Written by Matt Reed Reviewed by James Macey Updated on April 30, 2025 On this page 1. RingCentral Ultra 2. 8x8 Work 3. Zoom Regional Unlimited 4. Zoom Global Select 5. Vonage Advanced Hospital Phone System Buying Guide: What Should You Consider? How We Ranked the Best Hospital Phone Systems Verdict Expand Looking for the best hospital phone system to improve patient care, streamline operations, and ensure Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance? As healthcare facilities increasingly adopt top VoIP phone solutions in 2025, selecting the right integrated communication system is crucial.Top providers like RingCentral, Zoom, and 8×8 offer robust features tailored for medical environments. These systems support secure messaging, telehealth integration, and efficient call routing, all essential for modern hospital communication needs.In this guide, we’ll explore the strengths and considerations of each provider, helping you make an informed decision for your hospital’s communication infrastructure. Jump to our methodology to learn how we decided our top five, or read on below for a roundup of those providers at a glance. Swipe right to see more 0 out of 0 backward forward Best for Hospitals Overall Best for Hospitals with International Operations Best Low-Cost Solution for US Hospitals Best Value Phone System for Multinational or Multisite Hospitals Best for Customizable Call Management in Hospitals Expert Rating 4.9 Expert Rating 4.7 Expert Rating 4.6 Expert Rating 4.5 Expert Rating 4.3 Price $35/user/month Price Custom Price $15/user/month Price $20/user/month Price $39.99/user/month Domestic Calls Unlimited Domestic Calls Unlimited Domestic Calls Unlimited (choose from 49 countries to be your calling base) Domestic Calls Unlimited Domestic Calls Unlimited International Calls None included International Calls Unlimited up to 48 countries (varies by custom package) International Calls None included (but you can pick non-US/CA country as your local base) International Calls None included International Calls None included Key Features Call routing, voicemail transcriptionCRM, helpdesk, calendar integrationsSMS, video, call conferencing, e-fax24/7 support, onboarding, uptime Key Features Call routing, voicemail transcriptionCRM, helpdesk, calendar integrationsSMS, video, call conferencing, e-faxMulti-factor authentication, uptime Key Features Video calls: 500 usersCRM integrations: 30+Screening: Partial (ID & blocking)Training tools: Whisper/bargeGlobal minutes: US & Canada Key Features Call routing, voicemail transcriptionCRM, helpdesk, calendar integrationsSMS, video, call conferencingGlobal coverage, no e-fax Key Features Call routing, voicemail transcriptionCRM, helpdesk, calendar integrationsSMS, video, call conferencingNo e-fax, no 24/7 support All Five Providers are HIPAA-compliant All five phone systems on this page are HIPAA-compliant services.For those unaware, HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and is a federal law that establishes standards protecting sensitive health information (also referred to as protected health information, or PHI) from disclosure without a patient’s consent. This includes names, addresses, medical records, and social security numbers.It also ensures that the companies adhere to specific standards for handling, storing, and transmitting PHI when information is used, including privacy, security, and breach notification rules.All the providers automatically do, or can provide, a BAA (business associate agreement) to healthcare customers, too. This is a contract between a covered entity (healthcare organization) and a business associate (like the listed phone system companies), clarifying how PHI will be used and protected. Compare prices from leading phone system suppliers Get free quotes 1. RingCentral Ultra: Best Overall Hospital Phone System RingCentral Ultra 4.9 Pricing $35/user/month Try RingCentral Read our review Strengths Top-rated call management with full routing, screening, and voicemail transcription Best software integrations, including CRM, helpdesk, and calendar tools Comprehensive communication channels—SMS, video, call conferencing, and e-fax Weaknesses Higher cost ($35/user/month) than some competitors, like Zoom Regional Unlimited ($15/user/month) Less hardware compatibility compared with GoTo Connect Pricing See more See less PlanStarting price (per user, per month) Core $20 Advanced $25 Ultra $35 Why do we recommend RingCentral Ultra for hospitals?RingCentral Ultra stands out as the top choice for hospitals thanks to its exceptional balance of reliability, communication tools, and ease of use — all crucial in a healthcare environment where clarity and speed can have a direct impact on patient care.It’s the highest-ranked provider overall in our latest analysis of enterprise-grade VoIP systems, and for good reason. Hospitals can benefit from its advanced call handling features like customizable routing, ring groups, virtual receptionists, and call queueing — all of which help frontline and back-office teams manage heavy call volumes without bottlenecks or dropped calls. These features are vital for departments like admissions, triage, and outpatient scheduling, where patient access must be both immediate and organized.RingCentral is also a great choice when it comes to staff coaching and oversight, offering a full suite of built-in training tools to use during calls, including call monitoring, call barge, and whisper. These can be used by charge nurses or department leads to train junior staff in real time, supporting better patient interactions and call quality.RingCentral's incoming call pop-up clearly displays who's calling, and has well-labelled icons for call management. Source: Expert MarketPlus, since it offers bulk user provisioning through integration with Azure Active Directory, it should streamline staff user management processes in large, rotating teams. And there are also onboarding guides and support resources to assist with the setup and deployment of services and for any new staff, too.Its software integrations are second to none, connecting smoothly with platforms like Salesforce, Zendesk, and Outlook, which is particularly beneficial for hospitals using integrated electronic health record (EHR) systems, case management tools, or external scheduling/calendar platforms to coordinate shifts. Combine this with a robust mobile app, SMS, video conferencing, and e-faxing, and RingCentral becomes a strong fit for both clinical and administrative use cases.RingCentral's integrated calendar tools make it easy to keep tabs on meetings and calls within the calling platform you are using. Source: Expert MarketWe also found that RingCentral supports SIP-based paging devices and integrates with overhead paging systems, facilitating real-time announcements across various devices.What could be improved about RingCentral Ultra for hospitals?The biggest question mark with RingCentral Ultra in a healthcare context is price. At $35 per user, per month, it’s one of the more expensive options on the market. For hospitals operating under strict budgets or looking to scale across multiple sites and departments, this may limit its feasibility, especially when more affordable options from Zoom Phone cover many of the same foundational features.Another consideration is hardware flexibility. While RingCentral supports desk phones, it has fewer certified hardware partners compared to providers like Vonage Advanced or GoTo Connect (an option not listed here but ranked just outside our top five). Hospitals with existing telecom infrastructure might face compatibility issues, or need to invest in new hardware, which can increase deployment costs.Still, if your hospital needs a high-performing, all-in-one VoIP platform with outstanding integration, security, and training capabilities, RingCentral Ultra remains the strongest solution available in 2025. Clinical Case Studies: RingCentral Vituity, a large physician-led healthcare organization with over 5,000 employees, adopted RingCentral’s cloud communications to improve patient care.Enabling clinicians to communicate securely from any location with their patients, as part of a broader policy of staying in contact with patients for a full 90 days, post-treatment (and making sure they visited primary doctors, took medications, and had rides for follow up appointments, for instance), they achieved a 42% reduction in hospital readmissions. 2. 8×8 Work: Best for Hospitals with International Operations 8x8 Work 4.7 Pricing Custom Try 8x8 Compare quotes Strengths Strong call management with routing, voicemail transcription, and call forwarding Excellent software integrations with CRM, helpdesk, and calendar tools Wide range of communication features – SMS, e-fax, video, and call conferencing Weaknesses Pricing is bespoke, making cost comparisons harder for businesses on a budget Hardware integration is limited, ranking lower than GoTo Connect in compatibility Pricing (plans are now private) See more See less Plans (listed prior to 2025)Previous starting price (per user, per month) Express $15 X2 $24 X4 $44 X6 $85 X7 $110 X8 $140 Why do we recommend 8×8 Work for hospitals?8×8 Work is the best fit for hospitals that manage international clinics, remote research teams, or frequently liaise with global suppliers or patients. Unlike most providers, 8×8 includes unlimited calling to up to 48 countries, removing the need for expensive international call plans or add-ons.Beyond its global reach, 8×8 delivers impressive functionality that suits the high-volume, multitasking environment of healthcare. Hospitals can take advantage of ring groups, call queues, voicemail transcription, and customizable call routing — ideal for directing patient inquiries, internal communications, or follow-up scheduling. These features should help reduce dropped calls and ensure critical messages are captured accurately.The 8x8 softphone application has an easy-to-use interface for desktops that emulates traditional calling pads. Source: Expert MarketIt also ranks among the top providers for training tools, with call monitoring, whisper, and barge features included. That’s useful for onboarding new admin staff (especially since US hospital turnover rates are around 20%) and maintaining quality assurance in departments like outpatient reception or billing. In 2025, four out of 10 US hospitals surveyed reported a registered nurse vacancy rate higher than 10%, so training staff quickly can be crucial to keep things moving fast.8×8 also shines in terms of software flexibility, integrating with major platforms like Salesforce, Zendesk, and HubSpot, making it a strong choice for hospitals that rely on connected systems for patient records or support tickets. And for video conferencing, 8×8 supports up to 200 participants, making it well-suited to large internal meetings, telehealth sessions, or continuing education programs.Using a softphone, you can conduct video meetings and integrate your calling schedule with a work calendar via the likes of Google, iCloud and Microsoft calendars. Source: Expert MarketWhat could be improved about 8×8 Work for hospitals?Despite its strengths, 8×8 Work does fall slightly behind when it comes to call screening capabilities. While it includes basic protections like caller ID and blocking, it lacks the more advanced automatic filtering or voicemail screening features seen in top contenders like Zoom or RingCentral. For hospitals aiming to minimize spam or filter urgent from routine calls efficiently, this could be a limitation.Another potential obstacle is its custom pricing model. Unlike fixed-cost platforms, 8×8 Work’s final price depends on feature selections and seat volume, which might complicate budgeting or delay procurement decisions. That’s especially an issue for public or nonprofit hospital settings, where every cent counts.That said, for hospitals with international communications needs and complex workflows, 8×8 Work remains one of the most capable and flexible options available in 2025.8x8 offers a suite of analytics tools to get hands-on with your calling data. Source: Expert Market Clinical Case Studies: 8x8 Work The Princess Alexandra Hospital in the UK implemented 8×8’s cloud telephony solutions to support remote work and improve patient communication. Previous telephony infrastructure had issues: the switchboard was handling huge loads, but only 900 staff members had direct dial-in (DDI) numbers. Similarly, the contact center team dealing with appointments in departments like radiology was experiencing outages, and its queuing system was limited to 20 callers.The transition facilitated a more flexible and efficient healthcare delivery model. Admin teams moved out of valuable hospital space to a hot-desking business park nearby, freeing up space for patients. They could now work remotely too, since 8×8 Work can be used as a softphone on different devices. Meanwhile, contact center teams upped their call handling from 90 to 200 per day, as well as reducing the number of missed appointments with better communication. 3. Zoom Regional Unlimited: Best Low-Cost Solution for US Hospitals Zoom Regional Unlimited 4.6 Pricing $15/user/month Get Quotes Zoom Review Suitable for Most affordable option ($15/user/month), making it the cheapest provider on the list Excellent call management with voicemail transcription, screening, and call routing Fully featured communication suite—SMS, video conferencing, e-fax, and team messaging Not suitable for Software integration options are fewer for helpdesk and live chat apps Lacks e-faxing capabilities Pricing See more See less PlanPrice (per user, per month) Metered $10 Regional Unlimited $15 Global Select $20 Why do we recommend Zoom Regional Unlimited for hospitals?Zoom Regional Unlimited offers an exceptional combination of affordability and functionality, making it an ideal choice for US-based hospitals seeking a budget-friendly yet robust communication system. Priced at $15 per user, per month, it provides unlimited domestic calling, voicemail transcription, call recording, and seamless integration with Zoom Meetings, all essential features for high-pressure clinical environments.With Zoom Phone, you'll have access to the Zoom One software shown here. Source: Expert MarketHospitals can leverage Zoom’s advanced call management capabilities, including call queues, auto-attendants, and call delegation, to efficiently handle patient inquiries and internal communications. The platform’s call monitoring, whisper, and barge features are invaluable for training administrative staff, too, and ensure high-quality patient interactions.Zoom’s user-friendly interface and seamless integration with its video conferencing platform facilitate smooth transitions between voice calls and virtual meetings, supporting telehealth consultations, departmental check-ins, and remote training sessions. Additionally, the voicemail transcription feature aids in accurate message retrieval, reducing the risk of miscommunication.In the top left corner, you can see the voicemail transcript Zoom generated, which was mistake-free. Source: Expert MarketWhat could be improved about Zoom Regional Unlimited for hospitals?While Zoom Regional Unlimited is a superb choice across many of our assessment areas, it has some limitations that hospitals should consider. The platform’s software integrations are relatively limited compared to competitors like RingCentral or 8×8, potentially posing challenges for hospitals relying on specific CRM or helpdesk tools.Furthermore, e-fax capabilities are not included, which may be a drawback for departments that still depend on faxed medical records or prescriptions. Hospitals requiring comprehensive third-party integrations or e-fax support might need to explore additional solutions or consider alternative providers. Clinical Case Studies: Zoom Phone Provident Healthcare Partners, a Boston-based healthcare investment bank, transitioned to Zoom Phone to support a hybrid work environment and reduce IT complexities. Facing challenges with their previous Mitel phone system, they sought a more user-friendly and flexible solution.Zoom Phone enabled their employees to use both softphones and Wi-Fi-enabled desk phones, meaning staff could communicate regardless of location. The implementation also resulted in significant cost savings and improved employee satisfaction. 4. Zoom Global Select: Best Value Phone System for Multinational or Multisite Hospitals Zoom Global Select 4.5 Pricing $20/user/month Get Quotes Zoom Review Suitable for Best for global businesses, offering international calling options at a low cost ($20/user/month) Strong CRM and helpdesk integrations, improving business workflow Excellent call management features like voicemail transcription, call routing, and screening Not suitable for No e-fax support, unlike RingCentral Ultra and 8x8 Work Weaker software integration options, especially helpdesk and live chat tools Pricing See more See less PlanPrice (per user, per month) Metered $10 Regional Unlimited $15 Global Select $20 Why do we recommend Zoom Global Select for hospitals?Zoom Global Select is an excellent choice for hospitals and health systems operating across multiple countries or regions. Priced at $20 per user, per month, it offers unlimited domestic calling in over 40 countries, allowing hospitals to maintain local presence and communication efficiency in diverse geographic locations.The plan includes a direct inward dialing (DID) number for each user, facilitating seamless communication without the need for navigating automated systems. This feature is particularly beneficial for departments like international patient services or global research collaborations.Zoom Global Select integrates smoothly with Zoom Meetings, enabling healthcare providers to transition effortlessly between voice calls and video consultations. This integration supports telehealth services, multidisciplinary team meetings, and remote training sessions. When in a video meeting you can make notes, which saves you opening up another window mid-conversation. Source: Expert MarketWhat could be improved about Zoom Global Select for hospitals?While Zoom Global Select offers robust features for international operations, it has many of the same limitations as Zoom’s Regional Unlimited plan. Chiefly, the platform’s third-party CRM and helpdesk integrations are still limited on this plan, compared to competitors like RingCentral or 8×8, which may pose challenges for hospitals relying on specific software ecosystems. Additionally, SMS capabilities are not universally available across all regions. Meanwhile, the same absence of e-fax functionality holds true here, too. Hospitals that depend on these communication methods may need to seek supplementary solutions or consider alternative providers. Clinical Case Studies: Zoom Phone UDG Healthcare, a global healthcare advisory and communications group, adopted Zoom Phone to unify its telephony systems across various subsidiaries. Previously managing multiple fixed-line phone providers, UDG sought a more flexible and integrated solution.By implementing Zoom Phone alongside Zoom Meetings and Microsoft Teams, they provided their sales representatives with a softphone solution accessible via laptops, mobiles, and iPads. This transition facilitated better communication with healthcare professionals and streamlined internal collaboration. 5. Vonage Advanced: Best for Customizable Call Management in Hospitals Vonage Advanced 4.3 Pricing $39.99/user/month Try Vonage Compare quotes Strengths Flexible pricing structure, allowing for custom enterprise solutions Good call management, including voicemail transcription and call forwarding Supports SMS and video conferencing, making it competitive in communication features Weaknesses Most expensive plan ($39.99/user/month), ranking lowest in cost-effectiveness Fewer software integrations, lagging behind RingCentral Ultra No e-fax support, unlike GoTo Connect and 8x8 Work Pricing See more See less PlanStarting price (per user, per month) Mobile $19.99 Premium $29.99 Advanced $39.99 Why do we recommend Vonage Advanced for hospitals?Vonage Advanced is an excellent choice for hospitals seeking a highly customizable communication system that can adapt to various departmental needs. Its robust suite of features supports efficient call handling, staff training, and integration with existing healthcare systems.With Vonage's auto attendant – what it calls a virtual receptionist – you can toggle routing options on/off for different numbers of varying locations. Source: VonageWe found that hospitals could specifically benefit from Vonage’s advanced call management capabilities, including call queues, auto-attendants, call forwarding, and visual voicemail. These features should mean that patient calls are directed appropriately, reducing wait times and improving the overall patient experience.For staff training and quality assurance, Vonage offers call monitoring, whisper, and barge functionalities, like the other options on this page. These tools allow supervisors to guide and assess staff interactions in real-time, fostering continuous improvement in patient communication.There’s also integration with popular CRM systems, like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zendesk, that enables seamless access to patient information and communication histories, streamlining administrative tasks and improving coordination across departments. That makes it a better choice than Zoom Phone if you have multiple other software programs to use with your communications system.Vonage has an intuitive call dashboard that can be accessed as part of all its plans. Source: Expert MarketWhat could be improved about Vonage Advanced for hospitals?While Vonage Advanced offers a comprehensive feature set, there are some considerations for hospitals.At $39.99 per user, per month, Vonage Advanced is one of the higher-priced options on this page, alongside 8×8 Work. Hospitals with budget constraints may need to evaluate the cost-benefit ratio carefully, especially those with large user numbers where the price could ramp up quickly.Although Vonage supports various devices, it may have fewer certified hardware partners compared with competitors, too. Hospitals with existing telecom infrastructure should verify compatibility to avoid additional expenses, like new desk phones for operators. And some advanced features, such as e-fax and AI virtual assistants, may require additional subscriptions or are not included in the base plan. Hospitals relying on these functionalities should consider potential extra costs. Clinical Case Studies: Vonage Chi Mei Hospital in Taiwan utilized Vonage’s Voice and Video APIs to develop a real-time communication system. They looked to modernize their communication infrastructure and better their provision of safe, high-quality, and efficient medical care in turn.Vonage Voice API helped with call tracking and WebRTC-enabled communications. Features like WebSockets and a voice quality engine provided advanced call control and routing, enabling the hospital to reach patients and staff on local, national, and global levels.Vonage Video API allowed the hospital to set up video consultations and remote meetings. It allowed the hospital to adapt to an increasing demand for telehealth solutions, especially pertinent in the current remote work climate.The results of these changes were improved and accelerated communication systems within the hospital, increased efficiency among medical staff, and better critical alerts and conversations between staff in general. Compare prices from leading phone system suppliers Get free quotes Hospital Phone System Buying Guide for 2025Choosing a hospital phone system isn’t just about call quality: it’s about patient safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. From reception to radiology, your VoIP system must support critical, time-sensitive communication at scale. Here’s what US hospitals should look for when selecting a phone system in 2025:Feature categoryWhy does it matter for hospitals?Specific features to look forHIPAA compliance & data securityEnsures legal protection and secure handling of PHI and sensitive dataEncryption, BAA, access controls, audit logs, data center redundancyCall management & staff trainingHandles high call volumes and enables real-time coaching and quality controlCall queues, auto-attendants, monitoring, whisper, barge, voicemail transcriptionSystem integration & schedulingSyncs with calendars and hospital systems to streamline workflows and shift coverageElectronic health record (EHR)/CRM integration, Google/Outlook calendar sync, shift-based call routingTelehealth & communication channelsEnables patient-facing and internal communication across multiple formatsVideo, SMS, voicemail-to-email, e-fax, unified communication toolsMulti-site support & user managementEnsures continuity across locations and simplifies onboarding for large or rotating teamsMobile apps, local/global numbers, single sign on (SSO), bulk provisioning, role-based accessAnalytics, reliability & supportReduces downtime, tracks performance, and ensures a smooth rollout with expert helpReal-time dashboards, 99.999% uptime, 24/7 support, onboarding assistanceVendor healthcare experienceGives confidence that the provider understands medical workflows and compliance needsHealthcare client case studies, BAA availability, telehealth-friendly feature sets How We Ranked the Best Hospital Phone SystemsIn our latest assessment of VoIP systems, we've researched 11 market-leading VoIP service providers so we can make the most useful recommendations to US businesses in 2025. Using our in-house research framework and ranking process, we evaluated each VoIP system across eight core categories of interest, each weighted differently, and then combined the results to come up with a final score. We asked some key questions to get to the answers that will help your operations the most.Our Decision-Making Criteria with Assessment WeightingInformed by readers and businesses we speak to regularly, as well as our own experiences using major VoIP platforms, we designed a research framework to assess each VoIP provider plan. It consists of eight overarching assessment categories, each designed to answer a specific question a buyer might have.Which VoIP service offers the best call handling features for US businesses?Call management (25%): We assessed features like call routing, queues, custom greetings, voicemail screening, and spam call blocking to see how well each provider handles inbound traffic. VoIP-using organizations often deal with high call volumes. They rely on call management features to create a better experience for these callers.Can this platform support internal communication across remote or hybrid teams?Communication channels (20%): We looked at the availability of tools like video conferencing, team messaging, SMS, and mobile app functionality, since VoIP is often purchased to streamline communication into one application rather than separate tools.Will this system help me onboard and train staff effectively?Training features (20%): We tested tools for live coaching (e.g. call whisper/barge), call recording, and performance dashboards – crucial for service and sales teams. VoIP-using businesses often train their employees on telephone etiquette.Is the pricing clear and competitive for small and medium businesses?Pricing (10%): We reviewed subscription tiers, user discounts, setup fees, and whether unlimited minutes are included or capped.Will this VoIP system work with the software we already use?Software integrations (10%): We checked how well each provider integrates with platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zendesk, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Teams. VoIP software is often used with customer-data applications and other communication technologies in order to increase operational efficiency.Can we keep using our existing phones and hardware?Hardware integrations (5%): We reviewed compatibility with desk phones, speaker systems, and headsets from major brands. VoIP software is often used with standalone hardware.What level of customer support is available if we run into issues?Customer support (5%): We tested the availability of live chat, phone, and email support, as well as help centers and user communities, and how they perform in terms of accessibility and convenience.How secure is this system for business use?Security options (5%): We assessed features like multi-factor authentication (MFA), encryption, and compliance with US data protection laws. Organizations can be put at risk if sensitive information is leaked due to a breach of security.Where possible, we've also completed usability testing for VoIP services that we could get hands-on with. Testers put VoIP software through its paces to assess how well each could complete certain prescribed tasks. Verdict For hospitals seeking a comprehensive, HIPAA-compliant communication solution, RingCentral Ultra stands out as a top-tier choice. Its robust features, ranging from advanced call management and seamless EHR integrations to secure messaging and video conferencing, make it particularly well-suited for large healthcare institutions aiming to improve patient care and streamline operations.However, for hospitals prioritizing cost-effectiveness without compromising essential functionalities, Zoom Regional Unlimited offers a compelling alternative. With unlimited calling at competitive rates, it provides a budget-friendly option for facilities focusing on telehealth services and internal communications.For institutions emphasizing customizable solutions and API integrations, Vonage delivers flexibility and scalability, catering to the unique needs of diverse healthcare environments.Ultimately, the optimal hospital phone system hinges on specific organizational requirements, be it advanced integrations, budget constraints, or scalability needs. Assessing these factors will guide healthcare providers in selecting a communication system that aligns with their operational goals and patient care standards.If you still can’t decide, we suggest filling out this free quote comparison form to learn exactly how much your hospital communication requirements will cost you at providers best suited to those needs. Written by: Matt Reed Senior Communications and Logistics Expert Matt Reed is a Senior Communications and Logistics Expert at Expert Market. Adept at evaluating products, he focuses mainly on assessing fleet management and business communication software. Matt began his career in technology publishing with Expert Reviews, where he spent several years putting the latest audio-related products and releases through their paces, revealing his findings in transparent, in-depth articles and guides. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism from City, University of London, Matt is no stranger to diving into challenging topics and summarising them into practical, helpful information. Reviewed by: James Macey Senior Business Software Researcher James draws on more than four years experience as a researcher to offer specialized advice on a wide range of categories from CRM to fleet management. He believes all businesses can grow if they use the right tools and services.