Editor's Note: Looking for a cloud phone system and PBX for your business? If you are looking for information to help you choose the one that suits you best, use the following questionnaire for our partner site, BuyerZone, to provide free information to a large number of providers:Best cloud phone system and PBX. Businesses use Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs) to route phone calls within their own premises. Depending on the type of PBX used, members of your organization can have their own extensions, make calls, and even send SMS and faxes. Setting up your own PBX has always taken a lot of time and money. Today, however, many companies offer cloud phone systems. In this guide, you'll discover some of the largest cloud-based companies offering this service today. All of these providers will save you the hassle and expense of installing your own hardware, although some are compatible with existing PBX systems. Because their systems are online-based, many of these providers also support video and VoIP calls, as well as regular phone calls.
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(Image Credit: Image Credit: 8x8)
1x8
Full cross-platform cloud calling for those who can afford it Mobile app Good customer support Relatively expensive 8x8 Inc. is a provider of cloud communications and customer engagement solutions. Available services include voice over the cloud, contact centers, video, mobile and unified communications for small, medium and large businesses. The platform offers a unified communication system that is easy to use. It has many features including calling, collaboration, apps, and mobile tools. 8x8 is a cloud-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system. No complicated PBX hardware needed. Phones can be purchased direct from 8x8. If you choose to do so, it will be preconfigured and ready to use when you arrive. However, if you purchased from a third-party vendor, an 8x8 representative will help you through initial setup. The entire 8x8 system is configured and managed through an online portal. From the point where users have access to billing, call logs and assistance. Administrators can also create and configure extensions and call groups. 8x8 offers three rate plans. To subscribe, users will need to contact the sales team directly. All packages include unlimited calling, mobile apps, auto attendant, online call management, and business SMS. Users have complained about the high cost compared to other providers.
(Image credit: Image credit: RingCentral)
2. RingCentral
Unlimited voice and video calls, RingCentral meets all your needs RingCentral Office EssentialsRingCentral Office StandardRingCentral Office Premium Demo Available Unlimited Video and Audio Meetings UI Curve Learning. RingCentral is a provider of cloud-based collaboration and communication solutions. It was founded in 1999. The solution includes all PBX management features, Android and iOS apps, and unlimited calling. Upon registration, users will be assigned a "Deployment Specialist" to help you determine the number of phones you need. They also help you transfer or create new numbers for yourself. Every phone you buy directly from RingCentral is pre-configured and ready to use when you receive it. RingCentral offers various pricing levels for small businesses. These range from €19.99 for the "Essentials" package to €49.99 for the "Ultimate" package. All packages include unlimited phone calls, commercial SMS and unlimited mobile applications. They also offer unlimited video and audio meetings with screen sharing on desktop and mobile apps. However, the number of screen-sharing users is limited by the package you choose. For businesses, subscribers can request a demo and a quote by filling out a form on the website. Online commenters have noted that the interface takes some getting used to.
(Image credit: Ooma)
3. Ooma Office
More than 35 features. Budget Price Material Available Ooma Office is a cloud-based business VoIP solution that aims to provide enterprise-grade features and services to small businesses. Best of all, Ooma doesn't lock you into a contract, which means you can sit down and stay with them for as long as you want, without penalty. There are a number of features available to ensure your business phone service is professional quality, such as extensions, a multi-level virtual receptionist and call forwarding, as well as conferencing features. In addition, a mobile application for use on smartphones allows you and your staff to use the Ooma phone system during business trips. Ooma is compatible with several existing VoIP protocols, but new customers can purchase a specially designed base station with range extensions. Existing businesses should be able to use their existing VoIP equipment, but additional phones and packages are available if needed. Another benefit of Ooma is that its small business flat rate is €19.95 per user, which is much cheaper than many other providers, making it particularly competitive.
(Image credit: Image credit: Vonage)
4. Vonage Company
Keep your standard in the cloud without breaking the bank Mobile app Web console Some connectivity issues Vonage is an Internet phone service that provides residential and professional telecommunications services. Founded in 2001, Vonage Business offers users online video conferencing and collaboration. The solution provides companies with access to a web console. Users can view extension numbers, number porting tool, and setup guide. Subscribers have access to a variety of plugins and services. Some plugins are free, such as integration with Clio, ConnectWise, Google G Suite, and Microsoft Dynamics. Vonage claims to have an easy-to-use service without having to install complicated PBX hardware because everything is cloud-based. The 'Mobile' package starts at €19.99 and includes unlimited calls and messages, a mobile app, a desktop app and Vonage Flow Team messaging. The "Premium" package starts at €29.99 per month per user and includes extras like CRM integrations, a multi-tier auto attendant, teleconferencing, online meetings, and video conferencing. The top tier plan available is €39.99 per month. The first two tiers are offered, as well as Vonage Visual Voicemail and On-Demand Call Recording. Vonage offers a 14-day free trial for all packages. Some users have claimed that calls can sometimes get disconnected.
Image credit: grasshopper. (Image credit: Image credit: Grasshopper)
5. grasshopper
An incredible range of features with excellent application integration. Great features Skype integration Mobile app Grasshopper is a company that sells call forwarding and answering services to small businesses. This solution is attractive to small businesses as it requires no hardware and is easy to install. It is a virtual phone system. An automated telephone attendant answers all calls and forwards them to the appropriate person or department. Users can create a unique 800 number at the time of registration. Grasshopper integrates with Skype, LiveChat, Google Voice, Zapier, and Bitium. Grasshopper has an app for Android and iOS. Users will be able to receive calls through their professional line from the application. The "Solo" plan is €26 per month and includes 1 number and 3 extensions. The "Partner" package costs €44 per month and includes 3 numbers and 6 extensions. The "Small Business" plan is €80 per month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions. The "small business" plan is €89 a month. This includes 5 numbers with unlimited extensions. All packages offer professional texting, incoming faxes, call forwarding, personalized greetings, Wi-Fi calling, desktop apps AND unlimited mobile minutes. Some users have requested an outgoing fax feature.
(Image credit: Image credit: MegaPath)