7 Features of the Best VoIP Phones for Small Business

Harness VoIP's full potential

For years, phone lines were the standard for voice communication. However, many organizations soon realized that the internet could be used to make calls more easily and conveniently than with a traditional phone. Enter VoIP—voice over internet protocol.

Here, we’ll lay out the features you can expect from the best VoIP phone for small businesses to help you find the right one that fits your needs and your budget.

7 features found in the best VoIP phone for small businesses

1. Comfort

If your employees spend a lot of their time answering phone calls, look for a VoIP phone that prioritizes comfort. The best small business VoIP phones offer ergonomic designs built for long call sessions. 

Also, consider VoIP phones that allow for external attachments, like hands-free headsets, so employees can take calls with maximum efficiency and ease.

2. Ability to handle large call volumes

VoIP phones use the same infrastructure as your organization’s data network, making them a perfect solution for businesses that handle a significant volume of inbound or outbound calls. Look for the following features to help leverage this capability:

• Call screening can reduce spam or prank calls.

• Call logs gather data on who is calling and when.

• Call recording helps improve customer service and security outcomes.

• Call queues ensure customers can get help in a timely manner.

• Three-way and conference calls allow employees to collaborate and gain additional support during calls.

3. Scalability

Your phone system should be able to scale along with your company. Look for small business internet phones that can support multiple lines per phone. Also, your chosen VoIP system should allow you to add or remove phones with minimal fuss.

In addition to offering physical hardware, the best VoIP phone for small businesses offers mobile app extensions that let employees access their business line and voicemail from other devices.

4. Call and message forwarding

You’ll want to look for a VoIP phone that’s highly versatile, offering the ability to forward calls and voicemail from a desk phone to any other phone number you provide. Set up a personal cell phone, landline or other phone number within the VoIP system, and calls will automatically transfer without any additional input. Some phones can even transfer between devices mid-call, allowing for maximum flexibility.

5. Video conferencing

Quality VoIP phones can do more than make audio calls. Many offer built-in video conferencing tools, including high-color video screens and webcams—great for those moments you’re away from your computer.

6. Systems integration and automation

Because VoIP phones are powered by the internet, they can use many of the same tools and integrations as your other business software. For example, some can integrate with calendar applications, automatically changing availability status when employees are in a meeting or on vacation. 

Certain VoIP phones can automatically pull and store employee contact information from a central database, enabling workers to call each other directly even if they don’t remember the correct extension. Others can forward voicemail messages directly to email, with the best VoIP phones for small businesses offering automatic text transcriptions for enhanced accessibility.

7. Auto-attendant features

Minimizing the time customers spend on the phone reduces call volume and improves customer satisfaction. Auto-attendant features reduce this friction by providing automated answers for common questions and allowing self-service for functions like account look-up. 

Additional auto-attendant functionality includes interactive voice response: customers speak to the auto-attendant system, which parses their requests and directs them to the appropriate department. 

Stay in touch with Walmart Business+

Whether you’re looking for VoIP phones or smartphones, Walmart Business+ can help you get connected. We offer a curated selection of devices with free shipping at no order minimum*, all at everyday low prices. You’ll also gain access to powerful Spend Analytics tools to ensure you get the best value out of your picks and help you plan for future upgrades.

Ready to start saving money on the essentials? Sign up for an account today. 

*Excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges.