VoIP vs landline: Which will best meet your business needs?

When choosing a phone for your business, you might have to do a VoIP vs landline comparison. The system you select will influence the way you work, the ease with which you collaborate and the efficiency with which you engage with customers. So, if you’re ready to compare VoIP and landline phones, here’s everything you need to know.

What is a VoIP phone system?

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) allows you to make phone calls over the internet. The primary component of the technology is an application that you download and install on a device connected to the internet.

VoIP can be used on smartphones, tablets, computers or even traditional phones with the necessary software and internet connection or specific devices enabled with VoIP.

What is a landline phone system?

A landline phone system connects the caller and the recipient by sending electrical signals through copper wires. Landlines, unlike a VoIP phone system, require a significant amount of hardware to be operational.

Businesses also use a PBX (Private Branch Exchange) in their offices. This allows team members to make and receive phone calls through their desk phones that are connected to the internal network.

Comparing VoIP vs landline phones

These parameters will help you compare VoIP and landline phones and choose the right one for your business needs.

Ease of setting up

Landline

The first thing you’ll notice in a VoIP vs landline comparison is the difficulty in setting up landlines. You need your phone company to install a PBX system and connect it to their phone network using cables. All additional features will have to be manually set up for the different desk phones.

VoIP

Once you finalise a VoIP provider and the subscription you want, you can download the software and create your account. After that, you can select the features your team will need. You’ll be able to now use the service on all connected devices. The entire process can be completed in under half an hour.

Pricing

Landline

If you’re setting up a landline, you have to pay for the equipment including phone sets, PBX system, routers and telephone adapters. You’ll also have to pay extra for additional features. And as anyone who’s ever made an international call from a landline knows, those can be prohibitively expensive.

VoIP

The biggest advantage of VoIP is that you don’t have to buy a specific device or additional hardware. You also don’t have to worry about installation. Download the software and you can start using the service. What’s more, the subscription plans you select would come with the features you need. International calls are also remarkably cheaper on VoIP.

Mobility and flexibility

Landline

When you compare VoIP with landline phones, you’ll realise that landlines come with a big disadvantage. They’re tied to a location and can’t be moved. If your job involves being away from your laptop, you’re out of luck. Importantly, landline phones are useless if your team works remotely.

VoIP

You could be in your office, home, cafe or client location. As long as your device can access the internet, you’ll be able to operate your VoIP phone. This makes it the perfect companion for remote work. With a VoIP phone, you’ll also be able to take calls when travelling abroad. This is another reason why businesses are ditching their landlines for softphones.

Functionality

With a PBX, you can get some additional features from your landline phone including IVR or Interactive Voice Response menus, caller ID, call forwarding etc. These are basic features for a business.

VoIP

Those who compare VoIP and landline phones will immediately appreciate the enhanced tools that VoIP provides. You get auto-attendant, call recording and autodiallers among others. Some VoIP services also give you video calling. Beyond these, you can also integrate communication and project management apps with VoIP software to increase productivity.

Scalability

Landline

If you need new extensions, you have to call the phone company for the installation of new wires and devices. Other than the additional cost, this will also likely inconvenience your operations.

VoIP

With VoIP, you can easily add new numbers through your account. If you need to accommodate more members, you can do it yourself without calling the company or waiting for installation.

Chalkboard: The ideal alternative to VoIP and landline phones

Chalkboard combines the best of VoIP and landline phones. For starters, you don’t have to wait for installation or incur heavy expenses. Download the app and you can start using your second number by choosing any of the affordable plans. A free trial will be enough to convince you that it’s the right choice.

Unlike most virtual numbers, Chalkboard uses the mobile network to make and receive calls. This makes the system more reliable as mobile coverage is more extensive than internet coverage. Your employees can also share their phone numbers, which will enhance collaboration.

This highly-rated second line for work gives you advanced messaging to talk to your customers like friends. With auto-reply, the app will send pre-written messages to calls you might miss.

Download Chalkboard and try it now. You won’t have to compare VoIP and landline phones anymore.