Struggling to find the perfect solution for efficient communication? With debates like VoIP vs WiFi calling, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the kicker – choosing the right tools isn’t just about technology; it’s about bettering your business operations.
So which option suits your business more? Whether you’re eyeing VoIP’s advanced features or WiFi calling’s convenience, understanding their core differences is the first step to better communication. Let’s start by diving into the fundamentals first.
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a smart communication technology that lets your voice travel over the Internet rather than relying on traditional phone lines. Think of it as sending your voice through a digital highway rather than an old-fashioned copper wire.
The way VoIP works is simple to understand – audio signals are converted into digital packets and transmitted over an internet connection. At the receiver end, they get converted back into audio signals. This means you can make VoIP calls from anywhere with internet access using a VoIP phone, computer or even a smartphone.
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Key features
What makes VoIP a game-changer for business?
- Scalability: Need to add more lines during peak seasons? With a VoIP system, scaling is as easy as a few clicks – no extra hardware is needed.
- Advanced call management: Features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email and auto attendants let businesses handle calls professionally.
- Integration capabilities: VoIP integrates with tools like CRM and project management systems, ensuring an efficient workflow and better customer service. For example, linking your VoIP phone to Salesforce can streamline client interactions.
Advantages of VoIP
The VoIP market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8.3% between 2023 and 2028. This means it offers a lot of advantages for the businesses. So what are they?
- Cose-effectiveness: Traditional phone systems are costly, especially for international calls. VoIP calling eliminates these hefty fees by using your internet connection.
- Flexibility: VoIP works wherever you have internet. Imagine taking client calls while sipping coffee at a beachside cafe – no missed opportunities.
- Remote work support: With hybrid work models becoming the norm, VoIP ensures employees stay connected, whether they’re at the office or working from home.
According to an article by Nuacom, businesses have used VoIP to reduce their communication costs by up to 30%.
What is WiFi calling?
At its core, WiFi calling or voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) allows you to make calls using a Wi-Fi network instead of a cellular network. But how does it work? Unlike apps like Skype or WhatsApp, WiFi calling uses your phone’s native dialler, meaning no extra apps are required.
With VoWiFi, your home, office or even a cafe’s WiFi becomes your personal tower of connectivity.
Key features
Let’s discuss some of the features of WiFi calling.
- Transition between networks: With WiFi calling, your call transitions effortlessly to your cellular network without interruption.
- No additional apps needed: Convenience is king. WiFi calling integrates directly with your phone’s native settings, so no downloads or third-party apps are necessary.
- Enhanced call quality: Thanks to Wi-Fi’s consistent bandwidth, call quality often surpasses traditional cellular connections, ensuring every word is heard.
Advantages of WiFi calling
So, why should you care about VoWiFi?
- Improved indoor coverage: Struggling with patchy signals inside a high-rise office? Voice over WiFI ensures clear communication, whether you’re in the basement or on the 10th floor.
- Utilisation of existing infrastructure: If you’re already paying for a Wi-Fi network, it leverages that and thus reduces the reliance on costly cellular plans.
- Cost-effective or international calls: Employees travelling abroad can make calls using Wi-FI without incurring hefty roaming charges.
VoIP vs WiFi calling - The differences
Now let’s jump onto the meat of the article – differences between VoIP calling and VoWiFi.
Technical differences
- Infrastructure requirements: When it comes to infrastructure, VoIP technology relies on specialised hardware and software – a dedicated VoIP service, IP phone or even third-party apps to enable advanced functionality. Conversely, Wi-Fi calling uses your smartphone’s built-in dialler and connects to existing Wi-Fi networks.
- Call quality and reliability: Both VoIP calls and VoWiFi depend on network strength. VoIP thrives on a stable internet connection which makes it suitable for offices with robust setups. WiFi calling performs well too but can falter in environments with inconsistent network coverage or shared Wi-Fi.
- Emergency service access: With VoWiFi, location tracking can be a challenge since calls are tied to the Wi-Fi network rather than a specific geographic location. VoIP system, on the other hand, requires Enhanced 911 (E911) services to provide emergency responders with an accurate address. But even VoIP is not as straightforward as cellular services. For example, a remote worker using VoIP may need to update their address frequently to ensure E911 compliance.
Cost
VoIP costs include subscription plans which bundle advanced features like conferencing and analytics, and hardware, which includes IP phones. On the flip side, WiFi calling is the epitome of convenience. It leverages existing mobile hardware and Wi-Fi networks for little to no added cost – unless international calls sneak in. They bring in carrier fees with them.
Security
When it comes to security, VoIP stands at the forefront with advanced encryption protocols, ensuring your calls are secure. WiFi calling relies on carriers to manage security which means it’s as secure as the carrier network. Public Wi-Fi networks can be a hacker’s playground.
Ease of integration
When it comes to integration with business systems, VoIP is the winner for its seamless compatibility with modern tools. It integrates with project management tools, team collaboration software and analytics platforms, making it the Swiss Army knife of communication.
Meanwhile, WiFi calling keeps it simple, working within your carrier’s ecosystem but offering little beyond basic VoWiFi functionality. For example, while VoIP allows you to track call data, WiFi calling lacks this depth.
The table below summarises the differences between the two:
| Feature | VoIP | WiFi calling |
|---|---|---|
|
Infrastructure Requirements |
Relies on specialised hardware/software like IP phones or VoIP services. |
Uses smartphone’s built-in dialer and existing Wi-Fi networks.
|
|
Call Quality and Reliability |
Thrives on a stable internet connection; suitable for robust setups. |
Performs well but may falter with inconsistent network coverage. |
|
Emergency Service Access |
Requires Enhanced 911 (E911) services for accurate location tracking. |
Location tracking is challenging; tied to Wi-Fi networks, not geographic locations. |
|
Cost |
Subscription plans with bundled features; hardware costs like IP phones. |
Leverages existing mobile hardware; potential carrier fees for international calls. |
|
Security |
Advanced encryption protocols for secure communication. |
Security managed by carriers; public Wi-Fi may pose risks. |
|
Ease of Integration |
Integrates with CRMs, project management tools, and analytics platforms.
|
Limited to carrier ecosystem; lacks advanced integration capabilities. |
Is VoIP better than WiFi calling?
Choosing between VoIP and WiFi calling boils down to your needs and setup. If you’re running a business that thrives on advanced features, integration with tools and scalability, VoIP should be your choice. It’s ideal for companies with hybrid models or those that require effective communication solutions through a specialised phone system.
On the other hand, WiFi calling is ideal for individuals or small setups needing straightforward connectivity without frills. It uses your device’s native dialler and works best in areas with patchy network coverage because it uses Wi-Fi networks instead for making and receiving calls.
So is VoIP better than WiFi calling? VoIP excels for feature-rich needs, while WiFi calling keeps it simple and effective for minimalistic setups.
If you opted for VoIP as your communication system, ComparedBusiness can help
At ComparedBusiness, we are experts in linking businesses like yours with VoIP service providers. Simply provide your business details in under 2 minutes, and we’ll promptly supply you with quotes from reputable VoIP providers across the UK. This will cost you nothing.
FAQs
Yes, leaving WiFi calling on ensures you’re connected even in areas with weak cellular signals (provided the area has a Wi-Fi network). Your device will automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular networks for good call quality. However, turn it off if using unsecured public Wi-Fi to avoid security risks.
VoIP doesn’t use excessive data – approximately 0.5 MB per minute for standard voice calls.
Yes, WiFi calling may slightly drain your battery as it continuously searches for a Wi-Fi network. However, the difference is minimal compared to cellular roaming in weak signal areas, which consumes more battery.
WiFi calling is free for domestic calls. However, carriers may charge for international calls based on their policies. Always check with your provider to avoid unexpected fees.
