Over the past few months, I’ve had the chance to test out CircleLoop firsthand, and I’ve also spoken with several long-time users to get a broader perspective on its performance. As someone who runs a small business, I know how essential reliable communication tools are, so I was eager to see how CircleLoop stacked up.
After my own trials and interviews with others who’ve used it for a while, I found that while CircleLoop has plenty to offer, it's far from perfect. Below, I’ll share what stood out, both the good and the not-so-good, so you can decide if CircleLoop is the right fit for your business.
If you're thinking about CircleLoop, you should be aware that while it offers some excellent features, it’s not all smooth sailing. The biggest complaints I’ve heard revolve around software bugs and call quality. It's frustrating when your business relies on reliable calls, but you’re stuck dealing with dropped calls or audio cutting out. Mobile users, in particular, seem to have the most trouble, with glitches occurring when using certain headsets or when you're on the go.
Then there’s the app itself, which can be a bit hit-or-miss—sometimes it refuses to work properly until you give your phone or desktop a reboot. And don’t even get me started on how it can drain your phone battery with endless ringing!
So, the CircleLoop app... well, it’s not perfect. Mobile users have complained about everything from dropped calls to connection issues when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data. I’ve also heard reports of the desktop app freezing, and you might have to restart it before you can actually make or receive calls. Then there are the software updates that, instead of fixing issues, seem to introduce new problems like random blank screens.
It’s a bit of a mixed bag because when it works, it works well—but you might have to be patient when the bugs creep in.
Got a problem with CircleLoop? You’re not alone, and thankfully there are a few things you can try. First off, if you’re using Jabra hardware, make sure to follow CircleLoop's setup guides—they’ve got some helpful tips for fixing hardware hiccups. If login problems are your issue, head over to the account section and reset your password.
Call quality issues like echoing? CircleLoop’s website has a guide on reducing those annoying echoes. And when the app misbehaves, make sure you're using the latest version—updating can sometimes help smooth out those glitches. If all else fails, take screenshots and reach out to their support team.
Speaking of support, CircleLoop does have a customer service team, though I've heard mixed reviews.
You can call them directly during office hours at 0333 050 60 70 or, if you're outside of their hours, raise a support ticket or email them at [email protected].
While the knowledgebase on their website has some useful information, don’t hesitate to contact support directly if you're stuck—just be prepared for potential delays.
When it comes to pricing, CircleLoop keeps it fairly straightforward with two main options. If you want unlimited calling, you’re looking at £15 + VAT per user per month, which covers all UK calls and gives you access to their full feature set, including call recording and voicemail-to-text. If you're more of a light user, the Pay As You Go plan costs £5 + VAT per month, but you’ll need to pay for each outbound call at 3p per minute. Both options come with a free 7-day trial, and there are no setup fees to worry about, so you can test it out risk-free.
Quicktalk offers an all-inclusive, user-friendly phone system designed specifically for small businesses in Ireland. Here's what makes Quicktalk an exceptional alternative to CircleLoop:
BOnline provides a simple VoIP system with over 45 features tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and startups. Pricing starts at £7.00/user per month + VAT for the Starter plan, which includes a digital phone line, unlimited inbound calls, and 100 outbound landline minutes. The Unlimited Calling plan is £13.95/user per month + VAT, while the Unlimited Calling Plus plan at £15.50/user per month + VAT includes an IP desk phone.
However, some users report issues such as not being able to see the caller’s number when diverting calls, which can be problematic for businesses, and the Starter plan’s 100-minute outbound limit may feel restrictive.
Yay.com offers affordable VoIP plans for small businesses, starting at £5.39 per user per month. Their "Starting Out" plan includes 100 minutes of calls, hold music, and voicemail. However, the affordable plans don’t include unlimited calling, with additional charges of 1p per minute for UK landlines and 9p per minute for UK mobiles once the 100 minutes are used. Additionally, their app has received mixed reviews, with users reporting a few bugs and reliability issues, which can be a drawback for businesses relying on smooth communication
AirLandline offers an affordable and simple virtual landline service aimed at small businesses. With plans starting at £9.99 per month, it provides unlimited call diversion to your mobile, eliminating the need for internet-based apps, which can sometimes result in poor call quality. Key features include free call recording, diversion to multiple numbers, and time-of-day routing, all included at no extra cost. The service is known for its ease of use, quick setup, and reliable call quality.
However, while the pricing is competitive, the service has some limitations. AirLandline lacks a physical landline option, and some users may miss the ability to receive SMS on landline numbers, though they offer integration with WhatsApp Business as a workaround. Additionally, reviews for the app have pointed out occasional bugs and technical issues, which may impact usability for some businesses that rely heavily on mobile app features.
VirtualLandline offers affordable (but limited) VoIP services with pricing plans designed for smaller businesses. Their "Office Lite" plan starts at £6.99 per month, offering basic features like voicemail-to-email and call forwarding. The "Office Complete" plan at £12.99 per month includes more advanced features like call queues, IVR, and call recording, with the flexibility to add users and numbers as businesses grow.
However, none of the plans offer unlimited calling, which can be a drawback for small businesses. Additionally, customer service has received negative reviews, with complaints about poor support and issues with the app's reliability. The IVR is also very technical to setup.
VoIPstudio offers a professional VoIP service with affordable pricing. The Pay As You Go plan starts at $4.99 per user/month, ideal for inbound call-heavy businesses, with outbound calls billed per minute. For businesses with higher outbound needs, the 2K Bundle at $16.99 per user/month includes 2,000 minutes to over 45 countries. Both plans feature unlimited inbound calls, 24/7 support, and advanced options like call recording and virtual switchboards.
However, despite the low upfront prices, some users have noted that there are hidden fees, which can increase the total cost beyond initial expectations
For all Circleloop customers currently conducting market analysis, this guide will be of great interest. Numerous alternatives are available in the Irish market, but Quicktalk distinguishes itself as an excellent option for small businesses with its comprehensive package at an affordable price. It offers a quick setup, responsive and attentive customer support, and an incredibly user-friendly interface. Sign up today or contact us for more information.
Paul is a tech and business phone system enthusiast always open to discuss ideas. If you’re interested in collaborating on content projects or getting a product listed on our blog, don’t hesitate and reach out to us: [email protected].
