Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) are two different technologies that allow you to make phone calls over the internet instead of through your traditional phone lines.
They both perform similar functions, but they’re different in several ways, and choosing which one to use depends on what you need your phone system to do.
This guide will help you understand the difference between VoIP vs SIP so you can choose the right one for your business.
Voice Over IP (VoIP)
Using voice-over IP (VoIP) services instead of traditional phone lines can save you a lot of money.
What is a VoIP? It stands for Voice over Internet Protocol – basically, a way to make phone calls with your computer.
Instead of paying your local telephone company every month, you’ll be sending calls through your internet connection.
It is important to have quality internet service when using VoIP to ensure clear calls.
Be sure to choose a service that allows for call waiting, call forwarding, conference calling, three-way calling and more so you can stay on top of all your business communications.
These are just some examples of how VOIP services can help improve customer service at an affordable price point. Once installed correctly, there should be little or no difference in call quality from one phone number to another.
Features of VoIP
Some of its most enticing features include
- cheaper rates than traditional landlines (if you’re in an area with low or no taxes),
- international calling at no extra charge,
- less crowded lines (you share a virtual number instead of a physical one) and
- more efficient call routing.
You can even integrate your VoIP service with other virtual tools like customer relationship management (CRM) software or simple cloud-based file sharing.
And if you run a business that relies on live customer support, VoIP could be perfect for you.
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)
What is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)? The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling protocol designed for creating, modifying, and terminating multimedia sessions such as Internet telephony calls.
One of its key advantages is that it supports packetized media rather than circuit-switched media, making it more suitable for real-time traffic.
VoIP vs SIP: Benefits
Though they’re often used interchangeably, there are some important differences between these two technologies.
VoIP is short for voice over Internet protocol, while SIP stands for session initiation protocol.
Both allow you to make free or low-cost calls via a broadband Internet connection; however, that’s where their similarities end.
The good news is both technologies work well when it comes to making free or low-cost calls, and each has their own pros and cons depending on your preferences, needs, cost considerations, etc.
When choosing between SIP vs VoIP remember that each technology can either be
- software-based (which is better for beginners); or
- hardware-based (which tends to have more features).
It all depends on your needs!
Pros of VoIP
Here are some advantage of using voip
1. You are able to make phone calls from your computer to your clients or customers using a headset, microphone or speakers installed on your system.
2. You don’t have to share long distance fees with other users or even neighbors if you have another line for that purpose.
Cons of VoIP
1. Higher Cost A study conducted by Strategy Analytics concluded that, in most cases, organizations found it more expensive to deploy a VoIP telephony system than an on-premises PBX or contact center solution.
Pros of SIP
1. IP PBX systems used with a network of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunks provides great flexibility in both communication options and operational capabilities when used in conjunction with unified communications (UC).
2. Because there is no dedicated TDM connection needed for calls, SIP can help businesses save money on their monthly phone bills because they’re using IP technology instead of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service).
3. Because of its flexibility, setting up an IP PBX is much easier than using more traditional analog phone lines or TDM-based PBXs, which means it will take less time to get your communications system up and running.
Con of SIP
Short and Simple Interface Protocol (SIP) is a short form of Session Initiation Protocol. It is designed to address call set-up, user authentication, session configuration, bandwidth requests, etc.
While there are a variety of protocols that can carry signaling messages across network boundaries, SIP is one such protocol which is standardized by IETF in RFC 3261.
5 Best VoIP and SIP Software Provider
When you’re looking for a new way to handle your company phone calls, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
VoIP is not a new technology, but there are lots of companies that try to take advantage of people’s confusion about how it works.
When you look for VoIP software, there are four things that you should keep in mind:
- cost,
- reliability,
- compatibility and
- customer service.
Here are 5 Best VoIP and SIP software
1. Dialpad
Dialpad is a cloud-based communications platform that makes it easy to manage phone calls, texts, videos, meetings and more all from one place.
It works on desktops, Android and iOS devices as well as Chromebooks.
Dialpad has plans starting at $10/month for up to 100 active users or $20/month for unlimited users.
There are also additional features that can be purchased separately such as call recording, custom greetings and calling cards.
2. Nextiva
Nextiva is a world-class network founded in 2006. If security & reliability are your top priorities, you should definitely try Nextiva.
They have the all the features you could ever think of, and since they take care of everything important factors, you can run your business with peace of mind.
Some other features Nextiva provides include; Team Chat, Advanced Call Management & Call Routing, VoIP Caller ID, Call Recording & Rating, Call Forwarding, Three-Way Calling, Call Queuing, Call Presence, Call Transfer, Call Notify, Anonymous Call Rejection and many more
Nextiva offers outstanding monitoring and Security 24/7-365, they provide Expert customer support (No VoIP provider can beat them at that).
Their software is easy to use and easy to setup even if you are not tech savvy or don’t have any idea about VoIP, and 99.999% uptime and fast reliable connection
There also have different price variations. You might have to pay more or less based on certain factors and features. They offer both monthly and yearly price.
Their monthly plans ranges from $30.95 to $75.95 while their yearly plans ranges from $. For all the features and support you will get, it definitely worth it.
Get Started With Nextiva
3. RingCentral
This is a leading provider of cloud-based phone services for businesses of all sizes with features like virtual phone numbers, call forwarding, call recording, call conferencing and more.
Pricing is as low as $8/month for up to 100 users or $12/month for 250 users, but there are also several paid upgrades that add additional features like enhanced visual voicemail, unified communications with desktop apps and more.
RingCentral doesn’t require a long-term contract and you can even give it a try with their free trial before signing up.
Get Started With RingCentral
Final Thoughts on VoIP vs SIP
Although both services can help you save on your phone bill, it’s clear that there are a few major differences between VoIP and SIP.
While both platforms allow you to make calls using your computer or mobile device, they require different hardware to work properly.
Before making a decision about which platform is best for you, consider what features are most important like
- call quality,
- free trial offers, and
- set-up difficulty
To see which one has more advantages for your needs.
By weighing each option carefully, you can choose the service that will ultimately save you time and money.
