For UK businesses looking to enhance their communication systems, two of the most prominent providers in the market are RingCentral and GoTo Connect. Both offer comprehensive VoIP solutions, unified communications, and a range of advanced features designed to support modern business operations. However, deciding between the two requires a closer look at the specific features, pricing models, and benefits each service offers. In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison of RingCentral vs GoTo Connect to help you make an informed decision based on the needs of your business.
Overview of RingCentral vs GoTo Connect
RingCentral is a well-established player in the unified communications market, offering cloud-based phone systems, messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration tools. It is known for its reliability, wide feature set, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for small to large UK businesses.
GoTo Connect, part of the GoTo (formerly LogMeIn) family, offers a powerful VoIP solution with integrated video conferencing, messaging, and collaboration tools. GoTo Connect aims to simplify communication for businesses, especially small to medium enterprises (SMEs), by bundling multiple features into one accessible platform.
| Feature/Category | RingCentral | GoTo Connect |
|---|---|---|
| VoIP Calling Features | Unlimited UK calling, call forwarding, customisable caller ID, call recording, CRM integration | Unlimited UK calling, call forwarding, call recording, visual call routing, drag-and-drop call flow editor |
| Video Conferencing | Up to 200 participants (higher-tier plans), HD video, screen sharing, integrates with Microsoft Teams, Slack | Up to 250 participants (Premium plan), HD video, screen sharing, integrates with GoToWebinar, GoToTraining |
| Messaging & Collaboration | Team messaging, task management, file sharing, integrates with Google Workspace, Office 365 | Team messaging, SMS, group chats, fewer collaboration tools, no task management features |
| Remote Work & Mobility | Feature-rich mobile apps (iOS/Android), remote access to phone, messaging, and video | Mobile apps (iOS/Android), slightly less comprehensive mobile features |
| Third-Party Integrations | Extensive integrations with popular business tools (CRM, Slack, Microsoft Teams) | Limited integrations, primarily with GoTo products |
| Pricing Plans (UK) | Essentials: £7.99, Standard: £14.99, Premium: £22.99, Ultimate: £29.99 per user/month | Basic: £15, Standard: £19, Premium: £25 per user/month |
| Video Meeting Participant Limit | Up to 200 participants (Premium and Ultimate plans) | Up to 250 participants (Premium plan) |
| Call Recording | Available on Premium and Ultimate plans | Available on all plans |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support on higher-tier plans | Standard support with advanced support on Premium plan |
| Analytics & Reporting | Advanced analytics on Premium and Ultimate plans | Basic analytics with enhanced reporting on Premium plan |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly interface but advanced features can have a learning curve | Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop tools for call management |
| Mobile App Features | Full functionality (calls, messages, video, collaboration) | Full functionality (calls, messages, video) but fewer collaboration tools |
| Best for | Medium to large businesses needing full communication and collaboration suite | Small to medium businesses prioritising VoIP and video conferencing at a competitive price |
| Pros | Extensive features, wide integration support, advanced collaboration, excellent mobile tools | Competitive pricing, seamless GoTo product integration, easy call management, unlimited video meeting participants |
| Cons | Higher-tier plans can become expensive, some advanced features locked behind paywall | Fewer third-party integrations, less advanced collaboration and task management features |
Summary
- RingCentral is ideal for businesses needing a comprehensive, scalable solution with advanced integrations and team collaboration tools.
- GoTo Connect is a cost-effective solution for small to medium businesses that focus on VoIP and video conferencing with easy-to-use call management features.
Features comparison
When comparing the features of RingCentral and GoTo Connect, both solutions offer a similar core set of functionalities. However, some differences could make one better suited to your business than the other.
1. Calling and VoIP functionality
- RingCentral offers a fully-featured VoIP phone system, including unlimited calling within the UK, call forwarding, customisable caller ID, and call recording. It also integrates with third-party systems like CRM tools for seamless customer relationship management.
- GoTo Connect provides a robust VoIP phone system as well, with local and toll-free numbers, unlimited calls in the UK, call forwarding, and call recording. It also supports visual call routing and has a drag-and-drop call flow editor that allows businesses to customise call management without technical expertise.
Verdict: Both platforms offer strong VoIP capabilities, but RingCentral excels slightly in its deeper integration with third-party business tools.
2. Video conferencing and collaboration
- RingCentral offers a video conferencing solution with support for up to 200 participants on its higher-tier plans. It includes features such as HD video, screen sharing, team messaging, and integration with popular platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack.
- GoTo Connect provides a more limited video conferencing solution, supporting up to 250 participants, depending on the plan. GoTo Connect also includes screen sharing, messaging, and team collaboration features, and can integrate with GoTo’s other tools like GoToWebinar and GoToTraining.
Verdict: Both offer reliable video conferencing capabilities, but GoTo Connect provides more flexibility in terms of participant limits and deeper integration with the GoTo suite of products, making it a better choice if you use other GoTo services.
3. Messaging and team collaboration
- RingCentral offers an all-in-one messaging and collaboration tool that includes team messaging, task management, file sharing, and integration with Google Workspace and Office 365. Its collaborative tools allow teams to work effectively across different channels.
- GoTo Connect includes messaging features that allow teams to communicate across various channels, including text messaging (SMS), team messaging, and group chats. However, its collaboration tools are not as advanced as those offered by RingCentral, particularly in the area of task management.
Verdict: RingCentral offers superior team collaboration tools, especially if your business needs robust task management and project collaboration features.
4. Mobility and remote work capabilities
- RingCentral provides comprehensive support for remote workers, with mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing users to access phone, messaging, and video conferencing features from anywhere. RingCentral’s mobile experience is designed to be as feature-rich as its desktop counterpart.
- GoTo Connect also provides mobile apps with access to VoIP, video conferencing, and messaging. Its mobile app is user-friendly and enables seamless communication across devices. However, its feature set is slightly less comprehensive than RingCentral’s mobile offerings.
Verdict: RingCentral offers more advanced mobility features, making it a stronger option for businesses with remote teams.
RingCentral vs GoTo Connect pricing comparison
When comparing costs, it’s important to consider what features you need, as both providers have tiered pricing models that cater to businesses of different sizes and requirements.
RingCentral pricing
RingCentral offers four main plans:
- Essentials: £7.99 per user/month – includes unlimited calls in the UK, messaging, and basic collaboration tools.
- Standard: £14.99 per user/month – includes video meetings for up to 100 participants, internet fax, and integrations with popular apps.
- Premium: £22.99 per user/month – adds advanced analytics, call recording, and CRM integration.
- Ultimate: £29.99 per user/month – includes unlimited storage, advanced call management, and premium customer support.
GoTo Connect pricing
GoTo Connect offers three main pricing tiers:
- Basic: £15 per user/month – includes VoIP services, messaging, and basic call management tools.
- Standard: £19 per user/month – adds video conferencing for up to 150 participants, call recording, and more advanced call management.
- Premium: £25 per user/month – adds unlimited meeting participants, enhanced call analytics, and advanced customer support.
Overall cost analysis
- RingCentral has a lower entry-level price, making it more accessible for small businesses or startups. However, as your business scales and you require more advanced features, RingCentral’s costs can increase significantly.
- GoTo Connect, while slightly more expensive at the base level, offers a well-rounded mid-tier plan that includes video conferencing, call recording, and comprehensive call management at a competitive rate.
Pros and cons
RingCentral pros:
- Wide range of features across all plans
- Strong third-party integrations
- Excellent mobile support and remote work tools
- Comprehensive team collaboration and task management
RingCentral cons:
- Can become expensive for businesses requiring higher-tier plans
- Some advanced features are locked behind premium pricing
GoTo Connect pros:
- Simple, intuitive call management with visual editor
- Competitive pricing for video conferencing and VoIP features
- Integration with other GoTo products (GoToWebinar, GoToTraining)
- No participant limits on Premium plan
GoTo Connect cons:
- Less extensive third-party integrations
- Fewer advanced team collaboration features
- Limited task management options
Conclusion – Which should you choose?
Choosing between RingCentral vs GoTo Connect depends largely on your business’s specific needs.
- If you need extensive integrations with third-party apps, advanced team collaboration, and strong remote work tools, RingCentral is likely to be the better option. Its pricing, while higher at the upper end, provides excellent value for businesses needing comprehensive communication and collaboration tools.
- For businesses that need simple VoIP and call management, affordable video conferencing, and seamless integration with GoTo’s wider suite of products, GoTo Connect is a strong competitor. It offers a more cost-effective mid-tier plan for small to medium businesses that don’t need the extensive features of RingCentral’s premium plans.
Ultimately, RingCentral suits businesses seeking a full-featured, scalable communications solution, while GoTo Connect is ideal for those prioritising ease of use, video conferencing, and cost-efficiency.
FAQ
Both are strong, but GoTo Connect supports up to 250 participants, while RingCentral supports 200. GoTo Connect integrates well with GoToWebinar, whereas RingCentral integrates with tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack for enhanced video collaboration.
RingCentral’s entry-level plan starts at £7.99, lower than GoTo Connect’s £15 plan. However, GoTo Connect offers more comprehensive features in its base plan, making it a better option for small businesses with broader communication needs.
GoTo Connect provides an intuitive drag-and-drop call flow editor, making it easier to manage call routing. RingCentral offers more traditional call management but integrates with CRM tools, adding more advanced features for large businesses.
Yes, both support remote work. RingCentral offers more comprehensive mobile apps with full functionality, including calls, messaging, and video. GoTo Connect also supports remote work but provides fewer collaboration features compared to RingCentral.
RingCentral is better for collaboration, with team messaging, task management, and file sharing, integrated with tools like Google Workspace. GoTo Connect focuses more on basic messaging and VoIP but lacks advanced collaboration features.
RingCentral offers a wider range of integrations, including CRM systems, Microsoft Teams, and Slack. GoTo Connect integrates mainly with GoTo’s ecosystem, making RingCentral a better option for businesses using multiple external platforms.
GoTo Connect is generally easier to use with its drag-and-drop call flow editor. RingCentral’s broader feature set can be more complex, but it offers advanced tools that benefit larger organisations with diverse communication needs.
RingCentral is better suited for large businesses, offering more extensive features, scalability, and integrations. GoTo Connect works well for small to medium businesses, but larger enterprises may prefer RingCentral’s advanced collaboration and management tools.
Yes, both platforms offer customer support. RingCentral provides 24/7 support on its higher-tier plans, whereas GoTo Connect offers advanced customer service on its Premium plan. RingCentral’s support options are generally more comprehensive for larger businesses.
RingCentral offers more advanced analytics and reporting on its Premium and Ultimate plans. GoTo Connect provides basic analytics with more advanced options available on the Premium plan, but RingCentral’s tools are more suited to businesses needing detailed performance insights.