In today’s busy business world, having the right communication tools is important for success. New technologies like SIP phones are changing how businesses work, giving them the latest features that traditional phones don’t have.  

In this article, we’ll talk about what SIP phones vs traditional phones, and their main differences to help you choose the best option for your business.

Let’s dive in !!!!

🔑Key Highlights
  • SIP Phones use VoIP systems to transmit calls using the internet. At the same time, traditional phones depend upon landline connections. 
  • VoIP phones support enhanced features like video calls, messaging, and call forwarding. On the other hand, traditional phones fail to deliver them. 
  • SIP phones can operate anywhere with a smooth internet connection, whereas traditional phones are location-fixed. 
  • VoIP system offers low-cost international calls, unlike high-priced landline systems. 

 

What is a SIP Phone?

what is sip phone

A SIP phone is an internet-based phone system that uses Session Initiated Protocol for multimedia communication, including voice and video calls. 

SIP phones play a crucial role in modern VoIP communication systems. Here, call routing is done through the Internet rather than traditional phones. 

They use the concept of SIP calling for operation. SIP calling enables audio and video communication by sending data packets rather than using physical lines

They come in two types: Hardware SIP Phones and Software SIP Phones. Hardware SIP phones are the traditional desk phones connected via ethernet or WiFi. 

Whereas, software SIP phones resemble the application or software running on devices that make calls via the internet.

What is SIP Trunking?

SIP trunking is a service that enables audio, video, and data transmission across IP networks. Trunking is done by connecting a company’s on-premises Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system to the Internet. This technology gives organizations a more affordable, scalable, and adaptable communication option.

Another well-liked communication option is a hosted PBX. Here, a service provider hosts the phone system in the cloud.

Physical hardware management is not required of the company, and the supplier takes care of all upkeep and upgrades. Hosted PBX provides a completely cloud-based substitute.

Both solutions have extensive functionality and scalability. However, which one a business chooses will rely on its infrastructure, control, and communication setup requirements.

👉You may also like: Hosted PBX vs SIP Trunking: Key differences

Advantages of SIP Phone

SIP Phones offer a huge range of benefits to modern unified communication. Whether the upfront costs or the scalability price, they leave the traditional phones behind. Some SIP phone features that make it a game-changer are discussed below;

Remote Flexibility

SIP phones are cloud phone systems that make it possible for the team or remote workers to communicate with each other from any location via the Internet. Thanks to its flexibility which helps businesses to grow their productivity across different locations. This facilitates the business in ensuring future-proof business communications with these business phones. 

Global Savings

They can drastically lower the cost of international and long-distance calls.Businesses can avoid unnecessary charges lowering the communication expenses globally. 

Enhanced Functionality

SIP phones offer enhanced functionalities. This includes voicemail to mail, call forwarding, call waiting, video calls, conference calls, and so on. These features make SIP phones perfect for contemporary, feature-rich business settings. 

Scalability

Because SIP phones are so scalable, companies can quickly add or delete phone lines as needed. This capability facilitates expanding operations, developing personnel, and adjusting to varying call levels.

Customization

The highly flexible nature of SIP phones lets business owners create a more personalized plan. It helps to lower the overall costs of communication including international calls. Businesses have different options to either pay per use, buy calling time or buy a subscription.  

Disadvantages of SIP Phone

SIP phones have a few drawbacks in addition to their many advantages. Among these is the requirement for a steady internet connection for best results. 

In addition, they could need more technical knowledge for setup and keeping up. Here, we will discuss some disadvantages of SIP Phones.

Internet Dependency

For voice and video communication, SIP phones require a steady internet connection. Call quality may be hampered or even interrupted entirely if there are internet outages. Because of this, they are less dependable in places with unstable network connections.

SIP ALG Problems

Routers have the features known as SIP ALG (Application Layer Gateway). Their work is to alter the SIP packets, resulting in bad audio quality. For this, routers may need to disable SIP ALG.

Security Issues

SIP phones are susceptible to hacking and other security issues as they send data via the Internet. Businesses could be in danger if important communications are intercepted by unauthorized personnel.

Complexity of Technology

SIP phones may require more technical expertise to set up and maintain. For configuration, troubleshooting, and smooth system integration, businesses may require professional IT help.

Absence of Power

SIP phones fully operate in the presence of the internet. Therefore, in the absence of power, they have to rely on backup sources. 

What is a Traditional Phone?

A traditional phone is a landline phone system that uses PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to operate. Traditional phones convert voice signals into electrical signals before transmitting them via physical lines. 

Traditional phones have been trusted as reliable means of communication for years. However, they lack features like scalability and cost-effectiveness. They also fall short of some advanced features of modern technologies.

Even though they are still in use today, businesses find it optimal to switch to VoIP systems.

Even with this change, traditional phones are still an option for consumers, especially for users who need simplicity or have poor internet access. 

Advantages of Traditional Phone

advantages of traditional phone

Traditional phones have been a reliable medium of communication for decades. Despite the attractive benefits of SIP phones, people still use traditional phones. Here, we will discuss some advantages of traditional phones.

Minimal Setup

Traditional phones require minimal setup and a basic connection to start operating. They don’t require additional hardware or configurations to function. This makes them hassle-free to use. This simplicity helps a user to communicate without delays or technical difficulties. 

Reliability

Traditional phones provide consistent service compared to modern VoIP devices. This is because they don’t rely on internet connectivity. They work in all conditions including power outrages and no internet access. This helps for uninterrupted and seamless communication even in remote locations. 

Familiarity and user-friendly

Traditional phones are designed with simplicity featuring normal functions like dialing and answering. This effortless setup makes them convenient to use for all age groups. Particularly for people who are unfamiliar with modern technology. 

Disadvantages of Traditional Phone

Despite being simple and reliable, traditional phones also come with some disadvantages. These can make them unsuitable in the modern era. Here are some key traditional phone limitations.

Limited Features

Traditional phones are deprived of functionalities like internet access and messaging. These things are essential and must-have for modern communication. These limitations stop them from competing in today’s digitally connected generation.  

Mobility Constraints  

Being bound to a fixed place, landlines limit communication to a certain area only. This reduces flexibility compared to SIP devices. These constraints leave the traditional phones behind in this fast-paced and remote world. 

Higher Costs

They often require repeated expenses mainly for maintenance and long-distance calls. This makes them less cost-effective than internet-based phone systems. In addition, these costs can gradually increase over time. It makes traditional phones unsuitable options in front of other cost-effective communication solutions.

Outdated Technology

With evolving communication rage, landlines struggle to blend with modern digital systems. This significantly reduces their relevance in a high-tech world. As a result, they are being replaced by advanced communication solutions. 

SIP Phones vs Traditional Phones: Key Differences

SIP phones, which are VoIP-powered, are gradually replacing the traditional landline phones. Slowly, businesses are shifting from landlines to VoIP phones. Here, we will explore the key differences between VoIP vs. landlines.

Feature SIP Phones Traditional Phones
Technology and Infrastructure Uses internet-based VoIP technology for seamless, scalable communication. Uses analog technology through PSTN and relies on physical lines.
Call Quality and Reliability Call quality and reliability heavily depend upon internet connectivity. However, it is improving over time.  Consistent call quality and reliability over all the conditions. They are not affected by the internet issues. 
Scalability Highly scalable compared to traditional phones. Can easily add new lines without costly infrastructure charges.  Limited Scalability as it requires physical installation of infrastructures. 
Costs Comparatively cost-effective, especially for long-distance or international calls. Also, operational costs are low.  Highly costly, mainly for international calls, due to line rentals and maintenance. 
Flexibility and Features Highly flexible, providing advanced features such as conference calls, video calls, messaging, etc.  Less flexible as limited to basic voice communication.
Mobility Provides good mobility as all it needs is a stable internet connection.  Restrict mobility as users are stuck in a fixed location. 
Support and Maintainance Minimal support and maintenance is required. It can be done remotely.  Requires periodic maintenance. The physical presence of maintenance personnel is mandatory. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, SIP phones offer more advanced features like call recording, forwarding, video calls, and messaging. In contrast, traditional landlines are limited to only audio calls.

VoIP phones are more internet-based systems making them the best choice for remote work and modern businesses. While traditional landlines are rigid and rely on fixed lines, with limited scalability.. 

Similarly, with enhanced features, VoIP phones are the cost-effective solutions for the future. On the other hand, landlines may still offer basic call needs.  

FAQs

What is the primary difference between SIP and Traditional Phones?

The main difference between SIP and Traditional phones is SIP phones depend on internet-based VoIP technology. While traditional phones use fixed landlines for communication. 

Are SIP Phones more cost-effective than landlines?

Sure, SIP phones are comparatively more cost-effective than landlines. They save the cost of calls and infrastructure costs using the internet for communication. Moreover, they can also be upgraded and scaled without having to invest huge money on hardware.

Can traditional phones be upgraded to SIP?

Yes, integrating traditional phones with a VoIP gateway can upgrade traditional phones to SIP. On the other hand, they can also be upgraded by switching them to an SIP-fit PBX system. With this, businesses can use internet-based phone systems with existing hardware. 

What internet speed is required for SIP Phones?

For a single VoIP call, SIP phones may require 80-100 Kbps of internet speed per call to obtain clear communication. However, for optimal performance and multiple calls, a higher speed internet may be required. 

How secure are SIP Phones compared to traditional ones?

SIP phones are less secure and vulnerable to cyber attacks compared to traditional ones, which are far from the internet. However, they can be highly secure if the SIP phone service provider uses proper security measures. They can be firewalls, encryption, and secure network configuration. 

Prasanta Raut

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.

Prasanta is the founder and visionary CEO of Dialaxy. He is on a mission to redefine the landscape of SaaS solutions, infusing creativity and ingenuity into every aspect of Dialaxy’s offerings. His fervent dedication to simplifying sales and support processes drives Dialaxy’s forward momentum, delivering unparalleled value to businesses of all sizes. Embark on a transformative journey with Prasanta and Dialaxy as they pave the way for a new era of sales and support excellence.