17.07.2020
zadarma vs 8x8

Business operations have been forced to transition to remote, home working in recent months. Reliable virtual communication and the adoption of VoIP, has become a critical factor to keep firms moving. VoIP transforms outgoing or incoming calls into a digital signal and sends it through the internet, converting it to a standard telephone signal to reach a non-VoIP number. This allows you to receive business calls on your personal mobile device.

But what should you look for when comparing providers?

Since VoIP is a relatively new technology compared to traditional telephone line systems, comparing providers may be a learning curve. So before you dive into introducing it for your business, get started by taking a look at this guide to common comparison points. Whether you are looking to secure a regional presence, a global contact centre or simply looking to unify your communications, it’s vital you choose a system that:

  • Is efficient and improves your customer services & performance
  • Is well supported in all your time zones and your language
  • Is unified and provides centralised communication allowing for free third-party integration

Comparing VoIP features

A virtual phone system for business can perform all the expected tasks of a standard phone system with an abundance of additional customisable features. It's important to be aware of the essential features required for your specific requirements. There are a variety of established, well-trusted providers available. We have compared Zadarma to another leading VoIP supplier, 8x8, reviewing standard plans, features and starting prices.

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Characteristics

8x8

Zadarma

Prices

‘Express’: £9.50 / per user ($12 / month/ user)

Standard: Free / up 5 users

X1: £12.20 / per user ($15 / month / user)

Office: £17/ up to 10 users / per month

*Prices are available by quote. 8x8 offer a variety of VoIP pricing plans

*Zadarma offers 3 VoIP pricing plans. Two of which have minimal enterprise pricing per month while the other is a free software, with calls priced per  minute

PBX

x

x

Auto attendant

x

x

Extension dialing

x

x

Unlimited calling plans to US & Canada

x

х (with US/Canada price plan)

Free incoming calls

x

Call forwarding

x

x

Caller ID

x

x

Reporting

x

x

CRM integration

x

x

API

x

Video conferencing

x

Both Zadarma and 8x8 are strong players within the market. They both offer a cloud-based phone system (PBX). Quite simply, you connect to the network via the internet while your phone system is maintained by your selected VoIP operator servers. This provides unlimited flexibility to re-route calls and provide video conferencing, essential during the current Covid crisis. Zadarma is cheaper and does not have so many additional features at an added cost. Consider whether the additional features offered are essential - would your team utilise them enough to justify the additional monthly fee?

If there’s one thing we have learned from the current pandemic, it’s that communication is critical during an emergency. Poor communication can lead to misinformation, loss of clients and team inefficiencies, which can quickly erode confidence, causing undue panic and concern. Demand for VoIP is on the rise as it offers organisations in all sectors the perfect solution to keep their workforces, clients, and partners connected ensuring effective business continuity in times of a crisis.

However, be sure to be clear on your core requirements for your business against your budget. Select a reliable, secure, easy to use and affordable VoIP system that integrates with your business operations.