The 15 Best Call Center Software (& Features You Need) in 2021

Written by Marcus Andrews @Marcus_Andrews

Even in today's digital world, customers often prefer phone support when reaching out to customer service. The immediacy and familiarity of talking on the phone with a real human builds trust between a customer and customer service agent.

But managing phone support can be a major challenge for many growing companies. While it's often a great way to help customers, it's also the most time-consuming, least cost-effective, and hardest-to-measure support channel.

If you want to offer customers great phone support, you'll need an effective call center software that allows your service team to do their best work. Without this software, customers will wait on hold while agents struggle to answer queries. Supervisors won't be able to manage the chaos because they won't have any insight into call volume or trends.

The best call center software routes calls to the right agents, provides employees with additional context, and helps management execute an omni-channel strategy.

So, whether you're a team of ten or a few hundred, choosing the right tools to build your call center is critical. This post breaks down common features of call center software and the best call center software options available this year.

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Call Center Software Features

The best call center software for your team depends on your specific needs. Every tool has benefits and drawbacks depending on how you plan to use it. To understand which tool is right for you, draw up a list of desired features and then focus on your top choices. Below are a few features you might want to consider in your search.

1. Omnichannel

If you're looking for a call center software, then you're likely supporting your customers through other communication channels as well (like email, live chat, or social media). It's important to consider how well your new call center software will integrate with your other channels.

HubSpot found that a unified customer service experience reduces customer friction and increases front line efficiency. Ideally, incoming calls should be logged on your help desk, which will allow agents to follow up via email. This feature will let everyone on your team see the context of previous customer interactions — regardless of the channel they took place on. As a result, you'll create a consistent customer experience no matter which channel the interaction begins on.

2. Call Routing

When customers call your team, how do they get connected to the right person quickly?

Whether your software offers automated call routing, or if customers need to select a department after listening to a set of options, it's important to understand how your call routing will work. Many systems are complicated to update on the fly — so try setting up and changing your workflow during your trial period to make sure you're not stuck with one configuration.

3. CRM Integration for Customer Context

Customers find it frustrating to repeat their issue to different support reps, as well as provide a summary of their previous interactions.

But when agents have more context about the customer who's calling, they can provide more effective support. They can quickly reference past interactions with the customer, which prevents customers from having to repeat themselves. Agents can look at trends in product usage and take steps to ensure the customer doesn't need to reach out again about the same issue.

Many call center tools provide context through CTI (computer-telephony integration) pop-ups that identify a customer through their phone number and surface previous interactions through the browser. Understanding how the software you're evaluating logs calls and integrates with other systems (like your CRM) is critical to providing your agents with enough context to be helpful.

4.Cloud-Based Calling

Call centers operating on cloud networks will require a cloud-based calling system to align with their online databases. Cloud-based calling, or a Voice over Internet Protocol, (VoIP), is a phone system that runs through the internet instead of a phone line.

While a third-party provider typically offers this service, it's usually cheaper to install and maintain than regular landlines. That's because VoIP doesn't require on-premise hardware, which removes the typical maintenance and infrastructure costs that traditional phone lines have.

5. Reporting

Running a call center requires managers to have a finger on the pulse of call center metrics like incoming call volume, call trends, and agent efficiency. It's impossible to manage scheduling and plan for the future without knowing how your team is handling fluctuations in traffic. Reporting can identify common issues that customers are calling about, demonstrate gaps in your support coverage, and highlight potential training opportunities.

6. Outgoing Calls

Call center software isn't just for inbound customer service. Agents might need to make outbound calls if you offer proactive customer support options. Sales teams might work through your call center software to place calls to prospects.

If your contact center also requires agents or sales teams to place outgoing calls, look for software that includes an automated dialer and easy-to-use call logging features so your CRM stays up to date.

7. Usage Pricing

Take a close look at the software's pricing per phone call or per use. Depending on how your chosen software assigns your phone numbers, you might be charged more than expected for each minute on the phone. Before committing to any new phone lines, confirm what's included in the package and how much each call and minute will cost.

8. Interactive Voice Response

An interactive voice response feature will allow your customers to speak with an automated system before reaching your support team. While your customer might not enjoy talking to a machine, they may get some of their issues resolved through this option or provide basic information that will allow your team to better serve them.

An IVR feature will help manage your team's call volume and automatically collect relevant information from the customer. By the time the customer gets to a human, all the information the representative needs is already available, and the customer won't have to repeat themselves.

9. Call Scripting

If you handle a high volume of calls that pertain to similar issues, you'll want to consider a call center software that offers a call scripting feature. Like a chatbot, a call script picks up on certain keywords in the customer's email and offers troubleshooting instructions based on a common answer. You should be able to look at the script history and personalize your response to the customer.

A call scripting feature could also come in handy because it could allow you to create common scripts that all of your agents can use. That way, the customer has a consistent experience regardless of the agent they've reached.

10. Escalation Management

The best call center software will allow you to manage the escalation process for urgent customer support queries. From the moment a customer calls with an issue, they should be able to move forward to the appropriate party at each step of the process. Your call center software should also allow your agents to de-escalate issues by granting vouchers, discounts, or refunds through the software, and especially in that single call.

Now that you know what to look for when evaluating call center software, let's take a look at the best options available.

Best Call Center Software

1.        HubSpot

2.        Nextiva

3.        Bitrix24

4.        TalkDesk

5.        Five9

6.        RingCentral

7.        CloudTalk

8.        Dixa

9.        Zendesk

10.    LiveAgent

11.    Avaya Contact Center

12.    Integra

13.    HappyFox

14.    Channels

15.    Freshcaller

1. HubSpot

If you're looking for a powerful but easy-to-use call center software, look no further than HubSpot's help desk software and Service Hub.

HubSpot's help desk software, integrated with Aircall, is built on top of its leading CRM and connected to its sales and marketing software. That means no matter who the customer talks to, the front line agent has all the information they need to resolve the issue directly in front of them. Placing this information into a single view helps employees deliver a superior customer experience.

HubSpot's call center software has advanced automation tools and insightful reporting that helps your team consistently improve customer service. Service Hub includes a shared email inbox, live chat software, and self-service tools, all of which integrate seamlessly with Aircall for phone support. Aircall plans start at $30/user/month.

By combining HubSpot with Aircall's cloud-based phone system, businesses of all sizes can offer a delightful end-to-end customer experience across a variety of channels.

Pricing: Free; $45/month (Starter); $360/month (Professional); $1,200/month (Enterprise)

2. Nextiva

Nextiva is an easy-to-use solution that helps you connect with more callers in less time and with fewer agents. With Nextiva, you get features like IVR, automatic call routing, and call queuing.

Also, you can optimize agent call flow, leverage virtual agents to automate interactions, and streamline the experience for the caller.

Pricing: $18.95/user/month (Essential); $22.95/user/month (Professional); $32.95/user/month (Enterprise); $57.95/user/month (Ultimate)

3. Bitrix24

A contact center built around your to-do list, Bitrix24 helps teams collaborate to get their work done. They offer a multitude of customer service channels, including rentable telephone lines, live chat, and email queues that all integrate into Bitrix24's task management software and CRM. Bitrix24 also offers an on-premise solution for industries that are still required to, or feel more comfortable with, hosting their own data storage.

Pricing: Free; $19/month (Start+); $55/month (CRM+); $55/month (Project+); $79/month (Standard Business Plan); $159/month (Professional Business Plan)

4. TalkDesk

A robust call center solution for enterprise teams, TalkDesk offers features designed to help big teams manage phone support at a fast pace. From workforce management to industry-specific security features, TalkDesk provides teams with everything they need to deliver a consistent customer experience at scale.

Pricing: Pricing available on request

5. Five9

Five9 brings together everything your business needs to launch a complete customer service and sales call center. Focused on enterprise businesses, Five9 includes workforce management tools, predictive dialing, and CTI screen pops to help agents provide better service and not miss a chance to upsell.

Pricing: Pricing available on request

6. RingCentral

RingCentral is a flexible cloud-based phone system that supports both desktop and mobile users. One unique feature it provides is "RingOut," which enables one-touch calling from any phone or internet-enabled computer. Additionally, RingCentral has powerful call delegation and answering rules so you can be sure calls are routed to the right individual.

Pricing: Pricing available on request

7. CloudTalk

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ClouldTalk is an innovative call center software that provides users with a variety of unique tools to work with. For example, its custom queue feature allows support teams to dictate where incoming calls will be distributed. With CloudTalk, inbound calls are routed to agents who are best suited to solve the customer's issue. This eliminates call transfers, which can add friction to the customer experience.

Another customizable feature that CloudTalk offers is personalized voicemails. If your team is unavailable, customers can leave voicemails that agents can respond to later. That way, customers aren't stuck on hold waiting endlessly for your team to answer. Instead, they can simply leave a message, return to their work, and wait for your team to reach out with a prepared solution.

Pricing: $20/user/month (Starter); $25/user/month (Essential); $40/user/month (Expert); Custom

8. Dixa

Dixa is a simple-to-set-up contact center that runs entirely in a web browser. Featuring advanced call distribution algorithms and caller recognition, Dixa is a modern solution designed to improve the experience of both the customer and the contact center administrator.

Pricing: $99/user/month (Professional); $139/user/month (Premium); $179/user/month (Platinum)

9. Zendesk

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Built on one of the most extensive customer service platforms, Zendesk offers a call center solution for businesses of every size. With automatic ticket creation, agents can take advantage of Zendesk's slick help desk features to help customers across every channel.

Pricing: $49/agent/month (Suite Team); $79/user/month (Suite Growth); $99/user/month (Suite Professional)

10. LiveAgent

LiveAgent's call center solution is built directly into their multi-channel help desk, so you can help customers over any channel you choose. One of the only tools on the list not to charge a per minute usage fee, LiveAgent can be a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized businesses that rely on phone support.

Pricing: $39/user/month

11. Avaya Contact Center

Over 90% of Fortune 100 companies use an Avaya product to manage their contact center, according to the Avaya website. That's because it's been a heavyweight in the communications industry for years. With multiple advanced features included in its standard platform, you can be sure you're getting an enterprise-level product when you use Avaya's omnichannel contact center solution.

Pricing: Pricing available on request

12. Integra

Integra offers an interactive voice response system, or IVR, that allows your team to take fewer calls and your customer to resolve their issue automatically. Rather than having customers call you and wait on hold to be connected with a rep, an IVR provides an immediate response to customers the moment they dial your support line. This digital assistant lays out a variety of options for the caller to choose from, then either solves the problem independently or automatically connects the caller to a human agent.

Pricing: $50/user/month (Classic); $60/user/month (Omni); $60/user/month (Play); $70/user/month (Full)

13. HappyFox

HappyFox is a help desk software that offers powerful call center capabilities. The platform integrates with Aircall and RingCentral to automatically record and assign calls to tickets inside the system. Its features include call scripting, custom ticket queues, and Service Level Agreement (SLA) management.

Pricing: Pricing available on request

14. Channels

Channels is a call center software that allows you to respond to customers' calls via its convenient mobile app. You can set call distribution rules and integrate Channels with other softwares in your technology stack, including HubSpot, Zapier, Zendesk, and Shopify.

Because it's specifically a phone system — and not a full-scale help desk software — Channels is a great choice for small companies that are just now starting to establish a call center.

Pricing: $15/user/month (Lite); $24/user/month (Basic); $39/user/month (Pro)

15. Freshcaller

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Freshcaller is just one of Freshwork's diverse SaaS offerings — the company also offers customer success, IT, and HR software systems for enterprise companies.

Freshcaller is a dedicated phone system that makes it painless and easy for international businesses to manage customer support calls. With Freshcaller, you have the ability to set up a multi-level interactive voice response system, respond to calls on the Freshcaller mobile app, and automate call distribution.

Pricing: Free (Sprout); $15/user/month (Blossom); $29/user/month (Garden); $45/user/month (Estate); $69/user/month (Forest)

These leading call center software systems will help you create a winning customer service strategy and help you provide support that turns unhappy customers into brand evangelists.

Use Call Center Software to Supercharge Your Support Team

The modern customer expects great support on all channels, including live chat, email, and phone. But this can overwhelm your support team — especially if these channels are on different software systems that don't communicate with each other. With a call center software, your team can unify their omni-channel service efforts into one tool, resulting in a better experience for both the customer and your frontline representatives.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in July 2020 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

Originally published Mar 25, 2021 5:00:00 PM, updated March 26 2021

https://blog.hubspot.com/service/call-center-software?utm_campaign=Service%20Blog%20Emails&utm_medium=email&utm_content=118404942&utm_source=hs_email