Sipgate phone systems review – Prices, features and value explained

If you’re a UK business considering a new phone system, Sipgate may be a name on your radar. Known for its VoIP services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, Sipgate offers a range of features designed to support modern communication needs. This review will explore Sipgate key features, pricing structure, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against alternatives, helping you decide if it’s the right fit for your business.

Key features of Sipgate phone systems

Sipgate offers several phone system features aimed at enhancing communication flexibility and user control. Its cloud-based VoIP system allows employees to make and receive calls using an internet connection, which is cost-effective and suited to remote and hybrid work setups. Here are some of the standout features of Sipgate’s phone systems:

• Cloud-based calling: As a cloud-based VoIP service, Sipgate enables businesses to make and receive calls from anywhere, as long as there’s an internet connection. This is ideal for teams with remote or mobile employees.
• Local and international numbers: Sipgate offers UK and international phone numbers, allowing businesses to establish a local presence across multiple regions or countries. This can enhance your brand’s accessibility and credibility to local customers.
• Voicemail to email: Sipgate’s voicemail service sends recorded messages directly to your email, making it easy to access and manage voicemails, even if you’re out of the office.
• Flexible call routing: With Sipgate, you can set up call forwarding and routing rules to ensure calls reach the right person, minimising missed connections. Customisable call flows allow teams to set up options based on business hours or individual preferences.
• Integrations and API access: For businesses needing custom setups, Sipgate provides an open API, allowing integration with CRM systems and other software, enhancing workflow automation and data management.
• Advanced features for Sipgate Team: Businesses can opt for additional features such as call analytics, conference calling, team messaging, and internal collaboration tools through Sipgate’s premium ‘Team’ plan.

Sipgate phone system costs

Sipgate’s pricing structure is more straightforward than some competitors, with options designed for both small businesses and larger teams. Here’s a breakdown of the main plans available:

1. Sipgate Basic: This plan is ideal for individuals or freelancers. It’s a free option with pay-as-you-go rates for outbound calls and includes essentials like UK phone numbers, voicemail, and fax-to-email. There are no monthly fees, but businesses will pay for each call, making it suitable only for very light users.
2. Sipgate Team: Tailored for SMEs, the Team plan offers comprehensive business phone features at a starting price of £9.95 per user per month. This plan includes additional capabilities such as call conferencing, call recording, and API access, alongside the main functionalities like international numbers and flexible call routing. Outbound calls are charged on a pay-as-you-go basis, so larger businesses with high call volumes may need to budget accordingly.
3. Additional costs: Sipgate charges additional fees for specific premium features. For example, international numbers and advanced team features incur extra charges, so it’s worth calculating these when considering your monthly budget.

Sipgate’s pricing model is economical for small teams, but businesses with high outbound call volumes may find the pay-as-you-go rates for calls add up. However, it can be a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to streamline communication without significant overhead costs.

Pros and cons of Sipgate phone systems

Pros – What we like

• Scalable and flexible: Sipgate’s pay-as-you-go model and flexible plans make it easy to scale as your business grows.
• Remote-ready: Cloud-based calling allows employees to work from anywhere, making it ideal for hybrid and remote teams.
• Comprehensive team features: The Sipgate Team plan includes advanced options like conference calling and call recording, which benefit SMEs.
• Integration capabilities: Sipgate’s API access allows businesses to integrate with CRM systems and customise workflows.

Cons – Potential drawbacks

• Pay-as-you-go call charges: While the monthly fee is reasonable, the pay-as-you-go cost for outbound calls can add up for high-volume users.
• Limited customer support: Sipgate’s support options are limited compared to larger providers, with primarily online support and limited phone assistance.
• Fewer advanced features in Basic plan: While the Basic plan is free, it lacks many features that growing businesses might need, requiring an upgrade to Sipgate Team for a complete solution.

Sipgate reviews and ratings

Here’s a summary of Sipgate ratings across different review sites:

1. TrustPilot: Sipgate has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 on TrustPilot. Reviewers highlight the affordability and flexibility of its VoIP services, though some users have raised concerns about customer support responsiveness.
2. ITPro: In their review, ITPro rates Sipgate Team highly for its flexibility and cost-effective licensing, making it a suitable choice for small businesses looking for a budget-friendly VoIP solution. They mention a few limitations, such as the need for manual IP phone provisioning, but overall, they view Sipgate positively for small-scale setups.
3. Expert Reviews: Expert Reviews finds Sipgate to be straightforward and easy to use, especially for small businesses that need basic VoIP services without extensive contract obligations. They particularly appreciate Sipgate’s transparent pricing but note that some advanced features are available only in higher plans.

While TrustPilot provides a mixed but generally positive user review base, professional tech sites like ITPro and Expert Reviews commend Sipgate’s value and suitability for smaller businesses.

However, it’s advisable to factor in potential costs for high call volumes and advanced features, as Sipgate’s pricing can increase with additional usage.

How Sipgate compares to other providers

When comparing Sipgate to other popular UK VoIP providers, such as RingCentral or 8×8, several differences emerge.

Sipgate’s pricing structure is one of the simplest, but the pay-as-you-go call charges can make it less cost-effective for high call volumes.

Providers like RingCentral and 8×8 offer flat-rate packages with unlimited calling, which can work out cheaper for larger businesses.

However, Sipgate’s flexibility and feature set suit SMEs and those needing a scalable solution with open API access.

Businesses prioritising international calling or advanced analytics may find 8×8 more competitive, while RingCentral offers stronger customer support and extensive integration options, albeit at a higher monthly cost.

Review – Is Sipgate the right choice for your business?

Sipgate can be a practical choice for UK SMEs seeking an affordable and flexible VoIP phone system, especially those with moderate call volumes or who value integration capabilities.

The platform is particularly well-suited for remote and hybrid teams, with features designed to enhance accessibility and team collaboration.

However, for businesses with high call volumes or those needing comprehensive support, providers with unlimited call packages and 24/7 customer support may offer a better value.

Weighing up Sipgate’s low monthly fees against the potential call charges is essential to determine its cost-effectiveness for your unique business needs.

In summary, Sipgate offers a capable and flexible business phone system solution for smaller UK businesses and remote teams, making it worth considering for businesses looking to minimise overheads without compromising on essential features.

Comparisons

• Sipgate vs NFON
• Sipgate vs RingCentral
• Sipgate vs Skype
• Sipgate vs Voipfone
• Sipgate vs Vonage

FAQ – Sipgate review