If you’re running a SaaS sales team, picking a call center platform can feel like shopping for a used car: slick demos everywhere, bold claims on every website, and a gnawing suspicion that what you really need is buried under a pile of extras you’ll never use. This guide is for folks who want to see through the marketing, focus on what matters, and make a call (pun intended) that actually fits their workflow.
Here’s how to compare Justcall with other call center solutions—without getting lost in the weeds.
1. Know What Actually Matters for SaaS Sales
Before you even look at platforms, get clear on what your sales team really needs. Most SaaS sales teams want:
- Fast setup and onboarding (days, not months)
- Good call quality, anywhere (remote/hybrid matters)
- Easy CRM integration (not just “possible” but “actually works”)
- Tools for call tracking and analytics
- Reliable support (especially if your team isn’t super technical)
- Pricing you can explain to your CFO in one sentence
Don’t get sidetracked by features you’ll never use, like AI-powered dolphin noises or “blockchain-enabled” voicemails. Start with your basics, then see which platforms actually deliver.
Pro Tip: Write down the top 5 things your reps complain about with your current setup. Use that as your real feature checklist.
2. Compare the Core: Features You’ll Actually Use
Every call center tool says it’s “robust.” Here’s how to check what that means in practice:
Calling Features
- VoIP reliability: Can your team actually make and take calls without drops or lag? Test this. Don’t trust marketing screenshots.
- International numbers: If you sell globally, can you get numbers in the countries you need? How much do they really cost?
- SMS and MMS: More teams text than you’d think. Is texting built-in, or a pricey add-on?
- Power dialer/auto dialer: Useful if you’re doing high-volume outbound. Is it simple, or does it need a manual to use?
CRM Integrations
- Native integrations: Does it really plug into Salesforce, HubSpot, or Pipedrive? Or does it just mean “we have a Zapier connection”?
- Data sync: Are notes, recordings, and call logs pushed back to your CRM automatically?
- Click-to-call: Can your reps start a call from inside their CRM, or do they need to switch tabs all day?
Analytics and Reporting
- Call outcome tracking: Can you see who’s winning and who’s spinning their wheels?
- Custom reports: Or are you stuck with whatever’s on the dashboard?
- Call recording/transcription: Is it easy to review calls for coaching?
Team Management
- Call routing and queues: Can you set up routing that fits your sales process (round robin, skills-based, etc.)?
- Coaching tools: Can managers easily listen in, whisper tips, or join calls?
- User roles/permissions: Does it support reps, managers, and admins with just enough access?
3. Don’t Ignore the “Unsexy” Stuff
It’s easy to get wowed by a slick UI. But the boring stuff is what trips teams up six months in.
Onboarding and Support
- How long does setup really take? Some tools say “minutes,” but it’s hours—sometimes days.
- Is support chat only, or can you talk to a real human? Try contacting support before you buy. See how long they take to respond.
- Documentation: Is it up-to-date, or full of “coming soon” pages?
Reliability
- Downtime: Dig for real-world uptime numbers, not just what’s claimed.
- Call quality: Ask for references from teams your size and region. Vendors cherry-pick testimonials; real users don’t.
Security and Compliance
- Call recording laws: Does the tool help you stay compliant (think GDPR, HIPAA), or just dump it on you?
- User access controls: Can you lock things down as your team grows?
4. Test Drive Before You Commit
Forget the demo videos. You want hands-on time.
- Free trials: Push for at least 14 days. Set up a small sales pod and have them use it for real calls.
- Integrate your CRM: Even if it’s a pain, do it now—problems here only get worse later.
- Try support: Open a ticket with a “dumb” question. See how they treat you before you’re a paying customer.
- Monitor call quality: Make calls from various locations (home, office, coffee shop Wi-Fi) to see how it holds up.
Pro Tip: Keep a “dealbreaker” list. If a tool fails on something critical, don’t let a friendly salesperson talk you into workarounds.
5. Watch Out for Pricing Traps
Pricing pages are full of asterisks and “contact us” links for a reason. Here’s what to check:
- Per-user fees: Is it really $30/month, or do you need to buy a $60 “Pro” plan to get basic features?
- Hidden fees: Extra for call recording, SMS, or integrations?
- International rates: Outbound and inbound rates can spike if you dial outside the US.
- Annual contracts vs. monthly: Month-to-month is safer for new teams, but some vendors only do annual.
Pro Tip: Ask for a sample invoice based on your actual use case (number of reps, calls per month, international calls, texting). If they won’t give you one, that’s a red flag.
6. Compare Justcall to the Competition
So, how does Justcall stack up for SaaS sales teams? Here’s the honest take:
What Justcall Gets Right
- Easy CRM integrations: It plugs into most major CRMs with actual two-way sync, not just “export CSV.”
- SMS and calling in one: Good if your team blends calls and texts.
- Quick setup: Most teams are up and running within a day, not weeks.
- Remote-friendly: Works well for distributed teams, with browser and mobile apps.
- Transparent pricing: You won’t get nickel-and-dimed for most basics.
Where Justcall Can Fall Short
- Analytics: Reporting is fine for most teams, but if you’re a data nerd, it can feel basic.
- Advanced call routing: Good enough for most, but teams with super complex routing might hit limits.
- Support quality: Generally decent, but some users report slow responses during busy times.
What to Ignore
- AI hype: Like most vendors, Justcall talks up its AI features. They’re cool, but don’t expect magic. Voice transcriptions help managers, but they won’t close deals for you.
- “One-click integrations:” Always test yourself. Even “easy” integrations can be fussy with custom CRMs.
How does it compare to other popular options? Here’s the nutshell:
- Aircall: Slick UI, better analytics, but pricier and can get pricey fast if you want full features.
- RingCentral: Mature, lots of enterprise features, but setup is heavier and can feel clunky for small teams.
- Dialpad: Strong on AI features and voice intelligence, but integrations can be hit or miss.
7. Keep It Simple and Iterate
You’ll never find the “perfect” call center platform—only the one that sucks the least for your team right now. Focus on the features you’ll actually use. Test with real reps. Start simple, and don’t lock yourself into a long contract until you’re sure.
Buying the right call center tool isn’t about ticking every box—it’s about making your sales team’s day easier, not harder. Use your own workflow as the guide and don’t be afraid to switch if things stop working.
Less flash, more calls. Good luck.