Helcim vs OpenPhone: which one fits your business?
Side-by-side comparison of Helcim and OpenPhone — fees, features, ease, support, and which one fits your business. Scored on the same rubric.
Short answer: Helcim wins on our scorecard (7.7/10 vs 7.6/10).
| Scored on | Helcim | OpenPhone |
|---|---|---|
| Right fit for small biz | 8 | 8 |
| Ease of use | 6 | 7 |
| Fees & pricing | 9 | 8 |
| Customer support | 7 | 5 |
| Features | 8 | 9 |
| Monthly Subscription | $0 | — |
| Annual Fee | $0 | — |
| PCI Compliance Fee | $0 | — |
| In-person Margin (Average) | 0.40% + 8¢ | — |
| Online Margin (Average) | 0.50% + 25¢ | — |
| Starter Plan (Annual) | — | $15/user/mo |
| Business Plan (Annual) | — | $23/user/mo |
| A2P 10DLC Registration | — | Varies by carrier |
| Additional Numbers | — | $5/mo |
Helcim in one paragraph
Helcim is the most honest payment processor for growing businesses that have outgrown flat-rate 'convenience' pricing.
Skip it if: Skip it if you process less than $2,000 per month or need to start taking payments in the next 10 minutes.
OpenPhone in one paragraph
OpenPhone is the best-in-class choice for tech-forward small teams that prioritize collaboration, provided they can navigate the strict 2026 messaging compliance rules.
Skip it if: Skip it if your business relies on high-volume outbound SMS marketing or if you require immediate 24/7 live phone support for troubleshooting.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Helcim or OpenPhone?
On our five-axis scorecard, Helcim scores higher (7.7/10 vs 7.6/10). Helcim is the most honest payment processor for growing businesses that have outgrown flat-rate 'convenience' pricing.
Who should skip Helcim?
Skip it if you process less than $2,000 per month or need to start taking payments in the next 10 minutes.
Who should skip OpenPhone?
Skip it if your business relies on high-volume outbound SMS marketing or if you require immediate 24/7 live phone support for troubleshooting.