When selecting a phone system, Voipfone and Skype are two well-regarded options, each catering to distinct business needs and budgets. In this Voipfone vs Skype comparison, we’ll examine features, costs, customer support, and other factors to help you decide which is the best fit for your business.
Voipfone vs Skype
| Feature | Voipfone | Skype |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | UK small and medium businesses needing professional call handling | Smaller businesses and teams needing basic internal and external communication |
| PBX Features | Full PBX with call queues, IVR, call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calling | Limited – lacks PBX features such as call queues and IVR |
| Virtual Numbers | Wide selection of UK geographic and non-geographic numbers | Skype Numbers available for a small fee, but fewer options for UK geographic diversity |
| Call Recording | Built-in call recording and storage options | No native call recording feature |
| Voicemail | Yes, included in packages | Basic voicemail with limited customisation |
| Mobile & Desktop Apps | Available, with full feature access across devices | Available, but limited to core Skype functions |
| Conference Calling | Supports up to 100 participants | Group calls with up to 50 participants |
| Instant Messaging | Basic SMS and text messaging to external numbers | Rich instant messaging with group chat and document sharing |
| Screen Sharing | Limited, primarily phone-focused | Available, effective for remote work and collaboration |
| File Sharing | Limited to SMS/phone communication | Integrated, allows document, image, and presentation sharing |
| Integrations | Limited third-party integrations | Integrates well with Microsoft Office and other Microsoft 365 tools |
| Cost Structure | Pay-as-you-go for calls; monthly plans from £2.99; additional cost for virtual numbers | Free Skype-to-Skype; Skype Numbers at £4.80/month; pay-per-minute for external calls |
| International Calling | Competitive rates to over 220 countries | Rates vary by country, e.g., 1.8p/min in the UK |
| Security | Strong encryption and compliance with UK data protection standards | Standard encryption but less robust security than dedicated business platforms |
| Customer Support | UK-based phone and email support, quick response times | Online support via FAQs, community forums, and live chat |
| Call Quality | Generally high within the UK, optimised for UK business connections | Quality depends on network stability; occasional lags or dropped calls may occur |
| Reliability | High reliability within the UK due to dedicated infrastructure | Reliable, but subject to network performance |
| Setup Complexity | Moderate – designed for business setups but may require initial configuration | Simple – easy for teams to get started with no complex setup |
| Best For | Businesses needing advanced call handling, localised support, and flexible scaling | Teams needing a low-cost, basic communication tool with Microsoft Office integration |
| Main Pros | Full PBX features, local support, customisable pricing, and virtual numbers | Free Skype-to-Skype, affordable Skype Numbers, user-friendly, and strong global reach |
| Main Cons | Limited integration outside of Voipfone’s system, pay-as-you-go costs can add up | Limited business features, lacks advanced call management and UK-specific support |
Overview of Voipfone vs Skype
Voipfone
Voipfone, a UK-based VoIP provider, was established specifically for business communication needs. It provides a range of services designed to enhance business productivity, such as VoIP phone systems, virtual numbers, and PBX features. Known for its focus on UK businesses, Voipfone offers localised support and regulatory compliance specific to the UK market.
Skype
Skype, a globally recognised name in communication, offers VoIP solutions that integrate well with Microsoft products. Although it started as a consumer-oriented app, Skype has developed into a communication tool with features tailored to smaller businesses. With Skype for Business phased out in favour of Microsoft Teams, Skype remains popular for basic VoIP needs, offering essential video calling and messaging capabilities.
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Key features comparison
Voipfone features
Voipfone offers a feature-rich solution tailored to small and medium-sized businesses with a specific focus on call handling and management tools:
- PBX Features: Includes automated call forwarding, call queues, and IVR systems for a professional experience.
- Virtual Numbers: Choose from a range of UK geographic and non-geographic numbers, allowing businesses to establish a local presence.
- Call Recording and Voicemail: Built-in call recording with storage and voicemail options, ensuring call records are accessible.
- Mobile and Desktop App: Access Voipfone’s features on both mobile devices and desktop applications for flexible communication.
- Conference Calling: Supports group calls with up to 100 participants, with additional control over participant settings.
Skype features
Skype provides an affordable entry point into VoIP communication, primarily aimed at smaller teams or remote work setups:
- Video and Voice Calls: Free voice and video calls to other Skype users, making it a budget-friendly option for small businesses.
- Instant Messaging: Skype’s instant messaging allows for team chats and document sharing.
- Screen Sharing: A key feature for remote collaboration, enabling participants to share screens during calls.
- Skype Numbers: For an additional cost, businesses can obtain Skype Numbers in various countries, including the UK, for receiving calls from customers.
- File Sharing: Skype’s file-sharing feature makes it simple to share documents, presentations, and images during calls or chats.
Cost comparison – Voipfone vs Skype
Voipfone pricing
Voipfone’s pricing is competitive for small and medium businesses, with options that allow businesses to select only the features they need:
- Pay-as-you-go: Voipfone offers a pay-as-you-go model for call minutes, which can be cost-effective for businesses with fluctuating call volumes.
- Monthly Plans: Pricing starts at £2.99 per month for basic services and scales based on added features, such as call recording and conference calling.
- Virtual Numbers: Additional fees apply for virtual numbers, typically £2 per month per number.
- International Calls: Voipfone offers competitive international rates for calls to over 220 countries, ideal for businesses with global customers.
Skype pricing
Skype remains an affordable option, especially for businesses primarily using the platform for internal communication:
- Free Calling: Skype-to-Skype calls are free, making it suitable for teams that need an internal communication platform.
- Skype Numbers: Priced at approximately £4.80/month, these numbers allow businesses to receive calls from non-Skype users.
- Pay-per-minute: Rates for calling landlines and mobiles vary depending on the country. In the UK, calls start from around 1.8p per minute.
- Subscriptions: Skype offers subscription packages, including a UK-specific plan for unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles, starting at £5.40/month.
Customer support
Voipfone offers UK-based support via phone, email, and a detailed knowledge base. Their customer service is noted for quick response times, an essential feature for businesses reliant on consistent communication.
Skype’s support is primarily online, with resources including FAQs, community forums, and live chat support. While sufficient for general troubleshooting, it may lack the immediacy and personalisation that some businesses require.
Pros and cons
Voipfone pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive business-focused features, including call handling and virtual numbers.
- Localised UK support, ensuring familiarity with the needs of UK-based businesses.
- Flexible pricing, allowing businesses to scale features as needed.
Cons:
- Limited integration with non-Voipfone applications.
- Pay-as-you-go model can add up in cost with high call volumes.
Skype pros and cons
Pros:
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls, making it cost-effective for internal use.
- Established global network, allowing communication with international clients.
- Simple interface, easy for teams to adopt without extensive training.
Cons:
- Limited business features; lacks advanced PBX options like call queues.
- Primarily online support, with limited personalised assistance.
Call quality and reliability
Voipfone generally maintains high call quality and reliability, particularly within the UK. Voipfone’s service is tailored for UK businesses, which helps minimise issues like latency or dropped calls, common with international providers.
Skype’s call quality has improved over the years, though it may experience occasional lags or connectivity issues, especially on less robust internet connections. For businesses in need of high-quality, uninterrupted calls, Skype’s performance can vary depending on network stability.
Integrations
Voipfone offers limited integrations outside of its proprietary system, which could be a drawback for businesses needing extensive third-party software connections.
Skype integrates well with Microsoft Office applications and other productivity tools. Businesses already using Microsoft products may benefit from Skype’s streamlined integration, especially for scheduling and collaborating on projects.
Security and privacy
Voipfone prioritises security with encryption protocols and compliance with UK data protection standards, an important factor for businesses handling sensitive client information.
Skype provides standard encryption but lacks some of the more advanced security measures seen in dedicated business platforms. For highly regulated industries, Skype’s security might not be as robust as needed.
Final verdict – Voipfone vs Skype
Voipfone is an excellent choice for small and medium businesses in the UK that need a feature-rich phone system tailored for business use, complete with PBX features, call management tools, and a variety of virtual numbers. Its localised support and scalable pricing structure make it suitable for businesses that prioritise customisation and UK-based support.
Skype, on the other hand, is ideal for businesses looking for a basic, budget-friendly communication tool primarily for internal communication and video conferencing. It offers a straightforward solution for teams already using Microsoft products and works well for businesses needing an affordable VoIP solution with global connectivity.
When choosing between Voipfone vs Skype, consider your business’s primary needs. If advanced call handling, local support, and business-oriented features are crucial, Voipfone is a solid choice. For a straightforward, low-cost communication tool with basic calling and video capabilities, Skype may meet your needs adequately.
FAQ – Voipfone vs Skype comparison
Voipfone is better suited for UK businesses needing advanced call handling features like PBX, virtual numbers, and UK-based support. Skype is more affordable and offers free calls between Skype users, but it lacks the business-specific features Voipfone offers, making it ideal for simpler communication needs.
Voipfone includes a full PBX system with call queues, voicemail, call forwarding, and IVR, making it a more comprehensive solution for businesses. Skype lacks these advanced PBX features, focusing instead on basic voice and video calls, messaging, and file sharing.
Voipfone offers UK-based support with direct phone and email assistance, designed to quickly address business-specific issues. Skype’s support is primarily online, featuring FAQs, live chat, and forums, which can be slower and less tailored for businesses needing immediate help.
Both are affordable, but Voipfone’s pay-as-you-go and monthly options make it more customisable for business needs. Skype is generally lower cost, especially for Skype-to-Skype calls, but has fewer features. Both options offer flexibility depending on your budget and feature requirements.
Voipfone generally provides reliable, high-quality calls within the UK, as it’s optimised for UK networks. Skype’s call quality can vary based on network stability, particularly with international calls. For consistent, high-quality calls, Voipfone may be more dependable for UK-based businesses.
Skype integrates well with Microsoft Office and 365 applications, making it suitable for businesses using Microsoft tools. Voipfone has limited integrations outside its proprietary system, so businesses needing extensive third-party app compatibility may find Skype a better fit.
Yes, both offer mobile and desktop applications. Voipfone’s apps provide access to most of its business features, enabling seamless communication across devices. Skype also offers comprehensive mobile and desktop access, especially for video calls, instant messaging, and file sharing.
Voipfone provides strong encryption and complies with UK data standards, which is advantageous for businesses handling sensitive information. Skype offers standard encryption, but it may not meet the higher security needs of regulated industries, making Voipfone a more secure option.
Skype is easy to set up, requiring minimal configuration and ideal for quick team onboarding. Voipfone, while more powerful, may involve moderate setup due to its advanced business features. Businesses with complex communication needs may benefit from Voipfone’s customisation, while Skype is simpler.
Both services support international calls. Voipfone offers competitive rates across 220+ countries, while Skype uses a pay-per-minute model with country-specific rates. Skype is often more affordable for frequent international calls, but Voipfone’s rates are well-suited for UK businesses with global customers.