Choosing the right phone system for your business can be challenging, with numerous providers and features to weigh. Vonage and BT Business are two well-established providers in the UK that offer robust solutions tailored for small to large enterprises. This comprehensive comparison covers the features, costs, and other essential aspects of Vonage vs BT to help you determine the best fit for your business needs.
Overview of Vonage vs BT Business
Vonage is a leading VoIP provider known for its cloud-based phone systems that allow flexibility, remote accessibility, and advanced features without the constraints of traditional phone lines. With a focus on innovation, Vonage provides a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance business communication, particularly for remote and hybrid work setups.
BT Business, a longstanding telecommunications giant in the UK, offers a range of solutions catering to businesses of all sizes. Its business phone systems combine traditional reliability with the benefits of cloud technology, including scalable options for growth. BT’s solutions are also backed by extensive support and a well-established UK network.
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Key features comparison – Vonage vs BT Business
| Feature | Vonage | BT Business |
|---|---|---|
| Call Management | Advanced call handling, call queues, customisable greetings, call recording | Comprehensive call management with call routing, queues, voicemail-to-email |
| Mobile App | Vonage Business Communications app for seamless mobile access | BT Cloud Voice app for managing calls on the go |
| Integrations | Integrates with CRM tools (Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho), Slack, Microsoft Teams | Limited CRM integrations but integrates well with Microsoft 365 |
| Video Conferencing | Vonage Meetings with HD video and screen sharing | Optional video conferencing (often separate cost) |
| Collaboration Tools | Messaging, file sharing, team chat within the platform | Basic collaboration, geared towards calls rather than integrated collaboration |
| Analytics | Call analytics with insights on usage, call patterns, and team performance | BT Cloud Voice Advanced provides call analytics with usage insights |
| Scalability | Flexible scalability, add or remove users easily | Scalable but may require different packages to access advanced features |
| Security | End-to-end encryption, compliance with UK regulations (including GDPR), advanced security settings like two-factor authentication | Strong focus on security, compliance with UK regulations (including GDPR), dedicated infrastructure providing additional security and reliability |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email; comprehensive online help centre with troubleshooting guides and video tutorials | Customer support during standard business hours, with options for 24/7 support depending on the plan; extensive UK network for in-person support if needed |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive interface allowing users to manage calls, messages, and meetings from a single dashboard; straightforward setup process with easy onboarding for new users | User-friendly interface, but some features less integrated than Vonage’s; additional collaboration tools often managed separately, potentially adding steps to setup and usage |
| Physical Hardware | No physical hardware required; fully cloud-based solution using existing devices | Often requires desk phones or other hardware, especially in traditional setups |
| International Calling | Available with add-ons at an additional cost | Typically included, but international rates and packages can vary |
| Customisation | Flexible customisation with multiple integrations and optional add-ons (international calling, advanced features) | Customisable for larger enterprises, with bespoke solutions available; more complex setups typically need BT technical support |
| Remote Support and Setup | Simple cloud-based setup requiring minimal technical support | More involved setup process, especially with bespoke or hardware-heavy solutions; requires BT’s technical support for larger setups |
| Best For | Small and medium-sized businesses, remote workers, and businesses that require a wide range of app integrations | Larger enterprises or businesses with traditional infrastructure that rely on Microsoft Teams and Office 365 |
Cost comparison – Vonage vs BT
Cost is a crucial factor when selecting a business phone system, and both providers offer packages that vary by feature set and user count.
Vonage pricing
Vonage offers three main pricing plans – Mobile, Premium, and Advanced.
- Mobile: Typically around £10–£15 per user per month, ideal for small businesses needing basic calling features.
- Premium: Roughly £20–£25 per user per month, including integrations with popular CRM systems and video conferencing.
- Advanced: £30–£35 per user per month, including advanced features like call recording, and specialised integrations. Note that prices may vary depending on contract length and any promotional offers.
BT Business pricing
BT’s pricing structure varies significantly based on the business size, required features, and add-ons.
- BT Cloud Voice Basic: Priced around £12 per user per month, suited for small businesses with essential call handling needs.
- BT Cloud Voice Advanced: Around £20–£30 per user per month, including enhanced features like advanced call management and analytics.
Additional costs may apply for video conferencing, Microsoft 365 integration, and other premium services.
Customer support and reliability
Both Vonage and BT Business have strong customer support, but they differ in approach and availability.
- Vonage: Known for responsive customer service, Vonage offers 24/7 support via phone, chat, and email. Businesses can access a comprehensive online help centre, which includes troubleshooting guides and video tutorials.
- BT Business: BT Business provides customer support during standard business hours, with options for 24/7 support depending on the plan. Given its established network, BT offers reliable service and has a larger physical presence across the UK for in-person support if needed.
Ease of use
Vonage is built with simplicity in mind, offering an intuitive interface that allows users to manage calls, messages, and meetings from a single dashboard. The setup process is straightforward, with easy onboarding for new users.
BT Business also provides a user-friendly interface, but some users find its features less integrated than Vonage’s. For example, BT’s additional collaboration tools are often managed separately, potentially adding steps to the setup and usage.
Security and compliance
- Vonage: Provides end-to-end encryption for calls and data, alongside secure data centres and compliance with UK regulations (including GDPR). It also offers advanced security settings, such as two-factor authentication, to protect business communication.
- BT Business: As a major UK telecom, BT Business has a strong focus on security, ensuring compliance with UK regulations, including GDPR. BT’s dedicated infrastructure provides an additional layer of security and reliability, beneficial for businesses with high compliance requirements.
Pros and cons
Vonage pros
- Extensive integrations with CRM and collaboration tools
- Transparent pricing with scalable options
- Easy-to-use mobile and desktop app
- Strong focus on remote accessibility
Vonage cons
- Advanced features can be costly for small businesses
- Some users report occasional service outages
BT Business pros
- Trusted UK provider with a reliable network
- Comprehensive support options
- Scalable solutions for businesses of different sizes
- Strong security and compliance framework
BT Business cons
- Limited integrations with CRM and third-party applications
- Some features may require additional fees, making it less cost-effective for small businesses
Who should choose which provider?
Vonage is ideal for businesses seeking a flexible, cloud-based system with strong integrations for CRM and collaboration. Its transparent pricing and mobile-first approach make it well-suited to remote or hybrid work environments, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on CRM and team collaboration tools.
BT Business may be a better fit for organisations prioritising traditional telephony combined with cloud features. BT’s reputation for reliability and extensive support network makes it appealing to businesses in highly regulated industries or those that require a physical presence and strong security framework.
Final thoughts – Vonage vs BT Business
Both Vonage and BT Business offer robust solutions with unique advantages.
Vonage’s integration capabilities and cloud-first model are excellent for flexible, modern workplaces.
In contrast, BT Business offers a more traditional approach with an established network and strong in-country support.
Your decision ultimately depends on the specific needs of your business, including your budget, preferred features, and long-term scalability requirements.
FAQ – Vonage vs BT Business comparison
Vonage is a cloud-based VoIP service known for its extensive app integrations and flexibility for remote work. BT Business, on the other hand, is a traditional telecom provider with a strong UK network, blending traditional and cloud features aimed at larger or more established organisations.
Vonage is often preferred for remote work due to its cloud-based setup, mobile app, and CRM integrations. BT Business does offer remote features, but its setup tends to suit businesses with office-based employees needing both traditional and cloud options.
Vonage provides 24/7 support across multiple channels (phone, chat, and email), which is ideal for remote and flexible teams. BT Business offers reliable support, especially for UK-based companies, though 24/7 options may depend on the package chosen.
Vonage includes international calling as an optional add-on, making it cost-effective for businesses needing occasional overseas communication. BT Business often includes international calling at competitive rates, which can be advantageous for companies with global operations or frequent international contact.
Vonage excels in CRM integration, supporting platforms like Salesforce, Zoho, and Microsoft Teams, making it ideal for sales-driven businesses. BT Business has limited CRM integration, primarily with Microsoft 365, which may suit organisations already heavily using Microsoft products.
Yes, both providers offer mobile apps. Vonage Business Communications app provides extensive on-the-go capabilities, ideal for remote teams. BT Business Cloud Voice app is user-friendly but is generally better suited for traditional setups or teams with fewer remote working requirements.
Both Vonage and BT Business adhere to GDPR regulations, with strong encryption measures. Vonage offers additional security features like two-factor authentication, while BT Business benefits from its dedicated infrastructure, appealing to industries with high security needs, such as finance and healthcare.
Vonage provides flexible scalability with easy user addition or removal, making it great for growing businesses. BT Business also offers scalable solutions, but switching between packages or adding features may require more technical support, especially for businesses with a physical office setup.
Vonage’s cloud-based platform allows for a quick, straightforward setup that most businesses can manage independently. BT Business, especially for larger or more traditional setups, may require assistance from BT’s technical team, which could delay implementation for smaller or more agile teams.
Vonage suits smaller, agile, or remote teams needing a flexible, integrated cloud solution. BT Business is better for larger companies or those requiring a blend of traditional telephony and cloud features, with strong UK support and infrastructure reliability as a key advantage.