Although Nextiva has good ratings on most review platforms, users mention business-critical issues with the phone system, as highlighted below.
❌ Not reliable for healthcare
“Not a very good one. We have been making it work, but are very dissatisfied.” — Corinne V., Capterra
❌ Setup and deployment issues
“Set up and deployment was very difficult at first... I spent about 11 hours over four days on the phone with tech support.” — James R., Capterra
❌ Limited reporting features
“Basic call queuing license doesn't cover reporting?! Why have it if you can't see what's being routed where...”— Brian C., Capterra
❌ Admin limitations
“I would like to have the option to procure more licenses... My only option is to send a reset password email.”— Aaron L., Capterra
❌ Poor support experience
“They are good at passing the buck to several people… and never getting a concrete resolve.”— Gilbert, SoftwareAdvice
❌ Complicated texting setup
“The texting is not working for us yet. It seemed like it would be difficult to manage.” — Mary, SoftwareAdvice
On the positive side, users had this to say about Nextiva:
✔ Works well for remote teams
“Ease of moving phones around in our network.”— Mary, SoftwareAdvice
✔ Helpful voicemail tools
“Voicemail operations were convenient and easy to alter.”— Ann, SoftwareAdvice
iPlum Reviews
iPlum customers appreciate its HIPAA compliance, ease of use, and the feature-rich design. Below are some iPlum user reviews.
✔ Straightforward and user‑friendly
“My favorite thing about iPlum is that it's straightforward and user-friendly. The app and website have a simple design, and the signup process was streamlined by helpful instructions.”— Verified user, G2
✔ Great HIPAA‑compliant messaging
“I love that it is HIPAA compliant, and that extra safety measure makes my clients feel comfortable reaching out to me.”— Verified Reviewer, G2
✔ Secure secondary phonebook
“I like that there is a secondary passcode to enter the app and that you can keep client contact information separate from everyday contacts and keep a separate phonebook.”— TJ S, G2
✔ Excellent value for small business
“It's inexpensive and allows me to communicate with my customers by text.”— Mariana, G2
✔ Mobile or web calling
“I like that iPlum allows me to make and receive calls from both my phone and my computer. If my phone battery is low or I’m at my desk, I can just switch to the web portal.”— Verified User, G2
❌ Some customers were concerned that iPlum doesn’t offer video calling. However, plans are underway to have the feature available soon.
iPlum vs. Nextiva—Breaking Down Calling and Texting Features
Let’s see how iPlum and Nextiva compare when it comes to calling and texting capabilities for business.
But first, here’s a quick comparison table.
Calling on Mobile and Desktop
iPlum and Nextiva allow you to make and receive calls from a mobile app or web browser. On the surface, both phone systems seem evenly matched here. However, the difference is noticeable when you consider what you pay for this calling experience.
Nextiva
Nextiva offers mobile and desktop calling in all its plans. But you’ll need to pay at least $30 per user each month—that’s nearly three times more than iPlum for the same features.
In addition, Nextiva bundles this feature with tools such as social media messaging, live chat, and video conferencing.
That makes the price steep for small businesses or solo professionals who simply want a business line with app and desktop calling capabilities.
Besides, while desktop calling works well, Nextiva doesn’t offer much control over outbound caller ID or network mode. This limits how well you can manage call quality in different environments.
iPlum
iPlum offers web calling and texting starting at $14.99 per user.
You can switch between Wi-Fi, data, and voice network modes depending on which signal is more stable. And because the browser-based portal offers the same features as the mobile app, you have access to all of iPlum’s calling features.
Moreover, caller ID is built in, and the system supports business hours, Do-Not-Disturb, and call return. The point is, iPlum, unlike Nextiva, doesn’t rope you into high pricing just to use multi-device calling.
Instead, it gives you everything you need to run a professional phone line from your phone or computer without paying for features you may not use.
Call Routing and Phone Tree
iPlum and Nextiva offer call routing features designed to help you manage inbound calls professionally. The two platforms allow you to set up auto-attendants, extensions, and routing paths. But there’s a significant pricing difference.
Nextiva
Sure, Nextiva has basic call routing and queueing at the $30 Core level.
However, the premium features, like advanced IVR, skills-based routing, and voice bots, require the $50 Engage or $75 Power Suite plans. The package (and the additional features included) may make sense for contact centers.
However, the high pricing locks standard routing features behind plans that include far more than most small businesses require.
For instance, you don’t need an AI assistant or CRM integration to send a call to the right person.
iPlum
iPlum offers a phone tree, auto-attendant with extensions in its $8.99 Standard plan—that’s nearly four times less than Nextiva.
iPlum’s phone tree allows you to easily set up a virtual receptionist to route calls to different users or departments. The setup works well for healthcare clinics, solo practices with voicemail options, or small businesses with multiple staff.
In addition, you can create multiple routing paths and pair them with business hours or Do-Not-Disturb settings.
That way, iPlum gives you a professional call experience at a significantly lower price than Nextiva. Plus, iPlum has a more flexible phone tree system than what’s available in Nextiva’s base plan.
Business Text Messaging
You send and receive business texts with Nextiva and iPlum via their mobile apps or desktop portals.
That said, the differences in what’s included (and at what price) become apparent when it comes to essential messaging features, such as scheduled texts, templates, or secure communication.
Nextiva
Nextiva offers business SMS starting at the $30 Core plan.
However, the feature set is basic.
There are no tools for scheduling messages or SMS templates. In addition, the Core plan caps outbound texts to 100 SMS messages per user per month. And, group messaging isn’t available unless you move to a higher-tier plan.
Managing SMS in Nextiva feels secondary to voice and collaboration tools. This makes Nextiva less practical for professionals and businesses that use messaging as their primary touchpoint with clients.
iPlum
iPlum treats texting as a primary business channel, not an afterthought.
The $14.99 Professional plan includes scheduled texts, reusable templates, group messaging, and text-to-email.
You can also archive conversations, use encrypted messaging, and keep business contacts separate from personal ones. The system works well for appointment reminders, customer service responses, or outbound check-ins.
Besides, you can manage everything from one place, whether on mobile or desktop. And because texting features are ready out of the box with iPlum, you don’t need to pair with other software to send messages effectively.
Compliance and Encryption
iPlum and Nextiva offer HIPAA-compliant communication options. However, the way each platform delivers that compliance, along with what is included and what is excluded, differs in important ways.
Nextiva
Nextiva offers HIPAA-compliant voice, fax, and video services, but only after making manual adjustments to the account.
The platform turns off voicemail-to-email, visual voicemail, and voicemail transcription in HIPAA mode.
To activate compliant services, you must sign a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) and accept feature restrictions. These changes apply account-wide and may limit access to some tools you still need.
If texting is at the core of your business workflow, consider how Nextiva handles compliance and its potential impact on your communication.
iPlum
iPlum offers HIPAA-compliant calling, texting, and voicemail services, starting at $14.99 per month.
The Professional and Premium plans come with a BAA, encrypted messaging, and 1-year archiving.
In addition, you can send secure messages to clients through the app or use app-less online messaging via iPlum’s portal.
Additionally, the platform doesn’t turn off features such as voicemail, message scheduling, and caller ID to meet compliance requirements.
Check out iPlum if you’re in for the best Nextiva alternative with true HIPAA compliance and a secure second line with full access to business features.
Call Recording and Archiving
Nextiva and iPlum offer call recording.
But if you need to keep records for compliance, training, or dispute resolution, it’s important to know what you’re getting and when it becomes available.
Nextiva
First, Nextiva limits call recording to its $75 Power Suite. That puts it out of reach if you’re looking for a cost-effective business phone system that can still do the job.
Furthermore, archiving options also depend on your plan tier. So, although Nextiva offers call recording and archiving, the feature is built with contact centers in mind.
Therefore, if you only need to keep a record of key calls, you’ll still need to pay for Nextiva’s most expensive plan and all the extra features included in it.
iPlum
iPlum offers call recording and 1-year archiving in its $19.99 Premium plan.
The best part is that you can turn recording on or off, manage files from the dashboard, and retrieve recordings as necessary.
Call recording is crucial for professionals in legal, financial, insurance, real estate, and healthcare industries who need call documentation.
It’s also vital in industries regulated by laws like Dodd-Frank. For starters, the law requires financial advisors to record and store all client calls to protect consumers and meet compliance standards.
And for less than $20 per month, iPlum gives you call recording archiving for up to 12 months.
iPlum vs. Nextiva—Pricing
By now, you know that iPlum and Nextiva offer different pricing structures. The features available in each tier also differ.
How Much Does iPlum Cost?
iPlum costs $8.99 to $19.99 per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows
Standard Plan – $8.99/user/month
Includes mobile app calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada, voicemail, auto-replies, business hours, and phone tree.
Professional – $14.99/user/month
This plan builds upon the Standard plan, offering web-based calling and texting, secure encrypted texting, voicemail transcription, group and broadcast messaging, text archiving, and HIPAA compliance with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for healthcare.
Premium – $19.99/user/month
Offers everything in the Professional plan, plus call recording and compliance features for finance, insurance, legal, sales, and support sectors.
How Much Does Nextiva Cost
Nextiva costs between $30 and $60 per user per month, depending on your plan, as follows:
Core – $30 per user
The Core plan includes inbound and outbound voice calling, business SMS, call routing, and access to desktop and mobile apps.
Engage – $40 per user
The Engage plan comes with toll-free numbers, bundled minutes, and advanced reporting features.
Power Suite – $60 per user
The Power Suite includes higher-volume routing features, such as skills-based call distribution and call center tools.
How Does iPlum’s Pricing Compare to Nextiva’s
iPlum offers more value for less compared to Nextiva.
iPlum’s Premium plan is $19.99 per user, while Nextiva’s equivalent plan costs $60 per user, nearly 4x more.
If you need HIPAA compliance with encrypted texting, iPlum gives you that at $14.99 per user per month. You also get calling, texting, phone tree, voicemail, and mobile access starting at $8.99 per month with iPlum.
You’d need to pay $60 to $75 per user each month to access most of these features from Nextiva.
To put it into perspective, iPlum costs $240 compared to Nextiva’s $900 per user per year for the top-tier plans. That’s a $660 difference—or a 73% savings.
How to Port Your Number into iPlum
Porting or transferring your existing number to iPlum is a simple process. Watch the video below for detailed guidance.
Port Your Existing Number to iPlum
iPlum vs. Nextiva—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Better Than Nextiva?
iPlum is better than Nextiva for small teams, solo professionals, and healthcare users looking for a cost-effective business system. iPlum offers calling, texting, call routing, HIPAA compliance, and call recording for as low as $19.99 per month.
Is iPlum a VoIP?
Yes. iPlum uses VoIP over Wi‑Fi, cellular data, or voice networks. In addition, it provides a dedicated business line with real phone numbers, working across mobile devices, desktops, and browsers.
What Are the Disadvantages of Nextiva?
Some disadvantages of Nextiva, according to users, include expensive plans, limited SMS features, a complex setup, unreliable technical support, and call drops.
Why Choose iPlum Over Nextiva?
Nextiva holds its own when it comes to calling and texting for business. However, costs can rack up quickly, primarily because of the platform’s pricing structure.
Nextiva’s highest plan costs $60 per user per month ($75 if you choose a monthly plan)
iPlum, by comparison, offers affordable calling and texting packages suited for small businesses and professionals.
It comes with true HIPAA compliance, extended archiving for texts and call recording, and a collection of 50+ features.
Plus, iPlum is available in over 200 countries and 23 languages to support global expansion.
Want to experience iPlum firsthand?
Click the link below to get started.
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.
