Nextiva vs. 8×8

Nextiva vs. 8×8 Compared 

Who Do We Recommend Nextiva For?

Nextiva’s unified communications platform keeps U.S.-based teams and clients connected via voice, video and chat services. The company maintains a 99.999 percent uptime with seven SSAE 16-certified data centers across the U.S. and Canada. As noted in our comprehensive Nextiva review, Nextiva is Payment Card Industry (PCI)- and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant, making it an excellent recommendation for multisite retailers and healthcare practices.

The vendor provides three service plans and flexible pricing options, including month-to-month billing and 12-, 24- or 36-month contracts. Companies can prepay for 36 months for the lowest price. The base plan includes faxing and video conferencing but lacks text messaging and customer relationship management (CRM) integrations. Higher tiers have a multilevel auto attendant, more toll-free minutes and voicemail-to-short message service (SMS) notifications.

We like Nextiva’s user-friendly mobile and web applications and administrative portal. Small business owners will find the setup process fairly simple yet Nextiva offers plenty of call management tools for multisite or complex routing requirements.

Admins can set up new users quickly with Nextiva’s step-by-step wizard. Source: Nextiva 

We were especially impressed with the following aspects of Nextiva’s business phone system:

• Businesses can mix and match subscriptions. 
• Users can see and search all customer interactions, including from third-party platforms, via NextivaONE Threaded Conversations.
• All subscriptions include a complimentary toll-free number and 1,500 to 12,500 toll-free minutes.
• Customizable call pops display customer details before employees pick up the phone and complete insights after the call is answered.

Who Do We Recommend 8×8 For? 

8×8 offers an all-in-one platform that can support business communications internationally. The platform offers support for optimal call quality, local caller ID, access to emergency numbers and local dialing without the need for additional dial prefixes in 55 countries. Virtual phone numbers are also available in more than 100 countries. The phone service routes calls automatically through the nearest data center to ensure call quality. The vendor has more than 35 private and public data centers in its global network. Moreover, 8×8’s five service plans (two unified communications subscriptions and three contact center plans) include unlimited calling to international locations. With all this in mind, we recommend 8×8 for businesses with a global workforce or customer base.

Although 8×8 does not provide pricing online, you can chat with the sales team or request a call to receive a quote. In our full review of 8×8, we found the company offers fairly priced entry-tier plans (known as X2 and X4). Both include unlimited nationwide calling, a multilevel auto attendant and video conferencing with up to 500 participants. X2 allows unlimited calling to 14 countries, increasing to 48 in the X4 package. The upper-tier plans (X6, X7 and X8) are higher-priced contact center offerings with skills-based routing, post-call surveys and advanced reporting.

We appreciate the scalability of the 8×8 platform. The feature-packed base plan includes integrations with CRM programs and call queues, two options not always available with entry-tier subscriptions. 

The 8×8 Work app for the web turns any computer into a fully functional communications device. Source: 8×8

We most appreciated the following features that make 8×8 unique:

• Companies can livestream to YouTube while video conferencing from the 8×8 platform.
• 8×8 offers deployment teams in every region to assist with implementation, local support and, if needed, on-site training. 
• The company provides 10 global multilingual customer service teams for 24/7 “follow the sun” assistance.
• Businesses can mix and match subscriptions.

Nextiva vs. 8×8 Comparison 

Pricing and Plans

Nextiva Pricing and Plans

• Nextiva offers flexible subscription options, including pay-as-you-go or a 12-, 24- or 36-month contract.
• Businesses can get the lowest price by prepaying for 36 months.
• The following prices reflect Nextiva’s monthly rates for five to 19 users.

Nextiva tailors its plans to small businesses with generous toll-free minute allotments and a complimentary 800 number with every account. In comparison, 8×8 doesn’t include toll-free numbers or minutes with any of its packages. We like how business owners can mix and match Nextiva subscriptions for cost savings and the vendor’s transparent, upfront pricing makes it easy to compare plans and contract options. 

With the 36-month prepayment option, a business with five to 19 users will pay $21.95 per user monthly for the Essential package, $25.95 for Professional and $35.95 for Enterprise. These rates align with 8×8’s unified communications options.

8×8 Pricing and Plans

• 8×8 does not disclose rates online but per-user prices are negotiable, with the X2 plan ranging from $20 to $25.
• The vendor offers volume and annual discounts.
• Companies can mix and match plans. 

8×8’s platform is unique because it combines unified communications and contact center plans, meaning a company doesn’t need to switch apps or vendors as its business expands its customer service operations. We were impressed with the X2 subscription as it features far more capabilities than Nextiva’s Essential package. Notably, 8×8 includes SSO and large video meeting capacity on its base plan, whereas Nextiva reserves these features for its Enterprise version. 

8×8’s lack of pricing transparency is disappointing. Still, midsized and larger companies will find the quote-based process worth the wait. An annual commitment can reduce the price of X2 to $20 or slightly less per user and $40 for X4. 8×8 also offers promotions like a free month when businesses sign a one-year contract.   

Call Management Features

Nextiva Call Management Features

• All subscriptions include multisite support, allowing small businesses to route calls to departments at other locations or increase coverage during peak hours.
• Nextiva provides an intuitive call flow builder with a drag-and-drop editor.
• Auto attendants and call groups help companies manage high call volumes.
• Employees can personalize every greeting by reviewing call pops before answering the line.

You can customize call pops to show employees key information before they answer the phone. Source: Nextiva

Nextiva’s call management features are geared toward small companies with one or more locations. The system has a user-friendly admin portal (NextOS) through which administrators can route calls based on business hours for different locations and add on-hold announcements or music. The Essential plan has an automated attendant to greet callers with a simple menu. Professional and Enterprise subscriptions include a multilevel auto attendant, which companies can use for multiple sites or more complex routing needs. Rival 8×8 provides a multilevel auto attendant on its base plan but smaller organizations may find this unnecessary. 

Like 8×8, Nextiva provides call groups (also known as hunt groups), so when a caller presses “1” for sales, all phones in your sales group will ring. However, Nextiva doesn’t offer call queues with its business phone system. This feature only comes with its contact center plans.

Our favorite Nextiva call management tool is the call pop. It displays caller information on the screen before employees answer the phone. You can customize these to include details relevant to your business, industry or clients. After answering the line, a more detailed version appears on the screen so your staffer can fully understand who they’re speaking with.

8×8 Call Management Features

• Advanced call management tools like skills-based routing and an interactive voice response (IVR) system support high-volume call centers.
• Monitor, whisper and barge features allow supervisors to assist employees or take over calls. 
• 8×8 provides a separate desktop application (8×8 Frontdesk) for receptionists or operations employees to route calls or chat sessions.

After placing a caller on hold, receptionists can select a warm or cold transfer to ensure a seamless handover. Source: 8×8

8×8 supports growing companies, making it easy for businesses to add to their communication network in another state or country. The vendor provides robust call management tools, which vary by tier. Unlike Nextiva, all subscriptions include a multilevel auto attendant and call queues. The call queues are like waiting lines, ideal for organizations with high call volumes. 

We appreciate the Frontdesk console, which lets receptionists manage incoming calls. The X4 package also has barge, whisper and monitor features, which Nextiva doesn’t offer. These are invaluable training tools and helpful for customer service. 8×8’s top-tier plans are for contact centers, while Nextiva sells these services separately. For companies looking to add call center capabilities to their business phone system, 8×8 is one of the best contact center software solutions.  

Integrations

Nextiva Integrations

• Nextiva integrates with 19 third-party applications.
• The Essential plan syncs with Microsoft Outlook and Google Contacts.
• Professional users can connect to several CRMs while the Enterprise plan supports additional apps and custom integrations.

Nextiva’s integration options vary by plan. We appreciate the care the vendor takes on its website to describe the integration requirements and how such connections work. On the “Integrations” page of the Nextiva site, simply click on your CRM system (or any other app) to learn what plan the integration is available with, the devices it works on and how the integration functions. 

The Professional subscription includes the ability for 12 integrations: Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Sugar CRM, Act!, NetSuite, ConnectWise, GoldMine, Lotus Notes, Workbooks and Zoho CRM.  

Enterprise users can request custom integrations. In addition, this service level supports Salesforce Lightning UI and Service Cloud, Microsoft Teams, ServiceNow, Oracle Sales Cloud and Bullhorn.

8×8 Integrations

• 8×8 offers 59 integrations.
• The base plan connects to Slack, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
• The contact center versions sync to business intelligence and customer support tools.

8×8 provides far more CRM integrations on its base plan than its competitor. We also appreciate that, like Nextiva, 8×8 displays on its website the prerequisites for connecting each software solution so business owners understand what subscription they need for the integration. 

8×8 offers the following integrations with all X-series packages: Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Microsoft 365 and Outlook, Pipedrive, ServiceNow, Slack, SugarCRM, Vtiger, Zendesk, Zoho CRM, Avoira, Citrix and Prompt Voice. 

Notably, HubSpot, 1CRM, Freshdesk and Copper are only available with the contact center solutions. Nextiva, however, offers HubSpot to its Professional users. 

Winner: 8×8

8×8 is the clear winner for integrations because it provides more options, allowing businesses to streamline more of their business software operations. However, we have to point out that Nextiva connects to Act!, ConnectWise, GoldMine, Lotus Notes and others, with which 8×8 does not integrate. Likewise, 8×8 syncs with Pipedrive, Slack and Vtiger while Nextiva does not. So, it may not matter to you how many integrations are available but which ones. See if Nextiva and 8×8 can connect with your preferred business software before choosing a business phone system.

Video Conferencing

Nextiva Video Conferencing

• Nextiva Essential and Professional users can host 45-minute meetings with 40 participants, whereas the Enterprise plan allows unlimited attendees.
• Video recording comes with all subscriptions.
• Hosts can share screens and files.

Nextiva’s simple video interface keeps employees and clients focused during meetings. Source: Nextiva

Nextiva provides a straightforward video conferencing platform. With a business associate agreement (BAA), a healthcare organization can use Nextiva’s video service when discussing protected health information (PHI), as it’s HIPAA- and SOC-2-compliant. 

Note that Nextiva limits all video meetings to 45 minutes, whereas 8×8 does not meter conferences. In addition, Nextiva’s lower-level plans support 40 participants compared to 8×8’s 500. However, Nextiva Enterprise allows unlimited attendees, while 8×8’s maximum is 500. 

We appreciate the simplicity of Nextiva’s video tools for health practitioners and retailers. However, companies that want to host sales demonstrations or collaborate online will require more features and capabilities than Nextiva offers.

8×8 Video Conferencing

• 8×8 X-series plans allow 500 active video participants and unlimited meeting duration.
• The platform supports 46 languages and offers dial-in access for more than 50 countries, including 11 toll-free numbers.
• Instant polls, breakout rooms and in-meeting chat tools keep small and large groups engaged.

Add a custom background, logo and URL to 8×8 video meetings. Source: 8×8

8×8 features a pleasant video interface that’s easy to navigate yet packed with tools for interactive conferences. All subscription levels include the same features and mobile users can share screens as easily as those joining from a desktop computer. Like Nextiva, video recording comes with all 8×8 plans. 

Businesses can create custom URLs and sales agents can establish private spaces for demonstrations. Each video room can showcase the company’s logo and a custom background. We also loved viewing the platform’s in-depth meeting analytics to understand participation levels better after the conference ended.

Customer Support and Training

Nextiva Customer Support and Training

• All subscriptions include 24/7 email, chat and phone support.
• Nextiva provides a support center with videos, PDF guides and quick-start tutorials.
• Live webinars and Q&A sessions offer real-time training.

We appreciate Nextiva’s well-organized and visually appealing support center. Locating resources based on a specific product, feature or topic is easy. Many help articles include videos to walk users through the steps of a given task. The live webinars and Q&A sessions cover device training, administration, mobile apps, voice analytics and more. 

Users can reach Nextiva’s customer service through the app, phone or online. Most help articles encourage readers to submit a help ticket or email the vendor for additional assistance. 

8×8 Customer Support and Training

• 8×8 X-Series plans include 24/7 global support through online chat, phone and web ticket. 
• Self-service options range from Otto, an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot, to multilanguage tutorials, guides and manuals. 
• 8×8 offers free and paid classes, instructor-led courses and in-person training.

8×8 has an extensive resource database, including in-depth guides with screenshots walking users through each step. The chatbot helps administrators find information or troubleshoot issues and can connect you to a human agent. We were also impressed with 8×8 University. It has free on-demand courses and quick tutorials as well as paid classes. The vendor further offers in-person training worldwide for an additional fee. 

Nextiva vs. 8×8 Recap 

Both of these cloud-based phone systems offer competitive rates and reliable business phone services. It’s critical, however, to keep in mind that 8×8 supports global workforces and contact center capabilities on a single platform while Nextiva caters to U.S.-based businesses and is PCI and HIPAA-compliant.

Choose Nextiva if: 

• You want to deploy a new phone system quickly.
• You need a local and toll-free phone number and minutes.
• You’re looking for HIPAA-compliant communication services for a small healthcare practice.

Choose 8×8 if: 

• You want to expand your business internationally.
• You need advanced call management tools to handle high call volumes.
• You’re looking for one platform that works for both office staff and call center agents.