It is straightforward and quick to set up and administer a software-based phone system for the workplace and home working with the leading business phone systems.
Many firms have totally replaced their old hardware-based PBX systems with new software-based business phone systems that support HD VoIP calls. Additionally, a contemporary cloud-based company phone system can now accommodate business smartphones, enabling employees to accept calls wherever they are, whether they are in the office, traveling, or working from home. This is possible as a result of the growing popularity of business cell phones.
The end result is an enterprise-grade system that can accommodate office or home working at a reasonable cost and is accessible to businesses of any size, small or large.
In addition to all of this, software-based phone systems include analytics and connectors, making it easier for sales and support to interact with customers and enabling you to learn valuable insights about customer behaviour and the customer journey.
The best business phone systems of 2023 in full
1. RingCentral MVP: The best business phone system
An all-in-one cloud platform for calls, audio conferencing, online fax, and SMS is called RingCentral MVP. It’s a robust yet adaptable solution that works well with a variety of current PBX phone hardware and lets you use almost any mobile device to operate as a softphone.
As expected, a wide range of capabilities, such as call logging, monitoring, recording, and online faxing, are included as standard. Along with providing team collaboration through screen sharing and HD video for both work and video conferencing, it also provides HD voice and audioconferencing through mobile devices.
Omnichannel routing, CRM software integrations, agent management tools, and actionable analytics are all aspects of the central contact center. Integrations are also offered for a wide range of applications, including SalesForce, Microsoft 365, Zoho, Zendesk, Oracle, and others.
The best prices are offered when there are more than two users, depending on the number of users and features needed. The developer network, which provides access to APIs, is another option for creating a totally customized phone system.
2. Ooma Office: Affordable business phone system
A web-based business phone service called Ooma Office seeks to give small businesses the same phone experience as large corporations.
Ooma might not have all the bells and whistles that you could get with certain VoIP services, but it positions itself quite well as a budget-friendly option for smaller businesses.
For a rather low monthly cost per user, a lot of functionality is offered. There is no hassle because you receive all the services with just one membership package, and the system is very simple to set up and use.
It goes without saying that you don’t get everything compared to the feature-sets of the more expensive competitors out there, and the most obvious omission is the absence of CRM software interfaces.
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3. GoToConnect: The best for a wide range of telephony features
Based on the specific price plan that businesses choose, all of the VoIP solutions mentioned in this article provide a wide range of distinct capabilities. The platform offers organizations more than 100 calling, collaboration, and mobile features and capabilities, as well as a variety of video conferencing services, which is what makes GoToConnect’s feature set so outstanding.
Customers also have access to private conference rooms in addition to all of the standard capabilities, such as team-based call distribution, time-based routing, and geolocation routing.
Businesses don’t need to install any new hardware since GoToConnect, which bills itself as a UCaaS solution, will take care of all maintenance and updates. However, the firm does advise clients to have a business-grade router, an Ethernet switch with Quality-of-Service capabilities, and a firewall set up to permit access to HTTP, HTTPS, and UDP traffic on their network.
It’s interesting to note that GoToConnect does not charge businesses more for more capabilities, unlike the majority of VoIP service providers. Instead, the price structure of the organization is dependent on how many employees a company has, with customised pricing plans being offered to companies with more than 100 employees.
The features include Cloud PBX, personalized hold music, call management, sophisticated ring patterns, and one-click screen sharing. Of course, adding functionality increases the likelihood that something may go wrong, but GoToConnect also provides comprehensive email and phone assistance in case a problem does develop.
4. Aircall: VoIP call center and CRM solution
Another company phone system hosted in the cloud that may be set up quickly is Aircall. The result is a comprehensive communications center solution for calls, video conferencing, and messaging via the web, desktop, or mobile for your organization.
Aircall includes a wide range of CRM, help desk, and productivity functions to support this as well as enhance how your sales and support teams handle calls, not least in terms of transferring them as well as approaching customers. Aircall also makes it very simple to set up a call center in minutes. As predicted, an analytics package is also available to assist measure productivity, analyze KPIs in processes, and look for methods to enhance them.
Aircall offers a wide range of connections, including SalesForce, Zendesk, Hubspot, Zoho, Freshdesk, and Slack, since it goes beyond unified communications and toward CRM solutions as well to better serve sales and support teams.
The variety of services needed will determine the price. However, take notice that this service may only be used by a minimum of three people.
5. 8×8 X Series: The phone system for small and medium business
The 8×8 X Series cloud-powered business phone system delivers a feature-packed package, so even with the most basic plan, you still have access to a full range of services, just as you would expect from a full-fledged company PBX system.
The entry-level tier, 8×8 Express, provides a fundamental set of phone services, such as caller ID, call forwarding, call queues, and ring groups, along with a sophisticated auto-attendant. Team messaging, voicemail, voicemail transcriptions, connection with Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace are additional capabilities available at this level.
With the exception of Interactive Voice Response (IVR), the X Series X2 plan truly shines out as being relatively affordable for small and medium-sized organizations and providing the most of the capabilities they are likely to want. Comparing this plan to competitors, it is also quite affordable, albeit the enterprise plans could be a problem.
What is the best business phone system for you?
Consider your genuine demands before choosing one of the finest business phone systems to utilize. For instance, a person who only wants to have informal conversations with a small number of individuals may discover that a less expensive alternative offers all the requisite tools at the lowest possible cost. However, you should probably look at the higher-end alternatives for the more sophisticated capabilities that are included if you’re going to utilize a business phone system for professional or commercial reasons, especially with a lot of people and on a frequent basis.
How we tested the best business phone systems?
We looked at a number of well-liked solutions and solicited referrals from individuals we know who use business phone systems in our hunt for the top business phone systems. Then, we used each platform to assess its usability and examine the tools and alternatives it offered. Our assessments also took pricing into consideration.
Conclusion
As we navigate through the dynamic digital age, finding the right business phone system can be the distinguishing factor between prosperity and stagnation. You’ve now embarked on a comprehensive journey through the best business phone systems of 2023. From comprehending the importance of a robust communication system to exploring the nuances of each leading platform, this article has armed you with knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
Remember, every business has unique needs and no one-size-fits-all solution exists. By aligning your organizational goals with the features provided by these top-tier systems, you can assure seamless communications and foster effective business relationships. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now poised to transform your business communication systems for the better, making your organization ready for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Remember, the right choice can be a game changer for your business.
FAQs
What is the importance of a good business phone system?
A good business phone system enhances effective communication, which is vital in maintaining good relationships with customers, employees, and stakeholders. It also facilitates faster decision-making and problem-solving, leading to improved productivity and business growth.
Are business phone systems suitable for small businesses?
Absolutely! Business phone systems are not just for large corporations. In fact, they can offer more advantages to small businesses by providing affordable, professional communication solutions that can adapt and scale as the business grows.
How do I choose the right business phone system for my business?
Choosing the right business phone system depends on your business needs. Factors to consider include the size of your business, number of employees, your budget, and the specific features you need like video conferencing, mobile integration, CRM compatibility, and more.
Is transitioning to a new business phone system difficult?
Transitioning to a new business phone system can be straightforward with the right planning. Most providers offer full support during the transition, including training for your staff to ensure a seamless shift.
Can a good business phone system improve customer service?
Yes, a good business phone system can significantly improve your customer service. Features like call routing, automated responses, and interactive voice response (IVR) can enhance the customer experience by ensuring that customer queries are handled efficiently and professionally.
