Do VoIP Phones Work?

VoIP phones often deliver the same call quality as landline and cellular phones. They differ from landline and cellular phones in that they use digital instead of analog technology. VoIP phones convert the speaker's voice into digital data that is transmitted over the Internet to the receiver. Analog phones convert the speaker's voice into an electric signal sent over wires or to a cell tower. The clarity of a VoIP phone is equal to, and sometimes better than, that of analog phone systems.

VoIP phones allow users to make calls using any one of several arrangements. You can call another computer from your computer, using your broadband modem as the VoIP phone. You can call a landline or cellular phone from your computer. You can purchase a VoIP adapter for your landline telephone and make digital calls using your landline. Lastly, you can purchase a full VoIP phone system with a built-in router and modem.

VoIP phones offer many of the same services as landline and cellular phones, such as call waiting, voicemail, caller ID and conference calling. VoIP phones also offer phone service that is largely cheaper than landline and cellular phones. This is because the cost for VoIP providers to connect customers is much lower than the cost for landline and cellular companies. Some VoIP services, such as Google Voice and Skype, even offer free VoIP phone connections. Other companies, such as RingCentral and Aptela, charge less than $10 a month for service. Also, with many VoIP phones, the user can surf the Internet and talk on the phone simultaneously.

Because VoIP phones require an Internet connection, the added cost of Internet service may offset the initial cost savings of VoIP over landline and cellular phones. If the Internet connection is lost for any reason, such as a power outage, the VoIP phone service will be lost as well. Some VoIP phones do not offer directory assistance. VoIP phones may also have trouble connecting to 911 emergency services -- though the Federal Communications Commission is creating mandates that require VoIP companies to ensure that customers can call 911. Lastly, VoIP phones can decrease in quality if the network becomes congested or is attacked by hackers.