So how do you choose the right phone for your office?
Not all desk phones are created equal. Selecting the right phones for your office means considering essential features, user roles, and call volume. While many desk phones may appear similar, the key differences lie in their capabilities.
What best describes you?
When selecting office phones, reliability and functionality are key. We’ve tested various systems and found that high-quality VoIP hardware delivers the best performance for the price. While our services are compatible with a range of devices, many businesses ultimately choose premium VoIP phones for their superior quality and efficiency. Below, we break down the best phone options based on user type. Pick the user type that best describes you or your needs.
The
Minimalist Communicator
A simple, no-frills phone for essential calls and seamless voicemail management.
The
Power
Caller
A high-performance solution built for non-stop sales, service, and support professionals.
The On-the-Move Professional
A flexible wireless phone designed for those who are always on the go around the office.
The Collaborative Strategist
A 360° conference phone that ensures clear HD voice for productive team communication.
The Command Center Operator
A feature-rich scalable desk phone ideal for managing high call volumes efficiently.
The "Minimalist Communicator" Type
Our pick: Polycom VVX 250
For employees who prefer email or chat over phone calls, a basic phone with essential features is the best choice. The Polycom VVX 250 provides a sleek design with a color LCD screen, 4 programmable line keys, and HD audio while keeping costs low.
Polycom VVX250 Key Features:
2.8” color LCD screen (320×240 pixel resolution)
4 line keys and soft keys
Call transfer and hold options
Illuminated audio keys
HD Voice for crystal-clear calls
1 USB port and 2x Gig-E ports
The "Power Caller" Type
Our pick: Polycom VVX 501
Sales, customer service, and support teams need high call clarity and seamless integrations to stay productive. The Polycom VVX 501 offers touchscreen functionality, video conferencing, and multi-line support, making it ideal for high-volume callers.
RECOMMENDED OPTION:
For hands-free operation, we recommend the Plantronics CS 510 wireless headset with accompanying HL-10 Lifter, which offers 9 hours of talk time and a 350-foot wireless range.
Polycom VVX 501 Key Features:
3.5” color touchscreen display
Up to 12 lines or programmable keys
HD Voice with 14KHz audio
2 x Ethernet 10/100/1000 ports
2 x USB 2.0 ports
Plantronics CS 510 Wireless Headset Features:
Manage desk phone calls up to 350 feet away
Noise-canceling microphone
9-hour battery life
One-touch call management
Plantronics HL 10 Lifter Features:
Answer calls remotely with the touch of a button
Ease of Use
Enables remote call answer/end with your cordless headset.
The "On-the-Move Professional" Type
Our pick: Polycom VVX D230
For employees who are constantly on the move, a wireless solution like the Polycom VVX D230 ensures they never miss a call. This cordless phone offers HD voice clarity, a 165-foot indoor range, and wall-mountable options for shared workspaces.
Polycom VVX D230 Key Features:
Wireless range: 165ft indoors, 980ft outdoors
Supports up to 10 cordless handsets per base
HD Voice with noise suppression
2” TFT color backlit display
Full-duplex speakerphone
The "Collaborative Strategist" Type
Our pick: Polycom SoundStation IP 5000
Conference calls require clear audio for every participant. The Polycom SoundStation IP 5000 ensures HD Voice clarity, eliminating background noise so every voice is heard. For larger rooms, the SoundStation IP 6000 is a better choice.
Polycom SoundStation IP 5000 Key Features:
HD Voice technology for natural sound clarity
Polycom Acoustic Clarity technology
Picks up voices up to 7 feet away
Compatible with SIP call platforms
Integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE)
The "Command Center Operator" Type
Our pick: Polycom VVX 450
Receptionists and high-volume callers need a multi-line phone with quick-transfer capabilities. The Polycom VVX 450 supports 12 programmable keys and HD Voice, ensuring clear calls and easy call routing. It’s also expandable with the VVX EM50 Expansion Module, adding up to 38 programmable keys for busy front-office teams.
Polycom VVX450 Key Features:
4.3” color LCD display (480×272 resolution)
12 line keys, expandable up to 38 with VVX50 Expansion Module
HD Voice for superior clarity
2 USB ports (rear and side)
2x Gig-E ports for faster connectivity
Plantronics VVX EM50 Expansion Features:
Manage desk phone calls up to 350 feet away
Noise-canceling microphone
9-hour battery life
One-touch call management
Best All-Around Choice: Polycom VVX450
While different roles may require different phones, sometimes it’s easier and more cost-effective to standardize on a single model. The Polycom VVX 450 is our top pick for businesses looking for a versatile, high-performance phone that works across departments.
High-Quality Business Phone System Hardware for Every Office
Set your office up for success with dependable and high-performing VoIP hardware from Vonix. Browse our extensive selection of VoIP phone hardware designed for businesses of all sizes, and let our experts help you choose the perfect technology to meet your company’s unique needs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Phones?
Not sure which phones best suit your team? Browse our hardware options or contact us for personalized recommendations tailored to your business needs!
Note: Vonix is a Polycom reseller because we think it’s the best equipment for the right price. We’ve tried other systems and these are our favorites. While our phone services can work with other hardware, companies often end up switching to Polycom. That’s why we’re recommending their phones in this post. View some other Hardware we offer here.
