Grasshopper, a popular virtual phone system provider, has garnered attention for its simplicity and robust features designed specifically for small businesses and entrepreneurs. In this review, we will explore Grasshopper’s pricing structure, its key features, and how it compares to other options in the market.
Overview of Grasshopper’s business telephony services
Grasshopper offers a cloud-based virtual phone system that allows businesses to manage calls professionally without the need for traditional on-premise hardware. The platform is ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and start-ups looking for an affordable yet comprehensive solution for their communication needs.
Grasshopper’s main features include:
- Virtual phone numbers: Local, toll-free, and vanity numbers are available.
- Call management: Call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and custom greetings.
- Business texting: Send and receive SMS messages from your business number.
- Mobile and desktop apps: Stay connected on the go or from your office.
One of Grasshopper’s key selling points is its ease of use. The system is designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal technical knowledge to set up and manage. This makes it an attractive option for businesses without dedicated IT staff.
Grasshopper price list
| Plan | Monthly Price (Billed Annually) | Monthly Price (Billed Monthly) | Included Phone Numbers | Included Extensions | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | £26 | £31 | 1 | 3 | Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs |
| Partner | £41 | £50 | 3 | 6 | Small businesses with multiple departments |
| Small Business | £62 | £76 | 5 | Unlimited | Growing businesses with more complex needs |
Additional costs (optional):
| Feature | Cost |
|---|---|
| Vanity Numbers | One-time fee (varies based on complexity) |
| International Calling | Varies by country |
| Additional Phone Numbers | Additional monthly cost |
Grasshopper pricing plans
Grasshopper offers three pricing plans tailored to the needs of different business sizes and requirements. All plans include the core features mentioned above, with the primary differences being the number of phone numbers and extensions included.
1. Solo plan
- Price: £26 per month (if billed annually) or £31 per month (if billed monthly).
- Includes: 1 phone number and 3 extensions.
- Best for: Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, or very small teams.
The Solo plan is ideal for individuals or small businesses that need a single number to manage incoming calls and a few extensions for team members or departments. It provides all the essential features at a cost-effective price.
2. Partner plan
- Price: £41 per month (if billed annually) or £50 per month (if billed monthly).
- Includes: 3 phone numbers and 6 extensions.
- Best for: Small businesses with multiple departments or remote teams.
The Partner plan is suited for small businesses that require multiple numbers, such as for different departments or locations. The plan offers greater flexibility and allows businesses to scale as they grow.
3. Small Business plan
- Price: £62 per month (if billed annually) or £76 per month (if billed monthly).
- Includes: 5 phone numbers and unlimited extensions.
- Best for: Growing businesses or those with more complex communication needs.
The Small Business plan provides extensive coverage, making it an excellent choice for businesses expecting growth. With multiple numbers and unlimited extensions, companies can easily manage a larger team or multiple locations.
Add-ons and extra costs
While Grasshopper’s pricing plans cover the core features, there are additional costs to consider depending on your specific needs:
- Vanity numbers: Custom vanity numbers (e.g., 0800-BUSINESS) are available for an additional one-time fee, which varies based on the complexity of the desired number.
- International calling: Grasshopper’s plans include domestic calling, but international calls are charged at an additional rate. These rates vary by country.
- Additional phone numbers: If your business requires more numbers than the plan includes, extra numbers can be added at an additional monthly cost.
Comparison with other virtual phone systems
While Grasshopper offers competitive pricing and a robust feature set, it’s essential to compare it with other virtual phone systems available in the UK market to ensure it meets your business’s specific needs.
- RingCentral: Offers more advanced features such as video conferencing and team messaging. However, it comes at a higher price point, starting at approximately £25 per user per month.
- Vonage: Known for its extensive integration options with other business tools, Vonage’s pricing starts at around £10 per user per month, but the overall cost can increase with added features.
- 8×8: Provides a comprehensive solution with unlimited calling in the UK and 14 other countries, starting at £12 per user per month.
Conclusion – Is Grasshopper the right choice for your business?
Grasshopper’s virtual phone system is a solid choice for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs seeking an easy-to-use, cost-effective telephony solution. With its straightforward pricing plans and essential features, Grasshopper offers good value, particularly for businesses that do not require the advanced features or integrations offered by more expensive providers.
However, businesses with more complex communication needs or those anticipating rapid growth may find that a more feature-rich solution, albeit at a higher cost, could be a better long-term investment.
Before making a decision, it’s wise to evaluate your business’s current and future communication needs, compare the offerings from multiple business VoIP providers, and consider whether Grasshopper’s feature set aligns with your goals.
For more, visit the Grasshopper website.
Grasshopper pricing FAQ
Grasshopper offers three pricing plans: the Solo plan at £26 per month when billed annually (£31 if billed monthly), the Partner plan at £41 per month when billed annually (£50 if billed monthly), and the Small Business plan at £62 per month when billed annually (£76 if billed monthly).
The Grasshopper Solo plan includes 1 phone number and 3 extensions. The Partner plan comes with 3 phone numbers and 6 extensions, while the Small Business plan offers 5 phone numbers and unlimited extensions.
Yes, Grasshopper charges additional fees for international calling. The rates vary depending on the country you are calling, and these charges are not included in the standard monthly plan fees.
Yes, Grasshopper allows you to obtain a vanity number. The cost for a vanity number is a one-time fee, which varies depending on the complexity of the desired number, but specific pricing is not included in the standard plans.
Grasshopper allows businesses to add extra phone numbers for an additional monthly cost. The exact price depends on the number of additional numbers you require, which is separate from the plan’s base cost.
Yes, Grasshopper’s pricing is higher if you choose to pay monthly rather than annually. For example, the Solo plan costs £31 per month if billed monthly, compared to £26 per month if billed annually. The Partner plan is £50 monthly versus £41 annually, and the Small Business plan is £76 monthly compared to £62 annually.