Choosing the right phone system is crucial for any business aiming to maintain smooth communication channels, whether for internal teams or customer service. RingCentral and GoTo Connect are two highly regarded options in the UK market, each offering unique features, pricing models, and support tailored to business needs. This comparison dives into the features, costs, pros and cons, and the suitability of RingCentral vs GoTo Connect for businesses.
Overview of RingCentral vs GoTo Connect
| Category | RingCentral | GoTo Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Calling | Unlimited calling in the UK, US, and Canada; various add-ons for global calls | Unlimited calling in the UK, US, and Canada; add-ons for international calls |
| Video Conferencing | HD video with up to 200 participants, screen sharing, and recording options | HD video with up to 250 participants, screen sharing, recording, and meeting transcripts |
| Messaging | Team messaging with file sharing, task management, and @mentions | Team messaging, file sharing, and integrated group chat |
| Integrations | Extensive integrations with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, Zendesk, and more | Integrations with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and Zoho, with fewer overall integration options |
| Mobile App | Available for iOS and Android, offering calling, messaging, and video | Available for iOS and Android, with similar calling, messaging, and video functions |
| IVR & Auto-Attendant | Multi-level IVR, customisable greetings, call routing options | Multi-level IVR, customisable greetings, call routing, and holiday settings |
| Analytics and Reporting | Detailed call analytics, advanced reporting with customisable options for call metrics and team performance | Basic analytics with insights on call volumes, response times, and user activity |
| CRM Integrations | Broad CRM integration, including Salesforce, HubSpot, and more | Select CRM integrations with Salesforce, Zoho, and a few others |
| Customisation | High level of customisation, ideal for businesses with complex needs | Moderate, straightforward options; suitable for businesses with simpler requirements |
| Security & Compliance | Data encryption, multi-factor authentication, GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2 compliance | Data encryption, GDPR compliance; fewer overall compliance certifications |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support available on higher-tier plans, live chat, email, phone, and online resources | 24/7 support available on select plans, live chat, phone, and online resources |
| Ease of Use | Rich feature set but may have a steeper learning curve for new users | User-friendly, intuitive interface suitable for teams with limited technical knowledge |
| Pricing (Monthly) | Basic: £7.99/user (Essentials) Mid-Tier: £15.99/user (Standard) Premium: £22.99/user Enterprise: Custom pricing | Basic: £18/user Standard: £22/user Premium: £30/user Enterprise: Custom pricing |
| Best for | Larger teams, enterprises, or businesses with complex requirements | Small to medium-sized enterprises seeking ease of use and essential features |
| Setup and Onboarding | Comprehensive setup with extensive resources; may require more time to fully implement | Fast setup with guided onboarding; ideal for quick deployment without IT support |
RingCentral is a cloud-based communications platform offering robust phone, video, and messaging solutions. Known for its scalability, it caters well to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. Its extensive integrations and customisation options make it a highly flexible choice.
GoTo Connect, a product by GoTo (formerly LogMeIn), also offers a comprehensive cloud-based communication solution. With its user-friendly interface, GoTo Connect is designed to be accessible even to businesses with limited technical resources, making it a popular VoIP system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular.
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Key features comparison
Both RingCentral and GoTo Connect provide robust communication tools, but each platform offers different strengths suited to various business needs.
Voice, video and messaging
Calling capabilities are strong with both providers, offering unlimited calling in the UK, US, and Canada. This core feature is available in all plans, making it convenient for businesses with customers or partners in these regions.
When it comes to video conferencing, RingCentral supports HD video calls with up to 200 participants, while GoTo Connect slightly extends this, accommodating up to 250 participants. Both platforms include essential features such as screen sharing and recording, though GoTo Connect also offers meeting transcripts, adding convenience for businesses that need detailed reviews of calls.
Messaging and team collaboration are well-supported by both platforms. They each provide integrated team messaging, file sharing, and organisational tools like task assignments and @mentions, allowing for effective team communication.
Integration
Integrations differ in scope, with RingCentral offering a broader selection. RingCentral integrates with popular tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Slack, HubSpot, and Zendesk, appealing to businesses that rely on these tools. GoTo Connect, while offering fewer integrations, supports key platforms like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Zoho, covering essential CRM and productivity needs for smaller businesses.
Mobile apps
Both platforms provide mobile apps for iOS and Android, supporting calling, messaging, and video conferencing for users on the go. This flexibility makes both platforms valuable for teams that work remotely or have mobile needs.
VR and auto-attendant
For IVR and auto-attendant features, both RingCentral and GoTo Connect offer multi-level IVR, customisable greetings, and call routing. These tools enable businesses to manage automated call flows based on caller needs or company structure. RingCentral offers additional customisation in call routing, making it advantageous for larger businesses with complex call handling requirements.
Analytics and reporting
In terms of analytics and reporting, RingCentral provides a more advanced and customisable approach. It includes detailed call analytics and reporting tools that allow businesses to assess call metrics and team performance. GoTo Connect offers basic analytics, covering call volumes, response times, and user activity. While adequate for smaller teams, businesses that require in-depth analytics may prefer RingCentral.
Customisation
Customisation is another point of distinction. RingCentral offers high customisation options, making it a good fit for businesses with complex requirements or growth plans. GoTo Connect’s customisation options are more streamlined, catering to businesses that prefer simplicity and ease of use without extensive setup.
Security
In security and compliance, both platforms are GDPR-compliant, with data encryption and multi-factor authentication for added protection. However, RingCentral holds additional certifications like HIPAA and SOC 2, which may be important for businesses in regulated industries such as healthcare.
Ease of use and setup
Although rich in features, RingCentral’s platform may require a learning curve for new users, particularly if you need advanced customisation. However, it provides a detailed knowledge base and support services that make it easier to get up to speed.
Known for its intuitive and user-friendly design, GoTo Connect is easy to set up and navigate. The platform’s straightforward layout is ideal for businesses with limited technical support, allowing them to maximise its functionality without extensive training.
Customer support
Both providers offer a range of support channels, including live chat, phone, and email, with 24/7 support options available on higher-tier plans. However, RingCentral offers more advanced support options for customisation and integration, which could be beneficial for businesses with complex requirements.
Pricing comparison – RingCentral vs GoTo Connect
| Plan Level | RingCentral (Monthly) | GoTo Connect (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic/Entry-Level | £7.99/user (Essentials) | £18/user (Basic) |
| Mid-Tier | £15.99/user (Standard) | £22/user (Standard) |
| Premium | £22.99/user (Premium) | £30/user (Premium) |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing, advanced features | Custom pricing, advanced features |
RingCentral’s pricing is generally more flexible, with lower-tier options that can suit budget-conscious businesses, especially those needing only essential features.
GoTo Connect’s pricing, while higher in the entry-level bracket, includes unlimited calling across multiple countries and offers more features in the base plan, which can be advantageous for UK businesses with international reach.
Pros and cons
RingCentral Pros:
- Flexible plans with advanced features suitable for larger teams
- Extensive integrations with major CRM and productivity tools
- Robust analytics and reporting options
RingCentral Cons:
- Higher learning curve for advanced functionalities
- Entry-level plans have limited features
GoTo Connect Pros:
- User-friendly and quick to set up
- Good value on entry-level plan for international calling
- Reliable customer support for SMEs
GoTo Connect Cons:
- Fewer customisation options and integrations
- Analytics and reporting are less advanced than RingCentral
RingCentral vs GoTo Connect – Which platform is right for your business?
For larger businesses or those needing extensive customisation and integration, RingCentral offers a powerful solution with a variety of features tailored to support growth and complex organisational structures. Its flexible plans, CRM integrations, and detailed analytics make it ideal for scaling up and enhancing productivity across departments.
For small to medium-sized enterprises with straightforward communication needs, GoTo Connect delivers excellent value, simplicity, and ease of use. Its robust base plan, combined with user-friendly tools, is a strong choice for companies prioritising functionality without the need for in-depth customisation.
Conclusion
When choosing between RingCentral vs GoTo Connect, consider the size and specific needs of your business.
RingCentral is well-suited for larger organisations needing a versatile, feature-rich platform, while GoTo Connect provides a more accessible, cost-effective solution ideal for SMEs.
Ultimately, both platforms offer high-quality communication solutions that can enhance productivity and improve customer interactions, making either a solid choice for UK businesses looking to upgrade their business phone systems.
FAQ
RingCentral generally has a lower entry-level price than GoTo Connect, which may suit budget-conscious small businesses. However, GoTo Connect’s base plan includes more features, such as broader calling options, which could be valuable for businesses with international reach.
Yes, both platforms offer HD video conferencing. RingCentral supports up to 200 participants, while GoTo Connect allows up to 250. Both provide screen sharing and recording options, but GoTo Connect also includes meeting transcripts for added convenience in reviewing discussions.
Both offer CRM integrations, though RingCentral has a broader selection. RingCentral integrates with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zendesk, among others, making it suitable for businesses using diverse tools. GoTo Connect offers Salesforce and Zoho integration, covering essential CRM needs for smaller businesses.
RingCentral and GoTo Connect both offer 24/7 support on higher-tier plans. Both also provide live chat, phone, and email support. However, RingCentral’s support is generally more comprehensive, including extensive resources for customisation and integrations, which may benefit larger businesses.
Yes, both have mobile apps for iOS and Android. These apps support calling, messaging, and video conferencing on the go, ensuring employees can stay connected from any location. The user-friendly designs cater to businesses with mobile or remote workforces.
GoTo Connect is widely praised for its intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it ideal for teams with minimal technical resources. RingCentral offers a rich feature set, but this can make it feel more complex for first-time users, especially with advanced customisation options.
Both platforms prioritise security with data encryption and GDPR compliance, suitable for UK businesses. RingCentral offers additional compliance certifications, such as HIPAA and SOC 2, which may appeal to industries requiring stricter data protection measures, such as healthcare or finance.
Yes, both have multi-level IVR and customisable call routing options. This allows businesses to set automated call flows based on department, time, or day. RingCentral provides additional customisation in routing and greetings, which could be useful for businesses with complex call flows.
RingCentral offers more advanced analytics and reporting, allowing customisation of call metrics and team performance insights. GoTo Connect provides basic call volume and activity reports, suitable for small to medium businesses that don’t require extensive analytics.
GoTo Connect is often the preferred choice for small businesses due to its simplicity, ease of setup, and inclusive base plan features. RingCentral offers more customisation and advanced options, which may be overkill for smaller teams unless they plan to scale up significantly.