VoIP Phone Comparison

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones are used with VoIP services in order to make phone calls using VoIP technology. The type of VoIP service you choose will determine what type of VoIP phone you need.

Types

There are two types of VoIP phones: phones that plug directly into your broadband connection and phones that plug directly into your computer. You will choose what type you need based on what type of service you have.

Function

VoIP phones that plug into your broadband connection are used with broadband VoIP. VoIP phones that plug into your computer are used with Internet VoIP. The latter also needs software in order to run.

Considerations

You can forgo buying a special VoIP phone by using your regular home phone. For broadband VoIP, this means purchasing a phone adapter and a modem in order to connect. For Internet VoIP this means purchasing a USB adapter in order to connect. Compare the costs to see if this route is cheaper than purchasing a VoIP phone.

References

• VoIP Talk: VoIP Product Setup Guide
• Magic Jack: Instructions