8×8 Review

flag Unlimited calling in the US & Canada
  • First month free

  • Advanced call management features

  • Integrates seamlessly with 55+ apps

  • Applications for Android & iOS available

Pros & Cons

  • Unlimited Calling to US and Canada numbers
  • Easy setup
  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Extension dialing
  • Good integrations
  • Slow customer service
  • No fax capability
  • No open API with which to build your own app integrations

Plans & Pricing

Unlike most other VoIP service providers, 8×8 doesn’t offer fixed plans in the traditional sense. Consumers choose their plan based on the features they want and need. Then you opt for the service plan, which comes in different categories. Note that the following pricing is based on the X Series Small Business Plan for 1-99 users.

8×8 Express

With this plan you can get a complete small business phone system, dedicated business number with unlimited calling, meetings and messaging for only $15/month. This plan is not lacking in features for a more basic plan. It includes Unlimited domestic calling, Auto-attendant and advanced call management. In addition, it has video conferencing features such as: Meeting recording & transcription ,audio/video conferencing for up to 100 participants and content sharing.

X2

The plan is $24 per user/monthly and includes 1GB internal storage, unlimited internet fax and calling zones in 14 countries, mobile and desktop apps, business SMS, voicemail to email, auto attendants, HD, and secure voice, audio and video conferencing for up to 500 participants and integrations such as Microsoft Teams, SFDC, Slack and many more.

X4

The X4 plan is $44 per user/monthly and includes all the features of the previous plan, with the additions of all recording and Switchboard Pro, which allows users to respond to both internal and external callers’ needs more efficiently. Also, the amount of internal storage is increased to 5GB and unlimited call zones are available in 48 countries.

X6

The X6 plan is $95 per user/monthly and includes all the features of X3, with the additions of powerful analytics and reporting features, as well as access to inbound and outbound contact centers. Also, the amount of internal storage is increased to 10GBs, and the unlimited call zones expand to 48 countries.

X7

The X7 plan is $105 per user/monthly and includes all the features of X6  as well as 4,000 minutes of contact center calling in 48 countries. It also has customer experience analytics, post-call survey capabilities, and the 8×8 Expert Connect feature.

It’s worth noting that the unlimited internet fax number may require the purchase of an additional phone number, and calling to certain countries may exclude calling to certain types of numbers. For more information, you’ll need to contact the brand.

X8

The X8 plan is $133 per user/monthly and includes all the features of X7  as well as 4,000 minutes of contact center calling in 48 countries. It also has customer experience analytics, post-call survey capabilities, and the 8×8 Expert Connect feature.

8x8 Express
$15/user/mo
X2
$24/user/mo
X4
$44/user/mo
X6
$95/user/mo
X7
$105/user/mo
X8
$133/user/mo

Overview

8×8 is a prominent communications technology company specializing in VoIP communications services. Providing cloud-based voice, video, mobile and unified communication solutions, 8×8  caters towards SMB markets along with enterprise-sized businesses. Its service plans aim to provide affordable business VoIP solutions, and the company also provides residential VoIP solutions and a cloud-based hosted call center service.

Rating

  • "Ease of Use"
    8 /10
  • "Value For Money"
    9 /10
  • "Features"
    8 /10
  • "Help & Support"
    8 /10

Popular Hardware Options

The Poly SoundStation IP6000

The Poly SoundStation IP6000 is an advanced IP conference phone that delivers superior performance for midsize conference rooms. It features Poly HD Voice technology, boosting productivity.

Poly VVX 301 / 311 IP Phones

This durable entry-level business phone delivers unsurpassed voice quality and clarity. It provides a high-quality, cost-effective solution for front line staff handling low to moderate call volumes, and features user-friendly interface.

Poly VVX 601 IP Phone

The Poly VVX 601 IP is the-top-of-the-line flagship phone in the new class of IP desk phones with extraordinary technology innovation. It’s a top choice for executives, managers, or those with high volume calling.

Features and Functionality

There are countless features available, and you have the option to customize plans according to your needs.

Unlimited Calling

Providing unlimited calling in VoIP business phone services allows 8×8 to enable their clients to reduce costs associated with phone bills. Unlimited calls can be made to any number in the US and Canada. Other international areas can be added to the plan.

Extension Dialing

Make phone calls to any number in the company through the use of extension numbers, which are available in 3, 4, and 5 digit configurations. Direct phone numbers are provided for each post too, and calls can be made no matter the location. Calls can be performed on several devices beyond an IP phone, including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. All you need is an internet connection.

Virtual Office Online

Through the web-based dashboard Virtual Office Online, users have access to a trove of great features that can be used on any computer with an internet connection, including making, receiving, and transferring calls, instant messaging, viewing call history, and voicemail.

Examples of standard features from 8×8 business phone systems include:

• Auto attendant
• Music on hold
• Ring groups
• Mobile apps for Android devices, iPhones, and iPads
• 3-way calling
• Caller ID
• Integration with Slack, Zendesk, NetSuite, Salesforce, Outlook, etc.

Ease of Use

Setting up Virtual Office or Virtual Office Pro is very easy. All you need to do is log in to the Virtual Office application with the appropriate name and password. Every user can manage their profile accordingly after setting it up on their device(s).

As a cloud-based PBX, the system can be set up entirely online through the Virtual Office Online or Virtual Office Desktop. Hardware required will be desk phones, desktop computers, and any other mobile devices used such as smartphones and tablets.

Details such as names and email addresses will need to be set up by a system administrator, so some prior or basic knowledge of IT is advised, especially if setting up more advanced features within Virtual Office.

Customer Support

8×8 offers a knowledge base with extensive information about all aspects of their services. These include manuals, user guides, a virtual contact center, and troubleshooting articles. Users can submit a question via a live chat box for a speedy response. A frequently updated blog offers tips and hints, and business services are available by phone Monday-Saturday from 6am-6pm PT. Customers have noted that support can be a little slow in taking action based on user requests.

  • 24/7 Help & Support
    Support is available 24 hours a day. You can open a case online, or contact support via chat or phone.
  • Phone Support
    The company offers phone support during office hours.
  • Live Online Chat
    Live chat is available around the clock, every day of the week.
  • Email
    The company representatives can be reached via email.
  • FAQ
    There isn't an actual FAQ page, but you can search the support center and website for questions to find the answers.
  • Community Forum
    The Directly Expert Community is comprised of 8x8 power users (both customers and partners). Community Experts tend to respond in less than five minutes, and are typically available 24/7.
  • Blog
    The blog gets updated regularly, mostly with updates about the company and events.

Final Word

Having been one of the market leaders in VoIP services since their inception in 1996, 8×8 has ample experience and a strong market share that has made it possible for them to create a wide range of plans that can tailored for the specific needs of each company.

Disclosure
This website is an informative comparison site that aims to offer its users find helpful information regarding the products and offers that will be suitable for their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by receiving advertising fees from the brands and service providers we review on this website (though we may also review brands we are not engaged with). These advertising fees, combined with our criteria and methodology, such as the conversion rates, our team of reviewer's finding and subjective experience and product popularity, impact the placement and position of the brands within the comparison table. In the event rating or scoring are assigned by us, they are based on the position in the comparison table, or according to other formula in the event specifically detailed by us. See our How we Rate page and Terms of Use for information. The reviews, rating and scoring are provided “as-is” without guaranties or warranties regarding the information contained in our website, which shall not be considered as endorsement. We make the best efforts to keep the information up-to-date, however, an offer’s terms might change at any time. We do not compare or include all service providers, brands and offers available in the market.
maab
Maab Saleem
author

Copywriter and editor, Maab Saleem has been writing for almost a decade now. Be it technical content about the most cumbersome of technological topics or just a few lines of copy explaining a newly launched product, Maab knows precisely how to connect words in the perfect manner. When he is not sharing his literary ingenuity with the rest of the world, he likes to watch, play and critique on football.

We make the best effort to present up-to-date information; however, the terms of each offer can be revised according to the service provider’s discretion. The above shall not be considered as an expert or professional advice for any matter.

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