Buying guide
How to choose a business phone
Six questions, and the right model for each desk becomes obvious.
1. Desk, cordless or headset?
Start with how the person works.
2. How many line keys?
Count the people they answer for.
A line key is a button with a light. Most staff need a few: their own line, a shared line, a couple of colleagues. A receptionist who transfers to twenty people needs a key for each, which is what an expansion module is for.
Light users
Two to four keys. Break rooms, lobbies, back offices.
Most staff
A color screen and a handful of programmable keys.
Front desks
A phone that takes an expansion module, with a key for every extension.
3. Power and network
Is there a network jack at the desk?
Most business phones take their power from the network cable if you have a PoE switch, so there is no adapter at the desk. Without PoE, add a power supply.
Where there is no network jack, choose a phone with Wi-Fi built in, or a cordless DECT handset.
PoE switch
One switch powers every phone. Tidier for a full office.
Wi-Fi phones
For desks with no cable. Look for a W in Yealink model names.
Gigabit pass-through
If a computer plugs into the phone, choose a gigabit model so the computer is not slowed down.
4. Headset or not?
Decide now, because it changes the phone.
A phone with USB or Bluetooth gives you more headset choices. If people are on calls for hours a day, budget a headset for them from the start.
5. Which Yealink for which desk?
Our usual recommendations.
Yealink is the brand we install most. These are the models we reach for first; the right answer for your building may differ.
| Desk | What we usually recommend | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Break room, lobby, light use | T31P or T33G | Simple, reliable and inexpensive |
| Everyday office desk | T73U or T74U | Yealink’s newest everyday range, with USB |
| Manager or busy desk | T85W or T57W | Big screen, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in |
| Front desk | T48U with an expansion module | A key and busy light for every extension |
| Staff on the move | W76P kit, W59R for tough places | Cordless DECT on its own radio band |
| Meeting room | CP965 | Hears the whole table |
6. Who sets it up?
A phone is only as good as its setup.
Every phone we sell can be configured for EmpireUC before it ships: extensions, names, line keys and voicemail. You plug it in and it rings.
If you are on another system, these are standard SIP phones and work with most of them. Tell us which one and we will confirm before you order.
Questions
What buyers ask us.
What is the best phone for a small business?
For most small offices we recommend the Yealink T74U or T73U on every desk, a T85W or T57W for the owner or front desk, and a cordless kit for anyone who walks around. It is a short list that covers almost everyone.
Do I have to buy phones from my phone company?
No. Any standard SIP phone that your system supports will work. Buying from us means the phones arrive already set up for EmpireUC.
Can I keep the phones I have?
Often, yes. If they are SIP phones that are not locked to another provider, we can usually set them up on EmpireUC. Send us the model numbers.
How long do business phones last?
Usually many years. Phones get replaced less because they fail and more because people want a bigger screen, Wi-Fi or a USB headset.
Rather we just tell you?
Tell us how many people, what they do and which phone system you use, and we will send back a short list of models.