Why Businesses Switch from 8x8
8x8 is a capable UCaaS platform with strong international calling features. But for businesses with an existing PBX, the per-user model and complex tiers are overkill.
Complex Tiered Pricing
8x8 has multiple plan tiers — X2 at $28/user, X4 at $57/user — each with different feature sets. It's hard to know what you'll actually pay. IPComms has one transparent model: $0 per channel, pay-per-minute calling, published rates.
Cloud PBX Lock-In
8x8 pushes you toward their cloud PBX even when you already have one. If you run Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, or any SIP-capable system, you don't need 8x8's platform — you need a SIP trunk provider like IPComms.
Contract Requirements
8x8 typically requires annual contracts for their best per-user pricing. IPComms is month-to-month — no contracts, no early termination fees, no surprises. Scale up or down whenever your business needs change.
IPComms vs 8x8: Feature-by-Feature
A detailed comparison of SIP trunking vs UCaaS capabilities, pricing, and service for 2026.
| Feature | IPComms | 8x8 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Pay per minute | $15-57/user/month |
| Outbound Rate (US) | $0.010/min | Included (bundled minutes) |
| Inbound Rate (US) | $0.009/min | Included (bundled minutes) |
| Per-User Fees | None | $15-57/user/mo |
| Channel/Trunk Fees | $0 per channel | N/A (per-user model) |
| Local DID Numbers | $1.50/mo | 1 per user (included) |
| Toll-Free Numbers | $2.00/mo | Add-on cost |
| Contracts Required | No contracts | Annual contract typical |
| Use Your Own PBX | Any SIP PBX | Their platform preferred |
| Phone Support | All customers | All plans |
| Encryption | TLS 1.3 + SRTP | TLS + SRTP |
| STIR/SHAKEN | Included | Included |
| Uptime SLA | 99.99% | 99.99% |
| Number Porting | Volume discount (100+ numbers) | Free |
| International Calling | Per-minute rates | Bundled plans (select countries) |
| Established | 2002 (24 years) | 1987 (39 years) |
Cost Comparison: Real Numbers
Here's what a 30-user office actually pays per month with each provider.
IPComms
Lower CostExample: 30-user office, 15 DIDs, 10,000 outbound min, 6,000 inbound min
8x8
Same office: 30 users on X2 plan ($28/user/mo, annual)
30 users @ $28/user (X2)$840.00 Included minutesBundled Additional toll-freeExtra Annual contract requiredYes Monthly Total$840.00+Pricing based on publicly available rates as of March 2026. 8x8 pricing is for the X2 plan with annual billing. The X4 plan at $57/user would be $1,710/month for 30 users. IPComms pricing is month-to-month with no commitment. Actual costs vary by usage.
Which Provider is Right for You?
Choose IPComms if you:
- Already have a PBX and need pure SIP trunking, not a full UCaaS platform
- Want to eliminate per-user fees and pay only for what you use
- Prefer transparent pricing over complex feature tiers
- Need month-to-month flexibility with no contracts
- Want to connect Microsoft Teams via Direct Routing
8x8 may be better if you:
- Don't have a PBX and want a complete cloud phone system
- Need bundled international calling to many countries
- Want video conferencing, team messaging, and contact center built in
- Have a small team where per-user pricing works out fairly
- Need advanced analytics and workforce management tools
Switching from 8x8 Takes Minutes
No downtime, no disruption. Keep your numbers, keep your PBX, change your provider.
Sign Up & Configure
Create your IPComms account and configure your PBX with our SIP credentials. Takes under 10 minutes.
Test Your Connection
Make test calls to verify audio quality. Run both providers side-by-side during transition.
Port Your Numbers
Submit a porting request and we'll transfer your numbers from 8x8 with zero downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about switching from 8x8 to IPComms.
Is IPComms cheaper than 8x8 for business calling?
Yes. 8x8 charges $15-57 per user per month depending on the plan tier, with their X2 plan at $28/user being the most popular. IPComms SIP trunking has no per-user fees — you pay $0 per channel and only $0.009-0.010/min for calls. A 30-user office on 8x8 X2 pays $840/month before extras. With IPComms, the same office pays only for minutes used plus $1.50/mo per DID.
Can I keep my PBX and switch from 8x8 to IPComms?
Yes. If you have an on-premise or cloud PBX (Asterisk, FreePBX, 3CX, FreeSwitch, Microsoft Teams, etc.), IPComms SIP trunking connects directly to it using standard SIP protocol. Unlike 8x8 which pushes you toward their cloud PBX, IPComms works with whatever phone system you already have.
Does 8x8 offer SIP trunking or just UCaaS?
8x8 does offer SIP trunking through their 8x8 Connect product, but their sales and marketing heavily push the full cloud PBX platform. IPComms is a dedicated SIP trunking provider — we don't upsell you to a platform you don't need. If you already have a PBX, IPComms gives you better rates and a more focused service.
Can I port my numbers from 8x8 to IPComms?
Yes. You can port your existing phone numbers from 8x8 to IPComms with zero downtime. The porting process typically takes 3–10 business days depending on the releasing carrier and 5-7 days for toll-free numbers. We handle the paperwork and coordinate the transfer so your business stays connected throughout.
How does IPComms pricing compare to 8x8's feature tiers?
8x8 has complex tiered pricing: X2 at $28/user, X4 at $57/user, with different features at each level. IPComms has one simple model: $0 per channel, $0.009/min inbound, $0.010/min outbound, $1.50/mo per DID. No tiers, no hidden fees, no features locked behind premium plans.
Do I need a contract with IPComms?
No. IPComms is month-to-month with no contracts, no commitments, and no early termination fees. 8x8 typically requires annual contracts, especially for their lower per-user pricing. With IPComms, you can cancel anytime.