If you've been following this blog, you'll know we've written about choosing a VoIP phone system before.
For the first battle, we pit
Wildix against Microsoft Teams. (Turns out they get along just fine.)
Then, for round two, we threw in another competitor –
Cisco Webex. But that was all in preparation for round three – the battle royale. Yes, this is where we break all the rules. We're going to throw SIX of the most popular cloud communications solutions together to duke it out. If you're of a nervous disposition, look away now. Blood may spill.
1. Wildix
Nickname
The Estonian Stunner
Strengths
- An affordable and highly scaleable browser-based platform
- Can be used as a software-only solution
- Integrates well with key business software
- Has a suite of innovative tools available to help boost sales
- Awesome handsets
- Unlimited free calls to UK landlines and mobiles
Weaknesses
- A relatively little-known brand – may be off-putting for some users
- Lacks widespread adoption
- Can be difficult to set up
Verdict
A capable and flexible fighter. Great for SMEs in particular, but scaleable enough for any web-savvy business.
2. Microsoft Teams
Nickname
The Bluechip Bruiser
Strengths
- Well liked and widely used
- Intuitive, user-friendly interface
- Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's cloud-based software suite
- Advanced video conferencing features
- Incorporates innovative technologies like Cortana text-to-speech
- Cutting-edge security from Microsoft, one of the biggest tech companies in the world
Weaknesses
- Collaboration can be difficult outside of the Microsoft ecosystem
- Capabilities overlap with other Microsoft apps
- Requires on-site software installations for the best experience
- Limited VoIP features and handset options
Verdict
A relative newcomer, but already a heavyweight. Teams is a solid, easy-to-use option for businesses of all sizes – especially if they already use Microsoft's cloud suite.
3. Cisco Webex
Nickname
Silicon Larry
Strengths
- Cisco is a hugely successful and widely trusted company
- Software is feature rich and easy to use
- Powerful and intuitive collaboration capabilities
- Works with a wide range of VoIP handsets
- Unlimited free calls to UK landlines and mobiles
Weaknesses
- Not the cheapest platform on the market
- Missing integrations with several key apps
Verdict
When it comes to features, Webex runs rings around most of the competition. But it's best for bigger businesses – it might be overkill for SMEs.
4. Nextiva
Nickname
WRECKtiva
Strengths
- Integrates well with key software like Hubspot and Salesforce
- Powerful auto-attendent scripting features
- Pricing structure is designed for cost-effective scaling
- Users report excellent uptime and audio quality
- A wide range of good-quality first-party handsets
Weaknesses
- Not the most secure solution on the market
- Nextiva's mobile apps are said to be unreliable
- Starter plans are a little pricey
Verdict
A good all-around contender. But be prepared to invest in third-party security solutions if you want total peace of mind.
5. 8x8
Nickname
Two-by-four
Strengths
- Like Nextiva, it has great auto-attendent functionality
- Boasts excellent security, out of the box
- Managers can access detailed analytics
- Cheap pricing tiers are available for small business users
Weaknesses
- Users have reported dropped calls, despite having fast internet connections
- Some key features are complicated to use
- Not the easiest platform to set up
Verdict
8x8 is going for grassroots support with competitive SME pricing plans. But will that see it through to the final round? Its tricky UI and intermittent dropouts might be its downfall.
6. Zoom
Nickname
The Pandemic Punisher
Strengths
- Extremely easy to use
- Nails the basics – VoIP, video, instant messaging, webinars…
- Intuitive integrations with novel "app store" approach
- A popular and widely adopted platform
Weaknesses
- Zoom's native VoIP offering is still young
- Key services are sold as bolt-ons – may prove pricey
- Web app has limited functionality compared to desktop app
- Some have raised privacy concerns as a result of "Zoombombing" incidents
Verdict
The fast-rising star of the VoIP world, Zoom saw a huge spike in users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its intuitive interface gives it a fighting chance, but it's still playing catchup on VoIP and other key features.
The final results: who wins?
OK, time to 'fess up. We knew our favourites from the beginning –
Wildix,
Microsoft Teams and
Cisco Webex.
But before you cry foul, allow us to explain.
We've been in the cloud communications game for a long time – more than a decade, in fact. In tech years, that's about three centuries.
So we know a good solution when we see it. We have our favourites, sure. But they're our favourites for a reason.
We've chosen our three
cloud phone systems because experience has proven that they're secure, reliable, and provide all the features that web-savvy businesses need. (Oh, and let's not forget – they're all on the
Gartner Magic Quadrant for UCaaS.)
Each has its pros and cons, but that's why we haven't put all our clouds in one basket. Between Wildix, Webex and Teams, we're able to provide a solution to suit any organisation, no matter its size or sector.
Still, we hope you found our analysis useful. We're hardly unbiased observers, but we've tried to be as fair as possible in our judgements.
The fact is: no VoIP solution is perfect. Switching to a new phone system is a big decision, and it's important to weigh up their strengths and weaknesses carefully.
Need a little help?
Feel free to get in touch.
We might have our favourites, but – above all – we just love to talk tech. And we don't do hard sells. It's just not our style.
Useful links
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Yoozoom
Unit 8
Gemini Business Park
Sheepscar Way
Leeds
LS7 3JB
Contact Us
Yoozoom
Unit 8
Gemini Business Park
Sheepscar Way
Leeds
LS7 3JB
Company Number: 07618108
VAT Number: GB11304662
Yoozoom Technologies Limited T/A Yoozoom