6 Best Multi-line Phone Systems for Small Businesses

A multi-line phone system supports two or more voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) phone lines, allowing users to make and receive multiple calls simultaneously. When choosing between multi-line phone system providers, it’s best to consider inclusive features like the number of supported lines and the display interface, customer support options, and external integrations.

Based on our evaluation, here are the best multi-line phone systems for small businesses:

• Poly VVX 601: Top overall choice and best multi-line phone system for small businesses needing a robust, expandable system
• Grandstream GXV3370: Top multi-line phone system choice for organizations wanting built-in video conferencing tools
• Mitel MiVoice 5330E: Best option for small companies with high customer call volume
• Nextiva X-885: Top choice for businesses wanting powerful expansion module options
• Poly VVX 150: Better for small businesses needing a straightforward two-line VoIP phone system
• Cisco 7841: Better for small businesses that want VoIP desk phones with the look and feel of traditional models

Best Multi-line Phone Systems at a Glance

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Poly VVX 601: Best Overall Multi-line Phone System

The Poly VVX 601 is a popular multi-line phone system for small businesses and earns a top spot as one of the best VoIP phones. It supports up to 16 VoIP lines and a multi-touch, gesture-based user interface that resembles a tablet or smartphone, making it easy for users to navigate with minimal training. The model is available through the Poly website or Amazon. Keep in mind that on Amazon, the A/C adapter isn’t included and costs an additional $24.99.

The Polycom VVX 601 has dual USB ports for media and storage applications, and built-in, broad interoperability capabilities allow for easy third-party unified communications (UC) integrations. The hearing aid compatible (HAC) device comes with active noise cancellation, which is ideal for business communications. It also supports headsets and VoIP features, including music on hold and call park, but looks similar to an analog phone.

Unfortunately, it does not have a built-in camera but is compatible with the Polycom VVX Camera for video conferencing. If you are looking for the best multi-line business phone with a built-in camera, check out the Grandstream GXV3370. The GXV3370 features a powerful desktop video phone with a 7-inch touchscreen and an advanced megapixel camera for high-definition (HD) video conferencing.

Poly VVX 601 Features

• Display: The sleek, intuitive interface looks modern with a 4.3-inch display larger than the Cisco 7841 display, but smaller than the large 7-inch found on the Grandstream GXV3370. The color touchscreen is clear and stark compared to Cisco’s monochrome display.
• Tablet functions: The Poly VVX 601 is the best multi-line phone system on our list that integrates with Microsoft Exchange calendars. It also supports quick access to corporate directories, sends reminders or alerts, and connects with productivity apps via open application programming interfaces (APIs).
• Flexibility: Connect headsets through the RJ-9, USB port, or Bluetooth. Use a USB flash drive to store local voice call recordings. Do you want to get a quick question answered by a coworker? The intercom feature works with any VVX device, including the more affordable Poly VVX 150.

Grandstream GXV3370: Best Multi-line Phone System for Its Built-in Video Conferencing Tools

The Grandstream GXV3370 is an internet protocol (IP) video phone for Android that comes with an advanced built-in camera, Bluetooth interface, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The 7-inch, 720p backlit LCD screen is clear and supports HD video conferencing. Moreover, the system offers multiple protocol support, speakerphone, and expands to as many as 16 phone lines. Users can even stream internet radio through the Grandstream GXV3370.

Even with all its extra bells and whistles, like the Poly VVX 601, the phones only support 16 lines with up to 16 session initiation protocol (SIP) accounts. If you need more phone lines, try the Mitel MiVoice 5330E, which supports up to 20 lines.

Grandstream GXV3370 Features

• Call management: Improve experiences for callers by using call forwarding, hold, transfer, caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting. Plus, stay on top of calls and messages with the visual ringer light and voice message waiting for the indicator.
• Advanced tools: The Grandstream GXV3370 provides software development kit (SDK) support for apps, takes secure digital (SD) cards, allows web browsing, and has an alarm, built-in calendar, and a clock. In addition, Grandstream is one of the best multi-line office phones offering local and cloud call recording.
• Multiple protocol support: The Grandstream GXV3370 works with several IP private branch exchange (PBX) and VoIP services, including Google Voice, Skype, Zoom, and WhatsApp. It works with RingCentral, but it doesn’t provide installation support. For preconfigured phones or provisioning assistance, consider the Poly VVX 601.

Mitel MiVoice 5330E: Best for Small Companies With High Customer Call Volume

The Mitel MiVoice 5330E is a multi-line phone system for small business supporting up to 20 lines. Its large back-lit graphics display lets users easily browse through 24 programmable keys, 12 fixed function keys, and three context-sensitive keys for greater productivity and less human error. Minimize agent fatigue with hands-free speakerphone operation (full duplex) and a wideband handset that provides clear audio.

Unfortunately, the MiVoice 5330E isn’t supported by RingCentral and may take longer to set up with other VoIP providers. If you’re a user of popular VoIP providers like Nextiva and RingCentral, consider the Grandstream GXV3370 for quicker deployment and assistance.

Mitel MiVoice 5330E Features

• Customizable keys and settings: Use a browser-based desktop tool to set up 24 keys to reach other employees or keep suppliers, supervisors, or VIP clients on speed dial. Alternatively, use the 12 fixed-function keys to access contacts easily, telephony features, browse the web, or adjust user settings.
• Flexible: The Mitel 5330E works with cordless accessories like digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT) headsets and cordless phones. Unlike other IP phones on our list, this MiVoice model works on both VoIP and analog phone lines, so business owners can use a landline as a fallback if the company has an internet outage.
• VoIP features: Program your most-used VoIP features into three context-sensitive soft keys or use the menu keys for one-touch access to features like call history, call forwarding, visual voicemail, and call details.

Nextiva X-885: Best for Its Multiple Expansion Module Feature

*Price varies depending on the store it’s purchased from.

Nextiva X-885 integrates up to three expansion modules with customizable quick-action keys. It shortens transaction duration and reduces lost customer calls through increased call routing accuracy. Multiple expansion modules strengthen call management while seamlessly matching the look and feel of the X-885.

Although the Nextiva X-885 does not support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi natively, it can be connected via third-party dongles and adaptors. Users simply connect an A210 Wi-Fi dongle to set up Wi-Fi for the Nextiva X-885. Setup is effortless; connect your network via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet connector for a direct internet connection. Its built-in Bluetooth and headset jack allow users to move freely and communicate with customers without restriction.

This product’s versatility, usability, and assortment of handy features make it a strong choice for most small businesses. It has 12 stations suitable for receptionists, executive managers, and staff in growing businesses. If you need more than 12 lines, check out Mitel MiVoice 5330E, which supports up to 20 lines.

Nextiva X-885 Features

• Multi-page approach: The X-885 is a sleek, 12-line color IP phone with a multi-page approach to provide an additional 12 programmable keys.
• Voicemail: With Nextiva’s voicemail feature, users listen to voicemail messages by accessing their Voice mailbox from a Nextiva phone or external phone. The Voicemail portal allows users to access messages and create personalized greetings that callers will hear before leaving their messages.
• Speed dialing: Dial phone numbers instantly with a click-to-call that can be set up from the Nextiva dashboard. Pre-program your quick dial with your most commonly dialed numbers or extensions to increase productivity.

Poly VVX 150: Best 2-line Phone for Small Business VoIP

The Poly VVX 150 is a straightforward and inexpensive two-line VoIP phone system ideal for small teams and home offices. It’s one of the most affordable options on our list and may be purchased through VoIP providers like 8×8 and Nextiva. Small business owners use this as their main phone or place it in a shared or common area. Thanks to the Poly HD Voice and Poly Acoustic Clarity features, it features incredible sound and noise-canceling capabilities.

However, for more flexibility, consider the Cisco 7841. It supports up to four lines and has a screen an inch bigger than the 150’s 2.5-inch graphical backlit monochrome LCD. It also offers the same simplicity found in the Poly VVX 150.

Poly VVX 150 Features

• Local conferencing: The Polycom VVX series phones have a conference feature where one person is called and put on hold, followed by calling another person and then joining. Users are able to split conference calls into two held calls, which is helpful for privacy or quick consultations.
• Corporate directory: RingCentral’s corporate directory feature for Polycom phones allows you to search groups or contacts within your company by first or last name. When searching for contacts, results are displayed as a list, and only account administrators can update users listed in the directory. This feature is automatically activated on supported desk phones configured via RingCentral’s Assisted Provisioning.
• HD audio: The Poly VVX 150 is supported by Polycom Acoustic Clarity technology, providing full-duplex conversations, acoustic echo cancellation, and background noise suppression. The phone model has individual volume settings, visual feedback for each audio path, and comfort noise generation to enhance call quality.

Cisco 7841: Best Multi-line Phone System With a Traditional Look & Feel

*Power supply, which isn’t included, costs an extra $19.99.

The Cisco 7841 supports up to four lines yet looks and feels like a standard analog desk phone. Companies switching from a conventional public branch exchange (PBX) or two-line phone system are better off with the Cisco 7841. Its 3.5-inch monochrome display is larger than the two-line Poly VVX 150 but smaller than the touchscreen found on the Poly VVX 601.

Many SIP service providers work with this model, including 8×8 and RingCentral. The fixed buttons for voicemail, mute, hold, speaker, and headset are easy to find and use, along with the scrollable menu.

While the Cisco 7841 is an excellent multi-line phone system for people used to analog desk phones, it may feel outdated for tech-savvy users. In this case, you’re better off going with a desk phone offering Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, such as the Grandstream GXV3370.

Cisco 7841 Features

• Call handling and management: Although it has the appearance of a landline, the Cisco 7841 supports various VoIP features similar to higher-end phones, including call forwarding, whisper coaching, and call recording.
• Ease of use: Like the Polycom VVX 150, the Cisco 7841 resembles an analog phone, making it easy for teams to take advantage of VoIP features without investing resources in training and information technology (IT) services.
• User flexibility: The Cisco 7841 supports hotdesking so multiple users can use one desk. It also offers four programmable line keys and has an RJ-9 port for headsets.

How We Evaluated the Best Multi-line Phone System

Multi-line phone systems vary greatly regarding features and the maximum number of lines supported. While some business owners want to build a system with only the most affordable VoIP phones, others look for advanced capabilities to help agents and users, such as built-in Wi-Fi and touchscreens. We considered various use cases and chose the top small business multi-line phone system for each use.

Learn how we evaluated the best multi-line phone systems for small businesses by clicking on the tabs below:

Bottom Line

A multi-line phone system is an investment in your company’s communications. Top-of-the-line models work like a tablet with web browser functionality but may be overkill for small businesses with low-volume call needs. Scoring 4.76 out of 5 based on our evaluation criteria, the Poly VVX 601 is the winner as the best multi-line phone system for small business owners who want desk phones with the latest technologies.

Ready to choose your multi-line phone system? Check out Poly’s website for more information.

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