Is Your Business Ready for the Big Landline Switch Off? Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Cloud Phone System in 2025

Leading providers such as RingCentral Ultimate (RingEX), bOnline, 8×8 Work, GoTo Connect, Vonage Max, Dialpad Enterprise, and NBC Cloud Voice Complete deliver a range of features, pricing options, and migration support to facilitate the transition. This article outlines what to expect, essential features, typical pricing, and considerations for selecting a system aligned with your business needs.

Understanding the Move to Cloud-Based Phone Systems in 2025

The shutdown of UK landline PSTN services in 2027 makes transitioning to a fully hosted, cloud-based phone system necessary for most businesses. Modern cloud telephony systems—also referred to as hosted communication platforms or cloud-based phone solutions—offer:

• Efficient migration: Most providers can manage the transition within one business day.
• Scalability: Easily adjust the number of users as your business evolves without significant hardware changes.
• Device flexibility: Operate via desktop phones, mobiles, laptops, or tablets using softphone applications—which supports remote and hybrid work arrangements.
• Unified communications: Enable voice calls, video meetings, SMS, chat, and analytics integration within a single platform (UCaaS).

Key Features to Consider in 2025

When comparing UK cloud telephony and hosted phone systems, pay attention to these factors:

• Reliability and security: Aim for systems with encryption, advanced authentication (such as MFA or passkeys), and documented uptime.
• Calling options: Consider offerings for domestic unlimited calling; international calling often requires special plans.
• Integration capabilities: Check for compatibility with CRM and business productivity tools (e.g., RingCentral with 117+ integrations).
• Multi-channel functionality: Look for platforms supporting voice, SMS, chat, and video through a unified interface.
• Call management and training: Features such as call analytics, coaching tools, live transcription (including AI), and call recording support operational efficiency.
• Mobile and remote access: Desktop and mobile applications are critical, along with potential hardware integration when moving from older phone systems.
• Availability of customer support: Many top providers offer 24/7 customer assistance.
• Transparent pricing: In 2025, standard plans typically range from £13.95–£29.99 per user per month, depending on selected features.

Distinctive Qualities of Leading UK Providers

RingCentral Ultimate (RingEX)

• Key characteristics:
  • Recognized by Expert Market and PCMag for robust functionality in the UK market
  • Advanced call management and training features
  • Multi-channel platform (voice, SMS, video, chat)
  • Integration with over 117 CRM/business apps
  • Suitable for a variety of organizational sizes
  • 24/7 support available
• Pricing: £29.99/user/month (March 2025)
• Considerations: Higher price point and limited included minutes on some plans

bOnline Unlimited Calling & Video

• Notable aspects:
  • Unlimited domestic calling, starting from £13.95–£15.50/user/month
  • User-friendly, with positive customer reviews
  • Optional video conferencing and call recording
  • Customisable VoIP dashboards and call flows
• Considerations: Advanced features like coaching tools are limited; CRM integrations are an additional £5/user/month

8×8 Work

• Designed for:
  • Businesses requiring international calling, with unlimited calls to 48 countries (custom pricing)
  • Comprehensive security and compliance features
  • 24/7 support, bulk SMS, and accessibility features
• Considerations: Pricing provided on request; interface may require some adjustment for new users

GoTo Connect

• Strengths:
  • Wide hardware compatibility
  • International calling access to 50+ countries
  • Security features include passkey/multi-factor authentication
• Considerations: Does not include call minutes by default, so additional charges may apply; security features may not be as extensive as some competitors

Vonage Max

• Highlights:
  • £25/user/month includes advanced call management features
  • Offers training tools and protection against spam calls
  • Platform can scale with business growth
• Considerations: Limited outbound channel options and narrower integration scope compared to platforms like RingCentral

Dialpad Enterprise

• Target users:
  • Suitable for high-volume contact centres
  • Offers unlimited UK minutes and SMS
  • AI features for transcription, real-time coaching, and voice isolation
  • Supports extensive CRM integrations
• Considerations: Minimum of 100 seats for the Enterprise plan; includes fewer training tools than some competitors

NBC Cloud Voice Complete Mobility

• Attributes:
  • Provides unlimited minutes, internal communications, and video conferencing capabilities
  • Competitive pricing at £24.99/user/month
• Considerations: Few CRM integrations; less focus on advanced training features

Eligibility, Migration, and Requirements

Who Should Consider Switching?

• All UK businesses will need to adopt cloud-based or VoIP solutions before the conclusion of the landline switch-off by 2027.
• Providers accommodate a range of organizations, from small businesses to large enterprises and call centres.

Requirements for Migration

• Internet access: Stable broadband (preferably fibre) is necessary.
• Device compatibility: Confirm support for PCs, smartphones, tablets, and IP desk phones with your chosen provider.
• Industry compliance: If operating in regulated sectors (e.g., healthcare, finance), verify that offered solutions meet relevant standards.

Migration Process

• Most providers offer rapid onboarding, including number porting and setup within one working day.
• Business continuity is typically maintained, with customer-facing details unchanged.
• Technical aspects are generally managed by the provider, reducing internal IT resource requirements.

Pricing Details and Contract Considerations

• Monthly per-user rates: Average £13.95–£29.99/user/month in 2025, depending on feature set.
• Contracts: Options typically include monthly or annual terms; some features or international plans may require custom quotes.
• Optional add-ons: Features such as CRM integrations, advanced analytics, or enhanced security may incur additional charges.

The Evolving Role of AI and Unified Communications

Current UK cloud telephony solutions feature:

• AI capabilities: Services may include real-time transcription, automated summaries, analytics, and live coaching tools.
• Unified Communications (UCaaS): Single-platform management of voice, video, chat, and analytics to support streamlined business operations.

Steps to Select the Appropriate Cloud Phone System

• Evaluate current and future requirements: Consider staff size, international calling needs, call volume, software integration preferences, and budget.
• Utilize trials and demonstrations: Many providers offer no-cost trials or demos to evaluate usability, call quality, and operational fit.
• Assess integration capabilities: Confirm compatibility with any existing CRM, helpdesk, or productivity tools.
• Plan for scalability: Select a system that can adapt to your business as it grows, particularly in light of ongoing advances in AI and UCaaS technologies.

In 2025, UK businesses have a wide selection of cloud telephony and hosted phone systems, each offering particular strengths in features, pricing, and integration. Businesses are encouraged to compare options from providers such as RingCentral Ultimate, bOnline, 8×8 Work, GoTo Connect, Vonage Max, Dialpad Enterprise, and NBC to match their communication needs, budgets, and future plans.

Sources

• expertmarket.com UK cloud phone system comparison
• PCMag UK: Best Business VoIP Providers 2025
• TechRadar: Best cloud phone systems of 2025

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