RingCentral vs Bandwidth

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Our analysts compared RingCentral vs Bandwidth 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.

Product Basics

RingCentral is a unified communications-as-a-software (UCaaS) solution for businesses of all sizes. Its open architecture enables easy embeddability for uninterrupted communication. Employees can stay connected to internal teams and clients through mobile apps and switch over to other connected devices mid-call. Phone number portability is available for seamless migration from existing service providers.

Companies can host HD-quality video conferences with up to 3000 participants; record-playback facility enables creating on-demand events for greater outreach. Besides sending and receiving faxes, employees can collaborate by sharing images, text messages, videos and documents. It integrates with ZenDesk, Microsoft Dynamics and Oracle Sales Cloud.
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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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$25/User, Monthly
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$0.01/Message, Usage-Based
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Boost Business: Gain analytics insights by monitoring calls for quality and analyzing historical call reports. Monitor trends on every channel and track agent performance and call metrics. Get meaningful analytics by integrating with BI tools like Power BI and ClicData. 
  • Collaborate With Clients: Connect with internal teams and clients through conference calls with high-quality audio and video. Record calls and meetings, access voicemails and send business texts from any connected device. 
  • Capture Leads: Manage sales campaigns by guiding call agents through personalized scripts for specific lead types. Reach leads faster with automated dialers, intelligent call routing and call blending. 
  • Get the Complete Picture: Get a bird’s eye view of individual customers’ purchase history, past interactions, ticket status and more. Personalize customer service by integrating with popular CRMs like Salesforce, ClicData, Freshdesk and Zoho Flow. 
  • Connect Flexibly: Make and receive calls while out of the office with apps for iOS and Android mobile devices. Start a call in Microsoft Teams that now includes mobile phone support. 
  • Get Phone Accessories: Choose from a range of state-of-the-art desk and cordless phones, conference call devices, analog adapters and VoIP headsets. 
  • Community Projects: Solve common system issues by customizing free, community-contributed projects on GitHub. 
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  • 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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  • API-based Architecture: Send SMS, long messages and multimedia files with delivery/read status notifications with SMS APIs. Access call recordings, call logs, voicemail recordings and transcriptions with the communications data APIs. Send and receive faxes in multiple file formats with forwarding, queuing and fax-to-email support. 
  • Software Development Kits (SDKs): Interface with system APIs through SDK libraries in the programming language of choice. These include .NET, Java, JavaScript, PHP, Python, Ruby gem, iOS Swift client and WebRTC. 
  • Security: Secures all endpoints with Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP) encryption. Provides multiple authentication levels, firewalls, vulnerability scans and fraud mitigation through access control and usage throttling. 
  • Address Book: Get the complete set of all team member extension numbers on the RingCentral Office directory through its APIs. Filter address book entries to find relevant call agent extensions for quicker customer-facing turnarounds. 
  • Events and Notifications: Subscribe to a comprehensive set of events that include SMS, voicemail and call received, call started, ended or missed, and change in availability status. 
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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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Product Ranking

#8

among all
Business Phone Systems

#14

among all
Business Phone Systems

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Call Coverage Calling Features Collaboration Mobile Features Phone Numbers Phone System Voice Intelligence & Analytics Voicemail & Messaging 100 100 95 100 100 100 95 100 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 1450 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 427 reviews
83%
of users recommend this product

RingCentral has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 83% when considering 1450 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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.

4.0 (23)
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3.8 (303)
4.6 (180)
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4.6 (124)
4.2 (856)
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4.4 (9)
3.7 (81)
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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated RingCentral and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Calling features and Phone system.

Calling features Award
Phone system Award

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

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Seamless Integration: RingCentral seamlessly integrates with popular business tools like Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and Google Workspace, streamlining communication and collaboration.
Advanced Call Management: Features like call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and call recording enhance call handling and improve customer service.
Remote Work Flexibility: RingCentral's cloud-based platform allows employees to work from anywhere, with access to all communication channels and features.
Cost Savings: RingCentral's subscription-based pricing model eliminates the need for expensive hardware and maintenance costs, reducing overall telephony expenses.
Scalability and Reliability: RingCentral's scalable architecture ensures reliable communication even during peak usage, supporting businesses of all sizes.
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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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Limited Customization: RingCentral offers a limited range of customization options, making it difficult for businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs.
Integration Challenges: Integrating RingCentral with other business applications can be complex and time-consuming, leading to compatibility issues and data silos.
Call Quality Issues: Users have reported occasional call quality issues, including dropped calls, audio delays, and poor sound quality, which can hinder effective communication.
Pricing Concerns: RingCentral's pricing structure can be complex and may not be suitable for all businesses, especially those with a large number of users or specific feature requirements.
Limited Reporting Capabilities: RingCentral's reporting features are limited, making it challenging for businesses to track and analyze call data for performance optimization and decision-making.
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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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RingCentral provides cloud communications and contact center services to enterprises. Around 92% of the users who review accessibility praise the software for seamless call switching between devices, including personal mobile phones, though some say access can be tricky in areas with low internet speeds. Of the users who discuss its features, 70% appreciate the convenience of calls, messaging and video conferencing being available in one app. The platform definitely has an edge over other service providers in that there is no time limit restriction on meetings. The interface is easy to navigate, say 69% of the users who discuss its user-friendliness, though a few users say it’s dated and could do with a more modern look. Approximately 60% of the users who mention support say they’re helpful, though some users find them unresponsive and difficult to reach. On the flip side, around 83% of the users who review the solution’s performance say it’s clunky and audio and video quality suffers on low internet bandwidth. To sum up, RingCentral is a cross-device communications provider that streamlines call management, video conferences and business meetings on one platform for small, mid-size and large organizations.

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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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