When it comes to choosing a phone system for your business, GoTo Connect and Microsoft Teams are two of the most popular options available for UK companies. While both platforms offer robust communication and collaboration tools, each has unique strengths suited to different business needs. This comparison of GoTo Connect vs Microsoft Teams will cover features, costs, ease of use, integration options, and other essential aspects to help you make an informed choice.
GoTo Connect vs Microsoft Teams
| Category | GoTo Connect | Microsoft Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Unified communications platform focused on VoIP, video, and messaging | Collaboration tool with messaging, video, and file-sharing; can be used as a phone system with add-on |
| Primary Function | VoIP and call management | Collaboration and communication |
| VoIP and Call Management | Advanced features like call forwarding, IVR, call queues, ring groups | Basic PBX features available with Teams Phone add-on |
| Video Conferencing | HD video conferencing, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds | Video meetings up to 1,000 participants; webinars up to 20,000 |
| Team Messaging | Built-in messaging within the GoTo Connect app | Extensive chat, channels, and collaboration tools |
| File Sharing | Limited (not focused on document management) | Integrated with Microsoft 365 apps (OneDrive, SharePoint) for file sharing |
| Customisation | Visual editor for creating custom call flows | Customisable within Microsoft’s admin centre; more complex setup |
| Mobile and Desktop Apps | Available for both, with calling, messaging, and video support | Available for both, includes calling, messaging, video, and access to Microsoft 365 apps |
| Integration Options | CRM integrations (Salesforce, Zoho), Google Workspace | Extensive integrations within Microsoft 365 and third-party apps through the Microsoft App Store |
| Pricing | ||
| – Basic Plan | £16 per user/month – includes essential calling, messaging, and conferencing | Microsoft 365 Business Basic: £4.20 per user/month (Teams only, no phone) |
| – Standard Plan | £24 per user/month – adds advanced features (e.g., call recording) | Microsoft 365 Business Standard: £10.10 per user/month (Teams only, no phone) |
| – Premium Plan | £34 per user/month – includes international calling and priority support | Teams Phone Add-On: £9 per user/month (adds PBX capabilities to Teams) |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive, centralised dashboard, suitable for non-technical users | Familiar to Microsoft users, though Teams Phone has a steeper learning curve |
| Call Quality | Consistent, high-quality VoIP performance | Reliable, but depends on Microsoft 365 integration and connection quality |
| Security and Compliance | Data encryption, GDPR compliance, network monitoring | Enterprise-grade security, GDPR and HIPAA compliance, end-to-end encryption |
| Suitable Business Size | Small to medium-sized businesses requiring reliable VoIP and call management | Medium to large businesses, especially those already using Microsoft 365 |
| Strengths | VoIP functionality, ease of setup, flexible pricing | Collaboration features, security, Microsoft 365 integration |
| Limitations | Limited collaboration tools, fewer integrations compared to Microsoft Teams | Add-on required for phone capabilities, potentially complex for non-365 users |
| Best For | Businesses prioritising VoIP and straightforward call handling | Businesses needing a unified workspace with collaboration, security, and Microsoft integration |
Overview of GoTo Connect vs Microsoft Teams
GoTo Connect is designed specifically for unified communications as a service (UCaaS). It combines video conferencing, VoIP phone capabilities, and messaging in one streamlined platform. Known for its reliability and range of call management features, GoTo Connect is especially popular with small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable, all-in-one communication solution.
Microsoft Teams, part of the Microsoft 365 suite, is a robust collaboration tool that includes messaging, video conferencing, and file-sharing functionalities. While initially intended for team collaboration, Teams has expanded its capabilities to include business-grade calling through its add-on, Teams Phone, making it a viable choice for companies looking to integrate communications seamlessly with Microsoft’s suite of productivity tools.
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Key features – GoTo Connect vs Microsoft Teams
GoTo Connect features
- VoIP and Call Management: GoTo Connect offers advanced call handling features, including call forwarding, call queues, IVR (interactive voice response), and ring groups, allowing businesses to customise call flows to suit their operational needs.
- Video Conferencing: The platform provides HD video conferencing, screen sharing, and virtual backgrounds, making it suitable for remote meetings and collaboration with clients.
- Team Messaging: In addition to phone and video features, GoTo Connect includes a team messaging feature that enables users to communicate within the app without needing an external tool.
- Mobile and Desktop Apps: The GoTo mobile app supports calling, messaging, and video, which enables users to stay connected on the go.
- Customisable Plans: GoTo Connect’s pricing plans are based on the number of users, making it flexible and potentially cost-effective for smaller businesses or teams.
Microsoft Teams features
- Unified Communication and Collaboration: Teams excels at facilitating collaboration through channels, chats, and file-sharing, providing a centralised workspace for team projects.
- Teams Phone Add-On: The Teams Phone add-on transforms Teams into a comprehensive phone system, offering PBX capabilities like call forwarding, voicemail, and auto-attendants.
- Video Conferencing: Microsoft Teams is widely used for video meetings, supporting up to 1,000 participants in a meeting and 20,000 in a webinar, which is ideal for larger organisations.
- Integration with Microsoft 365: Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, SharePoint, and OneDrive, enabling document sharing and collaborative editing in real-time.
- Advanced Security: With Microsoft’s focus on enterprise-grade security, Teams includes features like end-to-end encryption, data loss prevention, and multi-factor authentication.
Cost comparison – GoTo Connect vs Microsoft Teams
GoTo Connect pricing
GoTo Connect’s pricing structure is based on a tiered model, with prices decreasing as the number of users increases. As of now, typical pricing is:
- Basic Plan: £16 per user per month – includes essential calling features, messaging, and conferencing.
- Standard Plan: £24 per user per month – adds more advanced features like call recording, multi-level auto-attendant, and integrations.
- Premium Plan: £34 per user per month – includes all advanced features, unlimited international calling in select countries, and priority support.
Microsoft Teams pricing
Microsoft Teams is included in Microsoft 365 business plans, with an additional cost for Teams Phone. The pricing is generally structured as follows:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: £4.20 per user per month – includes Teams without the Phone add-on.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: £10.10 per user per month – provides full access to Microsoft 365 but does not include Teams Phone.
- Teams Phone Add-On: £9 per user per month – adds PBX features, enabling Teams as a phone system.
This structure makes Microsoft Teams generally more cost-effective for companies already using Microsoft 365, though the full functionality of Teams as a phone system requires the add-on.
Ease of use
GoTo Connect is straightforward and user-friendly, with a focus on ease of setup and administration. Users can manage their business phone systems through a centralised, intuitive admin dashboard, which is accessible to non-technical staff. The platform offers a drag-and-drop visual editor for creating call flows, a feature that many users find practical for customising call routing.
Microsoft Teams is highly intuitive for those familiar with Microsoft products. However, managing Teams Phone requires familiarity with Microsoft’s admin centre, which might involve a steeper learning curve for users new to the Microsoft ecosystem. For companies already using Microsoft 365, though, Teams provides a natural extension that doesn’t require substantial training.
Integration options
GoTo Connect integrates well with various CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho), enabling businesses to streamline workflows. It also supports integration with Google Workspace, enabling Gmail and Google Calendar users to sync their communications seamlessly.
Microsoft Teams has extensive integration capabilities, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem. It connects seamlessly with Microsoft 365 applications and supports third-party app integration through the Microsoft App Store, allowing companies to embed commonly used apps within Teams’ interface.
Call quality and reliability
Both GoTo Connect and Microsoft Teams offer high-quality audio and video, though some users report that GoTo Connect provides more consistent VoIP performance. Microsoft Teams’ call quality is also reliable, but its performance can vary based on the integration of Microsoft 365 services, the internet connection, and the user’s location.
Security and compliance
GoTo Connect includes essential security features such as data encryption, GDPR compliance, and network monitoring, which are crucial for businesses handling sensitive data.
Microsoft Teams is a frontrunner in terms of security, providing enterprise-grade features like data encryption (in transit and at rest), compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and multi-factor authentication. Microsoft’s focus on compliance makes Teams an excellent choice for businesses in highly regulated industries.
Pros and cons summary
GoTo Connect
- Pros: Strong VoIP functionality, simple user interface, robust call management features, flexible pricing.
- Cons: Fewer collaboration tools than Teams, integration options more limited to specific apps.
Microsoft Teams
- Pros: Excellent collaboration features, strong security, extensive integration with Microsoft 365, cost-effective for existing Microsoft users.
- Cons: Teams Phone add-on can complicate setup, higher costs for users outside Microsoft 365.
Which should you choose?
GoTo Connect is ideal if your primary focus is on comprehensive VoIP and call management features in a user-friendly platform. Smaller companies or those prioritising straightforward call handling may find GoTo Connect’s pricing and simplicity appealing.
Microsoft Teams, on the other hand, is highly suitable for businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem or those needing a robust platform for collaboration and communication. For companies requiring an all-in-one platform with advanced security and compliance features, Teams (with the Phone add-on) can offer seamless integration across productivity tools and solid phone functionality.
Conclusion – GoTo Connect vs Microsoft Teams
Both GoTo Connect and Microsoft Teams present viable communication solutions for UK businesses, but they cater to slightly different needs.
GoTo Connect excels in its VoIP capabilities and user-friendly interface, making it a good fit for companies that need reliable call management without complex integrations.
Microsoft Teams offers a fully integrated experience within the Microsoft 365 environment, making it a compelling choice for businesses seeking a unified platform with collaboration and compliance capabilities.
Evaluating your business’s specific requirements—whether it’s advanced collaboration, cost-efficiency, or ease of use—will help guide your decision between these two powerful platforms.
FAQ – GoTo Connect vs Microsoft Teams comparison
GoTo Connect offers more advanced VoIP features, such as call forwarding, IVR, and call queues, designed specifically for efficient call management. Microsoft Teams provides basic PBX functions with its Teams Phone add-on, which may suit businesses that primarily need a collaboration tool with some calling capabilities.
Affordability depends on your needs. GoTo Connect’s pricing starts at £16 per user, covering VoIP and messaging. Microsoft Teams is less expensive if you only need chat and video, but adding Teams Phone incurs extra costs, making it costlier than GoTo Connect for phone-focused setups.
No, GoTo Connect does not directly integrate with Microsoft 365 but offers compatibility with Google Workspace and CRM platforms like Salesforce and Zoho. Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, making it ideal for organisations already using the suite’s applications like Outlook, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Yes, Microsoft Teams is excellent for video conferencing, supporting up to 1,000 meeting participants and 20,000 in webinars. It’s a suitable choice for larger organisations requiring scalable video meeting capabilities. GoTo Connect also offers HD video but with lower participant limits, making it ideal for smaller meetings.
GoTo Connect is simpler to set up with an intuitive, centralised dashboard that suits non-technical users. Microsoft Teams can be complex if incorporating the Teams Phone add-on, especially for those unfamiliar with the Microsoft admin centre. However, existing Microsoft 365 users may find Teams more intuitive.
Yes, both GoTo Connect and Microsoft Teams offer mobile and desktop apps. GoTo Connect’s mobile app supports calling, messaging, and video, making it suitable for remote workers. Microsoft Teams provides similar functionalities, plus seamless access to Microsoft 365, benefiting organisations using both office and mobile work environments.
While GoTo Connect includes team messaging, it lacks advanced collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams’ channels, file sharing, and document collaboration. Microsoft Teams is a robust platform for real-time collaboration, supporting tasks like co-authoring documents and integrating directly with Microsoft 365 applications.
Yes, both GoTo Connect and Microsoft Teams have strong security protocols. GoTo Connect offers encryption and GDPR compliance. Microsoft Teams provides enterprise-grade security, end-to-end encryption, data loss prevention, and multi-factor authentication, making it especially suitable for industries with strict data protection requirements.
GoTo Connect offers a drag-and-drop visual editor to easily customise call flows, making it user-friendly. Microsoft Teams allows customisation through its admin centre, but the process is more complex, and you may need technical expertise, especially when using the Teams Phone add-on for PBX functionalities.
For small businesses focused on cost-effective, straightforward VoIP, GoTo Connect may be the better choice. It’s simpler to set up and has flexible pricing. Microsoft Teams is ideal for small businesses already using Microsoft 365, as it consolidates communication and collaboration, though Teams Phone adds extra cost.