In the era of digital communication, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has emerged as a prevalent tool for businesses across the UK. Offering cost-efficiency, scalability, and advanced features, VoIP has transformed the way businesses communicate.
According to a recent survey by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, approximately 25% of businesses in the UK have already transitioned to VoIP solutions, and this number is expected to rise with the planned switch-off of the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by 2025. This indicates a growing reliance on internet-based voice communication among UK businesses.
Choosing the right VoIP provider is crucial for businesses as it can significantly impact productivity, efficiency, and communication quality. The right provider will offer robust, reliable services that ensure crystal clear voice quality, minimal downtime, and secure connections.
In this guide, we will delve into the top 5 VoIP providers in the UK, evaluating their offerings on the basis of cost, features, customer support and ease of use. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, this guide will help you find a VoIP service that perfectly aligns with your communication needs.
What is a VoIP Provider?
A VoIP phone provider is a company that offers Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. These services allow you to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular, or analog, phone line.
This technology converts your voice into a digital signal that travels over the internet. The service provider ensures that your phone service is stable, secure and efficient, offering features such as call recording, call forwarding, IVR, and hosted PBX, among others.
What’s noteworthy is the vast selection of hosted VoIP providers in the market, each with its own unique set of services, pricing models, and customer support levels. This wide array of choices means that businesses can find a provider that precisely suits their needs, whether they are a startup, a small business, or a large enterprise.
The Benefits of Business VoIP Services in 2023
Business phone VoIP services are becoming increasingly popular amongst UK businesses for their cost-efficiency and potential to increase productivity. Here are some of the main benefits that come with using VoIP:
- Cost savings – VoIP services offer considerable cost savings compared to traditional business phone systems, as they require no installation or maintenance fees and have a significantly lower calling rate.
- Scalability – Companies can easily scale up or down their VoIP service as needed, making it ideal for businesses of any size.
- Mobility – VoIP services enable you to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, making them ideal for remote teams.
- Advanced features – A reliable VoIP provider will offer an array of features such as call forwarding, IVR, voicemail-to-email transcription and more.
- Enhanced security – VoIP systems come with enhanced security measures such as encryption, authentication, and secure SIP protocol support. This ensures that all your calls remain confidential and safe from malicious attacks.
In conclusion, the benefits of a business VoIP phone system are manifold and can significantly remodel the way businesses communicate. Whether it’s about cost savings, the ability to scale, remote accessibility, or the availability of advanced features, VoIP telephony services have the potential to add significant value to any organisation.
Moreover, the enhanced security measures ensure confidentiality and protection against potential threats. With the imminent transition from traditional PSTN to internet-based voice communication, businesses need to embrace this technology to stay competitive and efficient. Therefore, investing in a reliable VoIP provider is not just a wise business decision, but a strategic move towards seamless and effective communication.
How do VoIP Phone Systems Work?
VoIP phone services essentially work the same as any other phone system. They use data networks to transmit calls using Internet Protocol (IP). The key difference is that these data networks are built on top of the existing public internet, which allows for a more cost-effective and efficient communication solution.
VoIP providers use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) technology to make calls. This technology converts your voice into a digital signal and transmits it over the internet. All you need is VoIP equipment such as an IP phone, headset, conference phone or computer with a microphone to make calls.
How VoIP works with an IP phone
If you choose to use an IP phone, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the basics of how it works. An IP phone connects directly to your VoIP provider and converts your voice into digital data packets, which are then sent over the internet.
Your VoIP provider will assign you a unique SIP address that will enable you to make and receive calls. You can use a desk phone, softphone, or even an app on your mobile phone to access this address.
Once you dial the number of the person you want to call, the VoIP provider will connect your call and transmit it over the Internet. This ensures secure and reliable voice communication without any disruption in quality or connection.
How VoIP works with a laptop softphone
If you choose to use a laptop softphone, it is important to ensure that your laptop has the right hardware and software specifications for VoIP. The requirements may vary according to the type of VoIP service you’re using.
Once you have installed the relevant software, all you need to do is log in with your SIP address and connect your headset. Once connected, you can start making and receiving calls just like with an IP phone.
5 Best UK VoIP Providers
1. Wildix
Wildix is an excellent choice for businesses looking for a robust, scalable, and user-friendly cloud VoIP solution.
Their services stand out in the market with their cutting-edge unified communications system, the convenience of a cloud phone, and their commitment to providing a seamless communication experience.
Geared towards businesses of all sizes, their solutions provide features such as computer telephony integration, video conferencing, and mobile accessibility. From startups to growing enterprises, Wildix’s cloud VoIP offerings serve as a comprehensive tool to optimise business communication, streamline operations, and enhance productivity.
Wildix’s hosted VoIP phone system is engineered to cater to a wide array of businesses, irrespective of their size or industry.
Key benefits of Wildix: Call traffic monitoring, webinar & video conference capabilities, Global calling from the cloud, no personal mobile call expenses due to the use of the mobile app and cyber secure communication.
Costs start from £6.95 per user per month.
2. 8×8
8×8 is one of the leading cloud-based VoIP providers in the UK, renowned for their comprehensive and reliable hosted communication solutions.
Their services aim to unify all aspects of business communications, such as messaging, voice, video conferencing, file sharing and more, into a single platform with unified user experiences across devices. With 8×8, businesses can rest assured that they are in good hands.
From startups to large enterprises, 8×8 has something to offer everyone with their range of cloud-based communication solutions.
Key benefits of 8×8: Call tracking and analytics, advanced security features, intelligent routing capabilities (through AI) and integration with popular CRM systems such as Salesforce and Zendesk.
Costs start from £10 per user per month.
3. RingCentral
RingCentral is a well-established VoIP provider known for their powerful cloud-based business phone systems.
Their services are designed to help businesses stay connected and boost collaboration with features such as video conferencing, team messaging, file sharing, auto-attendants, and more. Additionally, they offer integrations with leading CRM platforms such as Zoho, Salesforce, and SugarCRM.
RingCentral also provides a comprehensive set of features to help businesses manage their phone systems with ease. From call routing to caller ID, their platform offers everything you need for a smooth and seamless communication experience.
Key benefits of RingCentral: HD video conferencing capabilities, robust security measures, analytics & reporting tools and integration with popular CRM solutions.
Costs start from £17.99 per user per month.
4. Vonage
Vonage is a leading provider of cloud-based communication solutions, offering businesses a unified platform for voice calls, messaging, and video conferencing.
Their services are designed to help businesses work smarter, not harder. From intelligent call routing to automated voicemail transcription, Vonage provides powerful tools to optimise business operations and simplify communication tasks.
Vonage also offers a range of integrations with popular CRM solutions, allowing for seamless integration of customer data into their platform.
Key benefits of Vonage: HD audio & video conferencing capabilities, automated transcription of voicemail messages, unlimited calling plans and integration with leading CRM solutions.
Costs start from £10.99 per user per month.
5. Zoom Phone
Zoom Phone is an ideal choice for businesses looking for a cost-effective and reliable VoIP solution.
Their services are designed to provide businesses with the tools they need to make calls, send messages, join conferences, and more. With features such as call recording, voicemail transcription, call routing and analytics, Zoom Phone is a great way to streamline communication and optimise operations.
In addition, they offer a range of integrations with popular CRM solutions such as Salesforce, Zendesk and Hubspot.
Key benefits of Zoom Phone: Advanced call routing capabilities, AI-powered analytics & reporting tools, auto-attendant feature (for greeting customers) and integration with popular CRM solutions.
Costs start from £12 per user per month.
What to Look for in a VoIP Phone System?
When choosing your VoIP service provider, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Reliability and quality of service – A reliable VoIP service provider will ensure that your calls are clear and uninterrupted. Additionally, look for providers with good customer support in case of any technical issues.
- Call features – Look for providers that offer advanced call routing capabilities, voicemail transcription services and other features such as call recording and analytics.
- Cost – VoIP services usually come with a variety of plans, so make sure to compare different prices before making your decision. Additionally, consider factors such as the number of users and any additional costs associated with the service.
- Security – Ensure that your provider offers secure communication with features such as encryption and multi-level authentication.
- Ease of use – VoIP services should be easy to set up and use, so make sure to look for providers that offer intuitive user interfaces.
By taking the above factors into consideration, businesses can make an informed decision when choosing a VoIP provider in the UK. With the right choice, businesses can rest assured that they have the best communication solution to meet their needs and facilitate successful operations.
Working with a VoIP partner can greatly streamline the process of choosing the ideal phone system for your business. These partners are well-versed in the intricacies of VoIP technology and understand the unique needs of businesses across various sectors. They can guide you in evaluating the features, pricing, and reliability of different VoIP service providers.
Get in touch with D&A Media today and we will help you find the best VoIP provider for your business needs. Our experienced team of professionals are committed to providing tailored advice and expert guidance on choosing the ideal phone system for your organisation. We have extensive experience in helping businesses across various sectors select suitable VoIP solutions and ensure a smooth transition process with minimal disruption.
What Type of Businesses Is VoIP Suitable for?
VoIP phone systems are suitable for a wide range of businesses, from small to medium-sized businesses to large corporations.
In essence, every business can benefit from VoIP phone systems, regardless of size or industry. Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, can leverage VoIP to enjoy high-quality communication at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone systems. The scalability of VoIP systems allows growing businesses to easily add or remove lines based on their needs.
For larger corporations, VoIP offers a unified communication solution that enhances collaboration and simplifies the management of large-scale, distributed teams. Retail businesses can benefit from features such as auto-attendants and business telephone numbers, giving a professional image to customers.
Even for freelance professionals or home-based businesses, a VoIP phone system can provide a blend of flexibility and functionality that a traditional phone line cannot offer. From video conferencing to CRM integration, the comprehensive features of VoIP systems can drive productivity and efficiency in any business context. So, it’s clear that VoIP is not just a technology—it’s a strategic asset that can facilitate digital transformation in businesses of all shapes and sizes.
Ultimately, the versatility and efficiency of VoIP phone systems make them an indispensable tool for every business, irrespective of their size or sector. These systems provide reliable, cost-effective communication solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also improve customer service.
So, if you’re looking to take your business communication to the next level, then get in touch with D&A Media today and find out how we can help you choose the best VoIP system for your business. From installation and setup to troubleshooting and support, our team of experts is here to provide you with comprehensive assistance throughout every step of your journey.
How do I choose the Best VoIP provider in the UK?
Business VoIP providers in the UK offer a wide range of plans and features, so evaluating them can seem overwhelming.
Choosing the best VoIP provider for your business requires a comprehensive understanding of your business needs, budget, and the level of service you expect.
You should start by identifying your business’s communication needs and the features that would best serve those needs, such as advanced call routing, voicemail transcription services, or analytics.
Next, evaluate the reliability and customer service of the VoIP providers on your shortlist by reading reviews and ratings.
Pricing is also a crucial factor, so compare the different plans and packages that each provider offers, and consider the number of users and any additional costs.
Security should never be compromised, so ensure the provider offers secure communication features like encryption and multi-level authentication.
Lastly, the interface should be user-friendly for seamless setup and use. This detailed analysis will guide you in choosing the best VoIP provider for your business needs.
Engaging with a VoIP partner can significantly simplify the process of implementing a VoIP system in your business. A VoIP partner is well-versed in the nuances of VoIP technology and has a deep understanding of how businesses in various sectors can best leverage these systems. They can provide valuable guidance in assessing different VoIP providers, selecting the features that would best suit your business needs and understanding the pricing structures.
Furthermore, a VoIP partner will assist with the seamless integration and deployment of your chosen system, minimising any potential disruption to your business operations. This is a key benefit, as it ensures that your transition to VoIP is smooth and hassle-free, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
In essence, a VoIP partner serves as your trusted advisor and guide throughout this process, providing expert advice to help you make an informed decision. They are your go-to resource for any questions or concerns you may have, offering support when you need it most. So, if you’re considering a switch to VoIP, a partner can be an invaluable asset in making this transition as straightforward and beneficial as possible.
Why Choose D&A Media as Your VoIP Partner?
With 30 years of experience in telecoms, D&A Media is the ideal partner for your VoIP needs.
Our experienced team of professionals will provide tailored advice on selecting and implementing the right system for your business. We have extensive experience in helping businesses across various sectors to identify suitable phone systems and ensure a smooth transition process.
We work closely with the best business VoIP providers in the UK, which gives us a deep insight into the solutions they offer. This allows us to advise you on the different features available and determine which ones would best suit your business needs.
We can also provide valuable insights into pricing structures and technical specifications of various systems. In addition, our experienced team is well-versed in troubleshooting any problems that might arise during the setup and implementation.
Our team will also provide ongoing support for your VoIP system, ensuring that it meets your communication needs both now and in the future.
With our comprehensive services and deep understanding of business communication solutions, D&A Media are the ideal partner for businesses looking to make a seamless switch to VoIP. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you take your business communication to the next level.
F.A.Q.s
Will VoIP work if the internet is down?
No, VoIP systems require an active internet connection to function. Without an active connection, the system will not be able to make or receive calls. If your Internet connection goes down, you may be able to use a backup service such as call forwarding or an emergency number. You should work with your VoIP partner to identify how best to configure backup systems for your particular needs.
Is VoIP better than UK landlines?
Yes, VoIP is generally considered to be more reliable and cost-effective than UK landlines. With VoIP systems, you can make calls without incurring any long-distance charges, and there are often no installation fees. Furthermore, most VoIP providers offer additional features such as call forwarding, voicemail transcription services, analytics and much more.
Is there a free UK based VoIP service?
Yes, some VoIP UK providers offer free UK-based services. However, these generally come with limited features and require you to use an app or web-based interface to make calls. If you are looking for a more comprehensive solution, then the best option is to choose a paid VoIP service. Paid services come with enhanced features that can give your business a competitive edge.
How Much Does a Small Business VoIP System Cost?
The cost of a small business VoIP system depends on several factors, including the number of users and desired features. Generally speaking, prices start at around £7.50 per user per month for basic plans with limited features. Fully featured plans can cost up to £20 – 30 per user per month. It is important to consider long-term costs and additional fees when selecting a VoIP provider. Speak to your VoIP partner for advice on selecting the right plan for your needs.