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Phones You Can Use With VoIP

VoIP technology opens the door to different phones, including virtual ones

By Nadeem Unuth Nadeem Unuth Freelance Contributor University of Mauritius Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 27, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email

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Expand Jump to a Section Home Phones IP Phones Softphones IP Handsets Smartphones and Tablets When it comes to making phone calls, voice-over-IP technology has several advantages over copper-wire systems. The networked nature of VoIP means you have additional options for phones you can use with VoIP.

Your Existing Phones

If you're committed to traditional, PSTN/POTS-based home phones, use them for VoIP by equipping an analog telephone adapter. The adapter translates the signal types to help your phone work with VoIP technology. When you register for a home or office VoIP service, you are normally provided with an ATA, which is also called an adapter. In other configurations, you may not need one.

IP Phones

The best phones for VoIP are IP phones, also called SIP phones. These are specifically designed for use with VoIP and have features that conventional phones lack. An IP phone acts as both a "phone" and an ATA.

Softphones

A softphone is software installed on a computer or mobile device. Its interface contains a keypad, which you use to dial numbers. It replaces a physical phone and often does not need an adapter to work. Examples of softphones are X-Lite, Bria, and Ekiga. Communication software like Skype may also have softphones included in their interfaces. Softphones also work with SIP accounts. SIP is more technically complex to configure and not as common in home settings, but it does have its perks.

IP Handsets

An IP handset is not independent. It connects to a PC with a softphone. An IP handset resembles a portable phone and is equipped with a USB cable for a PC connection. It has a keypad for dialing numbers. IP handsets are expensive and require some configuration to work.

Smartphones and Tablets

Nearly all VoIP apps that you install on smartphones and tablets have softphones integrated, with a dial pad to compose numbers. WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, and many communications platforms incorporate versions of softphones within their apps to support voice calls. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get Started With VoIP What Is a Softphone? Connect All Your Home Phones to Your VoIP Service The 5 Best Wireless IP Phones of 2022 What Does the Term 'Telephony' Mean? How to Turn Your iPod Touch Into a Phone The 5 Best Phone Adapters (ATAs) of 2022 Common VoIP Hardware Devices and Equipment What Is VoIP Latency, and Can It Be Reduced? Top Free SIP Apps for Your Computer 3 Ways You Make a VoIP Connection Make Free Calls on Your iPad The Difference Between VoIP and IP Telephony VoIP Apps for Free Calling on Mac How to Stop Echoes in Voice Calls VoIP Service For Cheap International Calls Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies