6 Best Business Cell Phone Plans for Small Businesses
Business cell phone plans help teams stay connected with customers and coworkers from anywhere. The best options offer reliable coverage, mobile data, hotspot access, security tools, and calling features that support daily business communication.
After comparing top providers, Verizon is my top pick for the best business cell phone plan because it offers strong nationwide coverage, premium network access, high mobile hotspot allowances, and business-focused security features.
Below, I have included an overview of the best business cell phone plans for small businesses:
Why you can trust us
Fit Small Business is committed to providing the best answers to small business owners seeking technology advice and guidance. Through a rigorous editorial policy, we focus on crafting clear, accessible reviews of products and services that help businesses build and maintain.
Therefore, each review is based on a six-part evaluation criteria that rely on accurate and objective expert opinions. To learn more about these criteria, visit the methodology section at the end of the article.
Lead Writer, VoIP at Fit Small Business
Best business cell phone plans compared
Verizon: Best overall business cell phone plan
Pros
- Supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and phone number porting
- Provides faster internet speed with 5G Ultra Wideband
- Provides several discounts, including volume-based, auto-pay, and paper-free discounts
Cons
- Lacks transparent pricing for its business mobile plans
- Imposes a $5 activation fee for mobile security
- Multiple business plans can be complicated to navigate for new users
My expert opinion
Verizon tops this list as the best business cell phone plan for its network reliability, extensive coverage, and robust business features, including device discounts, roaming, and premium data. With up to 200GB of premium hotspot data, employees can connect multiple devices without slowdowns, even during peak times.
Additionally, it includes features such as mobile device management tools and priority customer support, which enhance user experience and ease of use. At the same time, Verizon has several business phone plans that can be challenging for new business owners to navigate. If you want a more straightforward phone system, consider one of AT&T’s business unlimited plans.
Verizon provides customizable business phone plans suitable for teams of all sizes. The MyBiz plans are ideal for those who prefer to pay only for what they need. There are also plans available depending on your device and location. Visit the Verizon website for more detailed information on pricing and options.
*Pricing listed reflects the plan without AutoPay; discounts are available.
- Business Mobile Secure: Receive alerts when a device attempts to connect to unsecured Wi-Fi. It safeguards your phone against phishing and other cybersecurity threats.
- BYOD: Verizon allows users to retain their smartphones and phone numbers when switching from another provider. Simply check your eligibility, bring your smartphone and number, and activate them with one of Verizon’s unlimited business plans.
- Call filter: Screen and block incoming spam and unwanted calls. You can also upgrade to Call Filter Plus to access caller ID for robocall control and comprehensive spam protection.
Choose the types of calls you want to filter in your account settings. (Source: Verizon)
Grasshopper: Best for business messaging
Pros
- Unlimited business texting with access to local, vanity, and toll-free numbers
- Includes essential VoIP features like call forwarding and transfers
- Detailed call reports and analytics
Cons
- Enabling international calling requires a $500 deposit
- Call handling and transfers are only available on the highest-tier plans
- Additional phone numbers and extensions incur a fee
My expert opinion
One of the best business cell phone plans for business messaging is Grasshopper. As a VoIP phone system, Grasshopper lets you take business calls on your cell phone by providing a separate business phone number for the mobile app. This includes access to local, vanity, or toll-free numbers, making it easier to keep your business line separate from personal calls.
Additionally, each plan includes unlimited business texting, which benefits small business owners who need to communicate quickly with customers and clients. However, while many providers offer international calling to hundreds of countries, Grasshopper only supports it to 52 countries after paying a deposit. For access to a broader range of international calling features, consider T-Mobile, which supports calling in over 200 countries.
- Voicemail: Use the virtual voicemail feature to receive messages as audio or text, making it easier to stay up to date with business information on the go.
- Incoming call control: Create a custom schedule for your business hours and monitor or block spam calls to ensure an open flow of communication.
- Custom greetings: Create a professional greeting or voicemail message to introduce your business and let customers know when you are available.
Customize your business greetings in the mobile app. (Source: Grasshopper)
T-Mobile: Best for unlimited phone plans
Pros
- Offers a generous mobile hotspot data allotment at a maximum of 200GB
- Provides unlimited talk and text in over 200 countries
- Some plans offer a Microsoft 365 license
Cons
- Limited access to international data without adding a travel plan or upgrading
- Coverage strength can vary in certain rural areas
- Provides slower data speeds when roaming overseas
My expert opinion
T-Mobile is included among the best business cell phone plans because all users get unlimited talk and text, nationwide 5G coverage, and unmetered 5G and 4G LTE data. For businesses with global clientele, customers get unlimited text and up to 5GB of data in over 200 countries and destinations.
Although T-Mobile’s cell phone plans are priced similarly to those on this list, businesses that require secure data for remote work and international travel would benefit from the more expensive Super Mobile plans. If you want access to global data at a lower price, consider AT&T, which offers coverage in Latin American countries as part of its business plans.
- Scam Shield: This feature automatically identifies and blocks spam calls, which may compromise your security or negatively affect productivity. It features a caller ID that displays callers’ information, even for numbers not in your contact list. Additionally, it provides a proxy number to keep your real phone number private.
- T-Mobile Tuesdays: The T-Mobile app offers exclusive access to free offers and attractive deals from different brands. The perks include prizes and discounts on food, fuel, hotel stays, gadgets, and app subscriptions.
- Multi-line app: Add a second business line to your plan to give employees a separate line for messaging, calling, and texting on desktop and mobile apps, improving collaboration with seamless communication.
Add a second business line for secure messaging and calls. (Source: T-Mobile)
AT&T: Best for mobile security
Pros
- Offers unlimited texting from the US to 200-plus countries
- Features mobile app security with all subscription plans
- Includes data prioritization features for some business cell phone plans
Cons
- Offers 5G+ in limited parts of select cities only
- Slows hotspot data to a maximum of 128 Kbps when your allotted data is consumed
- Less emphasis on AI and conversation analytics
My expert opinion
AT&T is among the best cell phone plans in this article because of its mobile security features, such as the ActiveArmor smartphone app. This proprietary tool enhances mobile protection against various threats, offering spam call blocking, safe browsing, public Wi-Fi security, and identity monitoring that tracks your personal information online.
While AT&T offers excellent mobile security among the best cell phone plans for small businesses listed, its data offering may be a deal-breaker. When users reach their data cap, the hotspot data speed is reduced to 128 Kbps. In contrast, Verizon throttles speeds to 600 Kbps, which is more acceptable for professionals who need reliable internet access while working remotely. This makes Verizon a solid choice for those seeking connectivity on the go.
- Video streaming: Depending on your plan, you can watch shows in standard definition, HD, or UHD on your smartphone. Additionally, the Video Management feature lets you control data usage so you don’t exceed your allotment while streaming.
- Mobile hotspot: With AT&T’s broad coverage nationwide, you can connect and work remotely without the hassle. Simply plug your devices into the hotspot and instantly secure your internet connection.
- ActiveArmor: The security app alerts you to data breaches by monitoring how information is shared, protecting your data on public Wi-Fi, and helping to block spam calls and texts.
Use ActiveArmor to analyze calls and protect your data privacy. (Source: AT&T)
RingCentral: Best for VoIP call management
Pros
- Provides free local and toll-free numbers in all plans
- HD voice calling with AI noise cancellation
- Guarantees 99.999% uptime
Cons
- Lacks internet fax in the entry-level plan
- Only offers up to 200 SMS message credits per user per month
- Allows phone rentals for multi-year contracts only
My expert opinion
Among the small business cell phone plans on this list, RingCentral offers the most advanced call management tools, including call queues and an interactive voice response (IVR) system. Its entry-level plan includes features that other providers offer at higher tiers, such as a multilevel auto-attendant that automatically directs calls to the right departments based on the caller’s key presses.
However, note that to use RingCentral on your mobile phone, you’ll need to use the mobile app and enable cellular data. If you want a traditional business cell phone plan, consider Verizon, which offers a variety of plans with access to new devices and mobile features.
- Video conferencing: Host virtual meetings for up to 200 participants. If you get the large meeting add-on, your sessions can accommodate up to 500 attendees.
- Team huddle: Hold spontaneous virtual meetings that feel like informal, face-to-face huddles. Easily host audio and video conferences where participants can join and leave as needed.
- Visual voicemail: Access and manage your voicemail through RingCentral’s admin portal. Read the voicemails instead of listening to audio files and playing them repeatedly to understand the message. Users can preview, delete, or forward these messages.
Receive your voicemails as audio or written messages. (Source: RingCentral)
Nextiva: Best for long-distance calling
Pros
- Supports BYOD and number porting
- Offers an AI receptionist for automated call handling
- Provides unlimited VoIP calls in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico
Cons
- No international phone numbers
- CRM integrations incur an additional fee
- Limited SMS messaging on the base plans
My expert opinion
Nextiva is on this list of the best cell phone business plans because its generous toll-free minutes allowance makes it ideal for companies with a national client base. As one of the best small-business VoIP services for customer communication, it includes 2,000 toll-free minutes on the Engage plan, allowing customers nationwide to reach your business at no additional charge.
Although Nextiva offers various VoIP features, it’s worth noting that while many plans offer unlimited calling, only the highest tier plan provides unlimited business texting. If your business relies on texting for customer outreach or marketing, consider Grasshopper, which offers unlimited text messaging on all plans.
- Call recording: Capture phone calls and store recordings as a reliable reference for business deals and agreements. These files can also serve as training materials for new customer service representatives.
- Xbert AI receptionist: Use Xbert to ask targeted qualification questions, capture customer intent, and route chats or callers through a designated call flow.
- Call pop: See who’s on the other end of the line before answering. Use the call pop feature to determine the customers’ last interaction, account value, experience score, or customer sentiment.
View detailed call analytics and notes with Nextiva’s call pop-up. (Source: Nextiva)
Key features in business cell phone plans
When choosing the best phone plans for business, look for key features tailored to small businesses, remote work, or team collaboration. After reviewing the list of key features, visit the next section to choose the best business cell phone plan for you.
- Unlimited talk and text: One benefit of using cell phone plans for business operations is that most mobile phones offer unlimited calling and texting, which is essential for businesses that handle a high volume of calls or clients.
- International calling: Business cell phone plans often include flat-rate international calling or international plans for businesses that work with global clients or handle business overseas.
- HD video streaming: Many mobile phone providers offer HD video streaming, benefiting businesses that need to conduct video conferencing on the go or view video content from a sales or marketing team.
- Call management: Similar to VoIP phone systems, business cell phone plans should offer features like call forwarding, transfers, and routing to extensions or other phone numbers.
- Spam blocker: To ensure your customers or clients can contact your business when needed, look for call-filtering features that block spam and unwanted calls.
- Data protection and security: When contacting clients, customers, or employees, data encryption is essential to protect your information during calls, texts, or Wi-Fi.
- In-flight Wi-Fi: During business trips or other travel, in-flight data access is useful for checking email, sending messages, and streaming content.
- Mobile hotspots: For business owners who enjoy working on the go, a cell phone that doubles as a mobile hotspot provides safe, easy internet access, even when private Wi-Fi isn’t available.
Considerations for choosing a business cell phone plan
When choosing a business cell phone plan, select a provider that offers adequate text, data, and airtime limits that meet your needs. The following list also includes several considerations to review when comparing cell phone plans:
- Data and voice coverage: Check the carriers’ coverage maps to see if your business areas are included. Also, ask your business contacts which providers work well in different locations to ensure that you have reliable service.
- Device options: If you plan to get a new device, see if your carrier offers your preferred brands and models. However, if you plan to stick with your existing phone, ensure your phone plan provider supports BYOD.
- Plan inclusions: Compare the high-speed data limits for each provider’s unlimited data offerings. If you frequently travel for work, check whether mobile hotspot access is included in your preferred plan. Those traveling overseas should consider a package that offers international coverage. If you choose VoIP platforms, verify that the plan includes a toll-free minute allowance and effective call routing tools.
- Subscription rates: Before deciding on a plan, determine your monthly budget. When comparing quotes, factor in taxes, fees, and subscription rates. Some providers offer discounts for multiple lines, enrolling in AutoPay, and choosing paperless billing. Similarly, VoIP vendors provide discounted rates for those who opt for annual billing.
How I evaluated the best business cell phone plans
When comparing the best cell phone business plans, I evaluated each provider in key areas, including accessible pricing, standout features, user-friendliness, and customer support. Moreover, I also considered their popularity and value for money when evaluating their usefulness for small business owners.
If you would like to learn more, select the tabs below:
- Pricing (20%): Providers with entry-level plans priced at $40 or less earned more points. I also checked for free plan offerings and discounts for annual billing or bulk phone lines.
- General features (30%): This includes unlimited domestic calling, SMS messaging, and call forwarding. Plans with data encryption and mobile hotspots earned higher points.
- Advanced features (15%): I examined niche options like spam blockers, in-flight texting, and video-meeting capabilities. I also assessed international calling quality to ensure the best plans include global communication options for travelers.
- Ease of use (10%): I prioritized providers with intuitive interfaces that make setup and feature usage straightforward, and assessed the user-friendliness of device management apps.
- Customer support (10%): To assess business assistance, I evaluated service hours (awarding more points to those available 24/7) and considered the variety of support channels, such as live chat, phone, and email.
- Expert score (15%): Final assessments focused on evaluating standout features, affordability, and user-friendliness for small business owners. I also consulted third-party review sites to gauge popularity among business users.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes, depending on your chosen carrier, you can add a business line to your cell phone plan. For instance, T-Mobile offers a multi-line app that lets you easily add up to 5 additional lines to your business account.
While many affordable cell phone plans exist, Grasshopper offers the cheapest business phone plans on this list. As a VoIP phone provider utilizing Wi-Fi or your cellular data, Grasshopper provides unlimited business texting, call handling, and access to multiple business phone numbers.
Yes, if your business and team members rely heavily on mobile data for tasks like video conferencing, file sharing, and remote work. Unlimited plans provide cost predictability and prevent overage charges, but reviewing the plan’s terms and checking for any data speed restrictions is essential.
Bottom line
Finding the right business cell phone plan for small businesses depends on your communication needs, travel frequency, and budget. The best business phone plans are cost-effective and include essential features such as unlimited calling, call forwarding, and mobile hotspots. These mobile plans support remote work, prioritize mobile security, and facilitate device acquisition.
Based on my review, Verizon is the best overall small business phone plan, especially if you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that delivers security, reliability, call quality, and business features. Visit its website today to learn more about this provider and its business cell phone plans.
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