Most “top cloud phone system” lists reviewing options for Australian small business are written from a distance, ranking overseas platforms with generic feature checklists that rarely mention who actually answers the phone when something goes wrong. For a business owner in Sydney, Perth, or regional Queensland, that’s the detail that ends up mattering most.
This guide compares five cloud-based phone system providers relevant to Australian SMBs, starting with what a genuinely local option like Nexgen’s cloud phone system actually offers, and where it fits against Business Telecom, Aussie Broadband, Telephone Systems Australia, and the global platform RingCentral MVP. By the end, you’ll have a clear view of what separates these providers beyond price per user, and what questions to ask before committing your business number and call handling to any of them.
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What makes a cloud phone system worth switching to?
Before comparing providers, it’s worth being clear on what actually separates a good cloud-based phone system from a mediocre one, because on paper, most providers list similar features. The differences that matter in daily use come down to:
- Local, contactable support. When a call drops or a setup needs adjusting, is there someone in Australia you can actually reach, or an offshore queue?
- Number porting done properly. Your business number should transfer without any gap in service.
- Reliability during outages. Can calls automatically forward to a mobile if your internet drops?
- Pricing that’s genuinely transparent. Some providers quote a headline rate and bill extras for features that should be standard.
- A setup that scales with you. Adding staff or a second location shouldn’t mean a system overhaul.
With that in mind, here’s how five providers compare.
1. Nexgen Australia
Nexgen has been supplying phone systems to Australian small businesses for 17 years, since 2009, with more than 7,500 businesses served. The core offering is a cloud phone system and VoIP phone system built specifically around how Australian SMEs operate, not a scaled-down version of an enterprise product.
What stands out for small business owners in particular:
- Australian-based support, not an overseas call centre, with a team that gets to know your business rather than treating you as a ticket number.
- 24/7 Australian-based support, meaning local knowledge of Australian telco infrastructure and the copper switch-off timeline.
- Managed number porting and migration, so moving off an existing landline or legacy PBX happens without disruption to daily operations.
- Scalable setups for multi-site businesses, including seamless call overflow between locations, useful for retailers, agencies, and franchises operating across more than one branch.
For a business that wants a phone system that just works, backed by people who pick up the phone themselves, Nexgen is built specifically for this segment of the market rather than trying to serve every business size at once.
2. Business Telecom
Business Telecom is an Australian provider offering cloud-based phone systems aimed at small to medium businesses, with a focus on straightforward VoIP plans and standard PBX features like call routing, voicemail-to-email, and auto-attendants.
It’s a reasonable option for businesses wanting a no-frills setup, though buyers should confirm exactly what’s bundled into the base plan versus billed as an add-on, and clarify support hours upfront, since responsiveness varies more between smaller telco resellers than the marketing pages tend to suggest.
3. Aussie Broadband
Best known as an internet provider, Aussie Broadband also offers business VoIP and phone system packages, often bundled with their internet plans. For a business already using Aussie Broadband for connectivity, bundling phone services can simplify billing and vendor management.
The trade-off is that phone systems are a secondary product line for an internet-first company, so businesses with more complex calling needs, multi-site routing, detailed call analytics, industry-specific setups, may find better depth of feature and support from a provider whose core business is telephony rather than broadband.
4. Telephone Systems Australia
Telephone Systems Australia positions itself around traditional and hybrid phone system installations, including on-site PBX hardware alongside cloud options. This can suit businesses not yet ready to fully move off physical infrastructure, or with a specific reason to retain some on-premises equipment.
For most small businesses looking to reduce ongoing IT overhead rather than add to it, a fully cloud-based system tends to be the simpler long-term choice, since it removes hardware maintenance from the business’s plate entirely rather than partially.
5. RingCentral MVP
RingCentral MVP (Message, Video, Phone) is a global unified communications platform with a broad feature set: multi-level IVR, team messaging, video conferencing, and integrations with major business software. It’s a capable product, and businesses with international teams or heavy reliance on video collaboration may find its scope appealing.
The consideration for Australian SMBs is support structure. As a global platform, support is typically routed through international channels rather than a local Australian team familiar with local carrier requirements, the NBN switch-off timeline, or Australian business hours. For a business whose main priority is reliable local support alongside solid calling features, this is worth weighing against more Australia-based alternatives.
Comparison at a glance
| Nexgen Australia | Business Telecom | Aussie Broadband | Telephone Systems Australia | RingCentral MVP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Based in Australia | Yes, 24/7 Australian-based support | Yes | Yes | Yes | No, global platform |
| Support model | Local Australian team | Varies by plan | Bundled with internet support | On-site + remote | International support channels |
| Track record | 17 years, 7,500+ businesses served | Not publicly comparable | Primarily an ISP | Focused on installations | Large global user base |
| Best suited to | SMBs wanting local support and a managed migration | Straightforward small-business VoIP | Businesses already on Aussie Broadband internet | Businesses wanting hybrid/on-site options | Teams needing heavy video/collaboration tools |
| Number porting | Fully managed | Available | Available | Available | Available |
What to look for before you switch
1. Who actually answers support calls. Ask directly whether support is local or outsourced, and what typical response times look like.
2. How number porting is handled. Your business number should transfer with no gap in service, confirm the process and timeline before signing anything.
3. What happens during an internet outage. A good provider can set up automatic call forwarding to a mobile if your connection drops.
4. What’s actually included in the price. Get a clear breakdown of the base plan versus paid add-ons before comparing quotes side by side.
5. Whether the provider understands the NBN switch-off. Given Australia’s copper network is being progressively retired, a provider with genuine local telco knowledge can help you plan the migration on your own timeline.
FAQ
What is the best cloud phone system for a small business in Australia?
The right choice depends on your priorities. Businesses that value local, Australian-based support and a fully managed setup tend to do well with a provider like Nexgen, while businesses with heavier video/collaboration needs might weigh a global platform like RingCentral MVP.
Is a cloud-based phone system cheaper than a traditional landline?
Usually. Cloud phone systems are typically priced per user per month with common features included, avoiding the line rental and hardware maintenance costs of a traditional on-site system.
Can I keep my existing business number when I switch?
Yes. A proper migration ports your existing number across, so your customers keep dialling the same number they always have.
Do I need new hardware to move to a cloud phone system?
Often not. Many cloud PBX systems work with existing compatible handsets, though it’s worth confirming this with your provider before switching.
Why does local support matter for a phone system?
Your phone system is business-critical. When there’s an issue, a locally based team that understands Australian carrier requirements and can respond quickly tends to resolve problems faster than an offshore support queue.
How long does switching providers usually take?
A well-managed migration, including number porting and testing, typically takes place over a scheduled cutover date agreed in advance, minimising disruption to daily operations.
Choosing the right fit, not just the biggest name
The best cloud phone system for your business isn’t necessarily the one with the longest feature list, it’s the one backed by support you can actually reach when it matters, with a migration handled properly from day one. For Australian small businesses, that combination of local expertise and dependable technology is what Nexgen has built its reputation on over 17 years and 7,500+ businesses served.
Ready to compare your options properly? Get in touch with the Nexgen team or call 1300 020 402 for a tailored quote.