Avaya vs Zoom – Full comparison to help you decide

When it comes to choosing the right phone system for a UK business, two major players stand out: Avaya and Zoom. Both offer robust communication solutions, but their features, pricing, and integrations differ, making each suitable for different types of business needs. Here’s a detailed comparison of Avaya vs Zoom to help you make an informed decision.

Avaya vs Zoom

Feature	Avaya	Zoom
Primary Focus	Unified communications with strong call management and customisation options	Video conferencing and simple-to-use cloud phone solutions
Call Management	Advanced call routing, queues, auto-attendant, call recording, and in-depth analytics	Core features like call routing, forwarding, hold music, and transfer but limited in advanced call analytics
Video Conferencing	Basic video features through Avaya Spaces, suitable for standard video calls but lacks Zoom’s advanced capabilities	HD video, screen sharing, breakout rooms, and webinars; industry leader in video communication
Collaboration Tools	Messaging, file sharing, and video in Avaya Spaces; integrates with phone systems	Strong collaboration with built-in chat, meeting scheduling, and screen sharing across Zoom’s video and phone systems
Integration Options	Extensive integrations with CRM, ERP systems, and APIs for custom integrations	Integrates with major platforms (e.g., Slack, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams) but with fewer custom options than Avaya
Mobility & Remote Access	Mobile app available, supports on-premise and cloud users but can be more complex for remote workforces	Highly rated mobile app, seamless transitions between video and calls, suited for remote and hybrid work environments
Customisation	Highly customisable; supports on-premise, cloud, and hybrid setups; tailored solutions possible	Limited customisation, primarily cloud-based and designed for easy deployment
Security & Compliance	Strong security features, offering on-premise options for added control and regulatory compliance	Strong cloud-based security protocols, suitable for most remote-based compliance needs
Scalability	Scales well for large enterprises needing customised, comprehensive solutions	Easy to scale for smaller to medium-sized businesses; adding users is straightforward and budget-friendly
Pricing Structure	Customised pricing; typically higher for advanced and on-premise solutions, with basic plans around £15 per user/month	Transparent, tiered pricing; basic plan starts around £8 per user/month, advanced packages with international calls around £20-£25 per user/month
Setup & Deployment	More complex setup, requires technical expertise or assistance for custom and on-premise installations	Quick setup, minimal technical requirements; ideal for businesses seeking a fast deployment
Target Audience	Medium to large businesses with complex communication needs and integration requirements	Small to medium-sized businesses prioritising ease of use, video collaboration, and affordability
Pros	Advanced call management, extensive integrations, flexibility with on-premise and cloud options	User-friendly, cost-effective, excellent video collaboration, simple to scale
Cons	Higher cost, complex setup, less intuitive for fully remote teams	Limited advanced call analytics, fewer customisation options, mostly cloud-based

Overview of Avaya vs Zoom

• Avaya: A well-established telecommunications provider known for its on-premise and cloud-based phone solutions, Avaya offers a range of communication and collaboration tools, especially suited for medium to large enterprises. Avaya focuses on delivering unified communication solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
• Zoom: Primarily recognised for its video conferencing capabilities, Zoom has expanded to include a cloud-based phone system – Zoom Phone. Zoom Phone is suitable for businesses that prioritise remote collaboration, simple setup, and video conferencing alongside traditional voice communication.

Features comparison – Avaya vs Zoom

Both Avaya and Zoom come equipped with a range of features designed to enhance productivity and communication within a business setting. However, the specifics vary based on each provider’s strengths.

Call management

Avaya: Known for comprehensive call management capabilities, including call forwarding, routing, call queues, auto-attendant, and advanced reporting tools. Avaya’s system is particularly robust for large teams needing detailed call tracking and analytics.

Zoom: Zoom Phone offers core call management features like call forwarding, routing, call transfer, and hold music. However, it may lack some of the advanced call reporting and analytics capabilities Avaya offers, making it better suited for smaller teams or those with basic call needs.

Video conferencing and collaboration

Avaya: While Avaya provides video conferencing, it isn’t as specialised as Zoom’s video platform. Avaya Spaces, their collaboration platform, offers video calls, messaging, and file sharing. It’s suitable for businesses that don’t rely heavily on video but still need a functional solution.

Zoom: Zoom excels in video conferencing. With HD video, screen sharing, and breakout rooms, it’s ideal for businesses that require regular remote meetings or webinars. Zoom also integrates seamlessly with the Zoom Phone, creating a unified experience for video and voice communication.

Integration and compatibility

Avaya: Offers extensive integrations with CRM systems, ERP software, and business apps, making it ideal for larger companies with existing software ecosystems. Avaya also provides API options for custom integrations.

Zoom: Zoom Phone integrates well with collaboration tools and major platforms like Slack, Salesforce, and Microsoft Teams. However, it may not offer as many customisation options as Avaya.

Mobility and remote access

Avaya: Avaya’s mobile app allows users to access phone system features on the go, but the user experience may not be as seamless as Zoom’s. It is more suited to companies with a mix of office and mobile-based staff.

Zoom: Zoom’s mobile app is highly rated for video calls, and the addition of Zoom Phone means users can seamlessly transition between devices. Zoom’s system is better suited for fully remote or hybrid workplaces.

Cost comparison – Avaya vs Zoom

Pricing structures for Avaya vs Zoom vary depending on system requirements, features, and company size.

• Avaya: Avaya’s pricing is generally based on customised packages tailored to individual business needs, which can range significantly. While basic packages start around £15 per user/month, advanced packages can be considerably higher, especially for larger businesses needing on-premise solutions or high-level customisation.
• Zoom: Zoom Phone’s pricing is transparent and predictable, with options starting around £8 per user/month for a basic plan. Advanced packages, including international calling and additional features, can increase costs to £20-£25 per user/month. Zoom is often more budget-friendly for smaller businesses or those with simple phone system needs.

Pros and cons

Avaya

Pros:

• Highly customisable with advanced call management and analytics features.
• Strong integration with other business tools, making it suitable for large organisations.
• Provides both cloud and on-premise solutions, giving businesses greater flexibility.

Cons:

• More complex to set up and configure compared to Zoom.
• Higher pricing, especially for businesses needing custom features.
• May not be as intuitive for remote or mobile teams.

Zoom

Pros:

• Ideal for businesses prioritising video conferencing and remote collaboration.
• Lower cost, with transparent pricing and easy scalability.
• Simple setup and integration with other popular platforms.

Cons:

• Fewer advanced call analytics features, making it less suitable for larger businesses.
• Limited customisation compared to Avaya’s offerings.
• Mostly cloud-based, which may not appeal to businesses preferring on-premise solutions.

Which is better for your business?

Choosing between Avaya vs Zoom ultimately depends on your business size, communication needs, and budget.

• Avaya is a better fit if your business requires an advanced, highly customisable business phone system with robust call analytics and detailed reporting. It’s particularly well-suited to larger organisations with complex requirements or those already using compatible software in their workflow.
• Zoom is ideal for businesses looking for an easy-to-use, cloud-based solution that emphasises video collaboration. Smaller companies, remote-first businesses, or organisations with a limited budget will find Zoom’s offerings straightforward and cost-effective.

Final thoughts – Avaya vs Zoom

Avaya and Zoom each offer distinct advantages.

Avaya stands out for its advanced features and customisation options, making it a powerful tool for larger, traditional enterprises.

In contrast, Zoom excels with a user-friendly platform ideal for modern, remote-based work environments.

By weighing each option’s strengths and considering your unique requirements, you’ll be well-positioned to choose the best phone system for your business.

FAQ – Avaya vs Zoom comparison