Mitel vs RingCentral – Full comparison to help you decide

Two prominent options in business phone systems the market, Mitel and RingCentral, offer robust systems with distinct features, pricing models, and benefits. This comprehensive comparison of Mitel vs RingCentral delves into the core elements, including features, costs, user experience, and other considerations, to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Mitel vs RingCentral

Feature	Mitel	RingCentral
Unified communications	Yes, includes voice, video, messaging, and contact centre solutions	Yes, includes voice, video, messaging, and team collaboration tools
Call handling and management	Advanced options like call forwarding, recording, and automatic call distribution	Call routing, analytics, voicemail-to-email transcription
Mobile app functionality	Full mobile app for handling calls and messages on-the-go	Mobile and desktop apps with seamless cross-device use
Video conferencing	Included in higher tiers with HD quality and screen sharing	HD video conferencing with screen sharing and virtual backgrounds
Integrations	Integrates with Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Google Workspace	Integrates with over 200 applications, including Microsoft 365, Slack, and Zendesk
Deployment options	Cloud, on-premises, or hybrid options available	Cloud-based only
Contact centre solutions	MiContact Centre offers omnichannel options (voice, chat, social media)	Limited; available as an add-on in higher-tier plans
Analytics and reporting	Basic analytics with options to upgrade	Detailed analytics with easy-to-read reports and performance monitoring
Pricing	Flexible, based on custom deployment; common pricing ranges are: – MiCloud Connect Essentials: £15-£20/user/month – MiCloud Connect Premier: £25-£35/user/month – MiCloud Connect Elite: £35-£45/user/month	Fixed pricing tiers: – Essentials: £15/user/month (up to 20 users) – Standard: £25/user/month – Premium: £30-£35/user/month – Ultimate: £40-£45/user/month
User experience	Intuitive interface but steeper learning curve for complex features	User-friendly, intuitive apps for easy navigation and quick setup
Customer support options	24/7 phone support, chat, dedicated portal (response times vary by plan)	24/7 live chat, phone, knowledge base, and community forums
Reliability	Reliable, suitable for hybrid environments	99.999% uptime SLA with proactive monitoring
Scalability	Highly customisable for businesses needing hybrid or on-premises solutions	Cloud-native with straightforward scalability for growing businesses
Best suited for	Businesses requiring hybrid or on-premises solutions, larger organisations with contact centre needs	Small to mid-sized businesses prioritising ease of use, scalability, and cloud-native features
Pros	– Hybrid options – Contact centre capabilities – Strong integration with existing infrastructure	– User-friendly – Extensive integration options – Simple pricing and scalability
Cons	– Fewer integrations than RingCentral – Learning curve for advanced features	– Limited hybrid options – May lack specific contact centre features for larger organisations

Key features comparison – Mitel vs RingCentral

Both Mitel and RingCentral provide cloud-based communication solutions with advanced features. However, each has unique strengths that may appeal to different business needs.

Mitel

Mitel, a longstanding player in business communications, is well-known for its Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solutions, offering a versatile range of features suitable for small and large businesses alike. Mitel’s key features include:

• Unified communications: Mitel offers voice, video, messaging, and contact centre solutions within a unified platform, which streamlines communication.
• Call handling and management: Advanced call forwarding, recording, and automatic call distribution allow businesses to manage customer interactions effectively.
• Mobile capabilities: Mitel’s mobile app enables users to handle calls and messages from anywhere, providing flexibility for remote teams.
• Integration options: Mitel integrates with a range of business applications such as Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and Google Workspace.
• Hybrid deployment: Mitel offers both cloud and on-premises solutions, which is ideal for businesses needing a hybrid setup.
• Contact centre solutions: Mitel’s MiContact Centre supports omnichannel capabilities, including voice, chat, and social media, providing a complete customer service solution.

RingCentral

RingCentral is a popular choice among businesses seeking cloud-based communication solutions due to its ease of use and feature-rich platform. Notable RingCentral features include:

• Team messaging and collaboration: RingCentral’s app integrates messaging, file sharing, and task management, supporting enhanced team collaboration.
• HD video conferencing: RingCentral provides HD video conferencing with screen sharing and virtual backgrounds, a valuable feature for distributed teams.
• Call management: Features like call routing, call analytics, and voicemail-to-email transcription help businesses streamline communication.
• Mobile and desktop app: RingCentral’s mobile and desktop apps provide an intuitive interface, allowing users to switch between devices seamlessly.
• Integrations: RingCentral integrates with over 200 applications, including popular tools like Microsoft 365, Slack, and Zendesk.
• Analytics and reporting: Detailed analytics help businesses monitor performance and gain insights into call handling and customer satisfaction.

Cost comparison – Mitel vs RingCentral

Pricing can be a significant deciding factor for many businesses. Here’s how Mitel and RingCentral differ in their pricing structures and what they offer at each tier.

Mitel pricing

Mitel’s pricing is typically more flexible and can vary based on deployment (cloud or hybrid) and the specific features your business requires. The standard plans include:

• MiCloud Connect Essentials: A basic plan suitable for small businesses, typically starting at £15-£20 per user per month.
• MiCloud Connect Premier: Includes advanced features like conferencing, collaboration, and CRM integrations, priced around £25-£35 per user per month.
• MiCloud Connect Elite: Designed for larger businesses, it offers contact centre functionality, more integrations, and enhanced support, usually around £35-£45 per user per month.

Businesses needing hybrid solutions or custom configurations may incur additional costs, but Mitel offers customisable plans for businesses with unique requirements.

RingCentral pricing

RingCentral’s pricing structure is straightforward and scalable, making it easier for businesses to predict monthly costs. The typical plans include:

• Essentials: A basic plan offering unlimited calls within the UK, voicemail-to-email, and basic call handling for around £15 per user per month (up to 20 users).
• Standard: Offers unlimited audio and video meetings, integrations, and reporting for approximately £25 per user per month.
• Premium: Includes advanced analytics, automatic call recording, and CRM integrations like Salesforce for roughly £30-£35 per user per month.
• Ultimate: The highest-tier plan, featuring device status reports, unlimited storage, and enhanced support for around £40-£45 per user per month.

For UK businesses, RingCentral’s pricing is generally fixed based on the number of users, which can be beneficial for growing organisations that need a predictable, scalable solution.

User experience

User experience is essential when selecting a phone system, as it impacts productivity and customer satisfaction. Here’s a look at how Mitel and RingCentral perform in this area.

Mitel UX

Mitel’s interface is intuitive, though it has a slightly steeper learning curve compared to RingCentral, especially in its more advanced features. Users who are familiar with on-premises systems may find Mitel’s hybrid capabilities appealing, as it offers flexibility in handling both cloud and traditional setups.

Mitel’s mobile app is also highly rated, providing users with a seamless experience whether they’re in the office or on the go. However, updates can occasionally require additional training, particularly when implementing complex integrations.

RingCentral UX

RingCentral is known for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible to businesses without extensive technical expertise. Its mobile and desktop apps are particularly intuitive, offering easy navigation for messaging, video, and call management.

RingCentral provides comprehensive support resources, including video tutorials and community forums, which can be especially helpful for small businesses and startups that may lack dedicated IT support.

Additionally, RingCentral’s analytics tools are simple yet powerful, allowing businesses to track metrics and identify trends in real-time.

Customer support and reliability

For UK businesses, reliable customer support and system uptime are critical factors when choosing a phone system.

Mitel

Mitel provides extensive support options, including 24/7 phone support, online chat, and a dedicated customer portal. Additionally, Mitel offers specialised support for its hybrid solutions, which can be beneficial for businesses managing both on-premises and cloud setups.

However, some users report that response times can vary depending on the plan level, so opting for higher-tier support may be worthwhile for larger enterprises.

RingCentral

RingCentral is highly rated for its reliable customer service, offering multiple support channels, including live chat, phone, and a vast online knowledge base. RingCentral guarantees a 99.999% uptime SLA, making it one of the most reliable options in the cloud communications market.

The platform’s proactive monitoring system also helps ensure smooth operation and quick resolution of any issues, which is essential for businesses that rely heavily on consistent communication.

Integration capabilities

Both Mitel and RingCentral offer robust integration capabilities, enabling businesses to connect their communication systems with other essential tools.

• Mitel integrates with popular CRM and productivity tools, such as Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and Google Workspace. However, its integration library is slightly limited compared to RingCentral.
• RingCentral stands out for its extensive integrations, with over 200 supported applications across CRM, project management, and analytics tools. This makes RingCentral a more versatile choice for businesses seeking a fully integrated communications ecosystem.

Scalability and flexibility

For businesses expecting growth, scalability is a vital consideration.

• Mitel is a solid choice for organisations that may need a hybrid approach or on-premises support. Its flexible deployment options make it suitable for enterprises that require custom solutions or have complex infrastructure needs.
• RingCentral excels in scalability due to its cloud-native approach. Its straightforward pricing model and extensive feature set make it an ideal choice for businesses that prioritise simplicity and ease of expansion.

Pros and cons

Mitel pros and cons

Pros:

• Hybrid deployment options for greater flexibility
• Strong support for contact centre solutions
• Excellent for businesses with existing on-premises infrastructure

Cons:

• Slightly steeper learning curve for advanced features
• Fewer integrations than RingCentral

RingCentral pros and cons

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with seamless app integration
• Extensive integration options
• Highly scalable with a predictable pricing model

Cons:

• Limited hybrid deployment options
• May lack advanced contact centre features needed by large organisations

Mitel vs RingCentral – which is best for your business?

When comparing Mitel vs RingCentral, the choice ultimately comes down to your business’s specific needs and priorities.

• Choose Mitel if you require a flexible, hybrid solution or have specific on-premises requirements. Mitel’s strength lies in its customisation options and robust contact centre solutions, making it ideal for larger enterprises or businesses with complex infrastructure.
• Choose RingCentral if you’re looking for a cloud-based solution that’s user-friendly, highly scalable, and offers a wealth of integration options. RingCentral’s extensive feature set, ease of use, and predictable pricing make it a top choice for small to mid-sized businesses prioritising flexibility and growth.

In conclusion, both Mitel and RingCentral are leading solutions with unique benefits. Mitel shines for businesses needing hybrid solutions, while RingCentral is an excellent choice for cloud-focused, scalable communication needs.

Evaluate your business’s structure, budget, and integration requirements to select the business phone system that aligns best with your communication strategy.

FAQ – Mitel vs RingCentral