Landline telephony is no longer the first choice of businesses to set up a communication system. It was once, but the trend has shifted now with the development of advanced technologies like VoIP. Apart from VoIP, you must have heard about WiFi calling before, too.
Both of these options offer an efficient channel of connection for their users using the internet. Although both options are internet-based, they are different in other aspects, which need to be discussed today.
Home-based users and businesses both need to know the difference between VoIP and WiFi calling to understand their working, hardware requirements, cost implications, and advantages to choose the best option for their own needs.
What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol uses IP technology to transmit data (messages, voice calls, video calls, files, etc ) over the internet from one point of connection to another. VoIP does not require the user to use a specific device. It can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, landline phone with an ATA adapter, or a physical IP phone, as long as it has 4G/5G mobile data or a WiFi connection. The device should also have the VoIP application with the required software subscription.
How does VoIP work?
To make a VoIP call, we need to have:
- An internet connection (5G or WiFi).
- Subscription to a VoIP software (in case of a hosted VoIP).
- Device to make and receive calls from.
- A VoIP number allotted by the service provider.
- A headset to maintain call privacy for users.
VoIP uses an analogue-to-digital to analogue (ATA) mechanism to transmit data over the internet. IP software and physical phones can convert voice signals to digital ones with a built-in feature. If the network has a landline phone without this specific feature, a VoIP adapter is attached to the phone to achieve the same results.
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Key features of VoIP
VoIP offers many unique advantages to its users, a reason why many businesses in the UK have increasingly shifted from their traditional landline systems to VoIP ones.
- VoIP calls use minimum bandwidth because the data is compressed into smaller IP packets via compression tools and algorithms called codecs. Similarly, these IP packets are decompressed using similar codec techniques at the other end of the call.
- VoIP service providers offer advanced security measures like built-in encryption, DDoS protection, regular software updates, firewall protection, and monitoring of SIP traffic to uphold the integrity of the connection.
- VoIP service providers offer a virtual VoIP number that is not tied to any specific device. Which means different devices within the same network can share it. It can also be accessed remotely.
- Users can also shift their traditional landline phone number over to a VoIP connection.
Advantages of VoIP
There’s a reason more and more people are switching to VoIP for their calls. VoIP offers several advantages that make it stand out from traditional phone lines or mobile calls. Here are some key advantages listed below:
- For long-distance and international calls, VoIP calls offer affordable rates because they are not dependent on a physical infrastructure for long distances like PSTN networks.
- A VoIP network can easily be scaled up or down. New users can easily be added by contacting the service provider without the need to install any physical lines.
- Devices do not need to be plugged and arranged in a specific setting to utilise the VoIP service. As long as there is an internet connection and VoIP software, calls can be made and received remotely.
- VoIP provides advanced features like call forwarding, queuing, instant messaging, video conferencing, etc. These features prove helpful to users on a corporate level. Similar features cannot be offered by services intended for small-scale use, like WiFi calling.
What is WiFi calling?
Wi-Fi calling lets you make calls over a Wi-Fi connection instead of using your mobile network. It doesn’t rely on physical data lines because the call quality depends on the strength of the internet connection. So it can work efficiently when you’re indoors or in areas with weak mobile signals.
Mobile phones, by default, make and receive calls using the service provider’s network over SIM. To enable WiFi calling, you will need to access your mobile’s settings and make changes. That way, your calls will automatically shift over to the WiFi connection if network signals are weak.
Key features of WiFi Calling
Let us go through some of the features offered by WiFi Calling that differentiate it from other services.
- Wi-Fi calling is mainly designed for personal and small-scale use.
- To enable WiFi calling, your phone and network carrier should support it.
- WiFi calling can only be used on devices with a SIM card, so mostly smartphones.
- Even though WiFi calling uses the internet, it still utilises the same infrastructure of the mobile network used to make regular calls. So the coverage, strength of the internet connection, and call quality still depend on your mobile network provider.
Advantages of WiFi calling
WiFi calling comes in handy when your mobile signal isn’t strong. It lets you make calls over a WiFi connection instead of using your service carrier’s network. Let’s go over some of its key benefits:
- WiFi calling enables you to access calling services even in areas with weak SIM coverage. It provides a more stable connection and lowers the ratio of dropped calls.
- WiFi calls require minimum bandwidth to make and receive calls; however, the extent of the services depends on the capability of your mobile service carrier’s network.
VoIP vs WiFi calling - Differences at a Glance
| Category | VoIP | WiFi Calling |
|---|---|---|
|
Internet Use |
Fully internet-based. |
Uses WiFi but depends on mobile network infrastructure. |
|
Device Requirement |
Works on phones, laptops, tablets, etc. |
Works only on SIM-enabled smartphones. |
|
App & Setup |
Needs a VoIP app and subscription. |
Enabled via phone settings |
|
Call Quality |
Depends on the internet strength only. |
Depends on the internet + mobile carrier quality. |
|
Scalability |
Easily scalable for teams. |
Not scalable for business use. |
|
Hardware Needed |
May need IP phones or adapters. |
No extra hardware needed. |
VoIP vs WiFi calling - Cost Comparison
WiFi Calling Costs
WiFi calls won’t show up separately on your bill, which means that they’re treated the same as regular calls. It’s usually part of your regular mobile plan with your mobile carrier network. Any calls or texts you make just count toward your usual minutes or texts. The rates of international calls are higher than compared of local calls, and the pricing varies with the provider.
VoIP Calling Costs
We’ve broken down the VoIP costs into two parts: software and hardware. This will help you understand what to expect when setting up even a basic VoIP system.
1. Monthly Subscription (£7 – £50 per user)
This is the subscription to the VoIP software application. Depending on the features, the price can vary. We have made 3 tiers to explain the features that can come with each plan.
- Basic features: voice calls, call forwarding, call holding, and basic support.
- Advanced features: international calling, call analytics, CRM integration.
- Premium features: video conferencing and virtual numbers.
2. Hardware Costs
- Softphones: £0 because it is included with most VoIP packages.
- IP Phones: You can expect to pay £40 – £160 per device. Each IP phone is used by one user. The more users in your network, you’ll need more IP phones.
- Phone Adapters (ATAs): £55 – £180 to convert existing landlines.
- Headsets: £20 – £80 (optional for maintaining privacy).
VoIP vs WiFi Calling: Which option to choose?
To choose whether to go for VoIP and WiFi calling for yourself, you must analyse your connection and internet needs first. The right choice really depends on what you need it for. We have made a list of 5 factors for you to consider before making the decision.
- Whether you need it for personal or professional use:
WiFi calling is the easier and more cost-friendly choice if you need a connection for personal use. It provides flexibility for smartphone users since you do not need any extra apps or subscriptions. On the other hand, VoIP is a better option for work or business calls. It’s made for higher call volumes, and the advanced tools like call routing and voicemail-to-email help businesses. That’s why VoIP is not the best option for casual use, as its price would not be justified for the low volume of calls.
- What’s your budget like?
WiFi calling is typically free if it’s in your plan. If not, local calls fall under the coverage area of your network provider and are charged the same as regular calls. But your mobile carrier network may charge you extra for international calls. However, VoIP involves yearly plans for customers, so lengthy contracts significantly lower the cost of the service altogether.
- What device are you using?
WiFi calling only works on smartphones that are capable of supporting it. The feature must be enabled through your phone settings for it to work. You also need a SIM card from a provider that allows it. Such device restrictions are not seen with VoIP. It works on phones, tablets, and laptops.
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FAQs
The main difference between VoIP and WiFi calling is that the VoIP call quality only varies with the strength of the internet connection, but the quality of a WiFi call relies on the mobile carrier network’s service, infrastructure, and coverage.
WiFi calling requires your device to have a SIM card. Because it uses the infrastructure of the network provider and replaces regular calls with the internet. So this feature can only be used on a smartphone.
