Picture this: your team is racing toward a project deadline. The manager emails asking for task details, but half the team misses it amidst a flood of instant messages.
The result? Confusion, delays, and frustrated employees who struggle to stay aligned, leading to inefficiency. That’s where a UCaaS platform steps in.
Unified Communications as a Service, or UCaas, brings video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and more into a single, streamlined solution. These systems, designed for scalability and integration, help IT managers and communication teams simplify workflows and cut costs.
Let’s explore the top UCaaS software reshaping business communication today.
⏰ 60-Second Summary
💻 UCaaS is a cloud-based model that integrates video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and more into a single solution.
💻 There are two types of UCaaS: single-tenant and multi-tenant platforms
💻 Here’s a list of UCaaS software for revolutionizing business communications:
- ClickUp: Best for all-in-one project management and collaboration
- Nextiva: Best for advanced AI-powered customer communication
- RingCentral: Best for AI-powered seamless communication
- Zoom: Best for versatile video conferencing and collaboration
- Dialpad: Best for AI-powered productivity and communication
- GoTo Connect: Best for multi-channel customer engagement
- Microsoft Teams: Best for all-in-one business communications and collaboration
- Webex: Best for AI-powered hybrid work and customer engagement
- Vonage: Best for API-driven communication and customer engagement
- 8×8: Best for seamless global communication and CX management
- What Is a UCaaS Platform?
- What Should You Look for in a UCaaS Provider?
- The 10 Best UCaaS Software You Must Know
- 1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one project management and collaboration)
- 2. Nextiva (Best for advanced AI-powered customer communication)
- 3. RingCentral (Best for AI-powered seamless communication)
- 4. GoTo Connect (Best for multi-channel customer engagement)
- 5. Microsoft Teams (Best for all-in-one business communication and collaboration)
- 6. Webex (Best for AI-powered hybrid work and customer engagement)
- 7. Vonage (Best for API-driven communication and customer engagement)
- 8. 8×8 Work (Best for seamless global communication and CX management)
- 9. Dialpad (Best for AI-powered productivity and communication)
- 10. Zoom (Best for versatile video conferencing and collaboration)
What Is a UCaaS Platform?
Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) is a cloud-based model that integrates various communication and collaboration tools into one unified communications platform.
This unified communications platform service includes features like voice calling, video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and contact center management. UCaaS utilizes cloud computing to host communication tools in remote data centers.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Cloud infrastructure: All communication services are hosted on secure cloud servers managed by the UCaaS provider
- Device integration: Users can access the platform from any device with an internet connection, such as desktops, smartphones, or tablets
- Unified interface: The platform consolidates tools like video meetings, voice calls, and messaging into a single dashboard for easy access
- Real-time syncing: Data and communication tools are synced in real time, ensuring users always have access to updated information
Benefits of UCaaS
UCAaaS helps organizations to:
- Cut costs by replacing on-premises hardware with cloud-based solutions
- Boost collaboration with integrated video calls, messaging, and file-sharing
- Support remote and hybrid teams with consistent, accessible tools
- Ensure reliability with cloud-based redundancy and minimal downtime
- Simplify IT team management by consolidating communication systems
Types of Unified Communications Platforms
UCaaS solutions generally fall into two categories:
- Multi-tenant platforms: In this model, multiple organizations share the same UCaaS infrastructure. It’s cost-effective and suits small to medium-sized businesses seeking scalability without the burden of managing infrastructure
- Single-tenant platforms: These are custom-built for a specific organization, offering higher control, tailored features, and enhanced data security. They are ideal for larger businesses with complex needs
What Should You Look for in a UCaaS Provider?
Choosing the right UCaaS platform means focusing on features that help close the communication gap in your workplace.
Here are key UCaaS features to prioritize:
- Video calling with screen sharing: High-quality video meetings and the ability to share screens for presentations or collaboration
- Integrated messaging and presence: Messaging with status indicators to show availability, enhancing real-time communication
- VoIP and telephony: Cloud-based voice calling with features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and call recording
- File sharing and collaboration: Seamless sharing and co-editing of documents directly within the platform
- Contact center integration: Built-in contact center features like automated call distribution, IVR, and customer interaction tracking
- Seamless voice integration: Connect to the public switched telephone network (PSTN), ensuring reliable communication across traditional and internet-based phone systems
- Cross-device compatibility: Access across desktops, mobile devices, and tablets, ensuring uninterrupted collaborative communication
- Unified dashboard: A centralized interface to manage all business communication tools, reducing time spent switching between apps
➡️ Read More: Before you begin with the best UCaaS software available today, here are 12 powerful communication strategies to boost collaboration and alignment across your teams.
The 10 Best UCaaS Software You Must Know
Finding the right UCaaS platform can transform how your team communicates and collaborates, making workflows more efficient. Below are the ten best UCaaS platforms, each offering unique features to support businesses.
1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one project management and collaboration)
ClickUp is a centralized hub for team communication and collaboration. This everything app for work brings workflow management, communication, and analytics together in one platform.
Here are some samples from its rich feature set.
ClickUp Chat
ClickUp Chat ensures that all task-related conversations are organized within the platform. So, instead of losing valuable time sifting through emails or scattered chats, your team can reference the discussion linked to a task, ensuring nothing gets overlooked.
ClickUp Docs
Plus, ClickUp Docs and ClickUp Whiteboards help amplify collaboration so your teams can brainstorm, document, and plan in real time.
For instance, if your marketing team is planning a campaign, they can draft the strategy in Docs while using Whiteboards to visually map out ideas, timelines, and team responsibilities.
ClickUp Assign Comments
ClickUp’s Assigned Comments feature ensures actionable feedback is never overlooked by assigning it to team members. It enables you to track, resolve, or reassign comments easily, keeping tasks clear and organized while avoiding miscommunication.
ClickUp also has advanced features like ClickUp Collaboration Detection that help you prevent duplicate efforts.
For example, if a teammate is typing a comment or editing a task description simultaneously, you’ll see live updates, reducing the chances of conflicting changes. The updates, comments, and changes sync instantly across all platforms, ensuring every team member works with the most current version of tasks and documents.
ClickUp Clips
And if you find writing a long chain of emails or comment threads an ineffective way to explain something, just record it with ClickUp Clips. You can instantly record and share your screen with voice-over explanations. Plus, it lets you walk through the updates visually and verbally, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
ClickUp Brain
Finally, the AI transcription feature in ClickUp Brain automatically creates searchable text from your Clip, complete with timestamps, so your team can revisit reference key points without replaying the entire video.
ClickUp best features
- Organize task-related conversations using ClickUp Chat
- Brainstorm and Share Ideas Visually With Whiteboards
- Collaborate on Docs in real time with multiple users
- Tag team members in tasks using @mentions for quick communication
- Customize task management with multiple views like List, Board, and Gantt
ClickUp limitations
- Some new users report a learning curve due to the sheer number of features on offer
- Limited offline functionality
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Contact for pricing
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7 per member per month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
💡 Pro Tip: Streamline your workplace communication by using ClickUp’s free communication plan templates. Customize them to fit your team’s needs and ensure everyone stays aligned, making collaboration smoother and more efficient!
2. Nextiva (Best for advanced AI-powered customer communication)
Nextiva is designed to optimize customer interactions across communication channels like voice, video, email, SMS, and social media. Its AI-powered features enhance customer experiences through intelligent routing, real-time insights, and workflow automation.
Businesses can consolidate communication tools, improve internal collaboration, and manage customer interactions seamlessly.
Nextiva best features
- Use AI-powered intelligent routing to connect customers to the right agents
- Deploy automation to streamline workflows and reduce manual intervention
- Optimize customer journeys with AI for personalized, context-driven experiences
Nextiva limitations
- The phone app occasionally hangs up and redials during calls
- The learning curve for advanced features can be steep for new users
Nextiva pricing
- Digital: $25/month per user
- Core: $36/month per user
- Engage: $50/month per user
- Power Suite: $75/month per user
Nextiva ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (3,230+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (900+ reviews)
🔍 Did You Know? The global Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) market is projected to soar from $36.33 billion in 2024 to $107.51 billion by 2032, growing at an impressive CAGR of 14.5%. This reflects the increasing demand for streamlined communication solutions in businesses worldwide!
3. RingCentral (Best for AI-powered seamless communication)
RingSense is a unified collaboration software with AI, that transforms how businesses interact by providing live call notes, intelligent insights, and seamless translations. These features enhance internal communication and create a smoother customer experience.
RingCentral best features
- Use AI-powered call recaps to track discussions without manual note-taking
- Utilize live translations to communicate effectively across global teams
- Optimize workflows with over 300 app integrations for business productivity
RingCentral limitations
- Integration issues may require reinstalling or using the web platform
- The user interface can feel overwhelming for first-time users
RingCentral pricing
- Core: $30/month per user
- Advanced: $35/month per user
- Ultra: $45/month per user
RingCentral ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.0/5 (140+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (210+ reviews)
4. GoTo Connect (Best for multi-channel customer engagement)
Are you looking for a UCaaS platform that combines a cloud phone system with multi-channel tools? Try GoTo Connect to create a centralized communication hub for seamless business communication.
GoTo Connect combines a cloud-based phone system with multi-channel communication tools to create a centralized communication hub for seamless business interactions. Its standout feature, GoTo Connect CX, integrates digital channels like WhatsApp, social media, and SMS with AI-driven insights for enhanced customer engagement.
GoTo Connect best features
- Use the visual dial plan editor to customize call flows for improved customer experience
- Engage customers across multiple digital channels like WhatsApp, social media, and SMS
- Deploy AI call summaries to streamline follow-ups and action items
GoTo Connect limitations
- Occasional system outages may disrupt business operations
- Customer support can be slow to respond and resolve issues
GoTo Connect pricing
- Phone System: $29/month per user
- Connect CX: $37/month per user
- Contact Center: $86/month per user
GoTo Connect ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (1,200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (600+ reviews)
5. Microsoft Teams (Best for all-in-one business communication and collaboration)
Microsoft Teams stands out with its seamless integration into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, making it a powerhouse for productivity and collaboration.
The unique Microsoft Teams features, like Copilot AI, enhance meetings with AI-generated notes and action items. Its Mesh for Teams also introduces immersive 3D experiences and avatars for improved engagement.
Microsoft Teams best features
- Use Teams’ “Channels” to organize conversations and files by project or topic for focused collaboration
- Enhance hybrid collaboration with Teams Rooms for optimized meeting experiences
- Set up and connect your favorite tools (e.g., Trello, SharePoint) as tabs in your Teams workspace for easy access
Microsoft Teams limitations
- Occasional synchronization issues between desktop and mobile devices
- Missed notifications on mobile in some scenarios
Microsoft Teams pricing
- Teams Essentials: $4/month per user
- Microsoft 365 Business Basics: $6/month per user
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/month per user
Microsoft Teams ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (15,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (9,000+ reviews)
➡️ Read More: Level up your productivity with the ultimate list of Zoom alternatives. Find the perfect fit for your team’s collaboration needs!
6. Webex (Best for AI-powered hybrid work and customer engagement)
Webex excels as a versatile communication platform, offering AI-powered tools for hybrid work environments and customer engagement. Its Webex Suite integrates calling, messaging, webinars, and video meetings, creating a seamless workspace for internal collaboration and customer interactions.
Webex best features
- Utilize AI meeting summaries to streamline action items and follow-ups
- Use Webex Suite’s integration to unify calling, messaging, and events
- Leverage advanced polling and Q&A features to boost webinar engagement
Webex limitations
- Limited customization options for specific event functionalities
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons like real-time translation
Webex pricing
- Webex Free
- Webex Meet: $14.50/month per user
- Webex Suite: $25/month per user
- Webex Enterprise: Custom pricing
Webex ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (19,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (7,300+ reviews)
7. Vonage (Best for API-driven communication and customer engagement)
Another UCaaS platform, Vonage, shines with its API-powered platform, seamlessly integrating voice, video, and messaging into workflows. It’s a top choice for companies seeking to customize customer experiences with tools like conversational commerce and cloud contact centers.
Vonage empowers cross-functional teams to collaborate and engage effectively with reliable uptime and advanced features like call recording, team messaging, and AI-driven insights.
Vonage best features
- Use communication APIs to integrate messaging, voice, and video into custom workflows
- Deploy conversational commerce tools to engage customers across their preferred channels
- Enable team collaboration with video meetings, SMS/MMS, and file-sharing tools
Vonage limitations
- Texting system compliance issues may occasionally disrupt messaging services
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs for small businesses
Vonage pricing
- Mobile: $19.99/month per user
- Premium: $29.99/month per user
- Advanced: $39.99/month per user
Vonage ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (460+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.1/5 (300+ reviews)
8. 8×8 Work (Best for seamless global communication and CX management)
8×8 delivers a comprehensive communication platform that unites voice, video, messaging, and contact center capabilities under one roof.
Its 8×8 Work for Web enables instant browser-based communication without downloads, making it ideal for teams on the go. With features like global calling, omnichannel routing, and AI-driven analytics, 8×8 enhances internal collaboration and customer engagement.
8×8 best features
- Use browser-based 8×8 Work for Web for easy access to calls, chats, and meetings
- Apply omnichannel routing in the contact center for seamless customer service
- Utilize high-volume SMS and global calling for effective customer outreach
8×8 limitations
- Time zone selection for support tickets can be cumbersome
- Advanced features may require additional configuration for optimal use
8×8 pricing
- Custom Pricing
8×8 ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (700+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.0/5 (300+ reviews)
9. Dialpad (Best for AI-powered productivity and communication)
Dialpad combines AI-driven insights with a seamless unified communications platform, making it a powerful tool for sales, support, and team collaboration. Its AI features, like real-time transcription, live coaching, and automated note-taking, refine workflows and reduce manual tasks.
Dialpad best features
- Use AI transcription for instant meeting notes and follow-ups
- Automate workflows by integrating with CRM and productivity tools
- Create custom playbooks to enhance call outcomes and team training
Dialpad limitations
- Occasional transcription errors with complex terminologies
- Audio quality may depend on network stability
Dialpad pricing
- Standard: $27/month per user
- Pro: $35/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Dialpad ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (2,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.2/5 (530+ reviews)
10. Zoom (Best for versatile video conferencing and collaboration)
The last UCaaS platform on the list is Zoom.
Its UCaaS capabilities extend beyond simple conferencing, offering tools like Zoom Phone and Zoom Team Chat that unify messaging, voice, and video in one platform. Plus, Zoom works well in creating engaging virtual experiences with features like immersive views, breakout rooms, and real-time transcription.
Zoom best features
- Use breakout rooms for focused team discussions within larger meetings
- Leverage Zoom Phone for seamless voice communication and call management
- Integrate Zoom with CRM tools to centralize customer interaction data
Zoom limitations
- Bandwidth-heavy features can strain internet connections
- Meeting security settings may require frequent updates to prevent disruptions
Zoom pricing
- Basic: Free
- Pro: $15.99/month per user
- Business: $21.99/month per user
Zoom ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.6/5 (54,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (13,000+ reviews)
Elevate Your Team’s Collaboration With ClickUp’s Unified Communications Platform
Choosing the right UCaaS platform is more than just comparing features; it’s about aligning the software with your team’s workflows and long-term communication goals.
Beyond core capabilities like messaging, video calls, and integrations, consider scalability, ease of onboarding, and the level of customer support provided.
Ask yourself: Does the platform simplify collaboration or add to the complexity? This is where ClickUp shines—it’s one of the top UCaaS providers that acts as a central hub for seamlessly managing communication, tasks, and projects.
With features like built-in chat, collaboration detection, and real-time updates, ClickUp bridges the gap between communication and productivity.
Ready to redefine teamwork?
Sign up for ClickUp today and experience unified communications solutions reimagined.