Top 5 Cloud-Based Phone Systems

The past couple of years have seen radical changes in the way businesses communicate and collaborate. As of 2023, 12.7% of workers work fully remotely, while 28.2% work a hybrid model. This shift to remote and flexible working has made cloud-based phone systems an increasingly popular choice for businesses.

But which system should you choose? Learn the pros and cons of the five most popular cloud-based phone systems on the market to make the best decision for your business.

1. Microsoft Teams Phone

Microsoft Teams Phone is a cloud-based, voice-over-IP (VoIP) system that integrates with the company’s popular collaboration platform of the same name. 

Teams Phone’s mobile application elevates your remote work experience by facilitating seamless calls, transfers, and device switching. This mobile app prowess ensures that your communication remains uninterrupted, no matter your location.

Being integrated with Office 365 makes it easy to use and understand for those already familiar with the Microsoft suite—and it’s also extremely secure.

According to Microsoft, “Teams data is encrypted in transit and at rest in Microsoft data centers using industry standard technologies such as TLS and SRTP. This includes calling, messages, files, meetings, and other content.”

Pros

• Seamless Office 365 integration
• Exceptional customer support
• Affordable pricing structure
• Streamlined collaboration
• User-friendly interface
• Highly secure system
• Enhanced mobility

Cons

• Doesn’t have as many features as other phone systems
• Offers less customization options

If you’re interested in learning more about Microsoft Teams Phone, check out this video that shows you how to better and more efficiently use this tool.

2. Zoom Phone

The popularity of Zoom skyrocketed in 2020 during the pandemic because it provided people with a way to stay connected while working from home. The Zoom Phone system is built on its video-conferencing platform and offers key features such as HD audio and video, screen sharing, and recording options.

It integrates nicely with other tools within the Zoom suite, such as the chat and audio options. Security and privacy measures are also in place to protect user data.

Pros

• High-quality HD audio and video
• Easy integration with other Zoom tools and services
• Highly secure system with strong privacy measures in place
• Affordable pricing structure

Cons

• Limited features compared to other systems on the market
• Can be unreliable and glitchy at times
• Poor customer service response times

3. Google Voice

Google Voice is a cloud-based phone system that uses Google’s network of servers and integrates with Gmail and other Google Workspace applications. It offers users the ability to make and receive calls, forward calls to other numbers, set up call forwarding rules, listen to voicemails online or via email, set up conference calls with multiple people, and more.

It’s a good choice for businesses that want to stay connected while on the go, and it offers a mobile app that allows you access from anywhere.

Pros

• Integrates with Gmail and other Google Workspace applications
• Call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and other useful features
• Suitable for individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs
• Availability of a mobile app for remote access

Cons

• Limited features compared to other systems on the market
• Not as reliable as some other services with frequent call drops
• Poor customer service response times

4. RingCentral

RingCentral is a cloud-based phone system that offers users an all-in-one communication solution. It includes features such as HD audio and video conferencing, team messaging, call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and more.

It integrates with popular business tools like Microsoft and Google Workspace and offers scalability options for growing enterprises. It offers users unlimited minutes for calling within the U.S. and Canada, which is great for businesses that require a lot of long-distance calls.

Pros

• High-quality HD audio/video conferencing
• Offers scalability options for growing enterprises
• Unlimited minutes for calling within the U.S. and Canada
• Integrates with popular business tools like Microsoft and Google Workspace

Cons

• Limited customization options
• Poor customer service response times
• The pricing structure can be expensive compared to other systems on the market

5. Nextiva

Nextiva is focused on providing reliable VoIP services and call quality, with advanced call management features such as auto-attendant and call recording. It also integrates with CRM systems for improved customer interactions, making it an excellent choice for businesses that are looking to improve their customer service.

Nextiva also offers 24/7 customer support and assistance, which makes it easy for businesses to get help when they need it.

Pros

• Integrates with CRM systems
• Reliable VoIP services and call quality
• 24/7 customer support and assistance
• Advanced call management features for improved customer interactions

Cons

• Limited customization options
• Poor customer service response times
• Higher pricing structure compared to other systems on the market

Stay Connected with Safety Net

No matter what your business is looking for in a cloud-based phone system, you’ll want to ensure that everything stays running smoothly and securely—that’s where Safety Net comes in. We specialize in managing all your Microsoft Teams Phone needs, from installation and setup to ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

Our team of experts is here to help you get the most out of your cloud-based phone system, so that you can stay connected without worry. Contact us today for more information!