We’ll just lay it out there. As always it depends on your needs. A softphone allows you to work from anywhere and be completely mobile whereas a deskphone ties you to a desk but offers better call quality. You could of course, choose to use both.
What’s a Softphone?
A Softphone is a software application which is used on smartphones, tablets and PCs and connects your device to your VoIP network allowing you to make and receive calls (and much more) over the internet.
Pros of a Softphone
- 100% mobile
- Easy to install & use
- Free – included in your PBX
- Respond to chats, website & Facebook messages, status and more from app
- Transfer, hold and schedule conferences
What’s a Deskphone
A Deskphone is a physical telephone with VoIP capabilities that allows you to manage calls over the internet using Ethernet/fiber optic cables.
Pros of a Deskphone
- No training or learning curves – everyone can use a phone
- Ready to use 24/7
- Plug’n’play with PBX
- Better call quality – No WiFi or data
- Dedicated hardware which uses good quality component
The main difference?
The main difference between the two is price. Deskphones can be quite expensive, especially if you decide to buy one for each employee. On the other hand, all staff will inevitably have a smartphone, tablet or a PC.
You could choose to combine the two and only provide deskphones for employees who are 100% office-based, such as secretaries, receptionists, technicians and so on. And the rest of the team can use their softphones.
If you need help in deciding what’s best for your business then reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to take you through the different options and find the perfect solution.
