RingCentral is a cloud-based platform that helps connect businesses with their teams and customers through messaging, video, and phone. It’s often used by scaling companies that are looking for a robust voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) solution ideal for any business stage. RingCentral is among the best small business phone systems because of its tiered plans with comprehensive features that come with reasonable prices. Its fees start at $29.99 per month.
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RingCentral Overview
RingCentral
What We Like
- Supports various communication channels, such as video, text messages, and team messaging
- Great for high call volumes with features like interactive voice response (IVR) and multilevel auto-attendants
- User-friendly for all skill levels
- Free demo videos available
- Wide range of third-party app integrations
- Multiplatform support
What's Missing
- Has tons of features that may be overwhelming to some
- No professional audio greetings included
- More expensive than its alternatives
- Occasional system lags during peak operation hours
- Users reported poor customer service
RingCentral Is Recommended For:
- Those looking for a VoIP system with video conferencing tools
- Healthcare organizations
- Businesses with high call volumes
- Entrepreneurs needing a comprehensive business cellphone plan
- Large enterprises
- Companies with a global presence
What We Recommend RingCentral For
RingCentral provides a robust, cloud-based platform for managing communications across channels like video, voice, voicemail, fax, and text. It offers various subscription options, great for businesses looking for a budget-friendly and easy-to-use phone service. There may be cheaper alternatives like 8×8, but RingCentral features the most comprehensive system, suitable for those looking to scale.
Who RingCentral Is Good For
- Teams looking for a VoIP system with video conferencing features: RingCentral is one of our top picks for the best small business phone systems and best small business VoIP service providers with its powerful features, ease of use, and reasonable rates. It also made it to our list of the best video conferencing software and best softphone apps.
- Healthcare organizations looking for a secure phone system for their telehealth needs: RingCentral strictly complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST). It ensures that patient health information is treated with confidentiality and privacy—making it among the top HIPAA-compliant video conferencing systems.
- Businesses needing an interactive voice response (IVR) system or multilevel auto-attendant that supports high call volumes: RingCentral is our best answering service, and is among our best auto-attendant phone systems recommendations as it provides these capabilities that forward calls to specific departments, employees, or external phone numbers.
- Those looking for a robust business cellphone plan: RingCentral is our overall best business cellphone plan as it comes with apps that allow access to its platform via mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer. It comes with extensive capabilities, such as video conferencing, and is more cost-effective than most traditional cellphone plans.
- Enterprises that need a complete phone solution for their expanding environment: RingCentral provides equipment leases, allowing businesses to utilize the best technologies—both software and hardware—for their needs. It landed on our top picks for the best call center phones and best call center phone systems.
- International calling: RingCentral supports international calling for those with a global presence. Its plans already include calls to Puerto Rico and Canada, and per-minute fees for other countries start at 1 cent. It’s one of our recommended phone systems for our guide on international calling rates and is among our list of the best services for VoIP international calls.
- Call management: RingCentral made it to our best call management systems list as it features advanced capabilities along with its call management features, such as call monitoring, call handling, and phone system administration.
- Sales automation: RingCentral helps automate sales with its comprehensive communication and call management features, such as automatic call logs with a dialer that eliminates manual entry. Its platform is one of our recommendations for the best sales automation software.
- Vanity phone number: Customize your business phone number to make it easy to remember for your customers with RingCentral. It’s among our picks for the best vanity phone number providers as it also comes with advanced phone system features.
Who RingCentral Is Not a Good Fit For
- Small businesses and teams with limited needs and low budgets: RingCentral features advanced capabilities and inclusions that come at higher subscription rates. Those not looking to scale any time soon and need a basic and budget-friendly VoIP solution can check out Ooma instead. Read our head-to-head Ooma vs RingCentral comparison to learn more.
- However, freelancers and companies with teams of less than 20 may find Dialpad a better provider for their needs. It may not support conference calls for large audiences, but it does offer unlimited calls in the United States and Canada. Check out our Dialpad vs RingCentral article if you are unsure which of the two providers is best for you.
- If you are looking for more options, then our list of the best cheap VoIP services is worth reading.
- Freelancers, solopreneurs, and small teams looking for all-inclusive plans with basic VoIP features: RingCentral’s tiered pricing plans lock some of its advanced features in higher-priced options, and so it may not work for those with tight budgets. Alternatives like GoToConnect provide all of its features in each plan that may best fit their needs. Head to our GoToConnect vs RingCentral article for more information.
- Those looking for a straightforward VoIP system with flexible and customized pricing plans: Although RingCentral offers a complete communications platform with an exceptional set of features, it may not be a match for those with limited needs. Those looking for a VoIP solution with unlimited messaging and calls may try out Vonage instead. It also offers contact center features and add-on pricing options if the need arises. Read through our RingCentral vs Vonage assessment to find out which of the two companies suits your needs best.
- Small companies that need unlimited extensions and users, and don’t need customer relationship management (CRM) or project management software integrations: RingCentral offers per-user plans, which may not match those needing unlimited extensions or users. If you don’t prefer the per-user pricing and need mobility without advanced features and integrations, look into a more inexpensive alternative like Grasshopper. See our detailed RingCentral vs Grasshopper comparison for more information.
- Those needing a budget-friendly phone service with pick-and-choose feature bundles and security compliance: Not all customers need RingCentral’s more advanced features and services that are packed in its fixed tiered plans. Small businesses that aren’t expecting accelerated growth may appreciate 8×8’s flexible and affordable pricing tiers. Check out our RingCentral vs 8×8 comparison for more details.
- Those looking for a free VoIP solution: RingCentral doesn’t offer an open plan, and those who only need basic VoIP features that are provided at no cost may check out Google Voice.
Do you want to check out other options? Read our guide to the best VoIP apps for business to determine which product matches your needs.
RingCentral Pricing
RingCentral has four different pricing plans for its MVP product. All plans include the essentials like visual voicemail, desktop, and mobile apps, document sharing, call management, and team messaging. The main differences between the tiers are the maximum number of users per account, toll-free minutes, and video meeting participants allowed per session, among others.
RingCentral MVP Plans | Essentials | Standard | Premium | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For | Businesses that need messaging and phone capabilities | Those who need phone, messaging, and video features | Teams that need a solution with communication and open platform functions | Enterprises that need a complete communication and open platform solution |
Monthly Pricing ($/User/Month)* | $39.99 | $49.99 | $59.99 | $69.99 |
Annual Pricing** ($/User/Month) | $29.99 | $34.99 | $49.99 | $59.99 |
Toll-free Minutes | 100 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 10,000 |
Video Meeting Participants per Session | N/A | 100 | 200 | 200 |
Maximum Number of Users | 20 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Visual Voicemail | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Unlimited Internet Fax | ✕ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Multisite Admin & Management | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ | ✔ |
Device Status Reports & Alerts | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✔ |
*Rates are based on a subscription with one user only. The more users subscribed to the account, the lower the per-user fees will be.
**Annual plans are paid in full at the beginning of the billing cycle.
RingCentral Add-ons
- You may add extra vanity numbers for a one-time fee of $30 each
- An additional toll-free or local phone number costs $4.99 per user, per month
- Purchase a new international number at a starting price of $5.99 per user, per month
- An international toll-free number is available for $14.99 per user, per month plus a one-time $25 fee
- An additional RingCentral room license costs $49 per room, per month or $468 per room, per year
- A high-volume short message service (SMS) add-on starts at 0.007 of a cent per message sent or received
RingCentral allows international calls at added per-minute rates, ranging from 1 cent to 16 cents. Calls to the US, Mexico, and Puerto Rico are already included in its plans. Additionally, it offers three cloud-based contact center plans for those looking for a solution with inbound voice, inbound voice and omnichannel, and inbound and outbound voice with omnichannel capabilities, respectively. Prices for these subscription options are available upon request.
RingCentral Glip—a free team messaging and video conferencing software—is also available. This software features a 24-hour meeting duration, support for up to 100 participants, an unlimited number of meetings, and integrations with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, among others. Those who need to host up to 200 participants may subscribe to a premium plan at $14.99 per user, per month, when billed monthly.
RingCentral Hardware
RingCentral users can purchase or lease communications hardware like VoIP phones, conference tools, and headsets. Comparison tables are also available on RingCentral’s website to aid those looking for the best option for their needs. Most hardware is available for rentals for those with multi-year RingCentral MVP subscription contracts.
Moreover, you can utilize your existing VoIP phones like Cisco, Polycom, or Yealink, with RingCentral. A list of the tested phones—supported in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom—with its platform is available on its website.
VoIP Phones
Choose from various VoIP phones, including desktop, cordless, adapter, and receptionist, with RingCentral. Brands available are Unify, Polycom, Cisco, Yealink, and prices range from $3.99 to $34 per hardware, per month, or $129 to $569, which is a one-time fee.
RingCentral also offers other phones that require manual setup. Those interested may contact its sales team for more information.
Conference Hardware
RingCentral offers Polycom conference phone rentals at $21 to $80 per month, or $599 to $1,699 (one-time fee). It also offers $50 to $200 worth of discounts from time to time. These phones provide a 7- to 20-foot microphone pickup that’s ideal for small to large conference rooms.
Headsets
Several types of headsets from either Poly or Jabra are available. However, the prices aren’t published on its website. Its features typically include active or enhanced noise canceling, dynamic mute alert senses, smart sensor technology, Bluetooth connectivity, and wideband audio.
RingCentral Features
RingCentral is a cloud-based business phone system accessible across various devices. It’s recommended for businesses with accelerated needs that don’t mind its pricier subscriptions for the premium features included, even at the base plans.
RingCentral unifies business communications in one place. (Source: RingCentral)
Unlike some of its competitors, such as Phone.com, it provides unlimited calls within Canada and the US, unlimited business SMS, team messaging, visual voicemail, toll-free minutes, and document sharing on all plans. Although it has a wide range of advanced features, some users may find it overwhelming and complicated, trying to learn them all.
General Features
- Multi-level auto-attendant
- Call recording
- Audio and video conferencing
- Number porting
- Fax
- Visual voicemail
- SMS messaging
RingCentral comes with a complete set of general features that a VoIP solution can provide. It has many call management capabilities, such as a multi-level auto-attendant, call screening, overflow call queues, answering rules, and call monitoring.
If you need to record a call for training or documentation purposes, try RingCentral. It offers two call recording types—on-demand and automatic—that depend on the users’ plan. On-demand call recording allows Standard plan users to manually record calls through their IP phone provisioned with RingCentral, RingCentral phone for mobile, or a forwarding number.
On the other hand, automatic call recording enables Premium and Ultimate plan users to set up their phone system for automatic recording. This feature lets users automatically record inbound calls for departments and inbound and outbound calls for individuals.
Those who utilize various communication devices for their business will find RingCentral an excellent choice as it supports numerous channels. Apart from calls, it lets you manage text messages, audio and video conferences, fax messages, and voicemails.
Mobile App
- Cloud PBX
- Team messaging
- Unlimited file and document sharing
- Video conferencing with advanced screen sharing
- Team collaboration capabilities
RingCentral’s mobile app lets you access its powerful features—such as VoIP calling and team collaboration—with your smartphone or company-issued device.
(Source: RingCentral)
Apart from letting you utilize its platform through hardware and a computer, RingCentral also has mobile apps compatible with Android and iOS devices. These apps enable you to stay connected with your team or customers from anywhere with an internet connection.
Its mobile app lets you manage all communications even when you’re on the go. You can access a wide range of features through your tablet or smartphone, allowing you to configure the company directory, manage greetings, and set up call handling rules. You may also access your faxes and voicemails, communicate with your teammates, handle incoming and outgoing calls, and attend video meetings.
Reporting & Analytics
- Adoption and usage reports
- Configurable KPIs
- Real-time alerts
- Real-time dashboard
- Live reports
- Auto-generated Performance and Company Number email reports
RingCentral analytics portal displays insights on usage, adoption, and quality of service. You may also set up automated alerts to monitor critical parameters and key performance indicators (KPIs), customize real-time dashboards, and track offline and online devices.
Additionally, it helps users cut repetitive tasks by creating automated reports daily, weekly, or monthly. You may also monitor your business performance and view numbers on sales, marketing campaigns, and customer service.
Third-party Integrations
Integrate your existing tools with RingCentral for enhanced productivity and to maximize its capabilities. Its app gallery includes over 200 widely used tools, such as Slack, Salesforce, Canvas, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Zendesk, and Zoho CRM.
Customer Service
- 24/7 live phone support for MVP customers (with two or more users)
- Various channels available
- System status page available
- Social media pages
RingCentral offers numerous channels for customer support, including live chat, community, phone, and online support cases. Support representatives are also available through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Live phone support is available on:
- A 24/7 basis for RingCentral MVP customers with two or more users; or
- A limited basis, from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) for a RingCentral MVP user with a single account.
Additionally, non-English support is also available every weekday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central European Time.
Ease of Use
- Easy setup
- Minimalist and straightforward interface
- Compatible with desktop and mobile devices
- Customizable features for a more optimal experience
- Preconfigured hardware
- Guides and demos available
RingCentral is an intuitive and user-friendly software for users of all skill levels. However, since it comes with a wide range of highly customizable features, setting them all up according to your needs may take a while. Note that these configurations are worth the time to set up to make them work best for your specific business needs.
RingCentral is easier to manage and configure than traditional phone systems as it does not require technicians for setup. Moreover, many feature customizations can be done from the mobile app, not limiting you when working remotely or away from your desk.
RingCentral Alternatives
 |  |  |
Best for: Smaller organizations looking for a powerful yet affordable virtual phone system | Best for: Companies that want a solid package with a free, professionally recorded voice greeting | Best for: Teams looking to make calls to many different countries at no extra cost |
Starting price: $29 per user, per month | Starting price: $30.95 per user, per month | Starting price: $12 per user, per month |
Looking for more similar options? Check out these RingCentral alternatives.
What Users Think of RingCentral
Many RingCentral customer reviews online match our analysis of the platform being an excellent virtual phone system with VoIP for small businesses. At the time of publication, RingCentral has earned the following scores on our and other popular user review sites:
- G2: 3.9 out of 5 based on 569 reviews
- Capterra: 4.2 out of 5 based on 909 reviews
- GetApp: 4.2 out of 5 based on 909 reviews
- Gartner: 4.5 out of 5 based on 489 reviews
When reading through user reviews, here are some of the trends that I noticed:
Users Like | Users Don’t Like |
|---|---|
Stable and easy to use | Complicated to set up compared with alternatives like GoToConnect and Grasshopper |
Competitive pricing | Other features like video conferencing can be improved |
Great VoIP clarity and quality | Occasional software crashes and bugs |
Has a comprehensive set of features |
There are mixed opinions online on RingCentral’s customer service. Some reported that its customer support team is responsive and very helpful in addressing their inquiries and issues. Meanwhile, there are a few users who mentioned they experienced poor customer service.
Bottom Line
RingCentral provides a comprehensive communications platform that unifies messages across calls, faxes, voicemails, texts, and emails. Its tiered pricing plans work best for businesses with growing needs. It features an impressive set of call management features that match those with high call volume.
RingCentral’s pricing points may be more expensive than its alternatives in the market, like Grasshopper. Note that it offers valuable capabilities and third-party app integrations. It also provides premium features in its base plan, such as unlimited calls within the US and Canada, unlike other providers that charge extra fees or offer them with their higher-tiered plans. Visit RingCentral to request a demo to see it in action and determine if it matches your business needs.
