The 7 Best Auto Attendant Phone Systems

Our research into the best VoIP business phone system providers has found that RingCentral, 8×8 Work, and GoTo Connect are the best three options for auto attendants, with extensive features, which include customisable greetings and smart routing controls.

Phone systems with auto attendants create a polished, professional experience that efficiently directs callers to the right place, without the need for a human receptionist to stand by. That’s why these systems are also known as virtual receptionists.

That said, auto attendants aren’t the only feature that make for a good phone system, which is why we’ve factored in other tools, such as integrations, training tools, and overall value for money into our rankings.

1. RingCentral Ultimate: Best Overall Auto Attendant System

RingCentral’s £29.99 per user, per month Ultimate plan is the best overall auto attendant system. It gives businesses access to a multi-level auto attendant with interactive voice response (IVR) and lets businesses set up different menus for different locations.

Plus, RingCentral bundles in a range of other inbound communication features, including staples such as customisable greetings and spam filtering.

What auto attendant features does RingCentral Ultimate offer?

Customisable greetings: Businesses can create personalised greetings for callers, reflecting their brand’s voice and professionalism. For instance, different messages can be set for business hours, after-hours, and holidays. This feature helps businesses project a professional image while maintaining a personalised touch that improves customer trust and satisfaction.

Multi-level IVR (interactive voice response): RingCentral’s multi-level IVR enables the creation of structured, multi-layered phone menus, efficiently routing callers to specific departments, individuals, or locations based on their selections. By streamlining call flow and reducing wait times, your customers’ experience should be improved (all without the need for manual intervention).

We particularly like that RingCentral has an intuitive graphical editor so that you can easily configure the IVR and manage phone tree menus. By contrast, 8×8’s network of boxes is much harder to navigate when setting up a menu.

The design of RingCentral’s editor should reduce the need for technical support, as, in our view, just about anyone should be able to make quick adjustments to call routing structures with this user-friendly approach and keep evolving the tree to customer needs.

Overall, the system supports up to 250 voice menus and submenus per account, with options to add direct numbers for each IVR menu and deploy separate menus for multiple locations, which should make RingCentral accommodating for businesses of various sizes, complexities, and offices (or home working), which is a major boon for scalability, too.

Call routing and handling: RingCentral’s auto attendant can forward calls to any extension, voicemail, or external number. Administrators can set rules based on the time of day, caller ID, or specific numbers so that calls are always directed appropriately, no matter whether your team is working or not. This flexibility reduces missed calls, optimises resource allocation, and means callers are quickly routed to the most suitable recipient.

Other standout features

Training and monitoring: RingCentral’s Ultimate plan comes with a complete set of training tools, making it highly suitable for customer service teams. These include call recording and monitoring, barge and whisper, and real-time quality of service analytics.

Software integrations: RingCentral has the largest library of software integrations of all the providers we researched. These include popular CRM tools, such as Salesforce and Zoho, as well as customer service live chat integrations on platforms including WhatsApp and Facebook.

Hardware integrations: RingCentral’s software can integrate with almost any hardware phone system through manual setup, making it the best choice for businesses that don’t want to spend money updating their hardware.

Are there any downsides to RingCentral?

The main downside to RingCentral is that it costs a lot to scale up. If you want to take full advantage of its features, you need to be signed up for the £24.99 per user, per month Premium plan at a minimum, and the Ultimate plan costs £29.99 per user, per month, making it the most expensive plan on this list.

If you’re on a budget, bOnline’s £13.95 per user, per month Unlimited Calling plan is a more affordable alternative.

2. 8×8 Work: Best for Large International Businesses

8×8 Work is the best auto attendant system for large international businesses since it offers free outbound calls to over 48 countries, and its auto attendant features text-to-speech prompts in over 50 languages. Plus, 8×8 Work offers useful inbound communication features, such as a customisable greeting, hold music, and voicemail.

What auto attendant features does 8×8 Work offer?

Customisable greetings and prompts: With 8×8, much like RingCentral and GoTo, businesses can create personalised greetings and prompts to tailor introductions to their brand voice. Again, this message can be changed depending on business hours.

Multi-level IVR (interactive voice response): 8×8’s multi-level IVR lets users create structured, multi-layered phone menus that can direct callers to specific departments, individuals, or locations based on their selections. You can create exception schedules for holidays or unexpected events, too, as well as general schedules that can be updated centrally and used across multiple auto attendants.

We’re not the biggest fans of how you set up an auto attendant in 8×8 compared with RingCentral and GoTo, since it uses a less visually intuitive setup. Instead, you’ve got several boxes to fill out and a somewhat visual frame of reference to the attendant’s order of thinking, with dotted lines representing the next stage, but it’s not nearly as clear compared with competitors.

Call routing and handling: Once you configure these settings, the auto attendant can direct callers to ring groups, call queues, voicemail, or even additional auto attendants. Like RingCentral, administrators can set rules based on time of day, caller ID, or specific numbers, too.

Text-to-Speech prompts: Like GoTo, 8×8 also offers text-to-speech functionality for prompts in over 50 languages. This feature is particularly useful for businesses serving a diverse clientele, as it allows for the delivery of messages in multiple languages without the need for pre-recorded audio.

Other standout features

International calling: 8×8 Work is the only plan on this list to offer free unlimited calling to over 48 countries. This cements its spot as the best option for conducting global business.

Video conferencing: Like its competitors, 8×8 offers a native video conferencing tool. However, 8×8 video conferencing sessions have a participant limit of 500, far more than any other provider. Comparatively, the limit is 100 for RingCentral and 250 for GoTo Connect.

Are there any downsides to 8×8 Work?

One major downside to 8×8 Work is that it doesn’t come with any call-screening tools, making it the only provider on this list not to offer them. This means it’s not as good as competitors at limiting spam calls, which is important for businesses that deal with high call volumes.

8×8 Work is also one of the few providers on this list that does not publicly advertise its pricing or offer tiered pricing plans. You have to request a quote to get a clear answer on how much you’ll pay, which isn’t great for businesses on a budget. For affordable plans with clear pricing, we recommend bOnline.

3. GoTo Connect Phone System: Best for Unifying Communication Channels

GoTo Connect no longer advertises its pricing, but until recently, its Phone System plan was priced at £18 per user, per month. It’s the best choice for pairing great auto attendant features with strong communication tools to create a unified communications system.

What auto attendant features does GoTo Connect offer?

Customisable messages and greetings: Businesses can record an unlimited number of personalised messages and greetings using the GoTo Connect desktop or web app. This allows for tailored communications, such as unique greetings for senior management, loyal customers, or special clients, enhancing the caller experience.

Advanced call routing: GoTo’s auto attendant can forward calls to any extension, mobile, or even to outside lines not embedded in your GoTo Phone System (perhaps a landline you are yet to switch over, or a specialist who only uses their mobile phone). It supports complex call flows and is easily managed via its visual call flow editor.

Visual call flow editor: Like RingCentral, GoTo Connect offers an intuitive visual call flow editor that allows users to create and modify call flow plans with ease. This tool enables businesses to set up advanced call routing, share important updates, and customise messages without requiring extensive technical expertise.

Advanced, automated directories: The system supports the creation of pre-recorded menus and directories, such as “press 1 for sales, press 2 for accounts”, facilitating quicker navigation for callers and reducing the workload on staff. It combines this with an advanced text-to-speak feature where you can pick between four different AI voices and select from up to 90 languages. There are 11 background music options available to enhance the audio experience, too.

In-queue announcements: While callers are on hold, the auto attendant can share important announcements, operating hours, scheduling changes, or inform callers about potential wait times during busy periods, keeping them engaged and informed while they wait for support.

Other standout features

Inbound communications: GoTo Connect equips businesses with communication tools not offered by other providers, such as a “paging” tool that acts as a two-way speakerphone between team members, and an “intercom”, which will play voice messages out loud. The plan also includes team messaging and file sharing, as well as video calling with up to 250 participants, the second largest capacity after 8×8’s 500-participant limit.

Outbound communications: When it comes to communicating with customers, GoTo Connect gives businesses the ability to enable automatic SMS responses to customer queries, saving businesses time.

AI-powered analytics: AI enhancements are Dialpad’s forte, but GoTo Connect offers a fair few AI tools as well, including AI call summaries and AI chat analysis, which scores chats based on customer satisfaction and problem resolution. These are useful tools for businesses that conduct regular client meetings or operate a customer service channel.

Are there any downsides to GoTo Connect?

GoTo Connect Phone System is the only phone system plan on this list that does not come with unlimited outbound calls. Instead, you get 1,000 free minutes shared across all users. This won’t be an issue for inbound customer service teams, but it could impact sales and marketing teams.

Additionally, on the Phone System plan, businesses don’t get access to integration with third-party video conferencing tools, or social media messaging apps to run customer service chats. RingCentral and 8×8 are better options if you need these features.

4. Vonage Max: Good for Medium-sized Businesses

At £25 per user, per month, Vonage’s Max plan is one of the pricier options on this list, but it’s got all the tools to help businesses handle high call volumes, from customisable call routing to a virtual assistant that can pick up the slack when agents are busy.

This makes it a good option for medium-sized businesses or those operating a moderately sized call centre.

What auto attendant features does Vonage Max offer?

Customisable greetings: Like most of the providers on this list, Vonage Max lets you set up customisable greetings for callers. Greetings can be customised for each department, and you can set up specific greetings for calls that occur out-of-hours, when lines are busy, or based on caller ID.

Advanced call routing: With Vonage Max’s auto attendant, businesses can set routing rules based on operating hours and caller ID, as well as specific rules for when lines are busy, or agents’ status indicates “away”. This helps reduce missed calls and ensures customers are directed to the right phone as quickly as possible.

Customisable call queues: Call queues are a great backup for when all lines are busy and with Vonage you can customise the experience for waiting callers by setting up not just custom hold music, but scripts to share information about your business, or even direct callers to your AI assistant.

AI virtual assistant: Although Vonage’s AI virtual assistant is a paid add-on (pricing isn’t specified), it’s a valuable addition for businesses with high call volumes. Vonage’s AI assistant can replace an agent when lines are busy, and can answer common queries and perform basic tasks for customers.

Other standout features

Call screening: Vonage Max comes with a great set of call screening tools, features missing from 8×8 Work. Vonage supports caller ID, and calls can be screened and blocked based on a variety of factors, including area codes or unique ID. This is a useful tool for businesses that receive a lot of spam calls.

Inbound communications: Like GoTo Connect, Vonage Max has a wide range of tools for inbound communication. These include a “paging” tool, which broadcasts an announcement or message to up to 500 recipients who can hear the message through their speakerphone, as well as call conferencing, video conferencing, and team messaging. The only tool Vonage Max is missing is SMS communication, which is offered by Dialpad and GoTo Connect.

Are there any downsides to Vonage?

The main downside to Vonage is that it integrates with a very limited number of software platforms, with only nine integrations in total, three of which are CRM platforms: Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics.

Vonage’s auto attendant features are only available from its £25 per month Max plan, and its AI virtual assistant is a paid add-on. This makes it one of the most expensive options on this list, only beaten out by RingCentral and 8×8. For a cheap auto attendant phone system, we recommend bOnline.

5. Dialpad Enterprise: Best for Small Businesses with High Call Volumes

Dialpad Enterprise has custom pricing, but given that Dialpad is one of the cheaper providers out there, there’s a high chance you won’t be paying too much for its conversational AI technology and multi-level auto attendant. This makes it a great VoIP option for small businesses with high call volumes.

Plus, you’ll have plenty of inbound communication tools, such as voicemail, customisable greetings, and ring groups.

What auto attendant features does Dialpad Pro offer?

Custom messaging: Like all the options listed, Dialpad allows businesses to define specific operating hours and create custom greetings for different times of the day or week.

Versatile call routing: Beyond basic call routing, Dialpad offers advanced options such as routing calls based on agent availability and/or skill level. Plus, it can direct calls to voicemail or specific teams, too. You simply create a workflow for a team of your choice in the visual manner shown below.

Custom greetings: Businesses can record or upload personalised greetings that address common caller inquiries in a variety of audio file formats, such as MP3.

IVR menu analytics: Dialpad provides analytics on how frequently each IVR menu option is used by callers so that you can adapt your menu tree over time to remove those unused by customers/clients.

Spam call prevention: The auto attendant system includes features to block spam calls to reduce disruptions and deal with callers who actually need help.

Other standout features

AI-powered transcriptions and summaries: Dialpad’s phone system can expertly transcribe conversations in real-time, analysing the sentiment of the call based on the flow of the conversation and providing post-call summaries that highlight action items, so you can easily follow up.

Are there any downsides to Dialpad?

One downside to Dialpad is that it comes with limited training tools, with no call barge, whisper, or monitoring available on any of its plans. For a full suite of training tools we recommend Vonage’s Max plan.

Dialpad’s phone system also integrates with a limited number of CRM software programs, with the integration library limited to popular options such as Salesforce, Zendesk, and HubSpot. For businesses that use more niche CRM tools, we recommend RingCentral, since it has a very large library of integrations.

6. bOnline Unlimited Calling: Most Affordable Option

At just £13.95 per user, per month, or £9.95 with the current deal, bOnline’s Unlimited Calling plan is the most affordable auto attendant phone system on this list. It’s got all the basic auto attendant features you need, including custom call routing and greetings, plus it integrates with over 200 apps.

What auto attendant features does bOnline Unlimited Calling offer?

Custom greetings: With bOnline Unlimited Calling’s auto attendant, businesses can create custom greetings by either typing out or recording open and closed greetings. These can change depending on agent availability and business opening hours.

Custom call flows: Like any good auto attendant system, bOnline lets businesses set up call flows, which route calls according to rules such as caller ID, department dialled, or business operating hours. Routing rules can be easily adjusted whenever using bOnline’s tree-shaped call flow menu.

Call queues: It’s also possible to set up call queues on bOnline’s Unlimited Calling plan, which is a great way to deal with high call volumes. Callers will hear a professional greeting and the hold music of your choice while they wait for an agent to pick up their call. Most competitors do not offer this feature on such a low-priced plan, making bOnline a great option for businesses on a budget.

Other standout features

CRM integrations: Besides its low price, one of bOnline’s standout features is that it integrates with over 200 CRM and ERP (enterprise resource planning) applications. These include top providers such as, Pipedrive, and SugarCRM. However, integrations cost £9 extra per month.

Are there any downsides to bOnline?

One downside to bOnline is that it lacks a wide range of internal communication tools and training tools, which limits its scalability. For example, it’s missing SMS communication, integrations with video conferencing software, and doesn’t allow for call barge or whisper. For a scalable option, we recommend RingCentral or Vonage.

bOnline’s software also only works with Yealink phones, which increases the chances that you’ll need to upgrade your hardware when you switch to them. For a provider with wider compatibility, we recommend Dialpad.

Lastly, bOnline is missing one crucial security layer, it doesn’t have multi-factor authentication. While this might not bother all businesses, if you deal with sensitive information, such as medical or credit card details, you might prefer a provider such as RingCentral or 8×8.

For more affordable phone systems, read our review of the cheapest VoIP providers.

What Is the Difference Between Auto Attendant and IVR?

An auto attendant would just function as a basic call routing technology, usually through automated messages that direct callers to dial a number to reach a specific department.

An IVR or an interactive voice response system provides more advanced options but fits into the auto attendant umbrella. It offers submenus with an advanced call routing system and connects calls to the appropriate agent through the use of verbal commands and speech recognition, based on the information provided by the callers.

How Do I Set Up an Auto Attendant?

Creating and configuring an auto attendant depends on the provider you have. Some have text-to-voice for greeting recordings, while others require you to create a call flow from scratch.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on the general process for setting up your auto attendant feature:

1. Assign a phone number where you want the auto attendant to route calls. You can have multiple numbers, or you can configure your existing phone number to work with an auto attendant. If the phone system provider allows it, you can also get a new local and toll-free number.
2. Record phone system greetings, call menu options, and voice mailbox messages.
3. Create your call menu options that correspond to the customised greeting you recorded.
4. Configure your call menu in a way that you can forward calls to office phones, different departments or mobile phones.
5. Set business hours.
6. Set holiday greetings and schedules.
7. Save all auto attendant settings.

How Did We Compare the Best Auto Attendant Phone Systems?