Two popular options for business phone systems are Dialpad and Microsoft Teams. Both platforms offer robust features that cater to modern business communication, but each has unique strengths. In this comparison, we’ll delve into the features, costs, integrations, and pros and cons of Dialpad vs Microsoft Teams to help you decide which one is best for your business.
Dialpad vs Microsoft Teams
| Feature | Dialpad | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Cloud-based business phone system with strong AI features and mobility | Collaboration tool with optional phone system, heavily integrated with Microsoft 365 |
| Voice Calling | HD voice calls, call forwarding, call recording, and AI-powered call transcription | HD voice calling with call queuing, call transfer, voicemail, and full calling with Teams Phone |
| Video Calling | HD video calling included in all plans | HD video and screen sharing, particularly strong for virtual meetings |
| Messaging and Chat | SMS, MMS, and group messaging included but limited collaboration tools | Comprehensive messaging and chat features with one-on-one and group chats, threaded conversations |
| Collaboration Tools | Limited collaboration tools, mainly voice and messaging | Strong collaboration with document sharing, file storage, and integration with Microsoft Office |
| AI Features | Real-time call transcription, sentiment analysis, and call summaries | No native AI transcription, limited to basic call usage analytics |
| Integrations | Integrates with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) | Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Outlook, SharePoint, and supports third-party app integrations |
| Mobile and Remote Access | Strong mobile support, full feature access on iOS and Android apps | Robust mobile apps with chat, calling, and video features; full phone system requires Teams Phone |
| Admin and Analytics | Comprehensive call analytics and reporting | Basic call analytics; advanced analytics possible with Power BI (additional cost) |
| Security and Compliance | HIPAA compliance, TLS and SRTP encryption for secure communications | Advanced security within Microsoft 365, including multi-factor authentication and encryption |
| Pricing | – Standard: £12/user/month – Pro: £20/user/month – Enterprise: Custom pricing | – Business Basic: £4.50/user/month – Business Standard: £9.40/user/month – Teams Phone add-on: £9.90/user/month |
| Ideal For | Businesses focused on voice communication, mobility, and AI-driven call features | Businesses already using Microsoft 365, needing strong collaboration and integrated productivity |
| Pros | – Easy setup and intuitive – AI-driven call transcription – Flexible pricing – Strong mobile capabilities | – Comprehensive collaboration – Extensive Microsoft 365 integration – Suitable for large organisations |
| Cons | – Limited document collaboration – May need additional integrations for full productivity | – Teams Phone add-on adds to cost – Less focus on voice features compared to Dialpad |
Overview of Dialpad vs Microsoft Teams
Dialpad is a cloud-based communications platform designed for businesses looking for a comprehensive yet user-friendly business phone system. With AI-driven call features, voice and video calling, and a strong emphasis on mobility and flexibility, Dialpad is suited to small to medium-sized businesses and enterprises looking to streamline communication.
Microsoft Teams is a leading collaboration tool within Microsoft 365. Initially developed as a hub for messaging and collaboration, Teams has evolved into a full-fledged business phone system. With features like video calling, chat, file sharing, and integration with the full suite of Microsoft 365 applications, it’s popular among businesses already using Microsoft tools.
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Features comparison
1. Voice and video calling
- Dialpad: Offers high-quality voice calls with built-in HD audio and video calling capabilities. It supports call transfers, call forwarding, and holds. Dialpad is AI-powered, which means it can transcribe calls in real time, a feature that aids note-taking and follow-up. Additionally, Dialpad includes call recording and analytics.
- Microsoft Teams: While originally a collaboration tool, Teams has developed robust voice and video capabilities. The call quality is high, with HD audio and video available. It supports features like call queuing, call transfer, and voicemail. However, for a fully functional business phone system, users need Microsoft Teams Phone, an add-on that transforms Teams into a dedicated calling platform.
2. Messaging and chat
- Dialpad: Primarily a voice and video platform but includes SMS, MMS, and group messaging features. Dialpad’s messaging is useful for quick updates and file sharing but doesn’t have as many collaboration tools as Teams.
- Microsoft Teams: Teams excels at messaging, with a powerful chat interface allowing one-on-one and group messaging, threaded conversations, and the ability to tag individuals or entire teams. Chats are stored, making it easy to keep track of past conversations and shared files.
3. Integrations and compatibility
- Dialpad: Integrates with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zendesk. It also connects with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, allowing users to access email, contacts, and calendar events seamlessly. Additionally, Dialpad’s open API enables custom integrations.
- Microsoft Teams: Offers extensive integrations, especially with Microsoft 365 applications such as Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive. Teams also supports hundreds of third-party app integrations, making it a highly versatile choice for businesses using multiple tools.
4. AI and analytics
- Dialpad: Features AI-driven insights that offer real-time call transcriptions, sentiment analysis, and post-call summaries. This can be valuable for businesses looking to analyse customer interactions or improve service quality.
- Microsoft Teams: Does not include AI transcription natively but offers basic analytics on call duration and usage through Microsoft 365’s admin centre. Advanced analytics may require additional Microsoft Power BI integration.
5. Mobility and remote access
- Dialpad: Designed for mobile access, Dialpad offers apps for iOS and Android, ensuring seamless remote use. It allows users to access all features from mobile, including call analytics and transcription, which suits businesses with a remote or mobile workforce.
- Microsoft Teams: Has robust mobile apps that support calls, messaging, and video meetings. However, certain phone system features may require a Microsoft Teams Phone licence. Still, for businesses heavily reliant on Microsoft 365, Teams’ mobile access is straightforward and user-friendly.
Costs comparison – Dialpad vs Microsoft Teams
Dialpad pricing
Dialpad offers three pricing tiers:
- Standard: £12 per user per month – includes unlimited calling within the UK, SMS, call recording, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 integrations.
- Pro: £20 per user per month – includes CRM integrations, 24/7 support, and analytics.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing – adds advanced features like APIs and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for larger organisations.
Dialpad’s transparent pricing and no-contract plans are attractive for smaller businesses looking for flexibility.
Microsoft Teams pricing
To use Teams as a business phone system, you’ll need a Microsoft 365 subscription and Microsoft Teams Phone. Pricing is as follows:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: £4.50 per user per month – includes Teams but no phone features.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: £9.40 per user per month – includes Teams but no phone features.
- Microsoft Teams Phone: £9.90 per user per month – required add-on for full calling capabilities.
For full Teams functionality with calling, it generally costs around £20 per user per month when bundled with Microsoft 365 Business Standard, but larger organisations may see savings with Enterprise plans.
Pros and cons
Dialpad
Pros:
- Easy setup and intuitive interface
- Excellent call quality and transcription features
- Flexible pricing with no-contract options
- Strong focus on voice and mobility features
Cons:
- Limited collaboration features compared to Teams
- May require additional integrations for document sharing and advanced analytics
Microsoft Teams
Pros:
- Powerful collaboration tools and chat capabilities
- Extensive Microsoft 365 integration
- Suitable for larger organisations with heavy Microsoft usage
- Strong video and screen sharing capabilities
Cons:
- Requires Teams Phone for full business calling features, adding to the cost
- Can feel complex for businesses without Microsoft 365 reliance
- Limited AI and transcription features compared to Dialpad
Which platform is best for your business?
Choosing between Dialpad vs Microsoft Teams depends largely on your business’s communication needs and existing technology ecosystem.
- Choose Dialpad if you’re looking for a powerful, user-friendly phone system with AI features and flexibility in pricing. Dialpad is especially suited for small to medium-sized businesses prioritising call quality, mobile accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.
- Choose Microsoft Teams if your business already relies on Microsoft 365 and requires a robust collaboration tool with calling capabilities. Teams is ideal for larger organisations or businesses needing integrated productivity tools, messaging, and document sharing alongside their phone system.
Final verdict – Dialpad vs Microsoft Teams
Both Dialpad and Microsoft Teams offer excellent solutions with unique strengths.
Dialpad excels in call quality, AI-driven insights, and mobile functionality, making it a strong choice for businesses focused on voice communications.
Microsoft Teams stands out for its collaboration tools and seamless Microsoft 365 integration, ideal for organisations already within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Ultimately, the decision will depend on your business’s size, existing tools, and budget. By assessing your priorities and comparing these features, you can choose the system that best aligns with your business needs.
FAQ – Dialpad vs Microsoft Teams comparison
Dialpad is generally better for voice calls, with HD audio quality, call recording, and AI-driven call transcription features. Microsoft Teams offers quality voice calls, but fully enabling these features requires the Teams Phone add-on.
Yes, both offer HD video calling. Dialpad includes video as part of its business communication package, while Teams provides strong video conferencing and screen sharing, especially useful for virtual meetings within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
Microsoft Teams excels in collaboration, with features like chat, document sharing, and integration with Microsoft 365. Dialpad focuses more on voice communication, offering basic messaging but not as many collaboration tools as Teams.
Yes, both are mobile-friendly. Dialpad offers full mobile functionality, including call analytics, on iOS and Android. Teams’ mobile app also provides calling, chat, and video options, though Teams Phone may be required for full business phone functionality.
Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offering full compatibility with Outlook, SharePoint, and more. Dialpad also integrates with Microsoft 365 but is best suited for businesses focused on voice rather than comprehensive Microsoft tool integration.
Dialpad includes AI-driven features like call transcription, sentiment analysis, and post-call summaries. Microsoft Teams doesn’t offer these natively, though you can get advanced analytics with Power BI, a separate tool within Microsoft 365.
Dialpad’s pricing starts at £12 per user per month, while Microsoft Teams with phone features generally costs around £20 per user per month with Business Standard and Teams Phone. Dialpad is more cost-effective for voice-focused needs, while Teams adds value through Microsoft 365 integration.
Dialpad includes SMS and MMS messaging as part of its platform, making it easy to send texts directly. Microsoft Teams does not offer SMS messaging, as it primarily focuses on chat and collaboration features within its own ecosystem.
Both platforms provide strong security, but Microsoft Teams, as part of Microsoft 365, offers advanced security features like multi-factor authentication and encryption. Dialpad also offers secure communication with TLS and SRTP encryption, but Teams may be preferred by organisations requiring more advanced security.
Dialpad is typically more suitable for small businesses prioritising voice, ease of use, and mobile access. Microsoft Teams is a stronger choice if your small business already uses Microsoft 365, as it combines collaboration tools with calling (Teams Phone required) in one platform.