Grasshopper vs Dialpad: Which Is Best for Your Business?
Two very different answers to "business phone." Grasshopper is a simple flat-rate forwarding service for solos, while Dialpad is an AI-first VoIP platform for teams. We compare what you get, what you pay, and which one fits how you actually work.
Quick Comparison
Pricing and key strengths at a glance
Grasshopper
Virtual phone system for entrepreneurs
Strengths
- Flat pricing, not per-user
- Dead-simple setup that forwards to your cell
- 24/7 phone support on all plans
- Toll-free and vanity numbers included
Weaknesses
- Built on call forwarding, not true VoIP
- Limited team collaboration
- Numbers capped per plan; team plan is $80/mo
Dialpad
AI-powered business communications
Strengths
- True VoIP with desktop and mobile apps
- Best-in-class real-time AI transcription and coaching
- Shared numbers and team messaging
- Deep CRM and Microsoft integrations
Weaknesses
- Per-user pricing that scales with the team
- Pro plan has a 3-seat minimum
- More complex to set up than Grasshopper
Features Side by Side
See how Grasshopper and Dialpad compare on the features that matter
GrasshopperDialpadGrasshopperDialpadIn-Depth Analysis
We break down the key categories to help you make an informed decision
Forwarding vs True VoIP
The core technical difference
Grasshopper forwards calls to your existing phone. It is simple and works anywhere you have cell service, and in 2026 it added AI transcripts on higher plans. But it is still a forwarding layer over your cell, not a full phone system.
Dialpad is true VoIP with its own apps. You make and receive calls in the app, and its AI runs on the call in real time. It is a platform, not a forwarding service, with the power and setup that implies.
Flat vs Per-User
How the bills add up
Grasshopper's flat pricing is friendly for a solo ($14/mo) but the multi-number Small Business plan jumps to $80/mo, and numbers are capped per plan.
Dialpad's $15/user scales linearly, so a team of four Standard seats is about $60/mo, but the fuller Pro plan carries a 3-seat minimum. There is no flat single-price option.
AI and Team Features
Where the gap is widest
Grasshopper's team and AI features are minimal. It added transcripts in 2026, but there is no real-time AI, no CRM, and only limited sharing.
Dialpad is AI-first with real-time transcription, coaching, sentiment, shared numbers, team messaging, and CRM integrations.
Modern VoIP without the enterprise setup
Phone2 gives you true VoIP, shared numbers, and AI transcription like Dialpad, with the simplicity and low price closer to Grasshopper, and no seat minimums.
- $7/user/month on annual billing, true VoIP (not forwarding)
- Shared numbers and a team inbox for the whole team
- AI call transcription and summaries on Pro ($15/user)
- Call recording, phone menus (IVR), and analytics
- No 3-seat minimum and free number porting
The Bottom Line
Quick guidance on which option fits your needs
Choose Grasshopper if...
- You are a solo who wants a flat-rate business number
- Simple call forwarding to your cell is all you need
- 24/7 phone support on the entry plan matters
Choose Dialpad if...
- You want real-time AI transcription and coaching
- You need true VoIP with CRM integrations
- You have 3+ seats and want a full platform
Consider Phone2 if...
- You want true VoIP and AI without a seat minimum
- A shared team number matters more than forwarding
- You want a lower entry price than either at $7/user
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Grasshopper vs Dialpad
Dialpad, in most cases. It is true VoIP with shared numbers, team messaging, and AI, while Grasshopper is a call-forwarding service whose team plan costs $80/mo. Grasshopper is better only for a true solo who wants flat-rate simplicity.
Ready to switch from Grasshopper or Dialpad?
Port your existing number to Phone2. Keep your number, lose the limitations.