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.
Dialpad is often the better fit for small, software-first teams that want a modern app and built-in AI. 8x8 fits better when international calling or a contact center matters, which tends to come up as teams grow.
At the entry and mid tiers, usually yes. Dialpad Standard lists at $15/user/month and Pro at $25, versus 8x8 X2 at $24 and X4 at $44. 8x8 costs more because higher tiers bundle global calling and a contact center. Negotiated rates through an advisor typically run 30% or more below list on both.
Yes. Live transcription and call summaries are included at every Dialpad tier rather than gated to top plans, which is unusual and is the main reason teams pick it over 8x8 when AI is a priority.