Choosing the right phone system can be pivotal to a business’s success, especially with modern demands for flexibility, seamless communication, and cost-effective solutions. bOnline, a provider tailored specifically for UK SMEs, offers a range of VoIP phone solutions designed to empower businesses without the hefty costs often associated with traditional phone systems. This review will guide you through bOnline key features, pricing, benefits, and potential downsides to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your business.
Key features of bOnline phone systems
bOnline focuses on VoIP technology, leveraging the internet to deliver a fully digital phone system. Here’s an overview of the standout features they offer:
- HD voice calling – bOnline provides HD quality for both local and international calls, which can be essential for businesses needing clear communication with clients or team members, regardless of location.
- Mobile and desktop apps – With dedicated apps for both mobile and desktop, bOnline ensures that teams stay connected whether they’re working in the office, remotely, or on the go. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for businesses with hybrid work models.
- Virtual receptionist and IVR (Interactive Voice Response) – An automated virtual receptionist is available to handle calls professionally, routing customers to the correct departments. IVR options enable businesses to customise call flows, making sure that each caller reaches the most relevant person quickly.
- Call management tools – bOnline provides call queuing, recording, and forwarding tools to streamline inbound call handling. These features are ideal for small teams managing high call volumes and wanting to optimise their customer service.
- Collaborative tools – Features such as conferencing, screen sharing, and video calling make bOnline a comprehensive communication solution, bringing together voice and collaboration in a single platform.
- CRM integration – bOnline’s systems can integrate with CRM software, allowing businesses to keep call logs, customer details, and contact information in one place. This feature simplifies customer service processes and can lead to improved client satisfaction.
bOnline phone system plans and pricing
One of the most attractive aspects of bOnline for SMEs is its transparent pricing structure. While costs can vary depending on the specific plan and customisation options, here’s a general breakdown:
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- Basic plan – from £9.95 per user per month – This entry-level plan includes essential features such as HD calling, voicemail, and mobile app access. It’s ideal for smaller businesses that require a straightforward, functional phone system without advanced features.
- Standard plan – from £14.95 per user per month – The Standard plan adds call recording, conferencing, and the virtual receptionist feature. It’s suited to growing businesses needing more sophisticated call management options.
- Advanced plan – from £19.95 per user per month – The Advanced plan includes the complete feature set, offering CRM integration, advanced analytics, and video conferencing. This plan is perfect for businesses that require a comprehensive, integrated communication solution.
- Custom solutions – bOnline also offers bespoke packages for larger teams or businesses with unique requirements. These custom solutions can include dedicated account management and specific integrations as needed.
Additional costs to consider
In addition to the monthly fees, businesses should budget for potential one-time setup costs, which may vary based on the level of customisation and features selected. Installation fees for advanced hardware (like IP desk phones) and charges for international or non-geographic calls could also apply. However, bOnline’s transparent pricing policy means that these costs are generally clear upfront.
Pros of choosing bOnline
- Cost-effective for SMEs: bOnline’s pricing structure is highly competitive, especially for UK-based small businesses looking for robust phone systems without breaking the bank.
- Easy to set up and scale: The VoIP system is cloud-based, so scaling as the business grows or as needs change is simple and does not require physical upgrades or complex installations.
- All-in-one communication: With phone, video, conferencing, and CRM integration capabilities, bOnline meets multiple business communication needs on a single platform, making management more straightforward.
- UK-based support: Their UK-based customer support team offers assistance tailored to the needs of local businesses, which is an advantage compared to providers with global support teams that may not fully understand UK market requirements.
Cons of choosing bOnline
- Limited features on the basic plan: While the Basic plan is affordable, it lacks some features that other providers may include in their entry-level packages, like call recording and virtual receptionist functions.
- Dependency on internet quality: As a VoIP-based system, bOnline relies on a stable internet connection to maintain high call quality. Businesses in areas with unreliable internet may experience disruptions in call quality or connectivity issues.
- Fewer advanced integrations: While bOnline provides basic CRM integrations, larger businesses with advanced software needs may find the integration options limited compared to more established enterprise VoIP providers.
bOnline reviews and ratings
bOnline has garnered feedback across several review platforms, reflecting its performance and customer satisfaction. Here’s a summary of their ratings and reviews:
Trustpilot
- Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- Total Reviews: Approximately 12,696
- Summary: bOnline holds an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot, with over 12,000 reviews. Customers frequently commend the company’s customer service, highlighting the professionalism and helpfulness of staff members. Many reviews mention efficient problem resolution and a smooth setup process. However, some users have reported issues with service reliability and billing, though these appear to be less common.
Google Reviews
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- Total Reviews: Approximately 1,200
- Summary: On Google Reviews, bOnline maintains a high rating, with customers praising the ease of use of their VoIP services and the clarity of call quality. The responsiveness of the support team is also frequently highlighted. A few reviews note occasional technical glitches, but overall, the feedback is positive.
Reviews.io
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Total Reviews: Around 800
- Summary: Users on Reviews.io express satisfaction with bOnline’s pricing and feature set, particularly appreciating the flexibility of their plans and the comprehensive nature of their VoIP solutions. Some customers have mentioned that the initial setup can be slightly complex, but the support team is noted for providing effective assistance.
Expert Reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5
- Summary: Expert Reviews highlights bOnline’s quick and easy setup process, dedicated mobile and desktop apps, and comprehensive yet easy-to-navigate dashboard. The review notes that while the system is feature-rich, setting up hardware VoIP desk phones requires a provisioning profile, which may limit flexibility for some users.
TechRadar
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- Summary: TechRadar’s review praises bOnline’s vast range of telephone features, including call routing, call forwarding, and call menus, which can be easily customised to suit business needs. The review also commends the company’s strong customer support, as evidenced by a Trustpilot score of 4.6/5. However, it notes that bOnline’s security features could be improved, as the system would benefit from second-factor authentication.
Overall, bOnline receives consistently high ratings across multiple platforms, with customers particularly valuing their customer service, ease of use, and comprehensive feature set.
While there are occasional mentions of technical issues and areas for improvement, the general consensus is that bOnline provides a reliable and effective VoIP solution for businesses.
Review – Who is bOnline best suited for?
bOnline’s phone systems are particularly well-suited to SMEs, especially those in the UK looking for a cost-effective yet comprehensive phone solution.
If your business requires a high degree of flexibility, remote work capabilities, and straightforward call management, bOnline could be an excellent fit.
The virtual receptionist, mobile apps, and collaboration tools make it ideal for teams that interact frequently with clients and colleagues across different locations.
However, for businesses with highly complex communication needs, large call centres, or those requiring multiple software integrations, it may be worth considering providers with more enterprise-level solutions.
Final verdict – bOnline review
In summary, bOnline delivers a reliable, budget-friendly VoIP solution that covers most essential business communication needs, with the added flexibility of cloud-based technology.
The pricing plans are structured to support SMEs as they grow, while the advanced features, like virtual receptionists and CRM integration, enhance customer interactions and team efficiency.
For UK-based businesses looking for an accessible and efficient phone system, bOnline is a strong contender.
While it may not have the breadth of integrations of some larger competitors, its focus on cost-effectiveness, essential features, and dedicated UK support makes it a worthwhile choice for SMEs ready to embrace a modern, VoIP-powered communication system.
FAQ – bOnline review
bOnline specialises in affordable VoIP phone systems designed for SMEs in the UK. Their services provide internet-based calling with HD quality, mobile and desktop app access, and features like call recording and virtual receptionists, making it a valuable choice for modern, flexible business communication.
bOnline’s pricing starts at £9.95 per user per month. They offer different plans that add features, with the Advanced plan at £19.95, which includes CRM integration and analytics. Custom solutions are also available for businesses with unique needs.
Yes, bOnline provides both mobile and desktop apps, allowing users to stay connected on the go. These apps enable users to make and receive calls, access voicemail, and manage call settings, giving teams flexibility whether they’re working remotely or in the office.
bOnline includes a virtual receptionist feature, which helps manage inbound calls and direct them to appropriate departments or team members. Businesses can also customise interactive voice response (IVR) settings to ensure calls are routed effectively, enhancing professionalism and efficiency.
As a VoIP system, bOnline requires a stable internet connection for optimal performance. Good bandwidth and internet stability are essential for maintaining HD call quality. Businesses with poor internet reliability may experience connectivity issues, so a strong connection is recommended for best results.
Yes, call recording is available on the Standard and Advanced plans. This feature enables businesses to keep records of important conversations, useful for training, quality control, or compliance. Recordings can be accessed through the platform, making it convenient for review and archiving.
bOnline offers CRM integration, particularly with its Advanced plan, allowing customer information and call history to be managed in one place. This integration simplifies customer service processes, enabling teams to track interactions and build better customer relationships through more informed conversations.
bOnline provides UK-based customer support, catering specifically to the needs of local businesses. They offer assistance for setup, troubleshooting, and account management, with a focus on ensuring customer satisfaction. Their support team is often praised for quick, effective problem resolution.
In addition to monthly fees, setup or installation fees may apply, depending on the chosen plan and customisation. Costs for IP desk phones and any additional features outside the plan may also incur a one-time charge, which is transparently communicated.
bOnline is ideal for UK-based SMEs looking for an affordable, feature-rich VoIP phone system. The service supports remote and hybrid teams and offers scalability for growing businesses. It’s a strong choice for companies prioritising flexibility, customer service, and cost-effective communication solutions.