VoIP & Communications
Updated on
February 1, 2024
The world of VoIP can seem daunting due to the numerous providers all asserting they offer superior services.
At Network, we provide VoIP services to our clients and install numerous VoIP systems each month, so we've had the chance to explore many of the providers in this article over the years. In a lot of ways, most services are suitable for most businesses, but its important to also consider your IT infrastructure i.e. network and internet performance too.
That being said, here is a snapshot to help you identify the perfect VoIP provider for your particular use case, top-tier VoIP services each excelling in a specific domain:
Juggling separate systems for calls, video, and messages is making communication more challenging.
You wish there was a more direct line to contact support rather than navigating a complex VoIP dashboard.
Patchy calls and video conferencing are impacting your team’s confidence in client communications.
Price: Standard at $15 per user per month, Pro at $25 per user per month, and the Enterprise plan (custom quote).
Pros
Cons
As a leading VoIP provider, Dialpad has impressed businesses with its extensive lineup of unified communications features. From call waiting to caller ID, video meetings to SMS, group messaging to an AI-powered contact center, Dialpad brings a wealth of features to the table. But it’s the AI-powered voice and video calling features that truly set Dialpad apart. These built-in AI capabilities transcribe calls, take notes, and track action items, enhancing business conversations on VoIP phone systems.
The seamless integration with various tools such as:
enhances Dialpad’s unified communication offerings, making it a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive communication solution. The pricing plans are competitive, catering to different business sizes and requirements.
Overall, during our testing with Dialpad, we feel it's a feature-rich and user-friendly UCaaS platform that brings efficiency and productivity to business communications.
Price: $26 per month.
Pros
Cons
Grasshopper has established itself as a preferred VoIP provider for budget-conscious small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. What sets Grasshopper apart is its ability to enable employees to answer calls from any location without the need for expensive hardware, thanks to its mobile and desktop apps.
While Grasshopper offers competitive pricing, starting at $26 per month, it does not include certain features like video conferencing or document sharing, which are offered by some other services such as Vonage. However, the absence of these features does not take away from Grasshopper’s commitment to provide a professional, user-friendly, and cost-effective phone system. For businesses that prioritise simplicity and affordability, Grasshopper is a clear winner.
Price: Visit Aircall’s website for detailed pricing information.
Pros
Cons
Aircall provides a robust VoIP phone system, distinguished by its seamless CRM integration. The platform integrates with various platforms such as:
This integration covers not only phone calls but also other communication channels like instant messaging.
The CRM integration with Aircall provides significant benefits to sales and support teams, including:
From fostering brand loyalty and retention to minimising churn and improving efficiency, the CRM integration offered by Aircall enhances its unified communication offerings, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a VoIP provider with strong CRM integration.
Price: $20 - $100 per user per month.
Pros
Cons
Known for its feature-packed VoIP service, CloudTalk offers a mix of advanced calling features, AI tools, and smooth integrations with significant platforms such as HubSpot and Zendesk. Some of the key features offered by CloudTalk include:
These features are aimed at improving communication capabilities for businesses.
While CloudTalk offers a plethora of features, it’s the seamless integrations with CRM and helpdesk tools that make it stand out. The platform allows for the efficient collection and centralisation of calling data, improving customer service and increasing productivity. However, with pricing ranging from $20 to $100 per user per month, CloudTalk might be a bit costly for larger teams. Despite this, the platform’s rich feature set and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive VoIP service.
Enjoy crystal-clear calls and video for all your team members across your business.
Integrate fully managed voice, video, and messaging into a single, cohesive package.
Access our dedicated support team who provide expert guidance whenever needed.
Price: Visit Vonage’s website for detailed pricing information.
Pros
Cons
Vonage has earned recognition in the VoIP service industry for its strong international calling features. Its Basic Unlimited and World Plans offer unlimited international calling, making it an excellent choice for businesses with international communication needs.
Vonage’s international calling plan, specifically the UK World option for Home Phone, encompasses unlimited calling to a range of countries and territories including:
When it comes to international calling, Vonage is highly rated compared to other VoIP services, making it one of the best overall providers for international calling services. So, for businesses with global communication requirements, Vonage is worth considering.
Price: $79.99.
Pros
Cons
Ooma shines as a VoIP service provider, particularly adept at meeting the needs of home-based businesses. This affordable solution provides a home phone and business phone service using high-speed internet, eliminating the need for a traditional landline.
The service is easy to set up, offers crystal-clear sound quality, and comes with features like caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail. The device is available for $79.99, and with Ooma’s low monthly fees, businesses can save money on their phone bill. For home-based businesses seeking a simple, user-friendly, and cost-effective VoIP service, Ooma stands as a clear choice.
Price: $14/user/month, $18/user/month, $30/user/month.
Pros
Cons
CallHippo, with its straightforward VoIP-based Virtual Phone System, excels at bolstering sales engagement. It takes your business productivity and sales engagement to the next level, with its ability to provide real-time information and analytics.
The advantages of using CallHippo are numerous. It allows teams to:
CallHippo offers various pricing options based on the number of users and features required, catering to different business sizes and requirements. For businesses seeking to enhance their sales engagement, CallHippo emerges as a top contender.
Price: Visit GoTo Connect’s website for detailed pricing information.
Pros
Cons
GoTo Connect is a VoIP service provider that stands out for its robust support for remote teams. It offers a unified communications solution designed for seamless connectivity and communication, making it a top choice for remote teams.
With GoTo Connect, companies can streamline their communication processes and enhance collaboration among team members. It offers a single system for meetings, messaging, and calling, allowing users to connect and support employees and customers from anywhere on any device.
In a world where remote work is becoming the norm, GoTo Connect’s robust support for remote teams makes it an attractive option for businesses with distributed teams.
Price: Visit 88’s website for detailed pricing information.
Pros
Cons
8x8 is a VoIP service provider recognised for its dedication to streamlining business operations. This provider offers a wide range of features, including:
All of these contribute to a highly efficient and streamlined operational environment.
The primary attributes of 8x8 VoIP services encompass:
All of these contribute to a highly efficient and streamlined operational environment. For businesses seeking a VoIP provider that can optimise communication and productivity, 8x8 is a prime choice.
Selecting the suitable VoIP service for your small business may seem challenging due to the multitude of providers and features on offer. However, understanding your business needs and aligning them with the features offered by different VoIP providers can make the selection process smoother.
The first consideration should be the nature of your business operations. For instance, if your business operates globally, a VoIP service with robust international calling features, like Vonage, would be a good fit. On the other hand, if you’re a home-based business, a service like Ooma, which offers a cost-effective home phone and business phone service using high-speed internet, would be more suitable.
If your business relies heavily on customer relationship management, a VoIP service that integrates seamlessly with CRM tools, like Aircall, can enhance communication and productivity. For businesses focused on sales engagement, a service like CallHippo, which provides real-time information and analytics, can boost productivity and sales engagement.
Cost is another important factor to consider. While some VoIP providers offer premium features at a premium price, others like Grasshopper provide affordable services with basic features. It’s essential to balance your budget with the features you need to run your business effectively.
Lastly, it’s crucial to consider the reliability and quality of the VoIP system. A dependable VoIP provider should offer:
Grasping the features and advantages of VoIP systems is essential for businesses making an informed choice about their business phone system. VoIP services offer a host of features that traditional phone systems lack, such as video conferencing, call forwarding, and virtual receptionists. These features can drastically improve communication within your business and with your customers.
One of the key benefits of VoIP is the ability to make and receive calls over the internet, which can significantly reduce the cost of international calls. VoIP providers like Vonage offer unlimited international calling, making them an ideal choice for businesses with international operations.
VoIP systems also offer advanced features like call recording and analytics, which can provide valuable insights into your business operations. For instance, CloudTalk offers a range of advanced features, including call recording and analytics, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and helpdesk tools.
Furthermore, VoIP systems can integrate with other business tools to streamline communication and improve productivity. Aircall, for instance, integrates seamlessly with CRM tools to enhance communication for sales and support teams.
Lastly, VoIP systems are generally easy to set up and use. Providers like Grasshopper offer mobile and desktop apps that make it easy for employees to answer calls from any location, without the need for expensive hardware.
When selecting a VoIP system for your business, factors such as quality and reliability are paramount. Some factors to consider include:
These factors can significantly impact the quality of a VoIP system.
A dependable VoIP system should offer high call quality with minimal latency. It should also be able to handle a high volume of calls without compromising on quality. VoIP service providers like Dialpad and CloudTalk are known for their high-quality call capabilities.
The equipment used for VoIP calls also plays a crucial role in ensuring quality. High-quality phone equipment can result in clear and uninterrupted calls. Additionally, optimizing your router for VoIP can improve call quality.
Moreover, a reliable VoIP system should have measures in place to secure communication and protect against cyber threats. A dependable IT support provider can perform thorough cyber security audits, provide compliance certifications, and implement effective cyber security measures to safeguard your VoIP system.
Ensuring quality and reliability in VoIP systems is not a one-time effort but requires continuous monitoring and optimization. By prioritizing Quality of Service (QoS), businesses can ensure they’re getting the best possible service from their VoIP system.
With the rise of digital communication technologies, VoIP systems have emerged as a game-changer for businesses. From enhancing communication and collaboration to streamlining operations and reducing costs, VoIP services offer a host of benefits that traditional phone systems can’t match.
However, choosing the right VoIP service for your business requires careful consideration of your business needs, budget, and the features offered by different providers. By understanding these factors and aligning them with the offerings of various VoIP providers, businesses can make an informed decision and select a VoIP service that best fits their needs.
Based on our findings, 8x8 is considered the best VoIP provider for UK businesses due to its standout features, strong security, reliable customer support, and scalability options. Additionally, it is a global VoIP provider with data centers in 35 different countries.
The cheapest VoIP provider could be Google Voice, offering the lowest starting price among the mentioned options. Google Voice is a great choice to consider for cost-effective VoIP service.
For small businesses, Nextiva is an excellent choice for a VoIP phone system due to its powerful and easy-to-use features, absence of annual contracts, and quick setup. It offers a simple web-based admin panel for managing business communications.
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, allows you to make voice calls over an internet connection instead of a regular phone line. It works by converting voice into digital signals that can be transmitted over the internet.
Businesses should switch to VoIP because it offers cost savings, improved communication, collaboration, integration with business tools, and access to advanced features like video conferencing and call recording. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.
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