Cloud PBX for Business

AI-powered voice, fax, text, conferencing, and HD video meetings—all on your business phone .

Unlimited VoIP calling and conferencing

Call, text, and fax on any mobile device

SMS and MMS for sending confirmations, sales promos, and more

A work-from-home employee using cloud PBX phone system on her laptop

What is cloud PBX?

Cloud PBX (or cloud-based Private Branch Exchange) is a virtual PBX system rooted on the internet. It streamlines inbound and internal calls, routing them to the right department or user extension, and aiding collaboration.

Traditionally, PBX systems were housed on-premises. These machines are big and need their own storage room. They also require significant capital investment, making them out of reach for smaller businesses.

The cloud changed all that. Cloud PBX is hosted in secure, remote data centers and delivered over the internet. It provides the same, and even more advanced call routing and management features of an on-premises PBX without the need for expensive hardware.

Many providers also offer cloud PBX services on flexible plans (sometimes as part of broader unified communications solutions), so smaller businesses can subscribe instead of heavily investing in expensive on-premises systems.

Voice over IP calls using desktop computer and mobile device

A woman drinking coffee while checking the RingCentral App on her laptop

How does a cloud-based PBX system work?

Rather than traditional phone lines, cloud PBX phone systems operate over the internet. That means the core infrastructure and all telephony functions are hosted in the cloud, managed by a third-party service provider like RingCentral.

Users connect to the PBX cloud through a combination of VoIP technology and a mobile or desktop app, limiting the need for physical hardware and maintenance.

If you’re used to a traditional PBX, cloud solutions offer many of the same features and functionality. You can still do what you do—forward calls, set up auto attendants, and so on. But with a cloud PBX, you’ll have greater flexibility and more advanced features.

Plus, as everything is hosted in the cloud, the system is highly flexible and more scalable. Users can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection and from any device, be it a desk phone, smartphone, or computer

Colleagues having a meeting through cloud PBX software

Traditional PBX vs cloud based PBX

On-premises PBX

On-site hardware is paid up-front
Complex implementations are costly
Contracts are required and include early termination fees
Additional fees for service and hardware upgrades
Premium technical support? Even more additional fees
Maintenance requires expert IT technicians
Expect a lengthy request process for service changes

Cloud PBX

On-site hardware not necessary
Fast implementation is free
No monthly contracts
New features and upgrades are updated automatically and for free
Customer support available 24/7
System can be managed on your own using any smart device
Add or repurpose lines as needed
Easily scaled to accommodate off-site extensions

Cloud PBX features & more besides

Interactive Voice Response

A responsive menu allows callers to use their telephone keypad or voice responses to navigate and perform actions automatically.

Visual voicemail

Access and manage voicemails across devices—online, desktop, and mobile. Preview messages, listen, forward, or return calls with ease.

Real-time Quality of Service analytics

Monitor your system's performance with powerful QoS reports, detailed call logs, and audit trails.

AI-powered video meetings

Run AI-powered HD video meetings with screen sharing, collaborative notes, whiteboarding, in-meeting public and private chat capabilities.

AI meeting transcripts

Save time with auto-generated meeting summaries and highlights, including keywords, live transcriptions, and note taking.

Integrations

Integrate popular apps like your CRM, or build custom workflows and applications with our open APIs, SDKs, and widgets.

Auto call recording

Record all inbound and outbound calls for individuals and playback and download recordings whenever needed.

Internet fax

Send and receive compliant faxes online—no extra hardware needed. Fax worldwide to any machine.

Multi-site management

Efficiently manage multiple sites from one account and set site-specific features to streamline operations at each location.

Why customers choose RingCentral for their cloud PBX business needs

Designed for business

Once rolled out, the RingCentral app affords you unlimited VoIP calling and conferencing, toll-free numbers, and custom caller IDs. You can add more functionality later without changing systems.

Improved mobility

Call, text, and fax on any mobile device using your business number. As for incoming calls, the same call routing flows you have set up for your office applies.

Easy to set up and use

Get up and running in less than 24 hours. If you need to customize your phone system to respond to business fluctuations, use your online account.

Built-in security and reliability

Encrypted networks and layers of authentication ensure the security of the entire transmission journey.

Unparalleled support

Award-winning customer support means RingCentral stands by you from day one and is available 24/7. Count on us not just for technical support but also for professional consultations and recommendations.

Unmatched value for money

Pay a reasonable price for the most advanced communications system in the market today⁠. That's one affordable amount for a single, all-inclusive and itemized monthly bill. And since maintenance upgrades are none of your concern, costs remain low.

RingCentral business communications plans for your small business

PAY ANNUALLY AND SAVE UP TO 33%

Volume discounts for 50+ users available. Contact our sales experts to learn more.

Compare all plans and features

Cloud PBX benefits for employees and customers

Why you should choose cloud PBX provider RingCentral

Making the switch from legacy to cloud PBX

Switching from legacy solutions to a cloud PBX phone system

Cloud Private Branch Exchange is the cost-effective replacement for your old business phone system, letting you communicate seamlessly across all your office locations using multiple devices. Essentially, it is a type of virtual phone system that provides these advantages.

If you’re tired of settling for expensive legacy phone solutions that consume much of your IT resources, then it’s time to move your communications to the cloud. The service is delivered over the internet, so it’s much more flexible, efficient, and inexpensive.

Cloud PBX benefits start with cost savings

Businesses of all sizes can now experience using an advanced internet-powered communications system through a simple subscription. Compared to the traditional PBX, a cloud hosted PBX is much less costly, thanks to its use of Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, technology.

Because VoIP calls are transmitted over the internet, businesses can bypass international calling fees imposed by carriers to significantly cut back on operational costs.

What else can you expect from reputable hosted PBX providers?

Centralized communication: Making the switch to the cloud allows for seamless communication across different times and locations, regardless of device used. For starters, you can get a centralized business number for all your office locations and apply extensions to different departments as you deem fit.
Enhanced call flows: A highly customizable automated attendant can instantly forward incoming calls to the intended party. When configured to do so, you can also use advanced call forwarding features to route calls directly to voicemail or through your mobile device, making sure that employees receive important messages even during the holidays or while traveling.
Increased accessibility: Customers don’t have to memorize multiple phone numbers or extensions. Nor do you have to give out your personal mobile number just so someone can reach you when you’re out of the office.
Simplified maintenance and troubleshooting: With a traditional phone service, you need to have a dedicated staff to handle infrastructure and hardware. But with the cloud, the provider manages upkeep in an offsite location with the promise of better security and uptime.
Reduced downtime: Your communications system doesn’t have to be taken offline for repairs or updates. Plus, you can resolve technical issues and glitches by alerting your provider who would usually offer 24/7 technical assistance or customer care services.
Increased scalability: You can grow your cloud PBX phone system as your business expands. Just contact your provider when you need additional phone lines in your subscription. You can also add and remove extensions via your online dashboard. Every setting can be adjusted to accommodate the changing needs of your business.

Experience the endless advantages and benefits of a cloud PBX system by getting in touch with a RingCentral solutions specialist today.

Why RingCentral beats all other hosted PBX providers

There are numerous options when it comes to cloud PBX solutions. RingCentral leads the pack by offering a complete unified communications solution—and Gartner agrees. The IT research and advisory firm recently named the company as a leader for its ability to execute and completeness of vision.

The ever-changing business landscape has turned cloud-based services into necessary power tools. Internet phone service, in particular, have been pushed to the forefront of business communication for many organizations.

Legacy phone solutions that have been in use in offices for decades completely lack the flexibility, mobility, and cost-efficiency that cloud phone systems offer.

You’ve crossed out other cloud PBX providers and have chosen RingCentral. Now for the smooth transition...

For some, transitioning from traditional PBX to the cloud might seem like a giant step. You have to think about the cost of migrating and the usability of your new system for employees accustomed to legacy ones. RingCentral makes the shift easy and convenient for everyone.

The platform is flexible enough to work with your existing hardware and even with the smart mobile devices professionals prefer these days.

Should you wish to completely free your organization from the typical phone devices, you can also opt to use the dedicated desktop app that RingCentral developed for your personal computer or laptop.

You can even take it a notch higher by installing the app on your mobile devices, either iOS or Android. With this, you can virtually use your business phone anywhere at any time you want.

What is cloud PBX if it doesn’t provide seamless communications solutions?

A cloud PBX subscription from RingCentral also gives you access to professional features that let you communicate seamlessly, whether it’s for employee or customer interactions:

Use one business number for all of your office locations and add virtual extensions as needed.
Configure your system to forward calls to various departments, to voicemail, or to a mobile device so you never miss out on a transaction.
Get notifications for incoming messages through business SMS, email, and your online dashboard.

Integration at its finest: Making the most out of your cloud PBX phone system

RingCentral integrates with some of the most used business tools in the modern workplace, such as Salesforce, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace. This ensures processes remain streamlined across the organization.

Cloud PBX and a whole lot more

The phone system that helps teams achieve more

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Cloud PBX FAQs

What is a cloud PBX?

A cloud PBX is a modern telephony system hosted by a third-party provider. Rather than installing physical hardware and laying copper wires, businesses can use the virtual PBX to make and receive calls over the internet using VoIP technology.

What’s the difference between cloud PBX and traditional PBX?

Traditional phone systems required businesses to install physical equipment on-premises. They were costly, it was difficult to add extensions, and maintenance could be slow and expensive.

Cloud PBX is hosted by a service provider who manages maintenance and upgrades. Because of this and the lack of hardware required, it’s significantly cheaper, more efficient, and flexible.

How much does cloud PBX software cost?

Cloud PBX pricing will vary from provider to provider. It’s essential to consider which features you need, how many calls or meetings you host monthly, and future business requirements. Many companies will offer different plans depending on your business’ size and requirements.

For example, our platform starts at $20 per user/per month, paid annually. Ideal for small businesses, it gives you access to popular features like IVR, auto attendant, meeting transcripts, and voicemail. For more robust features, Advanced and Ultra packages will give you access to auto call recording, advanced call monitoring, multi-site management, and more.

Important details and disclaimers