Grasshopper vs OpenPhone (Quo): which should you choose?
Quick answer: Grasshopper is built for solopreneurs, while OpenPhone (Quo) suits startups. For most users Grasshopper is the stronger default, but OpenPhone (Quo) can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case. Grasshopper has the lower entry price.
Grasshopper versus OpenPhone (Quo) comes down to which trade-offs you can live with. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Grasshopper | OpenPhone (Quo) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Virtual Phone | Virtual Phone |
| 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. | Lightweight business phone and virtual number app (rebranded Quo) with shared numbers, team inboxes and AI call notes, popular with startups and SMBs. |
| Pricing | Flat account pricing ~$14-55/mo depending on numbers/extensions (no per-user fee) | ~$15/user/mo Starter, ~$23/user/mo Business, ~$35/user/mo Scale (annual) |
| Best audience | Solopreneurs and small teams wanting a simple business line on their existing phone. | Startups and small teams wanting a simple shared business number with light AI. |
| Best for | solopreneurs, small-business | startups, small-business |
| Entry price | ~$14/mo (annual) | ~$15/user/mo (annual) |
| Biggest strength | No per-user fees; unlimited users at no extra cost. | Simple, modern UX popular with startups and SMBs. |
| Main caveat | Minimal third-party/CRM integrations. | AI summaries, IVR and CRM integrations require the Business tier. |
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
OpenPhone (Quo) key features
- Lightweight business phone with shared numbers and team inboxes
- Unlimited calling and texting within US and Canada
- AI call summaries and transcripts on Business+
- Sona AI voice agent that answers calls 24/7 (1,000 automation credits/mo per plan)
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 |
OpenPhone (Quo) plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | ~$15/user/mo (annual) | Unlimited US/Canada calls/texts, one number/user, 10 Sona AI calls/mo |
| Business | ~$23/user/mo (annual) | AI summaries/transcripts, IVR, HubSpot/Salesforce, call recording |
| Scale | ~$35/user/mo (annual) | AI call tags, dedicated onboarding, priority support |
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 OpenPhone (Quo) wins
A clean, startup-friendly business phone with shared numbers and a built-in AI agent (Sona).
- Simple, modern UX popular with startups and SMBs.
- Shared numbers and team inboxes built in.
That makes it the stronger pick for startups and small teams wanting a simple shared business number with light AI.
Verdict: choose by fit
Both are good at the job, so let your priorities decide.
- Choose Grasshopper if you fit its core audience — solopreneurs and small teams wanting a simple business line on their existing phone.
- Choose OpenPhone (Quo) if you fit its core audience — startups and small teams wanting a simple shared business number with light AI.
FAQ
Is Grasshopper better than OpenPhone (Quo)?
Grasshopper is the stronger default for most users, but OpenPhone (Quo) can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Grasshopper and OpenPhone (Quo)?
Grasshopper is flat account pricing with no per-user fees and unlimited users. OpenPhone (Quo) is a clean, startup-friendly business phone with shared numbers and a built-in AI agent (Sona).
Which is cheaper, Grasshopper or OpenPhone (Quo)?
Entry pricing differs: Grasshopper starts at ~$14/mo (annual), while OpenPhone (Quo) 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 OpenPhone (Quo):