This category covers desk phones, cordless DECT phones and IP (SIP) phones for homes, offices and reception desks. Our range has over 600 models, with brands such as Gigaset, Alcatel, Grandstream Networks, Panasonic and Yealink.
How to choose a desk or DECT phone
Connection type. An analogue phone plugs into a standard telephone line, while an IP phone works over a network cable and connects to a SIP service or a company phone system. Know which line or system you have before choosing, as not every phone works with every line. Many DECT models use a base station that connects either to an analogue line or to the network.
Desk or cordless. A desk phone with a corded handset suits a reception desk or workstation where calls are frequent and nobody wants to think about batteries. A DECT handset lets you move around a house, warehouse or office, and several handsets can often be registered to one base station. Check how many hours of talk time one battery charge gives.
Sound quality. HD (wideband) audio makes speech clearer, especially on IP phones. If calls are long, choose a model with a speakerphone and a headset socket so you do not have to hold the handset all day.
Display and programmable keys. A simple display showing the caller's number and a phonebook is enough for a single workstation. A receptionist or a team that transfers calls all day will appreciate programmable keys and a colleague availability indicator.
Power and ports. Many IP phones draw power through the network cable (PoE), so no separate adapter is needed, but this requires a PoE-capable switch. If you plan to connect a computer through the phone, look for a model with a second network port.
Brands in our range
- Gigaset: a German manufacturer known for cordless DECT phones for homes and small offices; it has the most models in our range.
- Alcatel: straightforward corded and DECT phones for homes and small businesses.
- Grandstream Networks: IP phones and VoIP equipment that work with many SIP services and phone systems.
- Panasonic: long-established DECT phones, often with an answering machine, as well as business telephony systems.
- Yealink: SIP phones for business, including models adapted for Microsoft Teams.
- Cisco: IP phones designed for large-company telephony systems.
- Mitel: a business communications vendor offering IP and DECT phones that work with its systems.
- Snom Technology: a Berlin-founded company and one of the early makers of SIP phones.
- Geemarc: phones for people with hearing loss and older users, with amplified sound and large buttons.
Also in our range: Fanvil, Unify and AGFEO.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a DECT phone and an IP phone?
DECT is a wireless standard linking a handset to its base station, while an IP phone makes calls over a computer network. They are not opposites: a DECT system can work with an analogue line or an IP service, and an IP phone can be either a desk model or a cordless one.
Will an IP phone work with my provider's number?
Usually yes, provided the provider uses the SIP standard and gives you login details. Before buying, check which protocols the phone supports and what your provider or phone system administrator recommends.
How many handsets can I connect to one DECT base station?
It depends on the model. Simple home sets typically support a few handsets, while business DECT systems can handle considerably more. The manufacturer states the exact number in the product specification.
Does a desk phone need a power adapter?
Basic analogue phones often work without extra power because they draw it from the line. IP phones need either PoE power through the network cable or a power adapter, so check whether one is included in the box.
