The best PBX phone system for a small business is one that can offer tailored solutions to companies with varying needs. Ultimately, it depends on what features you are looking for and if it’s within your budget range.
Whether you need a PBX system to handle high call volumes or set up advanced call routing options, this list has you covered.
Top 5 Small Business PBX System Providers:
1. RingCentral
RingCentral is often among the top picks for secure unified communications. It can support 49 to an unlimited number of users. However, Essentials, the cheapest plan at $25.99, only provides messaging and phone capabilities. The service requires you to upgrade to a higher plan to gain access to features like video calling, internet fax, advanced call handling, voicemail-to-email, and app integrations.
Features:
- Team messaging
- HIPAA compliant
- HD voice calls
- Document sharing
- Unlimited inbound calling
- Call log reports
- Android and iOS apps
- Phone rental options
- Number porting
- 24/7 support
2. 8×8
8×8 is another reliable option for small business PBX phone systems. Like RingCentral, it offers features for secure data handling and includes various communication features. 8×8 X series plans, including the lowest one, already include all-in-one voice, video, and chat features and unlimited users. However, it’s hard to compare plans since you need to talk to sales to know the prices.
Features:
- Unlimited users
- HIPAA compliant
- Media hot storage
- Unlimited internet fax
- Voicemail with transcriptions
- Number porting
- 24/7 support
- Work mobile, desktop, and web app
3. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is one of the best small business PBX systems for individual and small business use. For $55 a month, you get four phone numbers, unlimited users, and unlimited extensions. The cheapest plan costs $15 a month and is suitable for one user, phone number, and extension.
Features like additional phone numbers and business texting cost extra. The PBX phone provider does not offer HIPAA compliance for regulated industries.
Features:
- US and Canada only
- Call forwarding
- Mobile and desktop apps
- VoIP and Wi-Fi calls
- Incoming virtual fax
- Voicemail with transcription
- Call transfers
- Number porting
- Simultaneous call handling
- Scheduled call screening and blocking
- Reporting
4. Freshcaller
Freshcaller is another top pick for small business PBX. A trusted vendor, the service offers an all-in-one contact center platform. You can bring your own carrier (BYOC) or buy Freshcaller numbers from over 90 countries. It also provides a free plan. However, this plan excludes free minutes, voicemails, reports, call recording, or wait queues. You need to subscribe to paid plans, which start at $15 monthly per agent.
Features:
- Inbound caller ID
- Desktop notifications
- Call notes
- Custom greetings
- Call metrics
- Number porting
- HIPAA compliant
5. Ooma
Ooma rounds up our list of best PBX systems for small businesses. With a comprehensive set of features, Ooma helps you stay in touch with customers and your team anytime and anywhere. Its cheapest business phone plan costs $19.95 per user monthly and already includes over 50 standard communication features. However, upgrading your plan is a must if you need to enable video conferencing, text messaging, HIPAA compliance, and voicemail transcription.
Features:
- Unlimited calling in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the US
- Virtual receptionist
- Mobile app
- Call logs
- Call forwarding
- 3-way calling
- Music on hold
- Paging
- Intercom
- Call Blocking
- Internet fax
- Distinctive ringtones
- Number porting
What Are Small Business PBX Systems?
PBX means private branch exchange. The meaning of small business PBX systems is telecommunication platforms that meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It provides a centralized system for managing internal and external communications. PBX systems often include these features:
Call management
PBX systems allow small businesses to manage incoming and outgoing calls. It offers handy auto-attendant and contact center features with call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, and call transfer so your business can respond promptly at all times.
Internal communication
Your staff can communicate quickly with each other using extensions. Usually, a PBX system allows free calls or only incur minimum charges. Cloud PBX systems also provide support for conference calls and remote access if you need virtual meetings with team members.
Scalability
Small business PBX is designed to be scalable, letting you add or remove communication features depending on your business growth. If a small business PBX is cloud-hosted, then you can easily add virtual phone lines and other features without waiting for a physical setup.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Small Business PBX System
Choosing a reliable PBX system means looking into the following key components:
- Number of users: Can the phone system support the size of your business? What if your business grows?
- Security features: Security features like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and call logs are essential to safeguard data, all the more if you’re in the healthcare or finance industry.
- Support and maintenance: Hosted cloud PBX systems must handle system upgrades and maintenance for you. It’s best if they also provide 24/7 support in case of data breaches or system failures.
- Mobile access: Dedicated Android and iOS apps allow you to communicate with your team remotely. They’re convenient tools that enable you to handle phone calls on the go, making it easier to do business from anywhere.
