When it comes to choosing a reliable and versatile phone system, Avaya and RingCentral are two names that often come up in discussions among businesses. Both offer powerful features aimed at enhancing communication, but they differ in significant ways. This comprehensive comparison of Avaya vs RingCentral will help you decide which solution aligns best with your business needs by evaluating the features, costs, pros, and cons of each.
Avaya vs RingCentral
| Feature | Avaya | RingCentral |
|---|---|---|
| VoIP Calls | Offers VoIP on both cloud and on-premises systems, allowing for flexible deployment | Fully cloud-based VoIP with HD call quality, ideal for remote and hybrid teams |
| Unified Communications | Integrates voice, messaging, and video via Avaya Spaces; customisable for enterprise needs | Comprehensive UCaaS platform with voice, messaging, video, and fax, all in one platform |
| Collaboration Tools | Avaya Spaces supports team collaboration with document sharing and project management | RingCentral Glip provides team messaging, video conferencing, and task management in one place |
| Call Management | Robust options including call routing, IVR, and call recording; suited for call centre needs | Includes IVR, call queuing, call recording, and real-time analytics for performance monitoring |
| Mobile App | Available on iOS and Android, covering essential call and messaging features | Feature-rich app for iOS and Android, supporting calls, video meetings, and team messaging |
| Third-Party Integrations | Integrates with Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and other enterprise tools | Extensive integrations including Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and other productivity apps |
| Customer Support | Customisable support plans available; extensive support for complex setups | 24/7 support included in most plans, making it ideal for businesses without dedicated IT staff |
| Security | Enterprise-grade encryption and compliance, especially suitable for regulated industries | Strong security with encryption, GDPR compliance, and frequent updates for a cloud-based setup |
| Customisation | Highly customisable for large enterprises needing specialised workflows and configurations | Flexible with extensive API support for building tailored workflows and integrations |
| Pricing Structure | Starts at £15 per user/month for cloud solutions, custom pricing for on-premises options | Four cloud-based plans: Essentials (£10), Standard (£20), Premium (£25), and Ultimate (£35) |
| Deployment Options | Cloud, on-premises, and hybrid models available, suitable for varying business environments | Cloud-only model, ideal for companies focused on remote/hybrid work setups |
| Best Suited For | Large businesses, customer service-heavy industries, and regulated sectors needing customisation | Small to medium businesses, remote teams, and those seeking a streamlined, cloud-based solution |
Overview of Avaya vs RingCentral
Avaya: Known for its legacy in telecommunication hardware, Avaya has evolved to offer cloud-based phone systems alongside its traditional on-premises solutions. Avaya offers scalability, making it suitable for both small and large businesses, and is particularly popular in sectors that need reliable, integrated communication solutions like healthcare and financial services.
RingCentral: A market leader in cloud-based communication, RingCentral’s focus is on flexibility and ease of use, offering a full suite of communication tools including messaging, video calls, and VoIP. Its cloud infrastructure makes it ideal for businesses with remote or hybrid teams, and it’s widely used by companies looking for fast setup and seamless updates.
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Key features comparison – Avaya vs RingCentral
Both Avaya and RingCentral offer essential communication features tailored to business needs. However, each platform provides unique advantages in its approach to communication, customisation, and integration options. Let’s delve into the main features they offer to understand where they excel.
VoIP calls
Both Avaya and RingCentral provide robust VoIP functionality. Avaya offers VoIP on both its cloud-based and on-premises systems, allowing businesses flexibility in how they deploy their phone systems.
In contrast, RingCentral is fully cloud-based, with HD call quality and options to support remote and hybrid teams effectively. RingCentral’s all-in-one approach makes it easy to manage VoIP alongside other communication channels.
Unified communications
Avaya and RingCentral both support Unified Communications (UC), but they approach it differently.
Avaya integrates voice with messaging and video services, especially through its Avaya Spaces platform, which supports team collaboration and file sharing.
RingCentral, on the other hand, is known for its UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) capabilities, combining voice, messaging, video, and fax seamlessly into a single platform. This makes RingCentral an appealing choice for businesses that prioritise integrated communication.
Collaboration tools
Avaya Spaces and RingCentral Glip are both designed to support team collaboration, but with different focuses.
Avaya Spaces provides advanced options for document sharing and project management, which suits larger teams with complex workflows.
RingCentral’s Glip platform, however, offers a streamlined experience with team messaging, video conferencing, and task management in one place, making it ideal for remote or hybrid work settings.
Call management
When it comes to handling high volumes of calls, Avaya offers robust call routing, IVR (interactive voice response), and call recording options, making it well-suited to customer service and call centre environments.
RingCentral also includes call management tools like IVR, call queuing, and call recording, but its analytics are more accessible, with intuitive dashboards that help businesses optimise performance.
RingCentral is a great fit for businesses looking to combine efficient call management with real-time data insights.
Mobile app
Both Avaya and RingCentral offer mobile applications, though their features vary.
Avaya’s app is available for both iOS and Android, offering essential communication features for on-the-go connectivity.
RingCentral’s mobile app is more feature-rich, allowing users to make and receive calls, host video meetings, and manage team messages seamlessly.
RingCentral’s app is popular with mobile and remote workers who need a high level of functionality from their devices.
Third-party integrations
Integration with other software tools is essential for many businesses, and both Avaya and RingCentral provide options to connect with popular platforms.
Avaya offers integrations with tools like Microsoft Teams and Salesforce, making it suitable for organisations with established workflows.
RingCentral offers a wider range of integrations, including Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and more.
This extensive compatibility makes RingCentral ideal for businesses seeking to enhance productivity by connecting communication tools with their existing software stack.
Customer support
Customer support quality is often crucial in choosing a communication provider.
Avaya provides extensive support, with customisable support plans for businesses that need tailored assistance. This can be beneficial for larger organisations with more complex needs.
RingCentral offers 24/7 support with most of its plans, ensuring that businesses of all sizes have access to help whenever it’s needed. This accessibility and responsiveness make RingCentral especially appealing to smaller businesses with limited IT support.
Security
Both Avaya and RingCentral prioritise security, though Avaya is especially known for its enterprise-grade encryption and compliance options, appealing to industries with strict regulatory requirements.
RingCentral also provides strong security, with encryption and GDPR compliance, and its cloud-native infrastructure ensures consistent security updates and patching.
For businesses prioritising security, either provider is suitable, though Avaya’s reputation in highly regulated industries may provide extra assurance.
Customisation
Avaya and RingCentral both offer customisation options, but Avaya is known for its enterprise-level customisation capabilities, allowing businesses to configure solutions to meet specific needs, especially for complex call management.
RingCentral is highly customisable through its APIs, enabling businesses to create tailored workflows and integrations.
For enterprises, Avaya’s customisation potential may be appealing, while RingCentral’s flexibility and API support suit businesses seeking adaptable and scalable solutions.
Cost comparison – Avaya vs RingCentral
Pricing is often a critical factor when selecting a phone system. Here’s how Avaya and RingCentral differ in pricing structure:
Avaya pricing
- Avaya’s pricing depends on whether you choose on-premises, cloud, or hybrid solutions. The Avaya Cloud Office, powered by RingCentral, starts at around £15 per user per month for basic VoIP functionality and goes up to £35 per user per month for premium plans with advanced analytics, unlimited storage, and video conferencing.
- Custom pricing is also available for large enterprises and those who need significant customisation.
- Hardware costs may apply if you opt for on-premises solutions.
RingCentral pricing
- RingCentral offers four main plans:
- Essentials: £10 per user per month, offering basic VoIP features.
- Standard: £20 per user per month, including team messaging, video conferencing for up to 100 participants, and integrations with popular tools.
- Premium: £25 per user per month, with additional integrations (Salesforce, Zendesk), video meetings for up to 200 participants, and advanced analytics.
- Ultimate: £35 per user per month, featuring unlimited storage and priority support.
- All plans are cloud-based, with no hardware costs unless you purchase desk phones or accessories.
Cost takeaways:
- Avaya may come at a higher cost if opting for on-premises or hybrid solutions, while the Avaya Cloud Office is competitively priced for SMEs.
- RingCentral offers transparent pricing, with a fully cloud-based model that’s cost-effective and predictable.
Pros and cons
Avaya pros:
- Highly customisable with a range of deployment options (on-premises, cloud, hybrid)
- Strong call management features, ideal for call centres and high-volume customer service operations
- Well-suited for businesses with a high need for custom integration and enterprise-level security
Avaya cons:
- Pricing can be complex, particularly with hardware requirements for on-premises solutions
- Somewhat steeper learning curve for smaller teams or those unfamiliar with traditional telephony systems
- Advanced features may require specialised setup or IT support
RingCentral pros:
- Intuitive, user-friendly platform, easy for remote or hybrid teams to adopt
- Comprehensive suite of communication tools, including chat, video, and voice, in one platform
- Transparent, scalable pricing with 24/7 support
RingCentral cons:
- May lack the customisation depth needed by large enterprises with specialised telephony needs
- Limited support for on-premises hardware or hybrid models, focusing instead on cloud functionality
- Some advanced analytics are only available on higher-tier plans
Avaya vs RingCentral – Which should you choose?
Your choice between Avaya vs RingCentral will depend largely on the unique needs of your business:
- Choose Avaya if you are an established business with a large workforce, particularly if you handle a high volume of inbound and outbound calls. Avaya’s flexibility with deployment models, including hybrid options, is ideal if you require significant customisation or work within a regulated industry needing robust security and compliance measures.
- Choose RingCentral if you are a small to medium-sized business or a company with remote and hybrid teams. RingCentral’s user-friendly cloud platform offers a highly integrated experience across voice, video, and messaging, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to streamline their communications with minimal setup or IT support.
Final verdict
For businesses navigating a complex digital landscape, both Avaya and RingCentral offer robust business phone systems that cater to different needs. Avaya appeals to those needing customisation, on-premises support, and strong call management capabilities, while RingCentral is ideal for those seeking a straightforward, fully cloud-based communication system.
Evaluating your priorities—whether it’s advanced customisation, simplicity, or cost—will help you make the right choice between these two market leaders.
FAQ – Avaya vs RingCentral
RingCentral is better suited for remote teams due to its fully cloud-based infrastructure, seamless integration of messaging, voice, and video, and its mobile app that supports team collaboration from anywhere. Avaya can support remote teams but may require more configuration for hybrid setups.
RingCentral provides a broader range of integrations, including Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and more. Avaya integrates with Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and other enterprise tools, but RingCentral’s selection of third-party app integrations is generally more extensive and suited to diverse workflows.
Avaya offers extensive customisation, especially for large enterprises requiring specialised configurations, as it supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups. RingCentral also offers flexibility, particularly through its APIs, but Avaya is often the choice for businesses needing highly tailored telephony solutions.
Both Avaya and RingCentral offer strong security with encryption and compliance standards like GDPR. However, Avaya’s long-standing reputation in regulated industries gives it an edge for businesses that require strict security protocols and enterprise-grade encryption, making it a strong choice for compliance-driven sectors.
Avaya is known for its robust call management features, such as advanced call routing, IVR, and call recording, which are ideal for call centres. RingCentral also offers call management features but focuses more on accessibility and analytics, making it easier to monitor and optimise team performance.
RingCentral generally has a more straightforward and predictable pricing structure, starting at £10 per user/month. Avaya’s pricing can vary based on deployment (cloud, on-premises, hybrid) and is often customised, which may result in higher costs, especially for on-premises solutions and enterprise-level customisation.
RingCentral is typically faster to set up since it’s fully cloud-based and requires minimal IT resources. Avaya can require more configuration, especially for on-premises or hybrid setups, making it more complex but also offering flexibility for businesses needing customised or hybrid installations.
Both offer reliable support, but RingCentral provides 24/7 support in most plans, which is convenient for smaller businesses with limited IT resources. Avaya offers extensive support with customisable plans, making it more suitable for enterprises needing specific support levels for complex setups.
RingCentral is often a better fit for small businesses due to its affordable, cloud-based plans, ease of use, and extensive integrations. Avaya is well-suited for larger organisations needing customisation but may be over-complex and costly for smaller teams focused on simple, reliable communication.
RingCentral’s mobile app is feature-rich, supporting calls, video meetings, and team messaging, making it ideal for remote and hybrid teams. Avaya’s mobile app offers essential features and supports remote connectivity, but RingCentral’s app is generally more comprehensive for on-the-go business communication.