3/30/2021
Diverse types of businesses require distinctly different phone
systems. Hosted VoIP or a virtual cloud based phone system represents the preferred
solution for many offices, combining Omni-channel platforms and easy
management along with lower initial costs. Nevertheless, other types of
companies such as a business with a mixture of office and warehouse find they require a hybrid on-premise PBX solution
installed using their existing infrastructure. And some small businesses,
like restaurants, fitness centers and retail establishments merely may
require a durable phone system that connects to their current phone
services. Whatever your company considers,
you'll discover these the
top picks for a virtual cloud based phone system and an on-premise PBX for 2021.
Best Cloud PBX Companies 2021

- Cloud based Omni-channel communications with video calling,
real-time message
and phone suited for any size company.
- Unlimited domestic calling and texting right from your desktop
or mobile device.
- Automated attendant and 50 advanced features. Teams can work
together from anywhere.
Pros
- Mobile apps are carefully designed. Industry leading reliability. Surprisingly easy to
setup and use.
- Seamless innovative secure communications from anywhere.
- Deploys in minutes and integrates with most tools and CRM
apps.
- Award winning customer service and support.
Cons
- Must pay yearly for the best price.
Best For:
- One provider with integrated Omni-channel communications
platform
including video and chat for remote workers and team collaboration.
Plans start at $19.99/mo.
Special Offer*- 20% off:
RingCentral Office
- Unified Communications platform good for any size company with
integrated phone, business apps, AI and automation.
- Communicate and collaborate with voice, text, video, email, and instant
messaging all in one place. 9.5/10 Easiest to use.
- Auto-attendant, mobile and desktop apps, internet fax,
voicemail to email, etc.
- 99.999% uptime with excellent 24/7 customer support team.
Pros
- Nextiva has established a UCaaS (Unified Communications as a
Service) platform that offers a comprehensive set of built-in
business
communication apps.
- Affordable with easy to use powerful remote work features.
- Award winning customer service and 1-1 solutions support.
Cons
- An annual payment is required for best pricing.
Best For:
- Great for contact centers, remotes workers, businesses that
need CRM integration and Omni-channel
communications. For
5-19 Essential Plan users- $21.95/mo. each when paid
annually.
Plans start at $18.95/mo./user:
Nextiva

- Virtual phone system with voice, video and SMS good for any size company, from
very small to enterprise.
- Unique plans with either unlimited minutes or unlimited users.
- Unlimited Minutes plans include Flex, Essentials, Advanced and
Enterprise. Unlimited Users plans of 300, 500, and
1,000.
- Complete integrated cloud based communications solution
that's totally scalable and customizable.
- 99.999% uptime with excellent 24/7 customer support team.
Pros
- With unique plans, many businesses discover VirtualPBX offers a
more cost-effective solution.
- Connect with just about any device, including IP phones,
regular desk phones, mobile devices, tablets and computers.
- Affordable phone plans with lots of features and flexibility.
- Award winning customer service and support.
Cons
- Requires talking with a representative to determine the most
effective plan, but well worth it.
Best For:
- Multi-location operations such as franchises. Companies requiring a significant number of phones some of which may see light use.
Unlimited plans that start at $14.99/user/mo.
VirualPBX agents will answer your questions:
VirtualPBX

- Small business VoIP office phone system offering outstanding value.
Designed with most features small business owners would need.
- One toll free number included. Plans include 35 business features including
a virtual receptionist, call forwarding options, ring groups, SMS
Messaging, voicemail to email, mobile app, MOH
and virtual fax.
- Office Pro at $24.95/mo./user adds Video Conferencing, Desktop
app, Call Recording, etc.
Pros
- Easy to choose phone numbers, get setup and use.
- Extension dialing between users.
- Constantly rated number one for a small business
office VoIP phone system. No contract required.
Cons
- A one time activation fee of $29.95 is required.
Best For:
- Small businesses with home workers that want an affordable
reliable professional phone system. $19.95/user/mo.
Spring into savings*; Special:
Ooma Office
- Virtual phone system designed to work with your existing smart
phone to separate business calls.
- Unique platform adds a business number and a virtual phone
system for entrepreneurs to look more professional.
- You can choose a local, toll-free or a custom vanity virtual
business phone number.
- Custom greetings, business texting with Instant Response-
Automatically send a text to new callers when you can’t answer
their call.
- 24/7 customer support team. Comprehensive set of how-to
articles and helpful business guides.
Pros
- Never miss a business call, make and receive calls and texts
from anywhere. Desktop and mobile apps (iPhone or Android).
- Virtual Attendant, Simultaneous Call Handling, Extension Dialing and Call
Transfers, Voicemail with Transcription, Virtual Fax, etc.
- No additional devices or equipment needed.
- Extremely easy to setup and use.
Cons
- Requires annual payment for best pricing.
Best For:
- Entrepreneurs and micro-businesses such as real-estate
agents and agent teams, home inspectors, appraisers, landscapers,
repairmen, etc. Solo plan at $26/mo.
Special* Up to $75 off annual:
Grasshopper
Best On Premise PBXs 2021

- MiVoice Connect system is a flexible on site UC PBX solution
designed for an intuitive user experience with easy management.
- On-site business phone system with built-in communication and
collaboration tools. Locate contacts,
check availability and connect via phone, IM, video, desktop
sharing or conference calling, all from the same app.
- Innovative suite of IP phones that use advanced features and
accessories designed to improve productivity and mobility.
- A well designed platform offering a flexible and intuitive
dashboard, which is easy to use.
Pros
- Mitel is a recognized global leader in communications. All-in-one system built with simplicity and reliability for easy
management.
- Connect platform is built upon ShoreTel technology, which was
known as one of the top on-premise solutions.
- Award winning "Best Business Tool."
Cons
- Additional features require license fees. Installation
requires a Mitel technician.
Best For:
- From anywhere reliable communications for team collaboration
and contact centers. Great for Education, Government, Healthcare
and Hospitality. | $$$ to $$$$

- NEC Univerge SV9100- SMB Flexible communications platform that can
operate as a digital, IP and analog
PBX or a combination.
- A hybrid unified-communications-capable solution to deliver
real-time audio and video conferencing from both desktops and
devices.
- Capable of connecting through any type of phone service; FXO,
SIP and T1/PRI.
- Cost effective PBX built for mobile workforce, at home
workers with easy to use apps. InHotel app for hospitality
industry.
Pros
- Complete cost effective modular communications platform
designed as an efficient solution for a multitude of businesses.
- Durable system once installed will operate well for years with
well designed phones.
- Highly reliable totally scalable solution.
Cons
- Installation and configuration requires a PBX technician. Adding some features require
additional licensing fees.
Best For:
- Hospitality, medical, contact centers, on the go remote and
home workers. Excellent
choice for hotels. | $$$

- Avaya IP Office- Extremely flexible PBX that can connect digital, IP and analog
or in combination.
- Totally scalable hybrid unified communications capable
solution.
- The system can connect through any type of phone service; FXO,
SIP and T1/PRI.
- One of the most popular PBX systems using well designed
durable phones with deployments
worldwide.
Pros
- Flexible IP capable PBX that can deliver an effective phone
system for just about any type of company or organization.
- Popular PBX with many technicians and
installers available.
- A durable system once installed operates effectively for years.
Cons
- Requires a PBX technician. Adding some features require
additional licensing fees.
Best For:
- Hybrid installations using some existing traditional phone wiring. Companies that connect using a T1/PRI.
| $$ to $$$

- Grandstream UCM6200- Easy to manage VoIP appliance based on
Asterisk that
combines voice, video, data and mobility features. Can use with
any SIP phones or endpoints.
- Up to 500 users for the 6202 and 6204 and 800 for the 6208.
- The system can connect to PSTN using built-in 2/4/8 FXO ports.
Appliance includes 2 built-in FXS ports and can handle up to 50 SIP
accounts.
- Customizable on premise solution for total control.
Remote-access provides an easy-to-manage hybrid cloud
communication solution.
Pros
- Affordable VoIP ready appliance with well designed intuitive GUI. Grandstream offers lots of support
information and help.
- System supports multi-language auto-attendant and call queue.
- No license fees for adding features.
- Built-in call recordings server with recordings accessible via web user interface.
Cons
- Ethernet cabling required to all endpoints with a VoIP ready
LAN (Local Area Network).
Best For:
- Owners who have capable support personnel for in-house
management to maximize control and manage costs. Excellent for
business or industry specific customization. | $$ to $$$
The Best on-premise PBX Solution

Establishing
the most suitable on-premise business phone system frequently
requires a number of specific details regarding the current business
layout and existing PSTN services, if any. Particular businesses
frequently require distinctive solutions uniquely determined after
understanding the company's requirements with recognition of any
unique components of the property. After a quick review telecom
professionals regularly establish which PBX phone system would
represent the most cost-effective practical solution.
It's easy to become overwhelmed with all the information obtainable.
The preferable option often starts by merely responding to a few straightforward questions and then comparing systems and pricing.
Pros
- Convenient straightforward process.
- No cost, no commitment.
Cons
Best For:
Submit a few straightforward questions:
On-site PBX Phone System
All of these business phone systems have proven to
offer outstanding value and reliability.

Conclusion
We have found business owners regularly say they need a phone system to
be more than just a way to accept calls. It should improve business
processes by allowing their employees to be more effective. And it's
essential to be easy to use. A requirement is that it incorporates direct access to files, customer information and business applications
regardless where the employee might be.
RingCentral and Nextiva each provide a formidable integrated multi-channel
communications platform. As business owners
adjust to employees working from home, they have realized the importance
of direct access to team members and business resources. VirtualPBX
specializes in a comprehensive solution that can be tailored to a
customer's requirements.
For decidedly small
businesses Ooma provides an outstanding cost-effective office phone
system with the
proper number
of features. Perfect for a small, growing company. And for entrepreneurs
who require a more professional way to connect with customers, Grasshopper's virtual phone
system has proven to offer distinct advantages. Use their business phone
number app to never miss an important business call again.
Our four on-premise PBX systems each provide outstanding alternatives
suited to a specific business preference. On premise systems typically
require a few more details to establish the most appropriate
cost-effective solution.
* Limited time offer.
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