8×8 phone systems review – Getting the best price for your business

With remote work and global connectivity becoming more prevalent, choosing the right phone system for your business is more important than ever. 8×8 is a leading provider of cloud-based communication solutions, offering a range of phone systems tailored to different business needs. This article provides an in-depth review of 8×8 products, including price, pros, and cons, to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your organisation.

What is 8×8?

8×8 is a global provider of cloud communication and collaboration solutions. It offers voice, video, chat, contact centre, and enterprise-class API solutions for businesses of all sizes. With its robust and scalable platform, 8×8 aims to improve customer experience and employee productivity, providing flexible options that can be customised to fit specific business requirements.

8×8 phone system products

Product	Price (per user/month)	Key Features	Pros	Cons
8×8 Express	£12	Unlimited calling to 14 countries, HD audio/video meetings, business SMS, automated call routing	Affordable, easy setup, ideal for small businesses	Limited to 14 countries, basic features
8×8 X2	£20	Unlimited calling to 48 countries, CRM integration, voicemail transcription, advanced analytics	Good value, extensive integrations, scalable	Lacks advanced call centre features, setup required
8×8 X4	£35	Call recording, supervisor analytics, multi-level auto attendants, integration with Microsoft Teams	Enhanced customer interaction features, suitable for larger teams	Higher price, may be too much for small businesses
8×8 X6	£45	Advanced call centre features, speech analytics, IVR system, workforce management integration	Ideal for call centres, comprehensive workforce management	Expensive, requires more training
8×8 X8	£80	AI-driven analytics, omni-channel contact centre, CRM/ERP integration, advanced call monitoring	Advanced analytics, multi-channel support, highly customisable	High cost, complex setup

Below is a detailed look at 8×8’s main phone system products, including their features, prices, and pros and cons.

5. 8×8 X8

Price: £80 per user per month

Features:

• Includes all features of X6
• AI-driven analytics and real-time call monitoring
• Omni-channel contact centre capabilities
• Integration with third-party CRM and ERP systems
• Advanced call quality reporting

Pros:

• Tailored for large enterprises with robust customer service requirements
• AI capabilities for improved decision-making
• Supports multi-channel communication for a seamless customer experience
• Highly customisable and scalable

Cons:

• High cost may be prohibitive for small to medium-sized businesses
• Complex setup process requiring IT support

Key benefits of 8×8 phone systems

1. Global reach: With unlimited calling plans to numerous countries, 8×8 supports businesses with international clients and partners.
2. Integration capabilities: Seamless integration with popular business tools like Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and other CRM systems enhances productivity.
3. Scalability: Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, 8×8’s solutions can grow with your business needs.
4. Comprehensive analytics: Advanced analytics and reporting tools help businesses make data-driven decisions to improve communication efficiency.

Potential drawbacks

1. Cost considerations: While 8×8 offers a range of plans, some of the more advanced features come with a hefty price tag that might not be suitable for small businesses.
2. Complexity for beginners: The setup and customisation of advanced features can be challenging for businesses without dedicated IT support.
3. Limited customisation on lower-tier plans: Basic plans may lack some of the customisation and advanced features needed for businesses with specific requirements.

Getting the best prices on an 8×8 phone system

When considering an 8×8 phone system for your business, it’s important to look beyond the advertised prices to understand the full scope of costs involved. Like many service providers, 8×8 may have additional fees, discount options, and strategies to help you get the best prices. Here’s what you need to know about managing these costs effectively.

Hidden fees

While 8×8 generally offers transparent pricing, there are a few additional costs that businesses should be aware of:

1. Setup and activation fees: Some 8×8 plans may include one-time setup or activation fees, particularly for larger installations that require custom configurations. It’s worth clarifying these fees with 8×8 before committing to a plan.
2. Hardware costs: While the software itself is subscription-based, businesses may need to invest in compatible hardware like IP phones or headsets. 8×8 does offer hardware for purchase, but these costs are not included in the monthly plan prices.
3. International call charges: Although many plans offer unlimited calling to specific countries, calls outside of these regions may incur additional per-minute charges. It’s important to review which countries are included in your plan to avoid unexpected costs.
4. Feature add-ons: Some advanced features, such as call recording storage, premium analytics, or extra video conferencing capabilities, might require an additional fee. Make sure you understand what is included in your plan and which features come at an extra cost.

Discounts and promotions

8×8 often provides discounts and promotions that can help reduce costs, especially for businesses that sign up for longer-term contracts. Here are a few ways to take advantage of these offers:

1. Annual billing discounts: Opting for annual billing instead of monthly payments can significantly reduce the overall cost of your 8×8 subscription. Businesses that commit to a year or more often receive a discount compared to those paying on a month-to-month basis.
2. Volume-based pricing: If your business requires a large number of users, 8×8 may offer volume-based discounts. Negotiating a deal for multiple licences can result in lower per-user rates, making it more cost-effective for larger teams.
3. Promotional deals: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions or special deals that 8×8 might offer, particularly during major sales periods like Black Friday or end-of-year sales. These promotions can provide significant savings on selected plans.
4. Non-profit and education discounts: 8×8 offers discounts to non-profit organisations and educational institutions. If your business falls into one of these categories, it’s worth inquiring directly with 8×8 about eligibility for reduced pricing.

Tips for reducing the cost

1. Negotiate with sales representatives: If you’re considering a larger plan or long-term contract, don’t hesitate to negotiate directly with an 8×8 sales representative. They often have the flexibility to offer custom pricing or throw in extra features as part of the deal.
2. Trial periods: Take advantage of 8×8’s free trial period to test the service without any commitment. This allows you to explore the features and make an informed decision before making a financial investment.
3. Avoid unnecessary features: Carefully review each plan to ensure you’re not paying for features you don’t need. If your business does not require advanced call centre capabilities or AI-driven analytics, a lower-tier plan may suffice.
4. Bundle services: Consider bundling 8×8 services like VoIP, contact centre solutions, and video conferencing into a single package. Bundling can often lead to discounts and streamline your communication services under one provider.

Is 8×8 the right choice for your business?

8×8 phone systems offer a wide array of features designed to enhance communication and collaboration for businesses of all sizes. Its scalable options make it a solid choice for both small businesses and large enterprises. However, smaller companies may find the higher-tier plans costly, especially if they do not need advanced call centre capabilities.

The decision to choose 8×8 largely depends on your business needs, budget, and the level of customer service you require. If you prioritise integration with CRM tools, international calling, and AI-driven analytics, 8×8’s comprehensive product suite could be an excellent investment.

Alternatives

• 8×8 vs Dialpad
• 8×8 vs GoTo Connect
• 8×8 vs Microsoft Teams
• 8×8 vs Mitel
• 8×8 vs Nextiva
• 8×8 vs RingCentral
• 8×8 vs Vonage
• 8×8 vs Zoom

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