CloudTalk Review: A No-BS Look at This Call Center Software
CloudTalk is a cloud-based VoIP and call center platform that promises to help sales and support teams manage calls without the headache of traditional phone systems. With international numbers in 160+ countries and integrations with popular CRMs, it's positioned itself as a solid option for growing businesses.
But is it actually worth your money? I dug into the pricing, features, and real user feedback to give you the straight answer.
What Is CloudTalk?
CloudTalk is a virtual phone system and call center solution that handles voice, SMS, and audio conferencing. It's primarily used by customer support teams, sales operations, and recruiting departments who need to make and receive a high volume of calls.
The platform operates entirely in the cloud, so there's no hardware to install. You can use it through desktop apps, mobile apps, or browser extensions. It connects with your existing CRM (HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, etc.) to automatically log calls and sync contact data.
Companies like Nokia, Glovo, and Valutico use CloudTalk, which tells you it can handle enterprise-level needs when configured properly.
CloudTalk Pricing: What You'll Actually Pay
CloudTalk offers three main pricing tiers, plus a custom enterprise option. Here's the breakdown:
Lite Plan - $25/user/month (billed annually)
This is the entry-level option. You get:
- 1 standard local phone number
- Unlimited user extensions
- Unlimited inbound calls
- Outbound calls charged per minute
- Click-to-call functionality
- Unlimited call queuing with ACD
- Call Flow Designer
- Ring groups
- Basic analytics
- Email and help center support
The catch? Outbound calls are billed per minute, so your actual costs will be higher than the base rate depending on call volume.
Essential Plan - $30/user/month (billed annually)
Adds more features for growing teams:
- Everything in Lite
- Advanced analytics and integrations
- Unlimited call recording storage
- SMS capabilities
Expert Plan - $50/user/month (billed annually)
The feature-rich option for serious operations:
- Power Dialer (included)
- Smart Dialer
- VIP Queues
- WhatsApp messaging (inbound & outbound)
- Call monitoring (listen, whisper, barge)
- Salesforce integration
- SSO (Single Sign-On)
Important: The Expert plan requires a minimum of 3 users, so you're looking at $150/month minimum.
Add-Ons That Increase Your Bill
Here's where CloudTalk's pricing gets tricky. Several features that seem essential are actually paid add-ons:
- Power Dialer: $15/user/month (included in Expert)
- Parallel Dialer: $39/user/month - dials up to 10 numbers at once
- AI Conversation Intelligence: $9/user/month - includes transcripts, summaries, and sentiment analysis
- Branded Caller ID: Variable pricing based on call volume
If you need transcription, you'll pay extra for the AI add-on. Call recording is available on all plans, but unlimited storage only comes with Essential and above.
Billing Notes
CloudTalk bills in advance and doesn't offer refunds or credits for partial months or unused time. Annual billing saves you about 30% compared to monthly, but you're locked in for 12 months. Monthly plans have no long-term contract.
Try CloudTalk free for 14 days →
What CloudTalk Does Well
Easy Setup and Intuitive Interface
This is CloudTalk's biggest selling point. The interface is clean, and most users report getting up and running quickly without technical expertise. Setting up call flows, adding agents, and configuring routing is straightforward compared to legacy phone systems.
The drag-and-drop Call Flow Designer lets you build basic routing schemes without touching code. For teams that don't have dedicated IT support, this matters.
Strong CRM Integrations
CloudTalk connects with the CRMs that actually matter: Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, and Zendesk among others. The integrations offer two-way sync, so call data flows automatically into your CRM and contact information syncs back to CloudTalk.
You can also connect through Zapier or Make for custom workflows. If you're using Monday.com or other project management tools, there are integrations available there too.
International Number Coverage
CloudTalk offers phone numbers in 160+ countries, which is excellent for businesses selling internationally or running global support operations. You can establish local presence in markets without physical offices.
Call Quality (Usually)
Most users report good to excellent call quality. CloudTalk claims 99.99% uptime backed by geographically distributed servers. That said, some users report occasional quality issues during peak hours - more on that in the cons section.
Good Value for Basic Needs
At $25/user/month, the entry-level plan is competitively priced compared to alternatives. If you just need a reliable VoIP system with basic call center features, CloudTalk delivers without breaking the bank.
Where CloudTalk Falls Short
Feature Gating and Hidden Costs
This is my biggest complaint. Features that feel essential - like call monitoring, SSO, and Salesforce integration - are locked to the Expert plan at $50/user/month. AI transcription costs an extra $9/user/month on top of your plan.
The base pricing looks attractive until you realize how much you need to add. One review put it bluntly: "CloudTalk's manipulative pricing structure makes no sense unless you purchase their higher plans."
Customer Support Issues on Lower Plans
This came up repeatedly in reviews. Phone support is only available for Expert plan customers. Everyone else gets email and chat support, with response times that users report ranging from 5 minutes to several hours - or even days.
One reviewer noted: "They REFUSE to get on the phone to solve issues unless you pay 2x as much for an Expert account." If you're on a lower tier and hit a problem, be prepared for some frustration.
Occasional Call Quality Issues
While most users report good call quality, there are consistent complaints about dropped calls, connection issues, and silent dial tones on certain numbers. This seems to affect a minority of users, but it's worth noting during your trial.
Mobile App Needs Work
Multiple reviews mention the mobile app being less functional than the desktop version. If your team relies heavily on mobile, test this thoroughly before committing.
Limited Customization for Enterprise
CloudTalk works well for startups and SMBs, but larger companies with complex requirements may find the customization options limiting. Custom reporting is only available on the Custom plan.
CloudTalk Integrations
CloudTalk boasts 100+ integrations. The most popular ones that are fully functional:
- CRM: Salesforce (Expert plan only), HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, Copper, ActiveCampaign
- Help Desk: Zendesk, Freshdesk, Intercom, Help Scout, Front, Gorgias
- E-commerce: Shopify
- Productivity: Slack, Microsoft Teams
- Automation: Zapier, Make
The Salesforce integration is notably restricted to Expert and Custom plans, which is frustrating if Salesforce is your primary CRM and you don't want to pay $50/user/month.
If you're using a CRM like Close CRM, check whether the integration is live or "coming soon" - CloudTalk lists several integrations that aren't fully available yet.
Who Should Use CloudTalk?
Good fit for:
- Sales teams making high-volume outbound calls
- Customer support teams handling inbound queues
- Companies needing international phone numbers
- SMBs wanting an affordable alternative to enterprise solutions
- Teams already using HubSpot or Pipedrive (seamless integration)
Not ideal for:
- Solopreneurs or very small teams (minimum 3 users for Expert plan)
- Companies needing heavy customization
- Teams requiring enterprise-grade security features on a budget
- Businesses that need responsive phone support
CloudTalk Alternatives to Consider
If CloudTalk doesn't fit your needs, here are some alternatives:
- Aircall: Similar pricing, stronger mobile app, but fewer international numbers
- Dialpad: Better AI features built-in, Salesforce-focused
- RingCentral: More enterprise features, higher price point
- JustCall: Competitive pricing, good HubSpot integration
For teams focused primarily on outbound sales, you might also want to look at dedicated sales engagement platforms that include calling features.
Final Verdict: Is CloudTalk Worth It?
CloudTalk is a solid VoIP and call center solution that delivers good value at the lower price tiers. The interface is genuinely easy to use, CRM integrations work well, and call quality is reliable for most users.
However, the pricing structure requires careful attention. The $25/user/month starting price is attractive, but essential features quickly push costs up. If you need call monitoring, Salesforce integration, or AI transcription, you're looking at $50-60/user/month minimum.
My recommendation: Start with the 14-day free trial and test thoroughly. Pay attention to call quality in your specific use case, check that your required integrations are actually functional (not "coming soon"), and calculate your true total cost including any add-ons you'll need.
For small to mid-sized teams that primarily use HubSpot or Pipedrive and don't need enterprise features, CloudTalk offers legitimate value. For larger operations or Salesforce shops, run the numbers carefully against alternatives.
Start your free CloudTalk trial →
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CloudTalk offer a free plan?
No, CloudTalk doesn't have a free plan. They offer a 14-day free trial to test the platform before committing.
Can I cancel CloudTalk anytime?
Monthly plans can be canceled anytime without penalty. Annual plans come with a 12-month commitment. CloudTalk doesn't offer refunds or credits for unused time.
Does CloudTalk work with my CRM?
CloudTalk integrates with most major CRMs including HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho CRM, and Zendesk on all plans. Salesforce integration requires the Expert plan ($50/user/month).
Is CloudTalk good for international calling?
Yes, CloudTalk offers phone numbers in 160+ countries and supports international calling. Rates vary by region, so check specific pricing for your target markets.
How does CloudTalk compare on price?
CloudTalk is competitively priced at the entry level ($25/user/month), but mid-tier and premium features can push costs comparable to or higher than alternatives like Aircall or Dialpad.