VoIP Providers: The Ultimate Guide

The 5 main advantages of VoIP are:

• Ease of management

• Improved communication

• Feature-rich applications

• Lower operating costs

• Better business integration 

A VoIP phone system is cheaper to run, yet provides you with far more functionality. These advantages are expanded on below:

There are over 50 UK providers. The major providers are BT, Virgin, Amvia, Surevoip, Skype, Vonage, Ring Central, 8x8, Mitel, Gradwell, Lily, Telappliant, Voip Studio, Voipfone and Circleloop.

Most providers have three types of VOIP package: a low-usage package; an SME 5-10 user package; and a premium higher-usage package. The major UK providers are covered in the list below.

The best UK business VOIP provider offers a package that is most suited to your business. This comparison enables you to quickly identify which UK provider will most suit your business needs.

Performing a VoIP comparison is proven to be the most effective way of reducing costs and ensuring you get the best deal. VoIP providers are continually amending their prices and adding functionality.

Use Amvia's experts to identify the right deal, at the best price.

Did you know it is often cheaper to buy a VoIP service through a wholesale partner than directly from the VoIP provider? With 100s of providers of voice over IP in the UK, comparing providers can be an arduous task. That's why Amvia built AmviaSearch™, a VoIP comparison tool enabling you to search all providers and get side-by-side pricing in a couple of clicks. You can even compare VoIP compatible internet connection lines too!

The best VoIP phone if you are on a budget is the Yealink SIP range.

Although the Yealink SIP range is designed for buyers on a budget, it still offers a lot of value. Target price: £40/handset

Pros:

• Price
• Call hold
• Three-way conferencing
• SMS
• Anonymous calling

Cons:

• Single SIP interface

The best VoIP phone if you are looking for features is the Polycom Soundpoint range.

The Polycom SoundPoint IP range of VoIP phones are suitable for medium and large businesses with busy receptions, call centres and complex processes. Target price £75-400. 

Pros:

• High-quality speaker and mic
• High definition options
• Simple and easy to use
• Expandable
• Call centre features
• Advanced hunt groups and reception support

Cons:

• Cost
• Complex features mean can be complicated to set up

The top five manufacturers of DECT wireless or cordless VoIP phones are SNOM, Siemens, Yealink, Polycom and Panasonic. Prices range from £65-£200 depending on the quality of the handset, the brand and the functionality. Our pick for value is the Yealink with a target price of £85.

You can see an overall review of each of these DECT phone manufacturers by reading on below.

Siemens Gigaset is a best buy, and if your business is considering a DECT VoIP handset they must be on your list to consider. Market-leading technology backed by German quality.

Pros:

• Long range
• Excellent sound quality
• Easy to use
• Stylish product

Cons:

• Not the cheapest handset
• Menu can be cumbersome

Panasonic DECT phones are good quality. If your business operates outside or in a tough environment, these rugged DECT phone options are a robust choice.

Pros:

• Automatic volume increase when noisy background detected
• Surrounding noise reduction feature
• Bluetooth capability
• Dust, splash, shock protection options

Cons:

• Relatively short talk time of five hours

The Broadsoft softphone client ‘UC-One’ is a slick, technologically advanced, application for iOS, Android, Mac and Windows. It has to be one of the considered options for any business serious about VoIP.

Here's how Broadsoft describes UC-One:

UC-One is an easy-to-use cloud collaboration app that lets you call, message, and meet with anyone from any device in full HD Video. It works on Mac and Windows desktops, Android and iOS tablets and smartphones. 

Skype is probably the most well-known cloud based VoIP softphone application. Since Microsoft acquired Skype you need a Microsoft 365 subscription to use Skype For Business.

Here's how Microsoft describes Skype For Business:

Enjoy the power of communications and collaboration on your desktop with a familiar Skype-inspired user interface.

• Enjoy full communications with calling, IM, presence, and meetings
• Real-time collaboration within a meeting
• Video-based screen sharing for better sharing performance
• Deep integration with Office and Office 365

The VONAGE softphone app is a free multi-functional app allowing you to make and receive calls, view your contacts and any missed calls, and access voicemail.

Here's how Vonage describes their softphone VoIP application:

Vonage Desktop­ App for Business Cloud is a free app that allows you to use your Vonage Business phone service from your computer. Make calls and send messages from your Vonage Business phone number using the integrated softphone, view your contact history with clients, see missed calls and listen to voicemails – all in one easy-to-navigate interface. It's almost like a softphone app, but better.

Micollab is Mitel's softphone, which is designed to integrate with the Mitel range of business VoIP services.

Here's how Mitel describes Micollab:

With the MiCollab Client Softphone, road warriors and teleworkers can enjoy the same intuitive communications management as Mitel Business IP Phone users from a remote PC or laptop. When remotely connected to the MiVoice Business or Mitel MiVoice Office via a secure network connection, mobile users can make and receive calls as though they were inside the corporate network. The MiCollab Client Softphone also lets features call recording on your computer, unified communications, add customized ring tones, and configure HID-compliant USB devices through an intuitive user interface. 

Cisco Jabber should be on your list if you are a medium to large business that values internal and external communication.

Here's how Cisco describes Jabber:

Mobility doesn’t have to limit productivity. Cisco Jabber delivers instant messaging, voice and video calls, voice messaging, desktop sharing, conferencing, and presence. Find the right people, see whether and how they’re available, and collaborate more effectively.