7 Best Business VoIP Phone Systems that Will Work with Your Desk Phone

While many people are looking for a modern VoIP provider that can turn their smartphone or computer into a dedicated phone system, there are still several companies and individuals that like the idea of having a handset that they can use to make and take calls, transfer to others, and so forth. 

Technology has come a long way, but there are some parts of business that will remain even as they evolve. For some businesses, the desk phone is one of those items. Having a dedicated phone system is a big investment and when you’ve already spent a fortune on the hardware, the last thing that you want to hear is, “Hey, you don’t need those anymore!”

Not only that, but some things are just better done the old-fashioned way. Computers and smartphones are great, but the routing capabilities and tech features of the modern desk phone are rather impressive, too. If you’ve decided that your VoIP upgrade is going to be for the desk phone, we’ve got the providers that should be on your list. 

As you would with anything, you’ll need to compare the features that are offered based on your budget, as well as the plans offered. Budget-minded shoppers will also love that some of these providers offer discounts on their service when you pay annually instead of monthly. It’s all about finding what works for you. In the list below, we’ll look at seven of the best companies to consider when you want to keep the desk phones. 

When you’re choosing a VoIP provider, there are a lot of different features that you’ll find. Make sure that you focus primarily on things like:

• Customer service and reputation
• Unlimited calling and texting (are these included or extra?)
• Included features for the price
• Upgrade and scalability features
• Customization options 

There are a lot of different elements you could consider, but these should be first on your list. After all, it doesn’t matter how affordable a service is if it is of poor quality or doesn’t meet your needs. Before we get ahead of ourselves, though, let’s stop and talk a little more about what VoIP is, why it is becoming the preferred method of business communication, and more. 

The case for VoIP

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. It’s the process of sending audio in data packets over data lines instead of transmitting calls via traditional telephone lines. It might sound complicated, but essentially, you’re calling over the Internet instead of the phone. That provides a number of different benefits, starting with a much lower cost-per-call, giving more businesses the chance to upgrade to real business phone solutions without breaking the bank. 

Other perks of VoIP that you need to consider include:

• More call flexibility—take calls from anywhere, on any device, thanks to VoIP providers with mobile apps and other tools to keep you connected on the go. These providers are all about improving your communications and helping you make things better, and they do this with the services that they offer. 

• More comprehensive calling plans and solutions. You no longer have to pick and choose between overpriced plans that have features you’ll never even use. Most VoIP providers will allow you to customize the plans that you choose with the features that you need so that you’re never paying for anything that you don’t need. 

• Enhanced security features and more call tracking support. You’ll be able to use information and intelligence gathered from your calls in a whole new way. Calls are made across secure lines and give people the chance to connect with you in several ways. 

• Better options for solopreneurs and SMBs. While major VoIP providers and traditional phone companies focus a lot on enterprise organizations, there are several solutions geared toward the small businesses out there today. That includes several in the list below, and many that are free to start or for basic access, too. 

• A chance to improve your phone system without a huge hardware investment. When you choose VoIP providers that are compatible with the desk phones that you have, you’ll save a small fortune and be able to get a lot more for your money. You can even choose a VoIP system that has its own desk phones, and you’ll still find that they’re much more affordable than traditional phone systems. 

• VoIP also supports flexible communications and multitasking, helping you improve your business operations in several different ways. You’ll have flexible solutions to take care of communications in a whole new way and you’ll be able to deliver better services to your audience. Plus, you’ll do it all for a fraction of the cost, as we mentioned above. 

These are just a few perks to consider when you’re looking to upgrade to VoIP. Once you see just how much you can get for your money, you’ll be quick to make the transition. And when you’re ready, the brands in the list below will be there to help. 

7 VoIP systems that are best for desk phone use

1. Ooma

Ooma makes the top of the list because their plans come two-fold, and the one includes free basic service when you choose Ooma devices (AKA desktop handsets) instead of just signing up for the monthly subscription plan with the devices that you have. You also get a 60-day trial of the Premier plan when you choose the Ooma device, or you can bring your own devices. 

Ooma offers integrations with smart devices and all users enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll find customized greetings, voicemail transcription, intelligent call routing powered by AI, and detailed reporting and monitoring, just to name a few features. Check out key highlights:

• Price: $19.95 per user, per month
• 30-day guarantee
• Free basic access with Ooma desk phone
• Intelligent call routing
• Voicemail transcription available
• Unlimited calling plans available
• Desktop and mobile apps included

2. Nextiva

Nextiva has long been a leader in business communications and VoIP services. They have one of the best trials, offering a full 30 days for anyone to try out their services before committing. Affordable plans come in all shapes and sizes, and they all include unlimited faxing. You can enjoy an auto attendant and intelligent call routing to take more of the transfers off your hands, too. 

Nextiva offers automated greetings, and you can upgrade to get unlimited audio if you need it. You can also find plenty of advanced features to make your desk phone more effective and to streamline everything so that you can see it all in real-time. Consider highlights like:

• Price: $30.95 per month
• Free 30-day trial
• Customizable and scalable platform
• Automated greetings included
• Unlimited audio with upgrade
• Auto-attendant and other options for desk phones

3. Vonage

Vonage has long been a leader in VoIP and Internet communications. They have been leading the charge for VoIP even since before it was a huge market, and now they offer some of the best plans and services available. They have plenty to choose from for less than you think, and their services integrate with tons of different desk phones. 

You’ll enjoy AI-enabled workflows and intelligent call management. Plus, you can connect your solutions in more ways through the Vonage App Center, and there are plenty of different plans to choose from. You can get a number for more than 50 countries if you aren’t bringing yours, and the free trial helps you get a feel for what you’re getting. Consider features like:

• Price: $19.99 per month
• Free 14-day trial
• AI-enabled workflows
• Intelligent call management
• Plenty of desk phone compatibility 

4. RingCentral

RingCentral began as a pioneer in Internet faxing. Today, they are among the best choice for VoIP solutions, including when you need to work with a traditional desk phone. A free trial lets you see what the platform is like, and you can get a discount by paying annually. Of course, the platform also includes cloud hosting and call routing, as well as other standard calling features. 

You can enjoy an intelligent auto-attendant and even scale the platform as your business grows. It makes integrating with your desk phones easier than ever and the setup process takes just a few minutes. You can even upgrade your plan or ask for RingCentral’s support in getting started for a small fee. Key features include:

• Price: $25 per month
• AI and intelligent call routing, transfers, and more
• Cloud-hosted for scalability
• Auto-attendant included
• Discounts for annual payments

5. 8x8

8x8 is another great VoIP provider that works with any device, including VoIP-enabled desk phones. Although you’ll probably want to upgrade past the Express plan, you’ll enjoy the features that you find, including intelligent call routing, easy monitoring and analytics, customizable plans, and flexible bandwidth that ensures that you are always getting the power you deserve. And if you do want to start basic, it’s just $12 bucks a month for each user. This company is hitting a lot of the “best of” lists for their services, so pay attention.

8x8 also promises 99.999% uptime, which is critical for a business that needs to stay connected. You can import contacts and upgrade for an all-in-one plan if you want something more dynamic. Plus, it integrates with tons of the software and tools that you’re already using. Highlights include:

• Price: $12 per month
• Free 30-day trial
• Integrates with desk phones and other software 
• Intelligent call routing and AI
• Impressive uptime and flexible bandwidth

6. Bitrix24

This business VoIP system is capable of working with mobile and desktop apps, or it can be integrated into a VoIP phone system that will deliver powerful communications for your business. This is one of the most robust platforms that you’ll find for free access, with a basic plan that’s free for an impressive 12 users or fewer. Paid plans are affordable, too. 

Bitrix24 makes it easy to stay in touch with your internal teams, too, and includes intelligent call routing and unlimited audio and messaging. You can set up voicemail transcription, automated transfers, and more. Plus, there’s a group chat option and you can find mobile apps to keep track of your desk phone when you’re away from the desk. Check out highlights like:

• Price: Free basic access, plans start at $17 per month for paid subscriptions
• Mobile apps included
• Auto-attendant and intelligent call routing
• Scalable plans available
• Contact syncing included
• Comes with a CRM to manage it all

7. GoToConnect

GoToConnect is a leader in VoIP service. They have some of the best basic plans available and you can upgrade to premium plans for advanced features if you need them. You’ll enjoy meetings with up to 250 participants and plenty of standard calling and texting features. You’ll also get unlimited calling and messaging, call routing, and AI-based voice intelligence to help you get people to the right place faster. 

GoToConnect offers a free trial and you’ll be able to keep your numbers when you transition. Unlimited online faxing is included, too, and you’ll be able to upgrade to unlimited attendants and queues for just a few bucks more each month. Consider highlights like:

• Price: $24 per month to start
• Free 14-day trial
• Unlimited attendants and queues with upgrade
• Intelligent call routing and transfers
• Unlimited audio and messaging

Connect with Smith.ai to streamline calls, chats, and more

You’ve got a business to run. There’s a lot on your plate already and it seems like every time you turn around, there’s something else. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a superhero—there are resources to help. One of the best, in our humble opinion, is a partnership with Smith.ai’s dedicated virtual receptionists, who can field calls, chats, and more to free up your time and streamline your communications. 

Smith.ai offers 24/7 services for everything from after-hours answering and live website chat, to SMS messaging, lead intake, scheduling, and so much more. Plus, we’ll help build your business communications strategy so that everything is handled, reducing your workload and your stress. 

To learn more, schedule a consultation to discuss what the 24/7 virtual receptionists at Smith.ai can do to help your communications. You can also find us at hello@smith.ai or (650) 727-6484.