Every tool must work hard and do more with less. A good phone system is one of those important tools. Startups need to look professional. They must keep in touch with customers, investors, and team members.

In this blog, we compare three popular phone systems. We look at Line2, OpenPhone, and Distro. We discuss their features, pricing, and how each one meets startup needs.

Why a Good Phone System Matters for Startups

A phone system is not just a way to take calls. It is a central hub for communication. A good system helps a startup look professional. It keeps all calls in one place and makes it easy to manage messages.

When a startup grows, a phone system must grow with it. A strong system reduces mistakes and saves time. It also helps to build trust with clients. Each call shows the personality of your business. A good system can send a message that your startup is ready for success.

Startups often have limited time and resources. A phone system that is simple to use can save hours each week. It can also reduce costs by avoiding the need for multiple tools. Modern phone systems now work over the internet. They remove the need for bulky hardware. Cloud-based systems are flexible. They allow your team to work from anywhere. For startups that need to stay agile, this is a major advantage.

Line2: A Traditional Yet Reliable Choice

Line2 is a well-known phone system that many startups have used over the years. It gives your business a second number. This is useful if you want to keep personal and work calls separate. Line2 offers both mobile and desktop apps. Its design is simple and clear. Many users find it easy to use. The system also supports texting, voicemail, call forwarding, and conference calls.

Features of Line2

Virtual Phone Numbers: Choose between local and toll-free numbers.
Call Forwarding: Redirect calls with ease.
Voicemail: Receive and review messages.
SMS Messaging: Send and receive texts through the system.
Conference Calling: Hold meetings with several callers.
Mobile and Desktop Apps: Use the system from any device.

Pricing for Line2

Line2 offers two main plans. The pricing is fixed and clear. Here are the details:

Basic Plan: Costs $29.95 per month. This plan provides essential features.
Pro Plan: Costs $44.95 per month. This plan adds extra features for advanced needs.

Pros and Cons of Line2

Pros:

The system is simple and reliable.
Pricing is fixed with no hidden fees.
It works well for startups that need a professional image.

Cons:

The feature set is traditional.
It may not offer the modern integrations that growing startups need.
The system lacks advanced automation and AI-powered tools.

Line2 is a strong choice if you value a classic approach. It offers a clear price and dependable features. For startups that do not require many extra bells and whistles, Line2 can be a good fit.

OpenPhone: The Modern, Agile Option

OpenPhone is a newer option on the market. It was built with modern startups in mind. OpenPhone focuses on ease of use and integration. It works well on both mobile and desktop devices. Many startups choose OpenPhone because it adapts to changing needs. The interface is clean and the system is quick to set up.

Features of OpenPhone

Business Phone Numbers: Get a dedicated number for your startup.
Unlimited Calling: Enjoy unlimited calls in the United States and Canada.
SMS Messaging: Send and receive texts easily.
Call Forwarding: Forward calls to the right team member.
Easy Integrations: Works with tools such as Slack and other productivity apps.
Mobile and Desktop Apps: Stay connected from anywhere.

Pricing for OpenPhone

OpenPhone has flexible pricing plans. The details are as follows:

Starter Plan: Costs $15 per user per month if you choose the monthly option.
Business Plan: Costs $20 per user per month for added features and integrations.

For startups that commit annually, the price may be lower. However, we will use the monthly rates for our comparison. OpenPhone keeps pricing simple and transparent.

Pros and Cons of OpenPhone

Pros:

Modern design and easy-to-use interface.
Integrates with many popular tools.
Offers unlimited calling in the United States and Canada.

Cons:

Pricing is per user, which can add up as your team grows.
Some advanced features are only available in the higher-tier plan.
The system may require some learning for full customization.

OpenPhone is best for startups that want modern features and integrations. It offers flexibility and a clean design. It is ideal if you work in a dynamic, tech-savvy environment.

Distro: The AI-Powered All-In-One Solution

Distro brings modern technology together in one platform. Distro is designed for teams that want to use artificial intelligence to improve communication. It offers a complete solution that includes not only a phone system but also a unified inbox, a sales dialer, and a cloud call center. Distro adds SMS and workflow automation into the mix. This system helps startups save time and work more efficiently.

Features of Distro

Full Phone System: Manage calls with ease.
Unified Inbox: View all messages and emails in one place.
Sales Dialer: Quickly reach out to prospects.
Cloud Call Center: Scale support as your team grows.
SMS Integration: Connect with customers via text.
Workflow Automation: Automate routine tasks and processes.
AI-Powered Call Routing: Improve call management with smart routing.
Real-Time Analytics: Get insights to help your team perform better.

Pricing for Distro

Distro offers competitive pricing plans for startups. Here are the details:

Starter Plan: Costs $29 per user per month. This plan gives you the core features that every startup needs.
Pro Plan: Costs $49 per user per month. This plan adds more advanced features and deeper integrations.

Distro is built to be an all-in-one solution. The pricing reflects the breadth of features offered. Startups can choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget.

Pros and Cons of Distro

Pros:

Offers an all-in-one solution that combines many tools in one platform.
Uses artificial intelligence to improve call routing and analytics.
Provides a unified inbox that saves time and reduces errors.
Some small startups may need all the extra features.
Scales well as your startup grows.

Cons:

The pricing is per user, so costs can increase with team size.

Distro is ideal for startups that want a complete, modern communication solution. Its advanced features and AI integration set it apart from more traditional systems. It is perfect for teams that need more than just basic calling features.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When choosing a phone system for your startup, it is important to see how each option compares. Below is a side-by-side look at Line2, OpenPhone, and Distro.

Pricing Comparison

Line2:
- Basic Plan: $29.95 per month
- Pro Plan: $44.95 per month
OpenPhone:
- Starter Plan: $15 per user per month (monthly billing)
- Business Plan: $20 per user per month
Distro:
- Starter Plan: $29 per user per month
- Pro Plan: $49 per user per month

Feature Comparison

Feature	Line2	OpenPhone	Distro
Virtual Business Number	Yes	Yes	Yes
Call Forwarding	Yes	Yes	Yes
Voicemail	Yes	Yes	Yes
SMS Messaging	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mobile/Desktop Apps	Yes	Yes	Yes
Conference Calling	Yes	Basic	Advanced (with AI routing)
Integrations	Limited	Good (e.g., Slack)	Extensive (unified inbox and more)
Unified Inbox	No	No	Yes
Sales Dialer	No	No	Yes
Cloud Call Center	No	No	Yes
Workflow Automation	No	No	Yes
AI-Powered Features	No	No	Yes

Ease of Use

Line2 is simple and reliable. It is easy to set up and use.
OpenPhone has a modern design that is easy to navigate. It is built for today's mobile and remote teams.
Distro brings many features together. It may require some time to learn all the advanced functions, but its unified platform saves time in the long run.

Scalability

Line2 is best for startups with a small team or those that prefer a traditional approach.
OpenPhone works well for startups that are beginning to grow and need flexible pricing per user.
Distro is designed to scale with your startup. It offers a robust set of tools that grow as your business grows.

Extra Considerations When Choosing a Phone System

Beyond pricing and core features, there are other points to consider when choosing a phone system for your startup.

Customer Support

A strong support team is essential. When issues arise, you need quick help. Look for providers with good customer support. Read reviews and test out the support channels if possible.

Integration with Other Tools

Your phone system should work well with the other software you use. Many startups use customer relationship management (CRM) tools, email platforms, and messaging apps. OpenPhone integrates with tools like Slack. Distro offers extensive integrations, including a unified inbox that brings messages from different channels together.

Ease of Setup and Use

Startups do not always have time to deal with complicated installations. A system that is easy to set up and manage is important. Line2 is known for its straightforward setup. OpenPhone has a modern, user-friendly design. Distro, while more feature-rich, is built to bring many functions into one platform, reducing the need for multiple tools.

Future Growth

Think about where your startup is headed. A phone system should be able to grow with your business. Distro is designed for scalability and can add advanced features as your needs change. OpenPhone is flexible with its per-user pricing model. Line2 is best if you plan to keep a lean operation.

Final Thoughts: Which Should Your Startup Choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a phone system. Each system has strengths that may suit different startup needs.

Line2 offers a tried-and-true approach. It is simple and reliable. It works best for startups that need a professional image with basic calling features. Its fixed pricing at $29.95 or $44.95 per month is clear and easy to manage.
OpenPhone is a modern and agile option. It is perfect for startups that value integrations and a user-friendly design. Its pricing starts at $15 per user per month for the Starter Plan and $20 per user per month for the Business Plan. This model is ideal for teams that are growing and need flexibility.
Distro stands out as an all-in-one solution. It brings a full phone system together with a unified inbox, sales dialer, cloud call center, SMS, and workflow automation. It is built with AI-powered features to make your communication smarter. Its pricing is competitive at $29 per user per month for the Starter Plan and $49 per user per month for the Pro Plan. Distro is best for startups that are ready to invest in a robust, scalable system that can grow with them.

When you decide, think about your team size, the features you need, and your future growth plans. Test out free trials if they are available. Make sure the system you choose can integrate well with your current tools and can handle your projected call volume.

Discover Distro: The All-In-One AI Phone System for Startups

While Line2 and OpenPhone are strong contenders, Distro brings a new dimension to the table. Distro is designed specifically for teams that want to combine many tools into one platform. With Distro, you do not have to worry about switching between multiple apps. Everything is in one place. This can be a major time saver for busy startup teams.

Distro offers a full phone system that makes managing calls simple and efficient. Its unified inbox brings all your messages and emails together. This means that important information is never lost in a sea of apps. The sales dialer helps your team reach prospects quickly and efficiently. With the cloud call center feature, you can scale your support as your startup grows.

Furthermore, Distro provides SMS integration so you can connect with customers via text. The system also offers workflow automation that handles routine tasks. With AI-powered call routing, Distro makes sure that every call reaches the right person at the right time. Real-time analytics give you insights into call performance and team productivity.

The pricing for Distro is competitive. The Starter Plan is available at $29 per user per month. For startups that need more advanced features and deeper integrations, the Pro Plan is offered at $49 per user per month. These plans provide a clear and predictable cost structure for startups. Distro is built to help small teams work smarter and faster. It is an ideal choice for startups that are ready to embrace a modern, unified communication solution.

All-in-one platform

Sales

Customer Support

Products

Campaigns & Sequences

SMS - P2P & Campaigns

Voice

Web Chat

Shared Inbox

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