An IP phone is used to make and receive calls with the internet instead of a traditional PSTN system. While an IP phone looks similar to a regular phone and offers many of the same features, IP phones do cost more.
There’s a simple reason for this: IP phones include an internal analog telephone adapter (ATA), which acts as a hardware interface between an analog phone system and a digital network or VoIP service. The ATA in a IP phone allows you to merge your PSTN phone system with your VoIP service. IP phones connect directly to your router and include all the required hardware and software to handle IP calls. Without a phone specially designed for VoIP, you’d have to purchase and set up an external ATA instead.
Among IP phones, prices vary based on the same kinds of options, differences and features as other telephones, such as their visual displays, audio quality and number of lines. Any IP phone will provide the basic voice service provided by your VoIP provider, but if you’re planning to use features like Caller ID, Call Waiting or Video calls, make sure you select a phone that offers these options.
So how much is an IP phone going to set you back? You can expect to pay anywhere from $40 on the very low end to $400 and up for a top-of-the-line model. We carry a wide selection of IP phones from Cisco, Avaya, Mitel and Polycom, so you can definitely find one to fit your needs. If you’re on a tight budget and only need the basics, be sure to check out all of our IP phones under $100. If you need help deciding which IP phone is right for you, contact us. We'd love to help.
