Every business voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) system has two primary components: the VoIP software and the required hardware. You’ll need reliable VoIP phones to function with your VoIP service provider, and we set out to find the best-of-the-best. We looked at today’s most popular phones and evaluated them to determine the best VoIP phones for businesses in 2021.
We found the best to be:
- Grandstream GXP2170: (Best Overall) A high-performance phone that delivers all the right features for a reasonable price
- Grandstream GXV3370: The most advanced phone on this list, but the high-level features come at a higher cost
- Yealink SIP-T58A: An easy-to-use voice and audio VoIP phone that delivers on style and simplicity
- Polycom VVX 301: A basic VoIP phone that trades bells and whistles for unrivaled affordability
- Polycom VVX 601: A more advanced version of the Polycom VVX301 that delivers Bluetooth and video functionality but demands a higher price
- Yealink T54W: A slightly more affordable alternative to the Yealink SIP-T58A that trades video functionality for a lower price
How We Evaluated the Best VoIP Phones
All told, a hardware VoIP phone is something of a luxury item; many of today’s workers choose to use the softphone app available on most mainstream VoIP desktop and mobile apps. However, VoIP phones are a good choice for those who still want a dedicated handset. There are devices available to meet nearly any small business need and budget, but phones should always make it easy to make and pick up calls.
With a score of 4.15 out of 5, the Grandstream GXP2170 is our top overall pick for most business users because it strikes the best balance between affordability and functionality. And with a color display, it makes for a visually appealing telephony experience.
Here’s how we evaluated VoIP phones:
25% of Overall Score
We compared the price of the VoIP phones relative to each other and the features and functionality they offer. High-end devices can be worth the premium they charge for some use cases, but no small business wants to blow their entire tech budget on desk phones. Therefore, price plays a large part in our evaluation.
30% of Overall Score
We evaluated the general features each VoIP phone provided, such as call queuing, conference calling, voicemail, and more. Any decent deskphone should support such functionality.
20% of Overall Score
We analyzed the advanced functionality each VoIP phone provided, such as Bluetooth connectivity, video compatibility, and app support. We consider these features to be nice to have, but ultimately inessential to most workflows.
25% of Overall Score
We extensively reviewed the phones and analyzed user feedback and ratings to compile a comprehensive assessment of each product. This score also reflects our subjective thoughts on each device.
Grandstream GXP2170
PROS
- Affordable
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Supports up to 12 lines per extension
CONS
- No video functionality
- No touchscreen
- Not compatible with all VoIP providers
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 4.20 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Niche or article-specific features | 3.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
The Grandstream GXP2170 delivers all the right features and functionality at one of the lowest prices on this list. It provides Bluetooth compatibility, empowering representatives to sync with their mobile devices and user-friendly headsets. While it doesn’t support a touchscreen or video functionality, it makes simplicity, ease of use, and affordability the top priorities.
Grandstream GXP2170 Pricing
Grandstream GXP2170’s biggest selling point is its low cost. A single handset costs $95, and most sellers include the power supply with the phone too. Only the Grandstream GXP2170 and the Polycom VVX 301 on this list succeed at selling below the $100 threshold.
Grandstream GXP2170 Features
- Bluetooth compatibility: Sync your phone with your mobile devices and Bluetooth headsets to create the perfect calling environment and experience for each representative.
- 48 on-screen speed dial keys: Optimize your time with digitally customizable speed dial keys that can access up to 160 contacts.
- HD voice: Experience crystal-clear conversations at scale with an enterprise-grade phone that maintains call quality from pickup to hangup.
Grandstream GXV3370
PROS
- Touchscreen
- Video functionality
- Desktop integration
CONS
- Expensive
- Lacks HD voice
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 0.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Niche or article-specific features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 |
The Grandstream GXV3370 checks all the right boxes when it comes to features and compatibility, but it comes at a hefty price tag. It’s the perfect video conferencing phone for small conversations, but it lacks HD voice. If your business plans to have more video calls than voice calls, this is likely the best phone for you.
Grandstream GXV3370 Pricing
At $220, the Grandstream GXV3370 is by far the most expensive phone on this list. Smaller teams focusing on video calling will be able to justify the expense, but it may be harder to scale to larger teams, especially if video conferencing isn’t the priority.
Grandstream GXV3370 Features
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Integrate seamlessly with your desktop or mobile devices with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Video functionality: Call from your VoIP phone with an integrated video communications solution that works with your desktop.
- Flexible SDK support: Run your calls through Android systems or work with flexible software development kits (SDKs) that support your custom apps.
Yealink SIP-T58A
PROS
- HD audio and video calling
- Touchscreen
- Built-in browser, calendar, and recorder
CONS
- Expensive
- Glass isn't anti-glare
- Specific model required for Skype and Microsoft Teams support
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 0.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Niche or article-specific features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 4.25 | OUT OF | 5 |
The Yealink SIP-T58A is an easy-to-use VoIP phone that delivers high-quality audio and video calling. It comes with a built-in web browser, calendar, and recording to make your desk phone your one-stop shop for all communications.
Yealink SIP-T58A Pricing
At $193 per phone, the Yealink SIP-T58A is on the pricier side. However, with built-in features, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and HD audio and video, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Yealink SIP-T58A Features
- Built-in features: Do everything you need straight from your desk phone with a built-in browser, calendar, recorder, and more.
- HD audio and video: Enjoy high-quality sound via phone or video call for reliable, professional experiences.
- Sleek, minimal design: Delivers a sleek, modern design while also maintaining one of the lightest weights of all the phones on this list.
Polycom VVX 301
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- App support
CONS
- No Bluetooth
- No touchscreen
- No video functionality
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 3.75 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Niche or article-specific features | 2.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 2.81 | OUT OF | 5 |
The Polycom VVX 301 emphasizes the basics with a reliable VoIP phone that delivers HD audio calls. It trades all the fancy bells and whistles for a low-cost, easy-to-use phone. The simplicity and ease to deploy, paired with the lowest-costing phone on this list, make the Polycom VVX 301 an excellent phone for scaling small-to-medium businesses.
Polycom VVX 301 Pricing
At $88, the Polycom VVX 301 is the most affordable phone to make our list. If you want scalable, high-quality calls and don’t need all the latest-and-greatest features, this VoIP phone is going to fit the bill.
Polycom VVX 301 Features
- HD audio: Enjoy high-quality phone calls for a fraction of the price.
- Ease of use: No employee will need a user’s manual for this phone—keeps it simple with intuitive features.
- App support: Supports SDKs and APIs for third-party business and personal applications.
Polycom VVX 601
PROS
- Touchscreen
- Video support
- Bluetooth compatability
CONS
- Expensive
- No built-in Wi-Fi
- Bulky handset
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 0.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Niche or article-specific features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 3.88 | OUT OF | 5 |
The Polycom VVX 601 is the VVX 301’s techier and pricier counterpart. You get high-end features like touchscreen, video conferencing, and Bluetooth compatibility, but it comes at an expensive price point.
Polycom VVX 601 Pricing
The Polycom VVX 601 is priced at $185, and that doesn’t include the AC adapter. If high-end features are a priority, then you can justify spending twice as much on this VoIP phone than you would with the VVX 301.
Polycom VVX 601 Features
- HD voice: Enjoy crystal-clear audio at scale with your built-in handset or Bluetooth-compatible headset.
- App customization: Build a custom-made app screen to maximize productivity and eliminate distractions.
- Call handling: Take more control over all your inbound and outbound calls with easy-to-find features like conference, transfer, and call park.
Yealink SIP-T54W
PROS
- Ergonomic phone design
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Uses Linux operating system
CONS
- Expensive
- No video
- Poor screen resolution
| RATING CRITERIA | Pricing | 0.00 | OUT OF | 5 |
| General Features | 5.00 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Niche or article-specific features | 4.50 | OUT OF | 5 | |
| Expert Score | 3.44 | OUT OF | 5 |
The Yealink T54W delivers high-quality voice calls over a simplified VoIP phone. It comes with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functionality, but it doesn’t provide video calls. Besides the video calling functionality, it shares a lot in common with the Yealink SIP-T58A.
Yealink SIP-T54W Pricing
At $189, the Yealink SIP-T56A is still an expensive VoIP phone option. If you’d prefer to function with a Linux operation system (as opposed to Android), then this phone solution will satisfy your needs.
Yealink SIP-T54W Features
- Linux OS: Take advantage of a Linux operating system instead of the Android OS that other models and competitors use.
- Ergonomic design: Representatives can use their own Bluetooth-compatible headset, but they won’t need to with the T54W’s friendly design.
- Simplicity: Keep things simple and easy-to-use with the minimum necessary features and functionality.
Bottom Line
When it comes to finding the best VoIP phone for your business, you’ll have to choose between price and features. If high-end features like Bluetooth compatibility and video conferencing are a priority, you’ll be better off selecting the Grandstream GXV3370 or Yealink SIP-T58A. However, if the pricing is more of a concern, your best bet will be the affordable and straightforward Polycom VVX 301.
We found the Grandstream GXP2170 delivers the best of both worlds. It provides the most advanced features at the lowest cost, creating a perfect balance for scaling small businesses. For more information, check out the Grandstream GXP2170’s Amazon listing.
Mason Kelsey
Grandstream really does seem to be the best. I do need to point out one thing in this article that was wrong. The GXP2170 actually has POE too.
Jamie Balfour
Grandstream for us too. I have a GXP2170 myself and it’s fantastic and wasn’t overly expensive either.
Chris
I agree, my vote is for Grandstream. They have a variety of phones all at a competitive price.