Vonage vs Zoom – Full comparison to help you decide

With so many business phone system options available, understanding the differences between providers is essential to making an informed decision. This review compares two popular solutions: Vonage and Zoom. While both offer robust VoIP solutions, they cater to different business needs. Let’s explore Vonage vs Zoom for features, costs, and how they may benefit your UK business.

Vonage vs Zoom

Feature	Vonage	Zoom
Primary Focus	VoIP with CRM and unified communications focus	Video-first platform with VoIP capabilities
Key Features	Voice, SMS, IVR, advanced call management, CRM integration, video calling, 99.99% uptime	Video conferencing, VoIP, global calling, call routing, voicemail transcription, end-to-end encryption
Voice Quality	High-quality VoIP	High-quality VoIP, especially strong video quality
Video Capabilities	Basic video calling, limited conferencing	Advanced video conferencing with Zoom Phone integration
Plans and Pricing	– Mobile: £10/user/month – Premium: £20/user/month – Advanced: £30/user/month	– Pro: £12/user/month – Pro Global Select: £15/user/month – Add-ons (e.g., Zoom Rooms)
Customisation	Flexible, customisable plans for varied business sizes	Basic and Pro plans with add-ons for enhanced customisation
CRM Integrations	Broad range: Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, HubSpot, Zoho	Limited CRM options, mainly productivity-focused: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
Customer Support	Phone, email, live chat, dedicated account managers for large accounts	Phone, email, live chat, comprehensive online resources
Reliability	99.99% uptime SLA	High reliability, suitable for video-based calls
International Calling	Available in higher-tier plans	Pro Global Select plan includes unlimited calling in 40+ countries
Security	SSL encryption, GDPR compliant	End-to-end encryption for calls and video, suitable for regulated industries
Device Compatibility	Desktop, mobile app, traditional desk phones	Desktop, mobile app, traditional desk phones, and Zoom Rooms for conferencing
Call Management	Advanced features: IVR, call queueing, auto-attendant, call recording	Call routing, auto-attendant, voicemail transcription
Pros	– Customisable plans – CRM integrations – Reliable uptime – Advanced call management	– Integrated video and voice – Strong global calling – Secure with end-to-end encryption
Cons	– Higher cost for advanced features – Limited video conferencing	– Fewer CRM integrations – Add-ons can increase cost
Best For	Sales and customer service teams needing CRM and robust voice features	Businesses needing video conferencing with VoIP and global connectivity

Overview of Vonage vs Zoom

Vonage is a cloud-based communications provider offering a range of VoIP services for businesses, including voice calls, messaging, and integrations with popular business tools. Known for its flexibility and customisable plans, Vonage aims to serve businesses of all sizes, from small startups to larger enterprises.

Zoom is widely known for video conferencing, but it also offers a comprehensive VoIP solution, Zoom Phone, to meet business telephony needs. Zoom Phone extends its capabilities beyond video calls, including features like call routing, voicemail, and call recording. For businesses already using Zoom for virtual meetings, Zoom Phone presents a streamlined option that integrates easily with existing services.

Key features – Vonage vs Zoom

Vonage features

1. Voice and messaging: Vonage provides high-quality voice calls and SMS messaging, enabling businesses to connect seamlessly with clients and team members.
2. Unified communications: Integrate voice, messaging, and video into a single platform, accessible on desktops and mobile devices.
3. Contact centre features: Advanced call management features, including call routing, IVR (Interactive Voice Response), and queueing, are available to enhance customer support.
4. Integration options: Vonage connects with over 20 business applications, including Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and HubSpot, allowing businesses to streamline workflows.
5. Customisable plans: Vonage offers multiple plans, giving businesses the flexibility to choose features suited to their requirements and budget.
6. Reliability: Vonage ensures minimal downtime with a 99.99% uptime SLA (Service Level Agreement), making it a reliable choice for critical business operations.

Zoom features

1. Video and audio integration: Zoom Phone combines audio with Zoom’s renowned video conferencing, offering an all-in-one communication platform.
2. Global calling options: Provides coverage across multiple countries, enabling international businesses to connect globally.
3. Call management: Features like call routing, IVR, auto-attendant, and voicemail transcription make it ideal for customer support and internal collaboration.
4. Integration: Zoom Phone integrates with various platforms, including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
5. Device flexibility: Accessible from desktops, mobile devices, and traditional desk phones, Zoom Phone accommodates different work environments.
6. End-to-end encryption: Zoom prioritises security with end-to-end encryption, making it suitable for businesses that handle sensitive data.

Pricing comparison – Vonage vs Zoom

Vonage pricing

Vonage offers three main business plans:

1. Mobile (£10 per user per month): This basic plan includes unlimited calls and SMS within the UK, making it ideal for businesses that primarily need mobile communications.
2. Premium (£20 per user per month): This plan includes all mobile features plus integration with CRM tools, multi-level auto-attendant, and the ability to make video calls. Suitable for businesses that require additional functionality beyond basic voice.
3. Advanced (£30 per user per month): Designed for larger businesses or those with specific needs, this plan offers more advanced features such as call recording, visual voicemail, and on-demand virtual assistants.

Note: Vonage offers custom pricing for businesses with extensive requirements or a large number of users.

Zoom pricing

Zoom’s pricing model includes a basic VoIP package and add-ons for advanced features:

1. Pro (£12 per user per month): This plan includes basic VoIP features, unlimited domestic calls within the UK, and voicemail. Ideal for small businesses looking for basic calling features.
2. Pro Global Select (£15 per user per month): Includes unlimited calling in 40+ countries, making it a great choice for international businesses.
3. Add-ons: Zoom Phone’s add-on features, such as Zoom Rooms, provide video conferencing capabilities for £25 per room per month, making it flexible for organisations that may need video as part of their package.

Integrations and compatibility

Both Vonage and Zoom offer integration with popular business tools, though Vonage has a wider range of CRM integrations, including Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and HubSpot. This makes it an ideal choice for sales and customer service teams needing in-depth CRM compatibility.

Zoom’s integration ecosystem includes Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and a variety of collaboration tools, providing comprehensive options for companies that rely heavily on internal collaboration rather than external client management.

In terms of compatibility, both platforms are accessible on desktop, mobile, and desk phones, providing flexibility in device use. However, Zoom’s familiarity with video calls makes it the preferred choice for businesses that prioritise video as a core component of their communication.

Security and compliance

For security-conscious businesses, both providers offer robust encryption and data protection. Zoom has end-to-end encryption for calls and video, making it suitable for businesses handling confidential information. Vonage provides SSL encryption and compliance with GDPR, which may appeal to businesses prioritising data privacy.

Zoom’s recent enhancements in privacy and security also make it an attractive option for businesses in regulated industries. Vonage’s security features, combined with a strong SLA, also contribute to its appeal for businesses looking for a dependable and secure solution.

Customer support

Both providers offer customer support via multiple channels, including phone, email, and online chat. However, Vonage has a reputation for personalised support, with dedicated account managers available for larger accounts, which can benefit businesses that require ongoing support and configuration assistance.

Zoom’s customer support is generally reliable, with comprehensive online resources and responsive support. Businesses already familiar with Zoom for video will find the transition to Zoom Phone relatively smooth, reducing the need for intensive support.

Pros and cons

Vonage pros

• Flexible pricing: Offers customisable plans suited to businesses of varying sizes.
• Wide CRM integrations: Seamlessly integrates with many CRM platforms, beneficial for sales-driven businesses.
• Advanced call management: Features like IVR and queueing support customer service needs effectively.
• Reliable uptime: A 99.99% uptime SLA ensures business continuity.

Vonage cons

• Cost for advanced features: Premium and advanced features require higher-tier plans, which may be costlier for smaller businesses.
• Limited video options: While Vonage offers video calling, it lacks the full-featured video conferencing capabilities that Zoom is known for.

Zoom pros

• Integrated video and voice: Zoom Phone’s video integration is ideal for businesses using Zoom for meetings.
• International calling: Pro Global Select includes unlimited calls in 40+ countries, ideal for multinational businesses.
• End-to-end encryption: Strong security features make it suitable for businesses with data privacy concerns.
• Flexible add-ons: Additional features like Zoom Rooms allow customisation according to business needs.

Zoom cons

• Limited CRM integrations: Fewer CRM integrations may be restrictive for sales-focused businesses.
• Add-on costs: Features like video conferencing are charged as add-ons, potentially increasing the overall cost.

Vonage vs Zoom – Which should your business choose?

Choose Vonage if:

• Your business relies heavily on CRM integration for sales or customer service.
• You need customisable plans and advanced call management features.
• Reliability and a high uptime guarantee are top priorities.

Choose Zoom if:

• Video conferencing is central to your business communication.
• Your business operates globally and needs extensive international calling options.
• Security and encryption are critical, particularly if you handle sensitive data.

Conclusion

Vonage and Zoom both offer strong VoIP solutions but are tailored to different business needs.

Vonage excels in providing comprehensive voice and CRM integration options, making it ideal for customer-focused businesses.

Zoom, on the other hand, is a powerful choice for businesses that already use Zoom for video and need a unified communications platform.

Carefully consider your business’s specific needs and priorities, whether it’s CRM integration, video capabilities, or international calling.

FAQ – Vonage vs Zoom comparison