Best Business Phone Systems for UK Businesses in 2025
The best business phone system can improve your company’s internal and external communication with customers, partners, and colleagues. As PSTN switches off in 2027, businesses in the UK will need to move towards VoIP phone systems, which will connect their business, staff and clients seamlessly. This extensive guide considers the best phone systems for small businesses UK, including features, pricing and performance comparisons to help you make the best decision for your business.
Why Compare Phone Systems is Trustworthy for This Research
At Compare Phone Systems, our telecommunications experts have spent over a decade helping UK businesses transition to cloud-based communication solutions. We’ve personally tested and evaluated dozens of business phone systems, conducting hands-on assessments of call quality, feature sets, and customer support responsiveness.
Our independent analysis is based on:
- Real-world testing of each platform’s core functionality
- Direct interviews with current users across various industries
- Transparent pricing comparisons with no hidden costs
- Unbiased reviews free from vendor influence
- UK-specific considerations, including local support and compliance
We understand that choosing a small business phone system isn’t just about features; it’s about reliability, scalability, and genuine value for money. Our recommendations prioritise providers with proven track records serving UK businesses, particularly those offering local support and competitive pricing structures.
Top Business Phone System Providers Reviewed
1. The VoIP Shop
Best Overall Value & UK Support
OUR VERDICT
The VoIP Shop stands out as our top recommendation for UK businesses seeking a reliable phone system with exceptional local support and genuine cost savings. Trusted by over 100,000 UK business users and approved as an NHS Advanced Telephony supplier, this provider delivers enterprise-grade features at small business-friendly prices.
Pros
- Up to 40% cost savings on traditional phone bills
- Free refurbished Grade A Yealink T46 desk phones included
- 24/7 UK-based support with real engineers, not call centres
- Unlimited UK landline and mobile calls on all plans
- AI-powered features including call transcription and voicemail transcription
- 99.99% uptime guarantee on Tier 1 UK network infrastructure
- Seamless remote working with mobile and desktop apps
- PCI-compliant call recording for businesses handling payments
- Quick deployment – fully operational within 24 hours
- CRM integrations with Salesforce, Zendesk, and popular platforms
Cons
- Limited brand recognition compared to international competitors
- Primarily focused on UK market (not ideal for global enterprises)
- Refurbished hardware (though Grade A quality)
USP
The VoIP Shop’s unique selling proposition centres on delivering premium VoIP technology with genuinely local UK support at the lowest prices in the market. Unlike international providers with offshore support teams, every technical query is handled by experienced engineers based in the UK who understand British business needs and regulatory requirements.
Their AI-powered phone system features—including automatic call transcription, intelligent voicemail transcription, and 24/7 AI voice bot capabilities, place them ahead of competitors at this price point. The inclusion of free desk phones (typically costing £150+ elsewhere) and unlimited calling creates immediate value from day one.
Ideal For
- Small to medium UK businesses (5-250 employees)
- Companies seeking reliable local support without premium pricing
- Organisations preparing for the PSTN switch-off
- Remote or hybrid teams requiring flexible working solutions
- Businesses prioritising cost reduction without compromising quality
- NHS and healthcare providers needing compliance
Pricing:
Standard plan from £12.95/user/month | Premium £14.95/user/month | Ultimate £19.95/user/month
Verdict: For UK companies searching for the best value business phone system with localised working knowledge, The VoIP Shop has an unmatched combination of service, functionality, and price.
2. RingCentral
Best for Enterprise Product Offerings
RingCentral offers a complete unified communications platform with voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools. As one of the oldest VoIP providers, RingCentral is best suited for the enterprise needing feature-rich functionality in multiple international environments.
Pros
- A full UCaaS platform with video conferencing included
- Many third-party integrations (over 300 business applications)
- Advanced call management features and analytics
- Strong mobile and desktop applications
- Global presence with international calling capabilities
- Robust API for custom integrations
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to UK-focused alternatives
- Support primarily international (not UK-specific)
- Complex pricing structure with feature tiers
- Additional costs for hardware and advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for administrators
USP
The power of RingCentral’s all-in-one communications platform is that you will no longer need separate video conferencing, messaging, and phone systems. The enterprise-grade reliability and the flexibility of the deep integration ecosystem make it valuable for organisations that have complex communication requirements.
Ideal For
- Large Enterprises (250 or more employees)
- Organisations needing sophisticated collaboration tools
- Businesses with international operations
- Companies already invested in enterprise software ecosystems
- Teams needing seamless video and voice integration
Pricing:
From £14.99/user/month (features vary significantly by tier)
3. Nextiva
Best Customer Support
Nextiva positions itself as a premium business communication platform with exceptional customer service. Their "Amazing Service" guarantee reflects a company-wide commitment to customer satisfaction, though this premium support comes at a higher price point.
Pros
- Exceptional customer support with high satisfaction ratings
- Comprehensive business phone features including analytics
- User-friendly interface and management portal
- Reliable call quality and uptime
- CRM functionality included in higher tiers
- Unlimited calling in US and Canada
Cons
- Premium pricing without UK-specific advantages
- US-based support (time zone considerations for UK businesses)
- Limited international calling compared to UK alternatives
- Hardware not included in base pricing
- Less competitive for UK market specifically
USP
With a commitment to a customer-first approach and a custom-built CRM integration, Nextiva allows things to happen on one platform to manage the relationships along with the communications. The support team is always recognised in the industry for responsiveness and resolution of problems.
Ideal For
- US-based businesses with UK operations
- Companies prioritising premium support over cost savings
- Organisations seeking integrated CRM and communications
- Businesses with primarily North American calling needs
Pricing:
From £17.95/user/month
4. Zoom Phone
Best for Video Integration
Zoom Phone leverages the widespread adoption of Zoom video conferencing, creating a seamless cloud phone system for organisations already using Zoom Meetings. This integration advantage makes it particularly attractive for video-first businesses.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Zoom Meetings platform
- Competitive pricing for basic plans
- Familiar user interface for existing Zoom users
- AI-powered features, including meeting summaries
- Strong mobile applications
- Quick setup for Zoom customers
Cons
- Limited advanced telephony features compared to dedicated providers
- Best value requires existing Zoom Meetings subscription
- International support (not UK-focused)
- Hardware not included
- Less comprehensive call centre features
USP
For organisations heavily invested in Zoom’s video ecosystem, Zoom Phone provides the most natural extension of existing workflows. The unified interface reduces training requirements and simplifies user adoption.
Ideal For
- Businesses already using Zoom video conferencing
- Companies prioritising video over advanced phone features
- Remote-first organisations with minimal hardware requirements
- Teams seeking simple, familiar interfaces
- Budget-conscious businesses with basic calling needs
Pricing:
From £9.99/user/month (requires Zoom One bundle for full features)
5. 8x8
Best for International Calling
8x8 specialises in international business communications, offering unlimited calling to numerous countries and comprehensive global coverage. Their enterprise-grade platform suits multinational organisations requiring consistent international connectivity.
Pros
- Unlimited calling to 48+ countries on higher plans
- Comprehensive global infrastructure
- Integrated contact centre capabilities
- Strong analytics and reporting
- Video conferencing included
- Competitive international rates
Cons
- Complex pricing structure
- UK support not prioritised
- Higher costs for small businesses
- Occasional call quality concerns reported
- Interface less intuitive than competitors
USP
8×8’s global calling capabilities and presence in international markets make it ideal for businesses with substantial overseas communication requirements. Their contact centre integration creates a unified platform for customer service operations.
Ideal For
- Multinational corporations
- Businesses with extensive international calling needs
- Contact centres requiring global reach
- Organisations with distributed international teams
Pricing:
From £12.00/user/month (unlimited international calling on higher tiers)
6. Vonage
Best for API Customisation
Vonage offers powerful API capabilities and extensive customisation options, making it suitable for businesses requiring tailored communication solutions or developers building custom integrations.
Pros
- Extensive APIs for custom development
- Strong programmable communications platform
- Flexible business phone features
- Good SMS and messaging capabilities
- Established brand with global presence
Cons
- Higher pricing for UK market
- Requires technical expertise for full utilisation
- International support structure
- Complex feature set may overwhelm small businesses
- Hardware not included in standard packages
USP
Vonage’s programmable communications platform enables businesses to build custom workflows and integrations unavailable from standard providers. Their API-first approach suits technology companies and organisations with development resources.
Ideal For
- Technology companies requiring custom integrations
- Businesses with in-house development teams
- Organisations needing programmable communications
- Companies building customer-facing communication features
Pricing:
From £15.99/user/month
Comprehending Business Phone Systems: The Ultimate Guide
Characteristics of a Great Business Phone System
A modern business phone system is expected to be reliable, flexible, and provide real value at all times. The must-have features include:
- Unlimited calling to UK landlines and mobiles
- Call management features (forwarding, transfer, hold)
- Voicemail to email functionality
- Mobile and desktop applications for remote working
- Auto attendant and call routing
- Conference calling capabilities
- Call recording (where required)
- Analytics and reporting
Technical Requirements:
- 99.9%+ uptime guarantee
- UK-based infrastructure
- Quality of Service (QoS) protocols
- Adequate bandwidth (minimum 100kbps per concurrent call)
- Secure connections (encryption and compliance)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best phone system for small businesses in the UK?
The VoIP Shop is the best business phone system for small enterprises in the UK. It has reasonable prices (£12.95 per user per month), free phones, 24/7 UK support, and unlimited calls. They only work with businesses in the UK, can set up your system in 24 hours, and have more than 100,000 happy clients. This is the finest deal for small to medium enterprises who want a good business phone system without spending a lot of money.
For businesses needing great video integration, Zoom Phone is a good value at £9.99/user/month, whilst those requiring extensive international calling should consider 8×8’s unlimited international plans.
2. How much does a business phone system cost in 2025?
Business phone systems vary widely in price depending on the functional elements of the system, the number of users, and the provider. Here is a range you can expect to pay:
- Budget Systems – £9.99-£12.95/user/month: Most business phone system providers in the UK provide basic features at this price point (voicemail, hold, call transfer calls)
- Mid-range systems – £12.95-£17.95/month: This is a business phone system that provides a comprehensive feature set, as well as quality support
- Premium systems (Advanced Systems) – £17.95-£29.99/month: Business phone systems at this price point will have advanced functionality and high levels of support for enterprise customers
There are a few more things to consider at cost, such as:
- Hardware Costs: £0-£150 per handset, free with VoIP Shop
- Set Up Fees: £0-£500 first-time fees – most UK provider governments’ option
- International Calling: varies by destination – business prices – wholesale-based – VoIP Shop rates
- Advanced features: May incur additional charges
The VoIP Shop offers exceptional value with no setup fees, free hardware, and unlimited UK calling from £12.95/user/month; typically delivering 40% savings compared to traditional systems.
3. What features should I look for in a modern business phone system?
Modern business phone systems should include:
Core Communication Features:
- Unlimited UK calling (landline and mobile)
- HD voice quality for clear conversations
- Call forwarding and transfer
- Voicemail to email with transcription
- Auto attendant (virtual receptionist)
- Call recording (PCI-compliant where needed)
Mobility & Remote Working:
- Mobile applications (iOS and Android)
- Desktop softphone applications
- Hot-desking capabilities
- Find me/follow me call routing
Advanced Capabilities:
- CRM integration (Salesforce, HubSpot, etc.)
- Call analytics and reporting
- Conference calling (3-way or more)
- Video calling integration
- AI-powered features (transcription, summarisation)
- Team messaging and collaboration
Business Continuity:
- 99.9%+ uptime guarantees
- Disaster recovery capabilities
- Multiple device support
- 24/7 support availability
The VoIP Shop’s Ultimate plan includes all these features plus AI-powered capabilities at £19.95/user/month.
4. Can I keep my existing phone numbers when switching providers?
Yes, you can retain your existing phone numbers through number porting. This process transfers your current numbers to your new VoIP system provider, maintaining business continuity and avoiding customer confusion.
Number porting typically involves:
- Providing current provider details and account information
- Completing Letter of Authority (LOA) forms
- 10-15 working days processing time (UK standard)
- No service interruption if properly managed
The VoIP Shop manages the entire porting process, coordinating with your existing provider to ensure seamless transition. Their team handles all technical aspects whilst maintaining your phone service throughout the switch.
Top tip: Initiate porting requests early in your migration planning. Most UK providers require 10-15 working days, though complex configurations may take longer.
5. How long does it take to set up a new business phone system?
Setup timeframes vary by provider and complexity:
Rapid Deployment (24 hours – 2 days):
- The VoIP Shop: Fully operational within 24 hours
- Basic configurations with standard features
- Pre-configured hardware (plug-and-play)
- Ideal for small businesses with straightforward needs
Standard Setup (2-5 days):
- Zoom Phone, RingCentral: 2-3 days typical
- Custom configurations and integrations
- User training and onboarding
- Number porting coordination
Complex Implementation (1-4 weeks):
- Enterprise deployments with multiple locations
- Custom integrations and API development
- Extensive call centre configurations
- Comprehensive training programmes
The VoIP Shop excels in rapid deployment, providing pre-configured systems that work immediately whilst allowing time for number porting and advanced customisation. Their UK-based engineers ensure swift resolution of any setup queries.
Making Your Decision: Choose the Best Business Phone System
Selecting the best business phone system requires balancing features, cost, and support quality against your specific requirements. For most UK businesses, The VoIP Shop offers the optimal combination of value, reliability, and genuine local support.
Why The VoIP Shop Wins for UK Businesses?
- Unbeatable Value: With plans from £12.95/user/month including free hardware and unlimited calling, you’ll achieve immediate cost savings of up to 40% compared to traditional systems.
- UK-Focused Excellence: Unlike international competitors, The VoIP Shop provides 24/7 support from UK-based engineers who understand British business needs and regulatory requirements.
- Future-Proof Technology: Their AI-powered features, 99.99% uptime guarantee, and Tier 1 network infrastructure ensure your communication system supports business growth for years to come.
- Rapid Deployment: Get fully operational within 24 hours, eliminating the lengthy setup processes typical of enterprise providers.
Ready to Transform Your Business Communications?
Get Your Free Quote from The VoIP Shop Today – Save Up to 40% on Phone Bills
Visit thevoipshop.co.uk or call 0116 2438426 to speak with their phone systems specialists and discover why 100,000+ UK business users trust The VoIP Shop for their communications.
Start Your VoIP Journey – Free Hardware Included with The VoIP Shop
Don’t wait for the 2027 PSTN switch-off to force your hand. Upgrade to a modern cloud phone system today and start enjoying the benefits of flexible, cost-effective, reliable business communications.
