Bandwidth vs Highfive

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Our analysts compared Bandwidth vs Highfive based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Business Phone Systems, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Highfive Software Tool

Product Basics

Bandwidth is a cloud-based API provider that enables two-way calling, text messaging and video conferencing for leading unified communications platforms. Deployable in the cloud, on-premise or as a hybrid, it enables enterprise-level call tracking and analytics. Leveraging its robust architecture, developers can create video and video conferencing apps through WebRTC technology. Businesses can automate existing processes and call flows through its support for a wide range of codecs including VP9, VP8 and H.264. Integrating with major toll-free carriers, it ensures carrier redundancy for uninterrupted business workflows.

It ensures call security through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and phone number verification. Besides enabling click-to-call for customers, it provides intelligent call routing through IVR and automated SMS surveys for sustained customer outreach. In addition to phone number management through a dashboard, it provides number porting of up to 20,000 numbers. Working in the background, it powers integrations with Zoom, LogMein, Google, RingCentral and Microsoft through its powerful APIs.
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Highfive is a cloud-based solution that simplifies business collaboration. It offers audio and video conferencing, screen sharing and web conferencing. It helps companies carry out meetings effectively and is accessible via laptops, tablets and other devices. Enables automatic updating, eliminating the need to worry about getting outdated. It’s easy to use, configure and affordable for any business size.
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$0.01/Message, Usage-Based
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$199 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Cost Efficiency: Bandwidth helps businesses save on communication costs by offering scalable solutions that adapt to their needs, eliminating the need for expensive traditional phone systems.
  • Flexibility: Users can manage calls, messages, and video conferences from anywhere, using any device, providing the flexibility needed in today's mobile and dynamic work environments.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Features like automated attendants, call routing, and analytics ensure that customer calls are handled efficiently, leading to improved satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Scalability: As businesses grow, Bandwidth easily scales to accommodate increased call volumes and additional features without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
  • Reliability: With robust infrastructure and redundancy protocols, Bandwidth ensures high availability and minimal downtime, so businesses stay connected with their customers and teams.
  • Enhanced Communication: Integrated voice, video, and messaging capabilities foster better collaboration among team members and more engaging interactions with customers.
  • Compliance and Security: Bandwidth adheres to industry standards and regulations, providing secure communication channels that protect sensitive information.
  • Insightful Analytics: Access to detailed call analytics helps businesses make informed decisions, optimize communication strategies, and improve overall efficiency.
  • Customization: The platform offers extensive customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the system to their specific operational needs and customer service goals.
  • Professional Image: Advanced features like custom greetings, on-hold music, and professional voicemail options enhance a company's image and customer perception.
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  • Simplify Dial-In: Don’t waste time filling in meeting codes and passwords. Start meetings by typing the name. Add a meeting link to calendar invites and join conferences via the mobile app. Invite potential participants via URL or email. 
  • Reduce Costs: Eliminate the need to purchase and install special devices like microphones and headsets. Enable high-quality video cameras. Access HD sound and video. 
  • Strengthen Security: Implement domain-based security to ensure employees start calls. Receive prompts to allow attendees to enter the meeting. Verify attendees and enable screen sharing without cables. 
  • Save Time: Quickly set up and use it within minutes. Integrate with several popular business applications without upgrading the system. 
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  • Voice API: Build a custom voice calling solution for clients. Embed programmable voice directly into the application, network or product, without possessing a telecom infrastructure. Pay only for the time used and get access to pricing. Identify and address problems related to the quality and reliability of voice calls.
  • SMS API: Attain control, flexibility and insight and efficiently send messages to the tier 1 network. Get insights into which messages are getting delivered. Access real human support and eliminate the hassles attached to having a middleman.
  • MMS API: Send powerful and engaging text messages using images, videos, audio and GIFs even on toll-free and local numbers. Get charged the same price for an MMS irrespective of the number of characters.
  • Toll-Free SMS: Easily graduate from text messages to calls on the same number. Send high-volume messages using a single number, eliminating possible confusion amongst customers. Use it as an alternative to short code and connect with customers faster.
  • Group Messaging: Enable all the clients to be in the loop and quickly initiate group discussions without installing the app or possessing a smartphone. Connect to any network in the U.S. and Canada. Activate message-ready phone numbers.
  • Emergency Calling API: Provide accurate and reliable access to public safety without investing in expensive infrastructure. Connect users when required and automatically provide location information to the best-suited public safety agency.
  • Video API: Upgrade any web-based chat or call to video and create video applications powered by WebRTC. Enhance the customer engagement experience and facilitate personal interactions and connections. Use screen sharing and live video engagement. Access an easy-to-understand billing system, eliminating confusion. Attain Inbound and Outbound PSTN calling and support audio codecs, including VP9, VP8 and H.264.
  • Authentication API: Balance security with customized authentication messages and set a code expiration timeframe. Pay only for successful authentication. Safeguard brand equity by receiving one-time passcodes on existing numbers, eliminating the risk of sharing numbers with other businesses.
  • SIP Trunking: Enable high-quality calls using the cloud-based carrier network. Manage ports, order phone numbers and gain insights into telecom cost centers. Maintain compliance with 911 regulations. Access calling and billing details record (BDR). Get easy support from the 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC).
  • Duet: Enable companies to migrate their telecom to Teams-leverage dynamic location capabilities within Teams to identify the location. Route 911 calls across the secure and highly reliable network, ensuring user safety. Acquire advantages such as fail-over control, call forwarding and real-time re-routes.
  • VoIP Origination: Access a wide-ranging coverage with direct peering connections, facilitating quality calls. Enjoy a powerful phone number solution with number ordering, porting and management tools. Support required line features and instant 911 address provisioning.
  • VoIP Termination: Eliminate the hassle of jumping on and off PSTN, allowing a reliable calling experience. Employ the geo-redundant core network with priority Tier 1 peering relationships to achieve better quality calls and fewer hops. Enable interconnections using peering agreements with major carriers across the U.S., Canada and internationally, ensuring quicker, hassle-free calls.
  • SMS Gateway: Remain up-to-date and well-versed with current messaging rules and regulations with the help of experts. Send an SMS to customers who only provide a phone number and without the aid of a cell phone. Ensure reliable delivery and connections to all major carriers.
  • Phone Number Lookup API: Attain knowledge regarding the carrier mix before sending messages, enabling the prediction of costs and message and deliverability rates. Quickly sort phone numbers, ensuring that messages are sent only to those numbers that can receive them. Use the correct type of multi-factor authentication.
  • Local Phone Numbers: Carry out business more innovatively by giving customers a personal and local touch. Add brand personality, context and privacy along with number ordering and provisioning. Assure customers that they can secure better help and understanding by talking to a real person who understands the business. Access the Bandwidth Phone Number Dashboard to track which numbers are getting more usage.
  • CNAM: Enable the lookup to pick from a database full of caller ID information displayed when someone calls. Easily add, update or delete entries using the portal or API. Add a personal touch to sales calls, employ CNAM to look up any number and help minimize missed calls and spam calls.
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  • Dolby Conference Phone: Access 360-degree audio capture without satellite or ceiling microphones. Use unlimited call minutes for domestic and international calls. Join meetings with a single tap without using a separate device. 
  • Screen Sharing: Share presentations and documents from any remote location. Allow participants to view the whole screen, individual tabs or windows, depending on requirements. Activate the screen mirroring functionality with one click. 
  • Audio Conferencing: Avoid entering meeting IDs and pin codes and get a unique number instead. Access unlimited dial-in phone numbers for clients and guests globally. Ensure costs are consistent and make unlimited calls without per-minute fees. 
  • Phone Video Conference: Join meetings from an Android or iOS mobile device. Enable HD video and audio. Access conferences on the TV for better clarity. View attendees and invite others. Let participants know they are on mute via the chat option. Leave the meeting with a single click. 
  • Integrations: Collaborate with messaging and calendar applications. Add meetings to Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar with a click. Move text communications to video meetings using apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Sign in securely using the same account to log in to other applications. 
  • Video Conferencing: Use a high-quality video conferencing camera for all meeting rooms. Ensure background noise doesn’t disrupt meetings. Use an integrated CPU to avoid the need for a dedicated PC. Control and monitor conferences from a personal device without remotes, tablets, keyboard or mouse. 
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Product Ranking

#14

among all
Business Phone Systems

#38

among all
Business Phone Systems

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 427 reviews
Great User Sentiment 413 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

Bandwidth has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 427 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

84%
of users recommend this product

Highfive has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 413 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

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4.9 (12)
4.6 (180)
4.0 (184)
4.6 (124)
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4.6 (110)
4.4 (197)
4.4 (9)
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4.9 (4)
3.8 (20)

Awards

Bandwidth stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Scalability: Bandwidth's platform is designed to grow with your business, allowing you to easily add new phone lines and features as needed. This scalability ensures that your phone system can adapt to your evolving communication requirements.
Cost-Effectiveness: Bandwidth offers competitive pricing plans, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. Their transparent pricing structure helps you understand your costs upfront, avoiding any surprises on your phone bill.
Reliability: Bandwidth has a strong reputation for reliability, ensuring that your phone system is always available when you need it. Their robust infrastructure and network redundancy minimize downtime and service interruptions.
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Easy to Use: Highfive's user interface is straightforward and intuitive, making it simple for users to navigate and find the features they need. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Reliable Video and Audio Quality: Highfive prioritizes delivering high-quality video and audio during meetings, ensuring clear communication and a professional experience. Users can expect minimal disruptions or technical issues, allowing for smooth and productive virtual interactions.
Screen Sharing and Collaboration Tools: Highfive offers screen sharing capabilities, enabling users to easily share presentations, documents, or other content during meetings. The platform also provides collaboration tools, such as virtual whiteboards and annotation features, to enhance teamwork and engagement.
Integrations with Other Business Tools: Highfive integrates with various business tools, including calendar applications, CRM systems, and communication platforms. These integrations streamline workflows and improve efficiency by allowing users to access and manage their meetings and contacts from a central location.
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Call Quality Issues: Bandwidth's call quality has been reported as inconsistent, with users experiencing dropped calls, choppy audio, and latency issues, particularly in areas with weaker internet connections. This can be disruptive and unprofessional for businesses that rely on clear and reliable communication.
Customer Support Challenges: Bandwidth's customer support has received mixed reviews, with some users finding it difficult to get timely and effective assistance. Long wait times and unhelpful responses can be frustrating for businesses that need prompt resolution to technical issues.
Limited Features: Compared to some competitors, Bandwidth's feature set may be perceived as lacking, particularly for businesses with advanced communication needs. Features such as call recording, voicemail transcription, and integrations with CRM systems may be limited or require additional fees.
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Limited PSTN Functionality: Highfive's strength lies in video conferencing, but it may not fully replace a traditional business phone system due to its limited Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) capabilities. Users seeking extensive call routing, voicemail, or auto-attendant features might find Highfive's offerings insufficient for their needs.
Meeting Room Hardware Focus: The platform is often associated with its meeting room hardware solutions, which could lead to a perception that it's more suitable for larger conference rooms rather than individual or small team use cases. This might deter potential users who primarily require a business phone system for individual or small-scale communication.
Integrations: While Highfive integrates with some popular business tools, its range of integrations might not be as extensive as other communication platforms. Users heavily reliant on specific third-party applications for their workflows might find Highfive's integration options limiting.
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Is your business phone system stuck in the dark ages? Need to expand your communications bandwidth? Bandwidth might be the solution you're looking for. User reviews from the past year highlight its strengths in call quality, reliability, and scalability, making it a top choice for businesses of all sizes. The platform's user-friendly interface and robust API integrations allow for seamless communication management, whether you're a small startup or a large enterprise. Users particularly appreciate the flexibility to port existing numbers and integrate with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity. Bandwidth's competitive pricing and pay-as-you-go model also make it a cost-effective solution for businesses with fluctuating communication needs. However, some users have noted that customer support can be slow at times, and the initial setup process may require some technical expertise. Additionally, while Bandwidth offers a wide range of features, some advanced functionalities may require additional fees. Despite these minor drawbacks, Bandwidth remains a popular choice for businesses seeking a reliable and scalable communication solution. Its ease of use, extensive features, and competitive pricing make it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their communication processes and enhance overall productivity. If you're ready to ditch your outdated phone system and embrace the future of business communication, Bandwidth is definitely worth considering.

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Highfive has garnered positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with existing workflows. Users appreciate the platform's intuitive design, which makes it easy to navigate and manage communication channels. The integration with popular productivity tools like Slack and Google Workspace further enhances its usability, allowing for efficient collaboration and communication within teams. However, some users have expressed concerns about occasional call quality issues and limitations in advanced features compared to competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. While Highfive excels in providing a simple and straightforward communication experience, it may lack certain functionalities required by larger organizations with more complex communication needs. Highfive's strength lies in its simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking a reliable and user-friendly communication solution. Its focus on core communication features without unnecessary complexity allows teams to quickly adopt and utilize the platform effectively.

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Top Alternatives in Business Phone Systems


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8x8

Bitrix24

CXone

Dialpad

Freshcaller

Fuze

GoToConnect

MiCloud Connect

Microsoft Teams

Nextiva

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RingCentral

Vonage

Zoom

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