If you are still running your business on a traditional landline, here is what you need to know: BT is switching off the UK’s analogue PSTN network on 31st January 2027. That means your current phone system has an expiry date, and switching to a cloud-based phone system sooner rather than later is the only way to keep your business operations running smoothly.
In this guide, we have compared the ten best cloud-based phone systems available to UK businesses in 2026. From pricing and features to pros and cons, we have outlined everything to help you make an informed decision.
Key takeaways
Cloud-based phone systems use the internet to handle calls with no physical PBX required.
The cost of cloud phone systems typically ranges from £7 to £30+ per user/month, depending on features.
RingCentral is the top all-round pick for UK businesses in 2026.
Zoom Phone and Nextiva are the most affordable options for small businesses.
The BT PSTN switch-off deadline (2027) is making the switch to VoIP urgent for UK companies.
Key features to look for in cloud-based phone system providers are call recording, auto-attendant, CRM integration, mobile app, and UK customer support.
Use ComparedBusiness UK to compare quotes from leading VoIP providers within minutes.
What Are Cloud-Based Phone Systems?
It is an enterprise-grade telephone solution fully hosted in the cloud. Distinct from traditional solutions that rely on copper wires and on-premises deployed private branch exchange (PBX) systems, this solution leverages Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to convert voice signals into internet data packets for transmission.
All call infrastructure is hosted by service providers in secure off-site data centres. Your team accesses it through desktop apps, mobile apps or the internet-enabled desk phones.
Here is how cloud-based phone systems differ from traditional landlines:
| Feature | Cloud Phone System | Traditional Landline |
|---|---|---|
|
Infrastruture |
Hosted in the cloud |
On-site PBX hardware |
|
Setup Time |
Hours |
Days to weeks |
|
Scalability |
Add users instantly |
Requires hardware upgrades |
|
Remote Working |
Full support |
Limited or none |
|
Monthly Cost |
£7 to £30+/user/month |
Higher line rental |
|
Maintenance |
Provider managed |
An in-house IT team is required |
Want to learn more about the differences? Then see the ComparedBusiness UK detailed comparison analysis.
Get Best Cloud-Based Phone System Providers Quotes Today
Best Cloud-Based Phone System For UK Businesses: At A Glance
Here is a quick overview of the top 10 cloud-based phone system providers in the UK:
| Provider | Best For | Starting Price | Free Trial | UK Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RingCentral |
All-round best for UK businesses |
From £14.99/user/month |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Nextiva |
Features and value |
From £15/user/month |
Yes |
Yes |
|
8x8 |
International calling |
Custom Quote |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Vonage |
Flexibility and CRM integration |
From £13.99/user/month |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Zoom Phone |
Teams already using Zoom |
From £8/user/month |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Intermedia Unite |
Mid-size teams |
From £24.99/user/month |
No |
Yes |
|
Dialpad |
AI-powered communications |
From £12/user/month |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Microsoft Teams Phone |
Microsoft 365 users |
From £8/user/month |
No |
Yes |
|
Zoho Voice |
Zoho CRM users and small businesses |
From £1/user/month |
Yes |
No |
|
Ooma Office |
Budget-friendly small business |
From £16.99/user/month |
Yes |
Yes |
Want to find cheap VoIP providers? Read our detailed guide and learn about the cheap VoIP providers in the UK.
Now let’s look more closely at the details of each provider:
1. RingCentral
Overview:
RingCentral is widely regarded as the gold standard in cloud-based business phone systems. It combines enterprise-grade call management with an intuitive interface that scales easily from small teams to large organisations.
In the UK, RingCentral is available both directly and through BT Cloud Work, a partnership that gives businesses the added assurance of BT’s network infrastructure. With a 99.99% uptime SLA and 24/7 customer support, it is the most reliable all-round option available to UK businesses in 2026.
Key Features:
- Unlimited domestic calling across the UK.
- Multi-level IVR with a drag-and-drop dial plan editor.
- Video meetings for up to 200 participants.
- Ring groups with up to 16 numbers per group.
- AI-powered call transcription and summaries.
- Team chat with unlimited channels, task management, and huddles.
- 200+ third-party integrations, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft 365.
- Real-time detailed analytics dashboards.
- Desktop, web and mobile apps.
Best For:
RingCentral is the best cloud-based phone system available for all types of UK businesses.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Best all-round UCaaS platform |
Higher cost than competitors |
|
99.99% uptime SLA |
Advanced analytics only on premium plans |
|
It has great analytics on higher tiers |
It can be feature-heavy for very small teams |
|
Strong UK support via the BT Cloud Work partnership |
|
|
It can easily scale from 1 to 1000 users |
|
Pricing:
- Core: $20/user/month. It includes unlimited UK calling, video meetings and basic IVR.
- Advanced: $25/user/month. It includes call queues, toll-free numbers and advanced reporting.
- Ultra: $35/user/month. It includes unlimited SMS, AI transcription and intelligent routing.
What We Liked About RingCentral:
- Drag-and-Drop Dial Plan Editor: We found this feature quite intuitive; with it, you can build complex call routing flows within minutes without any IT expert involvement.
- Team Chat With Huddles and Task Management: The built-in chat features are the same as Slack. These features let you create a unified communication system.
2. Nextiva
Overview:
Nextiva is a powerful cloud phone system focused on rich functionality and value for money, delivering far greater capabilities than its price tag would suggest.
All of its service plans include unlimited VoIP calls, video conferencing, virtual fax, and other core features, with functionalities that exceed the entry-level plans of most competing products.
Its fully integrated NextivaONE app supports multi-device access, making it particularly suitable for growing businesses in the UK that can’t afford high enterprise-level fees.
Key Features:
- Unlimited VoIP calling in the US and Canada.
- Video meetings are available for up to 45 minutes on all plans.
- It offers bundled toll-free minutes on all plans.
- Basic auto-attendant with IVR menus.
- Ring groups with up to 10 members.
- CRM integration for in-call access to customer data.
- AI-powered analytics and call summaries on higher tiers.
- Voicemail transcription.
Best For:
Nextiva is best for SMEs that are looking for features and value for money.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It offers exceptional features and strong value at entry-level pricing |
Video calls are limited to 45 minutes |
|
It has a unified app for voice, video and chat |
Call recording is available only on premium plans |
|
It offers 24/7 customer support on all plans |
It is accessible in the UK only through third-party resellers |
|
Good CRM integration options |
The basic plans don’t have SMS and CRM integrations |
Pricing:
- Core: Starts from £$15/user/month. It includes unlimited calling, video, team chat and single-level auto-attendant.
- Engage: Starts from $25/user/month. It includes call recording, voicemail transcription and 2,000 monthly SMS.
- Power Suite: Starts from $75/user/month. It includes intelligent IVR, supervisor dashboards and AI summaries.
What We Liked About Nextiva:
- Clean, Unified App: The NextivaOne interface brings calls, messages and video calls into a single screen, which is easy to navigate even for less tech-savvy team members.
- Core Features In All Plans: Unlike several competitors that keep video or chat features in higher tiers, Nextiva includes all core features in every plan.
3. 8x8
Overview:
If your UK business deals with international clients or operates across multiple countries, 8×8 is one of the strongest options available.
Its UCaaS plans support unlimited calling to up to 48 countries, and video meetings can accommodate up to 500 participants, the largest capacity of any provider on this list.
8×8 also offers robust analytics and call monitoring tools that give supervisors real-time visibility into team performance, making it suitable for businesses with call centre-style operations.
Key Features:
- Unlimited calling to up to 48 countries.
- It offers video meetings for up to 500 participants.
- Multi-level auto-attendant and call queues.
- Team chat with file sharing.
- AI-powered analytics and call activity reporting.
- Live streaming and meeting moderator controls.
- Call centre add-ons available.
Best For:
8×8 is best for businesses that have international clients.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Unmatched international calling in 48 countries |
The pricing is not listed publicly; you will need to request a quote |
|
It offers video meetings with up to 500 participants |
It is less user-friendly for non-technical setups |
|
It has strong monitoring tools |
Advanced features require premium plans |
|
It offers full call centre functionality |
|
Pricing:
- 8×8 Work: Custom pricing; contact their sales team for a UK quote.
- 8×8 Contact Centre: Custom pricing with additional contact centre features.
What We Liked About 8x8:
- Unlimited International Calling to 48 Countries: We found this option to be a standout feature during our testing. For businesses with frequent international calls, it is a cost-efficient solution.
- Live Call Monitoring Tools: The listen, whisper, barge and takeover features give supervisors real visibility into active calls. We found these especially valuable for maintaining call quality.
Do you run a business with international clients? Read ComparedBusiness UK’s detailed comparison analysis of top VoIP providers for international calls.
4. Vonage:
Overview:
Vonaage Business Communications (VBC) is a highly customisable cloud phone system with more than 50 features and a strong API layer for businesses that need deep integrations with their existing tech stack.
It is particularly well-suited for sales-heavy teams that rely on CRM data, as Vonage integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, HubSpot, and many other platforms. With a 99.99% uptime guarantee and unlimited domestic calling in the UK, Vonage is a reliable and scalable option for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features:
- It comes with 50-plus VoIP features.
- Unlimited domestic calling in the UK.
- Video conferencing for up to 200 participants.
- Deep CRM integrations with platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, Microsoft Dynamics and others.
- It offers IVR on all plans.
- It has a Vonage App Center for third-party integrations.
- Vonage offers live call controls such as transfer, hold, and switch between devices.
Best For:
Vonage is best for businesses looking for flexibility and CRM integration.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Strong CRM integrations |
Call queuing and call recording are not included in the entry-level plan |
|
Highly customisable and API-friendly |
An AI virtual assistant comes with an extra cost |
|
Scalable for growing businesses |
It can become costlier with add-ons |
|
Reliable 99.99% uptime SLA |
|
Pricing:
- Mobile: Starts from $13.99/user/month. It includes calling, SMS, voicemail and IVR.
- Premium: Starts from $20.99/user/month. It includes video conferencing, team chat and 20+ integrations.
- Advanced: Starts from $27.99/user/month. It includes on-demand call recording, voicemail transcription and ring groups.
What We Liked About Vonage:
- API Flexibility: We were impressed by Vonage’s API layer flexibility. With this custom workflow, automated call triggers and bespoke integrations are all achievable without a specific developer.
- CRM Integration Depth: We were surprised by Vonage’s strong CRM integrations. This makes logging a call against a Salesforce record and surfacing customer data during live calls work seamlessly.
5. Zoom Phone
Overview:
Zoom Phone is the first choice for businesses that already rely on Zoom for video meetings. It adds a fully featured cloud phone system to the familiar Zoom interface, so there is virtually no learning curve for existing Zoom users.
All plans include unlimited auto-attendants, voicemail transcription, call recordings, call queues and a feature-rich mobile app. For UK businesses with internationally distributed teams, the Global plan allows unlimited domestic calling in one of up to 48 countries, which can be a cost-effective option.
Key Features:
- Seamless integration with Zoom Meetings and Zoom Workplace.
- Unlimited auto-attendants and voicemail transcription on all plans.
- On-demand and auto call recording.
- The call queues feature allows up to 50 callers per queue.
- It offers three-way conference calling.
- Mobile app with call monitoring, team chat and screen sharing.
- 24/7 live chat and phone support.
Best For:
It is ideal for teams already using Zoom.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It is ideal for existing Zoom users |
This solution is less suitable for businesses that are not already part of the Zoom ecosystem |
|
Strong international calling options |
Advanced features require upgrading to Zoom Workplace |
|
Feature-rich mobile app |
Real-time analytics comes at an additional cost |
|
It offers flexible pricing |
|
Pricing:
- US and Canada Metered Plan: Starts from $10.50/user/month. It includes pay-as-you-go calling, desktop and mobile apps.
- US and Canada Unlimited Plan: Starts from $16/user/month. It includes unlimited domestic calls.
- Global Select: Starts from $25/user/month. It includes unlimited calling in one selected country.
What We Liked About Zoom Phone:
- Zero Learning Curve For Zoom Users: During testing, we found out that the people who already use Zoom for calls and video meetings need no training to use Zoom Phone.
- Feature-Rich Mobile App: The Zoom Phone mobile app handles call switching from desktop to mobile mid-conversation smoothly.
Want to compare top cloud-based phone system providers?
Use ComparedBusinesses UK; just tell us what you need, and we will connect you with the top cloud-based providers in the UK.
6. Intermedia Unite
Overview:
Intermedia Unite is an all-in-one cloud phone system and team collaboration platform designed for mid-size businesses. It offers unlimited VoIP calling to 33 countries, SMS, team chat with an AI assistant, and video conferencing.
What sets it apart from other competitors is its emphasis on AI-powered collaboration tools, including live meeting transcription, message summarisation, and a built-in AI assistant that can even write code. Intermedia Unite is a strong fit for businesses that want a Slack-like experience built directly into their phone system.
Key Features:
- Unlimited VoIP calling to 33 countries.
- Video conferencing for up to 100-200 participants.
- It offers team chat with file sharing, file storage, and an AI assistant.
- Intermedia Unite also offers AI live meeting transcriptions and meeting insights.
- Auto-attendant and call queues on all plans.
- Desktop, mobile, and web app access.
- Salesforce integration on the Enterprise plan.
- It also comes with a supervisor analytics dashboard.
Best For:
Intermedia Unite is ideal for mid-size teams who want a complete UCaaS platform.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It offers strong AI collaboration features |
It is pricier than its competitors |
|
Unlimited VoIP calling in 33 countries is available on all plans |
No call monitoring or ring group features are available |
|
Full UCaaS platform with voice, video and chat features |
No free trial offered |
|
All plans can be mixed and matched per user |
It can be expensive for small businesses with basic needs |
Pricing:
- Unite Pro: Starts from $27.99/user/month. It includes unlimited calling to 33 countries, video calls, team chat and call queues.
- Unite Enterprise: Starts from $32.99/user/month. It includes video calling with up to 200 participants, 200 GB file sharing and Salesforce integration.
What We Liked About Intermedia Unite:
- AI Meeting Transcription and Insights: Intermedia’s live transcription was accurate and fast in our testing, and the post-meeting summary with highlighted action items saves users time on follow-ups.
- Flexible Per-User Plan Mixing: Another feature that stood out for us was the ability to assign different plan tiers to different users, which means you are not paying for enterprise features for every member of the team.
7. Dialpad Connect
Overview:
Dialpad Connect is a leading AI-powered cloud phone system. Its built-in voice AI uses machine learning to generate real-time call transcriptions with auto-post-call summaries, action-item suggestions, and live coaching prompts for the sales and support teams.
Dialpad Connect is ideal for businesses that want to make every call smarter and more productive. It also offers virtual phone numbers in over 70 countries, making it a good choice for UK businesses with an international presence.
Key Features:
- Real-time call transcription with speaker differentiation.
- Automatic post-call summaries and action items.
- It also offers AI meeting transcriptions.
- Multi-level IVR and custom call routing.
- Unlimited call recording is available on all plans.
- Hold queues and ring groups.
- CRM integrations, including Salesforce and HubSpot, are available in the Pro plan and above.
- Virtual phone numbers are available in 70+ countries.
- Real-time analytic dashboard.
Best For:
It is best for businesses that want an AI-powered cloud phone system.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Industry-leading AI-powered transcription tool |
Video meeting limited to 10 participants |
|
Competitive pricing |
It offers only 9 native integrations on the basic plan |
|
It offers virtual numbers in 70+ countries |
It has a steep learning curve for advanced AI features |
|
It offers call recording on all plans |
CRM integrations require the Pro plan |
Pricing:
- Standard: Starts from $15/user/month. It includes unlimited calling, AI transcription, call recording, multi-level IVR and 3 ring groups.
- Pro: Starts from $25/user/month. It includes CRM integrations, 25 ring groups and hold queues.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing. It includes a 100% uptime SLA and unlimited ring groups.
What We Liked About Dialpad Connect:
- Real-Time Transcription With Speaker Labels: Dialpad Connect’s built-in AI engine provides real-time transcription with speaker labels. We think this feature reduces the time spent on listening to calls repeatedly.
- Automatic Post-Call Summaries: Within seconds of ending a call, Dialpad surfaces a summary with key points and action items.
8. Microsoft Teams Phone
Overview:
Microsoft Teams Phone extends the Teams platform you already use into a fully operational cloud-based phone system. If your business uses Microsoft 365 along with Outlook, SharePoint and Teams already embedded in daily workflows, then Microsoft Teams Phone is the most frictionless upgrade available.
You don’t need to install a new app; all its features are integrated directly into the Teams interface your team uses every day. It supports number porting, direct routing, and calling plans across the UK and internationally.
Key Features:
- Full integration with Microsoft 365.
- You can make and receive calls directly from the Teams app.
- The number porting feature is available.
- It offers direct routing support for custom SIP trunking.
- Voicemail with transcription.
- Call forwarding, transfer and hold features are available.
- Auto-attendant and call queues.
- Works on desktop, mobile and Teams-certified desk phones.
Best For:
It is ideal for businesses that are already using Microsoft 365.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Seamless Microsoft 365 ecosystem integration |
Requires a Microsoft 365 and a Teams Phone licence |
|
Existing Teams users do not need to install a new app |
Limited third-party CRM integrations available outside the Microsoft ecosystem |
|
Supports direct routing for flexible SIP configuration |
It offers fewer features than dedicated cloud-based phone system providers |
|
Strong compliance and security features |
|
Pricing:
- Teams Phone Essentials: Starts from $10/user/month.
- Teams Phone with Calling Plan: Starts from $17/user/month. It includes UK domestic calling.
- International Calling Plan: Starts from $34/user/month. This option is available as an add-on.
What We Liked About Microsoft Teams Phone:
- Direct Routing Support: For organisations with existing SIP infrastructure, Teams Phones’ direct routing capability lets you bring your own carrier and avoid Microsoft’s calling plan costs entirely. We found this to be a compelling cost-saving option for larger deployments.
- Compliance and Security Alignment: During our research, we found out that Teams Phone provides robust security, which makes it ideal for businesses that have sensitive information.
9. Zoho Voice:
Overview:
Zoho Voice is the cloud-based phone system built natively into the Zoho ecosystem. If your business already uses Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk, or other Zoho products, then Zoho Voice offers a level of integration that no third-party VoIP providers can match.
It is also the most affordable option on this list. While it may lack the polish and advanced features of RingCentral or Dialpad, it is still a great choice for small businesses with basic needs and a tight budget.
Key Features:
- Seamless integration with Zoho CRM, Zoho Desk and Zoho Analytics.
- Call recording and voicemail.
- IVR and call routing.
- It offers real-time and detailed call analytics.
- Easy-to-use mobile app for iOS and Android.
- Local and toll-free UK numbers are available.
- Team call management and monitoring features.
Best For:
It is best for exiting Zoho CRM users and budget-conscious small businesses.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Deeply integrated with the Zoho ecosystem |
Fewer third-party integrations than competitors |
|
It is affordable compared to its competitors |
No UK-based customer support |
|
It offers click-to-call from CRM records |
It offers limited video conferencing and collaboration tools |
Pricing:
- Free: Starts from $1/user/month. It includes calling, IVR and voicemail features.
- Basic: Starts from $34/user/month. It includes call recording, detailed analytics, and CRM integration.
- Standard: Starts from $49/user/month. It includes features like advanced routing and priority support.
What We Liked About Zoho Voice:
- Affordable Entry Point: At £1/user/month for the Basic Plan, Zoho Voice is accessible to even the smallest businesses.
- Click-to-Call From Zoho CRM: During research, we found that you can initiate a call directly from a CRM contact record.
10. Ooma Office
Overview:
Ooma Office is designed for small, in-house businesses that want a reliable, no-fuss cloud phone system without overpaying for features they will never use.
It is one of the easiest cloud-based phone systems to set up; users can integrate it within minutes. Ooma offers unlimited calling across the UK. It includes a toll-free number and 500 inbound minutes per month. It is ideal for small businesses that want to project a professional image with minimal cost.
Key Features:
- Unlimited domestic calling in the UK and North America.
- A free toll-free number is included with every account.
- Call blocking feature available for up to 100 numbers.
- Ring groups and IVR on all plans.
- Mobile app for iOS and Android.
- Call recording and voicemail transcription are available in the Pro plan.
- Video conferencing for up to 100 participants.
- Integrations with Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics.
Best For:
It is ideal for small businesses looking for a professional but budget-friendly cloud-based phone system.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
A simple setup, ideal for non-technical teams |
It has no team chat available; you need a third-party tool to use the chat feature |
|
Free toll-free number with every account |
Call recording is only available on the Pro plan and above |
|
It has an affordable price for core features |
The video conferencing feature has limited participant capacity |
|
Easy-to-use mobile app with call controls |
Fewer integrations are available compared to competitors |
Pricing:
- Essential: Starts from $19.95/user/month. It includes a mobile app, UK calling, ring groups, IVR and call transfer features.
- Pro: Starts from $24.95/user/month. It includes a desktop app, SMS, call recording, analytics and 20-participant video call features.
- Pro Plus: Starts from $29.95/user/month. It includes call queues, 100-participant video calls, team chat and built-in texting features.
What We Liked About Ooma Office:
- Free Toll-Free Number: Every Ooma account comes with a complimentary toll-free number and 500 inbound minutes per month. We found this to be a nice feature that helps small businesses project a more professional look from day one.
- Fast Setup: In our research, we found that Ooma can be fully configured and take calls in under 20 minutes, and you don’t need a technical background to set it up.
Key Features To Look for In A Cloud-Based Phone System
Not all cloud phone systems are the same. Here are some key features that matter the most for UK businesses:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
|
Auto-Attendant |
Routes callers to the right department without a receptionist. Saves staff time and improves caller experience |
|
Call Recording |
This feature is essential for training, compliance, and dispute resolution |
|
Voicemail to Email |
It converts voicemails to text or audio files and sends them to your inbox, so you never miss messages or calls |
|
Mobile App |
A mobile app lets your team take business calls on personal devices. It is essential for remote or hybrid workers |
|
CRM Integration |
Links calls to customer records in real time, improving personalisation and productivity |
|
Call Analytics |
Shows call volumes, missed calls, average handling times and agent performance |
|
Number Porting |
Allows you to keep your existing UK number when changing providers |
|
99.99% uptime SLA |
Guarantees service reliability. It is essential for businesses where downtime costs money |
|
UK Customer Support |
Make sure your cloud-based phone system provider offers UK-based or UK-hours support to avoid long waits |
When comparing cloud-based phone system providers, make sure to look for these features. Want to find a provider with all these features? Then use ComparedBusiness UK to find the best cloud-based phone system provider.
Find The Best Cloud-Based Phone System For Your Business With ComparedBusiness UK
Want to switch to a cloud-based phone system?
ComparedBusiness UK makes it simple. Just tell us about your business, and we will connect you with the best VoIP providers for your needs within minutes.
Here is how ComparedBusiness UK works:
- Step 1: Fill out our quick-quote form.
- Step 2: Get detailed quotes from leading cloud-based phone system providers in the UK.
- Step 3: Compare providers and choose the one that best matches your business needs.
FAQs
Yes, most cloud-based phone system providers support number porting, which allows you to transfer your existing UK business number to the new system.
The process usually takes 7 to 14 working days and also has a one-time porting fee. Always make sure the number porting feature is available before signing the contract.
Yes, reputable cloud-based phone system providers use enterprise-grade security such as end-to-end encryption, secure data centres and compliance with GDPR and ISO 27001 standards.
Before signing with a cloud-based phone system provider, make sure to verify that your provider stores data in GDPR-compliant locations, particularly if you handle sensitive customer information.
VoIP is the underlying technology that transmits voice calls over the internet. A cloud-based phone system is a complete business phone solution built on VoIP technology. It includes the software, management dashboard, features and support that businesses need for their daily operations. In practice, the two terms are often used interchangeably.
