VoIP services are adopted more quickly by UK businesses than any other country on the continent. More than a third of those businesses have already switched from traditional telephone networks. Are you considering making the switch yet?
Many UK small businesses are moving to VoIP systems to improve their communication and save on costs. Software run on the cloud is becoming the new way businesses communicate without physical cables.
UK firms are moving towards VoIP because of the service’s flexibility, scalability, and extensive feature set. Switching over to VoIP could result in saving up to 75% of your current phone bills.
In this detailed blog, we will discuss how to choose the best VoIP service providers for small businesses in the UK.
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol lets people make calls by connecting to the Internet instead of traditional phone networks. Your voice data is changed to digital signals sent through the Internet that clients hear.
That means, you can use VoIP to make calls from whichever device you’ve as long as you’re connected to the internet. You can place phone calls and receive them from practically anywhere with just an Internet connection, thanks to VoIP and there’s no need for a standard phone line.
Small businesses benefit from VoIP because it’s highly affordable, flexible and readily able to accommodate expansion, along with features designed to streamline communication.
The best VoIP phone system for small businesses in the UK
VoIP offers small businesses an economical means of improving communications, increasing efficiency and streamlining customer service.
Optimizing your business’s telecommunications requires considering the features, flexibility and its ability to work with currently used software. Thoroughly weighing your options can lead to better performance, greater satisfaction among customers, and noticeable cost reductions in the future.
The following is a list of the best VoIP phones for small businesses in the UK:
1. Cloud Talk
CloudTalk specializes in AI-driven business-calling solutions that excel in helping sales and customer support teams excel. CloudTalk’s software has helped thousands of innovative small and medium-sized businesses connect with their audiences around the globe with exceptional call quality.
Recommended for companies and startups of different sizes in need of advanced calling solutions.
Pricing plan of Cloudtalk
Initial plan: €25 ≈ £20.69 per user or per month billed annually
Standard plan: €30 ≈ £24.83 Per user or per month billed annually
Premium Plan: €50 ≈ £41.38 per user or per month billed annually
Customized Plan: You can contact the team for a tailor-made plan according to your business needs and requirements
Key features of CloudTalk:
- Call monitoring
- International calls
- Automated call distribution and IVR
- Call notes
- Call flow designer
- Campaigns
- Auto dialer, smart dialer, power dialer
Pros and cons of CloudTalk
Pros:
- Simple to implement, the interface allows for easy navigating.
- A dedicated support specialist is available with all the Expert-level plans
- Enjoy a wide range of advanced calling functions and automated AI technology.
Cons:
- CloudTalk doesn’t provide service for on-premise phone systems or landlines.
- Enjoy a wide range of advanced calling functions and automated AI technology.
- Limited to only phone-based communication.
2. RingCentral
RingCentral combines business communications tools such as calling, conferencing, and messaging all in one place. It is the best option if you want to centralize all your business communications into a single platform.
A popular choice amongst businesses seeking a unified communication platform.
- Pricing plans:
Basic Plan: £12.99 per user or monthly billed annually
Standard Plan: £19.99 per user or per month billed annually
Premium Plan: £24.99 per user or per month billed annually
Ultimate plan: £29.99 per user or per month billed annually
Key features of RingCentral
- Omnichannel communication
- Video conferencing tools
- Customizable analytics
Pros and cons of RingCentral:
Pros:
- Prices are reasonable and include a wide range of capabilities.
- A wide range of collaboration tools like document sharing and video and audio calling are available.
- Offers businesses technical support around the clock, anytime they need it.
Cons:
- Customer support has been singled out as its primary customer complaint according to online reviews.
- Most advanced functionality comes at a premium price.
- Its services are limited to certain regions and countries.
3. Vonage
Vonage has an adaptable form of communication that can be tailored to meet the needs of various forms of business. The most important benefit is that it allows customizing the solution to meet the needs of any business.
Ideal for organizations that require specialized customizations.
Pricing Plans:
Basic plan: £10 per user or month
Standard Plan: £18 per user or month
Premium Plan: £20 per user or month
Max Plan: £25 per user or month
Key Features:
- Ring Groups
- Custom API Integrations
- Single sign-on functionality
Pros and cons of Vonage:
Pros:
- It uses an adaptive bitrate-adjusting HD codec.
- Adaptable packages to suit organisations ranging from startups to large enterprises
- 99.999% uptime guarantee
Cons:
- Consumes more bandwidth than similar solutions in the market.
- There are a lot of extra charges required for important functions to be included.
- High hardware requirements on the network leading to slower performance.
4. 8×8
8×8 is a communication platform that numerous organizations resort to when they have to stay in contact with their clients and partners worldwide. It scales with a growing team of business and changing requirements.
Suitable for companies with international customers.
Pricing Plan:
X2 plan: around £18.83 per user/month
X4 plan: around £34.52 per user/month
X6 plan: around £66.68 per user/month
X7 plan: around £86.30 per user/month
X8 plan: around £109.83 per user/month
Key Features:
- Skills-based routing
- Interactive Voice Reporting (IVR)
- Call center analytics
- Call monitoring, whispering, barging
Pros and cons of 8×8
Pros:
- The plans are well organized and the prices are fair.
- Easy-to-use and intuitive design.
- Organizes messaging and interactions in one centralized location
Cons:
- It offers a limited set of features for managing your call center.
- Extra costs are frequently added at the time of signing up.
- Its installation can be a lengthy process.
5. Nextiva
The Nextiva system maintains a smooth flow of communication in any organization regardless of the location be it on-site or at home. Established for its dependability and exemplary customer service it supports organizations that require a powerful and efficient communication framework.
Companies requiring a strong and dependable communication platform that can handle voice, text, and email transmissions all in one place.
Pricing Plan:
Digital Plan: $20 ≈ £15.69/user/month
Core Plan: $30 ≈ £23.54/user/month
Engage Plan: $40 ≈ £31.38/user/month
Power Suite Plan: $60 ≈ £49.50/user/month
Key Features:
- Advanced call queues
- CRM and team collaboration tools
- Auto-attendant and IVR features
Pros and cons of Nextiva
Pros:
- It has many channels, including social media, chatbots, and email, which are all interconnected to manage seamlessly.
- The application is easy to use by the users.
- Provides 24-hour access to friendly and informed customer service.
Cons:
- Long queues and poor customer support were experienced by many users.
- Many key features require upgrades. Only the Premium version includes the option for voice and SMS.
- Customers have complaints about the app being unstable and loading slowly.
In Conclusion
Selecting an appropriate VoIP phone system can be a simple task when it comes to a small business. There are just far too many options with features and low prices in the UK, but all you have to do is to match it with what you need in your business, be it the ability to collaborate with your team members effortlessly, customer support, or making calls across the globe.
All of the 5 providers that we have discussed have their own combination of tools, integrations, and pricing so you may want to consider them depending on what is most important to your operations.
VoIP is no longer a luxury, it is a must-have technology that businesses should grow to remain competitive in a remote or hybrid world and keep communication costs down. Do your due diligence, make comparisons and select a system that will not only suit your business in the present, but in the future as well. The right system can make all the difference.
FAQs
Q1. Are VoIPs the phone system that small businesses should use?
Yes. A VoIP phone system is an excellent choice for UK small businesses. It brings significant savings, is more mobile and offers additional features like call logging and analysis.
Q2. How much would VoIP cost a small business in the UK?
VoIP system in the UK will largely depend on the choices you make among the different providers depending on the cost. A VoIP phone system usually costs between £10 and £30 per user per monthly.
Q3.What do I need to do to obtain a UK VoIP number?
A UK VoIP number is a number which can be obtained on signing up with a VoIP provider. Select a UK VoIP number from the selection provided by your chosen provider. It’s a simple process.
Q4. What is the working principle of a VoIP communication system?
VoIP converts your voice to digital information and transmits it via the internet. Just imagine connecting voice calls using your internet connection.
Q5. Is VoIP business UK cheaper than a landline phone?
Generally, VoIP for businesses in the UK is less expensive than having a traditional landline. Highly active phone users find VoIP a great way to save money on their monthly bills.
