VOIP phone recommendations

[Shnozz]

As part of this shift to WFH and afar, I want to set up a VOIP phone system. Please note before offering any advice I am a total tech failure so need to keep things simple for my simple brain!

I am seeking recommendations for both the hardware in the form of a VOIP phone and, secondly, recommendations for the service provider.

As I say, simple is good.

[eeLee]

The Siemens Gigaset IP phones are DECT-compatible and work with VoIP providers (up to 6 per base).

I have a Sipgate account amongst others on there, they are usually reasonable to set up and have wizards for the popular providers per country which makes it easier to configure.

[S6PNJ]

Shnozz said:

I am seeking recommendations for both the hardware in the form of a VOIP phone and, secondly, recommendations for the service provider.

As I say, simple is good.

An 'easy' way to add VOIP is to buy an ATA (Analogue Telephone Adaptor) such as a Grandstream HT802 / Linksys PAP2T or similar (I have both devices, hence the recommendation). This 'plugs' into your normal ethernet home network and you can plug any normal housephone into it (DECT etc). You then need a service provider and 2 options are:
1) Free - Sipgate Basic, where you just pay for the calls you make (I think - I've not used this) https://www.sipgatebasic.co.uk/
2) Paid - I use Miso-comms which costs a massive £1.80 PCM, or i use the next service up at £2.70 PCM, which includes some free calls. PM me and I'll give you more details etc.

There are many MANY other VOIP providers so 'pay your money, take your pick'

The ATA is then configured (web interface) with your VOIP providers account details (probably about 5 or 6 setting - the usual account number / user name/password /voip server url etc).

I've been on VOIP since about Oct 2018 for my house phone (no BT line) and it's been fine, no issues.

A different alternative is a VOIP phone such as a Cisco device, but I know nothing about setting one up / programming it with your VOIP account, so maybe someone else will help with that option.

[8.4L 154]

Another option is a softphone app for your mobile which has the added ability to take your VOIP number wherever you have data service. I'm just dipping my toe into VOIP for our "home phone" aka landline no, with GSWave softphone app and SIPGate Basic. Hasn't cost me a penny yet to set up and receive calls