Blog Article

Aircall Review: A Practical Communication Solution


Aayushi
By Aayushi | Last Updated on December 24th, 2024 11:58 am

Finding the right phone system to streamline communication can be a real challenge. I needed something that could balance ease of use, flexibility, and advanced features without becoming overly complicated. Aircall stood out as a powerful option. Its cloud-based platform and robust Aircall integrations immediately caught my attention, promising seamless connectivity with tools like CRMs and helpdesk systems. After diving deep into its features and using it extensively, I’m ready to share an honest, firsthand Aircall review.

What Makes Aircall Unique?

When I first started exploring Aircall, what struck me was how it approached business communication differently. Unlike the traditional phone systems I’ve worked with in the past—systems that relied on bulky hardware, time-consuming installations, and constant maintenance—Aircall operates entirely in the cloud. This made it instantly appealing to me because it meant no physical setup or additional IT support.

Beyond its cloud-based nature, Aircall’s emphasis on integrations is what sealed the deal for me. I already rely heavily on tools like HubSpot for CRM and Zendesk for customer support, and the thought of a phone system that could sync seamlessly with these tools was a game-changer.

Key Features That Stood Out

Aircall’s extensive feature set is designed to simplify communication, optimize workflows, and support growth. Below is a detailed breakdown of its most impactful features:

  1. Cloud-Based Convenience: The first thing I appreciated about Aircall was its simplicity. The cloud-based system meant I didn’t have to worry about hardware or installation. All I needed was an internet connection, and I was good to go. Calls could be made or received directly from a desktop or mobile app, which was perfect for me and my team, especially since we’re a mix of remote and hybrid workers. This flexibility has been a lifesaver. Whether I’m working from home, at the office, or even on the road, I can stay connected without any hiccups. It’s a major upgrade from systems that tie you down to a physical office space.
  2. Call Management Tools: Aircall’s call management features stood out to me the most. Tools like call queuing, forwarding, and recording helped us organize our communication processes better. The IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system, which lets callers direct themselves to the right department, has been a huge time-saver. For example, instead of manually transferring calls, customers can select the option they need and get routed to the right person instantly. Call recording has been particularly useful for me during training sessions. I can review calls with team members, provide feedback, and ensure we’re maintaining a high standard of communication.
  3. International Numbers: One of the features I didn’t realize I needed until I used it was Aircall’s international number capability. We have clients in several countries, and being able to set up local numbers in over 100 regions has made a big difference. Not only does it make our business appear more professional and localized, but it also reduces costs for our clients when they need to reach us.
  4. Real-time analytics: I’ve always believed that data drives better decisions, and Aircall’s analytics dashboard has proven that to be true. The dashboard provides insights like call volume, average call duration, wait times, and even missed calls. I use this data regularly to identify patterns and improve our team’s efficiency. For example, after noticing that we had more missed calls during specific times of the day, I adjusted our staffing schedule to ensure better coverage. This small change made a noticeable difference in customer satisfaction.
  5. Scalability: What I appreciate about Aircall is that it grows with you. When I first started using it, we were a small team, and the Essentials plan was more than enough. As we expanded, upgrading to a higher-tier plan was easy, and it gave us access to features like advanced analytics and custom call routing. Knowing that Aircall can scale alongside my business gives me peace of mind.

Popular Aircall Integrations

Aircall’s integration capabilities have been a game-changer for me, significantly enhancing how my team and I manage business communication. By seamlessly connecting with tools we already rely on, Aircall simplifies workflows and saves time. Here are five integrations I’ve found particularly valuable:

  1. Aircall and HubSpot CRM Integration: With an Aircall and HubSpot CRM integration, managing customer relationships has never been easier. Every call is automatically logged into HubSpot, saving me time and ensuring accuracy. Before answering a call, I can see detailed information about the caller, including their company and past interactions, which helps me approach conversations with greater context. Additionally, I’ve used this integration to analyze call performance within HubSpot, tracking patterns and improving team efficiency. This connection between Aircall and HubSpot has become an integral part of my communication process.
  2. Aircall and Salesforce Integration: An Aircall and Salesforce integration has transformed how I handle customer interactions. By allowing me to make and receive calls directly within Salesforce, it centralizes all communication and eliminates the need for switching between platforms. All call details, including notes and follow-ups, are automatically logged under the correct lead or contact, which ensures nothing slips through the cracks. After a call, I can quickly add tasks or notes without leaving Salesforce, simplifying follow-ups and improving workflow organization. This integration is an essential tool for maintaining a productive and organized system.
  3. Aircall and Pipedrive Integration: With an Aircall and Pipedrive integration, managing sales workflows has become much smoother. Before answering a call, I can access key details about the contact and their deal progress, allowing me to personalize conversations and focus on closing deals. This integration also ensures that every call is automatically logged into the appropriate contact or deal in Pipedrive, which keeps my sales pipeline organized and accurate. Having all this information readily available has significantly boosted my productivity, making this integration a game-changer for my sales efforts.
  4. Aircall and Intercom Integration: An Aircall and Intercom integration has been incredibly useful for centralizing customer support. By combining phone, SMS, and chat communications in one platform, I can easily access a full view of customer interactions. Calls are automatically tracked as tickets within Intercom, which ensures nothing is missed and follow-ups are seamless. This integration has made handling large volumes of customer inquiries much more manageable while maintaining high service quality. It’s an indispensable tool for creating a consistent and efficient support experience.
  5. Aircall and Slack Integration: With an Aircall and Slack integration, team communication and responsiveness have improved significantly. Notifications about missed calls, voicemails, or urgent updates appear directly in Slack channels, keeping everyone informed and ready to act. If I miss a call, a teammate can immediately respond thanks to these real-time notifications. This integration has been a vital tool for ensuring that no call goes unanswered and for maintaining seamless collaboration within my team. For anyone already using Slack, this integration adds an extra layer of efficiency.

What I Loved About Aircall

Here are some of the things I specifically loved about Aircall:

  1. Ease of use: From the very first use, Aircall felt intuitive. The interface is clean and straightforward, so I didn’t need extensive training to get started. Even team members who aren’t particularly tech-savvy adapted quickly.
  2. Call Management Tools: Aircall’s call management features stood out to me the most. Tools like call queuing, forwarding, and recording helped us organize our communication processes better. The IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system, which lets callers direct themselves to the right department, has been a huge time-saver. For example, instead of manually transferring calls, customers can select the option they need and get routed to the right person instantly. Call recording has been particularly useful for me during training sessions. I can review calls with team members, provide feedback, and ensure we’re maintaining a high standard of communication.
  3. International Numbers: One of the features I didn’t realize I needed until I used it was Aircall’s international number capability. We have clients in several countries, and being able to set up local numbers in over 100 regions has made a big difference. Not only does it make our business appear more professional and localized, but it also reduces costs for our clients when they need to reach us.
  4. Real-time analytics: Maintaining consistent communication with clients is critical in contracting. JobNimbus helped me send timely updates, follow-ups, and reminders to clients, improving their overall experience. The ability to log every interaction also ensured that I was always prepared for client conversations, which helped build trust and credibility.
  5. Scalability: What I appreciate about Aircall is that it grows with you. When I first started using it, we were a small team, and the Essentials plan was more than enough. As we expanded, upgrading to a higher-tier plan was easy, and it gave us access to features like advanced analytics and custom call routing. Knowing that Aircall can scale alongside my business gives me peace of mind.

Challenges I Faced with Aircall

While Aircall has been a fantastic tool, it’s not without its limitations. Here are a few challenges I encountered:

  1. Limited communication features: Aircall focuses solely on voice communication, so I still need separate tools for team chat and video conferencing. This lack of unified communication can sometimes feel like a gap, especially when juggling multiple platforms.
  2. Internet dependency: Since Aircall is cloud-based, it’s only as good as your internet connection. While this hasn’t been a major issue for me, there have been a few instances where dropped calls disrupted workflows due to network instability.
  3. Cost for advanced features: While the Essentials plan is affordable, adding advanced features or specific integrations can quickly increase costs. For larger teams, this could become a concern.
  4. Learning curve for advanced tools: While the basics are easy to pick up, I found that some of the more advanced features required time to learn. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

How I Use Aircall

Here’s how I’ve integrated Aircall into different aspects of my work to streamline processes and improve efficiency across support, sales, and global communication:

  1. For customer support: My support team relies on Aircall’s call queuing and IVR to handle high volumes of inquiries. The integrations with Zendesk ensure every call is logged and linked to a ticket, which helps us provide faster, more efficient service.
  2. For sales: On the sales side, Aircall’s CRM integrations have been a game-changer. Calls are automatically logged in HubSpot, and we use the analytics to track performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
  3. For global clients: Setting up international numbers has helped us establish a local presence in key markets. This feature has made it easier for clients to reach us and improved our overall accessibility.

Aircall Pricing

Aircall offers three pricing tiers, and I’ve explored two of them in depth:

  1. Essentials plan: Priced at $30 per user per month, this plan includes core features like call management, standard integrations, and basic analytics. It’s a great starting point for small teams.
  2. Professional plan: Priced at $50 per user per month, this plan adds advanced analytics, custom call routing, and other features that support growing teams. For me, this plan was worth the investment as my team expanded.
  3. Custom plan: This is tailored for larger teams with specific needs and includes enterprise-grade features. While I haven’t explored this option, it’s good to know it’s available for future growth.

Aircall also offers a free trial, which I highly recommend. It’s the best way to determine whether the platform meets your needs before committing.

Is Aircall Worth It?

Aircall has been a fantastic addition to my workflow. Its cloud-based design, ease of use, and seamless integrations have transformed the way my team handles communication. Whether it’s supporting customers, closing sales, or expanding globally, Aircall has proven to be a reliable and flexible solution.

That said, it’s not perfect. The lack of built-in chat or video features means I still need other tools for certain aspects of communication. Additionally, the reliance on internet quality is something to consider, especially if you’re in an area with inconsistent connectivity.

Overall, if you’re looking for a phone system that prioritizes voice communication and integrates effortlessly with your existing tools, Aircall is an excellent choice. The free trial is a great starting point to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Related Articles