VoIP phone systems have revolutionized communication for small businesses, providing affordable and scalable solutions for their phone needs. Whether you’re a startup or an established small business, having a reliable and cost-effective phone system is crucial for your success. In this article, we will explore the best VoIP phone systems for small businesses, focusing on their features, pricing, and customer reviews.
With the wide range of providers available, choosing the right VoIP phone system for small business can be overwhelming. That’s why we have done the research for you and compiled a list of the top VoIP phone systems that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses in the UK.
Before we delve into the details, let’s take a closer look at why using a VoIP phone system is advantageous for small businesses:
Advantages of Using a VoIP Phone System
- Cost savings: VoIP systems offer significant cost savings compared to traditional landlines, with lower monthly fees and cheaper international calls.
- Better sound quality: Depending on your internet connection, VoIP phone systems can provide high-definition sound quality, ensuring crystal-clear communication.
- Flexibility: VoIP systems allow you to make and receive calls from multiple devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets, giving you the flexibility to work from anywhere.
- Scalability: As your small business grows, a VoIP phone system can easily scale up to accommodate your increasing communication needs without the hassle of adding new lines.
- Reliability: VoIP phone systems often have built-in redundancy and the ability to reroute calls during outages, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
Top VoIP Providers for Small Businesses
Several VoIP providers cater specifically to small businesses in the UK. These providers offer a range of features and pricing options to meet the unique needs of small businesses. Some of the top providers include:
- 8×8
- Vonage
- RingCentral
- bOnline
- GoTo
Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider factors such as cost, features, integration options, and customer reviews when choosing a VoIP phone system for your small business.
Here is a comparison table showcasing the key features and pricing of these top VoIP providers:
| Provider | Key Features | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 8×8 | Robust feature set, including team messaging, video meetings, and CRM integration | Starting from £12 per user per month |
| Vonage | Advanced call forwarding, virtual receptionist, and mobile app | Starting from £14 per user per month |
| RingCentral | HD video meetings, team messaging, and integrations with popular business apps | Starting from £7.99 per user per month |
| bOnline | Simple setup, voicemail-to-email, and call analytics | Starting from £9.95 per user per month |
| GoTo | Easy conference calling, voicemail transcription, and call recording | Starting from £12 per user per month |
When considering the best VoIP phone system for your small business, weigh the features and pricing offered by these providers to make an informed decision that suits your specific requirements. Remember to consider your budget and the scalability of each system as your business grows.
Features to Consider When Choosing a VoIP Phone System
When selecting a VoIP phone system for your small business, there are several key features to consider:
- Ease of Setup and Use: Look for a phone system that is user-friendly and doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge for installation.
- Call Management Features: Ensure the system offers essential call management features like call forwarding and queuing to streamline communication.
- Integration Options: Check if the system can integrate with other business apps, such as CRM systems, to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.
- Dialing Options: Consider the dialing options available, such as headsets, mobile phones, or dedicated apps, to determine the flexibility of the system.
- Customer Support: Choose a provider that offers reliable customer support to assist you in case of any technical issues or queries.
- Cost Considerations: Take into account subscription fees and any upfront costs for hardware to ensure the system fits within your budget.
By considering these features, you can select a VoIP phone system that suits your small business needs and provides a reliable communication solution.
“Choosing the right VoIP phone system can significantly improve communication and collaboration within your small business.” – John Smith, Small Business Owner
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Ease of Setup and Use | High |
| Call Management Features | High |
| Integration Options | Medium |
| Dialing Options | Medium |
| Customer Support | High |
| Cost Considerations | High |
Case Study: Intermedia Unite – Best Overall Business VoIP
Intermedia Unite is a top choice for small businesses seeking a comprehensive VoIP phone system. Its advanced features and user-friendly interface make it the best VoIP service for small businesses. With seamless integration and exceptional customer support, Intermedia Unite offers a reliable and secure communication solution.
The features of Intermedia Unite include:
- VoIP telephony for small enterprises
- Integrated voice, video, chat, and file sync
- Flexible and scalable for small businesses
- Excellent customer support
- Enhanced security encryption
Intermedia Unite’s unified communication capabilities provide small businesses with a single platform for all their communication needs. Users can easily make and receive calls, host video conferences, engage in chat conversations, and share files within one unified environment.
Intermedia Unite’s seamless integration with other business software allows small enterprises to streamline operations and enhance productivity. Whether using customer relationship management (CRM) systems or team collaboration tools, Intermedia Unite effortlessly integrates with existing business applications, ensuring a cohesive and efficient workflow.
As a reliable VoIP service provider, Intermedia Unite prioritizes the security of small businesses. With encryption protocols and stringent security measures, businesses can have peace of mind knowing that their communication data is protected.
Overall, Intermedia Unite stands out as the best VoIP service for small businesses due to its comprehensive features, seamless integration capabilities, excellent customer support, and robust security measures. Its user-friendly interface and scalability make it an ideal choice for small enterprises looking to optimize their communication processes.
Customer Testimonial
“Intermedia Unite has revolutionized our communication system. It has brought our team closer together, allowing for seamless collaboration and enhanced productivity. The features provided by Intermedia Unite are extensive and exceed our expectations. We highly recommend it to any small business looking for the best VoIP service.”
– Sarah Thompson, Small Business Owner
Case Study: RingCentral MVP – Best for Enterprise-Class Call Volumes
RingCentral MVP is the perfect cloud phone system for small businesses with high call volumes and a need for enterprise-class features. With its robust video conferencing capabilities, AI-backed transcription and call analysis, and enhanced collaboration features, RingCentral MVP takes communication and productivity to the next level.
One of the standout advantages of RingCentral MVP is its scalability. Small businesses can benefit from its administration capabilities and options for unlimited users, making it suitable for growing teams. Whether you have a handful of employees or a larger workforce, RingCentral MVP can adapt and support your business’s needs.
However, it’s important to consider your specific requirements when choosing RingCentral MVP. While it offers a comprehensive set of features, some businesses may find that it has limited report customization and configuration options. It’s recommended to assess your reporting needs and configuration flexibility before making a final decision.
“RingCentral MVP provides our business with a reliable and feature-rich phone system. The video conferencing capabilities have transformed the way we collaborate, and the AI-backed transcription has significantly improved our efficiency. It’s a top-notch solution for businesses with high call volumes.” – Jane Smith, CEO of ABC Company
Key Features of RingCentral MVP
- Robust video conferencing with screen sharing and virtual backgrounds
- AI-backed transcription and call analysis for improved productivity
- Enhanced collaboration features for seamless teamwork
- Scalability with administration capabilities and unlimited users
RingCentral MVP offers an all-in-one cloud phone system solution for small businesses, empowering them to manage calls, collaborate effectively, and achieve their communication goals. With its enterprise-class features and flexibility, RingCentral MVP is a reliable choice for businesses with high call volumes.
Conclusion
Choosing the best phone system for your small business is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on your communication efficiency and cost savings. By opting for a VoIP phone system, you can unlock a range of advantages tailored to benefit small businesses.
When exploring your options, consider reputable VoIP providers in the UK, such as 8×8, Vonage, RingCentral, bOnline, and GoTo. These providers offer a variety of features and pricing plans to suit your specific needs. Evaluate factors such as cost, integration options, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.
Make sure to prioritize features that cater to your small business requirements. Look for easy setup and use, call management capabilities like call forwarding and queuing, integration with other business applications like CRM systems, and various dialing options such as headsets and mobile phones.
Two notable case studies to consider are Intermedia Unite and RingCentral MVP. Intermedia Unite offers a comprehensive VoIP solution with unified communications features, seamless integration, and reliable customer support. On the other hand, RingCentral MVP is a suitable choice for small businesses dealing with high call volumes and seeking enterprise-class functionalities.
By carefully evaluating the advantages, top providers, key features, and case studies, you can select the best phone system for your small business. This will enable you to optimize communication, enhance productivity, and ultimately contribute to your business’s success.
FAQ
What are the advantages of using a VoIP phone system for small businesses?
Using a VoIP phone system offers several advantages for small businesses, including lower costs compared to traditional landlines, better sound quality (dependent on internet connection), flexibility to make calls from various devices, scalability to grow with your business, and the ability to reroute calls during outages.
Which VoIP providers are best for small businesses in the UK?
Some of the top VoIP providers for small businesses in the UK include 8×8, Vonage, RingCentral, bOnline, and GoTo. Each provider has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to consider factors such as cost, features, integration options, and customer reviews when choosing a VoIP phone system for your small business.
What features should I consider when choosing a VoIP phone system for my small business?
When selecting a VoIP phone system for your small business, consider key features such as ease of setup and use, call management features like call forwarding and queuing, integration options with other business apps such as CRM systems, dialing options (headsets, mobile phones, apps), and customer support. Also, don’t forget to take cost considerations into account, including subscription fees and any upfront costs for hardware.
What makes Intermedia Unite a top choice for small businesses?
Intermedia Unite is a comprehensive VoIP phone system that offers unified communications with features like voice, video, chat, and file sync. It integrates seamlessly with other business software, making it a flexible and scalable option for small enterprises. Intermedia Unite also provides excellent customer support and encryption for added security, making it a reliable choice for small businesses.
Why is RingCentral MVP ideal for small businesses with high call volumes?
RingCentral MVP is ideal for small businesses with high call volumes and a need for enterprise-class features. It offers robust video conferencing capabilities, AI-backed transcription and call analysis, and enhanced collaboration features. With its administration capabilities and options for unlimited users, RingCentral MVP can scale with your business. However, it may have limited report customization and configuration options, so consider your specific requirements when choosing this system.
