Choosing a reliable VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) provider is essential for businesses that need clear, efficient, and flexible communication. 8×8 and RingCentral are both providers that are popular for their features and flexibility. To see which service might be best for your business, you need to know the strengths and limitations of each, focusing on voice quality, messaging, video conferencing, pricing, and reliability.
Gain a Quick Insight About 8×8 & RingCentral
8×8 is a cloud-based communication platform that combines phone, video, chat, and customer support tools in one service. It’s known for being affordable and offering strong international calling options, which is great for businesses that operate globally.
RingCentral is a top provider of cloud-based communication tools, focusing on team collaboration with a wide range of features. It’s easy to use and connects well with many other applications.
Comparing Key Features of 8×8 and RingCentral
Both platforms offer an array of features that cater to diverse business needs. Here’s how they stack up:
1. Voice and Messaging Capabilities
Voice and messaging are core features for both 8×8 and RingCentral. Let’s break down what each offers:
8×8 provides a range of call features, including VoIP calling, SMS, and MMS in select plans. Businesses can also use features like call queues, forwarding, and unlimited calling in certain regions. 8×8’s call monitoring features (such as whisper and barge) are helpful for teams focusing on customer service.
RingCentral offers VoIP calling, SMS, and team messaging as well. Known for its ease of use, RingCentral includes helpful tools like advanced call handling and transcription. This is beneficial for companies needing a straightforward system for daily communications.
2. Video Conferencing and Collaboration
With remote work on the rise, reliable video conferencing has become a must for businesses. Here’s how 8×8 and RingCentral compares:
8×8 offers HD video meetings with support for up to 500 participants, screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and recording options. The quality of 8×8 video meetings is highly rated, which makes it suitable for companies hosting frequent or large-scale virtual meetings.
RingCentral’s video conferencing also offers HD video and includes features like breakout rooms, screen sharing, and support for up to 200 participants. RingCentral’s integration with messaging and phone options adds to its collaborative appeal, making it convenient for teams that rely on multiple forms of communication.
3. Integration Options
Both providers offer app integrations, though RingCentral and 8×8 differ in scope and flexibility.
8×8 works with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and a few other major platforms. While not as extensive as RingCentral, these integrations cover the essentials for small to medium-sized businesses.
Known for its extensive compatibility, RingCentral works with many third-party apps like Slack, HubSpot, Salesforce, and Microsoft Teams. This makes RingCentral ideal for businesses with specific software needs, as it can seamlessly fit into existing workflows.
4. Analytics and Reporting
Tracking performance is crucial for any business. 8×8 and RingCentral both offer analytics, though they vary slightly in detail.
8×8 provides a user-friendly analytics dashboard where businesses can view call quality, volume, and team activity. These insights help managers understand and improve communication patterns.
RingCentral’s analytics cover calls, messages, and meetings. For larger teams, RingCentral’s advanced options can provide in-depth insights that are easy to access and customize, making it a strong option for businesses needing frequent performance checks.
5. Reliability and Outages
While 8×8 is generally known for reliable service, there have been occasional reports of 8×8 outages. Although quickly resolved, some users note that outages can affect productivity. Businesses should weigh this aspect, especially if they require consistent, uninterrupted communication.
RingCentral has a good reputation for stability, and while no service is immune to interruptions, RingCentral often provides real-time updates on any performance issues.
RingCentral vs 8×8: The Pricing Breakdown
When choosing between 8×8 and RingCentral, pricing is key for many businesses. Here’s a simple breakdown of what each offers:
Starting Price
8×8: $24 per user/month
RingCentral: $20 per user/month
Free Trial
8×8: 30 days
RingCentral: 15 days
Unlimited Domestic Calls
Both providers offer this feature.
International Calling
8×8: Available in higher-tier plans
RingCentral: Limited options
Video Conferencing
8×8: Up to 500 participants
RingCentral: Up to 200 participants
While RingCentral’s starting price is slightly lower, 8×8 includes more features at the entry-level, like video conferencing for large groups. This makes 8×8 ideal for smaller teams or those new to cloud-based communication systems (UCaaS).
Pros and Cons of 8×8 and RingCentral
Pros of 8×8
- 8×8’s affordable plans are ideal for startups and small businesses.
- Includes VoIP, messaging, video, and call center features.
- Meets HIPAA and GDPR standards with strong encryption.
Cons of 8×8
- 8×8 has limited compatibility with third-party apps.
- Some users report 8×8 outages that can impact productivity.
Pros of RingCentral
- Works well with a wide range of apps.
- In-depth metrics for calls, meetings, and messaging.
- Flexible for businesses with varying needs.
Cons of RingCentral
- Basic plans are more expensive compared to 8×8.
- Some users report minor call quality issues.
Which VoIP Provider is Best?
In the 8×8 and RingCentral comparison, the right choice ultimately depends on your business’s priorities:
- Choose 8×8 if you need an affordable, all-in-one VoIP service with robust security and features tailored to small or medium-sized businesses.
- Choose RingCentral if your business requires extensive integrations and advanced analytics, especially for larger teams that need a scalable communication solution.
Both 8×8 and RingCentral provide high-quality communication tools, but each caters to slightly different business needs. This 8×8 comparison can help guide your choice by highlighting what each provider offers.
Find the Right VoIP Provider That Suits Your Needs
Both 8×8 and RingCentral are reliable VoIP options with different strengths. 8×8 is affordable and ideal for small to medium businesses needing global calling. RingCentral offers more integrations and analytics, making it a better fit for larger teams. Choose the one that meets your budget and business needs best.