When Microsoft Teams launched in 2017, it was included with Office 365 subscriptions, which helped it spread quickly. During the pandemic, Teams became a core remote work tool for video meetings, messaging and collaboration around the world.
Many organizations also started using Teams for phone calls. As licensing costs change, IT and finance teams are taking a fresh look at what they pay for business calling, and whether another option fits their needs and budget better. This guide covers the recent Teams Phone price changes, what to consider when you review your costs, and how E-MetroTel and InfinityOne can work as an alternative, or alongside Teams.
Key takeaways
- Microsoft raised Teams Phone license prices on April 1, 2025, by about 25 percent.
- Every E-MetroTel license includes a full phone system feature set and free softphones.
- E-MetroTel integrates with Microsoft Teams, so you do not have to choose one or the other.
Microsoft Teams Phone Price Increase
Microsoft announced new prices for Teams Phone licenses, effective April 1, 2025:
- Teams Phone Standard: from 8 US dollars to 10 US dollars per user per month.
- Teams Phone for Frontline Workers: from 4 US dollars to 5 US dollars per user per month.
That is an increase of about 25 percent. For larger organizations, the difference adds up quickly across hundreds or thousands of users. Prices are listed in US dollars, may vary by region, and can change, so always check Microsoft’s current pricing for your plan.
What your business phone costs really include
When you compare phone solutions, look beyond the price of one license. Total cost usually includes:
- User licenses for calling features.
- Connection to the public phone network, such as calling plans or SIP trunks.
- Phones and headsets, including any replacements.
- Contact center, recording and other add-ons your teams need.
- Setup, training and ongoing support.
Questions to ask when you review your phone system
- How much do we pay per user each month, including add-ons and calling?
- Which phone features do our users actually rely on every day?
- Can we keep our existing desk phones, or do we have to replace them?
- Do we need cloud, on-premises or a mix of both?
- How will costs change as we grow?
E-MetroTel: A Complete Teams Phone Alternative
A full business phone system
E-MetroTel offers cloud phone system and on-premises appliance options designed for strong value at a lower total cost. Every license includes:
- A full phone system (PBX) feature set.
- Free softphones for remote work and mobility.
- The option to keep many existing desk phones and the experience users already know, through XSTIM.
From there, you can add cost-effective redundancy, an omnichannel contact center, and applications that improve safety and communication at every location.
InfinityOne collaboration included
InfinityOne is a set of collaboration tools included with every InfinityCX user license. It supports:
- Full phone call control on desktop and mobile.
- Secure one-to-one and group video conferencing.
- Screen sharing, whiteboarding and file sharing.
- Secure messaging, one-to-one or in groups, stored locally.
- Presence indicators with custom status options.
Use Microsoft Teams and E-MetroTel together
If your organization relies on Teams for collaboration, you can keep it. E-MetroTel integrates with Microsoft Teams, so users can:
- Start calls using their Teams contacts.
- Answer calls on the InfinityOne softphone.
- Switch between desk phones and softphones as they prefer.
- Enjoy a flexible calling experience alongside the tools they already use.
This lets you keep Teams for meetings and chat while using E-MetroTel for full business calling.
Choosing the Right Option
Every organization is different, and the right choice depends on how your people work.
When Teams Phone can be a good fit
Teams Phone can work well when:
- Your staff mainly call from laptops and already work inside Microsoft 365 all day.
- You have few desk phones and no contact center needs.
When E-MetroTel is often a better fit
E-MetroTel is often the better choice when:
- You have many existing desk phones you want to keep.
- You need a full phone system feature set, a contact center or advanced call handling.
- You want on-premises or hybrid options for control, redundancy or data location.
- You operate in industries such as healthcare, hospitality, education or government, where reliable desk and wireless phones matter.
How to switch, step by step
- Review your current costs: licenses, calling plans, add-ons and phones.
- List must-have features for each group of users.
- Check your phones: our team confirms which existing phones can stay.
- Choose cloud, on-premises or hybrid, and decide whether to keep Teams for meetings and chat.
- Move your phone numbers and go live, with training only where it is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Microsoft Teams Phone cost?
Since April 1, 2025, Teams Phone Standard is listed at 10 US dollars per user per month, and Teams Phone for Frontline Workers at 5 US dollars. Calling plans and add-ons may cost extra. Check Microsoft’s website for current pricing in your region.
Is there an alternative to Microsoft Teams Phone?
Yes. Business phone systems such as E-MetroTel provide full calling features, softphones and contact center options, in the cloud or on-premises.
Can I use E-MetroTel with Microsoft Teams?
Yes. E-MetroTel integrates with Teams, so users can start calls from Teams contacts and answer them on E-MetroTel softphones or desk phones.
Can I keep my existing desk phones?
Most businesses can keep many of their existing phones with E-MetroTel, so users do not need retraining.
Does InfinityOne include video conferencing?
Yes. InfinityOne includes secure one-to-one and group video conferencing, along with screen sharing, messaging and presence.
Find the Right Fit for Your Team and Budget
As licensing costs change, it is worth asking whether your current setup still fits your needs. E-MetroTel offers a complete, cost-effective phone and collaboration solution that works on its own or alongside Microsoft Teams.
