Mitel vs 8×8 – Full comparison to help you decide

Choosing the right phone system is crucial for businesses that rely on efficient communication, whether internally or with clients. Mitel and 8×8 are two prominent providers of communication solutions, both offering a range of features that appeal to UK businesses of varying sizes and sectors. This guide provides a detailed comparison of Mitel vs 8×8, covering their features, pricing, pros and cons, and the scenarios in which each solution may be a better fit.

Mitel vs 8×8

Feature	Mitel	8×8
Deployment Options	Cloud, on-premises, hybrid	Cloud-only
Target Business Size	Mid to large businesses, enterprises	Small to mid-sized businesses
Call Management	Advanced call routing, ACD, IVR, call recording	IVR, call queuing, ring groups
Unified Communications	Voice, video, chat; integrates with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, MS Teams)	Voice, video, chat; integrates with productivity tools (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Teams)
Analytics & Reporting	Real-time analytics, call performance tracking, customer interaction insights	Real-time data, call handling metrics, sentiment analysis
Security & Compliance	End-to-end encryption, GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA compliance	Built-in encryption, GDPR, HIPAA compliance, two-factor authentication
Pricing	From £15–£20 per user/month for cloud; custom pricing for on-premises (higher upfront for on-site solutions)	From £12–£45 per user/month (subscription-based)
Setup & Installation	Installation required for on-premises or hybrid; cloud is remote setup	Fully cloud-based, remote setup
Hardware Requirements	Compatible with desk phones, conference phones, and other hardware	No hardware needed (software-based), supports headsets and other accessories
Scalability	Scales well for larger businesses with complex needs (especially with hybrid options)	Highly scalable, ideal for growing or remote teams
Customer Support	Dedicated support with options for priority service in higher packages	24/7 support included in plans
Integrations	CRM (Salesforce), Microsoft Teams, and industry-specific integrations	Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce)
Best for	Businesses needing advanced routing, hybrid setups, or on-site installations	Businesses seeking a cloud-based, flexible, and cost-effective solution

Overview of Mitel vs 8×8

Mitel has a long-standing reputation for traditional business phone systems and unified communications, particularly in on-premise systems. With an increasing focus on cloud-based solutions, Mitel now provides flexible options for businesses wanting cloud, hybrid, or on-site installations.

8×8 has established itself as a cloud-first communication provider with a strong emphasis on small to mid-sized businesses. Offering a fully cloud-based system, it’s a popular choice for businesses seeking an entirely digital solution that scales easily and integrates with other business software.

Features comparison – Mitel vs 8×8

Both Mitel and 8×8 offer comprehensive feature sets designed to streamline business communication. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each provider:

Call management and routing

• Mitel: Mitel offers advanced call handling and routing capabilities, including features like automatic call distribution (ACD), interactive voice response (IVR), and call recording. It’s particularly well-suited for businesses that need complex routing across multiple locations.
• 8×8: 8×8’s call management suite is also extensive, offering IVR, call queuing, and ring groups. The company’s focus on cloud technology makes it easy for businesses with remote or hybrid teams to set up seamless call routing.

Unified communications

• Mitel: Mitel’s unified communications suite includes voice, video, and chat within a single interface. It also supports integrations with popular CRM platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and others, enabling a centralised approach to customer interaction.
• 8×8: Known for its robust UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service) platform, 8×8 offers video conferencing, team messaging, and file sharing, all accessible within one interface. 8×8 integrates well with Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and other key productivity tools, making it a versatile choice for collaborative businesses.

Analytics and reporting

• Mitel: Mitel provides detailed reporting tools, allowing businesses to monitor call performance, track KPIs, and gain insights into customer interactions. Real-time analytics are a plus for call centres needing to optimise response times and efficiency.
• 8×8: 8×8’s analytics tools are highly visual and offer real-time data on call handling, team performance, and customer satisfaction. The system also supports sentiment analysis, which can help businesses better understand customer interactions and improve service quality.

Security and compliance

• Mitel: Mitel is well-equipped to support businesses with strict regulatory requirements. It provides end-to-end encryption and data protection features, with compliance for GDPR, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA, which may be beneficial for industries handling sensitive information.
• 8×8: 8×8 places a strong emphasis on security, offering built-in encryption, secure data centres, and compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and other global standards. 8×8 also offers two-factor authentication and enhanced fraud prevention, which is crucial for businesses focused on data security.

Pricing comparison – Mitel vs 8×8

The cost structures of Mitel and 8×8 differ, largely based on deployment preferences (cloud-based vs. on-premises or hybrid) and the range of features.

• Mitel: Pricing for Mitel can vary depending on the deployment model, with on-premise solutions often involving higher upfront costs. Cloud packages typically start around £15–£20 per user per month, depending on the selected features. However, installation fees, additional hardware, and licensing can increase the total cost for on-premises solutions.
• 8×8: 8×8 operates on a subscription basis, with packages starting from around £12 per user per month for basic features and scaling up to £45+ for enterprise-level plans with advanced analytics, unlimited calling, and contact centre features. This predictable pricing model is often more appealing to businesses looking for flexible, scalable solutions.

Pros and cons

Here are the pros and cons of each provider to help determine which solution might be better for your business needs.

Mitel

Pros:

• Flexible deployment options (cloud, on-premises, hybrid).
• Strong in advanced call handling and customer support features.
• Customisable solutions for industries with specific communication requirements.

Cons:

• Higher initial setup costs, especially for on-premises solutions.
• The user interface can feel outdated compared to modern cloud-based providers.
• Upgrades may be needed for full cloud functionality, potentially adding to costs.

8×8

Pros:

• Fully cloud-based, making it easy to set up and manage remotely.
• Predictable pricing, with lower initial costs for small businesses.
• Intuitive interface with built-in integrations for popular CRM and productivity tools.

Cons:

• Limited on-premises options, which might be restrictive for businesses preferring non-cloud solutions.
• Some advanced features only available in higher-priced plans.
• Requires strong internet connectivity for optimal performance.

Mitel vs 8×8 – Which solution is best for your business?

Choose Mitel if:

• You require flexible deployment, such as hybrid or on-premises options.
• Your business operates in a highly regulated industry with strict compliance requirements.
• Advanced call routing and handling are essential, particularly for multi-site or large-scale operations.

Choose 8×8 if:

• You’re seeking a fully cloud-based, scalable solution with remote access capabilities.
• You’re looking for an affordable, subscription-based model that suits small to mid-sized teams.
• Integration with tools like Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams is essential for team productivity.

Final thoughts

Mitel and 8×8 both offer compelling solutions for UK businesses, though they cater to slightly different needs.

Mitel’s flexibility in deployment makes it a strong option for established businesses with complex communication requirements, particularly in regulated industries.

On the other hand, 8×8’s cloud-based, cost-effective model is ideal for businesses prioritising ease of use, remote access, and integration with existing software.

Before making a decision, assess your business’s specific needs, including scalability, compliance, and integration requirements.

Whether you’re an SME or a larger corporation, either Mitel or 8×8 could be a good fit – the choice ultimately depends on which provider aligns best with your strategic goals and budget.

FAQ – Mitel vs 8×8 comparison