When you sign up for VoIP, the base price looks great—until you start adding features. VoIP add-ons cost, extra services like call recording, virtual receptionists, or advanced analytics that aren’t included in the base plan. These aren’t optional luxuries for many businesses—they’re necessities. But they also sneak into your monthly bill faster than you realize. What looks like a $20/user plan can turn into $50+ when you add call recording, auto-attendant, and international dialing. And no, the provider won’t always tell you that.
Take call recording, a feature used by sales teams and compliance-heavy industries to track conversations and meet legal requirements. It’s not free. Some providers charge $5 per user per month just to record calls. Others bundle it but limit storage or require a higher-tier plan. Then there’s virtual receptionist, an automated system that answers calls, routes them, and even takes messages. Sounds simple? It’s often a $15–$30 monthly add-on, especially if you want custom greetings or multi-language support. And if you need IVR, a more advanced version that lets callers press buttons or speak commands to reach the right person, you’re looking at another $10–$20. These aren’t one-time fees. They roll up every month.
Here’s the catch: not all add-ons are created equal. Some providers hide costs in vague terms like "premium features" or "enhanced services." Others charge per minute for call recording storage or lock you into long contracts. You might think you’re saving money by going with a cheap VoIP provider—until you realize your call tagging, analytics, or remote team tools cost extra. The posts below break down exactly what these add-ons cost, which ones deliver real value, and which ones are just marketing fluff. You’ll see real pricing examples from top providers, learn how to spot hidden fees, and find out which features actually improve your business—not just your monthly bill.