The short answer
Nexgen Australia is the best VoIP provider in Australia for many small and mid-sized businesses that want local support, a managed setup and a business phone system that can grow with them. Telstra, Microsoft Teams Phone, Zoom Phone and RingCentral are also strong options, but they suit different businesses.
On this page
The right provider is not simply the one with the lowest monthly price. Your decision should account for Australian number porting, support access, setup responsibility, mobile and desktop apps, call management features, integrations and what happens when something goes wrong.
This comparison focuses on providers and vendors. For a separate guide to choosing the right phone system for your business, see our small business phone system guide.
Which VoIP provider is best for Australian businesses?
For most Australian businesses that want a managed service rather than a do-it-yourself platform, Nexgen is the strongest overall choice. It combines cloud calling, Australian-based support and assistance with setup, number porting and ongoing administration.
Nexgen is particularly suitable when your business has fewer than 100 users, relies on phone calls to win or support customers, or does not have a dedicated telecommunications specialist in-house.
The provider comparison below shows where each option is most likely to fit.
| Provider | Best suited to | Main strength | Watch before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nexgen Australia | Australian small and mid-sized businesses | Local support, managed setup and business-focused advice | Confirm the included features, devices, call inclusions and support arrangements in your quote |
| Telstra Cloud Calling | Businesses already buying connectivity and services from Telstra | Large national telco relationship and bundled services | Confirm who handles day-to-day support and whether the plan includes all required collaboration features |
| Microsoft Teams Phone | Businesses already committed to Microsoft 365 | Calling inside the Teams environment | PSTN connectivity, licensing and configuration may involve separate products or partners |
| Zoom Phone | Teams already using Zoom Meetings and Zoom Workplace | Calling, meetings and collaboration in one platform | Check Australian number availability, calling plans, support and local requirements |
| RingCentral | Larger or distributed organisations | Broad cloud communications and administration features | Review plan tiers, integrations, support model and total cost as users and features increase |
| 3CX | Businesses wanting flexibility and more control over configuration | Wide choice of hosting, devices and telephony partners | It can require more technical administration than a fully managed provider |
This is a fit-based comparison, not a claim that one platform is best for every business. Published product pages show that Teams Phone includes cloud calling, call queues, auto attendants and PSTN connection options, while Zoom Phone combines calling with meetings, chat, administration and integrations.
Why is Nexgen a strong alternative to Telstra and large VoIP providers?
Nexgen’s main difference is the service around the phone platform. Businesses can speak with an Australian-based team for setup, onboarding, training and support rather than managing the system alone.
That matters when a main number needs to be ported, a new employee needs to be added, a handset stops working or calls need to be redirected quickly. Review feedback supplied for this comparison repeatedly highlights responsive local assistance, named support contacts and better reliability after moving from a previous provider. That feedback is social proof of the support theme, not a guarantee of an identical experience for every customer.
Nexgen also works with recognised phone and collaboration brands, including Cisco and Webex. Its cloud VoIP service is designed for businesses that want the platform, devices and support handled as one project.
Large providers can still be the right answer. Telstra may suit a business that wants one major telecommunications supplier. RingCentral may suit a larger organisation with complex reporting and integrations. Microsoft Teams Phone can be logical where Microsoft 365 is already central to daily work.
The difference is usually not whether the platform can make calls. Most established services can. The difference is who takes responsibility for making the service work properly in your business.
Does Telstra offer VoIP for business?
Yes. Telstra offers business cloud calling services that use internet-based voice and can connect with collaboration tools such as Webex and Microsoft Teams.
Telstra’s current business information describes Cloud Calling for Business and Webex options, including plans that can add Webex features and connect business calling with Microsoft Teams.
Telstra is worth considering if your business already uses Telstra internet, mobile or other business services. You may benefit from having fewer suppliers and a familiar account relationship.
Before signing, ask who will configure the system, who handles handset and application issues, whether number porting is included, and how quickly faults are escalated. A large telco can provide a solid service, but the account structure may not feel as personal as a specialist provider.
What should you compare when choosing the most reliable VoIP provider?
The most reliable VoIP provider is the one that manages the whole calling environment, not just the software licence. That includes connectivity, number porting, device setup, call routing, user changes, support and outage planning.
Use the following checklist when comparing quotes:
| Comparison point | What to ask the provider |
|---|---|
| Australian numbers | Can you port every existing number, including 13, 1300, 1800 and geographic numbers? |
| Porting process | Who manages the paperwork, timing and testing before the old service is cancelled? |
| Support | Is support Australian-based? Can you speak to a person who understands your account? |
| Setup | Does the provider configure handsets, apps, call flows, voicemail and business-hours rules? |
| Connectivity | What internet connection is recommended, and is backup connectivity available? |
| Mobile use | Can staff make and receive business calls from a mobile without exposing a personal number? |
| Administration | Can you add users, change call routing and update greetings without a long service request? |
| Resilience | What happens to calls if the office internet or a handset is unavailable? |
| Pricing | What is included per user, device, number, call type, support tier and contract term? |
| Exit terms | Can you take your numbers and data with you if you change provider? |
Australian number portability is protected by industry rules. The ACMA says 99% of ports must be completed within two business days, although the actual timing can depend on correct account information, the number type and whether the losing provider raises an issue.
Reliability also depends on your local internet connection, internal network, power and device configuration. A provider should explain the risks clearly rather than promising that an internet-based service can never experience an outage.
Is the best cloud phone system different from the best VoIP provider?
Yes. The best cloud phone system is the platform that fits your team’s working habits, while the best VoIP provider is the company that delivers, supports and manages it.
A business may choose Cisco Webex, Microsoft Teams Phone, Zoom Phone or another platform. It can still need a local provider to supply numbers, configure calling, connect devices, manage users and provide support.
That is why comparing only software brands can lead to the wrong decision. A familiar application may look attractive, but it may not include Australian calling, number porting or the level of assistance your team needs.
Nexgen can help businesses compare the platform and the service around it. Its business phone systems cover cloud calling, devices and related communications services, giving you one place to start the comparison.
Which provider offers the best cloud calling software?
The best cloud calling software depends on the tools your team already uses.
| If your business mainly uses… | Consider first | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 and Teams | Microsoft Teams Phone or a managed Teams partner | Calling can sit inside the Teams environment, with queues, auto attendants and Microsoft administration |
| Zoom Meetings | Zoom Phone | Phone, meetings and chat can operate within the same broader platform |
| Cisco devices or Webex | Webex Calling through a suitable partner | Strong fit for organisations already using Cisco collaboration and devices |
| Traditional desk phones with local assistance | Nexgen-managed cloud phone service | You can combine desk phones, apps, number services and local support |
| A larger multi-site operation | RingCentral, Teams, Webex or another enterprise platform | Broader administration, integrations and reporting may be important |
| A technically confident business | 3CX with a capable Australian partner | More control may be useful if your team can manage configuration |
Microsoft describes Teams Phone as a cloud-based replacement for traditional PBX functions, with separate options for connecting calls to the public telephone network. Cisco describes Webex Calling as a cloud-native calling service, while Zoom positions Zoom Phone as a centrally managed cloud phone system.
These products are capable. The question is whether your business wants to manage the implementation itself or have a provider guide the process.
How much does a business VoIP provider cost in Australia?
There is no useful single price for business VoIP because the total depends on users, phone devices, numbers, call volumes, features, connectivity, setup and support.
A low per-user price may not include handsets, number porting, premium support, call recording, contact centre features or the Microsoft, Zoom or Webex licence your staff already need. Compare the complete monthly and one-off cost instead.
Ask every provider for a quote that separates:
You can also read our related guide on how much a business phone system costs.
Nexgen’s published cloud calling information shows that plans can be structured around mobility apps, softphones and desk phones. Treat published starting prices as a guide only. Your final quote should reflect the number of users, locations, devices and call features your business actually needs.
Can I keep my existing business phone number when changing VoIP provider?
In most cases, yes, provided the number is eligible for porting and the account details are correct. Do not cancel your existing service until the new provider confirms the port has completed and the number has been tested.
The ACMA explains that Australian businesses can keep local numbers when moving services. Your provider should coordinate the port, confirm the required information and plan the cutover.
Ask whether the provider will test inbound calls, outbound caller ID, voicemail, call queues and after-hours routing. Number porting is only one part of the changeover. The customer experience also depends on how the new call flows are configured.
Which VoIP provider is best for a small business in Australia?
For a small business, the best provider is usually the one that gives you a complete service without making you become the phone-system administrator. You should be able to add staff, change call routing and get help when something affects customer calls.
Nexgen is a strong choice where local support and a managed transition matter. It is also suitable for businesses that want to keep existing numbers and use a mix of desk phones, mobiles and desktop applications.
Businesses already deeply committed to Microsoft 365 or Zoom should compare those platforms with a managed Australian provider before deciding. The platform may be familiar, but the best commercial result comes from checking the Australian calling, support and implementation details.
For more provider and system guidance, see our phone systems for small business page and our related guide to the best small business phone system.
Who is the VoIP service provider in Australia?
There is no single VoIP service provider for Australia. Businesses can choose from major telcos, global cloud platforms, specialist Australian providers and technology partners that manage services on behalf of customers.
Telstra is one major Australian telecommunications provider. Nexgen is a business communications provider that supplies and manages cloud phone services. Microsoft, Zoom, Cisco, RingCentral and 3CX provide platforms that may be sold directly or delivered through partners.
The best choice depends on your business size, existing software, number requirements, support expectations and how much technical work you want to handle internally.
How do I choose between Nexgen and the big VoIP providers?
Choose Nexgen when you want a local business contact to help with the full project, from provider selection through to setup and support. Choose a major platform directly when your business has the internal resources and existing software environment to manage the service confidently.
Before you choose, ask each provider to explain the same scenario: port your main number, add five users, configure an after-hours message, connect two desk phones, enable mobile calling and resolve a call-quality issue. The provider’s answer will reveal more than a feature list.
For a practical comparison, compare Nexgen with the major VoIP providers and request a quote. Nexgen can review your current phone setup and recommend an option based on your users, locations and calling needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nexgen the best VoIP provider in Australia?
Nexgen is a strong fit for Australian businesses that want managed cloud calling, local support and help with setup. Businesses with complex enterprise requirements or a strong preference for Microsoft, Zoom or Cisco may also need to compare those platforms.
Does Telstra offer VoIP?
Yes. Telstra offers business cloud calling and collaboration services that use internet-based voice. Check the exact plan, number services, support model and included features before comparing it with a specialist provider.
What is the most reliable VoIP provider?
Reliability depends on the provider, platform, internet connection, network configuration and support process. Choose a provider that explains outage handling, number porting, backup options and fault escalation clearly.
Can I move my business number to a new VoIP provider?
Usually, yes. Ask the new provider to manage the port and do not cancel the old service until the transfer has completed and your calls have been tested.
Talk to Nexgen about your phone system
Get a like-for-like comparison against a managed cloud phone service.