VoIP Phones

What Is the Difference Between VoIP and Landline Phones?

VoIP technology enables high-quality voice calls over the Internet, whereas landline phones rely on a copper telephone network to make outbound calls and receive incoming calls.

When you deploy VoIP, it gets managed via the cloud, so there’s no need for on-site installation or management. When you need to add or change users, it’s a software change rather than the need to call an engineer.

Businesses prefer VoIP because of its better calling standard and wider range of features without the need for setting up an expensive on-premises private branch exchange (PBX).

Consider switching from traditional phones to VoIP if:

• Your country plans to discontinue landline phones
• Your sound quality is poor
• You need advanced features
• Your on-site PBX contract is expiring
• You’re moving to remote or hybrid work
• You’re paying too much for external calls
• You’re paying too much for long-distance international calls
• How Much Does VoIP Cost in 2023? Find out in this guide.

What equipment do you need to set up VoIP?

For a small setup, you only need a subscription to your business VoIP provider and a device to make calls to get set up for the first time. This device could be a desk phone, a softphone on your laptop, or a VoIP app on your mobile phone.

Assuming you already have a broadband connection and a router, you don’t need any other VoIP equipment.

If you manage VoIP for your enterprise, you may opt to use a separate firewall or switch from your router. If you have analog phones or other devices you wish to retain, use an analog telephone adapter (ATA). These small adapters connect your VoIP solution to traditional telephone services and devices, such as old fax machines and alarm systems.

Advantages of VoIP

Benefits of a VoIP phone include easy installation, virtual phone numbers, simple integration, and more

Lower pricing – Reduces call costs with internal and internet calling by up to 50%; reduces on-site maintenance and repair costs, too.

High-quality sound – Internet connectivity enables HD call quality; management tools check for potential network issues.

Advanced features – Offers premium features like auto attendants, call recording, and call queues – without having businesses install expensive add-ons.

Cheap international calls – International long-distance rates are as low as $0.04 per minute to call Mexico or $0.01 to reach the United Kingdom.

Fast deployment – Only takes an internet connection and a softphone or handset to set up.

Remote-friendly – Use your phone service wherever you work. No technical setup is necessary if you work from home.

VoIP desk phones aren’t expensive; you can even get them free from your phone service provider. Plus, they often include a mobile app you can use on your desktop or mobile device to make calls instead of using a traditional handset.