Best VoIP Handsets

Even though modern desk phones, especially those that are VoIP compatible by default, have many advanced features, there is one major disadvantage you cannot avoid: they are not portable unless you detach them from the cloud phone system. If you’re continuously on the move within your company’s facilities, you need something with more or less the same features of a desk phones, but with the convenience of portability. This is where cordless phones, also known as handsets, come into the picture. Despite still not being as widespread as VoIP desk phones, cordless phones have many pros with which they easily beat their fixed counterparts. But in which cases should you opt for a desk phone unit or a cordless handset? And which are the best VoIP handsets available on the market?

Pros and cons of handsets

However, since handsets communicate via radio waves, there is a huge chance of interference caused by other cordless devices. Unlike smartphones, you have to stay within a certain range from the docking station. And most importantly, there is the power issue: not only do handsets require batteries to operate, but if there is a power outage, their docking stations are out of the game.

Handset vs desk phone

Before you decide whether you want a handset or a desk phone, take into consideration your preferences and the intended use of your VoIP system. If you are stationed at the same space for longer periods of time, or you are an attendant/system operator, you need a desk phone. Desk phones can handle multiple lines and extensions at the same time (even via expansion modules) and they have hard keys with which you can give commands related to calls and voicemails. Furthermore, they possess larger screens and they cost less than their cordless counterparts.

However, if you often move around within your place of work, you should get a handset. Cordless devices might cost more and have smaller screens, but both the handset and their docking station are more portable. They also have more convenient, mobile-like menus for further call handling and system management purposes so the devices can be lighter (since they only have the most necessary hard keys). And like we said before, there are cordless sets with which you can use multiple handsets with the same docking station, meaning better mobility.

Getting VoIP handsets

Like in the case of desk phones and ATAs you can buy pre-configured cordless VoIP phones (or to be more precise, mobile sets) from many cloud phone system providers. Furthermore, many companies even provide you the option to not buy, but rent the phones for a monthly rental fee.

When you browse the cordless phone supply with your VoIP provider itself, you will notice something: not only you can choose from a smaller amount of phones (mostly those of Yealink, Panasonic and VTech), but they can be insanely expensive compared to more advanced desk phones. Therefore, the best option to score a better deal is to purchase your handsets somewhere else, like in consumer electronics stores or in online shops like Amazon – even though it means you need to configure your phones with your VoIP system yourself.

Recommended VoIP handsets

Even though you have the option to use analog phones with adapters, it is best to purchase a VoIP-ready device, because they are more advanced and can be perfect substitutes for desk phones. Here are a few of the best VoIP cordless phones:

Ooma HD2