I've been building AI phone support for Shopify stores for years now. I talk to store owners every single week, and the same question keeps coming up: "How do I add a phone number to my store?"
Here's the thing. 76% of customers still prefer picking up the phone when they need help with an order, according to Zenith Media consumer research. But most Shopify stores don't have a phone number at all, let alone one that actually routes calls properly. Missed calls, lost sales, support tickets piling up. You know the drill.
Shopify doesn't include a built-in phone system. You need a third-party app for that, and the options range from simple click-to-call buttons to full AI phone agents that look up orders and process returns on their own.
I installed and tested 8 apps across pricing, features, Shopify integration, and actual call quality so you don't have to trial them all yourself. I only recommend tools I've actually used, and I'll be honest about what works and what doesn't.
How I picked these apps
Not every Shopify phone app deserves a spot here. I looked at dozens of options in the Shopify App Store and narrowed them down based on what actually matters for store owners. Installed each one on a test Shopify store, made live calls, and tracked call quality over two weeks.
- Shopify integration depth: Does the app pull order data, customer history, and product info, or is it just a standalone phone line?
- Pricing transparency: Can you see the real cost upfront, or do you need a sales call to find out?
- Call quality and reliability: Dropped calls and choppy audio kill trust faster than anything
- Setup time: If it takes more than 30 minutes, most store owners bail
- Scalability: Does pricing still make sense when call volume grows from 50 to 500 calls per month?
- Support and reviews: What do real Shopify merchants say about it on the App Store and G2?
I also separated the apps into categories because a click-to-call button and a full AI phone agent solve very different problems. Apples to apples.
Quick comparison table
| App | Type | Starting price | Shopify integration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringly.io | AI phone agent | $99/mo (250 min) | Deep (orders, returns, products) | AI-powered 24/7 phone support |
| Shopdigits | VoIP + AI | $20/mo | Moderate (order lookup in-app) | Affordable business phone line |
| SBoard | VoIP | $8/mo | Basic (call forwarding) | Budget toll-free number |
| Aircall | Business phone | $120/mo (3-user min) | Moderate (caller info display) | Large teams with human agents |
| OpenPhone (Quo) | VoIP | $15/user/mo | Via Zapier only | General business phone |
| Grasshopper | Virtual phone | $14/mo | None | Solo owners wanting a separate number |
| VINSI AI | AI phone agent | $39/mo (100 min) | Basic (order queries) | Budget AI phone coverage |
| Rippledesk | VoIP + SMS | Free (widget only) | Basic (phone widget) | Free click-to-call widget |
8 best Shopify phone number apps
1. Ringly.io
Best for: Shopify stores that want AI handling phone calls 24/7 with real order data
Alright, I'm going to be upfront. Ringly.io is my product, so take my take with appropriate salt. That said, I've personally tested every other tool on this list, and I genuinely believe this is the best option for Shopify phone support. Let me explain why.
Ringly isn't just a phone number app. It's a full AI phone agent that answers calls, looks up orders in real time, processes returns, and handles FAQs without any human touching it. Over 2,100 Shopify stores use it right now, and the AI resolves roughly 73% of calls on its own. That's not a marketing number I pulled out of thin air. That's the actual average across our customer base.
The Shopify integration is the deepest on this list. When a customer calls about order #4521, the AI pulls up tracking info, delivery status, and product details instantly. No Zapier required. No manual setup. You install the Shopify app, pick a voice, and you're live in about 3 minutes. Tested it myself. Took four minutes, not three. Close enough.
What makes Ringly different from generic VoIP apps is that it's built specifically for ecommerce customer service. It handles the repetitive calls (where's my order, how do I return this, do you have this in stock) so your team only touches the complex ones. If VoIP apps are Swiss Army knives, Ringly is the scalpel. It does one thing and does it really well.
The pricing runs you $99/month for 250 minutes on the Start plan. The Grow plan is $349/month for 1,000 minutes and adds self-learning AI, call recordings, and full store data sync. Scale is $1,099/month for 3,000+ minutes with private Slack, custom integrations, and dedicated setup. Overage is $0.19/minute across the board.
There's a 14-day free trial, and you pay $0 until the AI resolves 60% of your calls. Which, yeah, that's a pretty generous deal.
I won't pretend it's perfect though. Ringly is built for ecommerce, so if you run a law firm or medical office, it's not for you. No outbound calling either. And the per-minute pricing can add up for stores doing 3,000+ calls a month, so run the numbers before committing.
But no other Shopify phone app combines a dedicated phone number with an AI agent that actually resolves calls by pulling live order data. For ecommerce phone support, it's the most complete solution available. Not even close.
2. Shopdigits
Best for: Small stores wanting an affordable business phone line with optional AI
Shopdigits is the kind of app I'd recommend to a friend who's just getting started with phone support. Nothing fancy. Gets the job done. It gives you a dedicated local or toll-free business phone number with native iOS and Android apps. Essentially a virtual call center built for small Shopify stores. You can call and text customers, view order data during calls, and manage voicemail, all from your phone.
The AI voice agent on the $30/month plan answers incoming calls automatically. It's more basic than what Ringly does, but it handles simple inquiries without you picking up. Shopdigits has a 3.3/5 rating on the Shopify App Store with 5 reviews.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Small Shop | $20/mo | 1 number, 1 employee, unlimited US/Canada calls |
| Medium Shop | $30/mo | AI voice agent, voicemail transcription |
| Enterprise | $50/mo | Unlimited employees, all features |
New phone number setup costs $3.00 on all plans.
What works
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android: Take business calls from your personal phone without exposing your number
- Order data in-app: See customer order history while on the call
- Flat-rate unlimited calling: No per-minute charges for US/Canada
- SMS messaging: Text customers directly with order updates
What doesn't
- Limited AI capabilities: Handles basic queries but can't process returns or look up specific order tracking like Ringly can
- Low review count: Only 5 reviews on the App Store, hard to gauge long-term reliability
- No call recording on basic plan: You need the $30/month plan for most useful features
Why it ranks #2
Shopdigits strikes a solid balance between affordability and features. The $20/month plan is one of the cheapest ways to get a real business phone number with Shopify order data. But the AI isn't as capable as dedicated AI voice agent platforms.
3. SBoard (Phone Numbers & Calls)
Best for: Stores that need a basic toll-free number on a tight budget
SBoard provides a US toll-free number with call forwarding, voicemail, and SMS. One of the simplest phone number apps on Shopify. Both its strength and limitation. You get a number, customers can call or text, and calls forward to your personal phone. That's it.
With a 4.7/5 rating across 10 reviews, SBoard has the highest satisfaction score among basic VoIP apps on this list. And the pricing starts at just $8/month. Cheapest option for adding a phone number, period.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Pay as you go | $8/mo | US toll-free number, call forwarding, voicemail |
| Professional | $10/mo | 250 US mins/month, SMS, call recording, outgoing calls |
| Enterprise | $20/mo | 750 US mins/month, custom voicemail, all features |
All plans come with a 7-day free trial.
What works
- Lowest starting price: $8/month is hard to beat for a toll-free number
- 4.7/5 App Store rating: Merchants consistently praise the simplicity
- Google/Facebook verification: Having a phone number helps you get verified on ad platforms
- SMS support
What doesn't
- No AI capabilities: Every call needs a human to answer it
- Limited Shopify integration: Calls forward to your phone but don't pull up order data automatically
- US only: No international number options at all
Why it ranks #3
If you just need a phone number on your Shopify store and don't need AI or deep integrations, SBoard does the job for $8/month. Best budget option. But for anything beyond basic call forwarding, you'll outgrow it fast.
4. Aircall
Best for: Larger teams with dedicated human agents who need a professional phone system
Aircall is a full business phone system, not a Shopify-specific tool. It integrates with Shopify to display customer info and order details during inbound calls, which helps agents personalize conversations. The platform also connects with over 100 other tools including Gorgias, Zendesk, and HubSpot.
Here's the catch. Aircall requires a minimum of 3 user licenses at $120/month each. That's $360/month minimum before you even make a call. It's built for teams, not solo store owners. And the Shopify App Store rating is 1/5 with just 2 reviews, both citing setup issues and poor support. That's a red flag you shouldn't ignore.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $120/user/mo | AI transcripts, unlimited inbound, softphone |
| Professional | $210/user/mo | Salesforce CTI, advanced analytics, smart routing |
Minimum 3 users required. 7-day free trial available.
What works
- 100+ integrations: Connects to your entire tech stack, not just Shopify
- AI transcripts: Automatic call transcription and summaries for every conversation
- Click-to-dial: Call customers directly from your Shopify admin
- IVR and call routing: Professional phone tree for larger support teams
What doesn't
- Expensive minimum: $360/month for 3 seats, and that's before per-minute costs
- Poor Shopify App Store reviews: 1/5 stars with complaints about caller ID and text messaging setup
- Overkill for small stores: The feature set targets enterprise teams, not merchants doing 30 calls a week
Why it ranks #4
Aircall is a solid business phone platform. But the pricing and minimum seat requirements make it impractical for most Shopify stores. If you have a team of 5+ agents already handling calls, it could work. For everyone else, there are better options on this list.
5. OpenPhone (Quo)
Best for: Business owners who want a clean VoIP phone across all their tools, not just Shopify
OpenPhone rebranded to Quo in late 2025 and is one of the most popular VoIP apps for small businesses. It gives you a dedicated business number for calls and texts, with a polished mobile and desktop app. The AI features on the Business plan (call summaries and transcripts) are solid.
The Shopify integration is the weak spot though. There's no native Shopify app. You'd need Zapier to connect OpenPhone with your store, and even then, the automation is limited. An agent can't look up an order mid-call without switching to a browser. Looked at the data. Doesn't add up for Shopify-first stores.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15/user/mo | Unlimited US/Canada calls and texts, 1 number per user |
| Business | $23/user/mo | AI call summaries, IVR, HubSpot/Salesforce integrations |
| Scale | $35/user/mo | AI call tags, dedicated onboarding, priority support |
Prices shown are with annual billing. Monthly billing costs more ($19 and $33 respectively). No free plan, but a 7-day free trial is available.
What works
- Clean, modern interface: One of the best-designed VoIP apps I've used, feels intuitive from day one
- Shared phone numbers: Up to 10 team members can share a single number on the Starter plan
- Affordable starting price: $15/month per user is competitive for what you get
- Strong integrations: Native connections to HubSpot, Salesforce, Slack, and more
What doesn't
- No native Shopify integration: You need Zapier, which adds cost and complexity
- Per-user pricing: Costs grow linearly with team size, unlike flat-rate alternatives
- No ecommerce-specific features: Can't look up orders, process returns, or check inventory
Why it ranks #5
OpenPhone is a great general business phone. But the lack of native Shopify integration means it doesn't solve the core problem: connecting your phone calls to your store data. If you already use HubSpot or Salesforce, it fits well. For Shopify-first stores, Ringly.io or Shopdigits make more sense.
If your store gets 100+ calls a month and you want AI handling most of them with Shopify data, try Ringly.io free for 14 days. Setup takes three minutes.
6. Grasshopper
Best for: Solo founders who want a separate business number without complexity
Grasshopper has been around since 2003. One of the original virtual phone systems. You pick a toll-free, local, or vanity number, and calls ring on your personal phone. Simple, reliable, and doesn't try to do too much.
The biggest limitation for Shopify merchants? Zero integrations. No Shopify connection, no CRM sync, no Zapier workflows. Grasshopper is a phone number and nothing else. According to a CrazyEgg review, it's best suited for solopreneurs who just need to separate personal and business calls.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| True Solo | $14/mo | 1 number, 1 extension, unlimited calls |
| Solo Plus | $25/mo | Multiple extensions, custom greetings |
| Small Business | $55/mo | Unlimited extensions, full feature set |
Prices with annual billing. Budget for add-ons: SMS registration ($19 one-time), additional numbers ($9/month each).
What works
- Dead simple: Pick a number, forward calls to your phone, done
- Toll-free and vanity numbers: Get a 1-800 number or a custom number that spells your brand name
- Unlimited calls: No per-minute charges on any plan
- Long track record: 20+ years in business, proven reliability
What doesn't
- No Shopify integration whatsoever: Your phone calls and your store data live in completely separate worlds
- No AI features: Every call requires a human to answer
- Add-on costs pile up: SMS registration, extra numbers, and professional greetings add to the base price fast
Why it ranks #6
Grasshopper is a phone number, not a customer support solution. If you run a small store and just need customers to have a number to call, it works. But you'll answer every call yourself, with no order data on screen. For most growing Shopify stores, that's a bottleneck you don't want.
7. VINSI AI
Best for: Stores that want basic AI phone coverage on a lower budget than Ringly
VINSI AI is a newer player in the AI phone agent space. It provides a dedicated phone number where an AI agent handles customer inquiries 24/7, including order placement, status checks, and FAQ responses. The concept is similar to Ringly, but with less mature Shopify integration and zero reviews on the App Store so far. That makes me nervous.
The pricing starts at $39/month for 100 minutes, which is cheaper than Ringly's entry point. But you get significantly less: no self-learning AI, no deep order integrations, and no proven track record. I tested it myself and the voice quality was noticeably less natural, with longer pauses between responses. Not great, not terrible.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $39/mo | 100 |
| Silver | $79/mo | 250 |
| Gold | $99/mo | 400 |
All plans include a 5-day free trial.
What works
- Lower entry price: $39/month with 100 minutes is the cheapest AI phone agent option
- 24/7 coverage: AI handles calls around the clock without staffing
- Call recordings and analytics
What doesn't
- Zero reviews: No merchant feedback makes it risky to rely on for your store's phone support
- Shallow Shopify integration: Can answer basic order queries but doesn't process returns or handle complex order issues
- Limited minutes at each tier: 100 minutes at $39/month means you'll hit overage fast if you get more than 3-4 calls per day
Why it ranks #7
VINSI AI is a budget option if you want to experiment with AI phone support without the bigger commitment. But zero reviews and limited Shopify depth mean you're taking a gamble. I'd argue most merchants will find Ringly's deeper integration worth the price difference.
8. Rippledesk
Best for: Stores that want a free click-to-call widget with optional paid upgrades
Rippledesk offers a free website call widget that lets customers call you through their browser. No phone number needed on the free plan. Just a button on your site that connects visitors to you via internet calling. If you want a dedicated phone number, SMS campaigns, or call transcription, you'll need the paid plans.
The app launched in September 2024 and has no reviews yet. Newest option on this list, which comes with the usual uncertainty around long-term support and stability.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/mo | Website call widget only |
| Business | $19/mo | 1 phone number, 250 SMS, campaigns |
| Enterprise | $49/mo | 2 numbers, unlimited SMS, AI agents, call transcription |
What works
- Free tier available: The only app on this list with a genuinely free plan (no trial, actually free)
- Voice and SMS campaigns: Bulk outreach to your customer list on paid plans
- AI agents on Enterprise: Basic AI call handling for $49/month
What doesn't
- No reviews at all: Launched recently with zero merchant feedback
- Free plan is very limited: Browser-only calls with no phone number, no SMS, no recordings
- Weak Shopify integration: Doesn't pull order data or connect to your store's backend
Why it ranks #8
Rippledesk is fine if you want a free call widget to test whether phone support matters for your store. But the lack of reviews and limited Shopify integration keep it at the bottom. Most store owners will outgrow the free plan quickly and need something more connected.
When you don't need a phone number app
I'm going to be honest about this. Not every store needs one.
- You sell under $10K/month and get fewer than 5 support calls per week: A simple contact form or live chat might be all you need. Adding a phone number when you can't reliably answer it hurts trust more than having no number at all.
- Your product is straightforward with no order issues: If you're selling digital products or items with near-zero return rates, phone support is probably overkill.
- You have no plan for answering calls: Putting a phone number on your store and letting it ring to voicemail is worse than not having one. If you can't commit to answering or using an AI answering service, skip the phone number.
The right time to add a phone number is when unanswered customer questions are costing you sales. According to Shopify's own data, phone support scores highest for customer satisfaction at 91%, compared to 85% for live chat. But only if someone (or something) actually picks up.
How to choose the right Shopify phone number app
Your choice depends on three things: your team size, your budget, and how much automation you want.
- Choose Ringly.io if: You want AI handling most calls automatically with deep Shopify order integration. Best for stores doing $20K+/month that are tired of hiring support agents.
- Choose Shopdigits if: You're a small team that wants an affordable business number with basic AI, and you'll handle most calls yourself on mobile.
- Choose SBoard if: You just need a cheap toll-free number for credibility and Google verification, and you'll forward calls to your phone.
- Choose Aircall if: You have a team of 5+ support agents who handle calls manually and need a professional phone system with CRM integrations.
- Choose OpenPhone (Quo) if: You need a general business phone that works across HubSpot or Salesforce, and Shopify integration isn't critical.
- Choose Grasshopper if: You're a solo founder who just wants a separate number to keep personal and business calls apart.
- Choose VINSI AI if: You want to experiment with AI phone support on a tight budget and don't mind being an early adopter.
- Choose Rippledesk if: You want to test phone support with zero cost commitment using a browser-based call widget.
Pricing comparison: what you'll actually pay
The sticker price doesn't tell the whole story. Here's what each app actually costs when you factor in realistic usage for a Shopify store getting 200 support calls per month:
| App | Monthly cost (200 calls) | Per-call cost | Includes AI? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ringly.io | ~$99-$349 | ~$0.50-$1.75 | Yes (deep) |
| Shopdigits | $20-$30 | ~$0.10-$0.15 | Basic |
| SBoard | $10-$20 | ~$0.05-$0.10 | No |
| Aircall | $360+ (3-seat min) | ~$1.80+ | Transcripts only |
| OpenPhone | $15-$23/user | ~$0.15-$0.23 | Summaries only |
| Grasshopper | $14-$55 | ~$0.07-$0.28 | No |
| VINSI AI | $79-$99 | ~$0.40-$0.50 | Yes (basic) |
| Rippledesk | $0-$49 | $0-$0.25 | Enterprise only |
And here's the part nobody talks about. Cheaper apps mean you or your team answer every call manually. According to AIMultiple research, the average cost of a human-handled support call is $15-$25. An AI phone agent handling 73% of those calls saves $2,000-$3,500 per month for a store getting 200 calls. That's not pocket change.
The real question isn't "which app is cheapest?" It's "which app saves me the most when I factor in my time?"
Frequently asked questions
Does Shopify have a built-in phone system?
No. Shopify doesn't include any phone features for your store. To add a phone number for customer support, you need a third-party app from the Shopify App Store or an external VoIP provider. The apps on this list range from $0 to $120/month per user.
What is the best free phone number app for Shopify?
Rippledesk offers a free website call widget, but it doesn't include an actual phone number. SBoard starts at $8/month for a real toll-free number, which is the cheapest option with an actual number.
Can an AI phone agent actually handle Shopify customer calls?
Yes. AI phone agents like Ringly.io connect directly to your Shopify store data. They look up orders, check tracking info, and process returns automatically. Ringly resolves about 73% of calls without human help across 2,100+ stores.
How much does it cost to add phone support to a Shopify store?
Costs range from $8/month (SBoard for a basic toll-free line) to $360+/month (Aircall for a 3-person team). AI phone agents like Ringly start at $99/month for 250 minutes.
Do I need a phone number to get verified on Google Merchant Center?
Having a business phone number helps with Google Merchant Center verification, Facebook Business verification, and general store trust. A visible phone number can also reduce cart abandonment by 5-10% because shoppers feel safer buying from stores they can call.
What's the difference between a VoIP app and an AI phone agent?
A VoIP app gives you a phone number and forwards calls to you or your team. You still answer every call manually. An AI phone agent answers calls automatically, understands what the customer needs, and resolves issues using your store data. VoIP is cheaper upfront, but AI saves more time and money at scale.
Can I keep my existing phone number and use a Shopify phone app?
Most apps let you get a new business number, which is what I'd recommend. Grasshopper and OpenPhone support number porting if you want to transfer an existing one. Keeping personal and business numbers separate is better for professionalism.
How many minutes do I need per month for my Shopify store?
A typical ecommerce support call lasts 3-5 minutes. If you get 50 calls per month, budget 150-250 minutes. At 200 calls per month, you'll need 600-1,000 minutes. Start with a lower plan and upgrade as your volume grows.
The right phone app depends on what your store actually needs
For stores that just need a number for credibility, SBoard at $8/month is plenty. For teams that already have agents answering phones, Shopdigits or Aircall give you the tools to manage calls professionally.
But if you want your phone support to actually run itself, and you're tired of missing calls or bleeding money on support hires, an AI phone agent is the only option that scales without adding headcount. See what AI-powered Shopify phone support looks like with a free 14-day trial.
