Skype vs RingCentral – Full comparison to help you decide

When deciding on a new phone system, businesses are often torn between two popular choices: Skype and RingCentral. Both platforms offer valuable communication features, but they are designed with different types of users in mind. This comparison covers Skype vs RingCentral for features, costs, and other relevant factors to help UK businesses make an informed decision.

Skype vs RingCentral

Criteria	Skype	RingCentral
Primary Use	Individual and small team communication	Business-focused, designed for scalability and team collaboration
Voice Calling	Free Skype-to-Skype calls; charges apply for calling landlines and mobiles	High-quality VoIP calling with advanced call management features
Video Conferencing	Basic video calling, suitable for small groups	Video conferencing with advanced tools (screen sharing, breakout rooms, in-meeting chat)
Messaging	Instant messaging with file sharing capabilities	Team messaging with collaboration tools, task management, and file sharing
Screen Sharing	Available for one-on-one and group calls	Available with additional tools for team collaboration
Integrations	Limited to Microsoft 365	Extensive integrations with CRM and business tools (Salesforce, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
Call Analytics	Not available	Detailed analytics and reporting options to monitor performance
Mobile and Desktop Apps	Yes, with cross-device compatibility	Yes, offers full functionality across desktop and mobile
Security	Basic encryption, suitable for general use	Advanced security (end-to-end encryption, GDPR and HIPAA compliance, SSO)
Customer Support	Limited support, primarily self-service	Extensive support options (phone, chat, email, premium support for higher tiers)
Pricing Structure	Free for Skype-to-Skype; pay-as-you-go for landlines and mobile calls	Tiered subscription plans based on users and features
Pricing Tiers	– Pay-as-you-go or subscription for international calls	Essentials: £7.99/user/month, Standard: £15.99/user/month, Premium: £22.99/user/month, Ultimate: £29.99/user/month
Ideal For	Small teams or businesses needing a low-cost, basic communication solution	Growing or established businesses needing scalable, feature-rich communication
Scalability	Limited scalability, not ideal for large businesses	Highly scalable; designed to grow with business needs
User Experience	Simple, user-friendly interface	Customisable, modern interface with advanced features
Advantages	Free for Skype-to-Skype calls, easy to use, integrates with Microsoft 365	Comprehensive features, strong security, scalable, extensive integrations
Disadvantages	Limited business features, lacks advanced support options, not customisable	Higher cost, complexity may be overkill for small teams, full functionality requires paid plans

Overview of Skype vs RingCentral

Skype is a well-known communication platform primarily used for video calling, voice calling, and messaging. While it has served individuals and smaller teams well for years, it lacks some of the advanced functionality expected by larger businesses or organisations with complex communication needs.

RingCentral, on the other hand, is a robust cloud-based business communication solution offering a suite of unified communications as a service (UCaaS) features. RingCentral is tailored for businesses needing a scalable, feature-rich business phone system that includes comprehensive voice, video, messaging, and collaboration tools.

Key features comparison

Skype features

1. Voice and video calls: Skype supports one-on-one and group voice and video calls, making it suitable for basic communication needs.
2. Instant messaging: Users can message one another in real time, with options for file sharing, which is useful for quick exchanges.
3. Screen sharing: Skype’s screen-sharing feature is a valuable tool for presentations and remote troubleshooting.
4. Basic integrations: Skype integrates with Microsoft’s ecosystem, allowing for interoperability with Office products, but is somewhat limited in other business app integrations.
5. Mobile and desktop applications: Available across devices, Skype allows users to stay connected from anywhere.

RingCentral features

1. Business-grade voice calling: RingCentral offers high-quality VoIP calling with advanced call management features such as call forwarding, routing, and recording.
2. Video conferencing: The video conferencing functionality is scalable and includes collaborative features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and in-meeting chat.
3. Team messaging and collaboration: RingCentral integrates team messaging, task management, and file sharing to streamline workflows within teams.
4. Call analytics and reporting: Advanced reporting tools allow businesses to track call metrics and performance, ideal for customer service teams.
5. CRM and app integrations: RingCentral supports hundreds of integrations, including popular business applications like Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365.
6. Mobile and desktop compatibility: The platform offers extensive mobile and desktop applications, maintaining functionality across devices and enabling remote work.

Cost comparison – Skype vs RingCentral

Pricing is a significant factor in selecting a phone system, and Skype and RingCentral have different cost structures tailored to their feature sets.

Skype pricing

Skype offers a free version, but for businesses, Microsoft Teams may be the better fit due to its additional business-focused capabilities.

Skype’s premium calling options come at an affordable price, with international calling charged on a pay-as-you-go basis or through monthly subscription plans for specific regions.

However, Skype does not offer extensive business management features, so costs are relatively low for basic calling needs.

Pricing highlights:

• Skype-to-Skype calls: Free
• Calling landlines/mobiles: Pay-as-you-go or monthly subscription plans

RingCentral pricing

RingCentral is structured with businesses in mind, offering tiered pricing plans to accommodate different levels of features and scalability.

Pricing is based on the number of users and the plan selected, with higher tiers offering enhanced features like call recording, analytics, and integrations.

UK pricing tiers (approximate):

1. Essentials: £7.99/user/month (basic calling and messaging)
2. Standard: £15.99/user/month (video conferencing, integrations with Microsoft and Google)
3. Premium: £22.99/user/month (CRM integration, call recording)
4. Ultimate: £29.99/user/month (advanced analytics, device status reports)

User experience and ease of use

• Skype is known for its straightforward user interface, making it easy to navigate for those familiar with Microsoft products. For small teams or basic calling and messaging needs, Skype’s simplicity is an advantage. However, it lacks advanced features and customisation options, which limits its functionality for larger teams.
• RingCentral, while slightly more complex, offers a modern and intuitive interface that’s highly customisable. The platform is designed for businesses and includes features that support team collaboration, remote work, and integration with various business tools, making it more suited for larger organisations or those with specific communication needs.

Security and reliability

Both Skype and RingCentral have built-in security protocols, but their focus differs due to the nature of their services.

• Skype employs standard encryption and privacy controls suitable for basic communication. However, it lacks the advanced security features found in dedicated business communications platforms, potentially raising concerns for organisations needing compliance with specific regulations.
• RingCentral offers end-to-end encryption, single sign-on (SSO), and additional compliance measures such as GDPR and HIPAA compliance. RingCentral’s security setup is robust, supporting businesses that handle sensitive information or operate in regulated industries.

Customer support

• Skype provides basic customer support with limited options, as it’s primarily consumer-focused. Business users might find it challenging to receive advanced technical support if they encounter issues.
• RingCentral offers a range of support options, including phone, live chat, and email support, plus access to an online resource centre. Higher-tier plans also come with premium support options, which can be invaluable for businesses relying heavily on their phone systems.

Scalability and flexibility

• Skype is best suited for small teams or individuals with minimal communication needs. While it can serve as a simple tool for calls and messaging, it is not built for high scalability or complex business requirements.
• RingCentral excels in scalability, making it ideal for growing businesses. Whether your team has 10 or 1,000 members, RingCentral’s platform is designed to support expansion. The flexibility in plan options means businesses can start small and upgrade as their needs evolve.

Advantages and disadvantages

Criteria	Skype	RingCentral
Advantages	Free for Skype-to-Skype calls, user-friendly, integration with Microsoft 365	Comprehensive features, scalable, extensive integrations, strong security
Disadvantages	Limited business features, lacks advanced support, not highly customisable	Higher cost, may be complex for very small teams, requires paid plans for full functionality

Which platform is right for your business?

Choose Skype if:

• Your business is small, with basic calling and messaging needs.
• Cost is a primary concern, and advanced business features are not required.
• You need a quick, simple solution without extensive integrations or customisation.

Choose RingCentral if:

• Your business needs a scalable, reliable phone system with a range of advanced features.
• Security, compliance, and integration with other business applications are essential.
• You anticipate needing robust support and flexibility as your business grows.

Conclusion – Skype vs RingCentral

Both Skype and RingCentral are effective communication tools but serve different purposes.

Skype’s simplicity and affordability make it a good choice for smaller businesses or teams with straightforward communication needs.

However, businesses seeking a complete communications suite with powerful features, integrations, and scalability will find RingCentral the more suitable investment.

In summary, Skype is ideal for small teams or those on a tight budget, while RingCentral is a better fit for larger businesses or those seeking a feature-rich, secure, and scalable phone system.

FAQ – Skype vs RingCentral comparison