Best Business Phone Systems for 2024
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6 min read
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What is the single best telephone system for small businesses in the UK? Landlines are on the way out, and the future is digital. Many businesses are already using digital phone lines to stay connected to their customers and teams.

In this article, I’ll outline the systems available and highlight a few recommended providers and some of the current deals on offer.

What is a Business Phone System?

Good phone systems are a foundational part of any business’s ability to communicate with clients, suppliers, and the wider marketplace. For most of us, they’re technology we want to get sorted in our offices quickly and then forget about. They should be functional, cost-effective, and efficient.

Technically speaking, a good business phone system should include all the functionality a business needs in 2024. This might include unlimited calling, ring groups for better distribution of incoming calls across employees, voicemail-to-email functions, and the ability to record calls.

With so many of us now embracing hybrid working between home and office, phone systems may need to be compatible with other devices we use on the move, such as mobile and tablet.

What Types of Business Telephone Systems Are There?

The best phone systems for small businesses use VoIP technology, which works through your business’s internet connection.

Analogue – landline system using optical fibres and copper wires. This system will be largely phased out by the end of 2025, replaced by digital landlines.

On-premises PBX – Private Branch Exchange (PBS) – uses analogue or digital lines to make and receive calls.

VoIP PBX – Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) PBS – uses your broadband or data connection to make and receive calls. Both of the above systems will involve a box somewhere on your premises.

Hosted VoIP phone system – no box on the wall involved, this system is cloud-based and works off your internet connection. A third-party supplier administers the service and takes care of the cloud hosting.

You might also hear the term self-hosted VoIP. ‘Self-hosted’ is when you have a VoIP server set up in your own physical premises, along with all the required hardware.

What Makes The Best Business Telephone System?

The best office phone systems may excel in the following ways:

  • Call Quality – Crystal-clear audio is essential, with no dropped calls.
  • Caller ID – Given the frequency of spam calls some businesses receive, caller ID and a simple way to block unwelcome numbers could be a useful addition.
  • Aesthetics – If your office is visited by clients, a modern phone system will present a more professional image than an outdated one.
  • Accessibility – Does your phone system include any features to support those with visual, hearing or mobility issues? This could include visual message indicators, hearing aid compatibility, large keys and customisable backlighting.
  • Call Forwarding – This feature allows you to easily redirect calls to a mobile if you’re out of the office.
  • Cost – Are you getting a competitive deal which includes the features you want?
  • Support – You’ll want a provider which is responsive if you encounter technical problems or have questions.

How do I Set up a Small Business Phone System?

Today’s office telephone systems prioritise ease of use and speedy installation. Setting up your business phone system works like this:

  • Choose the Right Phone System for You – As with any business expense, do your research and read the fine print.
  • Choose a Phone Number – Most providers will offer you a list of numbers so you can ensure the lifeline to your business is easy to remember and type. Alternatively, you may be able to transfer an existing number.
  • Get Connected – Modern VoIP systems are fast and easy to set up.
  • Record Your Message – Record your custom greeting for out-of-office messages.
  • Add Extensions – Using extensions is an easy way to get callers routed through to key office members with a few simple clicks.
  • You’re Ready to Receive Phone Calls – It can take a matter of minutes to get up and running on your new business phone system. With video conferencing now offered as standard on many systems, the office phone remains an important tool for many businesses.

What is the Best Office Phone System for 2024?

Our contenders for the hotly sought-after crown of best office phone system 2024 are as follows:

ProviderDescription
8×8 X SeriesGood all-rounder
RingCentralHelpful CRM integrations such as Zendesk
4Com HiHiDetachable tablet to move your whole phone system between home and office
BT One PhoneAn established brand name you can trust
DialpadClever use of AI and some nice extra features
bOnlineLow cost, essentials plans for small companies and freelancers

How Much Does an Office Phone System Cost?

While everyone wants a clear figure, it is very difficult to provide one because every business will have different requirements.

Costs will vary depending on what type of system you choose. You’ll usually pay a fee for installation and hardware, then an ongoing monthly fee for line rental or subscription, plus call charges.

  • A hosted VoIP system could cost roughly £7-£40 per user, per month.
  • Phone handsets can cost from £35 upwards, while headsets start from around £20.
  • You will also pay a monthly cost for your broadband connection on which the VoIP phone system runs, this might £20-£50 a month and there could be an installation or setup fee.

What is a PBX System for Small Business?

PBX, standing for Private Branch Exchange, is essentially a private phone network set up for a specific business. They can be used for both internal and external calls, offer free calls between users, and many other benefits not offered by traditional residential phone systems.

These include:

  • routing calls outside working hours
  • customer waiting queues
  • dialling extensions
  • call hold music
  • conference calling

While old-fashioned PBX phone systems were run down copper lines, the new ones, known as Internet Protocol (IP) PBXs, simply use broadband connections.

What Are The Best Business Phone Deals Available Now?

DealBest forDetails
bOnline Unlimited CallingFreelancers and startups£9.95 per user, per month (current promotional deal reduced from usual price of £13.95) Unlimited inbound calls Unlimited UK landline and mobile calls Two-minute setup time
RingCentral PremiumLots of inclusive minutes£24.99 per user, per month 2,000 inclusive minutes per user Video meetings with up to 200 participants
Vonage ProGrowing businesses£20 per user, per month On-demand call recording Call group Virtual receptionist
Dialpad StandardAI features and useful integrations£22 per user, per month (or £12 if billed annually) Unlimited calling AI transcription SMS messaging Integrates with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
BT Cloud Voice BasicSmall businesses wanting a budget-friendly option£8.52 (ex VAT) per user, per month Automatic call routing Call transfers to mobile Call multiple phones with one number
Zoom Global SelectCompanies doing business internationally£24 per user, per month Unlimited calling within the UK Unlimited international calling to more than 15 countries and regions Multiple device use
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