Summary
Comparison table: Top 10 8x8 competitors
| Software | Advantages | Disadvantages | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ringover | Complete VoIP solutions tailored for growing businesses | Overwhelming number of features | From $21 per user/month |
| 2. RingCentral | Extensive catalog of integrations with other business systems | Higher prices compared to the market average | Plans start from $30 |
| 3. 3CX | Open-source IP PBX with user-friendly interface | Dependence on providers for service delivery | From $135 per year |
| 4. Mitel | Scalable solution with several interesting features | Difficult to configure and not very intuitive | Mitel's pricing information isn't listed online |
| 5. Vonage | Ability to personalize the IVR | Unforeseen costs added to the final bill | Plans begin at about $20 per user/month |
| 6. Dialpad | Interface known to have a good user experience | Your costs may be higher than expected because certain calls are billed per minute | Prices started at $23 per user/month |
| 7. JustCall | A robust business phone system with integrations available | Outbound calls aren't unlimited, so your bill could rise significantly | Plans start at $20 per user/month |
| 8. Five9 | This software offers omnichannel communications | The analytics dashboard doesn't provide an adequate view | Prices begin at about $150 |
| 9. CloudTalk | Features include conference calls and the ability to obtain international numbers | Some productivity and efficiency tools are lacking | Subscriptions begin at $30 per user/month |
| 10. Ooma | Specialized for small and medium businesses | Service can be very unreliable | The least expensive plan is $20 per user/month |
What is 8x8?
8x8 is a cloud-based virtual PBX platform that consolidates all business communication through voice, video, and text into a single platform. In addition to basic VoIP telephony services, it also offers API solutions, call analytics, conferencing, and contact center solutions.
Users can enjoy unlimited calls to up to 48 countries in the enhanced plan. However, the basic communication package only offers unlimited calls within the US and Canada [1]. The 8x8 Work application can be installed on desktop computers or mobile phones and integrated with other productivity and CRM applications.
8x8 Prices
8x8 offers three Business Communications packages and three Contact Center packages:
- Express: $15 per user/month (designed for small teams up to five users).
- X2: $28 per user/month (no user limit; more features).
- X4: $57 per user/month (most features and widest unlimited calling coverage).
The number of countries with unlimited voice calls increases with each package upgrade. Paying annually can reduce the price of X2 and X4 user licenses. 8x8 also offers more comprehensive contact center solutions with prices ranging from $85 to $140 per user/month (contact center pricing).
Why should you stop using 8x8?
You have clients in various destinations
8x8 limits the number of destinations included in unlimited calling by plan:
- Express: unlimited calls within the US and Canada only.
- X2: unlimited calls to 14 countries.
- X4: unlimited calls to 48 countries.
If your clients are in other countries (for example, Vietnam or Venezuela), 8x8 may not provide sufficient coverage — especially for mobile numbers. Consider providers with broader international calling coverage.
You need better prices
The Express plan ($15/user/month) limits teams to five users and has reduced features. Adding users or international coverage may force you to upgrade to X2 or X4, increasing costs significantly. CRM integrations and other features sometimes require higher tiers, resulting in higher total costs.
You need a scalable solution
Scalability concerns include team size and international reach. The Express package’s five-user limit can impede team growth. Limited unlimited-calling destinations can force expensive upgrades as your market expands. If you need scalable user limits and broader international calling, evaluate competitors that provide more flexible growth options.
The 10 best alternatives to 8x8 for successful business communication
Best Alternative #1: Ringover
Ringover offers a comprehensive solution for business communication with features ranging from basic voice calls to call recording, video calls, software integration, and more.
The simplicity of package structuring, simplified call management, and user-friendly interface have made it often considered the best alternative to 8x8.
With features like unlimited calls to 110 destinations worldwide, interactive voice response (IVR) menus, conference calls, CRM integrations (including Salesforce, Zendesk, and Hubspot), and access to call analytics, Ringover enables users to be more productive and provides a better calling experience for customers.
Key advantages
- Unlimited calling plans to 110 destinations worldwide
- Quick and easy setup
- Centralized omnichannel contact center platform
- 7-day free trial
Pricing💲
Ringover offers three all-inclusive packages with prices starting from $21 to $54 per user/month.
Alternative #2: RingCentral
RingCentral is a cloud communication platform that offers voice calls, video calls, team messaging, conferencing, and a customer contact center. You can choose a local number in over 105 countries and receive free calls, but the packages include a limited number of free minutes [3].
Advantages ➕
- Local number in over 105 destinations
- Localized voice prompts in 18 languages
Disadvantages ➖
- The basic package allows for a limited number of users
- Features like call recording are only available in higher-tier packages
Pricing💲
Their packages start at $30 per user/month. User license fees are slightly lower for accounts with over 100 users. Therefore, it is well-suited for the needs of medium and large enterprises.
Alternative #3: 3CX
3CX is a popular alternative communication solution. However, there is an important difference to note: it is not a phone carrier. 3CX simply provides the necessary software to manage phone lines and numbers.
In addition to this functionality, you can find other features such as video calling, integrations with your business tools, or the ability to create a virtual PBX. However, if you want to obtain virtual numbers, you will need to request them from third-party providers.
Another drawback to consider is that 3CX sells its solutions through third parties, a network of distributors whose prices vary from provider to provider and from service to service.
Advantages ➕
- Free basic version available
Disadvantages ➖
- Complicated pricing structure
- Outdated interface
- Limited scalability
Pricing💲
Despite not acting as a telephone service provider, 3CX's prices are quite high, beginning at $145.
Alternative #4: Mitel
Mitel is a Canadian telecommunications company that offers integrated solutions for video, voice, and live chat on a single platform. In addition to communication, their packages are designed to promote collaboration and boost productivity.
Advantages ➕
- All-inclusive packages
- Easy integration with productivity tools
Disadvantages ➖
- Choosing the right package can be confusing
- Upgrades may be necessary to access all features
Pricing💲
Mitel's plans are priced on request only.
Alternative #5: Vonage
Vonage is a business communication platform that allows customers to connect and communicate with businesses through voice and video calls, business SMS, and chat. Their services are structured into three packages with user license fees that vary based on the number of users.
For small businesses with up to five users, costs can range from €19.99 to €39.99 per user per month. For larger businesses, this cost per user is reduced to a range of €14.99 to €34.99 per month.
Advantages ➕
- Easily scalable packages
- Integration with over 20 third-party applications
Disadvantages ➖
- Some features are available at additional costs
- Can be expensive for small teams
Pricing💲
Vonage has separate pricing for UCaaS and its contact center software. If you just need a business phone system, there are plans beginning at $20 per user/month. On the other hand, if you need the more robust contact center solution, you'll need to get in touch with their sales team–it's price on request only.
Alternative #6: Dialpad
This business communications tool has recently expanded to offer AI tools which are meant to improve the customer experience.
Advantages ➕
- You can connect to the technology from any Internet-connected device
Disadvantages ➖
- A lack of features relative to competitors
- Call quality can be poor
- Additional fees make it difficult to predict and understand your bill
Pricing💲
Dialpad has multiple products available, namely business communications and contact center software. The communications suite has multiple plans, starting at $23 per user/month, and the contact center product starts at $95 per user/month.
Alternative #7: JustCall
This software is a business phone system which offers call management tools, outbound call center software, and omnichannel communication functionalities, including text messaging.
Not to mention, JustCall also has an AI tool called JustCall iQ which is meant to optimize the customer experience.
Advantages ➕
- A sandbox API so users can customize their tools
- Quality customer support
Disadvantages ➖
- Confusing pricing due to additional fees
- Difficult to configure and use CRM integrations
- The software can glitch, complicating the user experience
Pricing💲
Justcall offers three plans which range in price from about $30 to $70 per user/month, with a final, customizable plan that has a minimum of 10 users.
Alternative #8: Five9
If you're in need of inbound contact center software or outbound contact center software, Five9 could be an option. They provide most business telephony features as well as automation tools.
Advantages ➕
Disadvantages ➖
- Onboarding is known to be difficult
- Personalizing workflows can be a challenge
- Setting up integrations poses difficulties and may even require support from IT professionals
Pricing💲
Relative to other providers like Ringover, Five9 has a very high price. Their cheapest plans begin at $150 per month [4].
Alternative #9: CloudTalk
CloudTalk's cloud VoIP system intends to provide businesses with a scalable and easy-to-use communication infrastructure. Built to help sales and customer service teams, this call center software has a large feature selection and workflow automations.
Advantages ➕
- Analytics dashboard available
Disadvantages ➖
- Many features can result in a difficult experience
- Doesn't support team collaboration as much as other services
- High international call rates
Pricing💲
CloudTalk has three subscription plans available which range in price from $25 to $50 per user/month.
Alternative #10: Ooma
Founded in 2004, Ooma is a veteran omnichannel communications service which offers both phone service for individuals and businesses. Ooma Office is specialized for small and medium businesses, offering a feature-rich UCaaS platform.
Advantages ➕
- Offers compatibility certain hardware, making it relatively easy to transition
Disadvantages ➖
- Call quality can have issues
- Ooma isn't available in certain regions
- Limited access to integrations
- Complex pricing structure that can lead to higher than expected costs
Pricing💲
Ooma has three plans which range in price from about $20 to $30 per user/month. But be careful of additional costs, as Ooma will charge extra for toll free numbers, extensions, or even local phone numbers [5].
What is the best alternative cloud communications solution to 8x8?
If 8x8’s features or pricing do not meet your needs, consider the alternatives above. Among the options listed, Ringover is presented as the most comprehensive solution for businesses of any size, particularly growing companies. Consider starting a free trial to evaluate the platform for your needs.
8x8 Competitors FAQ
How much does 8x8 cost?
8x8’s Business Communications packages:
- Express: $15 per user/month (limit of five users)
- X2: $28 per user/month
- X4: $57 per user/month
8x8 Contact Center solutions are priced on request.
What is the best alternative to 8x8?
Ringover is recommended as a straightforward, all-inclusive alternative with easy setup, clear package structure, and features suitable for small to large teams.
Bibliography
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/8x8-pricing/
- https://www.8x8.com/products/plans-and-pricing
- https://www.ringcentral.com/office/features/global-office-communications/overview.html
- https://www.five9.com/products/pricing
- https://support.ooma.com/office/ooma-office-pricing-chart/
Published on January 12, 2024.
