Best IVR Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 18 tools reviewed.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Let’s be real: no one wakes up excited about IVR software. But when your support team is drowning in call volume, and customers are stuck listening to elevator music, you don’t need more headcount, you need smarter systems.
IVR (Interactive Voice Response) software isn’t about dodging real conversations. It’s about handling the repetitive stuff—routing, authentication, FAQs—so your agents can focus on what actually requires a human. Done right, it trims hold times, reduces burnout, and improves the one thing every CX leader is chasing: resolution speed without sacrificing experience.
In this article, I'll dive into the best IVR software solutions available today. You'll get an unbiased look at my top picks, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and enhances your team's performance.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing customer experience software since 2020. As customer experience managers, we know how critical and challenging it is to decide when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions.
We’ve tested over 2,000 tools for customer experience use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & check out our software review methodology.
Best IVR Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top IVR software selections, helping you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for custom call flows | 14-day free trial | From $19/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
2 | Best for remote teams | Free trial available | From $30/license (billed annually) | Website | |
3 | Best for survey capabilities | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for customer engagement | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for small businesses | 7-day free trial | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
6 | Best for compliance with data laws | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best for omnichannel integration | Free demo available | From $119/user/month | Website | |
8 | Best for large call centers | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for secure payments | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for multilingual support | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website |
-
CRM Creatio
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
monday service
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Issuetrak
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.1
Best IVR Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best Interactive Voice Response (IVR) software on my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at each tool’s key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases to help you find the best one for your needs.
CloudTalk is a cloud-based call center software designed to enhance communication for sales and support teams. It offers features like call routing, recording, and analytics to improve customer interactions.
Why I picked CloudTalk: CloudTalk's interactive voice response system allows you to create custom call flows, ensuring customers reach the right department quickly. This reduces wait times and enhances the caller experience. The visual IVR builder is user-friendly, making it easy to set up and modify call flows as needed. Additionally, CloudTalk's call queuing feature manages high call volumes effectively. It organizes incoming calls based on predefined criteria, ensuring that each caller is directed appropriately.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include skill-based routing, voicemail, call tagging, call notes, call monitoring, call whispering, call barging, speech-to-text, SMS messaging, call transfer, conference calling, and call scripting.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, Intercom, Gong, Pipedrive, Zapier, Gorgias, MS Dynamics, Zoho CRM, Freshdesk, and Help Scout.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers international phone numbers
- Advanced call routing
- Flexible for scaling operations
Cons:
- AI conversation intelligence is an add-on
- Occasional call connection issues
Aircall is a cloud-based phone system for businesses that manage calls from anywhere. It's ideal for remote teams looking to maintain communication and collaboration.
Why I picked Aircall: Aircall successfully supports remote work environments with features like virtual call centers and flexible routing. The software makes it easy to set up and manage phone systems across several locations, while call monitoring and analytics help your team stay informed about overall performance. Additionally, its user-friendly interface ensures quick adoption by remote teams, making it a practical choice for businesses on the move.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include call queuing, call routing, and voicemail, along with real-time analytics for performance tracking. The platform also provides a user-friendly app, enabling teams to manage calls from anywhere with ease.
Integrations include Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Zendesk, Intercom, Microsoft Teams, Pipedrive, Shopify, Zoho CRM, and Freshdesk.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Real-time call analytics
- Easy remote setup
Cons:
- No offline functionality
- Limited advanced features
Voxco is a versatile IVR solution designed for businesses that conduct surveys and gather customer feedback efficiently. It caters primarily to organizations in market research and customer service.
Why I picked Voxco: Voxco is an omnichannel platform that supports online, phone, and face-to-face surveys, ensuring comprehensive data collection across various modes. Its user-friendly interface provides over 40 question types, advanced logic features, and multilingual support, enabling the creation of engaging and personalized surveys.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include advanced analytics, customizable survey design, and seamless integration with various third-party tools for in-depth insights. Additionally, Voxco provides data security and compliance features, making it suitable for industries with strict data privacy requirements.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle NetSuite, HubSpot, Google Analytics, Tableau, SAP, Marketo, Adobe Experience Cloud, and IBM SPSS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed reporting tools
- Real-time data collection
- Flexible survey customization
Cons:
- Dependency on internet stability
- Requires training for setup
Ameyo is a contact center software solution designed for businesses focused on enhancing customer engagement. It caters to various industries by providing tools that improve customer interaction and satisfaction.
Why I picked Ameyo: Ameyo succeeds in customer engagement with features like omnichannel communication and personalized customer journeys. The platform allows your team to interact with customers through multiple channels, ensuring consistent service. Similarly, the software’s real-time analytics help you understand customer needs and tailor services accordingly.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include predictive dialing, intelligent routing, and CRM integrations to enhance agent productivity. Additionally, Ameyo includes analytics and reporting capabilities for tracking and optimizing customer engagement efforts.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zendesk, Freshdesk, Zoho CRM, HubSpot, Oracle NetSuite, SAP, Slack, and Google Workspace.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Personalized customer journeys
- Omnichannel communication
- Strong customer engagement tools
Cons:
- Requires ongoing management
- Setup can be complex
MightyCall is a cloud call center software designed for small and mid-sized businesses. It helps manage inbound and outbound calls with features like automatic call distribution and live analytics.
Why I picked MightyCall: MightyCall caters specifically to SMBs, offering easy setups and exceptional customer support. It offers features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and call recording, all without the need for additional hardware. Additionally, the software’s user-friendly interface and competitive pricing make it an ideal choice for small enterprises seeking to enhance their communication capabilities.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include real-time analytics, call queuing, and multilevel IVR systems. The software’s live call monitoring allows your team to oversee calls as they happen, ensuring quality control. Similarly, additional features, such as advanced auto-dialers, help you manage high volumes of calls efficiently.
Integrations include Salesforce, Zoho CRM, HubSpot, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, Outlook, Zendesk, Freshdesk, and Wix.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Quick setup process
- Secure data encryption
- Multi-level IVR system
Cons:
- Few industry-specific solutions
- Dependence on internet stability
IPscape is a cloud-based contact center solution designed for businesses that manage customer interactions while ensuring compliance with data regulations. It's tailored for organizations operating in regulated industries.
Why I picked IPscape: IPscape emphasizes compliance with data laws, making it suitable for industries with strict data handling requirements. It offers features such as secure call recording, PCI DSS-compliant payment processing, and strong data storage solutions. Additionally, their VaultSCAPE platform ensures encrypted, long-term storage of call recordings, aiding organizations in meeting industry-specific regulations and maintaining customer trust.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable call flows, real-time monitoring, and detailed analytics.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zendesk, ServiceNow, Oracle NetSuite, HubSpot, Slack, Google Workspace, Amazon Web Services, and Twilio.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored call flows
- Real-time monitoring
- Secure data storage
Cons:
- Learning curve for new users
- Requires technical expertise
Five9 is a cloud-based contact center solution for managing customer interactions across multiple channels. It’s ideal for mid-sized to large businesses looking to enhance customer engagement.
Why I picked Five9: Five9 excels in omnichannel integration, allowing your team to handle voice, email, chat, and social interactions from a single platform. The software provides key features including visual IVR and intelligent routing to help manage customer queries effectively. Additionally, its analytics tools provide insights into customer interactions, which can improve service delivery.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and a visual call flow editor for easy call management. It also provides toll-free and local phone numbers, team collaboration tools, and integrations with CRM systems.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Zendesk, ServiceNow, Oracle NetSuite, SugarCRM, HubSpot, RingCentral, and Zoom.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Flexible routing options
- Advanced analytics tools
- Omnichannel communication
Cons:
- Occasional technical glitches
- Complex initial setup
TCN is a cloud-based call center solution tailored for large enterprises needing to handle high call volumes efficiently. It offers tools to enhance call management and improve customer service operations.
Why I picked TCN: TCN is designed for large call centers and provides features like advanced call routing and real-time reporting. Its scalability allows your team to manage many interactions, and its user interface is straightforward, enabling quick adoption by large teams. Overall, the software’s emphasis on reliability ensures your call center operates smoothly, even during peak times.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include omnichannel communications, workforce engagement tools, compliance and data management solutions, integration and automation capabilities, and advanced intelligence with real-time reporting and analytics.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zendesk, Oracle NetSuite, SAP, HubSpot, Twilio, Google Workspace, Amazon Web Services, and Genesys.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced reporting tools
- Efficient call routing
- Straightforward user interface
Cons:
- Basic customization options
- Complex initial setup
Sycurio is an IVR system designed to facilitate secure payment processing for businesses. It primarily serves industries that require stringent data protection during customer transactions.
Why I picked Sycurio: Sycurio specializes in securing payment transactions across various channels, including phone, digital, and in-person interactions. By ensuring that sensitive payment data never enters your organization’s systems, Sycurio significantly reduces the complexity and cost of maintaining PCI DSS compliance. This approach not only safeguards customer information but also enhances the overall payment experience.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include speech recognition for accessibility, real-time transaction monitoring, and flexible deployment options such as cloud, hybrid, or on-premises setups.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle NetSuite, SAP, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Stripe, PayPal, Worldpay, and Adyen.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Secure tokenization process
- Real-time transaction oversight
- Strong data protection
Cons:
- Dependency on internet stability
- Complex integration processes
Vocalcom is a call center software that enhances customer interactions through various communication channels. It benefits businesses that operate in multiple languages and need to manage diverse customer bases.
Why I picked Vocalcom: Vocalcom enables seamless customer interactions across various channels, including phone, email, SMS, live chat, and social media. This unified platform allows agents to manage communications efficiently, regardless of the customer’s language preference, ensuring a consistent and personalized experience.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include an intuitive drag-and-drop IVR system, intelligent call routing, predictive dialing for outbound campaigns, and seamless CRM integration to personalize customer engagements.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Zendesk, Oracle NetSuite, SAP, HubSpot, Google Analytics, Slack, Dropbox, and Mailchimp.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Intelligent call routing
- Real-time performance analytics
- Automatic language detection
Cons:
- May need technical expertise
- Complexity in customization
Other IVR Software
Here are some additional IVR software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- C-Zentrix
For customization options
- Genesys Cloud CX
For scalability
- Zendesk
For customer support teams
- Twilio
For developer customization
- Talkdesk
For AI-driven routing
- Dialpad
For voice intelligence features
- RingCentral
For intelligent virtual agents
- Ada CX
For automated customer service
What Is IVR Software?
IVR software is a tool that automates interactions with callers through pre-recorded messages and menu options. Customer service representatives, call center agents, and support teams use these tools to enhance customer interactions, gather information, and improve call management through self-service options.
Key features like voice recognition, AI-driven personalization, and security enhancements help offer tailored experiences, protect data, and manage calls efficiently, allowing businesses to handle large volumes of calls while maintaining high-quality customer service.
IVR Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best IVR software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like integration capabilities and ease of setup. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Handle call routing efficiently
- Deliver automated responses for FAQs
- Provide call recording capabilities
- Support multi-language options
- Integrate with CRM systems
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features found in the best IVR systems, such as:
- Offer AI-driven analytics for call data
- Enable seamless integration with chatbots
- Provide visual flow design for call scripts
- Support voice biometrics for authentication
- Include real-time call monitoring
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface design
- Ease of navigation
- Support drag-and-drop functionalities
- Provide responsive design for multiple devices
- Include customizable dashboards
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Quick setup processes
- Comprehensive training materials
- Efficient data migration
- Interactive product tours
- Customer support during onboarding
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multichannel support options
- Responsiveness of the support team
- Access to a dedicated account balances manager
- Quality of self-service resources
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing structure
- Features offered at each pricing tier
- Flexibility in pricing plans
- No hidden costs
- Discounts for long-term contracts
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Positive feedback on reliability
- User satisfaction with features
- Complaints about system downtime
- Praise for customer support
- Overall user experience ratings
How to Choose an IVR Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
Scalability | Can it grow with your team’s needs? Consider future call volumes and expansion plans. |
Integrations | Does it integrate with your existing CRM and call center software? Ensure seamless data flow between systems to avoid operational silos. |
Customizability | Can you tailor the IVR system to fit your specific workflows and customer interactions? Look for flexible options that allow easy adjustments. |
Ease of Use | Is the software intuitive to use and manage? Prioritize user-friendly interfaces that reduce training time and errors. |
Budget | What’s the total cost of ownership, including setup, maintenance, and upgrades? Does it fit within your financial constraints? |
Security Safeguards | Are there measures to protect your data? Verify encryption, access controls, and regular audits. |
Trends In IVR Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different IVR software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Voice Recognition Advancements: Enhanced voice recognition and interactive voice responses make it easier for users to use systems naturally. This trend improves the accuracy of recognizing different accents and dialects, providing a more personalized experience.
- AI-Powered Personalization: AI is used to tailor interactions based on customer history and preferences. This trend is helping businesses offer a more customized service, which can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Security Enhancements: With increasing data breaches, vendors focus on improving security features like voice biometrics. This trend ensures that sensitive information is protected, giving users peace of mind.
- Cloud-Based Flexibility: Many IVR solutions are moving to the cloud, offering greater scalability and flexibility. This trend allows businesses to adjust their call-handling capabilities without investing in additional infrastructure.
- Integration With IoT Devices: Some IVR systems are beginning to integrate with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This trend allows for more innovative use cases, such as using voice commands to control smart home devices or gather data from connected sensors.
Features of IVR Software
When selecting IVR software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Security Enhancements: Protects sensitive customer information through features like voice biometrics and encryption.
- Cloud-Based Flexibility: Provides scalability and adaptability to changing business needs without hardware investments.
- Call Routing: Directs inbound calls or callback messages to the appropriate department or live agent, improving efficiency and response times.
- Multilingual Support: Offers interaction capabilities in multiple languages to cater to diverse customer bases.
- Real-Time Analytics: Provides insights into call patterns and performance metrics to help improve customer service.
- Customizable Call Flows: Lets businesses design their call processes to fit specific needs and business hours, improving user experience.
- Transaction Monitoring: Keeps track of payments and transactions to ensure security and accuracy in financial interactions.
Benefits of IVR Software
Implementing IVR software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved Customer Experience: Features like voice recognition and AI-driven personalization can help you offer more personalized and efficient service.
- Cost Savings: Automating call handling and reducing the need for human agents can significantly lower operational costs.
- Enhanced Data Security: With enhancements like voice biometrics, your customer's sensitive information is better protected.
- Increased Efficiency: Call routing, text-to-speech, and real-time analytics help your team manage high call queue volumes and improve service speed.
- Scalability: Cloud-based flexibility allows your business to scale services up or down without additional infrastructure costs.
- Broader Reach: Multilingual support enables you to serve a global customer base, breaking language barriers.
- Better Decision-Making: Access to real-time analytics and detailed reporting provides insights to help optimize operations and strategy.
Costs and Pricing of IVR Software
Selecting IVR software requires understanding the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in IVR software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for IVR Software
Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
Free Plan | $0 | Basic customer call routing, limited analytics, and basic support. |
Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Call routing, voice recognition, and basic analytics. |
Business Plan | $40-$70/user/month | Advanced routing, multilingual support, and security features. |
Enterprise Plan | $80-$150/user/month | Customizable call flows, AI-driven personalization, and real-time analytics. |
IVR Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about IVR software:
What are the limitations of IVR?
IVR systems can have limitations like restricted language and voice recognition capabilities, which might frustrate some users. Sometimes, long wait times and a lack of personalization can lead to customer dissatisfaction. It’s essential for your team to regularly configure the natural language recordings and ensure the menu options route callers to the right agents to improve customer experience.
How does IVR software work?
IVR software uses an automated phone system to interact with callers through voice or keypad inputs. It answers incoming calls and provides menu options for users to choose from. This setup helps your team manage calls efficiently and offers cost-effective support by directing calls to the correct department or resource.
How can I make my IVR better?
Improving your IVR involves giving hold time estimates, offering call-back options, and customizing hold music. You should also provide inclusive language support and regularly test the system to meet customer needs. These practices can enhance the user experience and streamline operations.
How can IVR systems enhance customer service?
IVR systems can improve customer service by offering quick and efficient call routing, reducing the need for human intervention. They allow your team to focus on more complex queries, improving overall service quality. Additionally, features like real-time analytics provide insights into call trends, helping you optimize service delivery.
Can IVR systems be integrated with other business tools?
Many IVR systems can integrate with CRM and other business tools to provide a unified view of customer interactions. These integrations allow for better data management and customer insights. Connecting your IVR with other platforms allows your team to streamline workflows and improve customer engagement.
What are some challenges of implementing IVR software?
Implementing IVR software can be challenging if your team isn’t familiar with the technology or if your existing infrastructure isn’t compatible. Training your team and ensuring your system supports IVR are crucial steps. It’s also important to regularly update the IVR menu to reflect any changes in your business processes or services.
How do you measure the success of your IVR system?
To measure the success of your IVR system, track key metrics like call resolution rates, customer satisfaction scores, call abandonment rate, and average handling times. Analyzing these metrics helps you identify areas for improvement and ensure your IVR system is meeting your business goals. Regular feedback from your team and customers is also valuable for assessing effectiveness.
What’s Next?
For more information about customer experience optimization, subscribe to our newsletter.