The global calling and contact center platform against the AI-native newcomer. Both sell a cloud phone system, but they appeal to very different buyers.
Dialpad is the pick for modern, software-first teams that will use built-in AI transcription and coaching every day. 8x8 is the pick when international calling or a full contact center matters more than AI polish.
Published annual list prices. Dialpad publishes flat per-seat pricing, while 8x8 quotes most larger deals custom. Negotiated rates through us generally run 30%+ below list on both.
| Tier | 8x8 | Dialpad |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $24/user/mo (X2) | $15/user/mo (Standard) |
| Mid tier | $44/user/mo (X4) | $25/user/mo (Pro) |
| Top tier | $57/user/mo (X6, includes CCaaS) | Custom (Enterprise) |
| AI features | Available, less central to the platform | Included at every tier |
Dialpad is cheaper at the entry and mid tiers and bakes AI into every plan. 8x8 costs more because its higher tiers bundle unlimited international calling and a contact center. Decide which of those you will actually use before comparing the sticker price.
| Area | 8x8 | Dialpad |
|---|---|---|
| AI features | Available, added on top | Native: live transcription, summaries, coaching |
| International calling | Unlimited to many countries on X4 | Metered, international numbers on Pro |
| Contact center | Native XCaaS, full CCaaS depth | Ai Contact Center, AI-led |
| App design | Capable but dense | Modern, fast, single app |
| Ease of setup | Moderate, project-led at scale | Self-serve friendly |
| Desk phone support | Broad hardware support | Supported, softphone-first DNA |
| Business SMS | Included | Included |
| Support | Standard, enterprise-paced | Good, chat-first |
| Analytics | Supervisor and speech analytics | AI-enriched analytics |
Dialpad and 8x8 rarely compete on raw calling. They compete on philosophy. A distributed software sales team gets daily value from Dialpad's AI and barely notices 8x8's global reach. A multinational support operation leans on 8x8's countries and contact center while Dialpad's AI sits underused. Buy for how your team actually works.
Your team is app-first and will get real value from built-in AI transcription, summaries, and coaching.
You need international calling, a full contact center, and broad telephony more than AI polish.
Still not sure? Tell us about your setup, we'll tell you which one (or a third option you haven't considered) actually fits.
Get a personalized recommendationWe'll quote both 8x8 and Dialpad (plus any other relevant options) at wholesale rates and tell you which fits your team's actual setup.