Question
How do I choose between a softphone and a desk phone
Environment
Answer
If you're Zoom license only allows you to make internal calls, you will only be able to use a softphone. This applies if you both make and receive less than one call per month. For everyone else, you can choose between a desk phone + softphone or just a softphone (with optional headset).
Reasons to choose a desk phone
- You like being able to reach out a grab something to make and receive calls
- You sometimes struggle when using software-based technology.
- You are in a cell phone "dead zone" and want to receive emergency broadcasts though the phone.
- You want quick access to a physical phone in case of emergency.
Reasons to choose a softphone:
- You always use a headset for phone calls (headsets will not be available for desk phones)
- Your current desk phone is mostly a paperweight (you don't make or receive many calls)
- You plan on installing the Zoom mobile app so your phone is always with you
- You want all the benefits that come with a softphone (see highlights below)
Additional benefits of the softphone include:
- Immediate access to transcribed voicemail messages
- Add external contacts to your address book
- Dial people by name instead of a phone number, including external contacts
- Star your favorite contacts for easier access
- See if users are on the phone, in a meeting or available.
- Optional live call transcription
- Ability to upgrade a Zoom phone call to a Zoom Meeting.
- Reduces desk clutter
- We will provide a free wireless headset if you don't already have a headset to use with Zoom Phone.