NICE CXone vs Dialpad: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between NICE CXone and Dialpad comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
NICE CXone
Cloud contact center platform
Best for you if:
- • You need help desk features specifically
- • You need cloud contact center platform
- • You need professional-grade features
Dialpad
AI-powered Contact Center and Unified Communications platform for customer service and sales.
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need transcription features specifically
- • AI-powered business communications
- • Voice, video, and messaging
| At a Glance |  Dialpad | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Help Desk | Transcription |
Rating | —/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | NICE CXone | Dialpad |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 158 | 0 |
| Categories | Help DeskLive Chat | TranscriptionCall Center |
Understanding the Differences
Both NICE CXone and Dialpad solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.NICE CXone positions itself as "cloud contact center platform" while Dialpadfocuses on "ai-powered contact center and unified communications platform for customer service and sales.". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose NICE CXone
NICE CXone makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Dialpad
Dialpad is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 84/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Dialpad won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Dialpad
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Dialpad is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Dialpad
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. NICE CXone is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: NICE CXone
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Dialpad has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Dialpad higher (84/100). But the community has upvoted NICE CXone more (158 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Dialpad Does Better
- Higher overall score (84/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider NICE CXone If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Dialpad (84/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Dialpad scores higher in our analysis, but NICE CXone might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NICE CXone or Dialpad better?
Based on our analysis, Dialpad scores higher with 84/100. NICE CXone ispaid while Dialpad is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from NICE CXone to Dialpad easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do NICE CXone and Dialpad offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. NICE CXone is paid with potential trial.Dialpad is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.