We Tried The Best Callhippo Alternatives: Here’s What You Need To Know

When your team needs a reliable business phone system, CallHippo might seem like a good starting point. With its range of features and affordable entry-level plans, it’s often chosen by small businesses and startups.

However, as businesses scale, CallHippo’s limitations—like texting restrictions, extra fees for features, and subpar call quality—can become significant roadblocks.

Think of it like climbing a mountain: you wouldn’t use outdated gear to reach the summit, would you? The same goes for your communication tools. That’s where CallHippo alternatives come into play.

In this guide, we’ll examine CallHippo’s drawbacks and introduce the top alternatives that can empower your team without draining your budget.

What is CallHippo

Founded in 2017, CallHippo is a VoIP solution that allows businesses to communicate through voice, SMS, and WhatsApp. 

While its offerings are comprehensive for some, its limitations—especially for scaling teams—leave much to be desired.

Key Drawbacks of CallHippo

1. “Free” Plan Isn’t Truly Free
   You’ll need to pay for a phone number to use even basic features. Essential tools like international calling, call forwarding, and scheduled texts are locked behind paywalls.
2. Texting and Calling Restrictionssome text
   • Limited SMS: Starter plans include only 100 texts per user per month.
   • No Unlimited Texting: Even premium plans cap texting and charge steep fees for extras.
3. High Add-On Costs
   Features like call transcription and dashboard access come as paid add-ons, which can add up quickly.
4. Poor Call Connectivity
   User reviews frequently cite unreliable call connections and app glitches.
5. Costly Upgrades
   Basic functions like call transfers are locked into the highest-tier plan, costing $42/user/month.

The Paid and Free Best CallHippo Alternatives for 2025

Let’s take a quick look the top alternatives to CallHippo, highlighting their features, benefits, and pricing structures.

1. Trellus – All In One A.I. Powered Solution As Compared To CallHippo

Designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, Trellus.AI is an all-in-one powerhouse that caters to businesses of all sizes, particularly those focused on optimizing B2B and B2B2C sales processes. 

Here’s a deep dive into why Trellus is a stellar choice over CallHippo for businesses aiming to elevate their outreach and sales game.

Why Trellus.AI Stands Is a Better Solution

Trellus.AI isn’t just another tool to handle calls; it’s a platform that transforms the entire sales process. 

On that note, there’re tons of extensive features that make it worthwhile for your business  - and that too, beyond the typical cold or warm calling capabilities.

Real-Time AI Assistance: Redefining Sales Conversations

Unlike CallHippo, which focuses largely on call management and VoIP functionalities, Trellus.AI excels in providing real-time AI coaching during calls. 

Its advanced machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) capabilities analyze ongoing conversations to offer actionable suggestions. 

For instance, if a sales representative struggles with objections or misses key opportunities, Trellus provides immediate cues to steer the conversation in a favorable direction.

This AI-driven feedback helps:

• Refine conversational strategies.
• Navigate difficult questions with ease.
• Maintain a confident and persuasive tone throughout the call.

In contrast, CallHippo lacks these coaching features, making Trellus a more valuable tool for teams focused on improving their conversion rates.

Having said that, here are some of the features that make Trellus more of a game changer when it comes to a one vs one comparison.

1. Advanced Call Automation

Both Trellus and CallHippo simplify dialing processes, but Trellus takes automation further. With its power dialing capabilities, Trellus ensures no time is wasted between calls. This means:

• Sales reps can transition from one call to the next without delays.
• Downtime is minimized, allowing for a higher volume of calls in less time.

CallHippo’s auto-dialing feature, while functional, lacks the same seamless efficiency and advanced workflow enhancements Trellus offers.

2. Intelligent Lead Prioritization

Trellus.AI’s lead scoring system uses smart algorithms to identify and prioritize the most promising prospects. Sales representatives no longer have to waste time on leads that are unlikely to convert. Instead, they can focus on high-value opportunities that drive results.

CallHippo, while efficient in call handling, does not offer such data-driven prioritization, putting more burden on the sales team to identify key opportunities manually.

3. Seamless CRM Functionality

Managing customer data across multiple platforms can be a headache. Trellus.AI integrates directly with leading CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot, providing a unified interface for accessing and updating customer information. 

Everything from call notes to follow-up schedules is automatically synchronized, ensuring no details are overlooked.

CallHippo’s integrations, while present, often require additional manual configurations and lack the intuitive design Trellus offers. This makes Trellus a more efficient choice for businesses that rely heavily on their CRM.

4. Real-Time Transcriptions and Insights

Trellus.AI provides live transcriptions of calls, enabling sales reps to review conversations instantly and identify areas for improvement. These transcriptions are coupled with actionable insights, such as keyword highlights and sentiment analysis, to refine future strategies.

CallHippo’s call recording feature, while useful for reviewing past interactions, does not provide the same depth of real-time analysis or actionable insights.

5. Super Affordable Pricing

Unlike CallHippo, which often ties advanced features to higher-tier pricing plans, Trellus.AI offers straightforward pricing options that cater to businesses of all sizes:

• Free Plan: Includes essential features like real-time transcription, basic-level coaching, and an auto-dialer.
• Power Plan ($39.99/month): Adds advanced AI coaching, voicemail drops, and unlimited single-line calling.
• Custom Plan: Tailored for enterprises with unique requirements.

This clear pricing structure ensures that even small businesses can access top-tier features without hidden costs or complex plans.

Other Features Worth Nothing

User-Friendly Setup

Trellus.AI’s lightweight design as a Chrome extension ensures it can be deployed quickly within any CRM system. Sales reps can start using it with minimal training or disruption to their workflow.

CallHippo’s setup, while relatively straightforward, often involves more steps, particularly for teams looking to integrate multiple tools.

Scalability for Growth

Trellus.AI’s scalable design makes it suitable for businesses of any size, from startups to large enterprises. Its features grow with your team, ensuring continued value as your business expands.

CallHippo, while capable of handling small to medium-sized teams, lacks the robust AI-driven enhancements needed to support larger, more dynamic sales operations.

2. RingCentral

RingCentral is a legacy VoIP platform offering comprehensive call center features. It supports small teams while also scaling with advanced functionalities like call whispering and CRM integrations.

Key Features:

• Unlimited calls within the US and Canada.
• Integrates with Microsoft Teams and other CRMs.
• Advanced call handling (call monitoring, whispering).

Cons:

• Expensive: Plans with robust features start at $34.99/user/month.
• Texting limits on lower-tier plans.

Pricing:
Starts at $19.99/user/month for basic plans.

3. CloudTalk

CloudTalk is an international-focused VoIP platform. It offers local numbers in 160+ countries and free inbound calls.

Key Features:

• Smart call distribution and caller ID.
• Unlimited inbound calls in supported countries.
• Advanced analytics and CRM integrations.

Cons:

• MMS and outbound international texts require an upgrade.
• Pricing for premium plans starts at $50/user/month.

Pricing:
Starts at $25/user/month.

4. Nextiva

Nextiva combines VoIP with customer experience management tools, making it ideal for large enterprises.

Key Features:

• Unlimited calling in the US and Canada (on Core plans or higher).
• Live chat and video conferencing.
• CRM integration for customer journey tracking.

Cons:

• No free trial.
• Many features (e.g., voicemail transcription) require upgrades.

Pricing:
Starts at $23/user/month.

5. Aircall

Aircall is tailored for outbound sales teams, offering tools like warm transfers and a power dialer.

Key Features:

• Call recording (with manual retrieval for recordings over six months).
• Unlimited inbound and outbound calls in the US and Canada.
• Power dialer for efficient outbound calling.

Cons:

• Queue callback and MMS require upgrades.
• Base plan has a three-user minimum, starting at $90/month.

Pricing:
Starts at $30/user/month.

6. JustCall

JustCall supports global businesses with local phone numbers in 70+ countries. It’s ideal for teams with an international client base.

Key Features:

• Schedule text messages and analyze SMS performance.
• Basic calling features like voicemail and call transfers.
• Local numbers in 70+ countries.

Cons:

• Toll-free numbers require an upgrade.
• Plans have user minimums, which can increase costs.

Pricing:
Starts at $29/user/month.

7. Google Voice

If your business is already entrenched in Google’s ecosystem, Google Voice can be a convenient addition.

Key Features:

• Free calls and texts for US users.
• Integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace tools.
• Voicemail transcription included in basic plans.

Cons:

• Lacks features like auto-replies and shared phone numbers.
• Requires a Google Workspace subscription ($6/user/month).

Pricing:
Starts at $10/user/month.

8. Vonage

Vonage offers a customizable VoIP platform with APIs for voice, video, and SMS communications.

Key Features:

• Unlimited domestic calling.
• HD video and audio conferencing.
• CRM integrations with HubSpot and Salesforce (via add-ons).

Cons:

• Toll-free numbers are expensive ($39.99/month).
• MMS requires additional API costs.

Pricing:
Starts at $19.99/user/month.

9. Grasshopper

Grasshopper offers a simple and consistent pricing model, making it perfect for startups and small teams.

Key Features:

• Unlimited calls within the US and Canada.
• Voicemail transcription and call forwarding.
• Multi-digit phone extensions.

Cons:

• No shared phone numbers.
• Lacks integrations beyond Google Voice and Skype.

Pricing:
Starts at $29/month (includes up to three users).

10. Dialpad

Dialpad stands out with its AI features, helping teams optimize call performance and customer interactions.

Key Features:

• AI-powered call coaching and conversation insights.
• Unlimited calls and texts in the US and Canada.
• Auto-attendant for call routing.

Cons:

• Clunky UI with a steep learning curve.
• Many features require higher-tier plans.

Pricing:
Starts at $15/user/month.

11. 8×8

As one of the best CallHippo alternatives, 8×8 is an omnichannel communication platform designed for enterprise-level businesses.

Key Features:

• Unlimited calls in 14 countries.
• HD video and audio conferencing.
• Omnichannel customer support.

Cons:

• Call recordings are limited unless you upgrade.
• Pricing is higher than other providers for similar features.

Pricing:
Starts at $12/user/month.

Summing It Up – Go On a Trialing Spree

Your choice depends on your business’s needs. 

Whether you prioritize affordability, global reach, or advanced call center features, one of these alternatives is sure to fit the bill. Each offers tools to enhance communication, improve customer interactions, and eliminate the frustrations of CallHippo’s limitations.

In that order, for new business, we recommend new and startup level businesses to evaluate the program before signing up for a paid plan. The best way to do so is by signing up for free trial plans and see how the said CallHippo alternative pans out against in terms of your exact business requirements.

If you are satisfied by the time the trial period ends, feel free to make the transition to a paid pricing plan and take things forward from there.

Good luck!