For small businesses, the key to growing successfully is the ability to be agile. Communicating effectively is a big part of this agility and in fact, it lies at the heart of it all.
Fortunately for these businesses in highly competitive landscapes, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is proving to be a indispensable tool.
Why Is VoIP A Game-Changer For Small Businesses?
Traditional landlines are becoming obsolete especially in the UK with the 2027 landline switch-off around the corner. As PSTN and ISDN networks near their end, more businesses are making the switch to VoIP.
VoIP technology allows voice calls to be made over the Internet as opposed to standard copper lines. It is extremely efficient while being cost-effective as it requires minimal hardware, which is ideal for small businesses on a budget.
A lot of UK companies are also embracing hybrid or fully remote work models, and VoIP allows communication between these teams to flow seamlessly as if they were all in the same room. Moreover, long-distance and international calls are also cheaper for those with global clients.
Which Features Are Useful For These Businesses?
Depending on which VoIP plan you take, most systems usually come with a host of features. These are all designed to help with collaboration and to keep communications running smoothly at all times.
While every feature is beneficial in its own right, these one are particularly helpful for small businesses.
Voicemail to e-mail: When clients leave voicemails, they are automatically transcribed for teams to listen to while on the go.
CRM integrations: Most VoIP systems can be integrated with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools to manage workflows better.
Call forwarding: This feature reroutes calls as needed to make sure that none are ever missed even if teams are working remotely.
Auto-attendant: Often times, running a small business means you’re wearing multiple hats and this feature ensures that calls are directed to the relevant person.
6 Budget-Friendly VoIP Service Providers
For small businesses, VoIP is an incredibly powerful tool to leverage but without breaking the bank. Here are some of the top VoIP service providers for the entrepreneurs who are budget-conscious but still require efficient communication.
1. bOnline
bOnline is a very popular choice among small UK businesses thanks to its low prices and excellent customer support for UK customers. While it has limited CRM integrations, the plans offer a hassle-free system for those just getting started.
Key Features:
- Local and national UK phone numbers.
- Free mobile and desktop app.
- Unlimited UK calls.
- Call forwarding.
Pricing:
Plans start at £6/month per user and the Standard Plan with unlimited UK calls is £13.95/month per user.
2. Ringover
Ringover is an all-in-one platform that includes voice, video and messaging. While a solo business owner may not require all of its features, its value is unmatched for growing teams.
Key Features:
- HD video conferencing.
- CRM integrations.
- Mobile and desktop apps.
- Smart call routing and analytics.
Pricing:
The Essentials Plan starts at £19/month per user while the Advanced Plan with integrations is £29/month.
3. Voipfone
Voipfone is a popular service provider known for its flexible plans and no-contract pricing model. This is ideal for freelancers or small growing teams who can benefit from the pay-as-you-go structure.
Key Features:
- Auto-attendant and hunt groups.
- Voicemail to e-mail.
- Free calls for Voipfone users.
- Call recording and conferencing.
Pricing:
Users can have a free account with optional features while call bundles start at £2/month.
4. Dial 9
Dial 9 offers simple hosted phone systems suited to startups and small businesses. It’s ideal for those who want a reliable system and dedicated customer support with a dashboard that’s easy to navigate.
Key Features:
- Custom call flows.
- Softphones and hardware available.
- Voicemail to e-mail.
- Inclusive UK minutes.
Pricing:
Pay-as-you-go plans start at £3.50/month while Inclusive Minute Plans start from £6/month.
5. CircleLoop
CircleLoop is a service provider whose plans are suited to small teams who use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. They work seamlessly with cloud-based apps and have an intuitive dashboard for users.
Key Features:
- Desktop and mobile apps.
- Call analytics and logs.
- Voicemail transcription.
- UK numbers.
Pricing:
Pay-as-you-go option is £5/user/month while unlimited UK calls is £15/user/month.
6. Yay.com
Yay.com is a UK-based VoIP service provider with flexible systems and a user-friendly portal. While they don’t offer video conferencing, their plans are highly customisable and designed to grow alongside teams.
Key Features:
- Advanced call routing.
- Team-based permissions and user roles.
- Free apps for smartphones.
- GDPR-compliant.
Pricing:
The Voice Lite plan is £4.99/user/month while Voice Pro with unlimited UK calls is £9.99/user/month.
