RingCentral Review

Overview

RingCentral is a popular cloud-based communication provider that allows businesses to make and receive calls and texts on multiple devices. It also offers audio and video conferencing tools. In April 2023, RingCentral revamped its service offerings and pricing structure, allowing Core plan customers to host video meetings without any additional cost.

RingCentral remains one of the leading business VoIP solutions. The company has grown from a basic voice-calling service to a comprehensive platform that includes messaging, video, and phone capabilities. Today, it is better described as a unified communications-as-a-service (UCaaS) platform.

RingCentral offers a cloud-based phone system along with video and audio conferencing solutions, which enhances communication and collaboration for both employees and customers. The platform features an intuitive dashboard and tools, making it easy for new users to get started with minimal training. Additionally, RingCentral stands out for its exceptional integration options, which rank among the best in the industry.

RingCentral Features

RingCentral is a cloud-based phone system offering business calling and text messaging capabilities. It allows you to link an existing phone number to a new business or toll-free number. Additionally, you can purchase desktop and cordless phones, headsets, conferencing tools, and other equipment to enhance your communication setup.

With RingCentral, you can start using its features immediately after setup on your chosen devices. The interface is user-friendly, with a taskbar on the left side that makes it easy to make calls, send texts, or start meetings. Setting up video or audio meetings is straightforward, and inviting participants is just as simple—RingCentral allows you to quickly share a meeting link or send an invitation email.

Call Quality

Since RingCentral relies on the internet for sending and receiving calls, the quality of your internet connection significantly affects call performance. If devices are placed too close together during a call or meeting, you might encounter echoes or slight delays. However, with a strong internet connection and up-to-date device software, you can generally expect a high-quality call experience.

Software Compatibility

RingCentral’s app is designed for compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, requiring at least 8 GB of RAM. The app can also be used on an iOS and Android device. Additionally, a web-based app can be accessed through Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge Chromium browsers.

Before using RingCentral, ensure your device or browser meets the current technical requirements. Keep in mind that RingCentral frequently updates its software, so system requirements may change over time.

Security

RingCentral prioritizes data security by employing Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) encryption to protect customer data from interception. Its infrastructure is supported by SSAE 18 and ISO 27001-audited data centers with electronic prevention systems. Additionally, on-site security is managed by engineering specialists and monitored by security guards.

The software also incorporates advanced infrastructure protections, including firewalls, session border controls, fraud analytics, and frequent vulnerability scans. To enhance user security, RingCentral offers administrative features such as locking video meetings and requiring password-protected access. These comprehensive measures ensure both data and session security, allowing customers to confidently use the platform.

Integrations

RingCentral offers extensive integration capabilities, making it one of the most integration-friendly cloud communications platforms available. It seamlessly connects with popular CRMs, analytics tools, ERPs, customer support systems, and other applications, provided you already have accounts with the respective services.

For example, setting up the RingCentral for Google extension in Chrome was straightforward. This integration enabled features like making and receiving calls directly through the browser, placing calls on hold with hold music, and transferring calls effortlessly. The integration performed smoothly, positioning RingCentral as a strong alternative to Google Voice for enhanced communication needs.

User Experience

RingCentral MVP is a cloud-based VoIP PBX system, with comprehensive features, built on the Session Initiation Protocol supporting a wide selection of desktop SIP phones. However, with more people working remotely, using RingCentral’s softphone apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android is often more efficient and convenient. These apps offer many features that traditional SIP desk phones don’t, especially when it comes to video communication.

Recent updates have enhanced RingCentral’s video capabilities, eliminating its reliance on Zoom for video conferencing. The platform now includes advanced features such as closed captioning, audio transcription, and screen sharing during one-on-one, group, or team meetings, making it a robust solution for modern communication needs.

RingCentral’s mobile and desktop apps user interfaces have seen significant improvements since our last review, now offering a user experience comparable to Microsoft Teams. Collaboration features are robust, including channels, file sharing, and the ability to initiate ad hoc voice or video calls.

Additionally, the app allows you to pin files, images, and view tasks or code snippets shared during conversations in a separate window on the app’s right-hand side, making it easier to stay organized and engaged during communication. These updates enhance the app’s versatility, offering a more streamlined and efficient experience for users.

Plans and Pricing

RingCentral offers its business VoIP service in three pricing tiers. You can choose to pay either monthly or annually, with annual subscribers receiving a 33% discount on their subscription.

Core

• Price: $30 per user per month or $20 per user with annual billing

RingCentral’s Core plan combines features from the discontinued Essentials and Standard tiers, starting at just $20 per month (with an annual plan). It offers unlimited domestic calling and SMS, along with access to high-definition video and audio conferencing tools.

However, like the previous Essentials plan, Core provides fewer integrations compared to higher-tier options. For more extensive integration options, the Advanced or Ultra plans are better suited. Additionally, access to features like internet faxing and automatic call recording requires an upgrade, and this plan is limited to 100 toll-free minutes.

The Core plan is ideal for small teams or companies that require basic features like a business phone line and video conferencing. If you need access to a broader range of integrations, e-fax capabilities, or services for a larger team, the Advanced plan would be a better choice.

Advanced

• Price: $35 per user per month or $25 per user with annual billing

The Advanced plan includes all the features from the Core package, along with access to hundreds of integrations such as Zendesk, Salesforce, and HubSpot. Additional features include internet faxing, automatic call recording, and adoption and usage analytics. This plan also provides 1,000 toll-free minutes.

The Advanced plan is ideal for businesses that prioritize customer service and want to measure the effectiveness of their engagement efforts. While the Core plan improves upon the Essentials package, the Advanced plan offers a wider range of integrations and capabilities, making it a valuable upgrade for customers with more complex needs.

Ultra

• Price: $45 per user per month or $35 per user with annual billing

RingCentral’s Ultra plan builds upon the features available in lower-tier plans. Key upgrades include unlimited file sharing and a significant enhancement to video meetings. While previous plans limited video meeting participants to 200, the Ultra plan offers a large meeting add-on feature, allowing you to host a virtually unlimited number of participants. Additionally, Ultra provides meeting recording for up to 100 hours, with recordings stored in the cloud for up to a year. These expanded capabilities make the Ultra plan ideal for larger teams or businesses with more demanding communication needs.

Add-Ons

While the Core, Advanced, and Ultra plans offer a comprehensive range of features, RingCentral also allows you to add extra tools to your selected plan for an additional charge. These include:

• High Volume SMS: Starts at $0.0085 per sent or received message
• International Numbers: Starts at $5.99 per user, per month
• Additional International Toll-Free Numbers: Starts at $14.99 per user per month
• RingCentral Webinar: Starts at $75 per host, per month

Customer Support

RingCentral offers a comprehensive customer support system, starting with helpful articles on their website that address common concerns. For more specific issues, real-time support is available via phone or chat. However, most live support features are AI-driven, meaning it may require some effort to reach a live representative for more complex questions or issues.

To access customer support, you need to log in to your account or provide account information, including a PIN, to verify your identity. For general inquiries or routine problems, support was available through AI-powered chat or the website’s articles. For more personalized assistance, customers can call 1-888-528-7464, though navigating the system to speak with a human representative involves several steps.

Conclusion

RingCentral delivers on its promises as an easy-to-set-up and user-friendly cloud phone system. The call and video quality are excellent, and it offers a variety of call controls, such as managing who can join meetings. The transcript feature proved to be accurate, adjusting in real-time to capture the conversation.

The software makes effective use of automation, simplifying many tasks for users. While customer support could benefit from more human-centered interaction, the platform serves as a solid starting point for small business owners and those new to VoIP solutions. Its consistent interface across devices means you can easily transition from a laptop to a smartphone without feeling lost, making the experience seamless and intuitive.