Choosing the right phone system for your business is a critical decision, especially with the wide range of options available. Two prominent contenders in the UK market are Microsoft Teams and 8×8, both offering robust communication solutions tailored to meet business needs. This comparison will delve into the key features, pricing, and additional considerations for Microsoft Teams vs 8×8, to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your organisation.
Microsoft Teams vs 8×8
| Feature | Microsoft Teams | 8×8 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Collaboration + VoIP (integrated with Office 365) | VoIP + Omnichannel Communication |
| Ideal For | Businesses using Office 365 seeking unified communications | Businesses of all sizes needing global VoIP and customer engagement |
| Core Features | Video calls, messaging, VoIP, Office 365 integration | VoIP, video, omnichannel contact centre, analytics |
| Cloud PBX Features | Yes (call transfer, voicemail, call queues) | Yes (comprehensive call management) |
| Contact Centre | Limited, through Microsoft add-ons | Full omnichannel contact centre solution |
| Analytics | Basic call analytics included | Advanced analytics and call monitoring |
| Integrations | Office 365, limited third-party | Google Workspace, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, other CRMs |
| AI Features | Basic automation | AI-powered analytics, speech insights |
| Security & Compliance | Enterprise-grade security, GDPR compliant, data loss prevention | Enterprise-grade security, GDPR compliant, additional compliance tools |
| International Calling | Available with add-on calling plans | Included in higher-tier plans (X2 and X4) with unlimited calling to up to 47 countries |
| Pricing Structure | Requires Microsoft 365 subscription + Teams Phone add-ons | Simple tiered pricing with all features in each plan |
| Starting Price (UK) | £4.20/user/month (Microsoft 365) + £6/user/month (Teams Phone) | £20/user/month (X2 Plan) |
| Top Tier Price (UK) | £10.10/user/month (Microsoft 365 Standard) + £16.60/user/month (Calling Plan) | £32/user/month (X4 Plan) |
| Set-Up Complexity | Complex for non-Microsoft users | Simple and user-friendly setup |
| Customer Support | Microsoft standard support, dedicated account managers for larger plans | Responsive, multi-tiered support options, online resources |
| Pros | Strong Office 365 integration, secure, customisable | Transparent pricing, robust contact centre, easy to use, strong analytics |
| Cons | Requires Office 365, costly add-ons | Fewer collaboration tools, some international features only in higher tiers |
| Best For | Large organisations, Office 365 users | Small to large businesses, especially customer-centric organisations |
Key features – Microsoft Teams vs 8×8
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has evolved from a collaboration tool into a comprehensive business communication platform, thanks to Microsoft’s integration of Teams Calling with its Office suite. Key features include:
- Unified Communication: With video conferencing, messaging, and VoIP calling all within one platform, Microsoft Teams allows seamless communication across teams.
- Office 365 Integration: Teams is deeply integrated with Microsoft’s productivity suite, making it ideal for businesses already invested in Office 365.
- Customisation and Extensions: Through the Teams App Store, businesses can add integrations like project management tools, CRM software, and custom applications.
- Cloud PBX: Microsoft Teams provides cloud-based PBX capabilities, enabling traditional telephony features like call transfer, voicemail, and call queues.
- Call Analytics and Insights: Built-in analytics and reporting features allow you to track call data, quality, and performance metrics.
8×8
8×8 offers a highly scalable, feature-rich VoIP system aimed at businesses of all sizes. It focuses on providing a complete unified communication experience with a particular strength in customer engagement. Key features include:
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- Omnichannel Contact Centre: 8×8’s contact centre integrates phone, SMS, chat, and social media to provide a seamless customer experience.
- Advanced Analytics: 8×8 offers a detailed analytics dashboard, allowing businesses to track employee performance, call metrics, and customer engagement.
- Global Calling and Video Conferencing: 8×8 supports international calling in over 47 countries and includes HD video conferencing features.
- Integration with Business Apps: 8×8 integrates with widely-used applications such as Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Dynamics, which enhances productivity.
- AI-Powered Features: Tools like speech analytics and AI-guided customer insights help businesses optimise communication strategies.
Comparing costs – Microsoft Teams vs 8×8
Microsoft Teams pricing
Teams pricing varies based on Office 365 plans, and for calling features, businesses need to add the Teams Phone licence. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic (£4.20 per user/month) includes Microsoft Teams but no desktop versions of apps.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard (£10.10 per user/month) offers additional Office applications.
- Teams Phone Standard (£6 per user/month) adds essential PBX and VoIP capabilities.
- Additional Calling Plans: Ranges from £8.10 to £16.60 per user/month based on call volume, international call needs, and so on.
If your business already subscribes to Microsoft 365, adding Teams as a phone system may provide significant savings.
8×8 pricing
8×8 provides a straightforward, tiered pricing structure that includes unlimited calling, video conferencing, and more advanced communication features:
- X2 Plan (£20 per user/month): Includes unlimited calling within the UK and 13 additional countries, as well as team messaging and HD video.
- X4 Plan (£32 per user/month): Adds more extensive reporting tools, call quality monitoring, and unlimited calling to 47 countries.
- Contact Centre Plans: Pricing varies based on the features selected, with an emphasis on advanced customer engagement tools.
8×8’s pricing is highly transparent and includes essential features in each package, making it easy to predict ongoing costs.
Pros and cons
Microsoft Teams
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Office 365 for document collaboration, scheduling, and emails.
- Ideal for businesses already using Microsoft’s ecosystem.
- Flexible, with a variety of add-ons and customisation options.
- Secure and reliable, with enterprise-grade security measures.
Cons:
- Teams Phone and Calling Plans may add substantial costs to Office 365 subscriptions.
- Limited third-party app integration compared to standalone VoIP platforms.
- More complex setup and administration for businesses not familiar with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
8×8
Pros:
- Feature-rich, with advanced VoIP and contact centre options at competitive prices.
- Broad integrations with popular CRMs and productivity tools.
- Transparent, predictable pricing plans with no hidden fees.
- Strong customer service and support resources.
Cons:
- Lacks the extensive document and email integration seen in Office 365.
- International calling coverage is better in higher-tier plans.
- May offer more features than necessary for smaller businesses with simpler communication needs.
Security and compliance
Both Microsoft Teams and 8×8 prioritise security, with enterprise-grade encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and compliance with industry standards like GDPR.
Microsoft’s cloud services are especially strong on security and compliance, with extensive certifications and data loss prevention tools.
8×8 also has rigorous security measures and offers tools such as speech analytics to monitor quality compliance, which may be advantageous for customer-centric businesses.
User experience and ease of use
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams can have a steep learning curve, especially for businesses not familiar with Microsoft’s interface and admin controls.
However, for organisations already using Office 365, it can streamline workflows significantly by consolidating document sharing, communication, and scheduling in one place.
Teams can be adapted for small businesses, though it truly shines in larger organisations with complex collaboration needs.
8×8
8×8’s interface is designed with simplicity in mind, making it an accessible option for all types of businesses. It doesn’t require much technical knowledge for setup, and support resources are extensive.
Its clean, intuitive dashboard and reporting features make it easy to track call metrics and manage settings, even for smaller teams or those with limited IT resources.
Support and customer service
Microsoft Teams users have access to Microsoft’s general support, which is highly rated but may require navigating multiple channels to address specific issues with Teams Calling. For larger businesses, Microsoft offers advanced support options, including dedicated account managers.
8×8 is known for responsive customer service, offering multiple tiers of support depending on the business plan. 8×8 also provides a range of online resources, including video tutorials, setup guides, and a support centre, making it easy to find solutions quickly.
Final verdict – Microsoft Teams vs 8×8
Choosing between Microsoft Teams vs 8×8 depends heavily on your business’s existing software ecosystem and specific communication needs:
- Choose Microsoft Teams if your business already relies on Office 365, needs extensive collaboration features, and can justify the cost of additional calling licences. Microsoft Teams is an ideal solution for larger organisations that need an integrated approach to productivity and communication.
- Choose 8×8 if you require a powerful, straightforward VoIP solution with robust contact centre features and global reach. 8×8’s predictable pricing and integration capabilities make it suitable for businesses prioritising customer engagement and ease of use, regardless of their current software stack.
Both Microsoft Teams and 8×8 offer excellent communication solutions, and each has strengths tailored to different types of business needs. Carefully consider your business’s size, collaboration needs, and existing tools to make an informed choice.
FAQ – Microsoft Teams vs 8×8 comparison
8×8 is better suited for customer service with its omnichannel contact centre, which integrates phone, SMS, chat, and social media. Microsoft Teams lacks a dedicated contact centre, so 8×8 is ideal for businesses with customer-facing needs.
Microsoft Teams integrates seamlessly with Office 365, making it a top choice for businesses already using Microsoft tools. While 8×8 also offers integration with popular platforms like Salesforce and Google Workspace, Teams has deeper integration with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
8×8 provides advanced call analytics, with insights into employee performance, customer engagement, and call quality. Microsoft Teams offers basic analytics, but for detailed performance monitoring, 8×8’s capabilities are stronger, especially for customer support-focused businesses.
8×8 offers unlimited international calling in over 47 countries, included in higher-tier plans. Microsoft Teams’ international calling options require additional calling plans, which can increase costs significantly. For frequent international calls, 8×8 is typically the more affordable option.
8×8 has straightforward, tiered pricing that includes all essential features in each plan. Microsoft Teams’ costs can be less transparent, with additional costs for Teams Phone licences and Calling Plans. For predictability, 8×8 offers clearer pricing.
Yes, 8×8 is designed for easy setup and intuitive use. Microsoft Teams has a more complex setup, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Office 365. 8×8’s interface is user-friendly, while Teams may require IT support, particularly for advanced PBX features.
Microsoft Teams is ideal for large teams already using Office 365, offering unified communication and document collaboration. 8×8 suits large and small teams alike but doesn’t provide the same document-sharing capabilities as Teams. Microsoft Teams may be better for collaboration-focused teams.
Both Microsoft Teams and 8×8 offer enterprise-grade security, including GDPR compliance and data encryption. Microsoft’s security framework is extensive due to its cloud services, but 8×8 also prioritises compliance and offers additional analytics for quality and compliance monitoring.
Not entirely—Microsoft Teams lacks dedicated customer engagement tools like 8×8’s contact centre, which integrates multiple communication channels. While Teams supports internal communication and some calling features, 8×8’s omnichannel approach is better for customer-facing businesses.
8×8 offers multi-tiered support and extensive resources, including video tutorials and setup guides. Microsoft Teams support varies by plan, with more options for large enterprises. For general support and guidance, 8×8’s accessible support system often makes it easier to get help quickly.