Business VoIP Cost in Canada: 2026 Pricing Guide

One of the first questions any business owner asks when evaluating VoIP is: what will this actually cost? The answer varies by provider and plan structure, but the underlying pricing logic is consistent enough that you can build a reliable estimate before you talk to anyone. This guide walks through how business VoIP is priced in Canada, what is typically included versus charged as an add-on, and how to read the fine print.

How VoIP Pricing Is Structured

Business VoIP pricing almost always follows a per-line (or per-seat) model. Each “line” represents one simultaneous call path — one channel that can carry an active call at any given moment. If you have five employees who might be on the phone at the same time, you need at least five lines. If you only ever have two concurrent calls, two lines may be enough even if you have ten extensions.

Within that per-line structure, providers typically offer two tiers: unlimited calling plans, where you pay a flat monthly rate per line regardless of how many minutes you use, and metered plans, where you pay a base rate plus a per-minute charge for calls above a certain threshold. Most Canadian businesses with moderate-to-heavy call volumes are better served by unlimited plans; metered plans suit businesses that make relatively few outbound calls.

The hosted PBX itself — the software switching layer that handles extensions, auto attendants, ring groups, and call routing — is generally included in the per-line fee with a good provider. You should not need to pay separately for the PBX platform.

Typical Per-Line Costs in Canada

Rates vary, but as of 2026 the following ranges give you a reasonable starting point for budgeting:

• Metered plans: $10–$18 per line per month, plus per-minute charges (typically $0.01–$0.02 per minute for calls within Canada and the United States). Best suited for low-volume users.
• Unlimited Canada/US plans: $20–$35 per line per month for small accounts (1–4 lines). Per-line rates typically decrease as you add more lines, with mid-size accounts (5–20 lines) often in the $15–$25 range per line.
• International calling: Usually charged per minute on top of any base plan. Rates vary widely by destination — calls to the UK or Australia are inexpensive; calls to mobile numbers in some countries can be higher.

ACVoIP's plans are structured along these lines, with transparent per-line pricing and no hidden minimums. See our current business plan rates →

Setup and Hardware Costs

This is where costs can diverge significantly between providers. Here is what you might encounter:

• Activation fees: Some providers charge $25–$99 per line to activate service. ACVoIP does not charge activation fees on standard setups.
• Number porting fees: Porting your existing business number to a new provider should generally be free or very low-cost. Be wary of providers who charge $50 or more per number to port.
• Hardware: If you already own SIP-compatible IP phones, they will likely work with a hosted PBX platform at no additional hardware cost. If you need new phones, entry-level business IP handsets start around $60–$100 per unit; mid-range models run $100–$200. Alternatively, softphone apps — software on your computer or smartphone — are free to install and eliminate hardware costs entirely.
• Router/network upgrades: VoIP is sensitive to network quality. If your office router does not support Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize voice traffic, you may need to upgrade it. A business-grade router capable of VoIP QoS typically costs $100–$300 and is a one-time investment.

What Is Usually Included vs. Add-On

A reputable hosted VoIP provider includes the following in the per-line monthly fee without surcharges:

• Unlimited local and long-distance calling within Canada and the US (on unlimited plans)
• Hosted PBX: auto attendant, ring groups, call queues, call forwarding
• Voicemail with voicemail-to-email delivery
• Softphone apps for desktop and mobile
• Basic E911 service (Canadian providers are legally required to provide this)
• Web portal access for managing your own settings

Common optional add-ons (charged separately) include:

• Toll-free numbers: A monthly fee per toll-free number, plus per-minute inbound charges.
• Internet fax lines: A separate monthly fee for a fax-enabled line. See ACVoIP internet fax pricing →
• Call recording storage: Some providers include a set amount of recording storage; extended retention may be an add-on.
• Additional DID numbers: Each additional direct-dial number beyond your base allocation typically costs a few dollars per month.

How VoIP Compares to Telus and Shaw Pricing

Legacy carrier business phone plans are priced very differently from hosted VoIP. Telus business phone plans bundle lines, calling, and sometimes basic features into packages that typically run $60–$120 per month for a small business — before hardware, before installation, and before any advanced features like auto attendant.

The total cost of ownership over a 24-month period for a small Calgary business with four lines often looks something like this:

• Telus business plan (4 lines, 24 months): $100–$150/month × 24 = $2,400–$3,600, plus initial hardware, installation, and potential ETF risk if you leave early.
• ACVoIP hosted VoIP (4 lines, unlimited, 24 months): ~$25–$35/line × 4 lines × 24 months = $2,400–$3,360, with no hardware costs if you use existing phones or softphones, no activation fees, and no penalty for leaving.

On paper the totals can look similar, but the VoIP option includes a full hosted PBX feature set that would cost substantially more to replicate on a legacy carrier plan. And with month-to-month VoIP, you have no lock-in risk. For a direct comparison, see our ACVoIP vs. Telus breakdown.

Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Business

Online pricing pages give you a ballpark, but an accurate quote requires knowing your specific situation: how many concurrent lines you actually need (not just extensions), whether you want unlimited or metered calling, what add-ons you require, and whether you need to port existing numbers. Hardware needs also vary — a business with existing SIP phones has zero hardware cost; a business starting from scratch will need to factor in handsets or decide on a softphone-only approach.

ACVoIP quotes are plain-language documents that break down per-line rates, any one-time costs, and what is included in your plan. There are no hidden line items and no pressure to sign a long-term contract. Month-to-month and term options are both available.

The fastest way to get an accurate number is to tell us how many lines you need, your approximate monthly call volume, and whether you have existing hardware. We will put together a tailored proposal, typically within one business day.