Small businesses in the UK are facing a changing communications landscape in 2025. With the PSTN switch-off underway and hybrid working now standard across many sectors, a modern phone system is more important than ever. Today’s top systems combine flexibility, cost-effectiveness and advanced features that support growing businesses.

At Expert Compare, we’ve researched and selected three of the best-rated business phone systems available to UK small businesses this year, helping you narrow down the right solution for your needs.

What Should Small Businesses Look For in a Phone System?

The ideal phone system for a small business in 2025 should be easy to manage, offer strong call quality and support your team’s working habits — whether they’re in the office or remote. Beyond that, businesses benefit from systems that provide features like:

• Voicemail to email for easy message access
• Call routing and auto-attendants to keep things professional
• Mobile and desktop access so staff can work flexibly
• CRM integration for streamlined sales and service
• Transparent pricing and simple setup

With those priorities in mind, here are three of the best phone systems for small UK businesses this year, including their features, benefits and what kind of business they suit best.

1. RingCentral MVP– Best for Remote and Hybrid Teams

Overview:

RingCentral MVP is one of the most comprehensive VoIP phone systems available in the UK. It offers a cloud-based unified communications platform with voice, video, team messaging and conferencing all in one.

Key Features:

• Unlimited calls within the UK
• Voicemail-to-email and voicemail-to-text
• Advanced call routing, call queues and auto-attendant
• Native mobile app and desktop access
• Video meetings and team messaging included
• Integrates with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce and more

Benefits for Small Businesses:
RingCentral stands out for its easy scalability and strong mobile tools. It’s particularly good for small businesses that operate remotely or across multiple locations. With video and team messaging built in, it eliminates the need for separate platforms like Zoom or Slack.

Pricing:
Starts at approximately £12.99 per user per month for the Core plan (based on annual billing). Higher tiers offer more analytics and CRM integration.

Best For:
Tech-forward businesses with hybrid teams and fast growth plans.

2. bOnline– Best for Startups and Cost-Conscious SMEs

Overview:
bOnline is a UK-based VoIP provider that specialises in serving small businesses. It offers simple, reliable phone systems with affordable pricing and straightforward setup, ideal for companies without dedicated IT support.

Key Features:

• Free UK landline number
• Unlimited UK calling
• Call forwarding, recording and voicemail
• Mobile app for remote access
• Easy setup with no hardware required
• UK-based customer support

Benefits for Small Businesses:
bOnline’s value lies in its simplicity and support. It’s perfect for business owners who want to get started quickly without a large investment. Plans are easy to understand, and the system can be managed entirely online or via mobile.

Pricing:
Plans start from £6.95 per user per month, making it one of the most cost-effective options on the market.

Best For:
Startups, sole traders or small teams looking for a low-cost but dependable VoIP system.

3. Gamma Horizon– Best for Traditional Office Environments

Overview:

Gamma Horizon is a cloud-hosted VoIP system from one of the UK’s largest business telecom providers. It combines advanced telephony features with strong reliability and is widely used across sectors including legal, healthcare and professional services.

Key Features:

• HD call quality and advanced call handling
• Call groups, hunt groups and extension dialling
• CRM integration and call reporting tools
• Voicemail to email and call recording
• Compatible with physical desk phones and softphones
• Backed by 24/7 UK-based support

Benefits for Small Businesses:
Gamma Horizon is a great choice for businesses that need professional-grade call management. It works particularly well for companies with a central office and structured departments, where call routing and reporting are essential.

Pricing:
Typically £10 to £20 per user per month, depending on contract length and add-ons. Some providers bundle it with broadband or IT support services.

Best For:
Established businesses with office-based staff who require reliable and structured communication.

Comparing Costs: What Will You Pay in 2025?

Choosing the right phone system is as much about cost as it is about features.

When it comes to pricing, each of these phone systems offers something slightly different depending on what your business needs. RingCentral MVP starts at around £12.99 per user per month and is ideal for small businesses that want an all-in-one solution. It includes voice calls, video meetings and team messaging, making it well suited to businesses with remote or hybrid teams who rely on flexibility and built-in collaboration tools.

If you’re looking for something simple and cost-effective, bOnline is one of the most affordable options. With plans from £6.95 per user, it gives you unlimited UK calls, voicemail and an easy-to-use mobile app. It’s a good choice for startups or sole traders who want a professional system without spending a lot or needing technical setup.

Gamma Horizon typically costs between £10 and £20 per user and is a popular option for more traditional office setups. It offers reliable call handling features like call groups, voicemail to email and CRM integration. It works well for businesses that want a system that feels familiar but also supports modern tools.

While price matters, it’s just as important to think about how each system fits your business. Some providers include extras like call recording and analytics as standard, while others charge more for those features. Comparing a few options based on what you actually need is the best way to get value for money and avoid paying for things you won’t use.

Remember, these prices can vary depending on contract length, number of users and any extras like call recording or CRM integrations.

To get a true cost for your setup, it’s always best to compare personalised quotes.

How to Choose the Right Provider for Your Business

When comparing providers, it helps to think about how your team works, how many calls you handle and what features are genuinely useful to you. For example, if your team often works remotely, mobile access and VoIP are essential. If you have a reception or multiple departments, call routing and hunt groups may be more important.

You’ll also want to consider whether you need a system that can grow with your team, and whether you’re happy to self-manage or prefer hands-on customer support.

Why Use Expert Compare?

At Expert Compare, we do the heavy lifting for you. Instead of spending hours browsing different provider websites, we let you compare business phone systems in one place. You get quotes that are tailored to your team size, location and budget — with no pressure to commit.

• Trusted UK-based suppliers
• Quotes customised to your business
• Fast and simple comparison process
• Save money by choosing the right solution the first time

Get Your Free Business Phone System Quotes

With 2025 bringing more changes to how businesses connect, now is the perfect time to upgrade or review your phone system. Whether you're looking to support remote staff, manage calls more efficiently or cut costs, Expert Compare helps you make the right choice.

Compare the UK’s top phone systems for small businesses — free, fast and tailored to your needs.