8x8 vs Bandwidth

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Our analysts compared 8x8 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

8x8 is a unified communications as a service (UCaaS) system that provides cloud PBX functions like unlimited calling, SMS, automated call-attendant, call distribution, recording, three-way calling, visual voicemail and fax. In addition to utilizing its pre-designed meeting rooms, businesses can embed meetings with its Meetings-as-a-Service offering, Jitsi. It integrates with Microsoft Teams, Salesforce and ServiceNow seamlessly.

Its contact center enables omnichannel routing and effective customer engagement through speech and sentiment analysis and workforce management. Companies can establish a local presence through local phone porting with direct dialing across more than 120 countries. Teams can handle greater call volumes through even call distribution to employees for faster turnaround. It is HIPAA, FISMA SP 800-53 R4 and ISO 27001 certified for data governance compliance.
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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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$15/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

  • Enhanced Collaboration: 8x8's unified communications platform seamlessly integrates voice, video, chat, and file sharing, fostering real-time collaboration and breaking down communication barriers.
  • Increased Productivity: Automated call routing, voicemail transcription, and presence management streamline workflows, allowing employees to focus on high-value tasks and maximize productivity.
  • Improved Customer Experience: Omnichannel support, intelligent call routing, and personalized interactions empower businesses to deliver exceptional customer experiences that build loyalty and drive growth.
  • Cost Savings: 8x8's cloud-based model eliminates the need for expensive hardware and maintenance, reducing operational costs and providing a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: 8x8's platform adapts to changing business needs, allowing companies to add or remove users, features, and locations with ease, ensuring a future-proof communication solution.
  • Mobility and Remote Work Support: 8x8's mobile app and desktop clients empower employees to stay connected and productive from anywhere, supporting remote work and flexible work arrangements.
  • Security and Compliance: 8x8 adheres to industry-leading security standards and complies with regulatory requirements, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and maintaining business continuity.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights into communication patterns, performance metrics, and customer interactions, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
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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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  • All-in-One Communications: Connect employees and customers on a single app that offers all modes of communication including voice, video, chat and more. Reach customers located in over 120 countries with guaranteed uptime and voice quality. Full encryption with a large number of certifications ensures data remains secure. 
  • Business Phone: Manage voice services utilizing Cloud PBX technologies. 
    • Call Handling: Take control of calling productivity and privacy with caller ID, call blocking and do not disturb mode. Forward and transfer calls and create a virtual holding area for calls with Call Waiting and Call Parking. Three-way calling allows for three-party collaboration without any additional equipment or time restrictions. 
    • Customer Experience: Use auto-attendant voice services to route calls, provide self-service options and choose music to play while callers are on hold. Call queues route customers to the appropriate resources. 
    • Call Management: Balance employee workloads by evenly distributing calls. Monitor calls to ensure customer satisfaction and manage quality control. Assign employee roles and provide access to effective training resources. 
    • Emergency Services: Remain in compliance with federal emergency dialing requirements and ensure emergency notifications are up-to-date. 
    • Cost Center: Set up to five levels of hierarchy with site-based cost centers. Customize the structure of cost centers, payment methods and billing contacts. 
  • Video Conferencing: Reach up to 100 participants in a single HD video conference call. 
    • Backgrounds: Participants can blur the background of video calls or choose from a variety of backgrounds to create a personalized and professional setting. 
    • Mobile Browser: From mobile devices, join video calls with the same quality as on desktops. 
    • Host Controls: Lock meetings, create participant permissions and lobbies, and delegate hosts. 
    • End-to-End Encryption: Only allow participants with a shared key to join the meeting. 
    • Invite: Send invitations to a meeting from messages or allow participants to dial-in from more than 50 countries, from any of the included 11 toll-free numbers. 
    • Record: Record meetings and calls to save to the cloud to reference at a later time or send to participants that did not attend. 
    • Calendar: Schedule and send meeting invites directly from calendars using Google plug-ins and Microsoft add-ins. 
    • Stream and Share: Live-stream a conference call on YouTube with an unlimited number of viewers allowed. Share Youtube videos and audio from a computer or browser tab in a meeting. 
    • Analytics: View insights into meeting usage and adoption. 
    • Languages: Available in 46 languages. 
  • Team Chat: Instantly connect with anyone in the company’s global directory via one-on-one chat or with an entire team using team messaging capabilities. Securely share files with one or multiple members and create group chat rooms that are private, invite-only or public.  
  • Contact Center: Connect with agents, employees and customers through the cloud contact center, with built-in omnichannel routing that provides digital and voice channel support, efficient routing and self-serve capabilities. 
    • Automatic Call Distribution (ACD): Provide customers with precise caller-to-agent matching by routing to the agent most adept to handling the customer issue at hand, who receives full access to the customer’s history to better assist them. 
    • Interactive Voice Response (IVR): Provide self-serve call responses using conversational AI technology. Analyze customer journeys by capturing insights via built-in analytical tools. 
    • Digital Channels: View all digital channels from one single interface, ensuring a seamless customer experience. 
    • Predictive Dialer: Define dialing strategies, create campaigns, actively manage agent answering processes and more. 
    • Quality Management: Analyze customer interactions to assess areas in which agents need additional training. Create forms, view scores and track each agent’s progress. 
    • Customer Surveys: Give customers the opportunity to provide feedback, giving insight into what agents can improve on for future customer interactions. 
    • Call and Screen Recording: Access recordings using a simple interface protected by authorized supervisor search, playback, archive retrieval and more. Monitor multiple agents at the same time in a single window. 
    • Payment Processing: Allow customers to securely send payments by directing calls to a specific payment interface. Customers have the ability to enter payment info directly into the phone system. IVR structure eliminates the need for live agent interaction with customers during the payment process. 
  • APIs: Reach customers with industry-standard APIs that allow for extended functionality through SMS, chat apps, callstats and more. 
  • SIP Trunking: Access better call quality using tier 1 carriers to give PSTN service replacements such as emergency services and shortcodes, provided in over 40 countries, and toll-free and local numbers available in over 90 countries.  
  • Third Party App Integrations: Add popular applications such as Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, Google Workspace and more. 
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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

#13

among all
Business Phone Systems

#14

among all
Business Phone Systems

Find out who the leaders are

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 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 0 25 50 75 100
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User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 586 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 427 reviews
79%
of users recommend this product

8x8 has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 79% when considering 586 user reviews from 6 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 (15)
n/a
4.2 (22)
4.6 (180)
3.96 (234)
4.6 (124)
3.8 (24)
4.6 (110)
4.2 (109)
4.4 (9)
3.8 (182)
4.9 (4)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated 8x8 and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Business Phone Systems available today and earns best-in-class honors for Calling features, Collaboration, Phone system and Voice intelligence & analytics.

Analysts' Pick Award
Calling features Award
Collaboration Award
Phone system Award
Voice intelligence & analytics 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: 8x8 seamlessly integrates with popular business applications like Salesforce and Microsoft Teams, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
Advanced Call Management: Advanced call routing, call forwarding, and voicemail features provide businesses with robust call management capabilities, ensuring efficient handling of customer interactions.
Remote Work Flexibility: 8x8's cloud-based platform enables employees to work remotely with ease, accessing all essential phone system features from anywhere with an internet connection.
Cost-Effective Solution: 8x8 offers flexible pricing plans tailored to businesses of all sizes, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone systems.
Scalability and Reliability: 8x8's scalable platform can accommodate businesses of any size, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted communication services.
Enhanced Collaboration: 8x8's collaboration tools, such as video conferencing and instant messaging, foster seamless team communication and improve productivity.
Exceptional Customer Support: 8x8 provides dedicated customer support, ensuring prompt resolution of any technical issues or inquiries.
User-Friendly Interface: 8x8's intuitive user interface makes it easy for employees to navigate and utilize the system's features, minimizing training time and maximizing efficiency.
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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: Users have reported difficulty in tailoring the system to their specific business needs, leading to a lack of flexibility.
Complex User Interface: The interface has been described as cluttered and unintuitive, making it challenging for users to navigate and manage the system efficiently.
Frequent Outages: Users have experienced unexpected system outages, resulting in disruptions to business operations and communication.
Poor Customer Support: Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality and responsiveness of customer support, making it difficult to resolve issues promptly.
High Costs: The cost of the system, including subscription fees and additional charges, has been a concern for some users.
Limited Integrations: The system's limited integration capabilities with other business applications have hindered its usefulness for users who rely on a connected ecosystem.
Security Concerns: Users have raised concerns about the security measures implemented in the system, particularly regarding data privacy and protection.
Lack of Advanced Features: The system may lack certain advanced features that are essential for businesses with complex communication needs, such as call recording, analytics, and advanced call routing.
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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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8x8 is a business phone system that has received positive reviews from users in the past year. Many users praise its ease of use, reliability, and feature-richness. They also appreciate its ability to integrate with other business applications, such as CRM and ERP systems. 8x8 compares favorably to similar products in terms of its scalability, flexibility, and customer support. Its strengths include its cloud-based architecture, which makes it easy to deploy and manage, and its wide range of features, which can be customized to meet the needs of any business. However, some users have reported that 8x8 can be expensive, and that its customer support can be slow to respond at times. Overall, 8x8 is a well-rounded business phone system that is suitable for businesses of all sizes. It is particularly well-suited for businesses that need a scalable, flexible, and feature-rich solution. 8x8's differentiating factors include its focus on cloud-based solutions, its commitment to customer service, and its ability to integrate with other business applications. These factors are important because they allow businesses to take advantage of the latest technology, get the support they need, and streamline their operations. 8x8 is most suited for businesses that need a reliable, scalable, and feature-rich business phone system. It is also a good choice for businesses that want to integrate their phone system with other business applications.

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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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Top Alternatives in Business Phone Systems


3CX

Bitrix24

CXone

Dialpad

Freshcaller

Fuze

GoToConnect

MiCloud Connect

Microsoft Teams

Nextiva

Ooma Office

RingCentral

Vonage

Zoom

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