Differences Between Business & Residential VoIP Explained
Business and residential VoIP have many differences and similarities. Business VoIP provides optimal customized features for the specific company. The telephone specs and services vary as much as the businesses using them. A residential VoIP offers standard packages to suit home communications but can also be expensive depending on what features you need.
6 Differences Between Business and Residential VoIP
The differences in business and residential VoIP come from how users apply their telephones. Businesses rely heavily on communications and ultimately need more services and hardware. The high and varying demands also mean business VoIP is more flexible. Here’s an overview of the top six differences between business and residential voice over IP setups:
1. VoIP Features
A VoIP system can be simple or complicated, depending on its features. Residential setups are more straightforward and require basic features, such as caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail. Other popular home VoIP features include call blocking, do not disturb, E911, and three-way calling. You won’t miss advanced features in a residential setup unless you work from home.
Organizations planning for growth can leverage business-focused call management features residential clients generally don’t need. Popular business VoIP features include call forwarding, call hold/on-hold music, conference calling, and conference bridging. Other features include call routing, call recording, find me/follow me, unified inbox, and mobile apps.
2. VoIP Flexibility
Home VoIP setups are basic with standard features. The vast majority are plug-and-play, so you can use them out of the box with little room for customization. Business VoIP offers more flexibility and customization. You can add features, new employee extensions, and numbers at will. The admin portal also allows businesses to see and make real-time changes.
Business communication setups include mobility features, such as find me/follow me. Users can stay connected to the phone system on the go, connecting from remote locations. You can also opt for hosted VoIP and virtual PBX to leverage cloud features and efficiencies. Businesses also choose what they need for their operations and discard unnecessary features.
3. VoIP Cost
Business VoIP systems will cost more for their complex features, if nothing else. The setups involve more equipment, extensions, and devices than residential systems. You can install a home VoIP with minimal upfront investment. A couple of phones and standard or unmetered internet packages is all you need to achieve desirable connectivity.
Installing business VoIP telephone systems can cost upwards of a couple hundred dollars per line if you choose to host your system. Opting for cloud-hosted VoIP is cheaper but will cost $20 to $80 per line per month. The more extensions and features you add, the more you’ll pay. Hardware installation, phones, and software licenses will cost more, but you can scale to your demands.
4. VoIP Usage/Calling
VoIP traffic and overall usage vary significantly across business and residential setups. Business phones handle more traffic and mission-critical communications, so they should work optimally around the clock.
Communications can span states and continents and require powerful lines and features to handle the traffic. Business VoIP may also include unlimited call plans.
Home phone lines communicate with friends and family members and have less traffic. Businesses need regular communication with employees, vendors, co-workers, partners, and clients. There’s a massive difference between residential and business call volume. Some companies rely heavily on calls and require premium features, services, and plans.
5. Required Services
VoIP telephone systems requires setting up and maintenance. These services are different for business and residential use. A business setup involves more complicated features and hardware installations. Installing business systems takes longer and needs thorough testing to ensure everything works as desired. Home setups are easier to achieve with standard installations.
Phone companies also fix business VoIP issues sooner than residential setups, partly because businesses pay more for the service. If you have a large group migrating from traditional phone lines to VoIP, you may need the training to bring everyone up to speed. Businesses aim to maximize the benefits of their system and require regular troubleshooting, scaling, and customization.
6. Phone Numbers
Residential phone systems allow number porting (transferring existing phone numbers to the VoIP system). You can also get a new phone number in any area code. Business VoIP has similar features but offers more options, including toll-free numbers and virtual numbers. You can add these options at a flat monthly rate so that you don’t have to worry about per-minute charges.
Companies can also choose catchy, easy-to-remember business phone numbers combining numbers and letters for their virtual lines. A business VoIP gives you extra numbers. You can leverage virtual extensions to forward calls to other numbers and engage remote employees. Toll-free numbers are also a significant incentive for customers to call your business for inquiries and feedback.
Reliable Business and Residential VoIP Services
Business VoIP suits offices and companies, while residential systems are for homes and personal use. All VoIP telephone systems comes with customizations for the end-user, so you need a trustworthy company to discuss and meet your needs. Make sure you outline your communications needs and stick to reputable installers.
At Voice2net, we provide premium quality services and products to facilitate VoIP installations for homes and businesses. Our pricing covers installation, number porting, and ongoing support. We also have VoIP phones with Gigabit Ethernet ports to use on any network without hurting your performance.