Should your business stick with a traditional landline or move to VoIP? Here’s an honest comparison — including the one factor that’s changed the maths for everyone.
The quick answer
For most businesses, VoIP now wins — but the right answer depends on your setup. Here’s how they compare.
Cost
- Landline: line rental per line, plus call charges — costs add up, especially with multiple lines.
- VoIP: usually a lower, predictable monthly cost per user and cheaper calls. Winner: VoIP for most.
Features
- Landline: basic calling. Extras often cost more or aren’t available.
- VoIP: voicemail-to-email, call menus, ring groups, forwarding, mobile apps and reporting as standard. Winner: VoIP.
Flexibility
- Landline: tied to the building; adding lines means an engineer visit.
- VoIP: answer from the office, home or a mobile; add users in minutes. Winner: VoIP.
Reliability
- Landline: works without internet.
- VoIP: needs a stable broadband connection (most businesses have one; we check first). A genuine point for landline — but easily managed.
The deciding factor: the switch-off
This is what’s changed. Ireland’s traditional phone network is being retired, so the “do nothing” landline option has a time limit — see the PSTN/ISDN switch-off guide. Moving to VoIP phone lines or a Cloud PBX now means you upgrade on your terms rather than being forced later.
So, which should you choose?
If you have reliable broadband (or can get it), VoIP is almost always the better long-term choice. If your connection is genuinely poor, we’ll tell you straight and sort that first.
Want a recommendation for your business? Get a free quote and we’ll give you an honest answer.