Today, we will try to know some basic things about an IP PBX phone system. If you are a small business owner, you need to know about IP PBX. It is because the traditional telephone system is not cost-effective in the long run and can not support all of the latest calling technologies.
You know about Panasonic phone systems, but we will review some other models from IP PBX phone manufacturers. So, you will know the best phone system according to your business requirements. Let’s start the review with some important information without any more delay.
What Is an IP PBX Phone System?
First of all, we need to know what a PBX system is, and then we will understand the concept of an IP PBX system for telephones. After that, we will review some of the best multi-line phone systems for small businesses among hundreds of different products.
If you own a small business, you might be able to manage your business with one phone line. In that case, you won’t need any other device than a single landline phone. But in the case of growing business and mid-sized business, you will feel the need for multiple phones.
That is when you need some other devices for call switching and managing. With all those devices along with the phones, you can call it a PBX phone system. Without this system, you won’t be able to call inside the office extensions, receive incoming calls from outside, or make outgoing calls to the clients.
Now, let us come to the point of understanding IP PBX systems. By the way, the full form of PBX is Private Branch Exchange. Clearing that, an IP PBX system is a regular PBX system with VoIP calling mechanism. VoIP means Voice Over Internet Protocol which is the most cost-effective way of making calls.
A traditional PBX phone system and landline for making all calls can cost a lot of money. But you can get Cisco phone systems for small businesses that have IP PBX compatibility.
As a result, your monthly phone bill will be cut in half. If you are still unsure about IP PBX, you can read the portion below and understand its working principle.
How does IP PBX Phone System work?
As we are trying to understand IP PBX systems, you might also want to know how to set up a multi-line phone system. With a complete knowledge base, you will be able to make a decision and set up the best phone system for your office.
After setting up the system with a VoIP server and VoIP phones, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a PSTN line that you used before and an IP PBX. Like previous switching stations, this system has a server that maintains all calls and internal users.
You can either use a VoIP phone or a softphone software that you can install on your computer. You can register your ID on the SIP server with the necessary end-user device. SIP means Session Initiation Protocol which manages all calls that you make through the Internet Protocol.
You will need an internet connection and a digital or analog phone line regarding connections to the outside world. After configuring the server and connecting the lines, you will have a full working IP PBX phone system.
The only disadvantage of having such an advanced phone system is the huge initial cost. However, thinking about the monthly reduced costs, you will realize that the overall cost is actually not that much compared to other phone lines like PSTN.
Also, IP PBX is reliable and can support more than a traditional phone connection. That’s all about it, and now we will review the most suitable IP PBX phones for your business that will not cost a lot.
Top 5 IP PBX Phone System 2022
We have reviewed some popular brand phones here, but we also wrote other articles reviewing several models of a single brand. You can find those as Avaya phone systems and NEC phone systems for small businesses.
1. VTech CM18445 Main Console
This is the main console for your phone system that will allow you to have four lines, wired and wireless extensions, and VoIP calling.
Moreover, it has a digital answering system that will support you in case there is no one to answer important calls.
Key Features
- This phone has 4-line operability with an expandable feature that will allow 9 desk sets or handsets.
- It has an auto attendant on all 4 lines and a digital answering machine so that you do not miss any important message.
- With HD audio call quality and noise-canceling features, you can make 6 parties conference without interruptions.
- It has line indicators and an auto line selection system which is very helpful during busy days.
- The main console allows headsets with a 3.5mm headphone jack and wireless handsets for hands-free operation.
On the other hand, setting up this phone in your existing phone system is so easy that you won’t need any professional assistance. You can use it straight out of the box, and only configuring some phone features will require you to see the manual.
The design of this phone is brilliant in a way that important and frequently used buttons are placed at your fingertips. Also, it has a large display and quick navigating scroll buttons. So, it will not give you a hard time configuring the settings.
2. Obihai OBi1022 IP Phone
This is a product that is proudly designed and developed in the US. Quality and premium features are ensured so that your business can grow and support a lot of customers. We liked the interface and large display of this IP phone, which stretches the features to almost double.
Key Features
- This phone has 10-line operability where 5 lines have dedicated buttons, and you can virtually manage up to 10 lines.
- It has an auto attendant on all virtual 10 lines and a digital answering machine so that you do not miss any important messages.
- The phone has a 3.2″ TFT display which is bigger than other similar phones, and it will give you a quick view of a lot of things.
- It supports up to six SIP services, Google talk, and ObiTalk VoIP services so that you get to use all of the latest calling technologies.
- The main console allows headsets with a 3.5mm headphone jack, full-duplex speakerphones, and wireless handsets for hands-free operation.
On the other hand, you will get high-definition audio call quality with its improved noise-canceling feature and fine-tuned physical acoustics. As a result, your client will hear your voice like you are in an isolated place.
Moreover, the engineers and programmers who made this device will have remote management and maintenance tools. You can access them easily using a browser and an internet connection from anywhere in the world. Considering all those features, including fast Ethernet, you can buy this phone for your IP PBX system.
3. Business Phone System by Grandstream
Here, we have a unique phone that is best for anyone. What we mean is that those who are still using the traditional analog phones can buy and install them on their existing setup.
Key Features
- This phone has 4-line operability and 12 SIP phone per desk set with a phone management unit that will allow 24 desk sets.
- It has an auto attendant on all 4 lines and a digital answering machine so that you do not miss any important message.
- YOU CAN MAKE SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS with HD audio call quality, noise-canceling features, and compatibility with conferencing modules.
- It has line indicators and an auto line selection system which is very helpful during busy days.
- The main console allows headsets with a 3.5mm headphone jack and wireless handsets for hands-free operation.
When you plan to use VoIP calling services and other softphone features, you won’t have to buy a new phone system. So, we think all businesses should buy phones like this one so that they won’t have to worry about transitions from analog to digital phone systems.
With this phone, you can get a maximum of 4 standard telephone lines and 12 VoIP lines, which will dramatically cut your monthly voice bill. The phone also comes with free Dialtone offers, and you can be benefitted for one year for 2 lines without paying anything.
The full system is well designed, and you can use other SIP phones without additional charges or fees. On the other hand, it has a medium-sized display for quick caller ID viewing and setting the preferences. The phone comes with all the necessary functions, and you can access them quickly with dedicated buttons.
4. Ring-U Hello Hub Small Business PBX Phone System
The Ring-U Hello is one of the best IP PBX phone systems you will find. The main reason is its flexibility, which you won’t find in many other phone systems.
You will see that other PBX systems require different call management devices as you increase the number of extensions and phone lines.
Key Features
- This complete package listed here comes with a hub and 4 phones so that you can start making calls right out of the box.
- The individual phones allow multiple lines, and the hub will allow a maximum of 50 phones for mid-level businesses.
- This phone has a dedicated conference room redirecting button along with other shortcuts for quick operations.
- Just plugging in the Hello hub to your router will be enough for making VoIP calls, and you can use your smartphones for texts.
- The phone has virtual assistants for multiple lines with a digital answering machine and different recordings to welcome clients.
But this one comes with Atcom A68W Operator Handset, which allows up to 20 phone lines and 50 extensions. So, the days of buying multiple base stations are over, and now you can grow your business without spending on worthless devices.
Moreover, you can integrate your smartphone into the system without installing additional apps. Its web interface won’t matter if the smartphone runs on Android or iOS. So, we highly recommend this phone system for every business.
5. XBLUE X25 System Bundle
The last phone is the most advanced of all, and many businesses won’t need them for its advanced features. For example, small businesses don’t need such features and often don’t have the budget to afford such a phone system.
It is the perfect PBX phone system for those who are growing and expanding their business very quickly.
Key Features
- This phone has 6-line operability with an expandable feature that will allow 25 desk sets and a maximum of 16 lines.
- It has an auto attendant on all 6 lines and a digital answering machine so that you do not miss any important message.
- With HD audio call quality and noise-canceling features, your client will hear you perfectly, eliminating all possibilities of misunderstanding.
- The phone has advanced features that allow you to use it remotely like you are using it sitting on your office desk.
Indeed, this model does not have the capacity like the previous one, but it has other features that are really helpful. However, you will be getting a VoIP call system, PBX features, fast Ethernet ports, telephone line ports, and an 8-port data switch.
So, we think the price is reasonable despite its way higher pricing than others. We think it will be a perfect companion for office assistants and managers with its large and clear screen, dedicated LED indicators, and dedicated buttons.
The above 5 are PBX phone systems for small businesses, but mid-level business owners can also consider them. It is possible only because of the versatile usability and advanced features of the selected phones.
However, we came up with a single model that we think would be a perfect companion for client managers. So, let’s see our carefully chosen recommendation and order one today.
Final Verdict
After considering hundreds of reviews, we thought Ring-U Hello HubRing-U Hello Hub would be the best IP PBX phone system for a small business. You can also consider Mitel phone systems.
Other phone systems are other than our reviews, but we doubt their worth considering the specs and functions. So, research more, read what we found, and choose wisely.