What Phone Can I Plug Into My Broadband PC Connection to Make Skype Calls?

by Susan Reynolds
Skype is a form of Voice over Internet Protocol.

Skype is a form of Voice over Internet Protocol.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images

There are so many Skype-compatible phones on the market today that it can be difficult to choose. Skype uses a technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which allows people to make calls through a fast broadband connection. Cordless VoIP phones are the most popular, but the phone base still has to plug into your router. When you make calls through your Skype phone to other Skype users, the call is always free.

Philips VOIP8411B

This phone was designed for both Skype calls and landline usage. It has a built-in feature that helps you connect the phone to your Skype account. It can store up to 500 of your Skype contacts, and you can add up to three more handsets for your home or office. One disadvantage of this phone system is that you may not put a Skype call on hold to answer a landline phone call. This phone requires a broadband connection to work.

Freetalk Office Phone

This phone is advertised on the Skype website as a Skype-compatible plug-in phone. You need a broadband connection for this phone system. It's "always on" so that you never miss a Skype call coming through. It can hold hundreds of contacts, user profiles, and it keeps a call log. Since it is made to work with Skype, it also integrates the Skype search, search directory and online numbers. It has an LCD screen and a speaker for making conference calls.

Philips VOIP1511B-10

This phone plugs right into your PC for Skype calls. You can install it very quickly, because it was designed to work with Skype accounts. It also has a Skype key that manages your Skype contacts, which display right on the handset's LCD screen. You can call landline phones and mobile phones with this particular model, plus it comes with a travel case. It includes features such as call waiting, conference calling, voice mail and call history.

DUALphone 3088

This is a cordless phone, but the base must plug into a broadband router. Calls are free when you chat with other Skype users through your account. You can make landline calls with this phone at the usual Skype rates. The DUALphone can be used as a Skype phone, a landline phone or as both. It has an LCD screen that displays the date and time along with the programmed information about your contacts.

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About the Author

Susan Reynolds has been a writer since 2008. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of South Florida and is a licensed real estate agent in Florida.

Photo Credits

  • Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News/Getty Images