Why Businesses Choose SIP Trunking Over Dialpad
Dialpad is an excellent AI-powered UCaaS platform. But if you have an existing PBX or want full control over your phone system, pure SIP trunking is the smarter choice.
Per-User Pricing Adds Up Fast
Dialpad charges $15-25 per user per month. A 20-person office pays $300-500/mo before any calls. IPComms charges $0 per channel — you only pay for actual usage at $0.009-0.010/min, typically saving 50-70% monthly.
Locked Into Their Platform
Dialpad is a complete cloud PBX — you must use their phone system and their apps. IPComms SIP trunking works with any PBX you choose: Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, FreeSwitch, Microsoft Teams, or any SIP-compatible system.
Paying for Features You Don't Need
Dialpad's pricing includes AI transcription, coaching, and sentiment analysis. If you just need reliable voice connectivity for your PBX, why pay for AI features? IPComms gives you enterprise-grade SIP trunking without the bloat.
IPComms vs Dialpad: Feature-by-Feature
A detailed comparison of SIP trunking capabilities vs cloud PBX for 2026.
| Feature | IPComms | Dialpad |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-minute | $15-25/user/month |
| Per-User Fees | $0 (no per-user fees) | $15-25/user/mo |
| Outbound Rate (US) | $0.010/min | Included in plan |
| Local DID Numbers | $1.50/mo | 1 included per user |
| Service Type | Pure SIP trunking | Cloud PBX (UCaaS) |
| Use Your Own PBX | Any SIP PBX | No (must use Dialpad) |
| Contracts Required | No contracts | Annual commitment recommended |
| Phone Support | All customers | Pro plan and up |
| AI Features | N/A (pure SIP) | Transcription, coaching, sentiment |
| Encryption | TLS 1.3 + SRTP | TLS + SRTP |
| STIR/SHAKEN | Included | Included |
| E911 | $1.50/number | Included |
| Uptime SLA | 99.99% | 99.9% (Enterprise: 100%) |
| Number Porting | Volume discount (100+ numbers) | Free |
| Microsoft Teams | Direct Routing | Integration available |
| Established | 2002 (24 years) | 2012 (14 years) |
Cost Comparison: Real Numbers
Here's what a 20-person office actually pays per month with each provider.
IPComms
50-70% LessExample: 20-person office, 10 DIDs, 8,000 outbound min, 5,000 inbound min
Dialpad
Same office: 20 users on Standard plan ($15/user/mo)
20 users @ $15/user/mo$300.00 Calling (included)$0.00 DIDs (1 per user included)$0.00 Additional features$0.00 Monthly Total$300.00Pricing based on publicly available rates as of March 2026. IPComms pricing requires your own PBX (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, etc.). Dialpad pricing shown is for annual commitment; monthly pricing is higher. Dialpad Pro plan ($25/user/mo) would cost $500/mo for the same 20 users.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose IPComms if you:
- Already have a PBX (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, etc.) and need SIP trunking
- Want to avoid per-user monthly fees that scale with headcount
- Need full control over call routing, IVR, and PBX configuration
- Want to connect Microsoft Teams via Direct Routing
- Run a call center with high volumes where per-user fees are too expensive
Dialpad may be better if you:
- Don't have an existing PBX and want a turnkey cloud phone system
- Need AI-powered call transcription and coaching features
- Want a single vendor for phone, video, and messaging
- Prefer managed software with no PBX maintenance
- Have a small team where per-user pricing is manageable
Switching from Dialpad to SIP Trunking
Moving from a cloud PBX to SIP trunking requires a PBX, but our team will help you every step of the way.
Choose & Set Up Your PBX
Pick a PBX that fits your needs (FreePBX, 3CX, Asterisk, or use Teams). Our team can help recommend and configure it.
Connect IPComms SIP Trunks
Configure your PBX with IPComms SIP credentials and test calls. Takes under 10 minutes for the SIP trunk setup.
Port Your Numbers
Submit a porting request and we'll transfer your numbers from Dialpad with zero downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IPComms SIP trunking vs Dialpad cloud PBX.
Is IPComms cheaper than Dialpad?
Significantly. Dialpad charges $15-25 per user per month for their cloud PBX platform. IPComms charges $0 per channel and only bills for actual usage at $0.009/min inbound and $0.010/min outbound, plus $1.50/mo per DID. For a 20-person office, Dialpad costs $300-500/mo minimum. IPComms with the same call volume typically costs $140/mo — saving 50-70% monthly.
Can I use my existing PBX with IPComms instead of switching to Dialpad?
Yes. That's the key difference. Dialpad is a complete cloud PBX replacement — you must use their phone system. IPComms is a SIP trunk provider that works with your existing PBX (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, FreeSwitch, Microsoft Teams, etc.). If you've already invested in and configured a PBX, IPComms lets you keep it while getting reliable, affordable voice connectivity.
Does IPComms offer AI features like Dialpad?
IPComms is a pure SIP trunking provider focused on reliable voice connectivity, not AI features. Dialpad is known for AI-powered transcription, call coaching, and sentiment analysis. If you need those AI features, Dialpad may be a better fit. If you need reliable, affordable SIP trunking for your existing PBX without paying for AI features you don't use, IPComms is the better choice.
Can I switch from Dialpad to IPComms?
Yes, but it's a different kind of migration. Since Dialpad is a complete cloud PBX, switching to IPComms means you'll need your own PBX system (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, etc.) or a hosted PBX. You can port your phone numbers from Dialpad to IPComms. IPComms' support team can help you plan the migration and configure your new PBX.
Why would I choose SIP trunking over a cloud PBX like Dialpad?
SIP trunking gives you full control over your phone system. You choose your PBX, configure it exactly how you need, and only pay for the voice connectivity. Cloud PBX platforms like Dialpad lock you into their system, charge per-user fees, and limit customization. SIP trunking is ideal for businesses with specific call routing needs, existing PBX investments, or high call volumes where per-user pricing becomes expensive.
Does IPComms support Microsoft Teams calling?
Yes. IPComms supports Microsoft Teams via Direct Routing, allowing you to make and receive PSTN calls directly within Teams. This is an alternative to both Dialpad and Microsoft's own Calling Plans, often at a lower cost. You get the familiar Teams interface with IPComms' competitive per-minute rates and real human support.