The 7 Best VoIP Home Phone UK Providers: Tested and Compared in 2024

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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

Vonage – The cheapest VoIP home phone service

14-day free trial
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8×8 – Best home internet phone for international calls

30-day free trial
CHECK PRICE

Phone.com – Best for a simple, easy-to-use interface

30-day money-back guarantee
CHECK PRICE

Nextiva – Best residential VoIP service for comprehensive features

7-day free trial
CHECK PRICE

DialPad – Best VoIP home landline for AI Integration

14-day free trial
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MightyCall – Best VoIP service for large families

7-day free trial
CHECK PRICE

Ooma – Best VoIP home system for reliability and call quality

60-day free trial
CHECK PRICE

The Top 7 VoIP Home Phone Systems for the UK Ranked

  1. Vonage Home – The cheapest VoIP home phone service
  2. 8×8 – Best home internet phone for international calls
  3. Phone.com – Best for a simple, easy-to-use interface
  4. Nextiva – Best residential VoIP service for comprehensive features
  5. DialPad – Best VoIP home landline for AI Integration
  6. MightyCall – Best VoIP service for large families
  7. Ooma – Best VoIP home system for reliability and call quality

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

Vonage logo

Starting Price £6.99/month
Trial Period 14-day free trial
Top 3 Features 99.999% uptime, Multi-level auto-attendant, Visual voicemail for transcriptions
Why We Picked It

Vonage Home stands out for its dedicated home VoIP service (totally separate from its business service) at a highly affordable price point – the cheapest on this list.

We found that it offers seamless communication capabilities, allowing users to easily manage calls with features like visual voicemail and advanced call forwarding. These features simplify everyday communication, ensuring you can connect with family and friends without the hassle of traditional landlines.

Compared to competitors like RingCentral, which offers more integrations but at a higher starting price, Vonage provides a cost-effective solution without compromising on essential features.

Our research highlights its excellent uptime of 99.999%, which ensures reliable service, minimising the chances of missed calls or disruptions. This reliability is crucial for homeowners who depend on consistent and clear communication.

Features

Visual Voicemail – Vonage’s visual voicemail is particularly user-friendly, allowing you to read voicemail messages without having to listen to them. This feature is perfect for homeowners who want to quickly check messages without interrupting their daily routine.

Call Forwarding – This feature offers flexibility by allowing you to direct calls to your mobile phone or another number. This ensures that important calls are never missed, whether you’re at home or away, making life easier for busy individuals and families.

Simple Online Interface – Vonage provides a straightforward online interface that makes managing your home phone system intuitive and hassle-free. Whether scheduling calls, setting up caller ID, or customizing ring patterns, homeowners can control their phone settings with ease.

Pricing

Vonage offers a range of pricing plans to cater to various home-based needs. Here are some highlighted plans:

Plan Talk UK 1000 Premium Mobile 1000 Premium Unlimited World
Annual contract £6.99/month £9.99/month £20.50/month
  • Talk UK 1000 – 1,000 minutes to a UK landline, then 3p/min; 10p/min to UK mobiles.
  • Premium Mobile 1000 – 1,000 minutes to UK landlines and mobiles, then 3p/min and 10p/min respectively.
  • Premium Unlimited World – Unlimited calls to UK landlines, mobiles, and 60+ countries.

Overall, Vonage provides a range of nine different plans, each tailored to different levels of usage and features, ensuring there’s a suitable option for every type of home (and business users). These are the three we found are most relevant for homeowners and offer the best value for money depending on your requirements for international calls.

Who it's Best For

Vonage is perfect for homeowners seeking an affordable VoIP plan that was specifically designed for residential users. We found that its features like visual voicemail and advanced call forwarding offer a seamless way to manage communications. They enhance everyday connectivity without the need for complex IT infrastructure or multiple device setups.

Pros pros

  • High reliability with 99.999% uptime
  • Over 25 features, including advanced call forwarding and ring groups
  • Seamless integration with multiple applications

Cons cons

  • Only three devices can be linked to each number
  • Some add-on features can be costly
Vonage Home

 

2. 8×8 — Best Home Internet Phone for International Calling

8x8 Logo

Starting Price On request
Trial Period 30-day free trial
Top 3 Features High-definition audio, Video conferencing, Unlimited fax
Why We Picked It

8×8 is recognized for its superior call management capabilities, making it the top choice for small business owners working from home who need detailed analytics and robust control over their communication environment.

Its ability to host video conferences from home with up to 500 participants and provide HD-quality audio ensures that both personal and professional interactions are handled with clarity and precision.

When we compared it with other providers like MightyCall, which offers similar functionalities, 8×8 stands out by offering these features at a more affordable rate.

Its 99.999% uptime guarantees almost uninterrupted service, which is crucial for maintaining consistent communication for homeowners who need reliability and quality in their home phone solutions.

Features

High-Definition Audio and Video – 8×8 excels in delivering crystal-clear audio and high-definition video, making every chat and conference call as smooth and clear as possible. This is especially beneficial if you use your home phone for domestic and international calls.

Call Analytics and Management – With features like call parking, Hunt Groups, and the ability to listen in on live calls, 8×8 offers homeowners sophisticated tools typically found in enterprise-level systems tailored for home use.

Skill-based Routing – The platform includes skill-based routing to ensure that every call is handled by the most appropriate member of the household.

Pricing

8×8 offers a variety of plans to meet different needs although they do not publish their pricing online (so we won’t either). We can see, however, what features are included in each of their plans:

  • X2 – Unlimited calls in 14 countries, media storage, hot desking
  • X4 – All X2 features plus frontdesk, call listening
  • X7 – All previous features plus Chrome Enterprise integration, CRM tools

8×8 does not disclose its pricing publicly; details are only available upon request. 8×8 offers five plans in total, each designed to provide a flexible, scalable solution for homeowners and home businesses alike, ensuring you can choose what best fits your communication needs.

We’ve selected the three that offer you the most value for your money and are suitable for those at home, while the top-tier plans are typically suited for enterprise-level businesses.

Who it's Best For

8×8 is ideal for homeowners who demand high-quality, reliable communication tools that go beyond traditional calling. It’s perfect if you also need to manage calls for a home office or maintain close contact with family and friends around the world.

While it is packed with features for advanced users, those needing a simple, straightforward home phone service might find it more complex than necessary.

Pros pros

  • Exceptional audio and video quality
  • Robust call management and analytics
  • Flexible and feature-rich plans suitable for various needs

Cons cons

  • Can be expensive for basic home use
  • Some support delays reported

 

3. Phone.com — Best for a Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface

Phone.com Logo

Starting Price £9.99/month (+ £3.94 for UK number)*
Trial Period 30-day money-back guarantee
Top 3 Features Call analytics, Video conferencing, Mobile and web apps
Why We Picked It

Phone.com is the go-to choice for homeowners who need an affordable, straightforward VoIP solution without the bells and whistles of more complex systems.

We found that its user-friendly approach offers essential features like video conferencing, mobile and web apps, and 50 standard voice features, ensuring reliable communication for everyday needs.

When we compared it with providers like Ooma, which caters to a broader audience with its suite of advanced features and integrations, Phone.com focuses on simplicity and cost-effectiveness. This makes it ideal if you want to enhance your home VoIP phone experience without a steep learning curve or high costs.

The provider’s commitment to providing essential services at an affordable rate makes it a standout for budget-conscious users seeking quality and reliability.

Features

Video Calling – Video calling is an essential feature for modern communication, whether for personal or business users. Phone.com offers video conferencing that supports 10-100 participants based on the chosen plan, perfect for everything from intimate family calls to larger remote gatherings.

Mobile App – The Phone.com mobile app liberates users from the confines of traditional landlines, enabling outgoing calls from anywhere globally. Compatible with both iOS and Android, the app supports VoIP calls, texts, and voicemail access over Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Pricing

Phone.com offers a range of pricing tiers to cater to different user needs:

Plan Basic Plus Pro
Annual contract £9.99/month* £14.66/month* £21.33/month*  
  • Basic – 500 minutes, 1 number per account, video conferencing for 10 participants
  • Plus – Unlimited calling, 1 number per user, 25-participant video conferencing
  • Pro – All Plus features, 100-participant video conferencing, call analytics

You will need to pay an additional £3.94* to add a UK number to your account.

*Pricing has been converted from USD to GBP via the live exchange rate on 3rd September 2024.

Who it's Best For

Phone.com is best suited for homeowners who want a no-frills, reliable home phone solution at an affordable price. Its easy setup and operation make it ideal for those not needing additional features but still want essential functions to enhance their home communication.

While it may not satisfy your needs if you’re looking for extensive integrations or enterprise-level functionalities, we found that it’s perfect for those who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness in their home VoIP service.

Pros pros

  • Very affordable with a range of essential features
  • Easy to use and set up
  • Supports basic video conferencing and mobile management

Cons cons

  • Only 1 number per user included
  • Lacks extensive third-party integrations.
Phone.com UK

 

4. Nextiva – Best Residential VoIP Service for Comprehensive Features

Nextiva logo

Starting Price £13.73/month*
Trial Period 7-day free trial
Top 3 Features Unlimited internet fax, HD voice quality, Free number porting
Why We Picked It

Our research found that Nextiva stands out for its robust and comprehensive communication solutions, catering to a wide range of user needs, from basic call handling to advanced call center functionalities.

Its ability to deliver high-definition voice quality and support for unlimited internet faxes makes it ideal for homeowners who demand clarity and reliability in their communication systems.

When we compared it with other providers like Vonage and Ooma, we found that Nextiva offers an extensive set of features without sacrificing user-friendliness or affordability.

The seamless integration of call management and team collaboration tools ensures that users can manage their home phone systems effectively while enjoying features typically reserved for large businesses.

Features

HD Voice and Call Management – Nextiva excels with superior HD voice quality and a suite of call management features, including voicemail-to-email and advanced call routing, enhancing the clarity and flexibility of home communications.

Unlimited Internet Fax and Free Number Porting – Users can send and receive faxes digitally without needing a traditional fax machine, and the free number porting allows them to retain their existing phone numbers with ease.

Robust Video Conferencing – Although capped at 45 minutes per session, the video conferencing feature supports seamless digital gatherings, making it suitable for homeowners who occasionally need to virtually host multiple participants without a complex setup.

Pricing

Nextiva provides several plans tailored to different needs:

Plan Essentials Professional Enterprise
Annual contract £13.73/month* £16.37/month* £21.66/month*
  • Essentials – Unlimited calling, voicemail-to-email, and 100-participant video conferencing
  • Professional – All Essential features, plus CRM integration, and 200-participant video conferencing
  • Enterprise – All Professional features, plus call recording, and unlimited video conferencing participants

*Pricing has been converted from USD to GBP via the live exchange rate on 3rd September 2024.

Who it's Best For

Nextiva is perfect for homeowners and small home businesses looking for a versatile VoIP solution that bridges the gap between personal and professional use.

Its range of features, from basic call handling to advanced analytics, makes it suitable for those who need more than just a traditional home phone.

While it may be overkill if you only need basic calling functionalities, it is ideal if you appreciate having access to advanced features like CRM integration and comprehensive call analytics without needing separate systems.

Pros pros

  • High-quality HD voice for clear communication
  • Includes a suite of productivity and collaboration tools
  • Free number porting
  • Unlimited internet fax

Cons cons

  • Video conferencing limited to 45 minutes per session
  • Not user friendly
Nextiva UK

 

5. DialPad – Best VoIP Home Landline for AI Integration

Vonage logo

Starting Price £12/user/month
Trial Period 14-day free trial
Top 3 Features AI call and voicemail transcription, Real-time analytics, Unlimited calling
Why We Picked It

DialPad is celebrated for integrating AI into every aspect of its communication services, making it the preferred choice for small home businesses seeking growth through advanced, intelligent features.

Its AI-driven functionalities, like real-time call transcription, offer a seamless and efficient communication experience.

Unlike competitors like Nextiva, which focuses on traditional VoIP capabilities, DialPad introduces a modern twist with machine learning and AI. It enhances user interaction without inflating costs, making it a superior choice if you’re a homeowner who values innovation and smart technology in your home communication tools.

Features

AI-Driven Call Handling – DialPad shines with AI features such as voice transcription, smart call routing, and automated customer satisfaction insights, which adapt to user behavior for smarter, more responsive communication.

For home users, this means effortlessly managing personal calls, easily reviewing voicemails as text, and ensuring important calls are never missed.

Comprehensive Analytics – While typically more beneficial in a business setting, DialPad’s real-time analytics and reporting can also offer advantages to homeowners.

Equipped with AI-powered insights, users can monitor call quality, track communication patterns, and understand usage trends. Homeowners can use these insights to optimize communication, ensuring they are fully utilizing VoIP services for both local and international calls without unnecessary complexity.

Global Communication Made Easy – With support for unlimited global calling and global SMS, DialPad is ideal for users who need to stay connected across the globe without worrying about complex setups or excessive costs.

Pricing

DialPad offers a tiered pricing structure to cater to various needs:

Plan Standard Pro Enterprise
Annual contract £12/user/month £20/user/month Custom
  • Standard – AI call transcription, unlimited calling, Google Workspace & Microsoft 365 integration
  • Pro – All Standard features, plus Salesforce and CRM integrations, and global SMS
  • Enterprise – All Pro features, plus 100% uptime SLA, and priority support
Who it's Best For

DialPad is best suited for those working from home in small to medium-sized businesses that prioritises cutting-edge technology to enhance their communication systems.

We found that its AI-powered tools make it a standout feature if you need more than a basic calling functionality because it includes detailed analytics and automated processes.

While it may be slightly complex if you’re after basic VoIP services, it is perfect if you want to embrace modern technology and integrate your communication tools with AI capabilities.

Pros 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 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

MightyCall Logo

Starting Price £35.53/month*
Trial Period 7-day free trial
Top 3 Features Supports web phones, AI-powered virtual receptionist, multi-level IVR
Why We Picked It

MightyCall stands out in our research as it offers robust task management capabilities, making it ideal for large families with members working from home who need to efficiently route and manage calls.

Its multi-level Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system allows for detailed voice menus, ensuring that callers are directed to the appropriate individual without manual intervention.

When we compared it with Vonage, which also offers good call management, MightyCall provides these features at an affordable price. This makes it an excellent for large families or if you have a growing home businesses and need sophisticated features without a hefty price tag.

Features

Task Management and Call Routing – With MightyCall, setting up a multi-level IVR is straightforward, allowing users with a home business or large families to create customized voice menus for efficient call routing and reroute calls to their cell if they’re not home.

This system supports complex workflows and ensures that callers connect with the right person.

AI-Powered Virtual Receptionist – This feature acts as the first point of contact for callers, offering a professional greeting and directing calls based on predefined rules. It’s like having a 24/7 receptionist without the need for a human on the other end.

For homeowners or large households, this means calls can be efficiently routed to the correct family member, ensuring privacy and convenience while reducing the hassle of manually managing incoming calls.

Web and Mobile App Integration – MightyCall’s seamless integration with web and mobile applications ensures that you can manage communications from anywhere, which is perfect for busy families.

For home users, this integration means being able to answer calls directed to their home phone on their cell phone, or for those with a home business, it allows answering important work calls without needing to be at their home office.

Pricing

MightyCall offers a straightforward and competitive pricing structure that caters to homes of all sizes:

Plan Starter Pro Power
Annual contract £35.31/month (£11.77/user but must have 3 users)* £54.12/month (£18.04/user but must have 3 users)* £70.59/month (£23.53/user but must have 3 users)*
  • Starter: Includes basic call management features, unlimited calling, and two business phone numbers
  • Pro: Adds live call monitoring, analytics, and reporting features
  • Power: Includes auto dialers and dedicated account manager support

*Pricing has been converted from USD to GBP via the live exchange rate on 3rd September 2024.

Who it's Best For

MightyCall is ideal for large families and businesses that require robust task management and seamless communication across various devices and locations. Its comprehensive call management and mobile integration make it perfect for remote teams and home businesses.

Additionally, its user-friendly interface and multi-device support are great for large families needing to manage multiple calls and messages efficiently, ensuring everyone stays connected without missing important communications.

Pros 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 cons

  • Limited video conferencing capabilities
  • Advanced features require higher-tier plans
MightyCall UK

 

7. Ooma – Best VoIP Home System for Call Quality and Reliability

Ooma Logo

Starting Price Free (after device purchase of min. £78.43)
Trial Period 30-day free trial
Top 3 Features Easy installation and setup, advanced call blocking, multi-ring functionality
Why We Picked It

We found that Ooma stands out for its high voice quality and reliability as an IP phone service, owing to its advanced compression technology that results in very clear and interrupted calling. Simply put, “compression” in this context means that Ooma reduces how much data is needed for the call to be made to the absolute minimum, so that even on less-than-brilliant internet connections, call quality can remain high.

Although not as cheap as other providers on the list like Vonage Home, Ooma offers an impressive, comprehensive range of features without compromising on essential features, like advanced call blocking and multi-ring functionality, which is why I’d still class is as a cost-effective and good-value internet phone solution.

Features

Virtual Receptionist – Ooma’s virtual receptionist feature efficiently manages incoming calls, directing them to the appropriate individual. This system ensures that callers are greeted professionally and routed correctly.

Voicemail-to-Email Transcription – With Ooma, you can receive voicemail messages directly to your email. This feature transcribes voicemails into text and sends them as an email attachment, ensuring you never miss important messages, even when you’re away from the house.

Multi-Ring – Ooma allows you to have simultaneous ringing on multiple devices, ensuring you’re always connected. Whether you’re at home or on the go, calls can ring on your home phone, mobile, and even your office line simultaneously, so you’re less likely to miss important calls.

Pricing

Ooma does things a little differently from the other service providers on our list. Users need to purchase a device and the calls are free (excluding taxes and fees).

Plan Ooma Telo Ooma Telo Air Ooma Telo LTE
Device cost £78.43* £70.59 (was £101.96)* £101.96*
Service cost Free** plus taxes and fees Free** plus taxes and fees £15.68* plus taxes and fees
  • Ooma Basic Service Plan – Free nationwide calling and low-cost international calls
  • Ooma Premier Service Plan – Everything in the Basic Plan at an additional £7.89 per month, plus free calling in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and advanced call blocking.

*Pricing has been converted from USD to GBP via the live exchange rate on 3rd September 2024.

**Basic service plan costs are included with the purchase of Ooma Telo or Ooma Telo Air devices.

Who it's Best For

Ooma is ideal for residential users seeking a comprehensive and highly reliable VoIP service. Its features like virtual receptionist and multi-ring, making it the top choice for busy households that appreciate advanced features but want a cost-effective solution.

Pros pros

  • Intuitive setup and use
  • High-quality voice
  • Effective at blocking unwanted calls

Cons 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
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.

Methodology

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

ReliabilityEase of InstallationCustomer SupportPrice and Value for MoneyAdditional Features

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.

FAQs

Can I get a VoIP phone at home?

What are the main disadvantages of VoIP?

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Aidan Weeks
Technology Expert
Aidan Weeks
Technology Expert

Aidan Weeks, a Master's graduate in Mechanical Engineering, has thrived as a freelance writer for over three years. Specializing in tech, engineering, and B2B sectors, Aidan adeptly crafts web copy, blog posts, manuals, product pages, and more, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. His transition from academia to full-time writing reflects his passion for bridging technical expertise with clear, informative content.