Effective communication is essential in today’s fast-paced world, particularly for educational institutions. Compared to traditional phone systems, a feature-rich VoIP phone system is a crucial element that can significantly improve everyday tasks and students’ academic experiences. With VoIP solutions for schools, institutions can enjoy cloud communication benefits, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and mobility. Whether a premise-based PBX or a hosted PBX, VoIP for education offers a range of VoIP features tailored to educational settings.
Leveraging a business VoIP phone system for private schools ensures secure and reliable communication channels.
Here, in this blog post, we will learn more about VoIP solutions for schools, their benefits, the top phone systems for educational institutions, and things to think about while choosing the Best Phone System for the schools & education sector.
Boost Efficiency by 67% and elevate your school's communications with VoIP.
How do VoIP Solutions for School Work?
Modern technologies that work online are ideally suited to meet the specific communication requirements of educational institutions. In contrast to traditional landlines, VoIP phone systems have several connected phone lines, facilitating call handling for administrative staff members. It’s pretty simple to use on any device—desk phones, smartphones, etc.
| As per financesonline, by leveraging VoIP systems, institutions have boosted call handling efficiency by 67%, streamlined message management by 63%, and facilitated remote work with a notable 57% increase. |
VoIP systems come in two forms: hosted PBX and premise-based PBX. Hardware maintenance and on-site servers are not necessary with hosted PBX as it operates on a cloud server. A premise-based PBX involves setting up and supplying servers at schools or commercial buildings.
Also Read: School Management System: A Dire Need For Educational Institutes
What’s the Importance of Having a School Phone System?
The following are some advantages of implementing VoIP phone systems in schools. Let’s dive in:
- Cost-Effectiveness: VoIP plans are often less expensive than traditional landlines, and many of them come with free features and inexpensive international calling rates.
- Increased productivity: VoIP systems provide sophisticated features that improve efficiency, such as call routing and multitasking.
- Flexibility: VoIP technologies improve convenience by streamlining administrative duties and enabling remote access via fiber connections.
- Enhanced security: VoIP systems protect student data by providing features like two-factor authentication.
Top 10 VoIP Phone Systems For Schools
Here are some of the best VoIP solutions for schools:
Ecosmob
Introducing Ecosmob, a cutting-edge VoIP service tailored for educational institutions. With advanced features and cloud technology, our platform ensures seamless communication for staff and faculty. Benefit from our specialized VoIP systems, designed to streamline processes and enhance connectivity. Our expert developers continuously innovate to deliver scalable solutions, from private schools to large establishments. However, if you are wondering how to hire VoIP developers, you can reach out to Ecosmob Technologies. Experience reliable VoIP service with essential features like text messaging for instant updates. Trust Ecosmob for comprehensive VoIP solutions that elevate communication in educational settings, backed by our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Features
- Voicemail: When a call goes unanswered, record and save the message.
- SMS: Text messages may be sent straight from the phone system.
- Call Reminder: Set up prompts for future calls or events to serve.
- Call feedback: After talks, get opinions or ratings.
Pros
- Enables workers and parents to have continuous phone calls with impeccable call quality.
- It enhances staff productivity and improves school operations by integrating with your current tools.
- Connect with many tools to strengthen call processes.
- View your voicemail to find out who called you after work.
Cons
- It lacks more sophisticated reporting options and only offers basic real-time statistics.
Pricing
The price tiers Ecosmob offers are the pay-as-you-go and FTE models. You get customized solutions as per your exclusive requirements and estimated pricing from Ecosmob Experts.
Nextiva
Introducing Nextiva, the leading VoIP solution for schools, transforming communication with cutting-edge features tailored for academia. From customizable configurations to seamless Cloud communication, Nextiva enhances collaboration and connectivity for educational institutions. Upgrade your organization’s communication infrastructure with Nextiva’s innovative school phone system.
Features
- Mobile App: Convenient program for tasks that must be done.
- Collaboration tool: Platform for shared projects and teamwork.
- Conference calling: Audio meetings with many parties.
- Call analytics: Call metrics data insights.
Pros
- Establish processes on the various call channels that clients utilize.
- Assign different flows at multiple points during the school day.
- The desktop and mobile apps are the two ways to access the platform.
Cons
- Customer service that is slow and prone to errors
- The ability to receive incoming calls occasionally breaks.
Pricing
Nextiva offers three price tiers for its VoIP contact center: Essential, Professional, and Enterprise.
- Essential: The monthly cost per user begins at $23.95
- Professional: $27.95 per user per month is the starting price.
- Enterprise: Monthly fees begin at $37.95 per user.
Ring Central
RingCentral offers modern VoIP solutions for schools, enhancing cooperation and communication. With cutting-edge technology, reliable connectivity is ensured, promoting efficient communication channels. Through cloud communication technology, RingCentral provides unmatched accessibility and flexibility for school VoIP services. Users can connect from any device, whether on or off campus. RingCentral’s VoIP software development is tailored for educational institutions and prioritizes user-friendly features necessary for productive classroom communication. With a dedicated team of knowledgeable developers, RingCentral is committed to enhancing VoIP for educational establishments.
Features:
- Screen calls: Sort incoming calls according to preset standards.
- Intercom: Instantaneous internal communication between assigned extensions.
- Shared lines: When numerous people can access a single phone line simultaneously.
- Visual voicemails: Access voicemails that include transcriptions or visual clues to go along with them.
Pros
- Easy-to-use UI that makes navigating simple.
- Easy way to forward emails or messages to other users.
- Image automatically logs calls, which you may check at any time.
Cons
- Call settings might occasionally seem confusing, especially if a call is declined.
- Inadequate client support.
Pricing
The price tiers offered by RingCentral are:
- Core: $20/user/month
- Advanced: $25/user/month
- Ultra: $35/user/month
Any of these plans can be purchased straight from RingCentral’s sales staff.
Vonage
Consider Vonage for tailored VoIP solutions for schools, enabling seamless virtual collaboration. Vonage’s comprehensive VoIP-enabled school phone systems ensure effective communication with scalable cloud technology. Benefit from Vonage expertise in VoIP software development tailored to your institution’s needs. Access a variety of VoIP capabilities, including premise-based and hosted PBX options, designed specifically for educational institutions. Embrace future communication with Vonage.
Features
- Desktop application: Software run on a computer.
- Video conferencing: Video-based online meetings.
- Business email account: An official email address.
- Automated call handler: Virtual Call handler.
Pros
- The mobile app’s ease of use, straightforward layout, and seamless connection with other devices.
- It facilitates the creation of photos, GIFs, and movies for usage in user discussions.
- It facilitates the creation of photos, GIFs, and movies for usage in user discussions.
Cons
- Vonage calls are frequently tagged as spam and are challenging to get off the blacklist.
- The setup procedure is difficult and time-consuming.
Pricing
Vonage has three pricing plans: Mobile, Premium, and Advanced.
- Mobile: $19.99 per month
- Premium: $29.99 per month
- Advanced: $39.99 per month
OpenPhone
OpenPhone is a comprehensive VoIP solution tailored for educational institutions, boasting seamless CRM integration. Its feature-rich platform simplifies access to audio recordings, which is crucial for compliance and reporting. Teams can enhance communication efficiency with OpenPhone’s unified messaging and calling system. Additionally, OpenPhone offers tailored VoIP features, including advanced IP phone functionality and cloud communication capabilities. It provides scalable solutions for schools of all sizes, with options for hosted or premise-based installations. Skilled engineers are available to customize the software to meet specific institutional needs. Explore the benefits of modern phone systems for education with OpenPhone’s innovative VoIP strategy.
Features
- Call verification: Authenticating incoming calls.
- Round robin: Distributing calls evenly among available agents.
- Call recording: Capturing and storing conversations for future reference.
- Number management: Organizing and maintaining telephone numbers efficiently.
Pros
- An intuitive and well-structured interface
- Open-minded pricing strategy
- Prompt client service
Cons:
- OpenPhone might be challenging to use because of its sluggish software updates.
- Toll-free number porting is a laborious procedure.
Pricing
Three pricing tiers are available for OpenPhone: Standard, Premium, and Enterprise.
Standard: $17 a month for each user
Premium: $25 a month per user
Enterprise: Get in direct contact with OpenPhone’s sales staff
Ooma
Ooma Office offers a flexible VoIP solution tailored for schools and educational institutions, enhancing communication within the learning environment. Ooma platform’s state-of-the-art technology ensures reliable Cloud-based communication for staff and teachers. Enjoy features like voicemail, conference calls, and call forwarding, empowering schools with essential communication tools. Experience dependable service and excellent customer support, allowing schools to focus on delivering quality education.
Features
- CRM Integration: Coordinating communication channels with customer data.
- Call Queuing: Organizing incoming calls into a queue for prompt processing.
- Ring groups: Sending calls simultaneously to pre-arranged sets of extensions.
- Video Conferencing: Real-time online meetings with audio and video capabilities.
Pros
- Direct phone lines enable team members to make and receive calls independently.
- Prices are reasonable for a large variety of features.
- Enables companies to modify account settings directly from the mobile application.
Cons
- Several emails must be deleted at a time in the Ooma Office.
- A negative experience is caused by slow customer assistance.
Pricing
Three price tiers are available for Ooma Office: Essentials, Pro, and Pro Plus.
Essentials: $19.95 a month for each user
Pro: $24.95 a month for each user
Pro Plus: $29.95 a month for each user
CallHippo
Looking for a top-notch school phone system? CallHippo offers advanced VoIP solutions for seamless communication in educational institutions. CallHippo’s swift installation process simplifies setup in minutes. Purchase phone numbers, add users, and start making calls effortlessly. Experience cloud communication tailored for academic environments with CallHippo’s VoIP for education. Whether private schools or educational institutions, CallHippo’s customizable solutions meet diverse needs. Explore features like Hosted PBX or premise-based PBX for enhanced functionality. Elevate your school’s communication with CallHippo’s comprehensive VoIP phone service.
Features
- Voice Broadcasting: Pre-recorded messages are automatically sent to a large audience.
- Call Queuing: Effective handling of incoming calls in a queue is known as call queuing.
- Call Transfer: The smooth transfer of calls between numbers or extensions.
- Global connectivity: It refers to connectivity that transcends national borders.
Pros
- Simple operation and a smooth transfer from a previous phone system
- Contacts are linked quickly and do not go into spam drawers.
- Dashboards offer call statistics in real-time.
Cons
- One of CallHippo’s shortcomings is its slow customer service.
- The quality of the phone connection could be better.
Pricing
There are four price tiers on CallHippo: Basic, Bronze, Silver, and Platinum.
- Fundamental: No cost
- Bronze: $16 per month for each user
- Silver: $24 a month for each user
- Platinum: $40 a month for each user
Aircall
Aircall offers customizable VoIP solutions tailored to schools’ needs, leveraging cloud communication for uninterrupted access. Aircall’s specialized school VoIP services feature cutting-edge functionalities and user-friendly interfaces, enhancing staff and student communication. Aircall’s comprehensive VoIP software development ensures top performance and reliability with tailored systems for academic institutions and private schools. Choose Aircall for effective VoIP phone service and enhanced functionality in education.
Features
- Call Monitoring: Monitor calls by keeping an eye on them in real-time.
- Business hours: Defined periods of operation.
- IVR: System for interactive voice response, or IVR.
- Connectivity with several applications: Establish a smooth connection with many apps.
Pros
- You can hold conference calls for improved teamwork with up to five participants.
- An easy-to-use interface that promotes more outstanding communication.
- Tools for efficient communication that ensure a smooth experience.
Cons
- Users occasionally experience issues like calls not logging in or being unable to hear callers.
- The PC version of Aircall includes more features than the smartphone app.
Pricing:
Three price tiers are available for Aircall: Essentials, Professional, and Custom.
- Essentials: $40 a month
- Expert: $70 a month
- Custom: Speak with an Aircall sales representative directly
8*8
8X8 Contact Center specializes in tailored VoIP solutions for schools, optimizing communication. Renowned for cloud expertise, 8X8 empowers education with seamless VoIP, including custom software for administrative and teaching needs. Backed by skilled engineers, it offers cutting-edge technology for private schools and more. Beyond VoIP, 8X8 excels in cloud communication, enabling smooth calling, conferencing, chat, and texting. Its user-friendly portal allows efficient inquiry management.
Features
- Omnichannel routing: Streamlining communication across several channels.
- Workspace for agents: A centralized interface for effective client communication.
- Analytics: Insights derived from data to make wise decisions.
- Self-service: Giving customers access to automated support choices.
Pros
- The 8X8 Contact Center features an intuitive, comprehensive design that is easy to use.
- Facilitates the simple customization of call queuing, agent availability, and grouping.
- 8×8 reporting systems are user-friendly.
Cons
- It lacks API functionality, making adding or deleting people challenging.
- Finding recorded calls is a challenging and time-consuming task.
Pricing
The three price tiers offered by 8X8 Contact Center are X6, X7, and X8.
X6: $85 a month for each user
X7: $110 monthly for each user
X8: $140 a month for each user
Freshcaller
The best VoIP service for schools is Freshcaller. It’s ideal for school phone systems because of its features, designed with education in mind. Integrate seamlessly with popular CRMs such as HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zoho. Savor the convenience of cloud-based communication. Freshcaller VoIP developers can handle both premise-based and hosted PBX needs. Boost Freshcaller’s interaction with your organization.
Features
- Multi-level IVR: Automated phone menu in layers.
- Call routing: Assigning calls to the relevant departments or extensions.
- Call recording: Recording and archiving talks over the phone.
- Shared lines: When several people utilize the same phone number.
Pros
- Offers extensive ticketing tools to monitor inquiries from the point of origination until their resolution.
- Agents can collaborate by exchanging notes and making comments on
- Agents receive a consolidated chronology of all of their interactions with a consumer across various channels.
Cons
- Restricted third-party tool integration
- The learning curve for administrative activities is more complicated.
Pricing:
There are four pricing tiers for Freshcaller: Growth, Pro, Enterprise, and Free.
Free: $0.0 a month for each user
Growth: $15 a month for each user
Pro: $39 a month for each user
Enterprise: $69 monthly for each user
Comparison of Best 10 VoIP Phone Systems for Schools and Educational Institutes
| Brand Name | Features | Pricing |
| Ecosmob |
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| Nextiva |
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| RingCentral |
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| Vonage |
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| OpenPhone |
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| Ooma |
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| CallHippo |
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| Aircall |
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| 8*8 |
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| Freshcaller |
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How to Choose the Right VoIP Phone System for Schools and Education Facilities?
Whether it’s an education institute or a school, selecting the right phone system ie. VoIP consulting service provider — Ecosmob ensures smooth communication, teamwork, and information sharing. The following important factors should be taken into account to make an educated decision:
- Advanced capabilities: To promote effective communication and teamwork, ensure the system you select has capabilities like call routing, auto broadcasting, video conferencing, and call recording.
- Affordability: Choose VoIP options that satisfy your needs and budget while also meeting your needs. Examine and contrast the price structures of various systems to determine the best fit.
- Customer assistance Availability: VoIP phone systems that provide 24/7 customer assistance and quick turnaround times for service interruptions, security difficulties, or technical problems.
- Security: To safeguard user VoIP Security i.e. data privacy and stop unwanted access, confirm that the phone service provider you selected has strong encryption and security mechanisms.
- User Interface: To guarantee staff ease of use, reduce the learning curve, and increase productivity, choose a VoIP phone system with an intuitive interface.
- Scalability: Make sure your selected VoIP system can grow with your organization. Some examples of scalability choices include adding additional users or upgrading to more advanced capabilities as needed.
- Compatibility: To prevent incompatibilities and unforeseen costs related to infrastructure modifications, confirm that the VoIP system is compatible with your current educational software.
Also Read: Choose the top VoIP solution provider to gain more insights.
In a Nutshell,
VoIP solutions are essential for smooth, affordable communication between educational institutions, increasing flexibility and operational efficiency. Examine the choices and determine which one best suits the requirements of your organization. As an alternative, consider going with a dependable and feature-rich VoIP system like Ecosmob, which provides extensive tools and capabilities for managing communications. Be sure to simplify cooperation and communication inside your organization. Select the VoIP solution- Ecosmob that will boost employee productivity the most effectively for your company. In addition, we at Ecosmob offer every tool to monitor call statistics, enhance worker collaboration, and expedite communication. Thus, feel free to visit Ecosmob to begin a free trial immediately.
Exclusive Offer: 30% Off VoIP Services for a limited time.
FAQs
What is VoIP in schools and Education facilities?
An institution VoIP is a virtual phone system tailored to your school's requirements. VoIP eliminates the need for traditional hard-wired phone lines by enabling you to make calls using your internet connection. VoIP is simple to set up for your school; you may obtain advanced voicemail services, an extension number for every teacher and staff member, and everything else you need to let students, professors, and parents communicate.
What Equipment is required for VoIP?
A VoIP service provider and a fast internet connection are the two most essential pieces of VoIP hardware. You can utilize a mobile app, such as Nextiva's, to receive calls from your desktop computer or iPad, or your VoIP service provider can provide you with suitable physical phones.
What advantages does VoIP offer educational businesses?
VoIP provides educational organizations benefits like minimizing phone costs, more flexible communication for remote learning and collaboration, easy integration with other digital tools for more efficient operations, and scalability to meet changing user counts and growing educational requirements.
Is a VoIP phone compatible with traditional phones?
Yes, if you connect a VoIP phone to a VoIP solution provider that permits ordinary phone calls over the Internet, you may use it like a regular phone. To do this, you usually need an internet connection and a VoIP service subscription to contact traditional landlines and mobile phones.
Is there a free VoIP Service?
Indeed, free VoIP services like Skype and Google Voice are readily available. These technologies offer affordable communication options for educational institutions and can be used in school phone systems. VoIP and cloud communication in education can improve connection and simplify school-to-school communication.
