By seamlessly combining communication capabilities like voice, video, messaging, and conferencing into a single, cloud-based platform, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) has completely changed how businesses communicate and collaborate. A major corporation or a tiny startup can satisfy a variety of communication demands using UCaaS’s flexibility, scalability, and affordability.
UCaas providers platforms are now necessary to sustain productivity, enhance internal collaboration, and improve customer interactions in the context of remote work and multinational teams. The industry has changed as the need for unified communication increases, with top-tier suppliers now providing a plethora of capabilities catered to certain corporate objectives.
What is UCaaS?
UCaaS stands for Unified Communications. Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) integrates corporate communication channels and third-party software integrations into a single cloud-based platform.
As stated in the beginning of this page, it is an umbrella term for a variety of communication technologies like messaging, instant messaging, voice and video calling, and many more. Enhancing user experience, productivity, and efficiency are the goals of UCaaS.
Advantages of using UCaaS?
1. Economic Effectiveness– Requires less costly on-premise gear and maintenance because it uses a subscription model that is affordable for a range of uses.
2. The ability to scale – Expands with ease to meet expanding enterprises by adding users and functionalities without requiring physical infrastructure.
3. Adaptability– Facilitates mobile communication and remote work, enabling staff members to join from any location with internet connectivity.
4. Better Cooperation– Increases productivity and teamwork by combining messaging, file sharing, voice, video, and video communication technologies into a single platform.
5. Enhanced Trustworthiness – Higher uptime and dependability are possible with cloud-based architecture since providers guarantee ongoing service and redundancy.
6. Integrated Effortlessly – Provides email, CRM, and other business program connectors to improve efficiency and streamline processes.
10 Best UCaaS Providers
1. RingCentral
Founder : 1999 Vlad Shmunis & Vlad Vendrow
Founded in : 1999
Revenue : $1.99 Billion
RingCentral’s product lines are compatible with one other thanks to its integrated platform. It offers a cloud-based business phone system with PBX capabilities like call control, numerous extensions, connection with DropBox, Box, Outlook, Salesforce, and web conferencing, SMS, web and video conferencing, fax, auto-receptionist, call logging, and rule-based call routing and answering.
Business users are not needed to sign maintenance contracts or make capital investments, in contrast to the majority of cloud-based technology.
FEATURES:
– HD video conferencing
– Team messaging
– Phone system
– Integrations with Google Workspace & Microsoft 365
– Advanced analytics
– Call recording
CONS:
– Complex pricing
– Steep learning curve for beginners
– Occasional call quality issues
WHY TO USE:
Offers a comprehensive solution for communication, ideal for businesses needing an all-in-one platform.
PRICE :
$19.99 – $49.99/user/month.
REVIEWS:
Known for its robust feature set but may be overwhelming for small teams.
RATING :
4.5/5
2. Dialpad
Founder : Craig Walker
Founded in : 2011
Revenue : $255.6 Million
Dialpad offers a communication solution driven by AI. Features adjust to meet the needs of users. AI provides real-time insights that increase productivity and learns from interactions to enhance call quality.
The monthly cost of Dialpad’s Pro plan is $25 for each user. The technology from Dialpad makes call transcription and analysis easier while streamlining team procedures. It automatically delivers a call report to your mailbox after a meeting. It comes with a 100% uptime service-level agreement.
FEATURES:
– AI-powered call transcriptions
– Voice and video calling
– SMS/MMS support
– Call analytics
– Integration with CRM platforms
CONS:
– Limited international coverage
– Lacks advanced customization features
WHY TO USE:
Ideal for AI-driven communication and those needing CRM integrations.
PRICE :
$15 – $25/user/month.
REVIEWS:
Appreciated for its AI features but has some limitations in call routing customization.
RATING :
4.3/5
3. NextOS
Founder : Tomas Gorny
Founded in : 2008
Revenue : $125 Million
NextOS is the name of the unified communication platform created by Nextiva. Subscription access is required to use the platform. NextOS is accessible as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices as well as a desktop version for Windows and Mac OS.
Cloud-based communication, CRM, video conferencing, mail service, analytics, screen sharing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are among the services provided by NextOS. The platform is integrated with DropBox, ZenDesk, QuickBooks, Google Cloud products, and Outlook.
FEATURES:
– Unified communications with AI-driven insights
– Omnichannel support
– Customer management tools
– Workflow automation
CONS:
– Complex interface
– Customer support issues
WHY TO USE:
Good for businesses focused on customer engagement and support.
PRICE :
Custom pricing, requires consultation.
REVIEWS:
Powerful AI-driven tools but criticized for its user interface.
RATING :
4.2/5
4. Zoom
Founder : Eric Yuan
Founded in : 2011
Revenue : $4.53 billion
The well-known video conferencing program Zoom has become very popular, particularly since COVID-19. It has become a vital tool for communication and work from a distance. In addition to providing commonplace video conferencing facilities, Zoom’s UC platform has a number of sophisticated features. Break-out rooms, Zoom rooms, video webinars, and cloud VoIP are a few of these characteristics.
Global performance and dependability are guaranteed by the platform. It supports low bandwidth, enabling users to place and receive calls in even the most remote locations. It features an easy-to-use interface, excellent audio and video quality, and the capacity to hold big meetings. Strong security and compliance features including end-to-end encryption and SOC 2 Type II certification are also offered by Zoom.
FEATURES:
– HD video conferencing
– Webinars
– Phone system
– Chat feature
– Zoom Rooms
– Integrations with multiple platforms
CONS:
– Security concerns
– Bandwidth issues in large meetings
WHY TO USE:
Excellent for video-first organizations and webinars.
PRICE :
$14.99 – $19.99/user/month.
REVIEWS:
Praised for ease of use but sometimes suffers from reliability in large-scale conferences.
RATING :
4.6/5
5. Vonage
Founder : Jeff Pulver & Jeffrey A. Citron
Founded in : 2001
Revenue : $1.41 Billion
A desktop and mobile UCaaS program, Vonage Business Communications (VBC) offers voice calling, SMS/MMS, group chat, file sharing, and video conferencing for up to 200 users.
Call queues with up to 100 extensions, personalized call tags, and the Never Miss A Call routing/forwarding tool are just a few of the more than 40 VoIP voice calling capabilities that VBC provides. Agents can use their local or toll-free business phone number to contact consumers via SMS, MMS, and Facebook Messenger through the Business Inbox.
FEATURES:
– Voice, SMS, video conferencing
– Integrations with popular CRMs
– Unified inbox for messages
CONS:
– Limited advanced features
– Occasional call quality issues
WHY TO USE:
Great for businesses that need reliable, easy-to-use voice and messaging services.
PRICE :
Starts at $19.99/user/month.
REVIEWS:
Reliable and straightforward but lacks some advanced features.
RATING :
4.1/5
6. GoTo
Founder : Rich Veldran
Founded in : 2003
Revenue : 1.262 billion
GoTo is a Software as a Service (SaaS) provider that offers platforms for contact center administration, customer engagement, training, meetings, and webinars in addition to phone, meeting, and messaging solutions. GoTo provides UCaaS with a 99.999% uptime guarantee and a scalable ecosystem that can be accessed from any location.
A software called GoTo Connect has integrated cloud-based video conferencing and chat features. In addition, users can establish custom routing directories and port in their current number or add toll-free numbers to the system. Along with a range of cybersecurity and compliance solutions, this system interfaces with Slack and Salesforce.
FEATURES:
– Video meetings
– Messaging
– VoIP
– Integrations with Microsoft 365
– Unlimited cloud recording
CONS:
– Lacks some advanced collaboration features
– Slow updates
WHY TO USE:
Ideal for small to medium-sized businesses needing reliable conferencing and VoIP.
PRICE :
$16 – $30/user/month.
REVIEWS:
Known for reliability but could improve in collaborative features.
RATING :
4.2/5
7. Microsoft
Founder : Bill Gates & Paul Allen
Founded in : 1975
Revenue : $245.1 billion
Microsoft is a UCaaS supplier that is always making progress. The creation of Microsoft Mesh for Teams and Immersive environments is the result of the company’s investment in the XR landscape. While the company has been able to create exclusive “Copilot” solutions for its Teams platform and productivity tools thanks to AI projects with OpenAI.
Teams enables businesses to take advantage of phone usage by using BYOC solutions like Operator Connect and Direct Routing, or by using their own business phone subscriptions. Through the Purview platform, Teams provides end-to-end security as well as solutions for access management, control, and compliance. Packages specifically designed for government and educational teams are offered.
FEATURES:
– Collaboration tools
– Chat and video conferencing
– VoIP
– File sharing
– Deep integrations with Microsoft Office apps
CONS:
– Complicated setup for new users
– Heavy on system resources
WHY TO USE:
Perfect for businesses already using Microsoft 365, with seamless integrations.
PRICE :
$5 – $20/user/month (included in Microsoft 365 plans).
REVIEWS:
Highly appreciated for its integrations but complex for new users.
RATING :
4.4/5
8. Mitel
Founder : Tarun Loomba
Founded in : 1973
Revenue : $212.1 Billion
One of the top suppliers of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), Mitel offers powerful platforms that improve teamwork and communication in corporate settings.
You can quickly gain from its sophisticated characteristics, which include scalability, flexibility, and others. In contrast to Mitel’s platform, which offers a variety of collaboration capabilities like document sharing, virtual meetings, and real-time collaboration tools that support increased productivity, it also offers a single platform that incorporates voice, video, messaging, and other features.
FEATURES:
– Cloud-based phone system
– Collaboration tools
– Call analytics
– VoIP
– Integrations with CRMs and business apps
CONS:
– Limited mobile app features
– Complex pricing structure
WHY TO USE:
Ideal for businesses that need robust call analytics and phone systems.
PRICE :
Custom pricing based on features and users.
REVIEWS:
Great for phone solutions but criticized for mobile app limitations.
RATING :
4.1/5
9. Cisco Webex
Founder : Subrah Iyar & Min Zhu
Founded in : 1995
Revenue : $380 Billion
Cisco Webex provide uptime assurances, global availability, seamless connectivity with Cisco’s hardware product line, and simple application management via Webex Control Hub. This is in addition to a comprehensive and extensive UC suite that includes business messaging, telephony, events, webinars, whiteboarding, meetings, and conferencing.
Webex offers real-time transcription, closed captioning, translation, and summarization in addition to AI-powered enhancements for its audio and video experiences. Webex caters to large enterprises with an enterprise-only tier and a tiered subscription plan. It should be noted that webinar and event capabilities, in addition to calling/telephony services, can be added.
FEATURES:
– Secure video conferencing
– Messaging
– File sharing
– Cloud calling
– AI-powered meeting assistance
CONS:
– Expensive
– Complex interface for non-technical users
WHY TO USE:
Secure platform suitable for large enterprises needing top-notch security and reliability.
PRICE :
$13.50 – $25/user/month.
REVIEWS:
Excellent for security-conscious organizations but may be too complex for small businesses.
RATING :
4.3/5
10. Fuze
Founder : Steven Kokinos & Derek Yoo
Founded in : 2006
Revenue : $2.56 Billion
Fuze adjusts to the way that contemporary businesses already cooperate. Well-known for its flawless video conferencing capabilities and best-in-class global voice network.
Fuze’s wide range of integrations and user-friendly interfaces help distributed, mobile-first teams become more productive and optimize their workflows.
FEATURES:
– Cloud communication with video conferencing
– Messaging and voice support
– Analytics
– Global coverage
CONS:
– Steep learning curve
– Expensive for small teams
WHY TO USE:
Good for enterprises with global communications needs.
PRICE:
Custom pricing.
REVIEWS:
Powerful for large organizations but steep learning curve and cost might deter smaller businesses.
RATING:
4.0/5
CONCLUSION
In a world where seamless communication is critical to success, choosing the right UCaaS provider can transform how businesses operate and connect. From enhancing collaboration across remote teams to streamlining customer interactions, UCaaS platforms offer unmatched versatility and efficiency.
The top providers in this space offer robust features, advanced integrations, and scalable solutions that cater to businesses of all sizes. By evaluating the strengths and limitations of each platform, businesses can select the solution that best aligns with their goals, ensuring they remain competitive and connected in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
FAQ’S
1. How does UCaaS benefit businesses?
– UCaaS enhances collaboration, improves remote work capabilities, streamlines communication, reduces costs, and offers scalability to meet the changing needs of businesses.
2. Is UCaaS secure for business communication?
– Yes, most UCaaS providers prioritize security with features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure data storage to ensure safe communication.
3. Who should use UCaaS?
– UCaaS is ideal for businesses of all sizes, particularly those with remote teams, frequent customer interaction, or a need for unified, scalable communication solutions.
4. What should I consider when choosing a UCaaS provider?
– Key factors include scalability, integration capabilities, ease of use, customer support, security features, and pricing that fits your business needs.
