Grasshopper vs Dialpad: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Grasshopper is built for solopreneurs, while Dialpad suits ai-features. For most users Grasshopper is the stronger default, but Dialpad can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Grasshopper has the lower entry price.
Both Grasshopper and Dialpad get recommended a lot, but they solve the job differently. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Grasshopper | Dialpad | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Virtual Phone | Ucaas |
| What it's known for | Virtual phone system with flat account-based pricing (no per-user fees), aimed at solopreneurs and small teams wanting a business line on their cell. | AI-native business phone and contact center with real-time transcription, live call summaries and sentiment analysis built into the core product. |
| Pricing | Flat account pricing ~$14-55/mo depending on numbers/extensions (no per-user fee) | ~$15/user/mo Standard, ~$25/user/mo Pro (annual); enterprise custom |
| Best audience | Solopreneurs and small teams wanting a simple business line on their existing phone. | Sales and support teams that want AI call intelligence built into the core phone. |
| Best for | solopreneurs, small-business | ai-features, sales-teams |
| Entry price | ~$14/mo (annual) | ~$15/user/mo (annual) |
| Biggest strength | No per-user fees; unlimited users at no extra cost. | Native AI (transcription, summaries) included rather than charged as an add-on. |
| Main caveat | Minimal third-party/CRM integrations. | Standard plan only integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. |
Features compared
The feature sets only partly overlap. Here is what each one actually gives you:
Grasshopper key features
- Virtual phone system with flat account-based pricing (no per-user fees)
- Unlimited calls and texts on all plans
- Business number added to an existing cell phone via mobile and desktop apps
- Extensions, custom greetings and call forwarding
Dialpad key features
- AI-native business phone with real-time transcription on every plan
- Live call summaries, sentiment analysis and AI call coaching (Dialpad AI)
- Real-time assist and custom moments (keyword triggers) on Pro
- Call recording, advanced analytics and unlimited calling
Pricing tiers side by side
Grasshopper plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| True Solo | ~$14/mo (annual) | 1 number, 1 extension |
| Solo Plus | ~$25/mo (annual) | More numbers/extensions |
| Small Business | ~$80/mo (annual) | Unlimited users and extensions |
Dialpad plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ~$15/user/mo (annual) | Transcription, basic summaries, Google/Microsoft integrations |
| Pro | ~$25/user/mo (annual) | Real-time assist, sentiment analysis, CRM integrations, call recording |
| Enterprise | Custom | Quote-based |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Grasshopper wins
Flat account pricing with no per-user fees and unlimited users.
- No per-user fees; unlimited users at no extra cost.
- Transparent flat pricing with no long-term contracts.
That makes it the stronger pick for solopreneurs and small teams wanting a simple business line on their existing phone.
Where Dialpad wins
Built-in AI transcription, summaries and sentiment analysis on every tier.
- Native AI (transcription, summaries) included rather than charged as an add-on.
- Low Standard entry price for an AI-first product.
That makes it the stronger pick for sales and support teams that want AI call intelligence built into the core phone.
Verdict: choose by fit
There is no single winner; it depends on where you sit.
- Choose Grasshopper if you fit its core audience — solopreneurs and small teams wanting a simple business line on their existing phone.
- Choose Dialpad if you fit its core audience — sales and support teams that want AI call intelligence built into the core phone.
FAQ
Is Grasshopper better than Dialpad?
Grasshopper is the stronger default for most users, but Dialpad can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Grasshopper and Dialpad?
Grasshopper is flat account pricing with no per-user fees and unlimited users. Dialpad is built-in AI transcription, summaries and sentiment analysis on every tier.
Which is cheaper, Grasshopper or Dialpad?
Entry pricing differs: Grasshopper starts at ~$14/mo (annual), while Dialpad starts at ~$15/user/mo (annual). Compare the tiers above against your usage.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Grasshopper and Dialpad: