The fundamental difference is how calls are transmitted: VoIP uses your internet connection while traditional landlines use copper telephone wires (the PSTN network).
VoIP vs traditional landline comparison:
- Call cost: VoIP – typically included in monthly fee. Landline – per-minute charges on top of line rental
- Monthly cost: VoIP – £8–20 per user. Landline – £25–35 per line plus call charges
- Features: VoIP – auto attendant, call recording, voicemail-to-email, mobile apps, video. Landline – basic call waiting and voicemail
- Scalability: VoIP – add users in minutes. Landline – order new lines, wait weeks for installation
- Remote working: VoIP – works anywhere with internet. Landline – fixed to your premises
- Reliability: VoIP – cloud-based with automatic failover. Landline – single point of failure at your premises
- Future-proof: VoIP – the modern standard. Landline – PSTN being switched off by 2027
- Call quality: VoIP – HD wideband audio. Landline – narrowband audio (lower quality)
- International calls: VoIP – very cheap or included. Landline – expensive per-minute rates
The bottom line: VoIP is cheaper, more feature-rich, more flexible, and future-proof. With the PSTN switch-off approaching in 2027, every UK business will need to move to VoIP eventually – and those who switch sooner benefit from lower costs and better features immediately.
Compare VoIP packages with Connection Technologies and see how much you could save versus your current landline costs.