How to Choose the Right Business Phone System

Choosing the right business phone system involves assessing your business size, budget, required features, and compatibility with existing hardware. Prioritize ease of use, scalability, and reliable customer support to ensure seamless communication and operational efficiency.

Table of Contents

Subscribe for News, Deals & Exclusive Offers

Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in finance — delivered weekly.

Many of the products and services featured on this page are from our affiliate partners. We may earn a commission if you purchase through these links, but this does not affect our reviews or the ratings displayed for each product category. For more details, please review our Advertiser Disclosure before making any decisions.

How to Choose the Right Business Phone System: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Selecting the right business phone system is a critical decision that can impact your organization’s communication efficiency and customer satisfaction. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the factors to consider when choosing a business phone system.

  • RingCentral MVP: Best for Streamlined Business Communication
  • Intermedia Unite: Best for Streamlined Business Communication
  • 8×8: Best for Robust Unified Communications Solutions
  • Vonage: Best for Reliable Business Communications
  • Dialpad: Best for AI-powered Business Communications
  • Microsoft Teams Phone: Best for Streamlined Business Communication
  • Nextiva: Best for AI-powered Business-to-Customer Communications
  • Ooma: Best for Efficient Business Communication
  • Mitel MiCloud Connect: Best for Seamless Communication and Collaboration
Best for Streamlined Business Communication

RingCentral MVP

ringcentral
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
Yes
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One notable aspect of RingCentral MVP is its commitment to providing a seamless and integrated communication experience. The platform’s unified communications feature allows users to seamlessly transition between voice calls, video conferencing, and messaging, streamlining communication and collaboration. The scalability of the service is another positive aspect, making it suitable for businesses with varying sizes and communication needs.
  • Unified Communication
  • Scalability
  • Video Conferencing
  • Cost
  • Learning Curve
  • Dependency on Internet
  • Unified Communications
  • Scalability
  • Video Conferencing
Best for Streamlined Business Communication

Intermedia Unite

intermedia-unite
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
Yes
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One standout feature of Intermedia Unite is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for businesses to adopt and utilize the platform efficiently. The service seamlessly integrates with popular productivity tools, such as Microsoft 365, enhancing collaboration and ensuring a smooth workflow. The robust customer support provided by Intermedia is another positive aspect, offering assistance to users in navigating and optimizing their VoIP experience.
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Integration Capabilities
  • Reliable Customer Support
  • Pricing Complexity
  • Limited Advanced Features
  • Internet Dependency
  • Unified Communication
  • Cloud-Based
  • Integration with Productivity Tools
Best for Robust Unified Communications Solutions

8×8

8x8
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
No
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One notable aspect that we appreciate about 8×8 is its commitment to providing a feature-rich and reliable VoIP service. The platform’s robustness extends to its unified communication solutions, ensuring that businesses have access to a comprehensive set of tools to streamline their communication needs. The cloud-based nature of the service allows for easy scalability, making it suitable for businesses of varying sizes and industries.
  • Feature-rich
  • Scalability
  • Reliability
  • Cost
  • Learning Curve
  • Customization Complexity
  • Unified Communications
  • Collaboration
  • Scalability
Best for Reliable Business Communications

Vonage

vonage
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
Yes
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One commendable aspect of Vonage is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for businesses to manage their communication tools efficiently. The platform provides a unified dashboard for overseeing voice, video, and messaging services, simplifying the user experience. Additionally, Vonage’s commitment to delivering high-definition voice quality contributes to a more professional and seamless communication experience.
  • Versatility
  • Global Reach
  • Feature-Rich
  • Cost Structure
  • Internet Dependency
  • Learning Curve
  • Unified Communications
  • Scalability
  • HD Voice Quality
Best for AI-powered Business Communications

Dialpad

dialpad
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
Yes
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One standout feature of Dialpad is its intuitive and user-friendly interface. The platform’s design makes it easy for users to navigate and access its various features seamlessly. Additionally, Dialpad’s integration capabilities with other business applications contribute to a more cohesive workflow, allowing users to connect communication tools with productivity apps effortlessly.
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Integration Capabilities
  • Versatility
  • Pricing Structure
  • Advanced Customization
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
  • Unified Communication
  • Video Conferencing
  • Team Messaging
Best for Streamlined Business Communication

Microsoft Teams Phone

microsoft-teams
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
No
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One notable aspect we appreciate about Microsoft Teams Phone is its seamless integration with Microsoft 365 applications. The unified collaboration environment allows users to effortlessly transition between chat, calls, and meetings within the same interface. This streamlined experience not only improves productivity but also promotes a more cohesive and connected work environment.
  • Integrations
  • Scalability
  • Feature-rich
  • Learning Curve
  • Cost
  • Unified Collaboration
  • Direct Routing
  • PSTN Connectivity
Best for AI-powered Business-to-Customer Communications

Nextiva

nextiva
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
Yes
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One standout aspect of Nextiva is its commitment to providing a unified communication experience. The integration of various communication tools into a cohesive platform facilitates seamless interactions for users. The cloud-based phone systems offer flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to adapt and grow without the constraints of traditional phone systems. Additionally, the collaboration tools enhance team productivity by fostering efficient communication and information sharing.
  • Robust Feature Set
  • Scalability
  • Customer Support
  • Pricing Complexity
  • Learning Curve
  • International Presence
  • Unified Communication
  • Cloud-Based Phone Systems
  • Collaboration Tools
Best for Efficient Business Communication

Ooma

ooma
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
No
Yes
Toll-Free Option
Yes
Why We Picked It
One notable aspect of Ooma Office that we appreciate is its cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. The platform provides businesses with a robust communication infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone systems. Ooma’s commitment to transparent pricing and eliminating unnecessary fees is commendable, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious businesses seeking a reliable VoIP solution.
  • Cost-Effective
  • Robust Features
  • Reliability
  • Scalability
  • Transparent Pricing
  • Limited International Calling Plans
  • Hardware Purchase
  • Internet Dependency
  • Cost-Efficient
  • Virtual Receptionist
  • Call Routing
Best for Seamless Communication and Collaboration

Mitel MiCloud Connect

mitel
Voicemail Transcription
Yes
Automatic Call-Back
Yes
Yes
Toll-Free Option
No
Why We Picked It
One notable feature of Mitel MiCloud Connect is its emphasis on unified communications, bringing together various communication channels into a single platform. This includes voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools, fostering a cohesive and efficient communication environment. The platform’s scalability is another standout feature, allowing businesses to adapt and grow without the constraints of traditional communication systems.
  • Unified Communications
  • Scalability
  • User-Friendly Interface
  • Cost
  • Integration Complexity
  • Limited Advanced Features
  • Unified Communications
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Scalability

 

Identify Your Business Needs

Start by assessing your specific communication needs. Consider the following:

  • Number of employees
  • Call volume
  • Required features (e.g., voicemail, call forwarding, conferencing)
  • Remote work requirements

Types of Business Phone Systems

Traditional Landline Systems

These are the conventional phone systems that use copper wiring. They are reliable but may lack modern features and flexibility.

VoIP Systems

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems use the internet for communication, offering more features and flexibility than traditional systems. They are also often more cost-effective.

Virtual Phone Systems

Virtual systems are cloud-based and ideal for remote or small businesses. They offer advanced features and can be managed entirely online.

Key Features to Consider

  • Call Management: Call forwarding, call routing, and voicemail
  • Unified Communications: Integration with other communication tools like email and chat
  • Scalability: Ability to add or remove lines as needed
  • Mobile Access: Support for mobile devices and remote work
  • Customer Support: Reliable support services from the provider

Budget Considerations

Determine your budget for both initial setup and ongoing costs. VoIP systems typically have lower upfront costs but may have recurring subscription fees.

Provider Reputation and Reviews

Research potential providers by reading customer reviews and testimonials. Look for providers with a solid reputation for reliability and customer service.

Trial and Testing

Many providers offer free trials or demos. Take advantage of these to test the system’s features and usability before making a final decision.

Conclusion

Choosing the right business phone system involves careful consideration of your needs, budget, and the features offered by different systems. By following this guide, you can make an informed decision that enhances your business communication.

Picture of Vikas (Vik) Palan

Vikas (Vik) Palan

Vikas Palan is an editor at Stackup.ca, specializing in technology, telecommunications, and personal finance content. He ensures each article is well-researched, accurate, and optimized for readers and search engines, helping Stackup.ca become a trusted information source for Canadians.
Stackup.ca
Logo

Leave Your Review

Would you mind taking just 1 minute to share your thoughts about your ISP/Mobile Carrier? Your insights can greatly assist others in making informed choices.