What Is VoIP?

What is VoIP?

“VoIP” stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol,” which is a technology that transmits voice calls via a broadband internet connection instead of over traditional phone lines. You can make VoIP calls from regular telephones, computers or other data-driven devices.

VoIP’s precise uses vary from service to service. Some platforms offer call services to anyone with a phone number, while others limit calls to users within the same service.

All VoIP services have one thing in common: a broadband internet connection. Without that connection, VoIP services won’t function.

How does VoIP work?

VoIP technology converts analog voice signals into digital data packets that travel over the internet.

You can use regular phones with VoIP services, but an adapter is necessary to transmit your voice over a VoIP service (many VoIP phones have built-in adapters, so check the specs before purchasing). Alternatively, you can make VoIP calls directly from your computer.

VoIP technology vs. landline phones

If you’re deciding between VoIP and traditional landlines, the key differences in how they connect and deliver calls can help you make the right choice.

• Landlines: Landlines are generally fixed-line telephones that use twisted-pair copper wire and plug into a wall jack. Traditional landlines rely on physical signal exchanges, which aren’t necessary for VoIP calls.
• Landline power and reliability: Traditional landline cables are electrified, enabling you to make and receive phone calls even if the power is out. Because they have their own source of electricity, they’re not usually affected by widespread outages.
• VoIP: VoIP technology doesn’t require physical signal exchanges. VoIP phones and devices use the same broadband internet connection as computers or routers. They’re extremely reliable as long as you have a fast, secure connection. If your internet is out, your VoIP service will be too.
• VoIP in business: VoIP systems are appealing to established and growing businesses because they offer a much wider array of features than landline networks. While landlines can make and receive calls, VoIP platforms powered by business broadband often include features like automatic call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcriptions and virtual receptionists.

Benefits and drawbacks of VoIP

Many businesses and consumers choose VoIP systems to improve internal and external communication. However, these systems aren’t for everyone. If you’re considering upgrading your business phone system to a more modern solution, here’s a look at the top benefits of VoIP systems, along with some drawbacks to consider.

VoIP system benefits

• Reduced costs: VoIP services can help you cut business costs. In fact, according to Nextiva, businesses can save up to 60 percent on telecommunications costs by switching to VoIP. For business users with a VoIP-based multiline phone setup, the savings can quickly add up.
• Greater accessibility: When accessibility is a concern, such as for users who are visually impaired or hard of hearing, VoIP provides better options to ensure that callers can communicate effectively and accurately.
• Portability: Because VoIP numbers act as virtual phone numbers, you can use them on mobile devices, computers or desk phones and switch them between devices instantly.
• Scalability: Adding multiple phone lines to a traditional phone service can be expensive and time-consuming, but adding a new VoIP line is effortless and can often be done within seconds. VoIP is ideal for companies that need to add lines during busy seasons and drop them once traffic returns to normal.
• Variety of business features: VoIP programs include helpful features like virtual receptionists, call forwarding and call routing tools.
• Better audio quality: Modern VoIP technology delivers HD voice quality when paired with sufficient bandwidth, offering crystal-clear audio that often surpasses traditional landlines.
• Easier multitasking: Because VoIP relies on the internet, you can send photos, videos and documents without hanging up the phone.
• Better security: VoIP networks can be secured with high-level encryption and identity management, reducing the risk of intercepted or compromised calls.
• Greater functionality: Previously, features like call queueing, hunt groups and music on hold required an expensive, hard-wired PBX system. VoIP platforms include these features at better costs and let you manage them through easy-to-use web- or app-based dashboards.
• Customization options: A VoIP dashboard — especially when integrated with one of the best CRM software platforms — offers customization options like skills-based routing and integrated customer information that appears on-screen when someone calls in. Many also include call analytics tools so you can evaluate individual and team performance.

VoIP system drawbacks

• Dependence on internet connection: Without a stable high-speed internet connection, VoIP can’t function. Unlike traditional telephone lines, if a storm or other natural disaster knocks out your power, your VoIP service will go down as well.
• Latency issues: When a data packet hits transmission delays, known as latency, it can interfere with your ability to communicate. Poor internet connections, insufficient routers or incorrect cables can cause latency.
• Limited location tracking: In an emergency, traditional landlines and mobile phones offer location tracking when you call 911, helping first responders find you even if you’re unable to share your location. Because it’s internet-based, VoIP may not provide the same level of automatic location information, depending on your provider and settings.

Best features of VoIP

If you’re considering implementing a VoIP system, many setups offer helpful business features that can benefit your organization significantly. Here are some of the most useful VoIP features.

• Voicemail and voicemail transcription: You aren’t always going to be able to answer the phone, and no one wants to listen to a voicemail two or three times to get the relevant information. Voicemail transcription makes it easier to get the gist of the message without listening to it.
• Call forwarding: Take your VoIP number with you with the tap of a button. Call forwarding lets you connect to your VoIP line wherever you have internet access, and it often works with mobile phones.
• Find/Follow Me: If you’re getting a lot of calls but can’t answer all of them yourself, a Find Me/Follow Me system can push calls to preset contacts, such as co-workers. If no one’s available, the call gets sent back to voicemail.
• Do Not Disturb: If you can’t take a call, the Do Not Disturb function keeps your phone quiet, automatically sending calls to voicemail.
• Hold systems and hold music: If you need to put a caller on hold, a hold system is much more efficient than setting down the receiver and hoping the caller can’t hear background noise. A hold system with music is professional, courteous and expected from established businesses.
• Conference features: VoIP supports conference calls by letting you hold multiple conversations without needing an additional program.
• Call recording and transcription: VoIP systems can record phone calls, which is very helpful for staff training. Some systems can also transcribe calls and add them to a customer’s contact history for deeper insights.
• IVR: Interactive voice response (IVR) is the automated menu you may hear when you call a business (sometimes known as an auto attendant). It’s a valuable tool for answering basic customer questions, especially for companies that handle a high volume of calls.
• Operator panels: A VoIP-enabled operator panel keeps track of incoming calls and where they need to go. This is helpful for businesses that receive many calls that must be transferred to multiple recipients.
• Call queues: When you set up your VoIP system with a call queue, it’s much easier to answer calls in the order received.
• Unified communications: Some VoIP systems integrate video, SMS, MMS, social media messaging and other channels with standard phone services on a single platform. This gives customers more ways to get in touch and helps growing businesses handle communication more efficiently.
• Presence data: Many VoIP platforms let users set their status — such as available, away from desk and busy — so others can see it. This improves internal communication and reduces calls being transferred to extensions where no one will answer.
• Integration and analytics: Integrating your CRM and VoIP system enables analysis of metrics like call volumes, call patterns and employee performance. This data can improve operational efficiency, identify training opportunities and strengthen customer service.

How much does a VoIP system cost?

A VoIP system’s cost depends on several factors, including:

• How many lines you need
• The features you want
• Your monthly domestic and international call volume
• Whether you choose a hosted or on-site setup

Pricing can vary widely, but hosted VoIP services generally run between $15 and $45 per user per month, with basic plans starting near the lower end of that range. Plans with advanced features and analytics can reach $60 or more per user monthly. You may also need VoIP phones or adapters. Still, most businesses find hosted VoIP very affordable.

On-site VoIP systems come with higher upfront costs, usually $500 to $2,000 per user for equipment and installation. Because everything is housed at your business, your team is responsible for maintenance, updates and troubleshooting. This setup can work well for companies with strong in-house IT support, but if you rely heavily on outside tech help, a hosted VoIP system is typically the better fit.

What equipment do you need for VoIP?

You don’t need much equipment to get started with VoIP. In fact, setting up and using a VoIP system is pretty simple. You’ll need: 

• A secure, stable, high-speed internet connection
• A modem and router (or a combined modem-router from your ISP)

Most businesses already have these in place, so it’s really a matter of checking whether your current service is robust enough or whether you need an upgrade. Bandwidth needs vary, but even a small business should have speeds of at least 25 Mbps.

From there, you can make VoIP calls without any extra hardware by using the service directly from your laptop, desktop or mobile device. If you want to use a traditional desk phone, you’ll need an adapter that connects your phone to the internet. You can also choose VoIP phones, which have the adapter built in.

Certain features — like an operator panel, hold menu or call queue — may require additional hardware depending on your setup, but your service provider can tell you what’s necessary for your business.

What to look for in a VoIP solution

Whether you’re a growing business looking to upgrade your phone system or a solo owner moving from a landline to VoIP, here are some essential factors to keep in mind when comparing providers.

• Ease of use: You shouldn’t need an engineering degree to operate a VoIP system. Look for a platform that feels intuitive from day one.
• Simple installation: Choose a system you can set up yourself with minimal hassle and without paying for professional installation.
• Accessibility: Accessibility features matter, especially if you serve a wide range of customers. Review the built-in accessibility options each platform offers.
• Cost: Avoid choosing a system that stretches your budget. Even if your business is growing, make sure the monthly cost is something you can reliably cover.
• Security: For business use, choose a VoIP system with strong encryption and security controls to keep customer and company information safe.
• Features: Make sure the solution covers the features you need now and gives you room to grow. Scalability is key, especially if you expect to add users or open new locations.
• Mobile access: You should be able to use your VoIP line in the office and on the go through mobile apps or connected devices.
• Third-party integrations: If you rely on other tools for communication or customer management, confirm your VoIP platform integrates with them. Compatibility with your existing business software is a major plus.
• Scalability: VoIP systems are far more scalable than landlines. Adding or removing lines — and bringing new locations online — should be quick and easy.
• Reliability: Many leading providers offer 99.9 percent or higher uptime guarantees, with some enterprise plans reaching 99.99 percent. Check each provider’s uptime track record to see how dependable their service really is.
• Compliance: If you work in a regulated industry like healthcare, look for platforms with built-in compliance tools like HIPAA support. The same goes for companies operating in regulated regions such as California or the EU.

Top VoIP providers to consider

As with any business phone system, it helps to do your homework and choose the VoIP vendor that fits your needs before investing in hardware or signing a contract.

Below, you’ll find several of the best business phone systems with VoIP options on the market today, along with links to our full reviews so you can compare features, pricing and support.

Zoom

Zoom may be known for video meetings, but Zoom Phone is a flexible VoIP option on its own. Pricing starts at $15 per user per month, making it easy to roll out for office, mobile and remote teams. The platform includes essential call-management tools like call transfer, parking and forwarding, plus integrations with Gmail, Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook and Slack. You can also add additional local or toll-free numbers starting at $5 per month.

Read our full Zoom review to see how it stacks up for features, pricing and ease of use.

8×8

8×8 is a strong choice for companies that need international coverage, with support for virtual numbers in 120-plus countries. The platform combines unified communications and contact-center tools, including call routing, queueing, omnichannel messaging and workforce-management features. It also integrates with major CRMs and supports key compliance standards like GDPR and HIPAA.

Pricing is available by custom quote, but most businesses can expect plans to fall within a typical mid-market VoIP range, depending on the number of users, features and global calling needs. Check out our detailed 8×8 review for a closer look at its global calling capabilities and compliance features.

Vonage

Vonage is ideal for companies that want flexibility and support for regulated industries. The Mobile plan starts at $19.99 per line per month with unlimited domestic calling and SMS, while the Premium plan ($29.99) adds desk-phone support, video meetings and team messaging. You can add toll-free and vanity numbers, advanced call-handling tools and AI-powered features as needed. With more than 40 unified-communications tools and strong CRM integrations, Vonage works well for teams of all sizes.

Explore our complete Vonage review to learn how its plans and features compare.

Dialpad

Dialpad’s AI-driven platform helps teams work smarter with real-time transcription, call summaries and other built-in AI tools. Every plan includes a local business number, and you can add additional local numbers for $5 per month or international and toll-free numbers starting at $15 per month. Pricing starts at $15 per user per month (billed annually) and jumps to $25 per user per month for more advanced tools and integrations.

Visit our up-to-date Dialpad review to see how it performs for AI features and everyday business calling.

RingEX (formerly RingCentral MVP)

RingEX is a feature-rich VoIP system with strong AI capabilities and a large marketplace of 300-plus integrations. The Core plan starts at $20 per user per month (billed annually) and includes a business number with unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada. Add-ons like international toll-free numbers start at $14.99 per user per month, U.S. toll-free numbers from $4.99, and additional international numbers from $5.99. Vanity numbers require a $30 setup fee plus a monthly charge.

Take a look at our RingEX review for full details on plans, add-ons and collaboration features.

Ooma Office

Ooma Office starts at $19.95 per user per month and includes one toll-free number with 500 inbound minutes, plus unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The service includes more than 50 business features, including a virtual receptionist, mobile and desktop apps and CRM integrations. It’s also compatible with existing paging and intercom devices. We especially like the Caller Info Match feature, which displays helpful customer details during incoming calls.

Read our comprehensive Ooma Office review to see how it fits growing small and midsize teams.

Nextiva

Nextiva’s Core plan starts at $15 per user per month (billed annually) and includes a local number with unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada. The platform unifies voice, video, messaging and customer experience tools in one place. Higher-tier plans like Engage and Power Suite CX add customer-journey enhancements and conversation analytics. Toll-free numbers and additional minutes are available as add-ons.

Explore our full Nextiva review to learn more about its communication and CX capabilities.

GoTo Connect

GoTo Connect offers three plans — Phone System, Connect CX and Contact Center — all priced by custom quote. Every plan includes unlimited local, toll-free and vanity numbers, plus 1,000 shared toll-free minutes each month. The platform integrates smoothly with GoTo Meeting and GoTo Webinar and includes strong routing tools, analytics and enterprise-grade security.

See our complete GoTo Connect review for insights into its strengths, tools and ideal use cases.