The best VoIP home phone services for the UK could cut your home phone bill in half, with VoIP being around 50% cheaper on average than traditional landlines. Furthermore, with the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) being phased out by 2027, changing to a VoIP home service will soon be necessary for all households.
To help with the transition, I’ve tested and compiled a list of the best UK VoIP providers to help you move effortlessly to a cloud-based VoIP connection. I’ve evaluated them on key product criteria such as reliability (uptime), security and compliance, and value for money.
The Best VoIP Home Phone Services for the UK Tested by Our Experts
The Top 7 VoIP Home Phone Systems for the UK Ranked
- Vonage Home – The cheapest VoIP home phone service
- 8×8 – Best home internet phone for international calls
- Phone.com – Best for a simple, easy-to-use interface
- Nextiva – Best residential VoIP service for comprehensive features
- DialPad – Best VoIP home landline for AI Integration
- MightyCall – Best VoIP service for large families
- Ooma – Best VoIP home system for reliability and call quality
- Show Full Guide
The Best UK VoIP Home Phone Service Providers Reviewed
We’ll dive into the top VoIP home phone service providers in the UK, looking at features, pricing, and plans. These comprehensive reviews will help you find the perfect VoIP service for your household’s needs and budget.
1. Vonage Home – The Cheapest VoIP Home Phone Service
Starting Price | £6.99/month |
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Trial Period | 14-day free trial |
Top 3 Features | 99.999% uptime, Multi-level auto-attendant, Visual voicemail for transcriptions |
Pros
- High reliability with 99.999% uptime
- Over 25 features, including advanced call forwarding and ring groups
- Seamless integration with multiple applications
Cons
- Only three devices can be linked to each number
- Some add-on features can be costly
2. 8×8 — Best Home Internet Phone for International Calling
Starting Price | On request |
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Trial Period | 30-day free trial |
Top 3 Features | High-definition audio, Video conferencing, Unlimited fax |
Pros
- Exceptional audio and video quality
- Robust call management and analytics
- Flexible and feature-rich plans suitable for various needs
Cons
- Can be expensive for basic home use
- Some support delays reported
3. Phone.com — Best for a Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface
Starting Price | £9.99/month (+ £3.94 for UK number)* |
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Trial Period | 30-day money-back guarantee |
Top 3 Features | Call analytics, Video conferencing, Mobile and web apps |
Pros
- Very affordable with a range of essential features
- Easy to use and set up
- Supports basic video conferencing and mobile management
Cons
- Only 1 number per user included
- Lacks extensive third-party integrations.
4. Nextiva – Best Residential VoIP Service for Comprehensive Features
Starting Price | £13.73/month* |
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Trial Period | 7-day free trial |
Top 3 Features | Unlimited internet fax, HD voice quality, Free number porting |
Pros
- High-quality HD voice for clear communication
- Includes a suite of productivity and collaboration tools
- Free number porting
- Unlimited internet fax
Cons
- Video conferencing limited to 45 minutes per session
- Not user friendly
5. DialPad – Best VoIP Home Landline for AI Integration
Starting Price | £12/user/month |
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Trial Period | 14-day free trial |
Top 3 Features | AI call and voicemail transcription, Real-time analytics, Unlimited calling |
Pros
- Advanced AI features for call and voicemail transcription
- Seamless integration with major platforms and global SMS support
- Extensive analytics for monitoring and improving communication
Cons
- Some advanced AI features require add-on purchases
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with AI tools
6. MightyCall – Best Home VoIP for Large Families
Starting Price | £35.53/month* |
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Trial Period | 7-day free trial |
Top 3 Features | Supports web phones, AI-powered virtual receptionist, multi-level IVR |
Pros
- Excellent call recording and management features
- User-friendly interface with multi-level IVR for effective call routing
- Flexible mobile app integration for on-the-go communication
Cons
- Limited video conferencing capabilities
- Advanced features require higher-tier plans
7. Ooma – Best VoIP Home System for Call Quality and Reliability
Starting Price | Free (after device purchase of min. £78.43) |
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Trial Period | 30-day free trial |
Top 3 Features | Easy installation and setup, advanced call blocking, multi-ring functionality |
Pros
- Intuitive setup and use
- High-quality voice
- Effective at blocking unwanted calls
Cons
- Limited advanced features in the basic plan
- Some international rates can be high
The Best VoIP Home Phone UK Providers Compared
Choosing the right VoIP home phone provider can significantly enhance your communication experience, especially as we transition from traditional PSTN networks to more flexible and feature-rich IP telephony.
With various providers offering varied benefits and features, it’s crucial to find the one that best fits your specific needs.
Category | Vonage Home | 8×8 | Phone.com | Nextiva | DialPad | MightyCall | Ooma |
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Best for | Cheapest VoIP home phone service | Best for international calling | Easy-to-use interface | Best for comprehensive features | Best for AI integrations | Large families | Reliability |
Starting Price | £6.99/month | On request | £9.99/month (+ £3.94 for UK number)* | £13.73/month* | £12/user/month | £35.31/month* | Free (after device purchase of min. £78.43) |
Trial | 14-day | 30-day | 30-day money-back guarantee | 7-day | 14-day | 7-day | 30-day |
Mobile application | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Customer support | 24/7 phone and chat | 24/7 phone and chat | 24/7 phone and chat | 24/7 phone and chat | 24/7 phone and chat | 24/7 phone and chat | 24/7 phone and chat |
*Pricing has been converted from USD to GBP via the live exchange rate on 3rd September 2024.
How We Review And Test VoIP Services
We base our recommendations on first-hand testing. All the VoIP products we feature, have been tested based on the following criteria:
- Features: We explore the platform’s general call and video conferencing capabilities and unique features like automation, call queuing, call recording, and IVR features.
- Integrations: We assess whether it offers integration support for popular business apps such as CRMs, project management platforms, helpdesk software, and others.
- Reliability: We test the call quality on offer with the VoIP platform, and we only include services that offer an uptime guarantee of close to 100%.
- Security and Compliance: We check whether the platform offers industry-standard encryption, access controls, compliance with regulations like GDPR, and firewalls.
- Numbers: We factor in whether the platform offers a variety of number options like local, toll-free, international, and vanity numbers.
- Ease of Use: We test the VoIP service on its available platforms to ensure we can give accurate insight into its usability.
- Value for Money: After our hands-on testing, we’re able to better analyze whether the price point is fair to offer insight into the feature-to-price value on offer.
- Reviews and Reputation: Beyond our hands-on testing, we explore third-party reviews to see if we need to investigate certain aspects of the VoIP service further. This combined allows us to offer a good overview of what our readers can expect from the platform.
What are Residential VoIP Services and How do They Work?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows you to make voice calls using your home internet connection instead of through a traditional (or analog) phone line. In the same way that emails send your written communication via the internet, VoIP phone systems send your voice in real time for very high quality and reliable calls.
Sometimes referred to as “internet phones”, VoIP allows you to make and take calls from any devices in your home which connect to the internet, including your mobile phone, laptop, or tablet.
Calls using a VoIP home phone system are considerably cheaper than those made with traditional landlines as they do not base the call charges on the geographical distance or length of the calls in the same way. To use the same point of reference again, this is similar to how sending an email via the internet is free regardless of its length or the location of the recipient, whereas the cost of sending a letter would vary based on these thigs.
Finally, residential VoIP phone systems support not just audio calls but also video calls, text messages, and even file sharing, all integrated into one network. Advanced features like call forwarding, caller ID, voicemail, and conference calling make it a powerful tool for both your professional and personal communications.
Do I Need a VoIP Home Phone?
As the UK approaches the significant PSTN switch-off in 2027, transitioning to VoIP is essential.
The outdated Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being phased out, and VoIP will replace it, offering enhanced flexibility, lower costs, and integrated digital services like video calls and online collaboration.
This shift means VoIP is no longer just beneficial but necessary for continuous phone service post-2027. VoIP provides high-quality calls and features, such as call analytics and customizable messages, without the limitations of traditional systems.
Upgrading to VoIP allows for scalable and efficient communication, ensuring systems like alarms and emergency contacts remain functional.
Preparing early for this transition is crucial to adapt smoothly to these digital advancements and leverage modern communication technologies effectively.
What is the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Switch-Off in the UK?
Known as The Big Switch-Off or the landline switch-off, the shut down of the PSTN refers to the gradual phase out of traditional analogue phoneline networks as we move towards completely digital, online phone networks in the UK that use “Internet Protocol” (yes, that’s the IP in VoIP).
The phaseout was announced in 2017, and although the original deadline was December 2025, Openreach announced in May 2024 that this would be delayed until 2027. After this date, the only option for making phone calls will be Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP phones.
Although this gives you a bit of time to prepare, I’d highly recommend making the switch as early as possible to avoid the last-minute rush and, potentially, price hikes. Bear in mind you may also have to update any non-IP compatible devices that rely on your landline connection, such as fax machines and alarm systems. Ensure you give yourself the time to make the switch calmly and on your terms.
The Benefits of Using a Residential Internet Phone in Your Home
Switching to VoIP at home brings a suite of benefits that enhance how you communicate and interact, making it a smart choice beyond just preparing for the PSTN switch-off.
VoIP technology is more cost-effective than traditional phone lines and offers superior flexibility and a range of modern features that cater to today’s digital lifestyle.
Key Benefits of Residential VoIP Internet Phones:
- Cost-Effectiveness: VoIP significantly reduces the cost of domestic and international outgoing calls. With VoIP, you’re using your existing internet connection, avoiding the fees associated with traditional phone lines. Many VoIP providers also have plans with unlimited calls and competitive international rates.
- Enhanced Portability: With VoIP, your home phone number essentially resides in the cloud; you can use it on any device, including smartphones, tablets, or computers, and anywhere with an internet connection.
- Improved Reliability and Quality: Modern VoIP providers offer clear, crisp call quality and fewer disturbances or outages compared to older systems, especially if you have a stable connection to the internet. Enhanced security protocols also protect your communications, ensuring privacy and data integrity.
- Advanced Features: VoIP providers include a variety of features that are often costly add-ons with traditional phone services. I’ll give more information in the section below.
What are the Advanced Features of a Residential VoIP Home Phone?
A major advantage of VoIP residential phone services over traditional landlines is they offer several advanced software-based features that will improve the quality and ease of communication from your home. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Multi-device Capabilities – The “multi-device ringing” feature often offered by VoIP phone systems means you can get call notifications on any of your devices (smartphone, laptop, tablet) so you’re much less likely to miss calls, even if you’re not by your phone. Most VoIP services offer decent mobile apps, too, making it easy to access your VoIP home service on your smartphone.
- Call Management when You’re Not Available – If you do miss calls, the smart forwarding or re-routing options you can set up through your VoIP service will help ensure they’re handled in the best way. Voice-to-text transcriptions of voicemails into text messages or emails also make it easier to catchup on missed calls as you can read them instead of listening.
- Blocking and Do Not Disturb (Privacy) – The advanced Do Not Disturb features of internet phone services let you block or redirect incoming calls for certain periods of time or for certain numbers. You can also ensure your number is blocked from showing up on the recipients caller ID to protect your privacy.
- Call Recording and Analytics – Recording calls so you can listen back to them in the future is another advanced feature of residential VoIP phones services. You may also have access to features that let you analyse your call history to identify patterns in call frequency and duration.
- Virtual Numbers – These are phone numbers that are not attached to any specific phone, device, or location , meaning you can have one number no matter where you are or which device you decide to use.
How to Choose the Best VoIP Home Phone Service
Choosing the right VoIP home phone service is crucial to ensure you get the most out of this modern technology. With a variety of providers offering different features, it’s essential to select a service that aligns with your specific needs and enhances your home communication.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a VoIP Home Phone Service:
Look for a VoIP provider with a strong uptime guarantee, typically 99.999% or higher, which translates to less than six minutes of downtime per year.
The best VoIP services offer straightforward setup processes that allow you to start using the service quickly without needing technical expertise. Look for providers that support a wide range of devices and offer clear, step-by-step guides, or customer support.
Access to responsive and helpful customer support is essential, especially if you’re new to VoIP. Ensure the provider offers comprehensive support, ideally 24/7, so you can get assistance when needed. Check if there are multiple channels to contact support, such as phone, email, or live chat.
Assess the cost relative to the features and benefits provided. Consider if the price fits within your budget while meeting your communication needs. Look for plans that include perks like free international calls, unlimited domestic calling, or bundled services that add value. Also, check if the provider offers a free trial period to test the service before committing.
Beyond the basics, consider if the VoIP service offers extra features that could enhance your experience, such as call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, multi-device ringing, or integration with other smart home devices.