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Choosing the right business phone system can have a significant impact on communication, credibility, and customer experience.
And if you’re comparing OpenPhone vs Grasshopper, you’re already doing more than most business owners.
But before you make a final decision, there’s another option worth considering. That alternative is called iPlum. The platform offers better technology and innovative features at a fraction of OpenPhone and Grasshopper’s price.
In this article, you will learn:
- Key differences between OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum features
- Which platform offers the best value for your business needs
- Why iPlum is increasingly popular with healthcare, legal, and small businesses
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
1. OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—A Side-by-side Feature Comparison
2. OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—User Reviews
3. OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Pricing
4. How to Port Your Number to iPlum
5. OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6. Why Choose iPlum Over OpenPhone and Grasshopper?
OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—A Side-by-side Feature Comparison
In the section below, we’ll analyze how all three phone systems stack up on business communication features.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing key details.
1. Calling Features
Calling functionality is at the center of any virtual phone system. Here's how OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum compare in this area.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone includes U.S. and Canada calling, starting at $15 per month on the Starter plan.
However, essential features such as auto-attendant menus, call transfers, and analytics require an upgrade to the Business plan, which costs $23 per month.
Meanwhile, conditional call routing is only available on the Scale plan, which costs $35 per month. And, despite the premium price, users still report occasional dropped calls and voice delays.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper starts at $14 per month, but the base plan only supports one user, number, and extension.
To access up to three extensions, you'll need to purchase the Solo Plus plan at $25 per month.
While the top tier offers four phone numbers and unlimited extensions, it still lacks conditional call routing and advanced call analytics.
iPlum
iPlum Standard plan already includes unlimited U.S./Canada calling, auto-attendants, business hours, voicemail, and call screening.
For $14.99 per month, the Professional plan gives web calling and voicemail transcription.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise plan at $25.99 includes call recording, consent prompts, and conditional routing, all while staying 26% cheaper than OpenPhone’s top plan and over 50% cheaper than Grasshopper’s.
That said, one of iPlum’s advantages over OpenPhone and Grasshopper is dual calling, a feature that allows you to switch to your voice carrier and maintain the iPlum caller ID.
You can, therefore, use iPlum even in unstable internet connections and experience high-quality audio.
2. Texting Features
Text messaging is an essential channel for business communication.
Here's how OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum compare when it comes to SMS/MMS functionality and texting automation.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone supports SMS and MMS texting in the U.S. and Canada, starting at $15 per month.
However, features like group messaging, scheduled messages, and auto-replies require an upgrade to the Business plan at $23 per month.
Moreover, some users note limitations when trying to send messages to multiple recipients or automate text workflows.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper includes basic SMS texting on all plans, starting at $14 per month. That said, Grasshopper only supports MMS for local numbers.
And, it limits group texting to up to 10 people. Furthermore, the platform doesn’t offer scheduled messages, and automated replies are only available as an add-on.
iPlum
iPlum includes SMS and MMS capabilities starting at $8.99 per month with the Standard plan.
The Professional plan at $14.99 gives group messaging, auto-replies, and scheduled texting, along with secure, HIPAA-compliant message handling.
Simply, iPlum offers more advanced texting features at a lower monthly cost than both OpenPhone and Grasshopper.
3. Shared Number
A shared phone number lets multiple team members call or text from the same business line. It’s beneficial for customer service, sales, and front-desk teams.
Here's how OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum handle shared number functionality.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone allows multiple team members to share a single number, starting with the Starter plan at $15 per month.
Team members can see all conversations, respond to calls or texts from a shared inbox, and leave internal comments to coordinate responses.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper does not support true shared numbers. While you can create multiple extensions, each user interacts with their own number and inbox.
There's no shared call or text history, making it difficult for teams to collaborate or hand off conversations smoothly.
iPlum
iPlum offers shared numbers on all plans, starting with the Standard plan at $8.99 per month.
With iPlum, admins can assign a single number to multiple users, allowing them to send and receive messages or calls from a shared inbox.
Furthermore, iPlum supports activity logs and user access control, giving teams better visibility into who handled what.
4. Called Recording
Call recording is a valuable feature for training, documentation, and compliance. Here's how OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum compare in this area.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone supports automatic call recording, but only on the Business plan ($23/month) and above. For advanced options like conditional recording, users must upgrade to the Scale plan at $35 per month.
That said, OpenPhone is admittedly not HIPAA compliant, so call recordings don’t meet regulatory requirements.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper does offer call recording. However, you must activate the feature manually, and it is only available for specific extensions.
Once activated in your settings, Grasshopper will automatically record inbound and outbound calls on the selected lines.
That said, the platform stores call recordings only for 30 days. It doesn’t allow for long-term archiving or compliance-grade encryption.
iPlum
iPlum offers call recording as part of the Enterprise plan at $25.99 per month. It includes features like consent prompts and long-term storage with 10-year archiving.
Furthermore, recordings are encrypted and designed for compliance, making iPlum a viable solution for HIPAA-regulated businesses and other industries that require secure documentation.
5. Integrations
Integrations help streamline workflows by connecting your phone system with tools like CRMs, help desks, and productivity platforms.
Here’s how OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum compare when it comes to integrations.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone supports several integrations, including HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack, and Google Contacts, but only on the Business plan ($23/month) or higher. Users on the Starter plan ($15/month) don’t have access to any integrations.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper does not offer any native integrations across any of its plans. This limits its usefulness for teams that want to connect their phone system to CRM platforms, email marketing tools, or customer support software.
iPlum
iPlum supports integrations via REST APIs, available in its Professional plan and higher. While it may not offer plug‑and‑play integration to CRMs like Salesforce or HubSpot,
iPlum’s secure API framework allows you to transfer call and message data to internal or third‑party systems.
Moreover, iPlum is compatible with electronic health record (EHR) and emergency medical systems integration through its API, enabling streamlined workflows for healthcare organizations.
6. HIPAA Compliance
If your business handles protected health information (PHI), you’ll need a phone system that meets HIPAA compliance standards.
Here's how OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum compare in this regard.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone is not HIPAA compliant. It does not offer a BAA, and its call and text infrastructure cannot handle PHI.
While it offers basic security features, it doesn’t meet the legal requirements for healthcare providers and other regulated industries.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is also not HIPAA compliant. Like OpenPhone, it does not provide a BAA or encrypted communication options. That makes it unsuitable for any business that needs to handle patient or client data securely.
iPlum
iPlum is fully HIPAA compliant and provides a signed BAA on both the Professional and Enterprise plans.
It offers encrypted calling, secure texting, voicemail protection, and long-term data archiving, all designed to meet HIPAA requirements.
iPlum also enables secure two-way communication with customers through a free account, allowing clients to respond securely without the need to install an app.
7. Auto Attendant
An auto attendant helps route calls efficiently, improves caller experience, and gives small businesses a polished, enterprise-grade presence.
Here's how OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum compare when it comes to this critical feature.
OpenPhone
OpenPhone offers an auto-attendant functionality starting on the Business plan.
You can set up menus that route calls to specific teammates or departments, and configure rules based on time of day.
However, OpenPhone's auto attendant lacks deeper customization options, such as multi-level menus or routing based on call consent.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper includes basic auto-attendant functionality on all plans.
You can set up greetings and create extensions, but like OpenPhone, the system lacks flexibility.
There’s no support for time-based routing, call screening, or advanced call flows, making it functional but limited, especially if you need more control.
iPlum
iPlum offers a fully customizable phone tree as part of the Standard plan.
With iPlum's phone tree, you can create multi-level menus, assign extensions, route calls based on business hours, and even screen or forward calls to external numbers.
On the Enterprise plan, iPlum brings consent prompts and conditional routing, which are essential for regulated industries.
Compared to both OpenPhone and Grasshopper, iPlum’s phone tree is not only more powerful, but also more affordable and better suited for growing or highly specialized businesses.
OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—User Reviews
According to statistics, 72% of customers trust user-generated content. It is therefore essential to read user reviews before investing in a business phone system.
Below is a look at OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and iPlum reviews on platforms like G2, Trustpilot, and Capterra.
Openphone reviews
According to users, OpenPhone is easy to use and set up. However, some customers cite downsides such as call drops and limited functionality.
❌ Call disconnections
"Once in a while, I may not see a call show up until it has been missed." — Anna H., G22
❌ Delays in conversations
"As with most VoIP, sometimes there can be a delay in conversations if the internet connection isn't good." — Brigitte F., G2
❌ Missing or customization limits
"I hope they will soon allow you to send texts to multiple recipients. " — Luke L., G2
✔ Clean interface and speed
“I like how easy it is to track analytics. The app itself is speedy… the quality of the calls … the user interface is clean and simple.” — Jo S., G2
Grasshopper reviews
Grasshopper users love its calling capabilities. However, there are frequent complaints about app stability and support.
❌ App freezes
"It freezes a lot. … Sometimes calls drop … if they close the call, then it freezes and we have to restart the app." — Samuel M., G2
❌ Support is ineffective
"Every aspect of everything. Even customer 'service' couldn't solve their issues." — Stewart S., G2
❌ High costs relative to value
"They mention high costs associated … coupled with poor support and signup experiences." — Chrystal C., G2
✔ Calling and international reach
"It is user-friendly and can be accessed from around the world." — Mary A., G2
iPlum reviews
iPlum customers love the platform’s reliability, ease of use, and responsiveness. Some also highlight HIPAA features, even though the service doesn’t provide video conferencing yet.
✔ Easy to navigate / intuitive interface
“The app is easy to navigate. I would recommend it to those needing a professional cell line!” — David Campbell, Trustpilot
✔ HIPAA-compliant & secure texting/voicemail
“I started using iPlum to help with my HIPAA compliance … I can send and receive text messages without worry that the information will not be safe.” — Lior Effinger-Weintraub, Trustpilot
✔ Fast, responsive support
“I had a great experience with Joel M. at iPlum! He was awesome … got straight to the issue … fixed within seconds.” — SM, Trustpilot
❌ No video conferencing yet
iPlum doesn’t offer video calling at this time.
OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Pricing
It is important to consider the cost of a phone system in relation to the features it provides. Below is a breakdown of each platform’s pricing and the key features for each plan.
How much does OpenPhone cost?
OpenPhone costs $15 to $35 per user per month, as follows:
Starter — $15 per user per month
Covers U.S. and Canada calling and texting, voicemail transcription, and one local or toll-free number per user.
Business — $23 per user per month
Expands on Starter by adding group calling, call transfers, phone menus, analytics, auto-call recording, and call summaries.
Scale — $35 per user per month
Includes conditional call routing and comes with dedicated onboarding support for larger setups.
How much does Grasshopper cost?
Grasshopper costs $14 to $55 per month, as follows:
True Solo — $14 per month
Provides one user, one phone number, and a single extension.
Solo Plus — $25 per month
Adds unlimited users, one phone number, and up to three extensions on top of True Solo.
Small Business — $55 per month
Offers unlimited users, four phone numbers, and unlimited extensions, plus everything in Solo Plus.
How much does iPlum cost?
iPlum offers three plans ranging from $8.99 to $25.99 per user per month, giving businesses options from basic calling to compliance-grade communication.
Standard — $8.99 per user per month
Covers mobile calling and texting in the U.S. and Canada, voicemail, business hours, auto-text replies, 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 texts, scheduled messaging, one-year archiving, and HIPAA compliance with a Business Associate Agreement (BAA).
Enterprise — $25.99 per user per month
Includes call recording, consent announcements, and 10-year archiving for calls and texts. Built for finance, insurance, and legal sectors that require long-term compliance. Comes with email and live Zoom support.
OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Which offers more value?
OpenPhone starts at $15 per user per month and increases to $35, offering features such as calling, texting, voicemail transcription, call recording, and phone menus.
Grasshopper ranges from $14 to $55 per month; however, its lower tiers limit users and extensions, and it lacks HIPAA compliance and long-term storage.
iPlum pricing starts at $8.99 per user per month, nearly 40% cheaper than OpenPhone and over 60% cheaper than Grasshopper’s top plan. It includes calling, texting, voicemail, spam blocking, business hours, and a phone tree.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise plan at $25.99 per user per month comes with call recording and 10-year archiving.
And it’s still 26% cheaper than OpenPhone’s $35 top-tier plan and over 50% cheaper than Grasshopper’s $55 plan, delivering greater value for regulated businesses.
How to Port Your Number to iPlum
iPlum allows you to easily port your OpenPhone or Grasshopper number. Watch the video below for a detailed walkthrough.
OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Grasshopper HIPAA compliant?
Grasshopper is not HIPAA compliant, meaning it cannot securely handle sensitive health or legal communications.
Is OpenPhone worth it?
While OpenPhone packs essential features like SMS, call forwarding, and phone menus, it is more expensive compared to alternatives like iPlum for similar capabilities.
Is iPlum HIPAA compliant?
Yes, iPlum is HIPAA compliant. The platform offers encrypted calling and texting, as well as one-year or 10-year archiving, and provides a BAA for healthcare and other regulated industries.
Why Choose iPlum Over OpenPhone and Grasshopper?
In an OpenPhone vs Grasshopper vs iPlum comparison, it’s evident that iPlum delivers more flexibility, better compliance, and stronger performance at a lower price.
While OpenPhone boasts innovative features, most of its handy tools are only available on higher-tier plans.
Grasshopper, on the other hand, offers a simpler interface but doesn’t have advanced capabilities, integrations, and compliance.
iPlum, by comparison, offers enterprise-level capabilities without the enterprise-level cost, from encrypted texting to 10-year call archiving, dual calling, and a customizable phone tree.
Ready to experience the iPlum difference?
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.
