Call center phones connect to business phone systems to help agents answer and manage calls, attend audio conferences, and check voicemail. We evaluated dozens of call center phones and narrowed down our top six choices in terms of price, features, call quality, scalability, and customer support to determine the best overall for call centers.
Top 6 Call Center Phones 2018
| Cisco SPA 303 | (Best overall) For call centers on a budget needing basic desk phones. |
| Grandstream GXP1780 | Call centers wanting mid-range desk phones with advanced features at an affordable price. |
| Grandstream GXP2170 | Businesses needing desk phones that can manage high call volume with ease. |
| Polycom VVX 311 | Teams needing desk phones that integrate with productivity tools like Microsoft Exchange. |
| Yealink T49G | Organizations wanting desk phones with built-in video collaboration and conferencing tools. |
| Call centers needing softphones to make, receive, and manage calls from the computer desktop. |
How We Evaluated Call Center Phones
Call center phones help agents answer and manage calls quickly and without sound distortion. They should feature routing tools like call transfer, waiting, and forwarding, and also support headsets and other peripherals. Call control buttons should be intuitive and screen displays should be easy to read.
To determine the best call center phones, we considered the following:
- Price – We evaluated the cost of each phone, including whether it shipped with all the necessary components to work out of the box.
- Features – We analyzed features like call routing, HD-quality audio, call conferencing, and phone control keys.
- Call Quality – We evaluated online reviews for customer feedback on call sound quality.
- Scalability – We compared how many voice lines and SIP accounts each phone had to offer.
- Hardware and Software Integrations – We looked at each phone’s hardware and software integrations, including USB ports, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, headset ports, and cameras.
- Setup and Ease of Use – We evaluated how easy each phone was to set up and noted whether the display was user-friendly.
- Customer Support – We assessed the warranty of each phone and each company’s customer support services.
Based on our research, we recommend Cisco SPA 303 for call centers that need a desk phone with standard features at an affordable price. Here’s how the six phones we evaluated stack up when we compared them against each other for price, features, call quality, and customer support.
Best Overall Phone for Call Centers: Cisco SPA 303
Cisco SPA 303 is a VoIP phone designed for call centers that need phones with standard features like voicemail access, speakerphone, and a headset jack. The three-line phone also includes pager call, caller ID, and call waiting. Cisco SPA 303 is best for call centers that need budget phones with basic features.
Cisco SPA 303 Pricing
Cisco SPA 303 pricing runs $50 to $65, which is about average for budget call center phones with a basic set of features, but you’ll want to shop around for the best price. The phone comes with a power adapter and Ethernet cable, but not optional accessories like a headset or external microphone.
Cisco SPA 303 Features
Cisco SPA 303 three-line phones connect directly to an internet telephone service provider or PBX wirelessly or via one of two Ethernet LAN ports. Call routing features include forwarding, waiting, and transfer. Dedicated buttons activate hold, audio, headset, speakerphone, and voicemail. Telephony features include call logs, personal directory, and do not disturb.
Scalability
Cisco SPA 303 has three voice lines and supports SIP protocol. By comparison, the Yealink T49G has sixteen lines, Grandstream GXP2170 has twelve, and Grandstream GXP1780 has eight lines. Polycom VVX 311 has six lines, but because of the extra lines and productivity tools, it also costs more than the Cisco SPA 303.
Hardware and Software Integrations
Cisco SPA 303 includes two Ethernet LAN ports for connecting to an internet telephone service provider or PBX. It also has one headset jack and a built-in microphone and speaker. The phone has a built-in web-server for admin purposes but doesn’t offer user-level software features like Polycom’s productivity tool integration.
Setup and Ease of Use
The phone sets up quickly out of the box and connects to the phone system network via Ethernet connection or wirelessly. Setup includes secure remote provisioning, and menu-based and web-based configuration. The phone’s menu-driven interface guides users via a 128 x 64 LCD screen located on the base unit. This screen is one of the smallest displays on the list, with Grandstream GXP1780’s screen only slightly larger at 200 x 80.
Customer Support
Cisco SPA 303 comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty and 90-day limited software warranty. Cisco also manages an online support community and processes product returns and replacements through a portal on its website—the only company on our list to offer this benefit.
What Cisco SPA 303 Is Missing
Cisco SPA 303 is missing HD audio found in rest of the desk phones on this list. It’s also missing Polycom VVX 311’s productivity tools and the video capability of the Yealink T49G phone. Businesses that want a solution that provides all those features in a single call center phone system solution should check out RingCentral.
What Users Think About Cisco SPA 303
Online reviews of Cisco SPA 303 phone are positive overall. Customers report it’s a good basic VoIP phone for the money that works well right out of the box. They say the buttons are easy to program and the sound quality is great. However, some customers report issues with long reboot times of over a minute and a flimsy handset.
Where to Find Cisco SPA 303
Cisco SPA 303 call center phones can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon or Newegg. To get a look at the physical phone before buying, check out traditional stores like Staples or Best Buy. Purchase the Cisco SPA 303 by clicking the button below.
Best Call Center Phone for Mid-Range Desk Phones: Grandstream GXP1780
Grandstream GXP1780 is a VoIP phone designed for call centers that need phones with advanced features like one-touch call recording and a large phone book capacity. This eight-line phone also includes five-way video conferencing and HD audio. This phone is right for call centers that want a mid-level desk phone at a competitive price.
Pricing
The Grandstream GXP1780 price averages $60 to $90 depending on the retailer, which is affordable for a mid-range call center phone. This phone comes with a universal power supply and network cable, but you’ll need to purchase a thumb drive separately if you plan to use the USB port to transfer data or record calls.
Features
Grandstream GXP1780 eight-line VoIP phone features multiple call routing options, including transfer, forward, park, waiting, and hot desking. The phone book stores up to 2,000 contacts and a call history of up to 500 records. This phone also features five-way audio conference calling, a built-in USB port for data transfer, HD audio, and speakerphone.
Its additional features and benefits include:
Scalability
Grandstream GXP1780 features eight voice lines and four SIP accounts. Cisco’s SPA 303 phone only has three lines and doesn’t offer features like a larger phone book or as many call routing options. The more expensive Polycom phone only has six voice lines, while Grandstream GXP2170 and Yealink T49G have a dozen or more lines and a higher price tag to show for it.
Hardware and Software Integrations
Grandstream GXP1780 features dual-switched Ethernet ports for connecting to an internet telephone service provider or PBX. It also offers a built-in USB port for importing and exporting data, a headphone jack, and a separate EHS port. Telephony features include support for web and enterprise apps, including local weather services. These features are similar to Polycom VVX 311’s integration with productivity tools like Microsoft Exchange.
Setup and Ease of Use
Phone setup is easily completed via automated provisioning, and the intuitive user interface is via a backlit 200 x 80 LCD display on the phone’s base. This display is about the same size and quality as Polycom VVX 311’s LCD display of 208 x 104. Grandstream phones work with many VoIP business phone systems, including Vonage and Nextiva, but be sure to check with your service for details.
Customer Support
Grandstream GXP1780 comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty, which is standard for the phones on this list. Grandstream also offers an online ticketing support system, online chat, and an extensive online knowledge base. RingCentral also offers these customer support benefits, plus online guides, videos, and downloadable desktop software and mobile apps.
What Grandstream GXP1780 Is Missing
Grandstream GXP1780 doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity like the Grandstream GXP2170 and Yealink T49G, so this phone won’t be able to connect to a wireless headset or mobile phone to sync contact data. However, those phones also come at a significantly higher price.
What Users Think About Grandstream GXP1780
Online customer reviews of the Grandstream GXP1780 phone are positive overall. Customers say the phone is versatile and setup is quick and easy. However, some users say the sound quality could be better.
Where to Find Grandstream GXP1780
Grandstream GXP1780 call center phones can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon. To get a look at the physical phone before buying, check out traditional stores like Staples or Office Depot. Purchase the Grandstream GXP1780 by clicking the button below.
Best Call Center Phone for High-Volume Call Centers: Grandstream GXP2170
Grandstream GXP2170 is a VoIP phone designed for call centers that need more than ten phone lines and a fast connection to handle a high volume of calls. This phone also features conference calling, call recording, and Bluetooth headset support. Grandstream GXP2170 is best for high volume call and customer support centers.
Pricing
The Grandstream GXP2170 costs between $100 and $135 depending on the retailer. It’s more expensive than other call center phones on the list but offers advanced features and more voice lines. You’ll also need to purchase a separate thumb drive to import and export data, as well as any Bluetooth accessories, like a headset.
Features
Grandstream GXP2170 12-line VoIP phone features multiple call routing options including transfer, park, hot desking, and waiting. It also features HD audio, XML screen customization, five-way conference calling, speakerphone, and 11 dedicated call and phone control keys. Grandstream GXP2170 also offers a built-in USB port for importing and exporting data directly to the phone.
The Grandstream GXP2170’s features and benefits include:
Scalability
Grandstream GXP2170 features twelve voice lines and six SIP accounts. For businesses that need a lot of lines to handle a high volume of calls, the 16-SIP account Yealink T49G phone is an option but could be cost prohibitive. RingCentral’s softphone option offers similar features to Grandstream GXP2170 at a more affordable price.
Hardware and Software Integrations
Like the mid-range Grandstream GXP1780 phone, Grandstream GXP2170 features dual-switched Ethernet ports for connecting to an internet telephone service provider or PBX. It also offers a built-in USB port for importing and exporting data, a headphone jack, and built-in Bluetooth for syncing headsets and mobile devices for contacts, calendars, and call transfer.
Setup and Ease of Use
Grandstream GXP2170 phone setup is easily completed via automated provisioning. The user interface is via a backlit 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 color LCD display on the phone’s base. This screen is about half the size of Yealink T49G’s eight-inch 1280 x 800 LCD touchscreen.
Customer Support
Grandstream GXP2170 comes with a one-year limited hardware warranty, which is standard for the phones on this list. Grandstream also offers an online ticketing support system, online chat, and an extensive online knowledge base. RingCentral also offers these customer support benefits, plus online guides, videos, and downloadable desktop software and mobile apps.
What Grandstream GXP2170 Is Missing
Grandstream GXP2170 doesn’t offer the softphone features found in RingCentral’s business VoIP phone system, like call intercept while a caller is leaving a voicemail or the ability to send a text-to-speech message to callers in real-time. This phone also doesn’t include the video conferencing features of Yealink T49G.
What Users Think About Grandstream GXP2170
Online reviews of the Grandstream GXP2170 are positive. Customers say the phone has a quality feel in the hand, the screen is bright and easy to read, and the sound quality is excellent. However, some customers say features like the weather app and large contact book use up a lot of the phone’s memory and slow it down.
Where to Find Grandstream GXP2170
Grandstream GXP2170 call center phones can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon and Newegg. To get a look at the physical phone before buying, check out traditional stores like Office Depot. Purchase the Grandstream GXP2170 by clicking the button below.
Best Call Center Phone for Productivity Tool Integration: Polycom VVX 311
Polycom VVX 311 is a VoIP phone that integrates with computer-based apps like Microsoft Exchange calendars so agents can receive meeting reminders and alerts right on their phones. It also offers built-in web applications and custom backgrounds. This phone is best for call centers that want desk phones that integrate with computer-based productivity apps.
Pricing
Polycom VVX 311 pricing averages between $90 and $125, which is an average price for a call center phone with productivity tool integration, and it falls midway on our list of desk phones. The package doesn’t include a power supply for this phone, so you’ll need to purchase one if you don’t have one on hand.
Features
The Polycom VVX 311 features six HD-quality voice lines and SIP protocol support. Call routing features include transfer, hold, divert, pickup, and waiting. This phone also features distinctive incoming call treatment that automatically diverts or rejects specific contacts, local three-way audio call conferencing, do not disturb, and voicemail support.
The Polycom VVX 311’s benefits to call centers are as follows:
Scalability
Polycom VVX 311 has six voice lines. By comparison, Cisco SPA 303 has three lines and costs less but doesn’t offer computer-based productivity tool integration. RingCentral’s softphone pricing is on par with this phone and comes bundled with a complete call center phone system and productivity tool integration, including Microsoft Exchange Calendar via Zapier.
Hardware and Software Integrations
Polycom VVX 311 features a two-port Ethernet switch and dedicated headset port, and is compatible with commercially available TTY adapter equipment. The phone includes a WebKit-enabled full browser that supports HTML5, CSS, SSL security, and JavaScript. It also supports Polycom Apps SDK and API for third-party business and personal applications.
Setup and Ease of Use
Polycom VVX 311 phone setup is completed with Polycom’s Zero Touch Provisioning and web-based configuration tool. The user interface is via a backlit 3.2-inch 208 x 104 LCD display on the phone’s base. This display is on par with Grandstream GXP1780’s 200 x 80 LCD display. Polycom phones are compatible with VoIP services like RingCentral, but may require manual provisioning.
Customer Support
Polycom VVX 311 comes with a one-year warranty, which is standard for the phones on this list. Polycom offers self-service customer support tools on its website, including online community forums, free software downloads, an extensive online knowledge base, and online chat. It doesn’t offer an online ticketing system like RingCentral and Cisco.
What Polycom VVX 311 Is Missing
Polycom VVX 311 is missing a USB port and Bluetooth for additional headset connectivity. It’s also missing phone book and call history features for businesses that want to manage contacts and log call records right from the phone. Companies that require those features may find Grandstream GXP1780 is a better fit.
What Users Think About Polycom VVX 311
Customers who review the Polycom VVX 311 online say the phone is easy to program, has great sound quality, and is a good overall value for the money. However, some users say the contrast on the LCD screen can be difficult to read in low light.
Where to Find Polycom VVX 311
Polycom VVX 311 call center phones can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon. For a hands-on look at the phone before buying, check out traditional stores like Staples. Purchase the Polycom VVX 311 by clicking the button below.
Best Call Center Phone for Built-In Video Conferencing: Yealink T49G
Yealink T49G is a VoIP phone that supports both audio and video calling so agents can make and receive calls and attend video conferences from a single device. Advanced features include a multi-touch display and HDMI output. This phone is best for call centers that want desk phones with built-in video collaboration and conferencing features.
Pricing
Yealink T49G prices run $490 to $620, depending on the retailer, so you’ll want to shop around for the best price. Advanced HD audio and video features make this desk phone the most expensive on our list. You’ll need to purchase optional accessories like a headset or external monitor to connect to the HDMI output.
Features
Yealink T49G features up to 16 SIP accounts. Call routing features include forward, waiting, transfer, return, and auto answer. This phone also offers dual-band Wi-Fi, HD audio and video, call recording, and built-in Bluetooth. It also includes a call log and local phone book that holds up to 1,000 contacts.
The Yealink T49G offers the following additional features and benefits for call centers:
Scalability
Yealink T49G has up to 16 SIP accounts and permits direct IP call without SIP proxy. This phone offers the most SIP accounts of all the phones on our list. Only Grandstream GXP2170 comes closest, with 12 voice lines and six SIP accounts.
Hardware and Software Integrations
Yealink T49G features dual-port Ethernet for connecting to the phone system network. Like Grandstream GXP1780, it also includes built-in Bluetooth, USB, and headset ports. Unlike other phones on the list, it also offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a two-megapixel camera for video conferencing, and an HDMI port for connecting to a monitor.
Setup and Ease of Use
Yealink T49G setup is easily completed via automated provisioning. The user interface is via an eight-inch 1280 x 800 capacitive LCD touchscreen, the largest and highest resolution of all phones on this list. By comparison, it’s almost twice the size of Grandstream GXP2170’s backlit 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 color LCD display.
Customer Support
Yealink T49G comes with a one-year warranty. Yealink offers self-service customer support tools on its website, including online community forums, an online ticketing system, free downloadable product documentation, and an online knowledge base. Yealink doesn’t offer online chat like RingCentral and Grandstream.
What the Yealink T49G Is Missing
Yealink T49G doesn’t offer TTY adapter support found in Polycom VVX 311. Unlike the other phones on this list, Yealink T49G has SIP accounts but no voice lines. However, that may not be a deal breaker for companies transitioning to cloud-based communications with services like Nextiva’s SIP Trunking solution.
What Users Think About Yealink T49G
Customer reviews of the Yealink T49G online are positive overall. Users say the audio and video quality is great, the video screen is beautiful, and configuration is surprisingly easy for such a feature-rich phone. However, some users report the hefty price tag is a drawback.
Where to Find Yealink T49G
Yealink T49G call center phones can be purchased from online retailers like Amazon and Newegg. For an in-person look at the phone before buying, check out traditional stores like Staples and Office Depot. Purchase the Yealink T49G by clicking the button below.
Best Call Center Phone for Computer-Based Softphone Calling: RingCentral
RingCentral is a VoIP business phone system that rents and sells desk phones and also offers computer-based softphone calling for making, routing, and managing calls. RingCentral ranks high on our list of best VoIP service providers, and its computer integration adds an extra layer of tools and functionality to call center phone service.
RingCentral Pricing
RingCentral’s prices for up to 10 users range from $29.99 to $39.99 per month. Unlimited user plans range from $34.99 to $44.99 per month. All plans have an annual contract option for a discount on the cost per user. Customers who pay by the month can cancel any time without penalty.
RingCentral’s Tiered Features
| Pricing | |||
| Unlimited Audio and Video Meetings | |||
| Unlimited phone calls | |||
| Call Routing and Management | |||
| 24/7 Customer Support | |||
| HD Voice | |||
| Multi-level auto attendant | |||
| Call Log Reports | |||
| Automatic Call Recording |
RingCentral Essentials
RingCentral’s Essentials tier package includes all the functionality of a desk phone in a computer-based softphone, including unlimited HD-quality phone calls, and unlimited audio and video meetings for groups of up to four people. This level also includes 24/7 customer support, the only company on the list to offer this benefit. This tier is right for small call centers and teams that don’t want to be confined by physical phones.
This tier doesn’t offer the multi-level auto-attendant or automatic call recording features found in the higher level packages. It also doesn’t include the call log reports offered in Cisco SPA 303 and Yealink T49G phones. The initial monthly cost per user is less than any of the phones on the list. However, it’s worth considering that the monthly fees will add up over time, whereas the cost of a phone is a one-time expense.
RingCentral Standard
RingCentral’s Standard tier package adds multi-level auto-attendant for more softphone call routing, like directing calls to multiple locations or external phone numbers. A multi-level auto-attendant also acts as an automated virtual receptionist to greet and route callers based on specific rules. This tier includes call log reports to track inbound and outbound calls. This tier is right for call centers with 10 or more agents that want softphone calling capability.
This tier doesn’t include automatic call recording found at the Premium level or on the Yealink T49G and Grandstream GXP2170 phones. The monthly price of this tier is close to the one-time cost of Cisco SPA 303 phones. However, a VoIP business phone system with softphone capabilities may be a worthwhile investment with no phone hardware to maintain, upgrade, or replace.
RingCentral Premium
RingCentral’s Premium tier adds unlimited audio and video meetings to softphone calling for groups of up to 100 people and automatic call recording. Grandstream GXP2170 also features call recording. However, unlike computer-based calling, a USB thumb drive is required to record and remove files from the phone. This tier is a good fit for larger call centers and businesses that want digital records of calls for quality assurance, training, and compliance purposes.
RingCentral’s customer support is solid across each tier and among the strongest of its competitors, with an online knowledge base, support specialist ticketing system, phone and chat support. Whether it makes more sense to pay for monthly or yearly billing for a business phone system or a one-time charge for phone hardware depends on your overall business needs.
What RingCentral Is Missing
A limited number of desktop VoIP phones are available for purchase through RingCentral, including the Cisco SPA 303 for $129 and the Polycom VVX 311 for $169. RingCentral is missing a wider range of phone choices at price points that better reflect market value. Phone rentals are also available, but RingCentral is also missing an option to lease phones without a multi-year contract commitment.
What Users Think About RingCentral
Our readers have generally positive things to say about RingCentral, with an average rating of four out of five stars. They report the service offers a wide range of helpful features that are useful for businesses of any size. However, some readers note the customer service team can sometimes be slow to respond. For more user reviews, visit the RingCentral Review Page.
Where to Find RingCentral
Businesses that want a VoIP business phone system with built-in softphone calling features should give RingCentral a try. The company offers a free trial of its product and 30-day money back guarantee when you purchase an account. Check out RingCentral’s website for details.
Bottom Line
Call center phones help agents answer, route, and manage calls, check voicemail, and attend audio conferences. These features help a call center run smoothly and efficiently so callers have the best possible customer experience.
Businesses that want a call center phone with the essential features they need but without a lot of extra bells and whistles should take a look at the Cisco SPA 303 phone. It offers all these features, plus voicemail, speakerphone, and a headset jack, for an affordable price that should fit most budgets. Purchase the Cisco SPA 303 by visiting the button below.
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