Discover the top 15 inbound call center software solutions ranked by experts. This list features LiveAgent for comprehensive omnichannel support, Zendesk for large enterprises, and CloudTalk for skills-based routing, among others. Each software is evaluated on performance, ease of use, and essential features.
Finding the right inbound call center software can be a game-changer for your business, but with so many options, where do you start? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you by testing and ranking the fifteen best solutions on the market. Our team of experts has evaluated each one, focusing on performance, ease of use, and features that matter most.
In this article, you’ll find a comprehensible description of each software and our recommendations. Moreover, we will provide handy tips on what to focus on when looking for the right call center system. Make yourself comfortable, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let yourself inspire.
The LiveAgent call center is part of the LiveAgent omnichannel helpdesk family. It includes live chat, email, social media, and more. This tool is known mainly for its ease of use and robust ticketing system. It is an excellent choice for companies prioritizing responsive and well-rounded customer support.
When using LiveAgent, there are several options for answering customer calls. You can do it through a browser, hardware/software phone, or the LivePhone app.
Let’s face it: call center agents are still human beings who need time to relax after a call or even take notes and summarize the content of a call. LiveAgent comes equipped with a great tool, breathing time, where you can set the time for your agents to rest. During this time, no call will be routed to this agent.
We especially like the LiveAgent team’s approach. There are many integrations, and more are still being added. They want to make this software as easy for the user as possible.
Why is LiveAgent the best inbound call center software for our staff?
The main reasons are its scalability, flexibility, and ease of use. Another big advantage is 24/7 support. In the context of call centers, LiveAgent allows you to create customized IVRs and modify them according to your needs.
Using LiveAgent feels like stepping into a well-organized control center for customer support. The unified inbox keeps everything neatly in one place, making it easy to juggle multiple tasks without losing track.
The interface is intuitive, so new agents can quickly get the hang of things. The automated ticketing system ensures that nothing slips through the cracks, providing a seamless experience for agents and customers.
Moreover, the LiveAgent support team is kind, reliable, and always ready to assist you. Using this software is like having a gourmet meal at diner prices—exceptional quality without breaking the bank, and the support team serves it up perfectly every time!
Zendesk call center is a cloud-based customer service platform that manages and streamlines customer support through voice interactions. It offers intelligent call routing system, IVR, call recording, and real-time analytics.
It also integrates with other communication channels, such as email, chat, and social media, providing a unified view of customer interactions. Zendesk’s call center is scalable, allowing businesses to manage customer calls efficiently and improve overall customer satisfaction.
Zendesk stands out with a high level of personalization from the very beginning. Users get regular ticket updates, which may be handy. Regarding reporting, you can take advantage of Explore functionality or Talk Live.
This platform’s strengths include its intuitive, personalized dashboards and excellent call quality. Zendesk also keeps in touch with its clients through regular updates or plan offers.
Reviewing other users’ reviews, we noticed that Zendesk sometimes has performance issues during peak periods. Many stated that moving from Zendesk to another provider is difficult.
Zendesk offers a sleek, user-friendly interface that makes managing customer interactions almost effortless. The platform is designed to scale with your business, meaning whether you’re handling a handful of queries or thousands, Zendesk adapts without a hitch.
The integrations with other tools are seamless, and the AI-powered automation feels like having an extra set of hands handling repetitive tasks in the background. Using Zendesk feels like driving a smooth, robust, and reliable luxury car.
CloudTalk is another cloud-based call center solution on our list. This call routing software impresses with its advanced routing and global coverage. We see it as an ideal option for businesses that handle high call volumes and need reliable performance across different regions.
CloudTalk’s ability to integrate with popular CRMs makes it a strong choice for teams looking to optimize their inbound call management and improve customer service globally. Unlike Zendesk, CloudTalk focuses only on call handling.
CloudTalk receives high marks for its robust call management features and ease of use, particularly in handling international call centers. We must highlight its intuitive interface, skills-based routing, and monitoring capabilities.
However, CloudTalk has been criticized for its limited integration options compared to competitors. Some users have mentioned that its reporting tools need more depth for more complex call center environments. Additionally, call recording features have occasionally been flagged for reliability issues.
Using CloudTalk is like having a robust, global call center at your fingertips—mainly because it focuses only on calls. The platform excels at handling high call volumes efficiently, and its global number availability ensures that you can maintain a local presence no matter where your customers are.
The real-time call monitoring and analytics give managers deep insights into performance, making it easy to optimize operations. CloudTalk feels powerful yet approachable, offering advanced features without overwhelming the user.
Zoho Desk is an efficient help desk software that integrates seamlessly with the broader Zoho ecosystem. It is particularly appealing for businesses already using Zoho products, as it allows for smooth workflow continuity.
Zoho Desk’s AI-driven tool, Zia, helps predict and resolve customer issues faster. It is a valuable asset for teams that prioritize proactive customer service. Its multichannel support ensures that all customer interactions are managed effectively from a single platform.
When talking about Zoho Desk, we must appreciate its cost-effectiveness, ease of setup, and strong automation capabilities. Thanks to the broader Zoho ecosystem, its call center is often a popular choice for businesses already using Zoho CRM or other Zoho products.
We found in reviews and verified on our own that Zoho Desk can lack some advanced telephony features compared to dedicated call center platforms like Aircall or RingCentral. The user interface, while functional, has also been flagged by some as outdated or not as polished as other solutions.
We are in the customer care giant’s territory. Zoho Desk offers a cohesive and well-organized user experience, particularly for teams already using Zoho tools. The AI assistant Zia adds a layer of intelligence that helps predict and resolve issues before they escalate.
Customized workflows and multichannel support are designed to streamline operations so agents can focus only on delivering exceptional service. Zoho Desk feels like a natural extension of your team, helping you manage customer relationships more effectively.
Let’s look at Aircall, call center software designed for modern, agile teams. It offers an intuitive interface and quick setup process, making it a great choice for startups and growing businesses that need a scalable, cloud-based call center solution.
Aircall’s seamless integration with CRM and helpdesk tools, combined with its advanced call management features, ensures teams can easily deliver personalized customer service. It’s a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their inbound call management without the complexity.
Moving on to the software’s capabilities, Aircall is highly regarded for its simplicity and ease of use, especially for small to medium-sized businesses needing a cloud-based phone system. We want to highlight its quick setup and seamless integration with CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot, which makes it an excellent choice for sales and support teams.
Some users have noted that the mobile app could be improved for better usability, particularly for teams that rely heavily on remote work. Aircall has also been criticized for occasional call quality issues and a lack of advanced analytics.
We think Aircall is designed to be user-friendly and quick to set up, making it ideal for fast-paced teams. The platform’s integration with popular CRMs ensures customer data is always at your fingertips, allowing personalized interactions.
Using Aircall feels like having a powerful, cloud-based phone system ready to scale with your business needs. The call recording and other essential features mentioned above are invaluable for training and quality control.
HappyFox is a user-friendly helpdesk solution that shines with its clean interface and strong automation features. It can be beneficial for businesses looking to improve response times and streamline support tasks. In addition to call center solutions, it also covers email, live chat, and social media communication.
Another advantage is a wide range of integrations and customizable workflows so agents can quickly resolve customer issues. Its intuitive design ensures that teams can hit the ground running with minimal training.
This software is lauded for its clean interface and powerful automation features. We appreciate how easy it is to configure automated workflows, which streamline support processes significantly. Its customizable reporting dashboards make it ideal for real-time tracking of team performance.
Some users have commented that the pricing can be higher than alternatives with similar feature sets.
HappyFox call center delivers a clean, straightforward interface that makes managing customer queries a breeze. The software’s robust automation features handle repetitive tasks behind the scenes, freeing agents to focus on more complex issues.
With HappyFox, managers can easily monitor their team’s progress thanks to the customizable dashboards, which provide a real-time snapshot of performance metrics. We think using HappyFox feels efficient and streamlined, with everything you need just a few clicks away.
Freshcaller delivers a user-friendly interface with powerful support features, making it an excellent choice for teams that need to manage customer interactions efficiently. What we like most about Freshcaller is its ease of use—It is designed to help teams get up and running quickly without a steep learning curve.
Its robust ticketing system and AI-driven insights resolve calls swiftly, leading to higher satisfaction rates.
We have to emphasize Freshcaller’s simplicity and ease of use. We find it suitable for small—to medium-sized businesses. We love the integration of Freshcaller CRM for a unified customer view. Moreover, its AI-powered automation and intuitive interface allow teams to handle customer inquiries efficiently.
On the downside, some users feel the platform needs more scalability for larger enterprises, particularly in advanced customization. There are also occasional complaints about the reporting features being less customizable than other tools in the market.
Thanks to its intuitive design and powerful features, Freshcaller is a pleasure to use for most users. We have to agree.
The team inbox centralizes all customer communications, making collaboration smooth and efficient. Freshcaller feels like a well-oiled machine designed to help support teams operate at their best without getting bogged down by complex processes.
Nextiva offers a comprehensive communication suite that includes everything from voice calls to video conferencing, making it a proper all-in-one solution. We like how it caters to businesses wanting to enhance customer communication without juggling multiple tools.
Nextiva is perfect for companies looking to centralize their communication efforts and improve overall efficiency.
This call center software is well-regarded for its reliable VoIP phone system and advanced call-routing features. It is often a popular choice for businesses needing strong telephony solutions.
However, users have noted that while the platform offers comprehensive features, its analytics and reporting tools aren’t as detailed or intuitive as competitors. There have also been mentions of occasional call quality issues, particularly in regions with unstable internet connections.
Nextiva offers a comprehensive communication suite that feels incredibly unified. Everything integrates seamlessly within the platform. The advanced call routing is particularly impressive, ensuring calls are directed to the right person every time.
The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it simple for agents to manage customer interactions. Moreover, you can easily access your calendar, attach files, and use integrations to quickly share important information with colleagues or team members. Nextiva makes it feel like all your communication tools work harmoniously together.
Small business plans:
Enterprise plans:
Let’s move on to RingCentral, a versatile communication platform highly regarded for its reliability and ease of use. We recommend it for businesses looking for a cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrates voice, video, and messaging into one platform.
RingCentral’s robust collaboration features and mobile-friendly interface make it a standout choice for teams that need to stay connected and responsive, whether in the office or on the go.
What about its capabilities? We have mentioned its versatility, but RingCentral has strong video conferencing, messaging, and VoIP services on one platform. Users highlight its reliable performance, especially for remote and hybrid work environments, and its seamless integrations with major CRM platforms.
On the other hand, some users mention that the customer support experience can be hit or miss, with longer response times than expected. Additionally, the pricing model can become expensive as businesses scale, and some users find the reporting features less robust than competitors like NICE CXone.
We believe RingCentral provides a smooth and reliable experience for managing all your communication needs. The platform’s seamless integration of voice, video, and messaging means you can switch between different modes of communication without any hiccups.
The mobile app is a standout feature, allowing agents to stay productive on the go. The platform’s simplicity and powerful features make using RingCentral feel like you’re always connected, no matter where you are.
Genesys Cloud could be characterized as a comprehensive customer experience platform that excels at providing advanced features like AI-powered routing and omnichannel support. We find it particularly suited for large organizations that need a robust solution capable of managing complex customer interactions.
Genesys Cloud’s flexibility and scalability make it ideal for enterprises aiming to deliver personalized, efficient, and consistent customer experiences across multiple channels.
This solution is well-suited for large, complex contact centers. Users praise its AI-powered routing, omnichannel capabilities, and advanced analytics. The platform is highly customizable and excels at providing personalized customer journeys.
But let’s not forget that the complexity can be a double-edged sword, as some users report that it takes significant time and expertise to leverage its features fully. Additionally, smaller businesses or teams often find Genesys Cloud overkill for their needs, with pricing reflecting its enterprise-level capabilities.
The first thing that came to our minds was that Genesys Cloud feels like having a sophisticated, enterprise-grade system. It provides a rich, omnichannel experience that is well-suited for large, complex organizations.
The AI-powered, predictive routing ensures that customers are always connected to the right agent, while the comprehensive analytics provide deep insights into every interaction. Despite its advanced capabilities, they try to keep the platform user-friendly.
Twilio Flex offers unparalleled customization, allowing businesses to build a call center that meets their exact specifications. We see it as the perfect solution for tech-savvy teams that want complete control over their customer support environment.
Thanks to its API-driven approach, Twilio Flex integrates seamlessly with existing systems and scales effortlessly as your business grows. It’s a powerful option for organizations looking to create a truly bespoke customer service experience.
This tool stands out for its incredible flexibility and customization options. It is often a favorite for developers who want to build a bespoke contact center. We love how they can tailor every aspect of the customer experience and integrate with various third-party tools.
Despite this, non-technical users often find the platform too complex, requiring significant development resources to unlock its full potential. We also found feedback about the steep learning curve and higher costs associated with heavy customization.
Twilio Flex feels like a blank canvas on which you can create exactly what you need, offering an experience unlike any other.
It provides an adventure tailored to those who value customization and control. This highly flexible platform allows you to build a call center that aligns perfectly with your business’s needs. The programmable interface is a dream for developers, as it offers endless possibilities for customization.
JustCall made an impression of a straightforward and efficient cloud-based call center solution that’s easy to deploy and manage. Its features make it a solid choice for teams looking to improve customer engagement without the hassle of complex setups.
We recommend it for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable way to handle inbound calls and SMS communications.
We want to highlight its ease of use and quick setup. We also appreciate its integration with popular CRM tools and reliable SMS and call features.
Some users have, however, pointed out that its call quality can occasionally suffer during high-traffic periods. Customization options are relatively limited compared to more robust solutions, which can be a drawback for businesses looking to tailor workflows extensively.
We can tell that JustCall provides a straightforward, no-fuss experience. The platform is easy to deploy, and its core features, like click-to-call, are intuitive and effective.
Call recording, monitoring, and whispering are seamless, and tracking interactions and improving customer service are easy. JustCall feels reliable and efficient, offering all the essential tools you need without the complexity.
Let’s take a closer look at CallHippo. This cost-effective, cloud-based solution provides all the essential call center features businesses need. We think it’s ideal for startups and small businesses looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing functionality.
CallHippo offers a range of features, including virtual numbers, call analytics and CRM integration; it is a practical choice for businesses that need a simple yet powerful tool to manage their customer communications.
We agreed that this software is well-suited for small businesses and startups due to its affordability and simplicity. Its most significant advantages are its virtual phone number options and easy-to-navigate interface. The platform is known for being straightforward, easy to get up, and quick to run.
More advanced users find it lacks in-depth analytics and reporting tools, and the platform doesn’t offer the same level of customization or integrations as more robust solutions like Twilio Flex or Genesys Cloud. Also, some users report occasional reliability issues with call connections.
CallHippo is simple yet effective. This call center provides an easy-to-navigate user experience, even for those new to call center software. The platform’s virtual numbers and IVR system make it easy to manage inbound calls efficiently, while the call queuing feature ensures that customers are never left waiting too long.
Using CallHippo feels like having a budget-friendly tool that delivers all the essentials, making it an excellent choice for startups and small businesses.
NICE CXone is a top-tier platform known for its robust analytics and AI-driven customer experience tools. It’s designed for enterprises leveraging data to optimize every aspect of customer interactions.
We particularly appreciate how NICE CXone offers deep insights into call center performance, which helps businesses identify trends and areas for improvement. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a go-to solution for organizations aiming to deliver exceptional, data-driven customer service.
NICE CXone is widely considered an enterprise-grade powerhouse, particularly for its AI-driven insights and omnichannel routing capabilities. Users rave about its workforce management tools and the platform’s ability to handle high call volumes efficiently.
Its detailed analytics are highly praised since they provide deep insights into customer interactions and agent performance. However, reviewers have noted that the platform can be overly complex for smaller teams or those without dedicated IT staff.
The steep learning curve and premium pricing are often cited as drawbacks for businesses without the resources to maximize their capabilities.
NICE CXone feels like a high-tech command center for customer experience management. The platform’s AI-driven insights and omnichannel routing make it easy to deliver personalized service at scale.
The interface is sleek and packed with features yet remains user-friendly. It suits both seasoned professionals and newcomers. Workforce management tools optimize staffing, ensuring agents are always ready to provide top-tier service.
Overall, using NICE CXone feels like having a cutting-edge tool that gives you complete control over the customer journey.
Interactions orchestration
Orchestration, optimization and analytics
Last but not least on our list is Deskpro. This tool stands out for its flexibility and customizable interface, which allows you to tailor the software to fit their specific workflows. This adaptability makes it a strong contender for organizations with unique support needs.
Deskpro also integrates various support channels—email, chat, voice, and social media—into a single platform, providing a unified experience for agents and customers. It’s particularly well-suited for teams that need a powerful yet flexible solution.
We believe Deskpro excels at offering a highly customizable and flexible helpdesk solution. We like its ability to support complex workflows, especially for businesses with specific or unusual requirements. Its multi-language support and robust ticketing system make it a great fit for global teams.
However, some users have noted that the platform can be overwhelming to set up initially, with a steep learning curve for less tech-savvy users. Additionally, while powerful, its user interface could benefit from a more modern, streamlined design to improve usability.
Using Deskpro is like starting with a blank paper sheet that will be adjusted to your wishes. The customizable interface allows you to tailor the platform to your workflow, perfect for teams with unique requirements.
Multi-language support makes it a go-to for global businesses, while the self-service portal empowers customers to help themselves, reducing the strain on support agents. Deskpro is flexible and robust, offering the tools you need while allowing you to shape the experience to your liking.
That was a lot of information at once, wasn’t it? Let’s recap key insights about the top five software from our list.
Software | Capterra rating | Top features | Free trial | Free version | Price range |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
LiveAgent | 4.7 | Built-in ticketing system Omni-channel support Call transferring, holding Automatic call distribution | Yes | No | from $15 to $69 per agent/month billed annually |
Zendesk | 4.4 | Unified workspace AI-powered automation Customizable workflows | Yes | No | from €55 to €115 per agent/month billed annually |
CloudTalk | 4.4 | Smart&Power dialer Voicemail drop Three-way calling | Yes | No | from €25 to €50 per agent/month billed annually |
Zoho Desk | 4.5 | AI assistant Zia Guided conversations Performance dashboards | Yes | No | from €14 to €40 per agent/month billed annually |
Aircall | 4.3 | Easy CRM integration After-call time Call monitoring | Yes | No | from $30 to $50 per agent/month billed annually |
So far, we have covered many inbound call center platforms, paying attention to features, pricing, and usage. To add value, here are five key features you should focus on when choosing inbound call center software.
💡Efficient call routing ensures incoming calls are directed to the right agents based on skill, availability, or customer need. Call centers can quickly reduce wait times and improve customer satisfaction by connecting customers with the most qualified agents.
💡Without any doubt, the ability to integrate with your existing CRM, helpdesk, or other business tools is crucial. Integrations streamline operations and allow agents to access customer data in real time. Doing this can provide more personalized service and resolve issues faster.
💡Valuable insights into call volumes, agent performance, and customer satisfaction are included in real-time analytics. This feature is essential because it helps managers make data-driven decisions, optimize workforce management, and identify areas for improvement.
💡Your software should grow with your business. Scalability ensures that as your call center expands, the software can handle increased call volumes and additional agents without compromising performance or requiring costly upgrades.
💡Ensuring the software meets industry standards for data protection and compliance (such as GDPR or HIPAA) is essential. Security features protect sensitive customer information, maintaining trust and safeguarding your company from legal risks.
To sum it up, selecting the right inbound call center solution can dramatically improve your customer support operations, enhance agent productivity, and increase overall customer satisfaction. Each reviewed solution offers unique features catering to different business sizes and needs, from basic to advanced.
Software like LiveAgent stands out for its feature-rich, easy-to-use platform that includes call recording, intelligent routing, and omnichannel support. Take the next step: discover how LiveAgent can streamline your call center operations. Try our call center for free for 30 days!
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Hello, I’m Andrej. We’re thrilled to invite you to an exclusive software demo where we’ll showcase our product and how it can transform your customer care. Learn how to achieve your business goals with LiveAgent or feel free to explore the best help desk software by yourself with no fee or credit card requirement.
Andrej Saxon | LiveAgent support team