Still using your personal number for business calls?
If you’re searching for a professional phone system, you’re probably frustrated by missed customer inquiries and a lack of separation between work and personal calls.
The truth is, it quickly leads to lost business and constant distractions—and it’s draining your focus every single day.
Grasshopper tackles this head-on by giving you local, toll-free, or vanity business numbers, virtual extensions, texting, and voicemail-to-email—all without extra hardware or IT headaches.
In this review, I’ll share how Grasshopper delivers quick, stress-free business communication—so you can keep your work and personal life separate and never miss important calls.
You’ll discover in this Grasshopper review exactly how it matches up with your needs: I’ll break down its features, real user experience, pricing structure, and how it stands against other top alternatives.
By the end, you’ll have the insights and confidence to pick the features you need to help your business communicate better.
Let’s dive into the details.
Quick Summary
- Grasshopper is a virtual phone system that helps small businesses manage calls, texts, and voicemails professionally from existing devices.
- Best for solopreneurs and very small businesses needing a simple, professional phone presence without hardware.
- You’ll appreciate its easy setup, intuitive apps, and core features like voicemail transcription and call forwarding.
- Grasshopper offers tiered flat-rate plans with unlimited users and a 7-day free trial, but no free plan.
Grasshopper Overview
Since 2003, Grasshopper has focused on one thing: helping entrepreneurs sound professional. Now a key part of the GoTo portfolio, their mission remains providing a simple virtual phone system without the usual hardware headaches.
I find their market position is incredibly clear. They specifically target solopreneurs and very small businesses that need a professional presence but are rightly intimidated by the high cost and complexity of full-blown VoIP systems. They aren’t trying to be an all-in-one suite.
Being part of GoTo gives them significant stability and deep technical resources. You can see the impact of this steady backing through this Grasshopper review in the platform’s consistent performance and its reliable 24/7 support infrastructure.
Unlike unified communications platforms that can feel bloated, Grasshopper’s strength is its unapologetic focus on simplicity. The platform feels intentionally built by people who understand that business owners just need core call and text functions to work perfectly every time.
They work with a massive base of consultants, freelancers, and local service providers. It’s the go-to solution for anyone who must professionally separate business and personal communication on their existing mobile phone.
From my perspective, their entire strategy centers on being the most straightforward on-ramp to professional communications. For your evaluation, this means a solution that prioritizes ease-of-use and predictable flat-rate pricing over advanced features you may never actually use.
Now, let’s examine their capabilities.
Grasshopper Features
Struggling with a professional business image?
Grasshopper features are designed to give your small business a polished virtual phone system without the usual hassle. Here are the five main Grasshopper features that will elevate your communication.
1. Business Phone Numbers
Need a distinct business identity?
Using your personal number for business blurs lines and feels unprofessional. This can make it hard to present a credible front to clients.
Grasshopper offers local, toll-free, and vanity numbers, allowing you to choose one that perfectly fits your brand. From my testing, porting an existing number was straightforward, making the transition easy. This feature instantly gives your business a dedicated, professional line.
This means you can establish a strong, professional image that separates your personal life from your business.
2. Virtual Extensions
Are calls constantly going to the wrong person?
Directing incoming calls manually is inefficient and can frustrate callers. This often leads to missed opportunities and wasted time.
Virtual extensions route calls to specific individuals or departments, ensuring callers reach the right person every time. What I love about this feature is how you can configure call routing to any device, whether it’s a mobile phone or another team member’s desk.
This means your callers get to the right place quickly, improving customer satisfaction and your team’s efficiency.
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3. Call Forwarding and Simultaneous Call Handling
Missing important calls when you’re out of the office?
Not having a system to manage calls when you’re busy can lead to lost leads or upset clients. This is a common pain point for mobile entrepreneurs.
Grasshopper lets you forward calls to multiple numbers simultaneously or in a specific order, so you never miss a beat. Here’s what I found: setting up call schedules for different times of day or for vacations is incredibly useful.
This means your business stays connected and responsive, no matter where you are or what time it is.
4. Voicemail Transcription
Tired of listening to endless voicemails?
Spending time listening to long voicemails is unproductive, especially when you’re on the go. This can really slow down your response time.
This feature transcribes voicemails into text and sends them directly to your email inbox, allowing for quick review. From my testing, the accuracy of the transcriptions was surprisingly good, making it easy to skim messages. You can even attach these transcripts to your CRM.
This means you can read and respond to messages instantly, saving valuable time and keeping you productive.
5. Business Texting (SMS/MMS)
Struggling to communicate quickly with clients?
Relying solely on calls or email can be slow when quick updates or reminders are needed. This might prevent you from engaging with clients on their preferred channels.
Grasshopper enables you to send and receive text messages using your business number, perfect for quick updates or scheduling. What you get instead is the ability to send instant text responses to missed calls from new clients.
This means you can provide immediate responses and engage with customers through a convenient, professional channel.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Establishes a professional business image with dedicated phone numbers.
- ✅ Voicemail transcription provides quick access to messages via text.
- ✅ Offers flexible call forwarding options for on-the-go management.
- ⚠️ Lacks extensive native integrations with popular business software.
- ⚠️ Basic feature set compared to more comprehensive VoIP platforms.
- ⚠️ No built-in video conferencing capabilities are available.
These Grasshopper features work together to create a complete virtual phone system that is easy to manage, helping you project a professional image and streamline your communications.
Grasshopper Pricing
Struggling with unclear communication costs?
Grasshopper pricing is transparent with clear tiered plans, making it simple to find a virtual phone system that fits your small business budget.
Plan | Price & Features |
---|---|
True Solo Plan | $14/month (billed annually) • 1 phone number • 1 extension • Unlimited business texting • Voicemail to text |
Solo Plus Plan | $25/month (billed annually) • 1 phone number • 3 extensions • Call transfers • Simultaneous call handling |
Partner Plan | $46/month (billed annually) • 3 phone numbers • 6 extensions • Unlimited users • Virtual fax |
Small Business Plan | $80/month (billed annually) • 5 phone numbers • Unlimited extensions • All features • Unlimited users |
1. Value Assessment
Excellent value for entrepreneurs.
From my cost analysis, what impressed me is how Grasshopper focuses on providing a professional presence without requiring expensive hardware. The plans are structured around the number of phone numbers and extensions you need, not per-user, which is fantastic for growing teams.
This means your monthly costs stay predictable, ensuring your budget gets maximum value for essential communication tools.
2. Trial/Demo Options
Evaluate with ease.
Grasshopper offers a 7-day free trial, allowing you to thoroughly test its features like call forwarding and business texting. What I found valuable is how this trial period lets you experience the platform with your actual business needs before committing to any Grasshopper pricing plan.
This helps you confirm the fit for your communication needs before spending money, reducing any financial risk.
3. Plan Comparison
Choose your perfect fit.
The True Solo plan is ideal for individual entrepreneurs, while the Solo Plus and Partner plans offer more flexibility for small teams needing additional extensions. What stands out is how the Small Business plan provides unlimited extensions and phone numbers, making it scalable for significant growth.
This tiered approach helps you match pricing to actual usage requirements, so you only pay for what your business truly needs.
My Take: Grasshopper’s pricing is straightforward and value-driven, making it an excellent choice for solopreneurs and small businesses seeking a professional virtual phone system without breaking the bank.
The overall Grasshopper pricing offers clear, scalable value for small businesses.
Grasshopper Reviews
What do real customers actually think?
This section dives into Grasshopper reviews, analyzing real user feedback to provide balanced insights into what actual customers experience. I’ve sifted through numerous data points to present a clear picture.
1. Overall User Satisfaction
Users seem generally quite satisfied.
From my review analysis, Grasshopper maintains solid ratings, typically above 4 stars on most platforms. What I found in user feedback is how its simplicity resonates with small businesses, who appreciate getting a professional setup without complexity. Reviews consistently highlight this.
This indicates you’re likely to find Grasshopper effective for basic professional communication needs.
2. Common Praise Points
Users consistently love the professional image.
Many users commend Grasshopper for enabling a professional business presence, highlighting the vanity and toll-free numbers. From customer feedback, the voicemail-to-text feature is a consistent favorite for its convenience, letting users quickly scan messages on the go.
This means you can easily separate personal and business calls while maintaining a polished front.
3. Frequent Complaints
Limited integrations cause frustration.
A recurring complaint in user feedback is Grasshopper’s lack of robust third-party integrations with popular CRM tools. What stands out in reviews is how users desire more advanced features like multi-level IVR or built-in video conferencing, seeing Grasshopper as somewhat basic.
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These issues are generally more of a concern for businesses needing a deeply integrated or advanced VoIP solution.
What Customers Say
- Positive: “Grasshopper has been invaluable for creating a professional image for my startup. The setup was a breeze.” (Capterra Review)
- Constructive: “It’s good for a basic phone system, but the lack of CRM integration is a real drawback for us.” (G2 Review)
- Bottom Line: “Perfect for solo entrepreneurs or small businesses needing a simple, professional phone number.” (Trustpilot Review)
The overall Grasshopper reviews show strong satisfaction for its core purpose, with some users wishing for more advanced capabilities.
Best Grasshopper Alternatives
Need a different virtual phone solution?
The best Grasshopper alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for different business situations and priorities, offering a competitive landscape for your consideration.
1. RingCentral
Seeking an all-in-one communication platform?
RingCentral is a comprehensive UCaaS solution, offering video conferencing, team messaging, and extensive third-party integrations that Grasshopper lacks. From my competitive analysis, RingCentral provides a much broader feature set for growing teams, though it comes with higher per-user costs.
Choose RingCentral if your business requires an all-in-one communication platform with advanced collaboration tools.
2. OpenPhone
Prioritizing modern team collaboration and integrations?
OpenPhone offers more collaboration-friendly features like shared numbers and integrates well with CRMs like HubSpot and Slack. What I found comparing options is that OpenPhone offers robust integrations and AI features, providing more value at its entry level compared to a basic Grasshopper alternative.
Consider this alternative for growing teams needing collaborative features, CRM integrations, and a modern user experience.
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3. Google Voice for Business
Already committed to the Google Workspace ecosystem?
Google Voice integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace applications like Meet and Calendar, plus offers international phone numbers in over 100 countries. From my analysis, Google Voice provides seamless Google ecosystem integration, making it a cost-effective alternative for small teams embedded in Google’s tools.
Choose Google Voice if your business heavily uses Google Workspace and needs basic, affordable phone functionality.
4. Ooma Office
Requiring a more traditional, robust VoIP system?
Ooma Office offers a comprehensive VoIP experience with options for physical desk phones and a wider array of advanced call management features. Alternative-wise, your situation calls for Ooma Office if you need a full-fledged office phone system with traditional hardware options, unlike Grasshopper’s virtual-only approach.
Choose Ooma Office for a more robust VoIP system, physical desk phones, and a broader range of advanced features.
Quick Decision Guide
- Choose Grasshopper: Simple, flat-rate virtual phone for solopreneurs/micro-businesses
- Choose RingCentral: All-in-one UCaaS platform for growing teams with complex needs
- Choose OpenPhone: Modern, collaborative solution with strong CRM integrations
- Choose Google Voice: Cost-effective option for businesses heavily in Google Workspace
- Choose Ooma Office: Robust VoIP system with physical phone options and advanced features
The best Grasshopper alternatives depend on your specific business size and communication requirements rather than features alone.
Grasshopper Setup
Is Grasshopper setup difficult?
A Grasshopper review reveals that deployment is surprisingly straightforward for most businesses, focusing on rapid setup with minimal technical hurdles, setting realistic expectations for your implementation.
1. Setup Complexity & Timeline
Getting started is generally intuitive.
Grasshopper implementation involves selecting or porting a number, choosing a plan, and downloading the app. From my implementation analysis, users report an easy and intuitive setup process that works with existing devices, eliminating the need for complex hardware installation.
You can expect to be operational quickly, often within a single session, making it accessible for non-technical users.
2. Technical Requirements & Integration
Minimal technical overhead here.
Grasshopper primarily relies on your existing cellular or Wi-Fi connection for calls via their desktop and mobile apps. What I found about deployment is that it requires a stable internet connection but no specialized hardware, which simplifies your IT preparation considerably.
Plan for good connectivity and ensure your devices meet basic app requirements, but expect no major infrastructure investments.
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3. Training & Change Management
User adoption is remarkably smooth.
The learning curve for Grasshopper is low due to its user-friendly interface for managing calls, texts, and voicemails. From my analysis, the intuitive design minimizes training needs and makes it easy for users to quickly grasp core functionalities without extensive instruction.
Expect minimal resistance from your team, as the system mirrors familiar phone usage and integrates well into daily routines.
4. Support & Success Factors
Support enhances your initial experience.
Grasshopper offers 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and tickets, plus an onboarding call for new customers. From my implementation analysis, proactive engagement with onboarding support can address initial queries quickly, though some users report varied experiences with response times.
Leverage the onboarding call and support channels to clarify any setup questions and ensure a smooth initial experience.
Implementation Checklist
- Timeline: Hours to a few days for number porting
- Team Size: Individual user or small office manager
- Budget: Primarily software costs; no hardware investment
- Technical: Stable internet/cellular and compatible mobile/desktop devices
- Success Factor: Clear communication on new number and features
The overall Grasshopper setup emphasizes simplicity and quick deployment, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a professional phone presence without extensive technical fuss.
Bottom Line
Should you use Grasshopper for your business?
My Grasshopper review shows a professional virtual phone system delivering essential features and professional presence for very small businesses and solopreneurs seeking simplicity and affordability.
1. Who This Works Best For
Solopreneurs and small businesses prioritizing simplicity.
Grasshopper is ideally suited for individuals, freelancers, and businesses with 1-5 employees who need a dedicated business phone number and basic virtual phone features. What I found about target users is that you can separate personal and business calls using your existing mobile device, establishing a professional image without significant overhead.
You’ll succeed if your primary goal is professionalizing your phone presence on a tight budget without needing advanced features.
2. Overall Strengths
Unmatched ease of use and professional imaging.
The software succeeds by providing an incredibly easy-to-set-up virtual phone system, allowing users to quickly establish a professional business image with custom greetings and extensions. From my comprehensive analysis, its flat-rate pricing simplifies budgeting compared to per-user models, offering clear value for solopreneurs and small teams.
These strengths directly translate into improved customer perception and operational efficiency for your small business.
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3. Key Limitations
Limited integrations and advanced feature set.
Grasshopper’s primary drawbacks include a significant lack of direct third-party integrations with popular CRM or team collaboration tools, and its basic feature set. Based on this review, you won’t find integrated video conferencing or multi-level IVR, which larger or growing businesses often require.
I’d say these limitations are deal-breakers if your business needs complex workflows or extensive integration with other software.
4. Final Recommendation
Grasshopper earns a solid recommendation for its niche.
You should choose this software if your business is small, focused on core phone communication, and prioritizes affordability and ease of use over advanced features. From my analysis, this solution is perfect for professionalizing communications without investing in complex UC platforms or traditional hardware systems.
My confidence level is high for solopreneurs and very small businesses, but drops for growing teams with complex communication needs.
Bottom Line
- Verdict: Recommended for solopreneurs and very small businesses
- Best For: Individuals, freelancers, and businesses with 1-5 employees
- Business Size: Solopreneurs to very small businesses (1-5 employees)
- Biggest Strength: Professional image and ease of use on existing devices
- Main Concern: Limited third-party integrations and basic feature set
- Next Step: Explore a free trial to test core features with your team
This Grasshopper review provides strong value for the right business profile, offering a clear assessment of its strengths and limitations for your decision-making.