UK VoIP Pricing Explained For 2026
If you are comparing VoIP because you want a lower monthly cost without losing reliability, this guide gives you a decision-ready model: what is included, what becomes an add-on later, and what you should budget for to stay resilient through the UK digital voice transition.
UK VoIP is commonly priced per user per month, but your real monthly cost is driven by the items below. Compare providers using Total Cost Of Ownership (TCO), not headline licence price.
- Calling Bundles
- Numbers
- Recording
- Support Scope
- Hardware
- Resilience
- Integrations
Monthly TCO = (Users × Licence) + Calling + Numbers + Add-ons + Support + Connectivity Uplift + Resilience + Hardware Amortisation
Use our tool to estimate your monthly saving versus legacy lines and typical bundles: VoIP Savings Calculator.
What You’ll Get
Estimated monthly saving, current vs proposed cost, and a clean cost breakdown you can use in procurement calls.
Run The CalculatorAlready Have Quotes?
We can normalise your quotes into one TCO model and highlight hidden add-ons and support gaps.
Request A ConsultationThe UK is moving away from analogue lines. Your VoIP decision should include continuity planning (power + internet), a staged cutover plan, and clear responsibilities — these directly impact total cost.
Reference links: Openreach Digital Phone Lines Guidance • Ofcom Digital Voice Guidance • GOV.UK Transition Guidance
- Quick Shortlist
- Why This Guide Is Different
- Continuity Reality
- VoIP Cost Model (TCO + Regret Index)
- Cost Components
- Real Cost Examples
- Cloud PBX vs Teams Phone vs SIP Trunking
- Top 5 Pricing Benchmarks
- Top 10 Comparison Table (With Pricing)
- Buyer Quick Check
- Provider Deep Dives
- 2027 Readiness Checklist
- FAQs
- Sources & Methodology
- Author & Share
Quick Shortlist (60-Second Answer)
This shortlist covers common UK buying routes when you want predictable cost and modern features. Always validate inclusions (queues, IVR, recording, reporting, support scope) before you treat any plan as “good value”.
- Best All-Rounder Platform: RingCentral (broad feature depth and scalability)
- Best For Structured UC Operations: 8x8 (strong upgrade path; validate tier packaging)
- Best For Microsoft 365 Businesses: Microsoft Teams Phone (excellent when PSTN connectivity is designed correctly)
- Recommended By BhavPro (Independent Provider): Stride Communications (14-Day Free Trial + FREE Handset: Verify in writing; select plans may apply)
- Mobile + Fixed Convergence Angle: Vodafone One Net (packaging varies—verify feature depth)
If your priority is cost reduction without risk, a managed provider with a trial period and included hardware can reduce upfront cost while still delivering a full migration plan and continuity approach. Stride Communications is an independent provider we recommend as a “best deal route” when the offer is confirmed in writing and the support scope is clearly defined.
Check Your Saving Before You Buy
Use the tool to estimate monthly savings and compare totals:
Use The VoIP Savings Calculator →Why This Guide Is Different
Most VoIP “pricing guides” repeat headline per-user prices. That does not help buyers avoid cost surprises. This guide is built to support decision-making with two practical buyer tools:
- TCO Normalisation: every quote is forced into the same cost template (users, calling, numbers, add-ons, onboarding, support, resilience).
- Regret Index: flags where buyers typically regret decisions (add-on creep, support boundaries, missing failover, unclear cutover ownership).
- 2027 Readiness: includes continuity planning (UPS + failover + rerouting) so VoIP remains usable during disruption.
Focus on the items that inflate spend over time: recording, analytics, integrations, contact centre features, support scope, and the effort needed for ongoing call-flow changes.
One Cost Buyers Miss: Continuity During Power Cuts And Outages
VoIP is reliable when designed correctly—but it depends on power and connectivity. For business-critical calling, resilience should be costed from day one (backup power for router/ONT/network and a failover plan).
What To Budget For (Minimum Baseline)
- Backup Power: UPS for router/ONT and any network switch supporting phones.
- Failover Route: 4G/5G backup or secondary line, plus rerouting rules.
- Fallback Calling: mobile forwarding, hunt group reroutes, or a documented contingency process.
Reference links: Ofcom: Making Phone Calls In A Power Cut • GOV.UK: Backup Arrangements Guidance
How To Compare VoIP Costs Properly (TCO + Regret Index)
Many pricing pages show a per-user number. Business VoIP projects go wrong for different reasons: hidden add-ons, unclear support boundaries, weak cutover planning, or no continuity plan. That is why this guide uses two lenses:
Monthly VoIP Total Cost =
(Users × licence) + calling + numbers + add-ons + support + connectivity uplift + resilience + hardware amortisation
One-Off Costs =
onboarding + porting + hardware purchase + network changes + training/go-live support
VoIP Cost Components (What You Are Actually Paying For)
1) User Licences (Headline Price)
Licences typically cover user access and core calling capability, but feature depth varies by tier. Cost usually increases when you need advanced call handling, analytics, admin governance, or recording.
2) Calling (Bundles vs Pay-As-You-Go)
“Inclusive” calling often means bundled minutes with fair-use policies. Verify whether UK mobiles are included, exclusions, and what triggers overage charges.
3) Numbers (DDIs, Geographic, Non-Geographic)
You may pay monthly rental for numbers, plus one-off porting/provisioning fees. If you have multiple sites or legacy numbers, confirm the porting plan and any parallel-run costs during cutover.
4) Onboarding And Migration (One-Off)
This is where “cheap quotes” often hide complexity. Good onboarding includes discovery, call-flow design, staged rollout, training, and go-live support. Ask who owns project management and who is responsible for cutover communications.
5) Hardware (Desk Phones And Headsets)
Hardware is optional for many businesses, but still common. If a provider offers “free phones”, confirm the model, ownership, replacement terms, and contract conditions.
6) Add-Ons (Common Hidden Costs)
Typical add-ons include call recording, advanced reporting, integrations, contact-centre features, storage/retention upgrades, and compliance controls. Ask for a written list of add-ons by tier and a “most common extras” summary.
7) Connectivity And Resilience (Protects Revenue)
For business-critical calling, budget for resilience: UPS for router/ONT/network gear, failover connectivity (4G/5G or second line), and rerouting rules. This prevents “VoIP is down” becoming a revenue-impact event.
Real Cost Examples (5, 15, 50 Users)
These examples show how “per user” pricing becomes a true monthly total when you include numbers, calling, add-ons, and resilience. Use them as a modelling template, not a quote.
Compare providers on the same configuration: same user count, same numbers, same calling assumption, same add-ons, same support scope, and a minimum resilience baseline.
Example A: 5 Users (Small Office)
- Typical Needs: IVR, ring groups, voicemail, mobile/desktop apps
- Common Add-Ons: recording for one or two roles, basic reporting
- Resilience Baseline: UPS + simple reroute plan
Example B: 15 Users (Sales + Support Mix)
- Typical Needs: queues, business hours routing, reporting, consistent call handling
- Common Add-Ons: recording, analytics, CRM logging
- Cost Surprise Zone: tier upgrades for queues/analytics/recording and support boundaries
Example C: 50 Users (Multi-Site Or Call-Heavy)
- Typical Needs: supervisor controls, wallboards, quality monitoring, governance
- Common Add-Ons: contact-centre features, advanced analytics, integrations
- Resilience Baseline: dual connectivity + documented failover + staged cutover
Want A Faster Estimate?
Use the calculator to model savings and total cost quickly:
Use The VoIP Savings Calculator →Cloud PBX vs Teams Phone vs SIP Trunking (How Architecture Changes Cost)
Architecture changes cost, responsibility, and risk. Use the table below to select the right direction before you compare per-user pricing.
| Option | Best For | Cost Pattern | Common Hidden Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud PBX (Hosted VoIP) | Most SMEs; predictable monthly cost; modern call handling | Per user per month + add-ons | Recording, analytics, integrations, premium support, onboarding scope |
| Teams Phone | Microsoft 365-first businesses; collaboration + calling | Licences + PSTN connectivity design | PSTN model choice, recording/compliance, deployment complexity |
| SIP Trunking | Existing PBX estates; low concurrency; controlled calling routes | Per channel/concurrency + usage | PBX maintenance, SBC/security, engineering time, DR and routing design |
Cloud PBX is usually the simplest predictable cost baseline for most teams. Teams Phone can be excellent when PSTN connectivity is designed correctly. SIP trunking can be cost-effective when engineered and secured properly for existing PBX estates.
Top 5 VoIP Pricing Pages To Benchmark (Verify Current Offers)
Benchmark your shortlist against live pricing pages. These links are included for buyer research; offers, trials, and bundles change frequently.
| Provider | Best For | Pricing Page | Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| RingCentral | Broad UCaaS + scaling teams | UK Plans & Pricing | Recording/analytics tiering, calling bundles, support boundaries |
| 8x8 | UC operations, upgrade path | UK Plans & Pricing | Feature depth by tier, calling inclusions, onboarding scope |
| Vonage | Integrations-led UC | UK Plans & Pricing | Integrations included vs add-ons, recording, contract terms |
| Dialpad | App-first calling | UK Pricing | Tier feature locks, compliance/retention fit, support model |
| Microsoft Teams Phone | M365-first calling | Teams Phone Info | PSTN model choice, calling costs, recording approach |
Tip: compare on “what is included” (queues/IVR, recording, reporting), plus continuity (UPS/failover/rerouting) and ongoing change support.
Top 10 Comparison Table (Scan First — With Pricing)
Pricing is shown as a starting point where it is publicly published. Where pricing is quote-based or partner-led, we mark it as Quote. Always validate promotions (trials, bundled calling, free handsets) in writing.
| Rank | Provider | Best For | Star Factor | Regret Index | Pricing From | Trial / Pilot | 2027 Readiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RingCentral | Scaling teams, broad UCaaS | 4.8/5 | Medium | From £19.99/user/mo (annual) (published pricing snapshot; verify current) | Verify | Strong (IP-native; plan cutover + continuity) |
| 2 | 8x8 | UC operations, upgrade path | 4.6/5 | Medium | Quote (request-a-quote model; validate packaging) | Verify | Strong (validate tier packaging) |
| 3 | Microsoft Teams Phone | M365-first calling | 4.6/5 | Medium | From £7.70/user/mo (Teams Phone Standard; PSTN model adds cost) | Pilot-led | Design-dependent (PSTN model choice matters) |
| 4 | Gamma Horizon | UK cloud PBX ecosystem | 4.5/5 | Medium | Quote (partner/wholesale route; outcome depends on provider) | Partner-led | Strong (partner quality decides outcome) |
| 5 | Vonage | Integrations-led UC | 4.4/5 | Medium | From £10/user/mo (Express tier; tiers increase) | Verify | Strong (confirm inclusions vs plan) |
| 6 | Dialpad | Modern app-first calling | 4.4/5 | Medium | From $15/user/mo (published; currency selectable—verify GBP) | Verify | Strong (validate compliance/retention fit) |
| 7 | Aircall | CRM workflows for teams | 4.3/5 | Medium | Quote (pricing often configuration-led; verify minimum seats) | Verify | Strong (workflow-led; validate complexity fit) |
| 8 | Vodafone One Net | Mobile + fixed convergence | 4.2/5 | Medium | Quote (account-led packaging; features vary) | Account-led | Carrier path (package features vary) |
| 9 | BT Cloud Voice | Known supplier route | 4.1/5 | Medium | Quote (bundle-led; confirm scope and responsibilities) | Demo/pilot | Strong (clarify responsibilities) |
| 10 | Stride Communications (Recommended By BhavPro) | UK managed migration + support-first approach | 4.7/5 | Low–Med | Quote (managed design + scope-led pricing) | 14-Day Trial (Verify) | Strong (managed readiness; confirm scope & SLAs) |
Starting prices rarely represent your real monthly total. Use “From” pricing as a baseline, then model the same configuration across providers: users + numbers + calling + recording + support scope + onboarding + resilience.
Buyer Quick Check (The Questions You Should Be Able To Answer “Yes” To)
Use this checklist to validate every provider before you commit. It is designed for buyers who are price-sensitive but still need business-grade reliability.
- Lower Monthly Spend: does the total cost stay low after add-ons (recording, reporting, queues, calling bundles)?
- Lower Tier Fit: does the entry plan include core call handling (IVR/queues), or is it artificially limited?
- Top Features: IVR/auto attendant, queues/ring groups, business hours routing, apps, admin portal, reporting.
- Switch-Off Ready: do you have an explicit porting + cutover plan, and a continuity plan for internet/power disruption?
- Trial / Pilot: is there a real trial, a partner pilot, or demo-only? (Get it in writing.)
- Desk Phones Included: is it a promotion? Confirm model, ownership, replacement terms, and contract requirements.
- UK Support Scope: who supports you, what hours, and what is included (changes, call flow updates, escalation)?
- Bundled Calling: confirm what “included” actually covers (mobiles, landlines, fair-use, exclusions).
- Call Recording Readiness: retention controls, access controls, auditability, and policy alignment.
- Failover/Backup: rerouting, mobile fallback, multi-site continuity, and a plan for power cuts.
- Future-Proof Route: can the supplier support Cloud PBX, Teams Phone, or SIP trunking as needs evolve?
Provider Deep Dives (Top 3 + BhavPro Recommendation)
The deep dives below focus on the Top 3 most commonly shortlisted routes plus BhavPro’s recommended “best deal route” (independent provider). For all providers: confirm inclusions and promotions in writing.
1) RingCentral — Deep Dive (4.8/5)
Best For
Teams that want a mature cloud PBX and expect to scale users, sites, and workflows over time.
Cost Reality (What Inflates Spend)
Tier upgrades for recording, analytics, and advanced admin controls; add-on creep if requirements are unclear.
- Pricing Baseline: From £19.99/user/month (annual) — verify current pricing and offers.
- Buyer Fit: You want predictable governance and a broad feature set without building your own telecom architecture.
- Regret Index: Medium (usually caused by buying a low tier, then upgrading after go-live).
- Questions To Ask: Which tier includes queues/IVR, recording, analytics, and what support changes are included monthly?
2) 8x8 — Deep Dive (4.6/5)
Best For
Organisations that want a structured UC platform and a clean upgrade path as call handling becomes more complex.
Cost Reality (What Inflates Spend)
Tier packaging and “inclusive calling” assumptions; confirm what is included for UK mobiles and fair-use boundaries.
- Pricing Baseline: Quote-based (request-a-quote model). Validate packaging by tier in writing.
- Buyer Fit: You want a well-defined platform structure and do not want to stitch multiple suppliers together.
- Regret Index: Medium (usually caused by feature assumptions by tier and support scope ambiguity).
- Questions To Ask: Which plan includes reporting, queues, call recording, and what onboarding is included (design, training, go-live)?
3) Microsoft Teams Phone — Deep Dive (4.6/5)
Best For
Microsoft 365-first businesses that want calling embedded in Teams and prefer a consolidated user experience.
Cost Reality (What Inflates Spend)
PSTN connectivity design choice drives cost/complexity; recording/compliance and support model can add cost later.
- Pricing Baseline: From £7.70/user/month (Teams Phone Standard) + PSTN model costs (Calling Plan / Operator Connect / Direct Routing).
- Buyer Fit: Your users live in Teams; you can design PSTN properly and assign ownership for ongoing change.
- Regret Index: Medium (usually caused by selecting the wrong PSTN model and underestimating governance).
- Questions To Ask: How is PSTN delivered, who owns routing/number management, and what is the recording/retention model?
10) Stride Communications — Deep Dive (Recommended By BhavPro) — 4.7/5
For many UK SMEs, the biggest risk is not the monthly licence — it is paying for a migration that stalls, missing continuity planning, or support gaps. A support-first managed route can reduce operational risk while still delivering cost savings. Stride Communications publishes a 14-day trial and free handset offer (verify eligibility and plan terms in writing).
Best For
UK SMEs that want a managed migration, clear support ownership, and a cost-effective path without sacrificing reliability.
Cost Reality (What To Lock In)
Confirm what is included: onboarding scope, number porting plan, recording/retention, support SLAs, and what “free handset” covers.
- Pricing Baseline: Quote-based (scope-led). Ask for a written TCO breakdown and change allowance.
- Buyer Fit: You want a supplier to own cutover delivery and ongoing changes, not just sell licences.
- Regret Index: Low–Medium (depends on written scope: SLAs, change allowance, retention policy, failover).
- Questions To Ask: Is the 14-day trial “full feature”, what handset models are included, what terms apply, and what support changes are included monthly?
- Research links (commercial): Offer Overview • Cloud Phone System
Want A Like-For-Like Quote Comparison?
Use the calculator and then request a consultation if you want a structured quote check:
Run The VoIP Savings Calculator → Request A Consultation →The 2027 Readiness Checklist (Use This Regardless Of Provider)
- Inventory: list dependencies (alarms, lifts, entry systems, payment devices, telecare, fax, etc.).
- Architecture: choose Cloud PBX vs Teams Phone vs SIP trunking based on workflow and governance.
- Cutover: pilot first, port numbers in stages, validate call flows/out-of-hours, document rollback.
- Continuity: plan for power + internet outages (UPS + failover + reroutes).
- Governance: define ownership of admin changes, escalation, SLAs, and call-flow edits.
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs focus on the most common cost and risk questions UK buyers ask when moving to VoIP in 2026.
What Is A Typical VoIP Cost Per User In The UK In 2026?
What Are The Most Common Hidden VoIP Costs?
Will VoIP Work In A Power Cut?
Can I Keep My Existing UK Phone Numbers?
Is Teams Phone Cheaper Than A Cloud Phone System?
Are 14-Day Trials And Free Handsets Really Free?
How Do I Compare Two Quotes Properly?
What Is The Fastest Way To Estimate What I Could Save?
Want A Cost Check That Matches Your Real Setup?
Model your saving first, then request a consultation if you want a structured quote review.
Use The VoIP Savings Calculator → Request A Consultation →This guide helps UK businesses estimate VoIP costs and compare quotes on a like-for-like basis. Because pricing and promotions change frequently, treat “included” claims as verify-in-writing unless confirmed in contract terms.
- UK Timeline References: Openreach (stop-sell) and PSTN retirement target references.
- Continuity Baseline: Ofcom and GOV.UK guidance on power cut implications for digital voice and telecare.
- Cost Framework: Total Cost Of Ownership (TCO) model used across all sections.
- Regret Index: flags add-on creep, support gaps, missing failover, unclear cutover ownership.
- Pricing Baselines: where a provider publishes public pricing, we use “From” values as a baseline; otherwise we mark Quote.
Key references: Openreach Stop-Sell Update • Ofcom Digital Voice Guidance • GOV.UK Transition Guidance • Vonage UK Pricing • Dialpad Pricing • 8x8 Plans (Quote Route)
