Zoom: The Ultimate Guide Is Zoom a VoIP? (What Businesses Need to Know in 2026) Quick answer
Yes! Zoom uses VoIP, but It is not a full VoIP phone system by default. Zoom primarily offers video conferencing and meetings, while traditional VoIP features (such as inbound phone numbers, call queues, and desk phone replacement) require Zoom Phone, a separate paid add-on.
In short:
Zoom has established itself as a leader in the field of virtual communication, revolutionizing the way businesses, educational institutions, and individuals connect. Renowned for its user-friendly interface and high-quality video conferencing capabilities, Zoom offers a comprehensive range of features, including webinars, virtual meetings, and collaboration tools. This blog will delve into the history and development of Zoom, highlight its key features, and explore the benefits it offers.
For further information and pricing on phone systems, here .
Contents
Benefits of Zoom
Downsides of Zoom
Is Zoom Phone a VoIP system?
Zoom vs traditional VoIP phone systems
How Zoom uses VoIP
Is Zoom suitable as a business phone system?
What Other People Think of Zoom
What Do Staff Think of Zoom?
Our Verdict on Zoom
How do we work?
Transparent, impartial, and data‑driven reviews made by a team of expert humans, never AI generated – here’s exactly how Compare Your Business Costs helps you find the best deals from trusted UK providers: click here
Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: January 2026
Key Takeaways
Zoom relies on VoIP technology to transmit voice and video
Standard Zoom Meetings ≠ a business phone system
Zoom Phone adds VoIP calling, numbers and PBX-style features
Businesses often pair Zoom with Cloud PBX or Teams instead
Zoom is best for meetings, not core telephony on its own
What is VoIP? VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows voice calls to be made over the internet instead of traditional phone lines… VoIP powers:
Business phone systems
Cloud PBX
Microsoft Teams calling
Zoom audio and video meetings
How Zoom uses VoIP Zoom uses VoIP technology to:
Carry audio during meetings
Enable internet-based calling between participants
Replace traditional dial-in conference lines
However, you should keep in mind that standard Zoom does not provide:
Business phone numbers
Inbound/outbound PSTN calling (by default)
Call queues or IVR
Desk phone replacement
Benefits of Zoom
Zoom is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for anyone to join or host a meeting.
Zoom offers clear video and audio quality.
Free plan.
Scalabile.
Good range of security features and integrations.
Downsides of Zoom
The free plan has limitations on meeting duration and features, which may not be suitable for all needs.
While Zoom has improved security, some users might still have lingering concerns, especially for highly sensitive meetings.
Connectionissues.
Some users report that Zoom is not keeping up with the latest technology.
Paid plans can be expensive for features like recording.
Zoom Meetings vs Zoom Phone (there is an important difference!)
Zoom Meetings
Video and audio conferencing
Internal calling between users
Not a replacement for a business phone system
Zoom Phone
Full VoIP phone service
UK and international phone numbers
Call routing, voicemail, auto-attendant
Can replace a traditional PBX
in summary,
Is Zoom Phone a VoIP system? Yes. Zoom Phone is a cloud-based VoIP phone system that:
Uses internet connectivity
Replaces landlines and PBX hardware
Supports desk phones, mobiles and softphones
That said, many UK businesses still prefer alternatives like:
Hosted VoIP/Cloud PBX
Microsoft Teams Phone
RingCentral or 8×8
because they offer stronger telephony-first features.
Zoom vs traditional VoIP phone systems
Feature
Zoom Meetings
Zoom Phone
Business VoIP
Uses VoIP
Yes
Yes
Yes
Phone numbers
No
Yes
Yes
Call queues
No
Yes
Yes
Desk phone replacement
No
Yes
Yes
Best for
Meetings
Hybrid use
Core telephony
Is Zoom suitable as a business phone system? We think that Zoom can work as a phone system if:
You subscribe to Zoom Phone
You mainly need simple calling
Your team already uses Zoom heavily
Zoom won’t really work if:
Call handling is business-critical
You need advanced reporting or contact centre features
You want the strongest UK VoIP support ecosystem
Zoom vs Microsoft Teams Phone Zoom Phone and Teams Phone are often compared:
Zoom excels at video-first communication
Teams Phone integrates deeply with Microsoft 365
Teams is often cheaper for existing Microsoft users
Zoom Phone is simpler, but less telephony-focused
Read our guide on Microsoft teams in our guide :
What Other People Think of Zoom Based on Trustpilot reviews, Zoom users are generally satisfied with the platform. Positive reviews mention its ease of use, clear video quality, and effectiveness in facilitating communication and collaboration. However, some reviewers mention frustrations like occasional connection issues and limited free plan features.
Summary of Zoom: Real Reviews
Zoom Commercial Video
What Do Staff Think of Zoom? While Zoom boasts a generally positive work environment according to reviews, there are both pros and cons to consider. On the positive side, reviewers highlight a strong company culture with great people and a CEO with strong leadership and vision. Additionally, the company offers good benefits and stock options.
However, there are potential drawbacks to be aware of. Some reviewers mention concerns about potential future layoffs and a lack of 401k matching. Additionally, people don’t really like the long hours and an unpredictable work culture, especially during the initial adjustment period. Finally, we should note that a few reviews mention concerns about structural issues like redundant middle management and favoritism within the sales team.
Zoom Awards
How to Purc hase Zoom
Our Verdict on Zoom Zoom has proven to us to be an essential tool when it comes to video calls, offering a robust and user-friendly platform that caters to a wide range of needs. Its high-quality video and audio, extensive features, and continuous improvements make it a standout choice for virtual meetings, webinars , and collaborations.
While there’s no doubt they have faced some challenges, Zoom’s proactive approach to enhancing security and performance has helped mitigate many concerns, evident in their customer reviews.
FAQs – Zoom and VoIP explained Is Zoom considered VoIP?
Yes. Zoom uses VoIP technology, but standard Zoom is not a full VoIP phone system.
Can I make phone calls with Zoom?
Only with Zoom Phone. Zoom Meetings alone do not provide business calling.
Does Zoom replace a landline?
Not by default. Zoom Phone can replace landlines, but Zoom Meetings cannot.
Is Zoom Phone available in the UK?
Yes. Zoom Phone offers UK numbers and PSTN calling.
Is Zoom cheaper than VoIP providers?
Not usually. Dedicated VoIP providers often offer better value for telephony.
Is Zoom secure for business calls?
Yes, but security depends on configuration, licensing and user controls.
Other Useful Links About VoIP Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
