Grasshopper, a popular choice for small businesses seeking an affordable phone system, might initially seem like a great option. However, a deeper dive reveals that it's one of the oldest and most complex systems on the market, and its pricing can be more costly than initially advertised.

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This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Grasshopper's pricing plans, features, and hidden fees, enabling you to make an informed decision about whether it's the best choice for your business. We'll also discuss some of its limitations and suggest alternative options that might better suit your needs.

A Deep Dive into Grasshopper's Pricing and Features

Grasshopper offers a unique pricing structure in the VoIP market, charging per phone number rather than per user. This can be advantageous for businesses that require multiple phone numbers but have a smaller number of employees. However, it's crucial to carefully examine the specific features and limitations of each plan to determine if it aligns with your business needs.

Understanding Grasshopper's Pricing Tiers

Grasshopper offers three primary plans:

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True Solo Plan

The True Solo plan is designed for individual entrepreneurs or small businesses with a single phone number requirement. For a monthly fee of $14 billed annually ($18 if billed monthly), you'll receive:

• One user
• One Grasshopper phone number
• One extension

This plan includes the following essential features:

• Mobile and desktop apps
• VoIP and WiFi calling
• Voicemail transcription
• Custom greetings
• Instant response
• Virtual fax
• VoIP texting (a one-time fee of $19 plus $1.50 per month)

Please note: The $1.50 monthly fee for VoIP texting is a standard charge for all virtual number providers and is used to support The Campaign Registry and other third-party entities.

Limitations of the True Solo Plan:

• Single user: You can only have one user on this plan.
• No additional extensions: You cannot purchase additional extensions for this plan, which can be limiting if you need to forward calls to different numbers.
• Limited features: The True Solo plan does not include features like call transfers, simultaneous call handling, call recording, or shared phone numbers.
• Extra costs for texting: If you want to set up text messaging, you'll need to pay additional fees. Moreover, MMS messaging is only available for local numbers.

To access these additional features, you'll need to upgrade to the Solo Plus plan.

Solo Plus Plan

The Solo Plus plan is designed for businesses that need a single phone number but require more features and flexibility than the True Solo plan. For a monthly fee of $25 billed annually ($32 if billed monthly), you'll receive:

• Everything included in the True Solo plan
• Unlimited users
• Three extensions

Additional features:

• Call transfers
• Simultaneous call handling (you can set up call forwarding across up to 15 numbers)

Limitations of the Solo Plus Plan:

• Limited extensions: You only get three extensions with this plan. If you have more than three team members and want each of them to receive forwarded calls, you'll need to purchase additional extensions at a rate of $5 per month per extension.
• No additional features: The Solo Plus plan offers the maximum number of features available from Grasshopper. There are no additional features available, even at the highest tier.

Small Business Plan

The Small Business plan is designed for businesses that need multiple phone numbers and a larger team. For a monthly fee of $55 billed annually ($70 if billed monthly), you'll receive:

• Everything included in the True Solo and Solo Plus plans
• Unlimited extensions
• Four business numbers

Key Features:

• Multiple phone numbers: Ideal for businesses with multiple departments, locations, or brands.
• Unlimited extensions: Perfect for larger teams that need individual phone numbers for each employee.
• All features from lower-tier plans: Includes all the features available in the True Solo and Solo Plus plans.

Additional Costs:

Please note that while the Small Business plan offers a comprehensive set of features, some advanced options may require additional fees. These add-ons are discussed in more detail in the following section.

Overall Key Features and Limitations:

While Grasshopper offers a range of features, it's important to note that not all features are included in the base plans. Additional features often require extra fees. Some key considerations include:

• Extensions: Each plan comes with a specific number of extensions. If you need more extensions for your team members, you'll need to purchase them at an additional cost.
• Text Messaging: Grasshopper offers text messaging, but there are additional fees associated with this feature. Moreover, MMS messaging is limited to local numbers.
• Call Recording: This is a valuable feature for many businesses, but it's not included in any of the standard plans. You'll need to purchase this feature separately.
• Call Routing and Forwarding: While Grasshopper offers basic call routing and forwarding features, advanced options like call queues or auto-attendants may require additional fees or custom configurations.

Comparing Grasshopper to Other VoIP Providers

When considering Grasshopper, it's essential to compare its pricing and features to other VoIP providers. Some factors to consider include:

• Per-User Pricing: Many VoIP providers charge based on the number of users. If you have a large number of users but only a few phone numbers, this pricing model might be more cost-effective.
• Feature Set: Compare the features offered by different providers to ensure they meet your business needs.
• Pricing Flexibility: Look for providers that offer customizable plans and flexible pricing options.
• Customer Support: Evaluate the quality of customer support provided by different providers.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing the right VoIP solution for your business requires careful consideration. By understanding Grasshopper's pricing structure, features, and limitations, you can make an informed decision about whether it's the best fit for your needs. If you require multiple phone numbers but have a smaller team, Grasshopper's per-phone-number pricing model might be advantageous. However, if you need a broader range of features or have a larger team, other VoIP providers might offer more suitable options.

Ultimately, the best VoIP solution for your business will depend on your specific requirements, budget, and preferences.

Grasshopper Pricing: Hidden Fees and Costs

Grasshopper offers a seemingly straightforward pricing structure, but there are several hidden fees and costs that businesses should be aware of. These additional charges can significantly impact the overall cost of using Grasshopper.

Call Blasting

• Cost: $10 per month
• Purpose: Reduces customer wait times by simultaneously ringing up to 15 forwarded numbers. This can be helpful for businesses that receive a high volume of calls and want to ensure that customers are answered promptly.
• Limitation: While call blasting can be beneficial, it's important to note that it's not the same as a shared number. It doesn't provide shared visibility into phone communication, which can be essential for collaboration or managerial oversight.

Additional Extensions

• Availability: Only available after upgrading to the Solo Plus plan.
• Cost: $3 per extension per month (annual billing) or $5 per extension per month (monthly billing).
• Implications: If you have a growing team and need additional phone numbers for each employee, purchasing additional extensions can significantly increase your monthly costs.

International Calling

• Deposit: A $500 deposit is required before you can make international calls.
• Calling Credits: You need to purchase calling credits for specific countries. The cost per minute varies depending on the destination.
• Cost: Up to 95¢ per minute for certain countries.
• Limitation: You cannot make international calls until your account is at least 60 days old. This can be frustrating for businesses that need to communicate with international customers immediately.

In addition to these hidden fees, it's also important to consider:

• Taxes and fees: Grasshopper may charge additional taxes or fees based on your location.
• Custom features: If you require custom features or integrations, you may incur additional costs.
• Early termination fees: If you cancel your Grasshopper plan before the end of your contract term, you may be subject to early termination fees.

By understanding these hidden fees and costs, businesses can make more informed decisions about whether Grasshopper is the right VoIP solution for their needs. It's essential to carefully evaluate the potential additional expenses and compare them to the benefits offered by Grasshopper before making a commitment.

Grasshopper Pricing - 7 Things You Need To Know

While Grasshopper offers a convenient VoIP solution, it's important to be aware of its limitations before making a decision. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key factors to consider:

1. Limited Features

• Basic functionality: Grasshopper provides a foundation of features suitable for small businesses, but it may lack advanced options as your company grows.
• Lack of automations: The absence of automations can hinder scalability, as you'll need to manually handle tasks like sending templated text messages.
• Migration challenges: Waiting to migrate to a more robust phone system can be costly and time-consuming, especially if your team is already overwhelmed. For instance, if you've become heavily reliant on Grasshopper's basic features and workflows, transitioning to a new platform may involve significant training and adjustment for your team.

2. Outdated User Interface

• Complex and outdated: Grasshopper's interface hasn't been updated significantly in years, leading to a complex and difficult-to-use experience.
• Steep learning curve: New users may find it challenging to navigate the platform, requiring weeks or months to master.
• Technical issues: Glitchy features and poor call quality can negatively impact customer experience. For example, frequent software crashes or dropped calls can lead to customer dissatisfaction and hinder productivity.

3. Limited Integrations

• Few integrations: Grasshopper integrates with limited third-party apps, restricting its functionality and efficiency. For instance, if you use a popular CRM like HubSpot or Salesforce, you may find that Grasshopper's integration options are limited, requiring manual data entry or workarounds.
• Communication bottlenecks: Lack of integrations can hinder communication and productivity, as tasks like logging call data or pushing voicemails to Slack may require manual effort. This can lead to delays in response times and reduced efficiency.

4. No Call Recording

• Limited insights: Call recording is not available, preventing businesses from monitoring calls and improving customer service. Without call recording, it's difficult to identify areas for improvement, coach team members, or address quality assurance issues.
• Missed opportunities: Without call recording, businesses cannot provide coaching, ensure quality assurance, or protect themselves against legal disputes. For example, if you need to provide evidence for a legal case, call recordings can be crucial.

5. Texting Limitations

• Single-user texting: Incoming texts are assigned to a single team member, creating potential bottlenecks. This can lead to delays in response times and customer dissatisfaction.
• Limited international texting: Grasshopper doesn't support international texting for all numbers, which can be inconvenient for businesses with global customers. This limitation can hinder communication with international clients and prospects.
• MMS limitations: MMS messaging is not available for toll-free numbers to Canadian customers, hindering communication options. This can be particularly problematic if your business relies on visual content to communicate with customers.
• Group texting restrictions: Group texting is limited to local numbers, hindering communication with multiple customers. This can make it difficult to send mass announcements or promotions to your customer base.

6. Lack of Collaboration Tools

• No shared inboxes: Grasshopper doesn't provide shared inboxes, making it difficult for teams to collaborate on customer interactions. This can lead to confusion, missed information, and inefficient workflows.
• Manual task delegation: Assigning tasks to team members requires manual processes outside of Grasshopper, reducing efficiency. This can be time-consuming and prone to errors.

7. Texting Challenges

• International texting limitations: Businesses cannot text international customers using Grasshopper. This can be a significant limitation for businesses with a global customer base.
• MMS limitations: MMS messaging is not available for toll-free numbers to Canadian customers. This can hinder communication with customers in Canada who rely on visual content.
• Group texting restrictions: Group texting is limited to local numbers, hindering communication with multiple customers. This can make it difficult to send mass announcements or promotions to your customer base.

By carefully considering these limitations, businesses can make an informed decision about whether Grasshopper is the right VoIP solution for their needs. If your business requires advanced features, robust integrations, or international capabilities, you may need to explore other options.

Why Businesses Switch from Grasshopper to LimePhone

As businesses grow, they often outgrow the limitations of their initial VoIP solutions. Grasshopper, while a popular choice for small businesses, may not provide the scalability, features, or flexibility needed for larger organizations. This is why many businesses are turning to LimePhone as a more comprehensive and modern alternative.

Transparent Pricing

• No hidden fees: LimePhone offers a transparent pricing structure with no hidden fees or surprises. This allows businesses to accurately budget for their phone system and avoid unexpected costs.
• Scalability: LimePhone's pricing plans are designed to scale with your business. You can easily upgrade or downgrade your plan as your team grows or shrinks, ensuring you only pay for what you need. This flexibility is particularly valuable for businesses experiencing rapid growth or fluctuations in call volume.

Enhanced Collaboration

• Shared numbers: Unlike Grasshopper's call forwarding approach, LimePhone's shared numbers enable multiple team members to collaborate effectively on customer interactions. This eliminates the need for complex call forwarding rules and ensures that all team members have access to the same customer information.
• Unified inbox: LimePhone provides a unified inbox where all customer communications, including calls, texts, voicemails, and call history, are centralized. This streamlines workflows, improves communication, and reduces the risk of missed information.

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• Team collaboration: Shared numbers and a unified inbox facilitate seamless collaboration among team members. This enables teams to work together to resolve customer issues, provide consistent support, and share knowledge.

Improved Efficiency

• Streamlined workflows: LimePhone's features, such as AI-generated call transcriptions and call summaries, help reduce the workload for your team. These tools provide valuable insights, save time, and improve efficiency.

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• Automation: LimePhone's automation features allow you to schedule SMS messages, create message templates, and set up call forwarding rules. This frees up your team's time and ensures that customers are always contacted at the right time.

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• Conditional call forwarding: LimePhone's advanced call forwarding options allow you to set up rules based on business hours, availability, and other criteria. This ensures that calls are routed to the appropriate person, reducing missed calls and improving customer satisfaction.

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Additional Benefits

• Integration with popular tools: LimePhone seamlessly integrates with popular business tools like HubSpot, Slack, Zapier, and more. This enhances your workflow, eliminates manual data entry, and provides a more unified experience.

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• Strong customer support: LimePhone is known for its excellent customer support, providing assistance and guidance whenever needed. This ensures that you have the support you need to get the most out of your phone system.

By switching from Grasshopper to LimePhone, businesses can enjoy a more scalable, efficient, and collaborative phone system that meets the needs of a growing organization. LimePhone's transparent pricing, enhanced collaboration features, and focus on efficiency make it a compelling choice for businesses seeking a modern VoIP solution.

LimePhone: The Top Alternative to Grasshopper

For solopreneurs and small businesses starting out, Grasshopper can be a suitable VoIP solution. However, as your business grows, you may find its limitations hindering your operations. LimePhone offers a more scalable, feature-rich alternative that can better meet the needs of growing teams.

Compared to Grasshopper, LimePhone provides greater transparency, enhanced features, and improved functionality. Enjoy the benefits of unlimited minutes in the US and Canada, shared phone numbers for seamless collaboration, and advanced integrations that streamline your workflow.

Don't just take our word for it. Experience the difference firsthand by signing up for a free 14-day trial of LimePhone.

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Grasshopper FAQs

How much does Grasshopper really cost? 

Grasshopper starts at $14 per month for the basic plan, which includes one user, one phone number, and one extension. To unlock unlimited members and three extensions, you'll need to upgrade to the Solo Plus plan for $25 per user per month. For unlimited extensions, the Small Business plan costs $55 per user per month. Additionally, each extra phone number costs $9 per month. (LimePhone charges from only $2 per number.)

How much does Grasshopper texting cost? 

Texting with Grasshopper costs $1.50 per number per month (for up to 6,000 texts per day). There are also one-time fees of $4 for The Campaign Registry and $15 for carrier review, which are standard across most virtual number providers. These fees are used to maintain your registration and comply with regulations set by large US cell carriers.

How long is Grasshopper’s trial? 

You can try Grasshopper for free for 7 days. However, the trial ends early if you exceed the calling and texting limits, which include 50 minutes of call time and 100 text messages.

Does Grasshopper use VoIP? 

While Grasshopper allows you to enable WiFi calling, it's not strictly a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. You'll still need a traditional service provider to forward incoming calls and texts to your personal phone number.

Can I record a phone call with Grasshopper? 

No, Grasshopper doesn't allow call recording. However, you can consider alternatives like LimePhone, which offers both manual and automatic call recording features.

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