London is one of the world’s biggest startup hubs, so it’s no surprise that more people are taking the step to starting a business there. It may be a thrilling venture, but it is equally expensive. And every single pound counts.
While it may not initially cross your mind as a business owner, choosing the right communication system from the start can make a huge financial difference when it comes to your monthly expenses, productivity and customer experience.
A lot of startup founders have turned to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) as a cheaper, more reliable alternative to traditional phone systems. And given the impending landline switch-off next year, it’s a pretty smart move.
Why VoIP Is Ideal For Budget-Conscious Founders
Unlike traditional phone lines which use copper wiring, VoIP uses the Internet for both voice and video calling. The tricky thing with traditional phone systems is that they come with line rental fees, installation charges, hardware costs and monthly service fees that add up pretty quickly.
Since VoIP uses your Internet connection, you don’t need to fork out for expensive PBX hardware and you’ll find that UK calls are either very cheap or completely free even on the most basic plans.
Most startups also have the intention of scaling at some point and having a phone system that can do that with you hassle-free is certainly ideal.
VoIP allows you to do just that, you can start off with a few lines and add more on as you need or as you hire more team members. Generally, you can do it from your dashboard in a matter of minutes and without needing to pay for hardware.
Budget-Friendly VoIP Setups For London Startups
For those setting up shop in London, there are several VoIP service providers to consider. Ranging from cheaper entry-points to slightly more advanced but still affordable options, here are some of the providers to look into.
1. bOnline
bOnline is a UK-based VoIP provider with plans starting at £6–£7 per user per month, which is one of the lowest entry points you’ll find for business VoIP. Their plans are suitable for startups on tight budgets who still want a professional phone presence, especially during early operations.
Key Features:
- Unlimited UK inbound calls on higher plans.
- Mobile and desktop apps are included.
- You can schedule business hours and set up call flows.
2. Dial 9
Dial 9 is a flexible VoIP service offering plans from around £4.99/month per line with the option of unlimited UK calling. For early-stage startups who want to stay nimble and keep their options open without being tied into long-term contracts, they are one of the top contenders.
Key Features:
- Professional features such as call forwarding and voicemail-to-email.
- Daily billing options to help with cash flow.
- No long contracts for more flexibility.
3. VoIPstudio
VoIPstudio is a lightweight system with plans starting at £3.99 per user per month, one of the cheapest business VoIP options in the UK. Their plans are suited to ultra-lean founders, freelancers or very small teams who want the most straightforward setup without unnecessary extras.
Key Features:
- Includes essential features like call queuing.
- Free UK local and national calls.
- Pay-as-you-go pricing for international calls.
4. RingCentral
RingCentral is one of the most popular VoIP and unified communications platforms globally, with plans starting at £7.99 per user per month for the essentials. Their plans are best suited to London startups who intend to have a team larger than ten people and might want to integrate other tools at a later stage.
Key Features:
- Includes messaging, document sharing and 24/7 support.
- CRM integrations and analytics are available.
- Users can upgrade as they build out their team.
5. Vonage
Vonage is a service provider with plans starting at £10 per user per month with strong calling features for global calls. Their plans would work well for startups who know they will be communicating regularly with international clients or have teams working remotely across multiple time zones.
Key Features:
- Unlimited voice calling.
- Compatible with mobile and desktop apps.
- Can integrate with tools such as Microsoft Teams and Salesforce.
6. Stride Communications
With Stride Communications, plans start at £11.95 per user per month and include features such as unlimited UK landline and mobile calls even in the standard plan. They are known for their UK-based support, ideal for startups who value transparency and simplicity without surprises at the end of the month.
Key Features:
- No hidden fees which is ideal for those on tight budgets.
- Includes features like call forwarding and voicemail-to-email.
- Unlimited UK calling.
