VoIP & Communications

The ultimate guide to the best VoIP for small businesses in the UK

Searching for the best VoIP for small businesses means finding a reliable, cost-effective solution tailored to your specific operational needs. Whether you prioritise CRM integrations, affordable pricing, or a system designed for remote teams, this article cuts through the clutter to deliver targeted insights on top VoIP services that fit small business demands.
A photo of Ian Welch, who is a partner & technical director for Network

Written by

Ian Welch

Ian is the Technical Director @ Network and a certified ethical hacker (CEH), security professional (CISSP) and ISO27001 lead implementer with over 25 years experience.

Updated on

February 1, 2024

A small business owner talking on the phone

Before we dive in

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Snapshot of top-tier VoIP services

The world of VoIP can seem daunting due to the numerous providers all asserting they offer superior services.

At Network, we provide VoIP services to our clients and install numerous VoIP systems each month, so we've had the chance to explore many of the providers in this article over the years. In a lot of ways, most services are suitable for most businesses, but its important to also consider your IT infrastructure i.e. network and internet performance too.

That being said, here is a snapshot to help you identify the perfect VoIP provider for your particular use case, top-tier VoIP services each excelling in a specific domain:

  1. Best for unified communications: Dialpad stands out with its user-friendly UCaaS platform, blending AI-powered voice and video calling capabilities for a comprehensive communication solution.
  2. Best for affordability: Grasshopper is a budget-friendly VoIP provider that focuses on simplicity and ease of use, a perfect fit for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.
  3. Best for CRM integration: Aircall shines with its seamless integration with CRM and other business tools, streamlining communication for sales and support teams.
  4. Best for feature-rich service: CloudTalk is renowned for its wide range of features, from call centre functionality to VoIP services, making it a go-to provider for businesses seeking a feature-rich service.
  5. Best for international calling: Vonage stands out for its robust international calling features, offering unlimited international calling through its Basic Unlimited and World Plans.
  6. Best for home-based businesses: Ooma offers a cost-effective home phone and business phone service using high-speed internet, making it an ideal choice for home-based businesses.
  7. Best for sales engagement: CallHippo excels at improving sales engagement with its powerful and easy-to-use VoIP-based Virtual Phone System.
  8. Best for remote teams: GoTo Connect offers a unified communications solution designed for seamless connectivity and communication, making it a top choice for remote teams.
  9. Best for streamlined operations: 88 delivers a VoIP service that enhances operational efficiency with features like audio, video, and SMS messaging, and chat functions.
A business owner looking defeated because of the problems he's having with his VoIP and communication systems

Do these VoIP and communication issues sound familiar to your business?

Juggling separate systems for calls, video, and messages is making communication more challenging.

You wish there was a more direct line to contact support rather than navigating a complex VoIP dashboard.

Patchy calls and video conferencing are impacting your team’s confidence in client communications.

Best for unified communications - Dialpad

Price: Standard at $15 per user per month, Pro at $25 per user per month, and the Enterprise plan (custom quote).

A screenshot of Dialpad's home page
Dialpad's official website

Specifications

  • Comprehensive range of unified communications features
  • AI-powered voice and video calling capabilities
  • Seamless integration with various tools

Pros

  • Wide range of unified communications features
  • Built-in AI capabilities for real-time transcription and actionable insights
  • Seamless integration with various CRM systems and other apps

Cons

  • None mentioned

As a leading VoIP provider, Dialpad has impressed businesses with its extensive lineup of unified communications features. From call waiting to caller ID, video meetings to SMS, group messaging to an AI-powered contact center, Dialpad brings a wealth of features to the table. But it’s the AI-powered voice and video calling features that truly set Dialpad apart. These built-in AI capabilities transcribe calls, take notes, and track action items, enhancing business conversations on VoIP phone systems.

The seamless integration with various tools such as:

  • CRM systems
  • calendars
  • email
  • Microsoft Teams
  • over 6000 other apps on Zapier

enhances Dialpad’s unified communication offerings, making it a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive communication solution. The pricing plans are competitive, catering to different business sizes and requirements.

Overall, during our testing with Dialpad, we feel it's a feature-rich and user-friendly UCaaS platform that brings efficiency and productivity to business communications.

Rating

  • Features: 5/5
  • Pricing: 4/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Best for affordability - Grasshopper

Price: $26 per month.

A screenshot of Grasshopper's website
Grasshoppers official website

Specifications

  • Mobile and desktop apps
  • No need for expensive hardware

Pros

  • Competitive pricing
  • Ability to answer calls from any location
  • No need for expensive hardware

Cons

  • No video conferencing or document sharing

Grasshopper has established itself as a preferred VoIP provider for budget-conscious small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. What sets Grasshopper apart is its ability to enable employees to answer calls from any location without the need for expensive hardware, thanks to its mobile and desktop apps.

While Grasshopper offers competitive pricing, starting at $26 per month, it does not include certain features like video conferencing or document sharing, which are offered by some other services such as Vonage. However, the absence of these features does not take away from Grasshopper’s commitment to provide a professional, user-friendly, and cost-effective phone system. For businesses that prioritise simplicity and affordability, Grasshopper is a clear winner.

Rating

  • Features: 3/5
  • Pricing: 5/5
  • User Experience: 4/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Best for CRM integration - Aircall

Price: Visit Aircall’s website for detailed pricing information.

A screenshot of Aircall's website
Aircall's official website

Specifications

  • Comprehensive range of CRM integration features
  • Integration with various platforms: Pepper Cloud CRM, Zoho CRM, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, and noCRM

Pros

  • Seamless integration with CRM and other business tools
  • Efficient tools for sales and support teams
  • Ability to communication on mobile devices

Cons

  • None mentioned

Aircall provides a robust VoIP phone system, distinguished by its seamless CRM integration. The platform integrates with various platforms such as:

  • Pepper Cloud CRM
  • Zoho CRM
  • Microsoft Dynamics CRM
  • noCRM

This integration covers not only phone calls but also other communication channels like instant messaging.

The CRM integration with Aircall provides significant benefits to sales and support teams, including:

  • Efficient tools
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Time savings
  • Enhanced customer experiences through access to customer data and call history
  • Better communication on mobile devices, ensuring teams can stay connected even on the go

From fostering brand loyalty and retention to minimising churn and improving efficiency, the CRM integration offered by Aircall enhances its unified communication offerings, making it an excellent choice for businesses seeking a VoIP provider with strong CRM integration.

Rating

  • Features: 5/5
  • Pricing: 4/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Best for feature-rich service - CloudTalk

Price: $20 - $100 per user per month.

A screenshot of Cloudtalk's website
Cloudtalk's official website

Specifications

  • Call routing, IVR, call recording, analytics
  • Integration with CRM and helpdesk tools

Pros

  • Wide range of features
  • Seamless integration with CRM and helpdesk tools
  • Easy to set up and use

Cons

  • Can be expensive for larger teams

Known for its feature-packed VoIP service, CloudTalk offers a mix of advanced calling features, AI tools, and smooth integrations with significant platforms such as HubSpot and Zendesk. Some of the key features offered by CloudTalk include:

  • Call routing
  • IVR systems
  • Call recording
  • Analytics

These features are aimed at improving communication capabilities for businesses.

While CloudTalk offers a plethora of features, it’s the seamless integrations with CRM and helpdesk tools that make it stand out. The platform allows for the efficient collection and centralisation of calling data, improving customer service and increasing productivity. However, with pricing ranging from $20 to $100 per user per month, CloudTalk might be a bit costly for larger teams. Despite this, the platform’s rich feature set and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for businesses seeking a comprehensive VoIP service.

Rating

  • Features: 5/5
  • Pricing: 3/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5
A business owner smiling whilst talking on the phone

Looking for a major upgrade to your VoIP service?

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Integrate fully managed voice, video, and messaging into a single, cohesive package.

Access our dedicated support team who provide expert guidance whenever needed.

Best for international calling - Vonage

Price: Visit Vonage’s website for detailed pricing information.

A screenshot of Vonage's website
Vonage's official website

Specifications

  • Unlimited international calling
  • Coverage in a range of countries and territories

Pros

  • Unlimited international calling
  • Coverage in a range of countries and territories
  • Affordable and flexible pricing plans

Cons

  • None mentioned

Vonage has earned recognition in the VoIP service industry for its strong international calling features. Its Basic Unlimited and World Plans offer unlimited international calling, making it an excellent choice for businesses with international communication needs.

Vonage’s international calling plan, specifically the UK World option for Home Phone, encompasses unlimited calling to a range of countries and territories including:

  • Andorra
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Mexico
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico

When it comes to international calling, Vonage is highly rated compared to other VoIP services, making it one of the best overall providers for international calling services. So, for businesses with global communication requirements, Vonage is worth considering.

Rating

  • Features: 5/5
  • Pricing: 4/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Best for home-based businesses - Ooma

Price: $79.99.

A screenshot of Ooma's website
Ooma's official website

Specifications

  • Cost-effective home phone and business phone service
  • Uses high-speed internet connection

Pros

  • Affordable and cost-effective service
  • Easy to set up and use
  • No need for a traditional landline

Cons

  • None mentioned

Ooma shines as a VoIP service provider, particularly adept at meeting the needs of home-based businesses. This affordable solution provides a home phone and business phone service using high-speed internet, eliminating the need for a traditional landline.

The service is easy to set up, offers crystal-clear sound quality, and comes with features like caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail. The device is available for $79.99, and with Ooma’s low monthly fees, businesses can save money on their phone bill. For home-based businesses seeking a simple, user-friendly, and cost-effective VoIP service, Ooma stands as a clear choice.

Rating

  • Features: 4/5
  • Pricing: 5/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Best for sales engagement - CallHippo

Price: $14/user/month, $18/user/month, $30/user/month.

A screenshot of CallHippo's website
CallHippo's official website

Specifications

  • Powerful and easy-to-use VoIP-based Virtual Phone System
  • Real-time information and analytics

Pros

  • Improves sales engagement
  • Provides real-time information and analytics
  • Easy to use and set up

Cons

  • None mentioned

CallHippo, with its straightforward VoIP-based Virtual Phone System, excels at bolstering sales engagement. It takes your business productivity and sales engagement to the next level, with its ability to provide real-time information and analytics.

The advantages of using CallHippo are numerous. It allows teams to:

  • Collaborate on calls and share information seamlessly
  • Foster improved customer engagement
  • Boost team productivity
  • Strengthen customer relations
  • Offer improved visibility and engagement through sales call management and reporting

CallHippo offers various pricing options based on the number of users and features required, catering to different business sizes and requirements. For businesses seeking to enhance their sales engagement, CallHippo emerges as a top contender.

Rating

  • Features: 5/5
  • Pricing: 4/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Best for remote teams - GoTo Connect

Price: Visit GoTo Connect’s website for detailed pricing information.

A screenshot of GoTo Connect's website
GoTo Connect's official website

Specifications

  • Unified communications solution for seamless connectivity and communication
  • Single system for meetings, messaging, and calling

Pros

  • Streamlines communication processes
  • Enhances collaboration among team members
  • Can be accessed from anywhere on any device

Cons

  • None mentioned

GoTo Connect is a VoIP service provider that stands out for its robust support for remote teams. It offers a unified communications solution designed for seamless connectivity and communication, making it a top choice for remote teams.

With GoTo Connect, companies can streamline their communication processes and enhance collaboration among team members. It offers a single system for meetings, messaging, and calling, allowing users to connect and support employees and customers from anywhere on any device.

In a world where remote work is becoming the norm, GoTo Connect’s robust support for remote teams makes it an attractive option for businesses with distributed teams.

Rating

  • Features: 5/5
  • Pricing: 4/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Best for streamlined operations - 8x8

Price: Visit 88’s website for detailed pricing information.

A screenshot of 8x8's website
8x8's official website

Specifications

  • Enhances operational efficiency with features like audio, video, and SMS messaging, and chat functions
  • Wide range of features

Pros

  • Wide range of features
  • Enhances operational efficiency
  • Easy to set up and use

Cons

  • None mentioned

8x8 is a VoIP service provider recognised for its dedication to streamlining business operations. This provider offers a wide range of features, including:

  • audio
  • video
  • SMS messaging
  • chat functions

All of these contribute to a highly efficient and streamlined operational environment.

The primary attributes of 8x8 VoIP services encompass:

  • Audio, video, and SMS messaging
  • Chat functions
  • Voicemail
  • Call forwarding
  • Call waiting
  • Auto attendant

All of these contribute to a highly efficient and streamlined operational environment. For businesses seeking a VoIP provider that can optimise communication and productivity, 8x8 is a prime choice.

Rating

  • Features: 5/5
  • Pricing: 4/5
  • User Experience: 5/5
  • Customer Support: 4/5

Selecting the right VoIP for your small business

Selecting the suitable VoIP service for your small business may seem challenging due to the multitude of providers and features on offer. However, understanding your business needs and aligning them with the features offered by different VoIP providers can make the selection process smoother.

The first consideration should be the nature of your business operations. For instance, if your business operates globally, a VoIP service with robust international calling features, like Vonage, would be a good fit. On the other hand, if you’re a home-based business, a service like Ooma, which offers a cost-effective home phone and business phone service using high-speed internet, would be more suitable.

If your business relies heavily on customer relationship management, a VoIP service that integrates seamlessly with CRM tools, like Aircall, can enhance communication and productivity. For businesses focused on sales engagement, a service like CallHippo, which provides real-time information and analytics, can boost productivity and sales engagement.

Cost is another important factor to consider. While some VoIP providers offer premium features at a premium price, others like Grasshopper provide affordable services with basic features. It’s essential to balance your budget with the features you need to run your business effectively.

Lastly, it’s crucial to consider the reliability and quality of the VoIP system. A dependable VoIP provider should offer:

  • High call quality
  • Minimal latency
  • Efficient customer service
  • Measures in place to ensure secure and private communication.

Navigating VoIP features and benefits

Grasping the features and advantages of VoIP systems is essential for businesses making an informed choice about their business phone system. VoIP services offer a host of features that traditional phone systems lack, such as video conferencing, call forwarding, and virtual receptionists. These features can drastically improve communication within your business and with your customers.

One of the key benefits of VoIP is the ability to make and receive calls over the internet, which can significantly reduce the cost of international calls. VoIP providers like Vonage offer unlimited international calling, making them an ideal choice for businesses with international operations.

VoIP systems also offer advanced features like call recording and analytics, which can provide valuable insights into your business operations. For instance, CloudTalk offers a range of advanced features, including call recording and analytics, and integrates seamlessly with CRM and helpdesk tools.

Furthermore, VoIP systems can integrate with other business tools to streamline communication and improve productivity. Aircall, for instance, integrates seamlessly with CRM tools to enhance communication for sales and support teams.

Lastly, VoIP systems are generally easy to set up and use. Providers like Grasshopper offer mobile and desktop apps that make it easy for employees to answer calls from any location, without the need for expensive hardware.

Ensuring quality and reliability in VoIP systems

When selecting a VoIP system for your business, factors such as quality and reliability are paramount. Some factors to consider include:

  • Latency in the internet protocol
  • Quality of equipment
  • Loss of packet
  • Availability of bandwidth

These factors can significantly impact the quality of a VoIP system.

A dependable VoIP system should offer high call quality with minimal latency. It should also be able to handle a high volume of calls without compromising on quality. VoIP service providers like Dialpad and CloudTalk are known for their high-quality call capabilities.

The equipment used for VoIP calls also plays a crucial role in ensuring quality. High-quality phone equipment can result in clear and uninterrupted calls. Additionally, optimizing your router for VoIP can improve call quality.

Moreover, a reliable VoIP system should have measures in place to secure communication and protect against cyber threats. A dependable IT support provider can perform thorough cyber security audits, provide compliance certifications, and implement effective cyber security measures to safeguard your VoIP system.

Ensuring quality and reliability in VoIP systems is not a one-time effort but requires continuous monitoring and optimization. By prioritizing Quality of Service (QoS), businesses can ensure they’re getting the best possible service from their VoIP system.

Summary

With the rise of digital communication technologies, VoIP systems have emerged as a game-changer for businesses. From enhancing communication and collaboration to streamlining operations and reducing costs, VoIP services offer a host of benefits that traditional phone systems can’t match.

However, choosing the right VoIP service for your business requires careful consideration of your business needs, budget, and the features offered by different providers. By understanding these factors and aligning them with the offerings of various VoIP providers, businesses can make an informed decision and select a VoIP service that best fits their needs.

Frequently asked questions

Which VoIP provider is the best UK?

Based on our findings, 8x8 is considered the best VoIP provider for UK businesses due to its standout features, strong security, reliable customer support, and scalability options. Additionally, it is a global VoIP provider with data centers in 35 different countries.

What is the cheapest VoIP provider?

The cheapest VoIP provider could be Google Voice, offering the lowest starting price among the mentioned options. Google Voice is a great choice to consider for cost-effective VoIP service.

What is the best VoIP phone for small business?

For small businesses, Nextiva is an excellent choice for a VoIP phone system due to its powerful and easy-to-use features, absence of annual contracts, and quick setup. It offers a simple web-based admin panel for managing business communications.

What is VoIP and how does it work?

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, allows you to make voice calls over an internet connection instead of a regular phone line. It works by converting voice into digital signals that can be transmitted over the internet.

Why should businesses switch to VoIP?

Businesses should switch to VoIP because it offers cost savings, improved communication, collaboration, integration with business tools, and access to advanced features like video conferencing and call recording. This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.