VoIP Phones – Hard and Soft

VoIP Hardphones and Softphones

In order to make a call over VoIP, we need some sort of a device – a VoIP telephone. VoIP phones can be divided into the two main groups: hardphones and softphones. The first one would be all the phone alike devices that are connected to the Internet, and used to make and receive calls. The second group, softphones, would be software, usually installed on a computer or a smartphone. Such software acts as a telephone.

VoIP Hardphones

A VoIP hardphone incorporates a fully functioning phone for VoIP services because it is an ATA and phone built into one. VoIP hardphones either plug right into a computer or into your high-speed Internet connection and they are ready to use, without a separate stand alone ATA or VoIP router. They can be wired or wireless, that is, to have an ethernet cable plugged in, or to use your local Wi-Fi (have a built-in Wi-Fi transceiver). In addition, they can be voice only, or voice and video phones.

Basic VoIP Hardphones Features

VoIP hardphones are similar in appearance and function to typical analog phones. VoIP hardphones feature a headset, dialing buttons, a caller id screen and can be either corded or cordless. The VoIP hardphone will either plug directly into a PC through a USB connection or through an Ethernet cable into a high-speed Internet connection/modem. To the user there is almost no difference in operation, function and appearance in basic VoIP hardphones and traditional analog phones.

Advanced VoIP Hardphones Features

Advanced VoIP hardphones can include features above and beyond basic VoIP hardphones. Advanced VoIP hardphones can have color screens displaying information and options, speakerphone, enhanced caller id and more. Additionally, as a digital device, some advanced VoIP hardphones are routers themselves and feature Ethernet ports for your PC and other networked devices to connect to your high-speed Internet connection. With a hardphone that includes a router you can replace your router and maintain connectivity for your networked devices. Combination videophone and VoIP hardphones are available with screens, cameras and everything needed to make video calls without the use of a PC.

VoIP Hardphone Manufacturers

VoIP hardphone manufacturers have primarily come from two different backgrounds, either as producers of analog telephones or as producers of network and technology devices. Just as VoIP is a combination of the two technologies, hardware providers usually have a background in one or the other.

Vtech and Uniden are analog phone producers who have recently produced and offered VoIP hardphones.
LinkSys and DLink produce network devices and equipment and also have begun to offer VoIP phones
Belkin and U.S. Robotics are general computing and electronics producers and also now offer VoIP hardphones

Compatibility of VoIP Hardphone

As discussed above, many third-party companies produce and sell VoIP hardphones. Compatibility is always an issue when using third-party devices, as with VoIP routers and ATAs, check with your VoIP services provider to see if the hardware you're considering is compatible. Hardware purchased from your VoIP provider will, of course, be compatible with their VoIP services. Some advantages of buying third-party hardware are: enhanced features and possible lower price.

VoIP Hardphone Pricing

VoIP hardware prices vary depending on the features and capabilities of the hardware. Some of the price ranges are :

Basic corded and cordless VoIP Hardphones: $50 - $100
Enhanced Feature VoIP Hardphones: $100 and more
Dedicated VoIP Videophones: $150 and up.

As VoIP develops and becomes more widely used, hardware prices are expected to decline.

VoIP Softphones

A VoIP softphone is software that lets a computer become a virtual phone - one that can make and receive telephone calls through VoIP services. Softphones use a combination of the software and PC hardware to provide a means of using VoIP services. There are different arrangements, some offer external dial pads and displays for dialing and caller ID. Softphones will also use the PC speakers or headphones and a PC microphone. Vonage softphone can be downloaded on any PC which makes it portable. Vonage offers a softphone for subscribers. The Vonage softphone is a simple to use download that will turn your PC into a virtual phone.

Basic Features of VoIP Softphones

VoIP softphones are computer software that you will be interacting with using your PC. There will be an on-screen dial pad, display for the number, either outbound if you're dialing, or incoming or caller ID. Many VoIP softphones also include an address book or contact list for caller ID and easy dialing of people and places you have stored. With a Vonage Internet phone, calls are easily placed by using the dial pad to manually dial a number or by using the address book. Access your voicemail through a simple voicemail button when using the Vonage softphone.

Advanced Features of VoIP Softphones

VoIP softphones include many expanded features and capabilities because of their PC-based nature. VoIP softphones can integrate with popular chat and IM programs already used on the Internet. VoIP softphones also have enhanced display features that can show call times and durations, detailed caller id and more. Also, with additional software and service, the PC can conduct videophone conversations, use IM and chat while on the phone and other multi-tasking.

Providers of VoIP Softphones

A VoIP softphone can't be used unless you are a subscriber of a VoIP services provider. VoIP providers are one source for VoIP softphones. Vonage is a VoIP services provider that offers their own softphone, the Vonage softphone also referred to as the Vonage Internet phone. Other VoIP service providers may have their own versions of a VoIP softphone. Independent software companies and developers may sell softphone software that will interface with your VoIP services account. If you are considering using a third-party VoIP softphone, ensure that there is compatibility between your VoIP provider and the third-party softphone. If you think you will change VoIP providers in the future, consider getting a VoIP softphone that is compatible with multiple protocols and providers.

VoIP Softphone Pricing

VoIP softphone pricing will vary. Some VoIP services providers offer their softphone for free to their customers. Others may charge for using the softphone on a monthly basis. Check first with your VoIP services provider to see if they offer a softphone and any associated costs, either for the software or a monthly service charge. Third-party software companies can charge between $25 - 50 for their softphone. Find out how cheap Vonage VoIP services are and how cheap Vonage softphone lines are. Vonage broadband phone service is required to use the Vonage softphone. There is a Vonage broadband phone service plan for everyone's needs.

VoIP Phones – Summary

VoIP hardphones are convenient, all-in-one solutions for integrating a VoIP services solution. Installing VoIP hardware is as simple as plugging in the hardware to your high-speed Internet connection. Using a VoIP softphone is often the easiest way of using VoIP services. For those who use PCs throughout the day, the software based VoIP phones are the perfect VoIP solution. VoIP softphones keep improving over time as communications and Internet technology improve. Look forward to increased functionality and enhanced features on future VoIP softphones.

For more information about softphone availability from providers, please see our comparison article entitled “Choosing a VoIP Service Provider”.