RingCentral is a leading provider of cloud-based communication solutions, offering a range of products designed to enhance business communication. As companies increasingly adopt remote work and hybrid models, having a reliable communication platform is essential. In this review, we’ll explore RingCentral products, their pricing, and discuss the pros and cons to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your business.
RingCentral products and pricing
RingCentral offers several products tailored to meet the communication needs of small businesses, mid-sized companies, and large enterprises. Below is an overview of their key products and their pricing.
| Product | Pricing | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RingCentral MVP | Essentials: £8.99/user/month Standard: £14.99/user/month Premium: £19.99/user/month Ultimate: £24.99/user/month | Unified messaging, video, and phone services Advanced call analytics CRM integration | Scalable to any business size All-in-one communication platform | Higher-tier plans can be expensive Learning curve for new users |
| RingCentral Video | Free Pro: £11.99/user/month | Video meetings, webinars, virtual events Screen sharing | High-quality video Free plan available | Free plan limits group meeting duration |
| RingCentral Contact Centre | Custom pricing upon request | Multi-channel customer support Inbound and outbound calls | Comprehensive customer interaction tools | Requires custom pricing May be overkill for small businesses |
| RingCentral Glip | Free Paid plans: Prices available upon request | Team messaging and collaboration Task management | Free plan with basic features Integrates with other tools | Limited features in the free plan |
1. RingCentral MVP (Message, Video, Phone)
RingCentral MVP is their flagship product, combining messaging, video conferencing, and phone services into a unified platform. It’s designed to provide seamless communication across teams and devices.
Pricing plans:
- Essentials: £8.99 per user/month (billed annually)
- Suitable for small teams
- Up to 20 users
- Unlimited calls within the UK
- Standard: £14.99 per user/month (billed annually)
- No user limit
- Business phone numbers in over 100 countries
- Unlimited internet fax
- Premium: £19.99 per user/month (billed annually)
- Advanced call handling and analytics
- Integration with CRM tools like Salesforce, Zendesk, and more
- Automatic call recording
- Ultimate: £24.99 per user/month (billed annually)
- Unlimited storage for data and recordings
- Most advanced analytics and call management features
2. RingCentral Video
RingCentral Video is a video conferencing tool that allows users to connect through video meetings, webinars, and virtual events. It offers high-quality video, screen sharing, and team collaboration features.
Pricing plans:
- Free: £0 per user/month
- Unlimited one-on-one meetings
- Group meetings up to 40 minutes
- Up to 100 participants
- Pro: £11.99 per user/month (billed annually)
- Unlimited meeting duration
- Up to 200 participants
- Advanced host controls and analytics
3. RingCentral Contact Centre
RingCentral Contact Centre is a comprehensive solution for managing customer interactions. It includes tools for inbound and outbound calls, live chat, social media, and email support.
Pricing plans:
Pricing for the Contact Centre is not openly listed on their website as it is tailored to the specific needs of each business. Companies are encouraged to contact RingCentral directly for a customised quote based on their requirements.
4. RingCentral Glip
RingCentral Glip is a team messaging and collaboration platform that integrates with the broader RingCentral ecosystem. It’s suitable for businesses that rely heavily on internal communication and project management.
Pricing plans:
- Free: £0 per user/month
- Unlimited messaging
- File sharing
- Task management tools
- Paid plans: Prices available upon request
- Enhanced project management features
- Integrations with third-party apps like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
Pros of RingCentral
RingCentral offers several benefits that make it a strong contender in the field of business communication:
Scalability
- RingCentral’s services are designed to grow with your business. Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, you can find a plan that fits your needs and easily upgrade as your business expands.
All-in-one communication platform
- Combining messaging, video, and phone services into a single platform simplifies communication for teams, reducing the need for multiple tools and software.
Reliable customer support
- RingCentral is known for its responsive customer service, available 24/7 via phone, chat, or email, which is a crucial advantage for businesses facing technical issues.
Easy integration
- Seamless integration with popular third-party tools such as Salesforce, Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft 365 helps streamline business processes and enhances productivity.
High-quality video and call features
- The platform offers excellent audio and video quality, even for large meetings, ensuring clear and effective communication.
Cons of RingCentral
Despite its many benefits, there are some downsides to consider when evaluating RingCentral:
Pricing complexity
- While the basic plans are affordable, costs can quickly add up as you upgrade to higher-tier plans or add on extra features, which may not be ideal for small businesses on a tight budget.
Learning curve
- Due to its comprehensive feature set, some users may find it challenging to navigate the platform initially. Training may be required to make the most out of its functionalities.
Internet dependency
- As a cloud-based solution, RingCentral relies heavily on a stable internet connection. Poor connectivity can lead to disruptions in calls or video meetings.
Customisation limitations
- Some businesses may find that RingCentral’s customisation options for the user interface and features are somewhat limited compared to other providers.
Getting the best prices
When evaluating RingCentral pricing, it’s essential to consider not just the listed costs but also any potential hidden fees, discounts, and strategies for getting the best deal. Understanding these factors can help you make a more informed decision and avoid any unexpected charges.
Hidden fees and additional costs
While RingCentral provides transparent pricing for its main plans, there are a few additional costs that you should be aware of:
Add-on features
- Some advanced features like extra phone numbers, international calling packages, and premium integrations may come with additional fees. These costs are not always included in the base price, so it’s worth checking what is covered in your selected plan.
International calling rates
- While calls within the UK are generally included in most plans, international calls may incur additional charges. The rates vary depending on the destination and whether you’re on a mobile or landline. It’s advisable to review RingCentral’s international call rates if your business requires frequent global communication.
Setup and hardware costs
- While the service itself is cloud-based, you might need to invest in compatible hardware like IP phones, headsets, or video conferencing equipment. These hardware expenses are not covered in the subscription fee.
Early termination fees
- If you decide to cancel your contract before the end of the agreed period, you might be charged early termination fees. The exact amount can depend on how much time is left on your contract and the specific terms of your agreement.
Discounts and promotions
RingCentral often provides discounts and promotions that can help reduce costs for businesses:
Annual billing discounts
- By opting for annual billing instead of monthly payments, you can usually save a significant percentage on your subscription. For instance, RingCentral’s listed prices are typically lower when billed annually, which can result in cost savings of up to 33%.
Volume-based discounts
- Larger businesses that require multiple user accounts may be eligible for volume-based discounts. If your business needs more than a handful of licences, it’s worth negotiating with RingCentral to see if you can secure a lower rate based on the number of users.
Non-profit and educational discounts
- RingCentral offers special rates for non-profit organisations and educational institutions. If your business falls into one of these categories, contact their sales team to inquire about discounted pricing.
Tips for getting the best prices
To ensure you’re getting the most value out of your RingCentral subscription, consider the following tips:
Start with a free trial
- RingCentral offers free trials for most of its products, which allows you to test the platform without any financial commitment. This is a great way to evaluate whether the features meet your needs before committing to a paid plan.
Negotiate with sales
- Don’t hesitate to negotiate with RingCentral’s sales representatives. They often have some flexibility to offer custom deals or discounts, especially for larger businesses or those switching from a competitor.
Bundle services
- If you’re looking to use multiple RingCentral products (like MVP, Video, and Contact Centre), bundling these services together can sometimes lead to better pricing deals compared to subscribing to each service separately.
Look out for promotional offers
- RingCentral frequently runs promotional campaigns that offer discounts or extra features at no additional cost. These offers can vary throughout the year, so it’s wise to keep an eye on their website or sign up for their newsletters to stay informed.
Is RingCentral right for your business?
RingCentral is a robust communication platform that offers a variety of tools to improve team collaboration and customer interactions. Its scalability, ease of integration, and all-in-one solution approach make it a great fit for businesses of all sizes.
However, RingCentral pricing and potential learning curve may be a consideration for smaller companies or those looking for a simpler solution.
Before making a decision, it is advisable to evaluate your business’s specific communication needs and budget. RingCentral offers a free trial for its services, allowing you to test the platform’s features and determine if it aligns with your requirements.
Alternatives
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- RingCentral vs Sipgate
- RingCentral vs Skype
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RingCentral pricing FAQ
RingCentral MVP is an all-in-one communication platform that integrates messaging, video, and phone services. It’s designed to enhance team collaboration, streamline communication, and provide advanced call handling features, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes looking to centralise their communication tools.
Yes, RingCentral provides a free trial for its MVP and Video products. This trial period allows users to explore the platform’s features, test its capabilities, and determine if it’s a good fit for their business before committing to a paid plan.
No, RingCentral’s pricing varies depending on the country and region. Factors like local currency, tax regulations, and specific feature availability can affect the cost of its plans. Businesses should check RingCentral’s regional website or contact support for accurate pricing details.
RingCentral charges extra for international calls outside of the plan’s coverage. Rates vary based on the destination and whether the call is to a mobile or landline. Reviewing the international rate list is recommended if your business requires frequent calls abroad.
Yes, RingCentral integrates with many popular business tools like Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Slack. These integrations help streamline workflows, improve productivity, and allow users to manage their communications directly within their existing software platforms.
RingCentral provides 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and live chat. They also offer extensive online resources, including user guides, video tutorials, and a community forum to help users troubleshoot issues and make the most of the platform’s features.
Yes, RingCentral Video allows high-quality video conferencing for meetings, webinars, and virtual events. It supports screen sharing, team collaboration tools, and advanced host controls, making it suitable for both small team meetings and large-scale virtual conferences.
Yes, RingCentral is scalable and offers affordable plans tailored for small businesses. The Essentials plan is particularly budget-friendly, providing essential communication features to get started. As the business grows, users can upgrade to higher-tier plans with more advanced features.
Yes, RingCentral may charge early termination fees if you cancel your contract before its end date. The specific amount depends on the terms of your agreement and the remaining duration of the contract. It’s advisable to review the cancellation policy before committing.
RingCentral uses advanced security measures like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with industry standards to protect data. It is designed to ensure secure communication channels for businesses, safeguarding sensitive information from potential cyber threats.