Best Business Phone Systems for 2021

When choosing the best business phone systems in 2021 for your business there’s a whole lot to consider. Probably a lot more than you thought you were going to have to think about when you first sat down as a business owner to figure out all this communication and customer service stuff.

For example, …

• What kind of system should I use for my business? A landline, VoIP, or virtual?
• Where do I want all this equipment hosted? On-premises in the office? Or, in my remote workspace at home? Or, should I have it all in the cloud option?
• Should I permit all employees the numerous ways they can use to tap into the business phone lines when working for my remote business? Or, just have a few administrators on the business account?

The truth is your business isn’t like anybody else’s business. And, there are a lot of things to consider here. So, how do you get all the right answers to your questions? How will you know which phone system is the best for your business?

As experts in business phone systems, your team at Abby Connect can help you find out just what it is in a phone system that you’ll need for your particular business. We’ve pulled together the research and information you’ve been looking for to help you make the right decision on your company’s phone system.

In this article, we’ll go over the best phone system for small businesses, for really small businesses, for overall phone service, and for virtual phone systems. After reviewing the best of the best we’d like you to ask yourself a list of questions we’ve put together to help guide you to the perfect phone system provider for you and your business.

We reviewed a guide on current business phone systems, and are going to share with you the ones we and our clients have the most experience with and recommend.

The Best for Small Businesses

For this new year, 8×8 has been rated the overall best phone system for your basic small business. This system offers everything you’ll need in a phone system for your small business. This option is a cloud-hosted VoIP unified communications system that doesn’t require expensive PBX hardware or a trained IT staff to set up or maintain. What it does need to get the job done well is rather simple. Just some high-speed internet access and as many IP phones as you’ll need.

Another awesome feature about using the 8×8 system is it makes setting up and maintaining the phone system very easy for small businesses and beginners.

The Best for Really Small Businesses

So, there are many small businesses out there. They’re the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, after all. But there is a difference between a small business (defined sometimes as businesses with up to 250 employees!) and a really small business.

Compared to the typical small law office of 8 to 10 people, the business owner who specializes in making handblown glass ornaments, art and household décor is running the business completely by themselves. Now that’s a very small operation that can make big and beautiful things happen with the right business phone system for their very particular needs.

Ooma Office is designed specifically for these really small businesses. It’s THE go-to phone system for microbusinesses. In addition to a traditional cloud-hosted system that works with IP phones, Ooma offers a version that combines on-premises hardware with cloud-hosted services.

The Best for Business Phone Service

RingCentral Office is a cloud-hosted VoIP unified communications system that serves all types of businesses. This is an easy to install phone system and it’s just as easy to operate. It has a vast array of calling, collaboration, and mobile features as well. And, it’s available in multiple service plans that work for small, midsize, or large organizations.

Keep in mind, we just reviewed the best in the biz for small and really small businesses. Although you may be considered a small business now you could be much bigger by the end of 2021 than you were expecting to be. You’ll need a service that can grow with you.

If you are all about the service and aren’t too concerned with your company’s size when picking your phone system due to your growth rates and expansion plans, RingCentral is most likely the phone system for your business.

The Best Virtual Business Phone Systems

Designed for businesses with on-the-go employees, Grasshopper is an ideal solution for businesses in need of a system that allows them to present a professional image at all times, regardless of where their employees are working from. Grasshopper enables that by connecting business phone lines to remote workers on their mobile and home phones.

Whether your law firm has gone remote since the COVID-19 pandemic to keep you and your staff safe or, your washer and dryer repair service continue to bring you and your employees to separate and unpredictable locations Grasshopper’s phone system gives your callers a consistent message. You’re professional and seamless. No matter where you’re working that day.

What’s Best for Your Business?

The truth of the matter is, in almost every factor of your business, only you (the business owner) will really know what’s best for your company. And, now you have this helpful guide you can get your business phone system set up, the right way.

Take this time to sit down and analyze your specific business’s needs. And, ask yourself these questions…

• Does my company classify as a small business or a microbusiness?
• Is my business strictly a virtual company?
• Do I have an office (remote or otherwise) I’d want my phone system to have its hardware set up?
• Do I need a full phone system that includes physical desk telephones?
• Could my business get by with a virtual phone service that relies on mobile devices?
• If I do need desk telephones, what kind of service do I want?
• Am I comfortable using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system?
• Do I want to use a traditional landline telephone service?
• If I choose VoIP, do I want to house the system at my business (on-premises) or have my service provider host it in a cloud?

These answers and all the intricate details that only you understand about your business will help get you to the right service for you and your business.

Keep this in mind when you come to your conclusion. If the phone service fits your business, even if it’s a little more expensive than the competitor’s, use it! Don’t be cheap when it comes to your business phone systems. If it’s a match, make it happen!

I mean, we all know what happens when we match ourselves with someone that isn’t the right one for us. The relationship can be unhealthy, it can be unfair, have miscommunication(s), or even just a lack of communication in general. Emotions can become heightened, patience strained, and more often than not these kinds of relationships come to an unhappy ending.

I don’t know about you, but we hate breaks ups. They’re usually messy and cause discomfort. So, when we’re investing in a new relationship of any kind, we make sure that it’s the right match for us. Even if it costs us a little more to get the relationship started. In the end, it’s always been a much worthier investment. At least in our experience.

We’re Here to Help!

We hope this guide gives you the insight you’ve been looking for in business phone systems and gets you off to the best start in this new year, 2021. If you find yourself still a bit stuck and can’t find a clear answer remember, we’re experts in business phone systems. If you still have questions about phone systems and you’re curious about how to promote the highest quality customer service over your new business phone systems please, reach out to us.

For over fifteen years our family-owned company has been working with the best and the rest in business phone systems. From forwarding your lines to customizing your greeting, and so much more, your team at Abby is here to give your callers the best customer experience possible. Because at Abby we understand that EVERY CONNECTION MATTERS.

Get connected with your new phone system. And, stay connected to your customers with Abby Connect!