Best landline phone service alternatives

If you live without a traditional landline, you’re part of a growing trend. According to a survey by the National Center for Health Statistics, since 2003 76% of adults resided in households that no longer had a landline.  

Wait, there’s more.   

Between 2022 and 2023, the number of adults in wireless-only households increased by 3.4 percentage points. And although the decline in landline ownership is consistent, older adults – particularly those in multigenerational households – are more likely to keep them.  

They believe landlines are more reliable and allow for multiple extensions.   

For businesses, despite the growing popularity of mobile phones, the reasons for maintaining landlines are similar: it provides a stable and reliable connection, which is crucial for businesses that cannot afford dropped calls or poor call quality.  

But, hey, considering the numbers, maybe, as a business owner, you should start looking for the best landline phone service alternatives to stay relevant in an ever-changing world.   

What is the best alternative to a landline phone service?  

Here comes a straight answer: Voice over Internet Protocol. But why? VoIP allows users to make online calls, offering everything we just pointed out as essential for both residential and business users: cost savings, flexibility, and advanced features.   

Now let’s explore why looking at the primary ways to use VoIP:  

1. ATA  

2. Softphones  

3. IP Phones  

4. PBX  

ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter)  

Providing an analog-to-digital conversion, this device is capable of connecting a traditional phone to a switch, enabling users to make calls over the Internet. This makes ATA a simple, easy, and low-budget option for home users and small businesses, allowing them to use an existing infrastructure, keeping their traditional phones.  

Here, we provide a configuration guide with more details of how to set up an ATA.   

Softphones 

This software application allows the use of a computer, mobile device, or tablet to make calls over the Internet. With an interface similar to mobile phones dialers, softphones are easy to use and do not require dedicated hardware, making them a cost-effective solution for users.  

Softphones also include features like SMS, call forwarding, call routing, speed dialing, and calling queue, catering to users’ flexibility needs.  

Want to know more? Learn how to configure a softphone with our Wiki article.  

IP Phone  

Designed to work with IP-based phone systems, IP phones connect to a VoIP provider using Internet services via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. These are portable devices, allowing users to plug and unplug them to change locations without losing any settings or functionality.   

IP phones also include desk phones, cordless phones, and conference phones, which resemble traditional office phones but use digital technology for calls.  

Check out our guide on configuring your IP Phone.   

PBX  

PBX, or Private Branch Exchange, is a telephone system primarily used for business purposes, allowing to manage multiple phone lines efficiently, linking internal phones and connecting them to the outside world. PBX systems can range from two lines to more, depending on the business’s needs.  

RELATED: What is the meaning of PBX?   

On-Premises vs. Cloud PBX  

A quick reminder on the main differences between the two most common uses of PBX:   

• On-Premises PBX: This system is hosted locally on the business’s premises, requiring physical hardware and maintenance. It offers full control over the system but involves higher upfront costs and IT resources.  

• Cloud PBX: Hosted by a VoIP provider, Cloud PBX is accessed via the Internet, making it a scalable and cost-effective solution, requiring minimal hardware. It is ideal for businesses seeking flexibility and reduced maintenance.  

Related: On-Premise PBX or Cloud PBX? Learn the difference and how to chose the best option for you

For more details on PBX configurations, visit our configuration guides.  

Should I ditch my landline?  

Yes. For businesses, switching to VoIP can unlock a range of benefits that improve operations, enhance customer service, and drive growth. Here’s why:   

1. Efficient Communications  

2. Cost Savings   

3. Enhanced Customer Service  

Benefit #01: Efficient Communications  

VoIP simplifies and unifies a communication system, allowing an efficient integration of voice, video, and messaging. With features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, and auto-attendants, the team can stay connected and responsive, no matter where they are.   

Benefit #02: Cost Savings   

By eliminating the need for traditional phone lines and reducing call costs, VoIP allows businesses to save significantly on communication expenses, including lower rate international calls and unlimited calling for local numbers.    

These savings can be reinvested into other areas of the company, such as marketing, product development, or customer support, driving further growth and innovation.  

Benefit #03: Enhanced Customer Service  

With VoIP, businesses can deliver better customer service through advanced features like call routing, interactive voice response, and CRM integration.   

Additionally, VoIP’s mobility features enable the team to assist customers from a distance, ensuring consistent support even during remote work scenarios—all you need is a good cell phone and a reliable internet provider to have the perfect landline alternative at the palm of your hand!  

How do I ditch my landline but keep the number?  

It is possible to switch from a landline to VoIP without losing  your phone number. With number portability, the transition is seamless. VoIP.ms offers a portability department that can handle the migration globally.   

But if your number is originally from Canada or the U.S., you’re in luck! Portability is FREE for those phone lines. Click here to learn more about porting your number!  

How it works: VoIP vs. Landline  

If you still have doubts about whether or not to migrate to VoIP, we can help you make the decision easier by pointing out the pros and cons of both options.    

Pros and cons of switching  

Switching to VoIP comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. Here’s a quick breakdown to help clarify the decision:  

Pros of VoIP  

VoIP provides key advantages that can transform the way you communicate, such as:  

• Cost Savings: VoIP services are significantly cost-effective when compared to traditional landlines, with lower call rates and no need for expensive hardware.  

• Advanced Features: It offers features like call forwarding, call transcription, virtual fax, video conferencing, automatic billing, among others.  

• Flexibility: It is possible to make and receive calls from anywhere using smartphones, laptops, or desk phones, perfect for remote work or on-the-go professionals.  

Cons of VoIP  

While VoIP offers many benefits, it’s also important to consider some potential challenges before making the switch.   

• Internet Dependency: VoIP requires a stable Internet connection, meaning your home internet might not be enough. Poor connectivity can lead to dropped calls or poor sound quality.  

• Power Outages: Unlike landlines, VoIP systems may not work during power outages unless you have a backup power source.  

• Learning Curve: Some users may need time to adapt to new calling features and interfaces.  

What to look for in a VoIP phone service provider  

Choosing the right VoIP telephone service provider that meets the business needs and ensures a smooth transition from landline is crucial. Here are the main factors to consider:  

1. Reliability and Uptime  

2. Advanced Features  

3. Cost Transparency  

4. Customer Support  

1. Reliability and Uptime  

Businesses depend on clear, uninterrupted communication so it’s essential to choose a provider with a proven track record of reliability. The provider also needs to offer backup systems in place, to keep the service running even during outages or technical issues.  

2. Advanced Features  

We have already talked about a wide range of advanced features that VoIP can offer, but let’s recap: call recording, interactive voice response, SMS, and scalability enhance productivity and streamline communication.  

Also, be on the lookout: many VoIP phone plans offer long-distance calls at lower rates and other perks so you can create a tailored system that works for you.  

3. Cost Transparency  

While VoIP services are known for being cost-effective, it’s important to choose a provider with transparent pricing. Be aware of any hidden charges, including setup fees, monthly rates, and per-minute call costs.  

For example: emergency services need to be activated manually and there’s not only and activation cost, but also a monthly maintenance cost.  

RELATED: VoIP Pricing: How much does VoIP cost for businesses?  

4. Customer Support  

A responsive customer support team is essential to resolve issues quickly. Look for providers that offer multiple support channels, such as phone support, email, and live chat, to ensure help is available whenever you need it.  

Ready to Upgrade Your Business or Home Phone Service?  

As we mention in the beginning of this post, the decline in landline usage is undeniable, but it also remains reliable for those who need stable and secure phone services.   

Specially for businesses, VoIP is a suitable solution, offering cost savings, advanced features, and flexibility through options like ATA devices, softphones, IP phones, and Cloud PBX.  

When choosing a VoIP provider, prioritize reliability, advanced features, cost transparency, and responsive customer support—and remember to opt for high-speed internet services so you never miss phone calls and enjoy perfect voice quality.   

If you’re a VoIP reseller, remember: you have the opportunity to offer VoIP.ms as a solution that combines everything we covered in the paragraphs above with the ability to meet your clients’ needs while boosting your own profitability. Click the link to learn more about our Reseller Program!