Modern phone systems can offer unified communication solutions that go beyond simple phone lines and calls.
The single platform solution reduces the need for multiple tools and can lower the overall cost. Unified communication solutions can combine all communication channels for businesses, including voice, instant messaging, video conferencing, SMS, email and file sharing.
These powerful platforms also support teams in working together more effectively, regardless of location, improve collaboration and can increase productivity.
The table below gives a quick price comparison of the top UK providers for unified communications.
| Company | Price |
|---|---|
| BT | Not stated |
| TalkTalk | Not stated |
| Virgin Media | Not stated |
| Zen | £7.99 |
| KCOM | £23 |
| Virgin Media O2 Business | Not stated |
| Vodafone | Not stated |
| Ogi | £15 |
| Stream Networks | Not stated |
| Pulse8 | Not stated |
| Three | Not stated |
| Telappliant | £9.95 |
| Ice Comms | Not stated |
| Babble | Not stated |
| Cerberus Networks | £9.95 |
| FluidOne | Not stated |
| Gradwell | £4.50 |
| Lily | Not stated |
| Southern Communications | Not stated |
| Spitfire | Not stated |
| Structured Communications | Not stated |
| 4Com | Not stated |
| Best 4 Business Communications | Not stated |
| Sangoma | Not stated |
| Focus Group | £7.99 |
| Vonage | £10 |
| RingCentral | £12.99 |
| 8X8 | Not stated |
| Mitel | Not stated |
| Zendesk | £45 |
| Dialpad | £12 |
| VoIPstudio | £5 |
| VTSL | £12 |
| Microsoft Teams | £7.70 |
* The facts and figures included here come from each company’s website and were accurate at the time of writing but may have since changed. Also, please keep in mind these may not be apples-to-apples comparisons as each provider offers different solutions. This guide should be used as a starting point for more research on your part.
Below, we profile each of the companies’ services and features in a bit more detail.
Note that companies are ranked in no particular order, and this in no way indicates one solution is better than another.
1. BT
- Offers a unified communications platform called MiCloud designed to improve productivity and customer service
- Supports hybrid working by enabling secure access on any device
- Flexible and scalable solution that is cloud-hosted
- Assists employees in collaborating and communicating with each other and customers
- Smart tools including presence, instant messaging, voice messaging access, scheduling, calendar synchronisation, and more
- Features can include auto attendant, directory, voicemail, twinning, desktop softphone, audio and web collaboration, meetings, and more
- iOS and Android apps to access tools and features on any device
- Can be integrated with MiCloud Contact Centre
- Also offers a range of phones
- Easy to set up and migrate with an online portal to manage your system
2. TalkTalk
- They offer a cloud-based business platform that unites voice, video and messaging
- A single secure platform that is scalable and supports collaboration and productivity
- Can be managed in-house or by TalkTalk
- Tailorable solutions with mix and match licensing
- Supports staff in working and collaborating from anywhere
- Connect all your customer-facing channels including voice, chat, email and social
- Call management features include interactive voice response (IVR), skill-based routing and queue management
- Integrates with other platforms including CRMs
- Platform delivered in partnership with Mitel and Zoom
- Delivers a robust network with 99.999% uptime
3. Virgin Media
- Offers a choice of on-premise and hosted unified communications solutions
- Keeps your teams connected with a range of communication tools
- Supports cross-site, remote and home working through collaboration tools
- Provides phone systems, internet access, mobile solutions and VPNs to deliver unified communications
- Choice of systems including Cisco, Unify and Skype for Business
- Audio and video conferencing
- Instant messaging and presence features
- Intuitive call management functionality
- Self-service portal and 24/7/365 service availability
- Flexible plans to select the features that you need
4. Zen
- They offer cloud communications that integrate with existing systems to create a unified communications platform
- Modern and scalable solution delivered using Cisco’s BroadWorks technology
- It enables employees to work remotely with access through any device
- Webex app for softphone access on desktop and mobile devices
- Supports voice, email, chat and video calls
- Call management features include call forwarding, call hold, call waiting and call transfer
- Voicemail is offered on some plans
- Premium plans include advanced routing options
- Integrations include Office, call centre software and more
- A choice of plans that offer a variety of features and contract lengths
5. KCOM
- Offers a unified communication and contact centre solution with 8×8
- A cloud-based, secure platform
- Integrates voice, chat, video, contact centre, and team chat in one interface
- Also enables video conferencing and file sharing to aid collaboration
- Supports employees in working together in hybrid and remote working environments
- Voice features include auto attendant, hunt groups, pick up groups, voicemail, customisable greetings, and much more
- Easy to set up and offers a downloadable softphone
- Real-time monitoring and analytics are available
- 99.999% availability and uptime SLA
- Plans can be tailored to your needs with negotiable contract lengths
6. Virgin Media O2 Business
- Offers a cloud-based unified communications solution for small and medium-sized businesses
- Integrates Microsoft tools with their connectivity to deliver the solution
- Designed for calling, chatting, sharing, presenting and meeting in one place
- Smart tools including virtual receptionist, recorded video calls and live meeting transcriptions
- Can assist with hybrid and field-based working
- Fixed line and mobile connectivity with flexible plans
- A choice of phones and headsets is available
- Hassle-free migration including migration handling, planning, installation, and training
- 24/7 technical support
- Offers tailored plans including software, hardware and call plans
Virgin Media O2 Business website
7. Vodafone
- Offers unified communications for businesses that bring together fixed, mobile and messaging services into a single platform
- A cloud-based, secure platform
- Aids new ways of working with hybrid working and remote connectivity
- Incorporates cloud-based productivity tools including meetings, messaging, file sharing and more
- HD video meetings and audio conferences anywhere on any device
- Simple desktop and application sharing
- Suitable for contact centres and enables customers to choose how to speak to you, such as over the phone, video or one of over 20 digital channels
- Delivered with RingCentral
- Can be integrated with hundreds of business applications
- Flexible plans with a range of add-ons to tailor the solution to your needs
8. Ogi
- They offer cloud-based communications that can unify communications
- Integrates with Microsoft Teams to provide video conferencing, chat and instant messaging
- VoIP phone lines with crystal-clear calls
- Suitable for small businesses through to contact centres
- Flexible system that can be tailored to your business
- Manage calls with an auto attendant and record calls
- Can be integrated with CRMs
- Also offers broadband packages
- Wales-based provider delivering services in South Wales and beyond
- Local support team
9. Stream Networks
- Offers a complete suite of business communications, collaboration tools and apps as part of their unified communications service
- Combines voice, video and audio conferencing, and instant messaging
- Also supports emails, SMS and file sharing
- Scalable and tailored solutions to meet your business needs
- Suitable for small businesses to large enterprises
- Can streamline processes and workflows as well as enhance customer experience
- Choice of hosted voice solutions with crystal clear calls
- Integration with Microsoft Teams and Zoom
- Secure network for office and remote workers
- Flexible plans that allow you to pay for only the features you use
10. Pulse8
- They offer two unified communications solutions in partnership with Ericsson-LG Enterprise
- A simple platform that is easy to use and intuitive
- Tailorable solution that can be integrated with Microsoft Outlook or Lync
- Includes voice, instant messaging, video, conference calling and visual voicemail
- Can be accessed through any device and location
- Supports multiple location businesses
- Provides integrated presence to see colleague availability
- Call features include click call, transfer, hold and park
- Designed to grow with your business
- Offers a range of hardware
11. Three
- Offers unified communications for small businesses that can increase productivity
- Brings together voice, messaging, video, and collaboration tools in one service
- Delivered in partnership with Cisco
- Integrates with Microsoft Teams
- Available on landline, mobile and desktops to support remote and hybrid working
- It can assist you in automating communications on email, SMS, WhatsApp and social media
- Suite of APIs to build integration with other systems
- Also offers fibre broadband plans
- Can be integrated with other business systems
- A choice of business plans is available
12. Telappliant
- They offer cloud communications with AI that can deliver unified communications
- Omnichannel solution for chat, SMS and social messaging
- HD call quality that delivers crystal-clear audio on office phones and mobile app
- Offers a visual IVR and intelligent call routing facilities
- Auto attendant with visual builder
- Provides a range of features such as conference calling, call forwarding, call transfer, call park and pickup, ring groups, hunt groups, voicemail, and voicemail-to-email
- Utilise AI to deliver insights and analytics
- Web portal provides self-service management of the system
- Secure service with multi-factor authentication and reliable with resilient failover
- Support by UK-based teams
13. Ice Comms
- Offers cloud VoIP communication systems that can enhance communications by unifying them
- Designed for small to large businesses
- Also suitable for call centres with functionality that caters for them
- Can be tailored to meet your business needs
- Combines voice, instant messaging, audio conferencing and more
- System features include call queues, click to dial, music on hold, and more
- Out-of-the-box technology that is easy to set up
- Full support is given to configure and manage the system
- They provide a mid-term review of tariffs
- Has an excellent rating on Trustpilot
14. Babble
- They offer unified communications and connectivity solutions that support businesses in connecting to clients
- It assists employees in connecting and collaborating from anywhere to aid remote working
- Integrates all communication channels in one platform to increase efficiency
- Supports voice, messaging, video conferencing, email, instant messaging, and calendars
- Managed through a web-based portal
- Configure and manage multi-layered call flows with auto attendant and hunt groups
- Can be integrated with other business apps including Microsoft Teams, CRMs, and Cisco Webex
- Scalable and flexible system
- Provides mobile and contact centre solutions
- Secure, reliable and robust solution that provides enterprise-grade connectivity
15. Cerberus Networks
- Offers communication solutions that include cloud-hosted VoIP to fully integrated unified communications platforms
- Aids office, remote and hybrid working environments
- Provides a complete suite of IP telephony and mobile communications
- Seamless experience across desktop, web and mobile devices
- Business tools to support collaboration and operate effectively across locations
- Integration with Microsoft Teams
- Includes a range of features such as auto attendants, call forwarding and voicemail
- Advanced call analytics and usage reports
- Reliable and scalable solutions that are designed to be easy to manage
- 24/7 support
16. FluidOne
- They offer unified communications and contact centre solutions that deliver high-quality service
- Claim to offer market-leading solutions and are specialists in 8×8 and Mitel
- Streamline business communications on a single platform
- Can be integrated with Microsoft Teams to incorporate collaboration tools
- Offers in-house, cloud-hosted and hybrid systems
- Supports hybrid working environments as it integrates desk phones and smartphones
- Provides voice, chat, messaging and video functionality
- Tailored services that meet your needs
- Delivers secure and resilient systems
- A choice of business plans is available
17. Gradwell
- Offers a choice of cloud phone systems which include one that can deliver unified communications
- Provides direct routing with Microsoft Teams to create a unified communications tool with integrated calling
- A single system for all collaboration
- Supports a remote workforce with the ability to work anywhere on any device
- Combines voice, messaging, meetings and file management
- Call features include auto attendant, call transfer, call queues, call routing, voicemail, and more
- Easy to set up
- Can be integrated with existing PBXs
- Reliable and secure system
- Low call charges
18. Lily
- They offer VoIP phone systems with integrated Microsoft Teams to create a unified communications solution
- A single platform for collaboration including voice, messaging and meetings
- Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses
- Use a range of devices to make calls including desktop, laptop or mobile devices
- Supports remote and hybrid working environments
- VoIP call features including call routing and call queueing
- Easy-to-use online portal
- Call analytics that can aid customer management
- Flexible and scalable solutions
- Provides a dedicated helpdesk and engineers
19. Southern Communications
- Offers a choice of unified communications solutions that can be tailored to your business needs
- Combine communication and collaboration tools in a single platform
- Hosted cloud-based phone systems
- Direct routing and Teams voice with managed support package
- Hybrid hosted phone systems
- Contact centre solutions with a choice of cloud, premise and hybrid options
- Feature-rich systems
- Support businesses of all sizes
- Secure and reliable service on a fast and efficient network
- 24/7 maintenance and support
Southern Communications website
20. Spitfire
- They offer a unified communication system that is a fully managed solution
- A feature-rich system with advanced features included as standard
- Suitable for PC and mobile devices
- Call handling including auto attendant, call forwarding, call transfer, call routing, call queuing, call hold, call park and pickup
- Advanced features include conference calls, call recording, voicemail, voicemail via email, and music on hold
- Can be integrated with other applications such as Salesforce and Office 365
- Keep your existing numbers
- Easy to set up out of the box
- Simple per-user pricing
- Also offers broadband solutions
21. Structured Communications
- Offers VoIP phone systems that can be integrated to make unified communications for businesses
- Fully managed cloud phone systems
- SFlow platform offers instant messaging and group chat facilities
- Integrates with Microsoft Teams to provide file sharing, video calls, and meetings
- Aids remote workers with staying connected and collaboration tools
- Easy to set up with plug-and-play technology
- Adaptable and scalable solutions
- Solutions can be tailored to your business needs
- Choice of contract lengths
- Mobile and broadband solutions are also available
Structured Communications website
22. 4Com
- They offer a choice of solutions which include HiHi phones that can deliver unified communications
- Removable touchscreen display with Google Play Store access to download apps
- Video calling
- Call recording
- Call reporting
- Computer integration
- Supports mobile workers with a mobile app
- Suitable for small to large businesses
- Access to video support on most plans
- Some plans include 24/7 support options
23. Best 4 Business Communications
- Offers a hosted VoIP phone system that includes unified communication tools
- A single platform providing voice, instant messaging, video conferencing and screen sharing
- HD-quality voice calls
- Suitable for growing businesses
- Assists remote working and hybrid teams with the ability to work from anywhere on IP phone, laptop and mobile devices
- Call management features including auto attendant and call forwarding
- Online dashboard to manage the system including call routing, users and voicemail
- Built-in caller ID and analytics
- Can be integrated with CRMs
- UK-based support team and 99.999% uptime
Best 4 Business Communications website
24. Sangoma
- They offer an all-inclusive unified communications platform with a choice of three deployment options
- Includes voice, video, messaging, conferencing, collaboration and customer outreach
- Choice of cloud, on-premise and hybrid solutions
- Provides AI automation and integration with chatbots
- Graphical IVR builder
- Call recording
- Unlimited ring groups
- Accessible through mobile and desktop apps to support home and remote working
- Can be integrated with productivity apps
- 24/7 support
25. Focus Group
- Offers unified communications solutions to streamline your communications and improve collaboration
- Combines telecommunications, conferencing, video calling, instant messaging, collaboration tools, file sharing and more
- Hosted cloud-based service
- Connects remote workers and makes it easier for them to collaborate
- Advanced call features such as call forwarding and conferencing
- Voicemail facilities
- CRM integration
- Suitable for contact centres
- Secure and scalable system with real-time updates, automatic backups and robust security measures
- 24/7 support
26. Vonage
- They offer business communications solutions that provide unified communications
- Can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience and increase collaboration
- Supports messaging including instant messaging, SMS and MMS with colleagues and customers
- Apps for desktop and mobile devices
- Virtual receptionist to manage inbound calls
- AI virtual assistant to handle common inquiries
- Video conferencing
- Call recording
- Can be integrated with Microsoft Teams and other productivity apps
- Choice of plans
27. RingCentral
- Offers a unified communications as a service solution that can improve efficiency and productivity
- Unifies all communication channels in a single platform
- Includes VoIP, video conferencing, SMS, instant messaging, meetings, fax and more
- Cloud-based phone system
- Enables employees to communicate from anywhere, via any channel and on any device
- Suitable for small businesses to large contact centres
- Call management features including cloud PBX, call routing and call recording
- Easy to set up and has an intuitive interface
- Integrates with Microsoft and Google software suites
- Offers simple and affordable price plans
28. 8×8
- The 8×8 Work plan is a unified communications solution that connects teams and customers
- Enterprise-grade PBX offering calls, SMS and fax
- High-quality and reliable connection available from anywhere
- Collaboration tools including chat, video conferencing, whiteboards, polls, recordings and transcripts
- Incorporates AI technology to streamline activities and reduce manual work
- Receptionist console
- Access real-time data and analytics to monitor performance
- Can be integrated with leading tools
- Secure and compliant
- Also offers Microsoft Teams solutions
29. Mitel
- Offers telephony software applications that can be standalone or integrated for a unified communication solution
- Single framework including voice, chat, messaging, video and web conferencing
- Suitable for mid and large enterprises
- Choice of on-premises or cloud-based solution
- Remote office access solution available
- A contact centre solution with AI technology is available
- Integration with Microsoft Teams
- Secure and flexible deployment
- Carrier-grade reliability and scalability
- Provides global technical support
30. Zendesk
- They offer unified voice and digital channels for contact centres
- AI-powered solution to deliver automated tasks and powerful workflows
- Flexible and secure cloud platform
- Customisable dashboards
- Advanced features including predictive dialling, answering machine detection, and real-time transcription
- Real-time monitoring, analysis and reporting to provide insights on performance
- Scalable platform
- Can be integrated with your existing tools
- Minimal setup and fast deployment
- Suitable for small teams and large contact centres
31. Dialpad
- Offers a cloud phone system that includes unified communications in a single platform
- Enables voice, messages, chat and video meetings
- AI features including call transcription and post-call summaries
- Online account to manage your phone system, including adding lines, creating ring groups and setting business hours
- Call handling features including call forwarding, call routing, call transfer, and 3-way calling
- Apps available for iOS, Android, PC and Mac
- Built-in analytics and reporting
- Can be integrated with CRMs and collaboration tools including Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- Enterprise-grade security including encryption and built-in security controls
- Offers a cloud contact centre solution
32. VoIPstudio
- They offer a single platform for voice, chat, video and collaboration to unify communications
- Solutions for remote teams to be connected and collaborate
- Work anywhere on any device including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android
- AI features support call summaries, call transcriptions, call actions, call analysis, and more
- Call handling functions such as call waiting, call transfer, call queues, call pickup, music on hold, call logging and more
- Call management tools including virtual switchboard and interactive voice response
- Call recording with instant playback and storage that is PCI-compliant
- Voicemail facilities for each extension
- Integration with business tools including CRMs
- Cloud-based management portal, 24/7 support and 99.999% uptime guarantee
33. VTSL
- Offers cloud communication systems that can deliver connected communications
- Integrate the applications you use to operate them in one platform
- Integrate with Microsoft Teams to increase communications capabilities
- Salesforce integration
- Google Chrome integration
- Video conferencing
- Call recording
- Supports remote and hybrid working as mobiles can be used like office phones
- Open API to connect your third-party software
- 24/7 technical support
34. Microsoft Teams
- Designed as a unified communications solution to streamline collaboration
- Cloud-based platform offering calls, chat, audio and video conferencing, file sharing and storage
- Supports remote and hybrid workers in collaborating and staying connected
- Can centralise workflows and communications
- Smart call handling with auto attendant
- Call management includes call forwarding, call transfers, busy-on-busy settings, simultaneous ring, and more
- Call recording and voicemail with transcription services
- Simple to manage and scalable
- Can be integrated with other apps and services
- A Microsoft Teams license is also required in addition to the phone plan