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Before we get into the iPlum vs. Sideline comparison, here’s a quick snapshot of what you get with iPlum.
- Dual call reliability for the best possible call quality on your voice network or data mode
- Auto attendant with virtual extensions and an advanced phone tree so you can route calls using custom menus and call flows.
- Mobile app and web calling to allow you to answer business calls and reply to texts from any device, whether you're at your desk or on the go.
Sign up for iPlum to get set up with a new virtual number for a firsthand experience of how it stacks up against Sideline.
Watch the video below to get started.
…switching gears,
iPlum vs Sideline—What Do Users Say?
User reviews give you unfiltered information on what customers feel about a communication platform and, by extension, what to expect.
That said, let’s go over some iPlum and Sidelline reviews on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot.
iPlum Reviews
iPlum customers appreciate the provider’s reliable customer service, combined with call and texting reliability.
✔ Clear setup guides make onboarding easy.
" I was able to find everything in the online guide, so I didn't even need to open a customer support ticket when setting up."—Shannon Price, Trustpilot.
✔ Secure desktop app makes it easy to message clients
"App is convenient to use on the desktop and provides a great way to keep a secure mailbox and texting for my clients."—Jennifer Robison, Trustpilot.
✔ Responsive and thorough customer support
"Shawn was extremely helpful. He was attentive to my request and patient. I appreciate him being thorough with iPlum's services."—Rachel, Trustpilot.
✔ Reliable for therapist-client communication
"I use iPlum to stay in touch with my therapy clients between sessions."—Caitlin Helton, Trustpilot.
✔ Porting and adding numbers was quick and easy.
"It was easy to port numbers over from our previous service... The approval to text took much less time than our previous provider."—Michelle, Trustpilot.
❌ Some users have reportedly faced difficulties setting up their iPlum account. On the flipside, though, you can get started with iPlum in a few clicks. And if you run into hiccups, help is always available 24/7.
Sideline reviews
❌ Call quality can be inconsistent.
"Calls are not always clear."—Pamela C., Capterra
❌ Fewer features than competing apps.
"Doesn't have as many features as other competitors —Verified user., Capterra
❌ Customer service isn’t reliable.
"Customer service is not the greatest."—Verified user., Capterra
❌ Number porting took longer than expected.
"The number porting took some time."—Mark C., Capterra
❌ Sideline blocked a user’s number after high call volume.
"They had no right to block my number because I made too many business calls."—Verified Reviewer,
❌ No direct customer support; email-only and unhelpful.
"You can't reach a person, only emails, and they repeat the same thing over and over." —Verified Reviewer, Capterra
❌ Glitches prevent clean number separation between business and personal.
"Sideline does not allow for the use of a fully individuated phone number... especially when a competitor app is installed."—W. Shawn W., Capterra
Not everyone is complaining about Sideline, though. Here are a few positive remarks regarding the service.
✔ Basic second number functionality
"It gives you the ability to have an extra phone number to use."—Angela Paez C., Capterra
✔ Does the job for business texting
"I'm able to text on my business line, and the price is excellent."—John C., G2.
iPlum Vs Sideline—What’s the Difference?
Sideline a solid business phone system.
However, Sideline is technically more of a second phone number provider than a fully-fledged communication platform with features such as phone tree or HIPAA compliance.
With that in mind, let’s dive into how iPlum is different compared to Sideline
We’ll start with a quick comparison table:
1. Stellar Calling and Texting Experience
Sideline and iPlum pack a host of calling capabilities, including voicemail, spam blocking, and caller ID.
In addition, both platforms also allow you to switch between your cellular service and Wi-Fi to improve call clarity. You also get a second mobile number.
iPlum boasts more calling and texting features, though.
For starters, iPlum lets you set up a phone tree with virtual extensions to route calls to different people or departments. That way, you can be sure every call reaches the right place without needing a receptionist.
You can also record calls with iPlum, which can be useful for documentation, training, or client records. And the best part is that the platform lets you play a consent message before recording, which helps you stay compliant.
If you receive a call or text after hours, iPlum can automatically send a custom reply. You can write the message in advance and use it for missed calls or off-hours inquiries.
Moreover, business hours are built in, so you can silence calls and texts at specific times of the day.
iPlum also offers encrypted texting between users for those who need secure messaging channels, such as therapists or doctors.
Furthermore, if your work requires recordkeeping, iPlum can back up texts and even forward them to email. You also get searchable archives for compliance or audit use.
The platform includes voicemail transcriptions as well, with audio files sent to your inbox for easy review.
To top it all off, you can text internationally, send multimedia messages, and manage all of this from either a phone or desktop app.
2. Vanity Number to Give Your Business a Professional Look
Sideline offers a mobile second number, allowing you to separate business and personal calls. With a 2nd mobile number, you can customize your caller ID without switching your carrier or device.
iPlum also offers a second mobile number for the U.S. and Canada, complete with features like HD calling, text, auto-replies, and auto attendants.
On top of a mobile 2nd line, iPlum also gives you 800-toll-free vanity lines.
With iPlum, you can search for and activate a vanity 800 number that matches your business name or service. This can make your number easier to remember and more brand-friendly.
For example, if you run an insurance agency, you could choose 1-800-INS-COVER. A real estate agent could use 1-800-BUY-HOME. These numbers are memorable, especially when used for ads, flyers, or radio spots where attention spans are short.
Toll-free numbers also add credibility among other benefits. Even if you’re a solo operator, an 800 number gives the impression of a larger national presence. And because customers don’t pay to call or text a toll-free number, it removes one more reason not to reach out.
You can receive calls on your toll-free number through the iPlum app or forward them to another line, including your landline or mobile, and you don’t need to switch carriers.
3. Security and Privacy You Can Count On
iPlum is the best Sideline alternative if you’re looking for a business phone system with true HIPAA compliance.
For starters, Sideline is not HIPAA compliant.
That’s a serious issue if you work in a highly regulated industry such as healthcare, legal, or financial. Without proper safeguards, texting or calling a client using a non-HIPAA solution could expose your business to legal and financial risk.
iPlum thrives on robust security and compliance. It’s HIPAA and HITECH-compliant and gives you a separate second line on your mobile device for secure calling, texting, and voicemail. In addition, each message and call stays private and never mixes with your personal number.
If you work in finance, insurance, or law, iPlum helps you stay compliant with Dodd-Frank, CMS, and Consumer Protection regulations. You also get secure call recording and text archiving to meet your industry’s standards.
Lastly, iPlum follows best practices for encrypted mobile communication, including AES-256 encryption and PKI cryptography, to protect your data end-to-end.
Learn More About iPlum HIPAA Compliant Solution
4. Phone System Built to Grow with Your Business
iPlum is designed to handle your calling and texting needs as your business scales.
The robust auto attendant allows you to add unlimited extensions and link them to mobile or landline numbers. That way, as your business expands, you handle high call volume without missing important calls or overwhelming one number.
Meanwhile, the app and web calling allow your team to attend to business matters from anywhere. Whether someone is in the office or working remotely, they can take calls, send texts, and manage voicemail with ease.
And if you’re expanding to new markets, you can add local or toll-free numbers instantly. Furthermore, iPlum allows you to keep your current devices and carriers, so there’s no major switch or downtime.
Speaking of new markets, iPlum is available in over 200 countries and 23 languages. With such wide coverage and multilingual support, you can serve clients and collaborate with team members across regions without hitting language or access barriers.
Plus, iPlum comes with a central cloud console to manage users, update call flows, and everything else from one place.
Sideline supports international calling in 174 countries, significantly less than iPlum. That said, it is worth noting that this feature is only available in the Enterprise plan.
However, Sideline is no longer accepting new Enterprise accounts.
This means new users can't access international calling at all, limiting the platform’s support for cross-border trade.
5. Easy Number Porting
iPlum and Sideline allow you to port or transfer your existing number into the platform. While each platform has a unique number porting process, iPlum focuses on getting you started as soon as possible.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to port your number into iPlum.
Step 1: Go to my.iplum.com and click “Port Existing Number.”
Step 2: Create your iPlum account using a different mobile number from the one you plan to port. You will need to unlock your number with Sideline.
Step 3: Fill out the porting form with the carrier name, account number, service address, and PIN if required.
Step 4: Select the iPlum user or sub-account you want to assign the number to.
Step 5: Submit the form to start the transfer process.
Step 6: Wait for iPlum to verify and send your request to your current provider.
Step 7: Check your email for updates in case there’s a mismatch or missing detail.
Step 8: Keep using your number with your current provider while the port is in progress.
Step 9: When porting is complete (usually 1–7 business days), you’ll get a confirmation email.
That’s it! You can now download the iPlum app and log in to start using your ported number.
You’ll also need to call your old provider to confirm cancellation and stop billing. To port another number, repeat the process under “Add User” in the iPlum portal.
Port Your Sideline Number to iPlum
iPlum vs Sideline—Pricing
iPlum and Sideline have different pricing structures, offering varying tools at each tier. Below is a detailed overview of each platform’s pricing.
How Much Does iPlum Cost?
iPlum pricing is available in three tiers, structured 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 adds to the Standard plan with web-based calling and texting, secure encrypted texting, voicemail transcription, group and broadcast messaging, text archiving, and HIPAA compliance with a 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 Sideline Cost?
Sideline is available on a subscription basis as follows:
- Monthly Plan – $14.49/month
- 6-Month Plan – $69.99
- Annual Plan – $129.99
All plans include a second mobile number, unlimited texting, and high-quality calling. You also get caller ID, voicemail, and custom voicemail greetings.
Sideline includes SMS and MMS messaging, voicemail-to-text transcription, and spam call blocking. Call forwarding and Wi-Fi calling are part of the package, too.
How Does Sideline Pricing Compare to iPlum?
Sideline charges $14.49/month for one flat plan with basic features like a second number, unlimited texting, voicemail, spam blocking, and Wi-Fi calling.
On the other hand, iPlum starts at just $8.99/month and already includes more at that pricing point— a phone tree, business hours, auto-replies, and U.S./Canada calling and texting.
At $14.99/month, iPlum adds HIPAA compliance, web calling, secure texting, voicemail transcription, and message archiving.
And for $19.99/month, you also get call recording and financial compliance tools.
So, overall, iPlum gives you more features and value for your money compared to Sideline.
iPlum vs. Sideline—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What App is Better Than Sideline?
iPlum is a solid alternative to Sideline for business calling and texting.
It offers features like HIPAA compliance, auto-attendant, and call recording, making it more suitable for healthcare, legal, and financial professionals who need secure communication tools.
How Does the Sideline App Work?
Sideline provides a second phone number for your mobile device, enabling you to make and receive calls and texts without sharing your personal number. It offers texting, calling, voicemail and auto replies among other features.
Is the iPlum App Legit?
Yes, the iPlum app is legit. It's operated by a U.S.-based company, complete with a responsive customer support desk. iPlum complies with strict security standards and serves healthcare, legal, finance, and other industries..
Why Choose iPlum Over Sideline?
Sideline is a decent choice if you want a second number with standard calling and texting features.
But if you’re in for a phone system that scales, protects client data, and has business-centric capabilities, iPlum could be a better pick.
You get built-in call routing, secure messaging, HIPAA and industry compliance, toll-free vanity numbers, and a host of other features at competitive pricing.
In addition, setup is quick, number porting is simple, and support is readily available.
Ready to see the difference? Sign up for iPlum using the link below and experience a phone system built for modern businesses.
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.
