Grasshopper launched in 2003. Back then, a basic virtual phone number with call forwarding was enough for small businesses.
But running an eCommerce store in 2026 requires a lot more from your phone system.
If you're spending time manually logging calls, missing international customers, or dealing with repetitive "where's my order" questions, you're not alone.
Grasshopper's lack of integrations, missing AI features, and poor customer support have pushed many online store owners to look elsewhere.
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This guide breaks down seven Grasshopper alternatives built for ecommerce, from AI-powered phone agents that handle calls automatically to budget-friendly options for Google Workspace users.
Why ecommerce businesses are leaving Grasshopper
Grasshopper's 2/5 Trustpilot rating tells part of the story. But the specifics matter more if you're running an online store.
No integrations with ecommerce tools. Grasshopper doesn't connect to Shopify, WooCommerce, or any CRM. Every call is a dead end.
You can't pull order data, log conversations to HubSpot, or trigger automations.
For ecommerce stores handling dozens of daily calls, this creates hours of manual data entry.
Zero AI features. While competitors offer call summaries, real-time transcription, and automated responses, Grasshopper still operates like it did in 2010.
No call tagging, no sentiment analysis, no way to automate repetitive questions.
Billing issues and hidden fees. Users consistently report surprise charges, difficult cancellation processes, and fees that weren't disclosed upfront.
Absolutely horrible experience and customer service. This company refuses to refund even though they charged me just yesterday for a service I haven't used in over 6 months.
Outdated interface. The mobile app is more for admin tasks than actual call handling.
The web interface feels clunky compared to modern alternatives like Quo or Dialpad.
What to look for in a Grasshopper alternative
Before comparing specific tools, here's what actually matters for ecommerce phone support:
Ecommerce integrations. Does it connect to Shopify, WooCommerce, or your CRM? Can it pull order data during calls?
AI and automation. Can it generate call summaries, transcribe conversations, or handle routine questions automatically?
Pricing transparency. Are there hidden fees for texting, international calls, or additional phone numbers?
Team collaboration. Does it offer shared inboxes, call queuing, and internal messaging for growing teams?
Setup speed. How quickly can you go from signup to taking your first call?
These criteria shaped which tools made the list and how we evaluated them.
Quick comparison of Grasshopper alternatives
Ringly.io and Dialpad lead on AI capabilities while Google Voice offers the lowest entry point
Here's how each alternative stacks up at a glance:
The right choice depends on your call volume, team size, and whether you need AI automation or just a reliable phone line.
The 7 best Grasshopper alternatives for ecommerce
1. Ringly.io (Seth)
Best for: Ecommerce stores wanting AI to handle phone support automatically
Ringly.io takes a different approach than traditional VoIP tools. Instead of just routing calls to your team, their AI phone agent Seth actually answers and resolves customer inquiries.
Seth connects directly to your Shopify store, pulling order data in real-time.
When a customer calls asking "where's my order," Seth looks up the tracking info and provides an answer.
For returns and exchanges, it can initiate the process automatically.
This isn't a basic IVR menu, it's a conversational AI that handles the call from start to finish.
The numbers are compelling: Ringly.io reports a 70%+ call resolution rate without human intervention across their 2,100+ Shopify store deployments.
Key features:
- AI phone agent resolves orders, returns, and FAQs automatically
- Native Shopify integration pulls order data in real-time
- Supports 40+ languages for global ecommerce stores
- Call recordings, transcripts, and analytics dashboard
- Intelligent escalation to humans when needed
- 24/7 availability without staffing costs
Pricing:
Unlike per-user pricing, Ringly.io charges by call minutes. This works well for stores with high call volume but smaller teams.
The standout detail: No billing until Seth achieves a 60% resolution rate over your first 100 calls. You only pay when it's actually working.
Limitations: Ringly.io focuses specifically on phone support.
It's not a full UCaaS platform with video conferencing or team chat. If you need those features, you'll need additional tools.
2. Quo (formerly OpenPhone)
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Best for: Modern teams wanting a mobile-first experience with AI features
Quo rebranded from OpenPhone in 2025 after raising $105M to expand their AI capabilities.
The result is a clean, mobile-first phone system that feels like it was built this decade.
The shared phone number feature is particularly useful for small ecommerce teams.
Multiple people can answer from the same business number, and everyone sees the complete call history in a shared inbox.
Key features:
- AI call summaries with action items extracted automatically
- Shared phone numbers and team inbox
- CRM integrations with HubSpot, Salesforce, and Slack
- SMS and MMS messaging from your business number
- Call recording and searchable transcripts
Pricing:
Where it falls short: Per-user pricing adds up for larger teams. A 10-person team on the Business plan costs $330/month. Also, no built-in video conferencing.
3. Nextiva
Best for: Businesses wanting phone, video, chat, and social in one platform
Nextiva has been named "best business phone system" by U.S. News for four consecutive years.
Unlike focused tools like Quo or Ringly.io, Nextiva bundles everything into one platform: voice, video conferencing, team chat, and even social media management.
For ecommerce stores managing customer communications across multiple channels, this consolidation can simplify operations.
Key features:
- Unified communications (phone, video, chat) in one interface
- CRM integrations with Salesforce, Oracle, and Microsoft Dynamics
- Social media management and monitoring
- AI call summaries and sentiment analysis
- HIPAA and PCI DSS compliant for sensitive transactions
Pricing:
The trade-off: The "all-in-one" approach means more features to learn. Small stores might find it overkill when they just need phone support. The Power Suite tier at $75/user also gets expensive quickly.
4. RingCentral
Best for: Growing businesses that need enterprise-grade scalability
RingCentral serves 550,000+ businesses globally and offers the largest integration ecosystem of any alternative with 300+ pre-built connectors.
If your tech stack includes Salesforce, Zendesk, ServiceNow, or other enterprise tools, RingCentral probably has a direct integration.
Key features:
- 300+ integrations including direct Salesforce and Zendesk connectors
- Video meetings with up to 500 participants
- Advanced call routing and ring groups
- Agent monitoring with real-time dashboards
- Desk phone rental options for physical offices
Pricing:
What to watch for: The G2 rating (4.1/5) is lower than competitors, with common complaints about interface complexity and support responsiveness. The sheer number of features can create a steep learning curve.
5. Dialpad
Best for: Contact centers needing AI-powered coaching and transcription
Dialpad has processed over 10 billion AI-enabled conversations.
Their focus is real-time transcription and agent coaching, not post-call analysis.
During a call, supervisors can see live transcripts and provide guidance without the customer hearing.
For ecommerce businesses with dedicated phone support teams, this level of quality assurance can improve training and customer satisfaction.
Key features:
- Real-time call transcription with 99%+ accuracy
- Live coaching (whisper mode) for agent training
- AI sentiment analysis during calls
- Call scoring and automated CSAT estimation
- Keyword detection for compliance and objection handling
Pricing:
The caveat: Many of the best AI features (real-time transcription, live coaching) require Pro or Enterprise plans.
The Standard plan is competitive, but you're paying for the AI capabilities, so budget accordingly.
6. Zoom Phone
Best for: Teams already using Zoom for video meetings
Zoom Phone makes sense if your team already lives in Zoom.
Everything, including calls, messages, meetings, and recordings, appears in the same interface.
Key features:
- Native integration with Zoom meetings and chat
- Hot desking for flexible work environments
- Unlimited auto attendants
- International calling to 90+ countries
- Voicemail transcription
Pricing:
Important note: Zoom Phone is an add-on to Zoom subscriptions.
You need Zoom Pro ($15.99/month) minimum. Total cost: $25.99-38.48/user/month when you factor in both subscriptions.
Limitations: Fewer integrations than competitors, no advanced AI transcription, and not designed as a standalone phone system.
7. Google Voice
Best for: Budget-conscious businesses using Google Workspace
Google Voice is the no-frills option.
It's included with Google Workspace subscriptions, so if you're already paying for Gmail and Google Drive, you get a business phone system at no extra cost.
Key features:
- Business phone numbers in 45+ countries
- Voicemail transcription
- Call forwarding and screening
- Integration with Gmail, Calendar, and Google Meet
- Simple, familiar Google interface
Pricing:
The trade-off: You get what you pay for. No AI features, no CRM integrations beyond Google's ecosystem, no contact center capabilities.
The voicemail transcription quality isn't as accurate as Dialpad's. But for simple phone needs on a tight budget, it works.
How to choose the right Grasshopper alternative
The best alternative depends on your specific situation:
For high call volume ecommerce stores: Ringly.io stands out. If you're spending hours on repetitive "where's my order" and "can I return this" calls, having AI resolve 70%+ of those automatically changes the math on support costs. The Shopify integration means Seth can actually help customers, not just route them.
For modern teams wanting collaboration: Quo offers the cleanest design and highest G2 rating (4.7/5). The shared inbox and CRM integrations make it practical for growing teams.
For all-in-one communications: Nextiva bundles phone, video, chat, and social into one platform. Good for teams tired of juggling multiple tools.
For enterprise scaling: RingCentral has the 300+ integrations and proven track record at scale. The complexity is justified if you need that level of connectivity.
For contact centers: Dialpad leads on real-time transcription and agent coaching. Built for teams that need quality assurance and training tools.
For existing Zoom users: Zoom Phone adds calling to your existing Zoom setup without adding another app.
For budget-conscious Google users: Google Voice is the cheapest option at $6/user/month (included with Workspace).
For ecommerce specifically, the biggest limitation with Grasshopper is the lack of automation and integrations.
If you're spending hours on repetitive calls that could be handled by AI, a purpose-built solution like Ringly.io can resolve the majority of those automatically.
Start a free trial to see how Seth handles your customer calls. No billing until it achieves a 60% resolution rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Grasshopper ecommerce alternatives for Shopify stores?
Ringly.io (Seth) is the only Grasshopper alternative with native Shopify integration. It pulls order data in real-time and can resolve returns, tracking inquiries, and FAQs automatically. For stores that need traditional VoIP with CRM integration, Quo and RingCentral also work well.
How much do Grasshopper ecommerce alternatives cost compared to Grasshopper?
Grasshopper costs $14-55/month depending on the plan. Alternatives range from $6/user/month (Google Voice) to $99+/month (Ringly.io). Most per-user options like Quo ($15/user), Nextiva ($15/user), and Dialpad ($15/user) offer more features at comparable or lower prices.
Which Grasshopper ecommerce alternatives have AI features?
Dialpad leads with real-time transcription and live coaching. Quo offers AI call summaries. Ringly.io uses AI to actually handle calls autonomously, resolving 70%+ without human intervention. Grasshopper has no AI features.
Do any Grasshopper ecommerce alternatives integrate with Shopify?
Ringly.io has native Shopify integration, pulling order data directly into calls. Other alternatives like Quo and RingCentral can connect via Zapier, but don't have direct ecommerce integrations.
What's the easiest Grasshopper ecommerce alternative to set up?
Quo and Google Voice have the simplest onboarding, typically under 10 minutes. Ringly.io claims a 3-minute setup for Shopify stores. RingCentral and Nextiva take longer due to more complex feature sets.
Are there free Grasshopper ecommerce alternatives?
Google Voice is included with Google Workspace subscriptions ($6/user/month for the base plan). Ringly.io offers a 14-day free trial with no billing until 60% resolution rate is achieved. Quo and Dialpad offer 14-day free trials.
Which Grasshopper ecommerce alternatives work best for international customers?
Ringly.io supports 40+ languages for AI phone support. RingCentral and Zoom Phone offer phone numbers in 90+ countries. Nextiva operates in 45+ countries. Google Voice covers 45 countries but with limited features.
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