For any business, a proper office phone setup is an essential factor to consider if you are to compete effectively, more so with more substantial and more established competitors and also to operate more efficiently.
A suitable office phone setup should include a range of functions that support both the external business communication with clients and customers and internal communication across departments and divisional teams.
This piece is all about helping you in choose the best office phone for small business, and we do this by reviewing 10 top models and with an in-depth purchasing guide.
List of the 10 Best Office Phones for Small Business
10 Best Office Phones for Small Business in 2024 Reviews.
1. AT&T CL2940 Corded Phone
If you are shopping for a cheap office phone for small business, the AT&T CL2940 corded speakerphone is the perfect pick. It is easy to use and can be set up without instructions. The office phone has a large tilt display and large buttons, which make dialing and viewing easier. It’s Audio Assist and a 10-number speed dial also enhance its usability.
The phonebook directory will allow you to save an additional 25 numbers and names, while a caller ID/Call Waiting feature ensures your business does not miss any important calls. The loud speakerphone allows for hands-free conversations, which increases convenience for you. The office phone can also be mounted on a wall or table which allows you to save on space.
2. AT&T ML17929 2-Line Corded Telephone
If you intend to have more people participate in phone conversations, then the AT&T ML17929 is the best budget office phone for your small business. The 2-line speakerphone has a Caller ID/Call Waiting feature that allows you to dial and receive calls on two different phone lines. The speakerphone allows you to listen and speak without holding the handset, leaving your hand free to carry out other tasks and include more people in the conversation. The 3-Party Conferencing feature will allow you to have a three-way conversation between you and other people on two separate lines; inside, outside, or a combination.
A backlit screen display allows you to view information even in the dark. Apart from the corded handset, other conveniences include a 99 number and name history, a 100 number and name phonebook, chain dialing, a hold function, 24-number speed dial, a line-status indication, and a headset jack (2.5mm).
3. VTech CS6649 Expandable Corded/Cordless Phone System
The VTech CS6649 Cordless/Corded Phone System will be ideal for your small business if you require an office phone for several conference calls. The VTech is aimed at pushing the boundaries of modern design, as well as creating an innovative product for businesses and homes. The result was the CS6649 phone system, one of the top-rated office phones with the most purchases in today’s market.
This office phone’s Caller ID/Call Waiting feature allows you to save up to 50 calls at the same time. It also allows for an expansion to up to 5 handsets at a time despite having a single phone jack. The phone can act as both a cordless and corded phone, which allows you to move around and carry out other tasks while still benefiting from its excellent sound quality.
4. PANASONIC Corded/Cordless Phone
The Panasonic KXTCF383M is a good office phone for a small business. It uses the link2cell system to sync with up to two smartphones to allow users to make and take a call from handsets. The office phone also features an extended power and signal range of Bluetooth to help you receive and make calls from both cell phones at the same time, regardless of your location in the office. It also achieves maximum readability through a sizeable LCD display that is adjustable. The illuminated keypad and function buttons make it easy to navigate.
This office phone also allows you to store all the commonly contacted numbers on the dial pad. It also has a feature that will enable you to block specific numbers, which allows you to block telemarketers and annoying robocalls.
5. Panasonic KX-TS880B Integrated Corded Telephone
The Panasonic KX-TS880B is an office phone that offers hassle-free operation for your small business. It comes with a Caller ID feature with 50 number and name Call Log. It also has a speakerphone and can be mounted on a wall with a 2-step tilt angle allowing you to save on space.
It is a single line telephone that comes with an LCD Display that gives you the ability to track your caller, number dialed, and the call duration. The corded phone is ideal for the everyday office environment, and the integrated speakerphone allows you to talk hands-free and in an easy manner. This phone also has a feature that allows you to plug in your fax and modem as well as have quick and easy line-sharing. It also offers an optional 2.5mm headset jack for both hands-free and private conversations.
6. AT&T 1040 4-Line Expandable Corded Phone System
The AT&T 1040 is the perfect pick if your small business if you have more than ten employees and a busy schedule. A phone that can support four lines will meet your communication needs is DSL compatible, and supports a 3-party conferencing feature that allows you to have conversations with three people on three different lines simultaneously.
This office phone will also allow you to intercom, page, and transfer calls between stations. Its LCD display is large and has easy-to-read text for caller information and setup. The 200-entry memory and a 200 number and name Caller ID history allow you to dial the stored numbers directly. And with a Call Waiting feature, you can see who is calling while on another call. Its hands-free offering is a 2-5mm headset jack that allows you to connect a headset.
7. PANASONIC 2-Line Cordless Phone
The Panasonic KX-TG9582B will serve your business conference needs quite well. With its ability to link up to 4 smartphones or cell phones and integrated into your business’ phone system via Bluetooth, the office phone allows you to have conversations simultaneously from one phone and two other handsets using the 3-Way conferencing feature
The phone includes a corded handset on its base unit and two additional cordless handsets, which you can expand up to twelve additional handsets. It is designed with a small office in mind with its ability to link with your phone or business PC via USB to make and receive calls from and to your Microsoft Outlook. Other features such as the intercom, equalizer, handset clarity booster, and silent mode tie in together to make one of the most functional and reliable office phone systems available in the market.
8. VTech CM18445 Main Expandable Small Business Office Phone
The VTech CM18445 is a small business office that allows you to connect your office easily. The installation of the system is simple, with only the main console requiring a connection to the analog phone lines. The ease of installation is mainly because the handsets and desk sets connect wirelessly to the main console with a single touch using DECT 6.0 technology.
The phone has an auto attendant for each line that can answer calls, provide callers with your company’s directory, and route your call to the appropriate extensions. This is supported by digital records of up to 180 shared minutes of incoming messages, outgoing announcements and memos.
9. AT&T CD4930 Corded Phone
The AT&T CD4930 has a speakerphone that allows you to have ongoing conversations while carrying out other tasks. For any business, it is a vital feature to have. And the phone allows you to exercise some control over the system’s volume.
It offers a reliable answering machine and Caller ID. But the corded phone does not provide for a headset alongside its other powerful features. It LCD lights have a feature that turns it off immediately after operation to conserve battery life. However, it provides enough illumination for the keypad when you need to operate without enough light.
10. RCA 25201RE1 1-Handset 2-Line Landline Telephone
The RCA 25201RE1 2-Line corded speakerphone will give your office all the features you will need at an affordable price. Not only is it easy to install and use, but it also offers advanced features that are specifically designed to meet the needs of your business.
The speakerphone allows you to talk without using the handset, while the LCD display is easy to read. The display has a jog control and a forward/reverse call review and displays the callers’ phone numbers or names, the date and time of the call, and the call sequence number. For your conferencing needs, the office phones allow multiple parties to be linked for a conference call. Its other features include an integrated keypad, call time, three-station speed dial, and Caller ID/Call Waiting
How to Choose the Best Office Phones for Small Business
Shopping for the best office phones for your small business will require you to know how to select the right option from several options to ensure you get the best value for your purchase. However, this should be easy if you put into consideration the following essential factors.
1. Compatibility
The type of phone system your office has is vital in determining which office phone to purchase. For offices with a few employees, nearly any office phone would do the trick. However, if your business has more than ten employees, it would require a particular type of phone call management system. You will need a phone that is compatible with your office’s system.
2. Automated Answering
There are office phones that have an auto attendant feature used to answer all incoming calls. It is an excellent option if your office intends to receive all it calls. Based on a phone’s features, the auto attendant can record voice messages or route calls to specific extensions. The auto-attendant has the added benefit of making the business seem more professional and larger to the callers.
3. Office Phone Features
Some people might appreciate headset jacks in their phone, as it allows for a hands-free option for answering calls. A phone with speakerphone capabilities is also a great option since more than one person will be able to join a call. If your office requires frequent forwarding of calls to other extensions, then dedicated speed dial buttons can prove helpful. A battery backup option, the LCD display screen is also great to have.
4. Multiple incoming lines
It is essential to consider how busy your office is when deciding how many lines your office phone needs. A busier office might need an office phone that handles 3 or more incoming phone lines at the same time. This is a convenient feature for a small office, as it ensures there are no incoming calls that are missed.
5. Price
Office phones are not very expensive. Some basic models can cost as little as $10 to $25. The midrange office phones with multiple telephony features cost $25 to $75. And the high-end office phones that can handle multiple lines cost $75 to $250. Hence, when shopping for an office phone you will have to decide on a budget, the features you need. You should then shop for one within that budget.
Conclusion
Office phone is a great asset for your business. But to get the best service from these phones, you will need to select the best models from the numerous options available.
However, this should be easy for you as you only need to consider factors like compatibility, phone features, and price.
And with our top 10 office phones for small business reviews above for recommendations, purchasing an office phone should be less tedious. And if you are shopping on a tight budget, the AT&T CL2940 is our recommendation while the PANASONIC 2-Line Cordless Phone is perfect for those looking for something more feature-rich.