Effective communication is about individual skills and how everyone collaborates, even in a remote or distributed team environment. The right unified communication platform helps bridge this gap, combining messaging, video conferencing, and more into a single interface.
With so many options available, finding the perfect solution can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the 15 best unified communication software platforms for you! 💬
Summarize this article for me please⏰ 60-Second Summary
Explore the top 15 unified communication software platforms transforming collaboration.
- ClickUp: Best for all-in-one project management and collaboration
- Nextiva: Best for business phone systems and VoIP solutions
- RingEX: Best scalable communication solutions
- Avaya: Best for enterprise-grade communication systems
- Dialpad: Best for AI-powered communication and collaboration
- Zoom: Best for video conferencing and webinars
- 8×8: Best for integrated cloud communication and contact center solutions
- Cisco: Best unified communication platforms for large enterprises
- GoToConnect: Best for unified communication and remote work enablement
- Mitel: Best for small business communication needs
- Vonage: Best for flexible VoIP and messaging solutions
- Zoho Meeting: Best for user-friendly video conferencing
- Microsoft Teams: Best for seamless integration with Microsoft 365
- Intermedia Unite: Best for an all-in-one communication and collaboration suite
- 3CX: Best for cost-effective voice calling
Top 15 Unified Communication Software Platforms
- What Is Unified Communications?
- What Should You Look for in Unified Communication Software?
- The 15 Best Unified Communication Platforms to Use
- 1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one project management and collaboration)
- 2. Nextiva (Best for business phone systems and VoIP solutions)
- 3. RingEX (Best scalable communication solutions)
- 4. Avaya (Best for enterprise-grade communication systems)
- 5. Dialpad (Best for AI-powered communication and collaboration)
- 6. Zoom (Best for video conferencing and webinars)
- 7. 8 x 8 (Best for integrated cloud communication and contact center solutions)
- 8. Cisco (Best unified communication platform for large enterprises)
- 9. GoToConnect (Best for unified communication and remote work enablement)
- 10. Mitel (Best for small business communication needs)
- 11. Vonage (Best for flexible VoIP and messaging solutions)
- 12. Zoho Meeting (Best for user-friendly video conferencing)
- 13. Microsoft Teams (Best for seamless integration with Microsoft 365)
- 14. Intermedia Unite (Best for an all-in-one communication and collaboration suite)
- 15. 3CX (Best for cost-effective voice calling)
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Is Unified Communications?
If you take a cursory look at all the communication channels in your organization, you’ll notice that there are easily more than one.
You will have one business communications platform for video conferencing and meetings, another to manage your business phone system, another for instant messaging, and a team collaboration tool for file sharing.
Juggling through these tools to manage your internal and external communications can be messy. Unified communication helps solve this dilemma. It combines various communication tools into a single platform, including voice calls, file sharing, and other collaboration tools.
By offering a centralized hub for all your communication, you develop better collaboration, improve productivity, and help your cross-functional teams simplify work-related discussions.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to streamline communication but don’t know where to begin? Identify communication gaps in the workplace, fix loopholes that your team is facing, and find out how to fix them! 📈
Summarize this article for me pleaseWhat Should You Look for in Unified Communication Software?
When picking a collaborative communication tool, here are factors that you need to prioritize:
- Communication channels: Ensure the platform integrates multiple channels, including video conferencing, audio calls, instant messaging, email, and screen sharing, all in one place
- Collaboration features: Select a unified communication platform that can handle basic collaboration needs like file sharing, unified messaging, and task management for real-time collaboration
- Ease of use: An intuitive interface is critical for quick adoption and minimal training
- Integration capabilities: It should blend perfectly with your existing business tools, like CRMs, project management software, or email platforms, for a streamlined workflow
- High security and compliance: Unified communications platforms often handle sensitive information. They should have security mechanisms like end-to-end encryption and compliance with industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO certifications
- Scalability: The platform you choose should be able to scale to meet your communication goals. Opt for solutions with tiered pricing or customization options to meet your evolving needs
🔍 Did You Know? The Unified Communication & Collaboration (UC&C) market is expected to reach $222.61 billion by 2030, showing how important centralized, unified communication platforms are for your organization!
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe 15 Best Unified Communication Platforms to Use
We have curated a list of the top 15 unified communication platforms selected to simplify business communications, boost collaboration, and streamline workflows for modern businesses.
Let’s dive into the details!
1. ClickUp (Best for all-in-one project management and collaboration)
Our first choice is ClickUp— the world’s first project management app that unifies communication and work management and powers it with AI to unlock unparalleled productivity.
Whether you’re managing projects, delegating tasks, or facilitating team discussions, this platform gets everything done, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing collaboration.
ClickUp Chat brings all your discussions and tasks into one unified platform, ensuring everything you need to communicate and collaborate is seamlessly integrated. Enjoy individual discussions, lively group messaging, and insightful comments on tasks or documents—all without the need to switch between apps.
Share detailed discussions through screen recording with ClickUp Clips. This game-changer for remote teams or asynchronous communication avoids misunderstandings and promotes clarity.
Want to improve your discussions? Collaborate seamlessly with other team members and have practical brainstorming sessions using ClickUp Whiteboard for efficient planning! The intuitive interface offers touch gestures to sketch and draw your vision on the go, so all team members can make changes as and when they can.
The best part? To eliminate clutter, the Whiteboard integrates with other features, such as ClickUp Docs and ClickUp Chat.
With ClickUp Docs, quickly assign tasks and connect them to workflows so everyone on your team stays in the loop for every decision. Edit your documents with your team members in real time so you can track tasks and get work done quickly.
In addition to internal communication, the same tool manages all your tasks, project tracking, and workflow visualization. With ClickUp Views, get 15+ fully customizable views, including Gantt, Table, Timeline, Kanban, Mind Map, and more.
This lets you quickly share a detailed view of the project or task and assign tasks or ownership to your team members. Use ClickUp Assign Comments to ensure team members immediately act on specific points.
ClickUp best features
- Combine all your work and communication in one platform using the ClickUp Chat platform
- Share documents with other team members easily using ClickUp Docs to manage all your project documentation and knowledge base
- Know who is editing or working on the same task or doc as you with ClickUp Collaboration Detection, ensuring that there is no duplication of work
- Use the power of AI with ClickUp Brain to help you summarize text, write effective emails, and improve your overall communication using built-in spell check and templates
ClickUp limitations
- The platform offers a wide range of features, which can be overwhelming for new users
- Mobile app functionality has some limitations compared to the desktop version
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/month per user
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews)
2. Nextiva (Best for business phone systems and VoIP solutions)
Nextiva is a top-tier unified communications platform recognized for its VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services.
It offers a complete suite of communication tools for businesses of all sizes, including voice calling and video conferencing, instant messaging, and team collaboration.
The platform’s VoIP system is particularly praised for its superior call quality. With its mobile app, employees can join video meetings, make VoIP calls, and send instant messages without being tied to a desk.
Nextiva best features
- Make high-quality voice calls over the internet, with features like call forwarding and virtual receptionists
- Host high-quality video meetings and webinars with screen sharing and virtual backgrounds
- Get real-time reporting on calls and communication metrics, enhancing performance
Nextiva limitations
- The setup and customization can be complex for smaller businesses or those unfamiliar with VoIP systems
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 (3,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (900+ reviews)
3. RingEX (Best scalable communication solutions)
RingEX is an ideal choice for organizations that want tailored communication systems to meet the specific needs of their teams and clients.
This unified communications platform integrates a wide range of communication channels, mainly voice calls, video conferencing, and messaging, into a single interface, enabling seamless collaboration.
The platform’s cloud-based infrastructure ensures that employees get to work from anywhere while maintaining high levels of collaboration, whether in the office or remotely.
RingEX best features
- Make calls from anywhere with RingCentral’s cloud-based phone system
- Host high-quality video meetings with screen sharing, recording, and virtual backgrounds
- Send instant messages, share files, and collaborate on a centralized platform
RingEX limitations
- RingEX does not integrate with as many third-party applications, which could be limiting for specialized needs
RingEX pricing
- Essentials: $19.99/month per user
- Standard: $27.99/month per user
- Premium: $34.99/month per user
- Ultimate: $49.99/month per user
RingEX ratings and reviews
- G2: 4/5 (900+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.2/5 (1,000+reviews)
4. Avaya (Best for enterprise-grade communication systems)
Avaya is a renowned name in unified communication, offering great solutions for the needs of large businesses.
With a sharp focus on scalability and reliability, it is an enterprise-level platform that handles a high volume of communication across various channels. It supports cloud-based deployment, allowing businesses to scale the platform without worrying about infrastructure limitations.
With AI-driven analytics, Avaya ensures you gain insights into your communication workflows, optimizing team management and improving customer service.
Avaya best features
- Get advanced call management features like IVR, call routing, and voicemail-to-email for communication efficiency
- Make and receive calls with HD video for clear virtual meetings and collaboration
- Scale and manage communication systems without heavy infrastructure investments
Avaya limitations
- Initial setup can be more complex and time-consuming, requiring a dedicated IT team
Avaya pricing
- Digital: Custom pricing
- Voice: Custom pricing
- All media: Custom pricing
- Create your own: Custom pricing
Avaya ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (170+ reviews)
- Capterra: NA
5. Dialpad (Best for AI-powered communication and collaboration)
Dialpad is a comprehensive, cloud-based unified communications platform to streamline team collaboration, customer engagement, and internal communication.
With Dialpad, focus on what matters with AI Recaps, allowing your team to focus on conversations, not note-taking.
The AI-powered voice intelligence transcribes conversations in real time and provides analytics on calls, helping teams identify trends and areas for improvement.
Dialpad best features
- Use AI-powered voice intelligence for real-time transcription and insights, helping teams analyze call
- Track performance metrics, call trends, and engagement levels to improve communication strategies
- Allow your team to transfer conversations and move calls to their preferred devices for increased efficiency
Dialpad limitations
- Pricing may be on the higher side for smaller businesses
Dialpad pricing
- Standard: $27/month per user
- Pro: $35/month per user
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Dialpad ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (250+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.2/5 (500+reviews)
6. Zoom (Best for video conferencing and webinars)
If you want a unified communications platform to manage all business communication, client meetings, video conferences, and even webinars, no visual collaboration software comes close to Zoom.
A widely recognized platform that has revolutionized business communications, Zoom offers a vast suite of features that make remote work seamless.
Whether for internal team meetings, client calls, or large-scale webinars, Zoom’s versatility makes it an indispensable tool in unified communications.
Zoom best features
- Divide meetings into smaller groups for more focused discussions, ideal for brainstorming sessions or team huddles
- Get AI-powered transcription of meetings, making it easy to review discussions and share key takeaways
- Connect Zoom with Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, Slack, and more for seamless scheduling and workflow management
Zoom limitations
- Restricts group meetings to 40 minutes, which may not be sufficient as a long-term communications platform
Zoom pricing
- Basic: $0
- Pro: $14.99/month per user billed monthly
- Business: $21.99/month per user billed monthly
- Business Plus: $26.99/month per user billed monthly
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Zoom ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (55,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (14,000+ reviews)
💡 Pro Tip: Zoom can be restrictive for long calls and may have slow loading times. If you want additional features with faster loading and file sharing, exploring Zoom alternatives is worth considering. ⏰
7. 8 x 8 (Best for integrated cloud communication and contact center solutions)
8×8 is a powerful unified communications platform offering tools for businesses looking to streamline communication across multiple channels.
Focusing on voice, video, and contact center solutions, this communications platform meets the needs of global teams by providing seamless communication and collaboration across regions.
It is particularly well-suited for businesses with diverse teams working remotely or in different time zones, offering a flexible solution for connecting employees, customers, and stakeholders.
8 x 8 best features
- Gain insights into team performance with advanced analytics tools that optimize communication strategies
- Improve customer interactions with automated call routing and virtual assistants that guide clients to the right support agent
8 x 8 limitations
- New users may find the interface slightly complex due to the wide range of features available
- The entry-level plans come with limited cloud storage, which might not suffice for businesses requiring large-scale data storage for meetings and calls
8 x 8 pricing
- Custom pricing
8 x 8 ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.2/5 (700+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4/5 (300+ reviews)
8. Cisco (Best unified communication platform for large enterprises)
Cisco Webex is among enterprises and large organizations’ most preferred communication tools.
Known for its reliability and extensive security features, the platform provides a comprehensive suite of tools with a strong focus on meeting the needs of global enterprises.
Cisco includes features such as WebEx for video conferencing, Jabber for instant messaging, and Cisco BroadCloud for cloud-based communication features. These communication tools work seamlessly together, providing smooth team collaboration.
Cisco best features
- Protect your data with encryption and security features, making it ideal for industries needing stringent data protection
- Get unlimited domestic calling with call routing, voicemail, and conference calling, helping your sales team manage communications efficiently
- Scale your business with Cisco’s cloud telephony system, reducing the need for on-premise infrastructure
Cisco limitations
- Cisco’s solutions are suited for large enterprises, so small to medium-sized businesses might find the setup process resource-intensive
- Despite having a free plan, it is limiting when it comes to the number of participants and advanced features
Cisco pricing
- Webex Free
- Webex Starter: $17/month per license
- Webex Business: $25/month per license
- Webex Enterprise: Custom pricing
Cisco ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (24,000+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (7,300+ reviews)
9. GoToConnect (Best for unified communication and remote work enablement)
GoToConnect , formerly known as Jive, is one of the best unified communications platforms for small businesses. It offers comprehensive voice, video, and messaging services in a single package.
It is an intuitive and cost-effective solution for all communication needs, combining the power of VoIP phone systems, video conferencing, and team messaging.
GoToConnect excels in providing unified communications technology, including HD video meetings, cloud-based audio calling, and instant messaging, all backed by an easy-to-use interface.
GoToConnect best features
- Host video meetings with the web conferencing tool along with features like screen sharing, meeting recording, breakout rooms, and more
- Integrate seamlessly with popular business apps like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Salesforce, ensuring a smooth collaboration experience
- Get detailed call reporting and analytics, enabling managers to track team performance and make data-driven decisions
GoToConnect limitations
- Larger organizations may find the features lacking when compared to more enterprise-focused platforms
GoToConnect pricing
- Phone System: $26/month
- Connect CX: $34/month
- Contact Center: $80/month
GoToConnect ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (1200+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (600+reviews)
10. Mitel (Best for small business communication needs)
Mitel is a cloud-based unified communications platform known for its advanced call management features, seamless team messaging, and video meetings.
With its Unified Communications as a Service (UCAAS) solutions, access to all forms of communication from a single inbox is enhanced, enhancing information retrieval and response times.
Mitel supports businesses through growth by adapting to increasing communication demands without compromising service quality.
Mitel best features
- Use highly powerful collaboration tools for HD web conferencing, screen sharing, and instant messaging for seamless team collaboration
- Get advanced communication features like call routing, auto attendants, and analytics for call performance tracking
- Install the tool with both cloud-based and on-premises solutions, giving businesses flexibility in their communication setup
Mitel limitations
- The user interface can be complex and require some time to learn
Mitel pricing
- Custom pricing for all its UCAAS solutions
Mitel ratings and reviews
- G2: 3.8/5 (200+ reviews)
- Capterra: NA
11. Vonage (Best for flexible VoIP and messaging solutions)
Vonage is one of the top unified communication platforms renowned for its VoIP solutions and deep integrations with various business applications.
Its cloud-based architecture allows you to maintain flexible, reliable, and secure communication channels, ensuring that team members are connected regardless of location.
Vonage integrates with other communication channels, like Salesforce and Microsoft Teams, allowing you to streamline workflows and improve customer interactions.
Vonage best features
- Combine voice, video, and text messaging into one interface for easier communication
- Get a scalable solution for managing phone calls with HD calling, call recording, and call routing
- Use the powerful Vonage mobile app to stay connected with your teams and customers, supporting both iOS and Android mobile device
Vonage limitations
- Some users have reported delays in receiving timely support from the Vonage help desk, leading to lower customer satisfaction
- The setup and customization process can be a bit complicated
Vonage pricing
- Mobile: $19.99/month per extension
- Premium: $29.99/month per extension
- Advanced: $39.99/month per extension
Vonage ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (450+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.1/5 (300+reviews)
12. Zoho Meeting (Best for user-friendly video conferencing)
Zoho Meeting is a comprehensive video conferencing and webinar platform designed to simplify virtual meetings and enhance team collaboration. It offers a range of features to facilitate seamless communication, both internally and externally.
Zoho Meeting best features
- Enjoy high-quality audio and video for clear, crisp communication during meetings
- Easily share your screen, collaborate on documents, and engage participants actively
- Schedule meetings directly from your calendar, simplifying scheduling and organization
- Record meetings for later review or to share with those who couldn’t attend
- Host engaging webinars with advanced features for larger audiences
- Join meetings and participate from your mobile device, ensuring flexibility
- Add your company branding for a professional touch
Zoho Meeting limitations
- The free plan may have limitations on the number of participants, meeting duration, or features available
- Integrating Zoho Meeting with other platforms outside the Zoho ecosystem might require some setup
Zoho Meeting pricing
- Free plan
- Standard Meeting: $0.75 per host/month
- Professional Meeting: $1.83 per host/month
Zoho Webinar pricing differs
Zoho Meeting ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (1100+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (800+reviews)
13. Microsoft Teams (Best for seamless integration with Microsoft 365)
Microsoft Teams is a natural choice for organizations that are already using Microsoft 365 as a unified communications platform.
It facilitates communication within and across organizations, making it especially effective for large enterprises that need UC technology for centralized communication and managing customer engagement.
Microsoft Teams offers a highly secure option for file sharing and real-time collaboration, making it ideal for collaborating on documents directly within Teams.
Microsoft Teams best features
- Integrate all your meetings and discussions seamlessly with OneDrive and SharePoint, allowing you to share and collaborate on files in real-time
- Manage tasks within Teams with Planner and To Do, enabling you to assign tasks and track progress
- Use the desktop and mobile apps for quick and effective communication between team members and external stakeholders
Microsoft Teams limitations
- The free plan lacks certain advanced video conferencing features, such as meeting recording and larger participant limits
- Very closely integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, creating limitations for those who want to use it with other business apps
Microsoft Teams pricing
- Microsoft Teams: Free
- Microsoft 365 Personal: $6.99/month
- Microsoft 365 Family: $9.99/month
Microsoft Teams ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (15,000+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (9000+reviews)
14. Intermedia Unite (Best for an all-in-one communication and collaboration suite)
Intermedia Unite is a unified communication platform that streamlines audio conferencing, video calling, and other communication technologies in a single platform.
It offers features to help businesses centralize communication across departments, improve collaboration, and increase productivity.
Its cloud-based phone system allows you to manage calls and communication across teams in a unified manner. It comes with advanced administrative controls for IT managers, enabling you to efficiently monitor and manage communication across the organization.
Intermedia Unite best features
- Simplify communication with a reliable, easy-to-use phone system that integrates with other tools
- Make high-quality video and voice calls with advanced features like screen sharing, recording, and custom workflow builder
- Use the same platform for messaging capabilities, task tracking, and making calls from your mobile devices
Intermedia Unite limitations
- While it works well with cloud-based services, integration with non-cloud applications can be challenging
- Although it integrates basic communication channels, it lacks detailed analytics and collaboration tools present in other unified communications platforms
Intermedia Unite pricing
- Pro: $27.99/month per user
- Enterprise: $32.99/month per user
- Microsoft Teams integrated solution: $22.99/month per user
Intermedia Unite ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.5/5 (350+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (150+review)
15. 3CX (Best for cost-effective voice calling)
3CX is a unified communication platform that offers a comprehensive suite of features at an affordable price point.
With its focus on audio conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing, 3CX is a cost-effective and powerful unified communication solution. Use the platform as a cloud-hosted or on-premise system for greater flexibility in managing your communications.
It helps you go beyond the per-user pricing, helping your teams embrace UC solutions without paying additional fees for adding new users.
3CX best features
- Send direct messages and group chats within the same platform, with the options to send files and manage various conversations at your convenience
- Manage all communications, including voicemails, emails, and chats, in a centralized inbox for easier management
- Get advanced call management and AI-based features to help you with call queuing and monitoring, ideal for handling large call volumes
3CX limitations
- Use needs advanced configurations, especially for the on-premise version, which may be difficult for non-technical staff
- While it integrates well with larger CRM systems, small businesses may find fewer out-of-the-box integrations available
3CX pricing
- 3CX PRO: $695/year
- 3CX ENT: $870/year
No monthly pricing option. Hosting, Support, and AI integrations are available as an add-on
3CX ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.4/5 (450+reviews)
- Capterra: 4.4/5 (400+reviews)
Summarize this article for me pleaseImprove Internal Communication and Collaboration with ClickUp
Choosing the right business communication software helps create an environment where employees feel engaged, productive, and connected. As businesses continue to adapt and evolve, the need for seamless communication and collaboration has never been more critical.
So, assess your team’s unique needs and select a unified communications tool that meets your requirements.
With efficient tools like ClickUp, manage tasks and track progress, communicate effectively, share files, and create a unified workflow without switching between platforms. The platform does everything from real-time messaging and video conferencing to advanced project management and workflow automation!
Ready to revolutionize your team’s communication? Sign up for a free and experience the future of work.
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