RingCentral vs Nextiva: Which Is Best for Your Business?
Two enterprise-focused UCaaS platforms competing for mid-market and enterprise customers. RingCentral offers more integrations and global reach, while Nextiva focuses on customer experience and built-in CRM. Here is what actually matters.
Quick Comparison
Pricing and key strengths at a glance
RingCentral
Enterprise-grade unified communications
Strengths
- Comprehensive feature set for large teams
- Extensive third-party integrations (300+)
- Video conferencing included (RingCentral Video)
- Strong uptime and reliability (99.999% SLA)
Weaknesses
- Complex pricing with many add-ons
- Can be overwhelming for small teams
- Customer support quality varies
Nextiva
Business communications made simple
Strengths
- Award-winning customer support
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Built-in CRM and customer management tools
- Reliable call quality
Weaknesses
- Fewer integrations than RingCentral
- Video conferencing less robust
- Some features locked to higher tiers
Features Side by Side
See how RingCentral and Nextiva compare on the features that matter
RingCentralNextivaRingCentralNextivaIn-Depth Analysis
We break down the key categories to help you make an informed decision
Pricing and Total Cost
What you actually pay over time
RingCentral's pricing is notoriously complex. The advertised $20/user/month often requires annual contracts and minimum user counts. Add-ons for features like advanced analytics, additional storage, and premium integrations add up. Budget for 20-30% over the listed price.
Nextiva is more straightforward with pricing, though you still need annual billing for the best rates. The Essential plan includes more baseline features. For 10-50 users, Nextiva typically comes out 10-15% cheaper than comparable RingCentral plans.
Features and Capabilities
What you can actually do with each platform
RingCentral is the feature king. Video conferencing, team messaging, advanced IVR, and 300+ integrations. If you need a specific integration or feature, RingCentral probably has it. The downside is complexity - finding and configuring features can require training.
Nextiva takes a different approach with built-in CRM functionality (Nextiva CRM). Call pop, customer history, and basic CRM features are included without third-party tools. For teams that want an all-in-one solution, this simplifies their stack.
Ease of Use and Administration
Day-to-day experience for users and admins
RingCentral's admin portal is powerful but overwhelming. The sheer number of options means a steeper learning curve. The desktop and mobile apps are functional but sometimes laggy. Expect to spend time on initial configuration.
Nextiva prioritizes simplicity. The admin interface is cleaner and more intuitive. Setup typically takes less time, and non-technical admins can manage most settings. The user experience is more polished overall.
Customer Support
Getting help when things go wrong
RingCentral's support is inconsistent. Some users report excellent experiences, others face long wait times and unhelpful agents. 24/7 support requires higher-tier plans. The knowledge base is comprehensive but not always current.
Nextiva consistently ranks highest in customer support among UCaaS providers. US-based support, shorter wait times, and knowledgeable agents. The Amazing Service promise isn't just marketing - it's reflected in reviews and ratings.
Need something simpler (and cheaper)?
RingCentral and Nextiva are built for enterprises with IT teams. Phone2 is built for small businesses that want powerful features without the complexity.
- $15/month includes 4 users (vs $80+/mo for either enterprise option)
- Set up in 5 minutes, no IT department required
- Shared numbers, unified inbox, AI transcription included
- No annual contracts or complex pricing tiers
- Human support that actually helps
The Bottom Line
Quick guidance on which option fits your needs
Choose RingCentral if...
- You need 300+ integrations for complex workflows
- Global presence with international numbers is essential
- Video conferencing is a primary use case
Choose Nextiva if...
- Customer support quality is a top priority
- You want built-in CRM without third-party tools
- Your team values simplicity over feature depth
Consider Phone2 if...
- You have fewer than 20 users and need core phone features
- Enterprise complexity seems like overkill for your needs
- You want modern features without the enterprise price tag
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RingCentral vs Nextiva
RingCentral has more robust call center features (Contact Center product). Nextiva offers solid call center capabilities but with fewer advanced options. For serious call center needs, also evaluate dedicated solutions like Five9 or Talkdesk.
Ready to switch from RingCentral or Nextiva?
Port your existing number to Phone2 for free. Keep your number, lose the limitations.