The Best Business Phone Systems Guide 2024

Our recommended cloud-based, business phone systems bring together the best of VoIP technology with outstanding customer service, 24/7 UK based support, cutting edge security and range of options to suit your business size and budget.

Dog
2
Free trial

A modern VoIP phone system built for start-ups

No contract, no credit card required
3

Designed to get UK businesses PSTN Switch-off ready

Perfect for a simple landline replacement, with a good feature set and easy administration

Featured in Comms Business

Read now
4

Turn Microsoft Teams into your business phone system

Powerful collaboration features, with a range of options to enable phone calling

Comparison Table of B2B VoIP Phone Systems

Not all business phone systems are created equal, use the table below to see which best suits your needs.

Features CircleLoop logoCircleLoop Phoneline Plus logoPhoneLine+ Horizon logoHorizon Cloud Phone System Microsoft Teams logoMicrosoft Teams Phone
Free Trial Yes No No No
Contract No Yes Yes Yes
Support Yes Yes 24/7 24/7
Collaboration tools No No Yes Yes
Contact Centre Capabilities No No Yes No
CRM Integration Yes No Yes Yes
Differentiator Self-service, Simple Setup Simple Landline Replacement Comprehensive Features, Cost-Effective Integrated Collaboration and Calling
Best for Start ups, tech savvy Very small businesses SME’s with more complex needs Larger organisations already using Microsoft teams
Speak to an expert Speak to an expert Speak to an expert Speak to an expert
Feature CircleLoop PhoneLine+ Horizon Cloud Phone System Microsoft Teams Phone Webex by Cisco
Free Trial Yes No No No No
Contract No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Support Yes Yes 24/7 24/7 24/7
Collaboration tools No No Yes Yes Yes
Contact Centre Capabilities No No Yes No Yes
CRM Integration Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Differentiator Self-service, Simple Setup Simple Landline Replacement Comprehensive Features, Cost-Effective Integrated Collaboration and Calling Large Scale, AI-Driven Solutions
Best for Start ups, tech savvy very small businesses SME's with more complex needs Larger organisations already using Microsoft teams Large enterprise & public sector

The buyers guide

Introduction:

When considering a new phone system, businesses might have several motivations. With the upcoming PSTN switch off, future-proofing communications is crucial. Modern VoIP systems can provide a superior customer experience, enhance employee wellbeing through improved internal collaboration, and optimize business operations with advanced analytics. Additionally, businesses with legacy infrastructure such as PBX systems or traditional telephony might need to transition to a VoIP system to stay competitive and efficient.

Dog
Dog

Why change?

VoIP systems provide flexibility and adaptability, crucial for businesses aiming to remain agile in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. They support a range of devices and allow seamless integration with other digital tools, ensuring continuity and reducing downtime during the transition. Additionally, VoIP solutions often include regular updates and enhancements, keeping the system up-to-date with the latest features and security protocols.
Enhancing customer experience is a top priority for businesses seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Modern VoIP phone systems play a pivotal role in achieving this goal by offering a range of features designed to improve communication clarity, responsiveness, and personalization.
Employee wellbeing is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in organizational success, and effective internal collaboration plays a significant role in this. Modern VoIP systems enhance internal communication and collaboration, contributing to a more cohesive and supportive work environment.
In the modern business landscape, data-driven decision-making is crucial for optimizing operations and achieving strategic goals. Advanced analytics provided by modern VoIP systems offer valuable insights into various aspects of business communications, enabling organizations to fine-tune their operations for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.
For businesses still relying on legacy infrastructure like PBX systems or traditional telephony, transitioning to a modern VoIP system is becoming increasingly necessary to stay competitive and efficient. Legacy systems often come with limitations, including high maintenance costs, lack of scalability, and incompatibility with newer technologies.

Which phone system is right for you?

Best For: Tech Savvy Startups and Small Businesses Seeking Flexibility

CircleLoop

CircleLoop Logo

CircleLoop offers a robust, self-service VoIP phone system tailored for startups and small businesses. With no contract commitments and a user-friendly setup, it’s ideal for companies that need flexibility and a good range of features without a long-term obligation.

Benefits:

  • Free Trial: Allows businesses to try before they buy.
  • No Contract: Provides flexibility and ease of switching.
  • UK Based Support: Ensures reliable and localized customer support.
  • CRM Integration: Enhances business operations through seamless CRM connectivity.

Limitations:

  • No Contact Centre Capabilities: May not be suitable for businesses with extensive customer interaction needs.

Best For: Businesses Needing Simple Landline Replacement

PhoneLine+

Phoneline Plus Logo

PhoneLine+ is designed for very small businesses or those needing a straightforward solution to replace traditional landlines, especially in light of the upcoming PSTN switch off. It offers a simple, reliable, and effective way to transition to VoIP without unnecessary complexity.

Benefits:

  • Simplicity: Perfect for businesses that need a basic phone system without advanced features.
  • Adaptability for PSTN Switch Off: Helps businesses seamlessly transition from traditional landlines.
  • UK Based Support: Provides dependable support for local businesses.

Limitations:

  • No Advanced Features: Lacks CRM integration and contact center capabilities, making it less suitable for businesses with complex communication needs.

Best For: Small Businesses with Complex Communication Requirements

Horizon Cloud Phone System

Horizon Logo

Horizon is an excellent choice for small businesses that require a cost-effective yet comprehensive communication system. It offers a wide array of features, including CRM integrations and contact center capabilities, making it suitable for businesses with more complex needs.

Benefits:

  • Cost-Effective: Offers advanced features at a competitive price.
  • 24/7 Support: Ensures round-the-clock assistance.
  • CRM Integration: Enhances business operations through seamless CRM connectivity.
  • Contact Centre Capabilities: Supports businesses with extensive customer interaction needs.

Limitations:

  • Contract Required: Unlike some other options, Horizon requires a commitment.

Best For: Businesses Needing Integrated Collaboration and Business Calling

Microsoft Teams Phone

Microsoft Teams Logo

Microsoft Teams Phone integrates seamlessly into the Microsoft Teams environment, making it ideal for businesses that need to combine video calling, collaboration, and business calling into one platform. This system leverages the robust Teams ecosystem to offer a unified communication solution.

Benefits:

  • Unified Communication Platform: Combines calling, video meetings, and collaboration tools.
  • Microsoft Support: Backed by Microsoft’s extensive support network.
  • Integration with Microsoft Suite: Provides seamless integration with other Microsoft Office tools.

Limitations:

  • No Free Trial: Businesses need to commit without a trial period.
  • Contract Required: Requires a contractual commitment.

Conclusion

Selecting the right VoIP phone system depends on the specific needs and size of your business. Each of these products offers distinct advantages, ensuring that you can find a solution perfectly aligned with your business needs. By considering the unique requirements and goals of your business, you can select a VoIP system that enhances communication, boosts productivity, and prepares your business for the future.

Man laughing during team planning session
Smiling lady on a video call on a laptop

What's right for me?

CircleLoop is the best option with its no-contract policy, self-service setup, and CRM integration.
PhoneLine+ offers the perfect solution for a straightforward transition in light of the PSTN switch off.
Horizon provides a cost-effective, feature-rich system with CRM integration with collaboration and contact center capabilities.
Microsoft Teams Phone is ideal for its unified communication features within the Microsoft ecosystem.

FAQ's and things to think about

What makes a great business phone system for UK businesses?

What is VoIP, and how does it differ from traditional phone systems?

Why should my business consider upgrading to a VoIP system?

How does the PSTN switch off impact my business?

Can VoIP systems improve customer experience?

How can VoIP systems enhance internal collaboration and employee wellbeing?

What are the key features to look for in a business phone system?

How can a cloud phone system help improve business operations with analytics?

What steps are involved in transitioning from a legacy PBX system to VoIP?

Is VoIP reliable, and how is call quality maintained?

What costs are associated with upgrading to a VoIP system?

"*" indicates required fields

We’re on a mission to make business communications less complex, and more human.

Get in touch, our team aim to respond within the hour.


This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


"*" indicates required fields

We’re on a mission to make business communications less complex, and more human.

Get in touch, our team aim to respond within the hour.


This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

"*" indicates required fields

We’re on a mission to make business communications less complex, and more human.

Get in touch, our team aim to respond within the hour.


This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.