Alternatives to 4Com, honestly.
If you're looking for an alternative to 4Com / HiHi — usually because of the long contracts, the separate handset lease, or the total cost — here's an honest shortlist of what else is out there, and who each option really suits.
- 📋 Long fixed contracts
- 💷 Separate handset finance lease
- 🤝 High-pressure sales
- 📈 Mid-term price rises
- 📱 Locked to a proprietary handset
- 💬 Wanting plain pricing
Why businesses look for alternatives to 4Com.
Most people searching for a 4Com alternative aren't unhappy with the HiHi device itself — it's a capable phone. They're reacting to the structure of the deal: independent reviews and a 2025 BBC investigation report long fixed terms, with the handset frequently financed on a separate lease (commonly reported as up to seven years).
The other common triggers are mid-contract price rises, reports of high-pressure sales, and the realisation that the handset is proprietary — so you're tied to one ecosystem.
The good news: there are strong alternatives at every level, from cheap self-service VoIP to fully managed local providers. The right one depends on whether you want it done for you or you're happy to self-serve.
The main alternatives to 4Com in 2026.
An honest shortlist — each suits a different kind of business. We've put our own recommendation first and said plainly who the others are for.
Telexico — managed & local
Our pick for most former 4Com customers: a fully managed phone system with no separate handset lease, transparent from £15/user all-in, no mid-contract rises, and a named Wolverhampton engineer. Standard handsets you're not locked to.
Gamma Horizon (via a good partner)
A reliable hosted platform if you find a responsive reseller — though, like 4Com, you're dealing through a partner. Suits those who want a managed platform and have a partner they trust.
RingCentral / 8x8
Enterprise cloud platforms with deep features and contact-centre tools. Best for larger or international operations, less so for a typical SME wanting simplicity.
bOnline / Yay.com
Cheap, self-service VoIP for micro businesses happy to set it up themselves. Great on price, but no on-site install or local support.
3CX (self-hosted)
A software PBX that's cheap at scale if you have IT to run it — or a partner like Telexico to manage it for you.
Why Telexico is the alternative most 4Com customers want.
For most 4Com customers, the appeal of Telexico is simple: everything 4Com does, without the parts people complain about. No separate seven-year handset lease. No proprietary device you're locked to. No mid-contract price rises. Transparent pricing you can see upfront.
You still get a fully managed, installed-for-you phone system — but supported by a named Wolverhampton engineer rather than a national sales operation, and you can add broadband, WiFi, CCTV and an AI receptionist on the same bill whenever you want.
What it might cost — 5 vs 10 users.
Illustrative monthly figures to show the shape of the difference, not a quote. Confirm current prices with each provider — competitor pricing changes and some isn't publicly listed. Telexico figures are typical all-in ranges; your quote depends on users, features and term.
| Scenario | Competitor (illustrative) | Telexico (illustrative, all-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 users | 4Com: quote-based; reviews report bundled service + handset-lease totals in the hundreds/month, handset on a separate long term. | from £90/month all-in, no separate lease |
| 10 users | 4Com: ask for the service term and handset finance term as two separate figures. | from £170/month all-in |
4Com pricing isn't public and is quoted case-by-case. The Telexico figure is all-in with no separate handset finance.
Moving from 4Com to Telexico.
We project-manage the whole switch. Here's exactly how the four things people worry about are handled.
Number porting
We port your existing numbers across to Telexico — they stay exactly the same. We submit the porting request, manage the dates, and keep your 4Com service live until the port completes.
Downtime
None, done properly. We build and test your new system alongside your existing 4Com service and only cut over once it's proven. Most switches complete in 7–14 working days.
Existing handsets
4Com's HiHi is proprietary and generally can't be reused — but you're usually better off on standard SIP handsets you're not locked to, which we supply.
Contract exit
4Com terms are commonly long, with the handset sometimes on a separate finance lease that must be settled to exit. We check your end date first and tell you honestly whether to move now or wait — we won't push an exit that costs more than it saves.
Businesses switching to Telexico near you.
We're Wolverhampton-based with engineers across the West Midlands — and we serve businesses nationwide. Switching is the same wherever you are: numbers kept, no downtime, a named UK contact after.
The services behind the comparison.
Everything we'd put in front of you instead — designed, installed and supported by a UK team.
Phone systems
Connectivity
AI & more
Compare it properly, with no hard sell.
Send us your current setup and bill. We'll review what you have, what you pay, and where we can simplify or improve it — and tell you honestly if you're better off where you are.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best alternative to 4Com?
It depends on what you want. For most former 4Com customers who want it managed and installed but without the long handset lease and proprietary device, a local managed provider like Telexico fits best. For the cheapest DIY option, bOnline or Yay.com; for enterprise scale, RingCentral or 8x8; for self-hosted control, 3CX.
Why do people leave 4Com?
Mainly the deal structure: independent reviews and a 2025 BBC investigation report long fixed contracts, a separate handset finance lease (often reported up to seven years), mid-contract price rises and some high-pressure sales. The HiHi device itself is generally well regarded.
Can I leave 4Com mid-contract?
It depends on your remaining term and whether the handset is on a separate finance lease that needs settling. Telexico will review your paperwork and tell you honestly whether moving now pays off or whether to wait.
Is there a cheaper alternative to 4Com?
Yes — self-service providers like bOnline and Yay.com are cheaper on headline price for DIY micro setups. Telexico costs more than bare DIY because install and support are included, but is typically far better value than a long 4Com handset-lease package over the term.
Will I keep my number leaving 4Com?
Yes — any reputable alternative ports your existing numbers. Telexico handles the port and keeps your old service live until the new one is proven, so there's no downtime.
Do I have to use a proprietary handset like HiHi?
No. Most alternatives, including Telexico, use standard SIP handsets (or app-only) that you're not locked to — unlike 4Com's proprietary HiHi.