As internet penetration grows in South Africa, supported by data that mobile data consumption will quadruple by 2028 and 5G adoption will reach 17% of mobile connections by 2030, more businesses are turning to VoIP services.

However, with a competitive VoIP market, understanding the big names and choosing the right one is crucial. Are you looking for better call quality, flexibility, or affordability? Understanding your needs will help you find your ideal VoIP solution.

In this blog, we will explore the best VoIP app and service providers in South Africa, understanding their features, pricing, and benefits to help you compare VoIP providers.

5 Best VoIP Apps in South Africa

1. Tragofone

Tragofone is a customizable VoIP softphone that uses WebRTC technology for secure voice and video calls, text messaging, and file sharing. This business VoIP app offers multi-language support, auto-provisioning, and easy integration with existing enterprise tools.

Key Features:

• Leverages WebRTC technology to provide high-quality voice and video communications directly through web browsers. Thus, no need for additional plugins or software.
• Offers white-label solutions like software customization and re-branding options so that you can tailor the appearance and functionality to align with your brand identity. ​
• Caters to South Africa’s diverse linguistic landscape by offering support for multiple languages, improving accessibility and user experience.
• Easy-to-understand deployment process with automatic configuration of user devices, reducing manual setup time.
• Incorporates push notifications to conserve device battery life by activating the app only upon call or message notifications.
• Supports Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS platforms, ensuring users maintain VoIP calling on-the-go by switching between devices.
• Supports blind and attended transfers for outgoing calls and placing active calls on holds.

Pros & Cons: Setup Tragofone with ease of connectivity and robust TLS-encrypted security with SIP and SRTP support that safeguard communication. However, the platform is not for individual users but for businesses with large workspace environments, like contact centers, customer support, etc.

Pricing: Contact Tragofone’s sales team to learn more about its intriguing pricing plans.

Download: Android | iOS | For Windows and Mac

2. CallHippo

​CallHippo is a feature-rich virtual phone system that enables your business to establish a global presence with local and toll-free numbers, making it a great choice for international calling.

Key Features:

• Provides access to local and toll-free numbers across multiple countries, enhancing global reach and allowing businesses to establish a local presence in various markets.​
• Offers Power Dialer to automate the dialing process, increasing the effectiveness of outbound sales teams.
• Integrates with various Customer Relationship Management systems, streamlining workflows and ensuring that customer interactions are efficiently managed.​
• Offers detailed insights into call performance by call recording feature, aiding in data-driven decision-making.
• Enables incoming calls to be redirected to another number, ensuring no missed calls. ​

Pros & Cons: CallHippo helps minimize downtime with its quick installation experience to maintain business continuity. It offers services to businesses of all sizes but has some call quality issues, as reported by users.

Pricing: Free with limited features and paid plans starting from $16 per user per month

Download: Android | iOS | Windows | macOS

3. Blacktel

Blacktel specializes in providing virtual phone numbers from over 200 countries, including South Africa. This feature reduces physical SIM card requirements, making it highly significant for businesses operating across multiple regions.

Key Features:

• eSIM services by Blacktel offer an interesting “Trash SIM” for temporary or verification purposes and privacy protection on multiple compatible devices.
• Users can make and receive calls and text messages through mobile apps and web browsers, with features like call forwarding, voicemail, and dual-channel call recording.

Pros & Cons: Certain virtual numbers, such as those from the USA, UK, and Canada, can be obtained without identity verification, simplifying the acquisition process. It offers ease of convenience in communication but has limited features like specific applications, particularly on iOS, which lack features available on other platforms.

Download: Android | iOS | Windows | macOS

4. Switch Telecom

Switch Telecom has consistently provided mobile VoIP solutions in South Africa and abroad. Initially founded as an alternative to the fixed-line incumbent, the company has grown, evolved, and matured, offering cost-effective digital communication solutions without long-term contracts.

Key Features:

• The app enables low-cost VoIP calls for individuals and businesses, eliminating the need for traditional fixed-line services.
• Users can port existing numbers to Switch Telecom, ensuring continuity without changing contact details.
• The app caters services to large enterprises with hosted switchboards (PBX systems), SIP trunking, and teleconferencing, allowing businesses to manage communication efficiently from a mobile device.
• Supports functionalities like call recording, call transfers (both blind and attended), conferencing, and contact synchronization. Additionally, calls made from the softphone display the business number as the caller ID.

Pros & Cons: Switch Telecom offers extensive application support when you sign up for the Switch Telecom Hosted Switchboard solution and has competitively priced services. However, some users report problems with customer service, particularly outside business hours.

5. AstraQom

AstraQom is a global business VoIP service provider offering cloud communication solutions for businesses of all sizes. AstraQom delivers a comprehensive service suite that enhances connectivity, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.

Key Features:

• AstraQom’s cloud-based Private Branch Exchange (PBX) eliminates the need for physical phone systems and improves communication efficiency.
• Access to local and international virtual numbers from over 100 countries, enabling businesses to establish a professional global presence and improve international calling.
• Integrates with existing phone systems, providing scalable VoIP solutions that improve call quality and reduce costs.
• Offers virtual receptionists, call forwarding, and other communication tools to improve customer interactions and operational efficiency.
• AstraQom integrates Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), offering mobile apps that allow users to make and receive calls, access voicemails, etc.
• This Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) approach ensures that remote communication is no longer a problem, offering endless connectivity across platforms.

Pros & Cons: Suitable for enterprises looking for flexible communication systems that support a variety of VoIP solutions. However, certain features may not be available in all locations, requiring verification based on specific business needs.

5 Best VoIP Service Providers in South Africa

1. Wanatel

Wanatel is a South African-based VoIP provider offering unified communications solutions tailored for businesses of various sizes. Its services include SIP trunking, hosted PBX, UCaaS, VoIP monitoring, and security solutions designed to enhance business communication.

Pros

• Wanatel’s cloud-based PBX system eliminates the need for on-premise communication equipment, reducing infrastructure and maintenance costs.
• Businesses can sell VoIP services under their own brand using Wanatel’s KEVO solution, which includes a complete billing and support infrastructure.
• The Cloud PBX package provides call recording and analytics, allowing businesses to monitor and assess call performance effectively.
• SIP Brigade monitoring software enhances VoIP security and provides detailed call performance reports, helping businesses manage their communication security.
• Businesses can gain insights into call patterns, agent performance, and customer interactions, allowing them to optimize their VoIP setup based on data-driven decisions.

Cons

• Wanatel’s extensive feature set may overwhelm smaller businesses that only need basic VoIP functionality.
• Wanatel’s services are designed for businesses, meaning individual users or freelancers may not find the plans cost-effective or suitable for personal use.
• Some features like SIP trunking, VoIP security monitoring, and analytics require technical knowledge for proper setup and maintenance.

Pricing: Wanatel offers customized pricing based on the required services and features.

2. BuzzBox

BuzzBox offers cost-effective and flexible business telephony solutions. With its all-in-one digital communication platform, businesses can integrate voice, video, messaging, and conferencing while eliminating the need for on-site hardware.

Pros

• Operates on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contracts, making it a low-risk investment for businesses seeking flexible communication solutions.
• Combines voice, video, messaging, and conferencing into a single platform with real-time call management capabilities.
• Incorporates AI-powered features such as sentiment analysis, automated transcriptions, and virtual assistants, enhancing customer interactions and agent productivity.
• Offers intelligent call routing and real-time analytics, making it ideal for businesses handling high-volume customer interactions.

Cons

• Businesses needing custom VoIP configurations, dedicated servers, or enhanced scalability may need to explore other solutions.
• Some call center-specific features, such as predictive dialing and workforce management integrations, are not as advanced as those offered by enterprise-grade VoIP providers.
• Automated transcriptions may not always be 100% accurate, particularly in cases of accent variations or background noise.

Pricing: BuzzBox offers various plans, including options like the Twin Pack.

3. Imagine IPS

Imagine IPS is a South African VoIP and ISP provider offering cloud-based voice solutions and internet services tailored for both home and business users. With a focus on cost savings, reliable connectivity, and on-site support, Imagine IPS aims to provide comprehensive telecommunication services.

Pros

• With two decades of experience in telecommunications, Imagine IPS has deep industry knowledge in providing wireless internet, VoIP, and IT support.
• Offers a combination of VoIP, wireless internet, and IT support, making it a one-stop solution for communication and networking needs.
• Imagine IPS emphasizes rapid on-site support and proactive network maintenance, ensuring that issues are identified and resolved quickly.

Cons

• Some users have reported inconsistent internet performance, particularly in areas where wireless infrastructure may not be as strong.
• Lacks enterprise-grade VoIP features such as detailed call analytics, AI-driven customer service tools, and advanced call routing.

Pricing: Contact Imagine IPS directly for customized pricing information.

4. ISPAfrika

Founded in 2014, ISPAfrika is a South African internet and VoIP provider that delivers fast, affordable, and reliable communication solutions for residential and business clients.

Pros

• ISPAfrika provides competitive call rates, offering local calls at R0.30 per minute and mobile calls at R0.50 per minute.
• Per-second billing with no minimum charges ensures customers only pay for the exact time used, making it a cost-effective solution for small businesses and individuals.
• A month-to-month service model eliminates the need for long-term contracts.
• Businesses can access hosted PBX solutions that include voicemail, call waiting, and per-second billing. This also reduces on-site telephony system requirements.
• ISPAfrika’s SIP Peering solutions enable businesses to integrate VoIP services with existing phone systems, minimizing transition challenges.

Cons

• Compared to larger VoIP providers, ISPAfrika may lack features such as AI-driven call analytics, omnichannel communication tools, or advanced call center solutions.
• Businesses that require call recording, intelligent routing, or automated attendants may need a more comprehensive VoIP platform.

Pricing: Home VoIP priced at R79 per VoIP line and Hosted PBX priced at R79 per extension.

5. Othos Telecom

Othos Telecom is an international telecommunications provider specializing in IP communication solutions, with operations in South Africa, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Hong Kong. The enterprise offers business-focused VoIP services, hardware provisioning, and network infrastructure support, making it a one-stop solution for organizations.

Pros

• Othos Telecom operates in multiple global markets, allowing it to bring international best practices to its South African, Brazilian, Costa Rican, and Hong Kong operations.
• Offers hosted PBX systems, VoIP phone services, and remote working solutions, making it a comprehensive provider for businesses looking to improve remote communication.
• Unlike many VoIP providers, Othos Telecom not only provides VoIP software solutions but also supplies state-of-the-art IP phones and hardware.
  Offers design, installation, and maintenance of structured VoIP cabling and data installations, supporting businesses of all sizes with physical communication setup.
• Ideal for companies with remote workforces that require mobile and desktop apps.

Cons

• While providing hardware and infrastructure support is a benefit, businesses that only require VoIP services may find bundled hardware or cabling solutions unnecessary.
• Businesses without an in-house IT team may require technical expertise to install and manage VoIP systems, hardware, and cabling.

Pricing: Contact Othos Telecom directly for tailored pricing information.

Choosing the Right VoIP Provider in South Africa

South Africa’s growing VoIP market offers businesses a variety of solutions tailored to different communication needs. Whether you require scalable PBX systems or cost-effective VoIP providers like Tragofone, CallHippo, Switch Telecom, and others offer diverse options.

Before selecting a VoIP provider, consider call quality, scalability, pricing, and support. Enterprises benefit from cloud-based softphones, while hosted PBX and SIP trunking suit broader business needs. Startups and remote teams can leverage mobile VoIP apps for flexibility.

FAQs

What is the best VoIP provider in South Africa for businesses?

The best VoIP provider depends on your business needs. Tragofone is ideal for businesses looking for a customizable softphone solution, while Switch Telecom and Wanatel offer scalable PBX and SIP trunking services. If you need a global virtual number solution, Blacktel.io might be a suitable option.

Is VoIP legal in South Africa, and do I need a license to use it?

Yes, VoIP is completely legal in South Africa. However, businesses offering VoIP services must comply with ICASA (Independent Communications Authority of South Africa) regulations. End-users and companies using VoIP for internal communication generally do not require a license.

How much does VoIP cost in South Africa?

VoIP pricing varies depending on the provider and service plan. Some, like BuzzBox, offer flexible month-to-month plans, while others, like CallHippo, have tiered pricing starting at $16 per user per month. Businesses should compare plans based on call rates, included features, and scalability.

Can I keep my existing phone number when switching to a VoIP provider?

Yes, most VoIP providers in South Africa, including Switch Telecom and ISPAfrika, offer number porting services. This allows businesses to retain their existing numbers while transitioning to a VoIP system. However, porting fees and processing times may vary by provider.