When choosing a reliable and feature-rich phone system, Skype and Sipgate are popular solutions, each with distinct advantages and features tailored to meet the needs of different types of businesses. This guide offers an in-depth comparison of Skype vs Sipgate, covering everything from features and pricing to call quality and ease of use, to help you make an informed decision.
Skype vs Sipgate
| Feature | Skype | Sipgate |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Voice and video calls, instant messaging, Microsoft integration | Comprehensive VoIP solution with advanced business phone features, customisable call management |
| Call Quality | Reliable on stable internet; may experience issues on high-definition video calls | High call quality tailored for business needs, reliable for multiple extensions and call handling |
| Voice Calls | Unlimited one-on-one and group calls on the Skype network; call credits needed for external calls | Unlimited internal calls; per-minute rates for calls to landlines and mobiles outside the network |
| Video Conferencing | Supports HD video calls for small and large groups | Limited video support; mainly focused on voice and business telephony features |
| Instant Messaging | Built-in messaging, file sharing, emojis | No dedicated messaging; primarily focused on voice communications |
| Call Management Features | Basic, with limited options like call hold and transfer | Advanced, including call forwarding, call queues, voicemail-to-email, IVR, and call analytics |
| Mobile App | iOS and Android | iOS and Android |
| CRM Integration | Limited, primarily integrates within Microsoft ecosystem | Broad CRM integration for popular platforms, supporting data-driven customer interactions |
| Analytics and Reporting | Basic reporting in Skype for Business | Detailed call analytics and reporting on usage, call metrics, and performance |
| Multi-device Compatibility | Primarily desktop, web, and mobile apps | Supports multiple devices, including desk phones, mobiles, and desktops |
| UK Customer Support | Global support; more extensive for Microsoft 365 business users | UK-based support with tailored business assistance |
| Integration with Microsoft 365 | Seamless, integrated within Microsoft 365 and Outlook | No direct Microsoft 365 integration; focus on CRM and third-party VoIP integrations |
| Call Recording | Not available in free plans; limited to Skype for Business | Available as an add-on for an additional fee |
| Free Plan Availability | Yes, offers basic voice and video calls, messaging, and file sharing | Yes, includes essential VoIP calling features and basic call management |
| Paid Plan Costs | Starts at £5.10 per user/month for local and some international calls | Starts at £9.95 per user/month; add-ons like call recording and IVR are charged separately |
| Additional Call Rates (UK) | Around 2.1p per minute for landlines and mobiles outside the Skype network | Starts at 1.19p per minute for UK numbers; additional charges apply for features |
| Ideal for | Small businesses needing basic voice and video calls, especially those within Microsoft 365 | Medium to large businesses needing a feature-rich, scalable, and customisable phone system |
| Pros | Affordable, easy integration with Microsoft, excellent for video calls | Advanced call features, flexible and scalable, strong CRM integration and reporting |
| Cons | Limited business features, lacks CRM integration, basic call management | Higher cost for feature-heavy packages, learning curve for setup, limited video conferencing |
Overview of Skype vs Sipgate
Skype is a widely recognised VoIP solution, part of Microsoft’s ecosystem, that provides an accessible and affordable option for businesses. It’s known for its video conferencing capabilities, messaging, and voice calls, making it an all-in-one platform suited to smaller businesses or teams needing remote communication support.
Sipgate, a German-based VoIP provider, has established a strong presence in the UK market. It offers a more customisable approach to telephony and is often used by businesses needing a professional phone system that supports multiple devices, extensions, and custom call flows. Sipgate’s services include cloud-based systems, making them suitable for companies looking to integrate more advanced phone features without the constraints of traditional setups.
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Key features comparison
Skype features
- Voice and video calls: Skype allows unlimited voice and video calls, either one-on-one or in groups, with options for screen sharing – ideal for virtual meetings.
- Instant messaging: A built-in messaging platform that supports text, file sharing, and emojis, creating a collaborative workspace for team discussions.
- Skype for Business integration: If businesses are using Microsoft 365, Skype integrates smoothly with Outlook and other Microsoft applications, allowing for seamless contact management and scheduling.
- Mobile app: Available on iOS and Android, the Skype mobile app ensures teams stay connected on the go.
- Global reach: Skype offers low-cost calling options for international numbers, which can be beneficial for businesses with clients or partners overseas.
Sipgate features
- Advanced call management: Sipgate offers robust call handling features like call forwarding, call transfer, voicemail-to-email, and IVR (Interactive Voice Response), which is beneficial for businesses requiring a more professional customer interaction setup.
- Multi-device compatibility: Users can connect multiple devices, including desk phones, mobile phones, and desktops, allowing for flexibility in receiving and making calls from any location.
- CRM integration: Sipgate integrates with various CRM systems, which allows for better customer data management and personalisation during calls.
- Analytics and reporting: Sipgate provides detailed reports on call durations, missed calls, and other key metrics, enabling businesses to monitor communication efficiency.
- UK-based support: Sipgate offers UK customer support, making it a suitable choice for businesses prioritising local assistance.
Pricing comparison – Skype vs Sipgate
Skype pricing
- Free plan: Includes basic one-on-one and group voice/video calls, instant messaging, and screen sharing. However, this plan does not offer advanced business features, such as call forwarding or IVR.
- Skype Credit: Users can purchase Skype Credit to make calls to mobile or landline numbers, with rates starting at around 2.1p per minute for UK numbers.
- Subscriptions: Monthly subscriptions are available starting from around £5.10 per user for the UK, which includes calls to landlines and mobiles within the country and certain international locations.
Overall, Skype offers a cost-effective solution, especially for smaller businesses with limited budgets or those already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Sipgate pricing
- Sipgate Basic: Free plan available for UK users that covers essential features, such as VoIP calling, mobile and desktop app access, and call forwarding.
- Sipgate Team: Aimed at businesses, Sipgate Team’s pricing starts at approximately £9.95 per user per month, offering more advanced features, including multiple extensions, call queues, and integration options.
- Additional costs: Sipgate allows add-ons like call recording and custom IVR, which are charged separately. Call rates to UK numbers start at around 1.19p per minute, with additional charges for premium features.
Sipgate’s flexibility allows businesses to pick and choose features according to their needs, but the modular pricing structure can lead to higher costs for those requiring a more feature-complete system.
Call quality and reliability
Skype is generally known for its reliable call quality on stable internet connections. However, it can be affected by network issues, leading to lag or call drops, particularly on high-definition video calls. For businesses already using Microsoft services, Skype’s integration within the Microsoft 365 environment enhances its reliability and performance.
Sipgate is praised for its solid call quality, thanks to its infrastructure tailored for business use. Since Sipgate operates through a cloud-based PBX, it is highly dependable for call routing and voice clarity. Sipgate’s call quality is often rated higher for professional environments, especially in handling multiple calls and extensions simultaneously.
User experience and ease of use
Skype’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to set up and use, with a simple layout for managing contacts, messages, and calls. The integration with Microsoft 365 means that existing Microsoft users can quickly adapt to Skype. However, it may lack the more advanced management tools found in dedicated business phone systems.
Sipgate provides a web-based dashboard that is intuitive but designed with business users in mind, offering more control over call routing, call history, and other features. The platform is accessible on multiple devices and allows users to customise features to suit their business requirements. The learning curve may be slightly higher, especially for those unfamiliar with VoIP systems, but the customisation options make it ideal for a professional setup.
Integration and compatibility
Skype’s integration is largely centred around Microsoft products, making it ideal for businesses using Microsoft 365, Outlook, or Teams. However, it lacks extensive CRM integration, which could limit its appeal for sales or customer service-focused teams.
Sipgate offers broader integration capabilities, supporting multiple CRM platforms and third-party applications. This level of integration is useful for businesses that rely on data-driven customer interactions and need to pull customer information automatically during calls.
Pros and cons
Skype
Pros:
- Low-cost or free options for basic calling
- Excellent for video calls and instant messaging
- Strong integration with Microsoft products
Cons:
- Limited business features compared to dedicated VoIP solutions
- Lower reliability for high-quality audio in large group calls
- Minimal CRM or third-party app integration
Sipgate
Pros:
- Comprehensive business phone features
- Flexible add-ons and customisation
- Robust CRM integration options
Cons:
- Higher cost, especially with add-on features
- Initial setup and learning curve may be challenging
- Limited video conferencing options
Skype vs Sipgate – Which is best for your business?
The right choice between Skype vs Sipgate depends on your business’s specific needs:
- Skype is a solid choice for small teams or businesses already within the Microsoft ecosystem. It is affordable and easy to use, particularly if video calls and basic voice communication are your primary needs. However, Skype may not be the best fit if you require advanced call management features or CRM integration.
- Sipgate is better suited for businesses needing a more comprehensive phone system with robust call management and customisation capabilities. Its modular pricing and UK-based support make it particularly appealing for businesses looking for a solution that scales with their growth.
Conclusion
For businesses that prioritise a straightforward, cost-effective solution with video calling capabilities, Skype could be the right fit.
Meanwhile, businesses needing advanced phone features, better integration options, and reliable support should consider Sipgate.
Each platform has its unique strengths, so evaluating your company’s specific needs will help determine which solution aligns best with your objectives.
FAQ – Skype vs Sipgate comparison
Skype is better suited for video calls, as it offers HD video conferencing for both one-on-one and group meetings. Sipgate, on the other hand, is focused mainly on voice services, making it less ideal for businesses prioritising video communication.
Skype generally has lower costs, especially for businesses needing basic voice and video features. Sipgate offers more advanced features, but its modular pricing can add up, making it potentially more expensive for those requiring add-ons or advanced call management tools.
Sipgate offers more extensive CRM integration options, supporting various platforms to enhance customer interactions. Skype’s integration is largely focused within the Microsoft ecosystem, making it less flexible for businesses that rely on other CRM tools outside Microsoft products.
Sipgate is generally rated higher for business-level call quality, with reliable infrastructure for handling multiple lines and extensions. Skype offers good quality for smaller groups and internal calls but may struggle with larger groups or high-definition audio, especially on weaker networks.
Yes, both systems support multi-device use, but Sipgate is more flexible, allowing multiple devices like desk phones, mobiles, and desktops. Skype primarily functions through mobile, desktop, and web apps, which can limit its multi-device functionality for complex setups.
Sipgate provides UK-based customer support, which is often more accessible for local businesses. Skype’s support is global and prioritised for Microsoft 365 users, making it potentially less responsive for smaller business issues or non-Microsoft users.
Call recording is available as an add-on feature with Sipgate, charged separately. Skype does not offer call recording in free plans, and this feature is generally limited to Skype for Business, making it less accessible for standard users.
Skype is often easier to set up, particularly for businesses already using Microsoft products. Sipgate’s advanced customisation options can create a learning curve, but the flexibility may be worth it for businesses needing a tailored phone system.
Sipgate provides detailed analytics, including call metrics, durations, and missed calls, allowing businesses to monitor performance. Skype’s reporting features are more basic and are primarily available in Skype for Business, which may not fully meet the needs of data-focused teams.
Skype is optimised for seamless integration with Microsoft 365, making it an excellent choice for businesses heavily invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. Sipgate does not directly integrate with Microsoft 365, focusing instead on CRM and other third-party integrations.