Cloud telephone system, VoIP telephone system or business telephony – anyone looking for the best solution for their company is faced with a confusing choice.
Choosing the right VoIP telephone system can be crucial for small and medium-sized enterprises. In this comprehensive practical test, we compare the three most popular cloud telephone systems for SMEs in Germany: sipgate team, NFON Cloudya and easybell Cloud Telefonanlage. We put all three systems through their paces and show you which solution is best suited to your company.
Just imagine: Monday morning, 8:30 am. Your sales representative is on his way to a customer, a prospective customer tries to reach you by phone – and ends up on hold because the old telephone system cannot forward a call to a smartphone. Situations like this can be avoided with the right cloud telephone system.
Whether you are just switching from a traditional telephone system to VoIP or are already looking for a better cloud solution, this article will help you make the right decision and save time and money.
Cloud telephone system comparison at a glance: The most important differences at a glance
Before we dive into the details: Here you will find a compact overview of the three providers – ideal if you want to gain a rough overview before delving deeper into the respective strengths and weaknesses.
| Criterion | sipgate | NFON | easybell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | 12,95 €/month | from 10 €/month | 9.95 €/month |
| Ideal for | Startups, remote teams | Medium-sized companies, companies 50+ | Price-conscious SMEs |
| Furnishings | Very simple | Medium (partner recommended) | Very simple |
| Special feature | 150+ functions, mobile-first | EU-wide, MS Teams Integration | Cheapest price, AI-ready |
sipgate: The flexible solution for agile teams
Price-performance ratio: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Since its foundation in Düsseldorf, sipgate has established itself as one of the best-known German VoIP providers. The company sets standards, particularly in the area of softphones and mobile use.
Pricing model
sipgate offers three tariffs for business customers:
- Business S: €12.95/user/month – Ideal for beginners with basic telephone system functions
- Business L: € 17.95/user/month – incl. waiting loop, voice menu (IVR) and Germany landline flat rate
- Business XL: €22.95/user/month – also with EU landline flat rate
A practical example: A start-up with 5 employees who make intensive calls every day pays around €90 per month for the Business L tariff – including a Germany flat rate. This can quickly pay off for teams that make a lot of calls.
Strengths of sipgate
✓ Over 150 functions: From basic telephony to advanced call center features – sipgate offers an impressive range of functions that grows with most requirements.
✓ Excellent softphone app: The sipgate CLINQ desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux has a modern design and offers intuitive operation. The seamless integration of mobile devices is particularly noteworthy.
✓ Extensive CRM integrations: sipgate can be connected to over 60 systems, including HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace and many German providers such as sevdesk, lexoffice or CentralStationCRM.
✓ Pay-as-you-go without commitment: Monthly cancelable, flexible scaling – you only pay for what you use.
✓ German servers & GDPR-compliant: All data is hosted in Germany and is subject to strict data protection guidelines.
Weaknesses of sipgate
✗ Higher price for large teams: For companies with 25+ employees, sipgate can be more expensive than easybell or NFON.
✗ Voice quality fluctuates: User reports indicate occasional quality problems with the VoIP connection, especially with a poor internet connection.
✗ No free basic rate: Unlike easybell, sipgate does not offer a free entry-level rate for very small teams.
Who is sipgate suitable for?
sipgate is ideal for start-ups, digital agencies and remote teams that value modern software, extensive integrations and mobile flexibility. If you have a large number of field staff or your team often works from home, you will benefit in particular from the excellent app support.
NFON Cloudya: The enterprise solution for SMEs
Price-performance ratio: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
NFON is the only listed provider in Europe that specializes purely in cloud telephony. Headquartered in Munich and with branches in 15 countries, the company primarily targets medium-sized companies looking for a standardized communication solution across national borders.
Pricing model
NFON promotes itself as the only pan-European cloud PBX provider and has over 50,000 customers in 15 countries. The exact price structure varies depending on requirements and is usually calculated via the partner network. Average costs are around €10-15 per user/month, depending on the features booked and contract term.
Strengths of NFON
✓ Can be used throughout Europe: If your company operates internationally or has branches in several EU countries, NFON offers a standardized solution across national borders.
✓ 150+ features & contact center: NFON Cloudya offers extensive PBX features, IVR systems, queues, wallboards and professional contact center functions – ideal for companies with customer service departments.
✓ Microsoft Teams integration: Seamless integration into Microsoft Teams makes it possible to use NFON Cloudya directly in the familiar Teams environment.
✓ High availability (99.9%): NFON guarantees a geo-redundant architecture with end-to-end data protection and high system availability.
✓ AI Essentials: Integrated AI features such as automatic transcription, summaries and task creation directly from conversations – fully GDPR-compliant and hosted in Europe
✓ Adjustable on a monthly basis: tariffs can be extended or reduced on a monthly basis, without long contract terms.
Weaknesses of NFON
✗ Partner network required: NFON sells its solutions exclusively via partner companies. This means that you cannot order directly, but must go through a certified partner – which can sometimes lead to longer response times.
✗ Support quality varies: User reports show that the quality of support depends heavily on the partner in question. In the event of problems with non-NFON-certified hardware, the solution can be complicated.
✗ More complex setup: Compared to sipgate and easybell, NFON requires more configuration effort and is less intuitive for IT laypersons.
Flat rate structure inflexible: Flat rates often apply to all users at the same time – which can lead to unnecessary costs for mixed teams (frequent/frequent callers).
Who is NFON suitable for?
NFON is aimed at medium-sized companies with 50 or more employees with professional requirements, especially if the focus is on a contact center, Europe-wide locations or strict compliance requirements. NFON is also a good choice for Microsoft 365 users who want close team integration.
easybell: The price-performance champion for SMEs
Price-performance ratio: ★★★★★ (5/5)
easybell is a Berlin-based company that has been quietly but steadily gaining market share for years. Anyone who values a transparent pricing model, simple self-administration and maximum data security will find what they are looking for here – at a price that makes the competition look old.
Pricing model
easybell offers two main tariffs:
- Cloud Telephone System Classic: €9.95/month for 10 extensions, €19.95 for 25 extensions, €29.95 for 50 extensions
- Cloud Telephone System Pro: €14.95/month for 10 extensions, €29.95 for 25 extensions – incl. Call Flow Creator, Analytics and advanced features
- Free tariff: Up to 5 extensions completely free of charge – perfect for small businesses!
Strengths of easybell
✓ Unbeatable value for money: easybell is the cheapest provider in the comparison and still offers all the important functions. The free tariff is unique on the market.
✓ Very easy setup: The web interface is intuitively designed, and auto-provisioning for Gigaset, Grandstream, Snom and Yealink phones makes setup a breeze.
✓ Dedicated Server (Hosted PBX): In contrast to IP-Centrex solutions, easybell provides you with your own server (VM) in Germany – highest data security included.
✓ Call Flow Creator (Pro): With the graphical user interface, complex call plans can be created without programming knowledge – ideal for hotlines and customer service.
✓ AI integration via FQDN: easybell enables manufacturer-independent AI connection – you can flexibly integrate external AI services, chatbots or voicebots without being tied to a provider.
✓ Analytics & Wallboards (Pro): Detailed call evaluations and live dashboards help to optimize telephony and identify bottlenecks.
✓ No number costs: Number blocks can be used with easybell at no extra monthly cost – a real cost advantage.
Weaknesses of easybell
✗ Less well known: easybell is a Berlin-based provider with excellent technology but less brand awareness than NFON.
✗ No native contact center: While queues and IVR are available, advanced contact center features like NFON’s are missing.
✗ Maximum number of extensions limited: easybell is suitable for companies with up to approx. 100-600 extensions – larger organizations are better off with NFON.
Who is easybell suitable for?
easybell is perfect for price-conscious small and medium-sized companies (2-100 employees) that are looking for a reliable, GDPR-compliant and easy-to-manage cloud telephone system. Crafts businesses, service providers, medical practices and engineering firms in particular benefit from the excellent price-performance ratio.
Direct comparison: What are the differences?
Numbers say more than a thousand words. In the following section, we have directly compared the most important decision criteria – from monthly costs and set-up costs to mobile use.
1. costs per employee for 25 users
- sipgate Business L: € 17.95 × 25 = € 448.75/month (incl. DE flat rate)
- NFON Cloudya: approx. 250-375 €/month (depending on partner)
- easybell Classic: €19.95/month + connection charges
Conclusion: easybell is by far the cheapest for smaller teams (up to 25 users). Depending on usage behavior, sipgate can be cheaper than easybell with per-minute billing for teams that make a lot of calls with a Germany flat rate.
2. set-up effort
- sipgate: ★★★★★ – Very simple, even for laymen
- NFON: ★★★☆☆ – Partner setup recommended
- easybell: ★★★★★ – Very simple, auto-provisioning
3. mobile use & apps
- sipgate: Excellent CLINQ desktop app + smartphone integration
- NFON: Native apps for iOS/Android, good Microsoft Teams integration
- easybell: VoIP to go app (iOS/Android), desktop client with Pro tariff
4. scalability
- sipgate: 1-250+ users, very flexible
- NFON: No upper limit, ideal for large companies
- easybell: 2-600 extensions, ideal for SMEs
Practical scenarios: Which solution suits your company?
Scenario 1: Startup with 8 employees (5 in the office, 3 remote)
Recommendation: sipgate Business S or easybell Classic
Justification:
- sipgate scores with the best mobile app for remote employees
- easybell is significantly cheaper (€ 9.95 vs. € 103.60/month)
- Both are quick to set up and flexibly scalable
Scenario 2: Craft business with 15 employees
Recommendation: easybell Classic
Justification:
- Lowest monthly costs (€ 19.95 for 25 extensions)
- Simple administration without an IT department
- VoIP to go app for fitters on the move
- Number porting free of charge
Scenario 3: IT service provider with 40 employees and customer hotline
Recommendation: easybell Pro or NFON Cloudya
Justification:
- easybell Pro offers Call Flow Creator, Analytics and Wallboards at an unbeatable price
- NFON offers a more professional contact center with enhanced queuing features
- Both enable CRM integration (e.g. HubSpot, Pipedrive)
Scenario 4: Medium-sized company with EU locations (120 employees)
Recommendation: NFON Cloudya
Justification:
- The only pan-European provider with a standardized platform
- Microsoft Teams integration for all locations
- 99.9% availability, geo-redundant infrastructure
- Professional support via partner network
Step-by-step: Setting up a VoIP telephone system
The good news is that setting up a modern cloud telephone system is much easier today than it was five years ago. With sipgate and easybell, you are usually up and running within half a day – provided you have an Internet connection.
1. check prerequisites
- Internet connection: At least 100 kbit/s per simultaneous call (upload & download)
- Router with QoS function recommended for prioritizing VoIP traffic
- IP telephones or softphones (computer/smartphone)
Short self-test: Open speedtest.net and measure your upload. With 5 simultaneous calls, at least 500 kbit/s upload should be permanently available.
2. select provider and book tariff
- sipgate: Register directly at sipgate.de, test 30 days free of charge
- NFON: Order via certified partner (list on nfon.com)
- easybell: Register at easybell.de, test for 30 days free of charge
3. port phone numbers (optional)
All three providers offer free number porting. All you need is confirmation of termination from your old provider. Porting time: 1-4 weeks.
4. configure extensions and end devices
sipgate:
- Call up the web portal → Create extensions
- Download CLINQ desktop app or retrieve SIP access data for hardware phones
- Configure phones automatically via plug-and-play (for supported models)
NFON:
- Partner usually sets up the basic configuration
- Cloudya web portal → Create users, assign end devices, download apps
easybell:
- Customer portal → Cloud telephone system → Create extensions
- Auto-provisioning for Yealink, Snom, Gigaset, Grandstream
- VoIP to go app for smartphones or desktop client (Pro tariff)
5. set up advanced functions
- Create call groups for departments
- Configuring the answering machine and voicemail to e-mail
- Set up time control for opening hours
- Create IVR menu/voice menu (Business L/XL with sipgate, Pro with easybell)
- Test CRM integration (if required)
Avoid common mistakes during setup
Internet bandwidth underestimated: Allow at least 100 kbit/s per simultaneous call – i.e. at least 1 Mbit/s upload for 10 employees!
QoS not activated: Without Quality of Service in the router, VoIP can be interrupted by high network loads (e.g. downloads).
❌ Incorrect codecs: Use G.711 or G.722 for best voice quality – G.729 saves bandwidth but quality suffers.
Firewall blocks SIP: Ports 5060-5061 (SIP) and 10000-20000 (RTP) must be enabled.
❌ No test phase used: All providers offer a 30-day free trial – use this time to test voice quality and functions extensively!
Conclusion: Which cloud telephone system is the best for SMEs in Germany in 2026?
After this detailed comparison, the decision should be much easier. Here are the most important recommendations at a glance – formulated as clear if-then recommendations:
Choose sipgate if…
- you attach great importance to mobile flexibility
- Your team works remotely or in the field
- you need extensive CRM integrations
- A modern, user-friendly app is important
Choose NFON if…
- you manage a medium-sized company with 50+ employees
- you have locations in several EU countries
- Contact center functions are required for your customer service
- Focus on Microsoft Teams integration
Choose easybell if…
- Value for money is your top priority
- you want a simple, self-manageable solution
- Your company has 2-100 employees
- Highest data security (dedicated server) is important
- you want future-proof AI integration without vendor lock-in
🏆 Our test winner for SMEs: easybell Cloud telephone system
For the majority of small and medium-sized companies in Germany, easybell is the best choice. The unbeatable price-performance ratio, the simple setup and the fact that you get your own dedicated server in Germany make easybell the ideal solution. The free tariff for up to 5 extensions is a unique selling point, and the Pro version offers all the features that professional companies need with the Call Flow Creator and Analytics.
Test all three providers in the free 30-day test phase and decide for yourself which solution best suits your requirements!
Do you need support with the setup?
Our IT support team will be happy to help you select, install and configure your new VoIP telephone system. We are certified partners of easybell, sipgate and NFON and know the strengths and weaknesses of each system from practical experience.
- Free initial consultation (30 min.)
- Number porting included
- Installation and configuration of all end devices
- Training your employees
- Ongoing support after installation
Contact us now
📞 +49 (0)30 2359 0378-4
