Selecting the right phone system is crucial for UK businesses aiming to improve communication, customer service, and operational efficiency. Both Skype and Vonage offer a range of solutions for business communication, yet they cater to different needs and use cases. Here we provide a full comparison of Skype vs Vonage, focusing on features, costs, and other key factors to help you decide which platform best suits your business.
Skype vs Vonage
| Category | Skype | Vonage |
|---|---|---|
| Target audience | Small businesses, startups, or teams needing basic VoIP and video calling | Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) requiring advanced call management and integration options |
| Voice calling | Basic VoIP calling, free Skype-to-Skype calls, pay-as-you-go or subscription for landline/mobile calling | HD voice calling, unlimited calling (depending on plan), advanced call routing and forwarding |
| Video calling | Native video calling included, useful for small team meetings | Video available through third-party integrations (not natively supported within Vonage) |
| Messaging | Instant messaging with file and screen sharing options | SMS and MMS messaging, integrates with CRM tools like Salesforce and HubSpot |
| Call management | Basic call forwarding and voicemail | Advanced call management (e.g., call forwarding, call queues, call recording, IVR, and ACD) |
| CRM integration | Integrates with Microsoft Office 365 and Teams | Integrates with multiple CRMs, including Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, and Microsoft Dynamics |
| Mobile app | Available, allows access to calls, messages, and video chats | Robust mobile app with full access to business features, suitable for remote and hybrid workforces |
| Team collaboration | Basic collaboration tools like screen sharing and file transfer | Supports collaboration via integrations with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams |
| Customer support | Limited customer support for free users; additional support with Microsoft 365 subscriptions | 24/7 customer support available on higher-tier plans, as well as customer success and onboarding services |
| Scalability | Limited scalability, suited for small teams | Highly scalable with options for growing businesses and large teams |
| Advanced features | Limited, mainly basic VoIP and messaging | Comprehensive features including IVR, call analytics, contact centre capabilities, and multi-level call handling |
| Pricing (approximate) | – Skype-to-Skype calls: Free – Pay-as-you-go: Based on usage – Subscription: From £2.40 per month for specific regions | – Essentials: From £9/user/month – Advanced: From £14/user/month – Premium: From £20/user/month |
| Contract options | No contract required, with flexible pay-as-you-go or subscription options | Monthly or annual contracts, with discounts on annual plans |
| Security and compliance | Basic encryption for calls, integrates with Microsoft security features | GDPR-compliant, advanced security protocols and encryption, designed for business compliance requirements |
| Customisation options | Limited customisation within the app | Customisable features and workflows, including call routing, IVR setup, and CRM integration settings |
| File sharing | Allows file sharing within chats, good for basic document collaboration | No built-in file sharing; relies on integration with other tools |
| Reporting and analytics | Basic call logs only | Detailed reporting and call analytics available on higher-tier plans |
| International calling | Affordable rates for international calls, with subscription options for unlimited international calling in selected regions | Supports international calling, with rates varying by plan and destination |
| Pros | Affordable, user-friendly, integrates well with Microsoft Office, ideal for basic needs | Robust features, extensive integration options, scalable, strong customer support and call management features |
| Cons | Limited features for advanced business use, no dedicated business support for free version, lacks advanced call management | Higher price point, may require additional software for internal messaging and collaboration |
| Best for | Startups and small businesses requiring essential VoIP functions and integration with Microsoft products | Growing SMEs with complex call management needs, customer-facing teams, and integration requirements |
Overview of Skype vs Vonage
Skype, a Microsoft product, is widely known for its VoIP calling, video conferencing, and instant messaging capabilities. While traditionally popular for personal use, Skype for Business has served smaller business needs. However, with Microsoft Teams now leading Microsoft’s enterprise-grade communications, Skype’s features remain appealing for small businesses and startups seeking basic VoIP functionality without extensive customisation needs.
Vonage has developed into a comprehensive communications solution, particularly suited for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Known for its scalability and robust range of business features, Vonage offers VoIP, messaging, video conferencing, and contact centre solutions tailored for business needs. With its flexible pricing options, Vonage caters to companies that require advanced communication features and a unified communications system that can scale with business growth.
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Features comparison
1. Voice and video calling
- Skype: Skype provides basic VoIP calling, both audio and video, ideal for small businesses. It includes free Skype-to-Skype calls and low-cost rates for calls to landlines and mobiles. However, Skype does not offer enterprise-level PBX features, which could be a limitation for larger businesses or those needing advanced call management.
- Vonage: Vonage offers HD voice calling with a range of call management features, including call forwarding, call queues, and call routing. Video calling is available through integration with other platforms, and while it doesn’t support video natively like Skype, Vonage’s advanced call routing and contact centre solutions are beneficial for businesses handling high call volumes.
2. Messaging and collaboration
- Skype: Skype includes instant messaging with features such as emojis, file sharing, and screen sharing. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, making it a valuable tool for businesses already using Microsoft Office or Teams for collaboration.
- Vonage: Vonage’s messaging capabilities include SMS and MMS for direct communication with customers. It can integrate with popular CRM platforms, like Salesforce and HubSpot, enabling seamless communication and enhanced customer experience. For internal messaging, businesses would need to pair Vonage with other tools.
3. Integration and compatibility
- Skype: Skype integrates smoothly with the Microsoft ecosystem, including Outlook, Office, and Teams. For businesses already within the Microsoft environment, Skype offers straightforward compatibility and allows for streamlined workflows.
- Vonage: Vonage excels in integration capabilities, providing compatibility with over 20 CRM and business applications, including Slack, G Suite, and Microsoft Dynamics. For businesses seeking a unified communication solution that connects directly with existing CRM or productivity tools, Vonage is well-suited.
4. Mobile and remote accessibility
- Skype: Skype has a mobile app that allows users to access calls, messages, and video chats remotely, a suitable solution for businesses with remote teams needing basic communication. The app works well on most devices but lacks some of the advanced features of mobile-centric solutions.
- Vonage: Vonage offers a mobile app designed for business use, with access to all primary features, including call management and messaging. This makes it a strong option for businesses that operate on a remote or hybrid work model, as employees can stay connected from any location.
5. Advanced business features
- Skype: Skype provides essential features, such as call forwarding and voicemail, but lacks the more advanced options needed by larger organisations, such as automated call distribution (ACD) or interactive voice response (IVR). Businesses with minimal call routing needs may find Skype sufficient.
- Vonage: Vonage provides a suite of advanced features, including ACD, IVR, call analytics, and even contact centre solutions. This makes it more suitable for businesses requiring extensive call management features to support customer service or sales teams.
Cost comparison – Skype vs Vonage
Skype pricing
Skype is generally more affordable, particularly for businesses needing basic communication tools. Key costs include:
- Skype-to-Skype calls: Free
- Skype Credit: Pay-as-you-go for calls to landlines and mobiles
- Subscriptions: Monthly plans for international calling, starting around £2.40 per month for unlimited calling to specific regions
These low costs are ideal for small businesses or those with basic calling needs, but Skype’s limited feature set may require investment in additional tools for more complex business needs.
Vonage pricing
Vonage’s business plans vary based on the features and number of users, offering scalability for growing businesses:
- Essentials Plan: Starting at around £9 per user/month, this includes unlimited calling, SMS, and basic integrations.
- Advanced Plan: From £14 per user/month, adding call recording, CRM integrations, and other advanced features.
- Premium Plan: Around £20 per user/month, with full access to advanced features like video conferencing, call analytics, and contact centre tools.
Vonage’s pricing is structured to accommodate businesses with different communication needs, making it a viable choice for small to medium enterprises looking for scalability.
Pros and cons
| Feature | Skype | Vonage |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Free Skype-to-Skype calls, easy integration with Microsoft products, affordable rates | Scalable plans, advanced call management, strong CRM integration options, robust mobile app |
| Cons | Lacks advanced call management features, limited to basic VoIP functionality | Higher costs than Skype, requires CRM or other software for full messaging capabilities |
| Best for | Small teams needing basic VoIP and video capabilities | SMEs requiring advanced call management, CRM integration, and scalability |
Which is best for your business?
- Choose Skype if: Your business is small, needs only basic calling and video conferencing, and is already using Microsoft products. Skype is an affordable, simple solution suitable for startups or teams with minimal customer-facing communication.
- Choose Vonage if: You are a growing SME or larger business with complex call handling needs. Vonage’s advanced features, such as ACD and IVR, make it a more powerful choice for businesses that require robust customer communication tools. Vonage is also an excellent choice if CRM integration is a priority.
Conclusion – Skype vs Vonage
When choosing between Skype vs Vonage, consider the complexity of your business’s communication needs, the importance of integrations, and your budget.
Skype is a budget-friendly option for small businesses needing basic VoIP and video calling, while Vonage offers a scalable and feature-rich solution tailored for businesses with advanced call management and integration requirements.
In summary:
- Skype: Affordable, basic solution, ideal for startups and small teams.
- Vonage: Comprehensive communication system with scalable options and advanced features, suitable for SMEs with customer service needs.
FAQ – Skype vs Vonage comparison
Skype generally offers a lower cost, especially for small businesses that only need basic VoIP. It has free Skype-to-Skype calls and affordable international plans. Vonage is pricier but provides advanced features ideal for growing businesses with complex communication needs.
Vonage provides superior call management features, including call forwarding, IVR, and call queues, which are essential for customer-facing teams. Skype, on the other hand, has basic call forwarding and voicemail, making it less suitable for businesses requiring detailed call management.
Both Skype and Vonage offer mobile apps. Skype’s app is great for basic calling, messaging, and video. Vonage’s app is more robust, offering full access to business features, making it ideal for remote or hybrid work models.
Vonage excels in CRM integrations, working with tools like Salesforce, Zoho, and HubSpot, which enhances customer interactions. Skype integrates mainly with Microsoft products, such as Teams and Outlook, suitable for businesses within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Skype includes native video conferencing, making it ideal for small team meetings or customer calls. Vonage doesn’t have native video calling, so it relies on integrations, which may limit its use for businesses prioritising video communications.
Skype offers basic collaboration tools like screen sharing and file transfer, which can work well for small teams. Vonage lacks built-in collaboration tools but can integrate with Slack and Microsoft Teams for larger team collaboration needs.
Vonage is better suited for high call volumes, offering features like automated call distribution (ACD) and call analytics. Skype is more limited and doesn’t provide advanced call routing, so it may struggle with heavy call demands.
Vonage offers 24/7 support on higher-tier plans, with options for customer success services. Skype has limited support unless you subscribe to Microsoft 365, so Vonage is generally more reliable for businesses needing dedicated support.
Both work for remote teams, but Vonage’s mobile app supports advanced features like call forwarding and voicemail on-the-go. Skype is effective for basic remote communication but lacks the scalability and customisation remote teams may require.
Both platforms are secure, but Vonage has more business-grade protocols designed for GDPR compliance and advanced encryption. Skype integrates with Microsoft’s security features, making it reliable but potentially less robust than Vonage for sensitive business communications.