An office phone system consists of the service being provided and the endpoints (phones) one uses with the system
When choosing a business phone system, you have two choices, PSTN Phone systems and VoIP Phone systems. You may have heard about the growing popularity of VoIP and all the benefits it brings to businesses of all sizes (especially small businesses).
Regardless of this spike in popularity, there are still many business owners who swear by PSTN and refuse to accept internet telephony as their business communication method.
PSTN vs VoIP Office Phone Systems
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) consists of phone lines, fiber optic cables, satellites, transmission links, and cellular networks connected by switching centers.
It uses circuit-switched telephony between endpoints, which uses a dedicated channel between these points and relies on coper wires to carry the analog voice data.
The downside to PSTN? If you plan on making long-distance calls, prepare to pay per minute. Along with added fees and cumbersome installation and expansion, basic features such as caller ID and call waiting come at an additional cost.
VoIP phone systems are relatively new in business communication, but has quickly evolved over the years to match the expectations and demands of professionals.
It uses packet-switched telephony, which transforms voice data into individual packets and sends them through your internet. This improves call quality and eliminates the need for clunky hardware, like copper wires and landlines.
With VoIP, you get more flexibility, cost-effective communication solutions, as well as additional methods for executing successful communications. It’s not uncommon to initiate a VoIP call from a desktop computer, mobile phone, or softphone app.
Top 5 Business Phone System Providers
Business owners looking to make the switch to VoIP can quickly find themselves inundated with different business phone system providers. With the endless options available to you, how can you choose?
For the most part, VoIP providers offer the same standard features, including call forwarding, conference calling, and caller ID. What sets different service providers apart is their customer support, their ability to onboard a new customer, and how user-friendly their system is.
Below is a list of Top 5 VoIP system providers:
- No contracts
- No termination fees
- Free expert installation
- Overall review rating: 3.8
- 30 day free trial
- Customer onboarding and implementation services
- Office locations across the globe
- Mobile apps for Android, iPhone, and iPad
- Overall review rating: 4.0
- Best for entrepreneurs and small teams
- Uses your mobile phone
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Limited minutes on all plans, lower tier plan charges .06 cents per minute
- Overall review rating: 3
- 30 day trial
- Call continuity
- 30-Day money back guarantee
- No contracts
- Small and medium sized businesses
- Overall review rating: 4.8
- User-friendly
- Specialize in government and education communication solutions
- Nextiva app for mobility
- Multiple service tiers and pricing
- Overall review rating: 4.2
IP Phones for your office
Even the best phone systems wouldn’t be any good without proper hardware to connect individuals. While some professionals prefer to use their mobile phone or a desktop app, many lean towards sleek and sturdy IP phone.
If you’re shopping for your next office phone to go with your VoIP phone service, here are some of the most popular brands professionals rely on.
H3 Polycom
With an endless array of voice, video, and collaboration products, Polycom is leading the industry in VoIP communications devices and solutions.
H3 Cisco
Cisco products are a household name, known for their optimal compatibility and user-friendly design. If your business needs a communication device, Cisco has what you need.
H3 Yealink
Yealink manufactures sleek equipment that exceeds the standard for business communication. With video, voice, and partnerships including Microsoft, these devices are the definition of innovation.