What is the Best Landline Phone Service of 2024?

In a world dominated by smartphones and internet-based communication, landline phone service may seem like a relic of the past. However, it still offers numerous benefits, such as reliable connections, better call quality, and security. This blog post will guide you through the process of finding the best landline phone service in 2024, comparing providers, plans, and features while highlighting the perks of having a landline at home.

Short Summary

• When selecting a landline provider, consider call quality and reliability to get the best fit for your needs.
• Compare features and customization offered by different providers to find the right match.
• Research customer satisfaction ratings from PCMag, WhistleOut, Consumer Reports etc., when choosing a home phone service provider.

Table of Contents

Selecting the ideal home phone service provider is crucial for a satisfying experience. After all, who wants to deal with unclear calls or a lack of essential features? When choosing a landline phone service, consider factors such as call quality, available features, and customer satisfaction.

AT&T, CenturyLink, Cox, Voiply, Frontier, Spectrum, Verizon, and Xfinity are some of the most popular landline service providers. Each offers a wide range of products and services for residential and business customers. But which one is the best fit for you?

Call Quality and Reliability

Call quality and reliability are essential considerations when selecting a landline provider. After all, the primary purpose of having a landline is to enjoy clear and consistent communication. Different providers offer varying levels of call quality and reliability. For instance, CenturyLink provides unlimited long-distance plans, while Spectrum may experience weather-related interruptions.

On the other hand, Voiply's technology ensures clear acoustic performance, and T-Mobile connects to cell towers for seamless communication without internet or power. Ultimately, it’s crucial to choose a provider that guarantees an uninterrupted and high-quality connection.

Features and Customization

No two households have the same communication needs, and that’s where features and customization options come in handy. Many providers offer an array of calling features, such as:

• Caller ID
• Call Forwarding
• Voicemail
• Block Anonymous Calls

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Verizon Fios, for example, boasts over 20 custom calling features and an online account manager for convenience.

Voiply provides 25+ calling features, while CenturyLink offers a more modest selection. It’s essential to compare the features and customization options of different providers to find the perfect match for your requirements.

Customer Satisfaction and Support

Exceptional customer service can make or break your experience with a landline phone service provider. After all, you want a provider that listens to your concerns and addresses them promptly. Websites such as PCMag, WhistleOut, and Consumer Reports offer comprehensive customer satisfaction ratings to help you make an informed decision.

It’s also worth considering providers with satisfaction guarantees, such as Voiply, which is known for its highly-rated reliable home phone service in the US.

Try Voiply’s budget-friendly landline phone service risk-free for 30 days, starting at $8.95/month. Get your quote now!

Not all landline phone services are created equally. Depending on your needs, you may prefer unlimited nationwide calling, bundling options, or standalone plans.

Prioritizing the factors important to you when choosing a landline service can get confusing with the myriad of options out there. When prioritizing which factors to consider, Felix Yanko, founding partner at Voiply, says consumers should prioritize reliability and call quality, the included features such as voicemail, caller ID, and emergency services compatibility, and consider the provider's reputation.

Let’s explore these options and discover which one best suits your requirements.

Pricing

The cost of a landline encompasses monthly service charges, installation fees, and any additional expenses for extra features. Sometimes, phone providers will offer savings bundles; on the other hand, there may be hidden fees that aren’t communicated upfront. Be sure to research each option thoroughly to understand what’s included, and what additional fees you might have to pay.

Coverage

Coverage entails the service's geographical availability and the consistency of the connection. When evaluating a landline service provider's coverage, consider not only their geographical presence but also the nature of their service delivery. For example, some providers rely primarily on physical service connections, while others use Internet connectivity.

In areas with frequent service interruptions due to weather or other factors, a traditional, physical service connection might be more reliable. In areas with stable and high-speed internet, an internet-based service like Voiply could be more appealing due to the additional features and potential cost savings.. Understanding the provider's presence in your area and their service delivery will help you make an informed decision that meets your preferences for reliability and functionality.

Contract Terms

The contract's specifics can also influence your decision. Providers like Xfinity might demand a minimum commitment period with penalties for early termination, whereas companies like Voiply offer more flexibility with month-to-month agreements. Understanding these terms is crucial to avoid being locked into unsatisfactory service or face unexpected termination fees.

Features

The range of features a provider offers can significantly enhance your landline service experience. Basic functionalities like caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting are typically standard, but some providers offer more advanced options. 

For example, Verizon FiOS and AT&T might provide innovative features like voicemail-to-text or advanced call blocking. While advanced features can improve convenience and efficiency, weigh their practical benefits against any potential increase in cost. Assess which features are essential for personal or business use, ensuring your chosen plan incorporates these without excessive additional costs.

Unlimited Nationwide Calling

Unlimited nationwide calling plans are perfect for those who frequently make long-distance calls within the country. These plans offer cost-effective communication without the worry of racking up extra charges. With providers like AT&T, Verizon Fios, Voiply, Spectrum, and Xfinity offering unlimited nationwide calling plans, you can stay connected with friends and family across the country through phone calls without breaking the bank.

No matter where you are, you can stay in touch with those you care about without worrying about it.

Bundling Options

Bundling options combine landline, internet, and TV services into one package, offering cost savings and convenience. The following popular providers offer a variety of bundling options to suit your needs:

• Xfinity
• Verizon
• CenturyLink
• AT&T
• Cox
• Frontier

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By consolidating your services, you can save up to $20 per month and enjoy the ease of managing all of your telecommunications services through one provider.

Bundling can get you the services you need at a price that fits your budget.

Standalone Plans

For those who only require a landline phone service without additional services, standalone plans are the way to go. The following providers offer standalone plans tailored to fit your communication needs:

• AT&T
• Spectrum
• Voiply
• Verizon FiOS
• Xfinity
• Cox
• Frontier

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These plans generally include essential features like caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, and three-way calling, providing a solid foundation for your home phone service.

With these plans, you can enjoy the convenience of a landline phone service without the extra cost.

Now that you’re familiar with different types of landline services, let’s take a closer look at some of the top landline home phone service providers, including:

• AT&T
• Verizon Fios
• Spectrum
• Voiply
• Xfinity
• Cox

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Each provider offers its unique set of features, customization options, and pricing, ensuring that there’s a perfect match for everyone.

“Research and compare different providers to find one that offers a balance between cost and the features you value most, such as international calling plans or bundled services,” advises Yanko.

AT&T

AT&T is the largest phone company in the US, known for its clarity and consistency—even during power outages. Because of their extensive network, they offer reasonable rates on international calls. AT&T also provides a Lifeline discount for qualifying seniors, potentially reducing monthly bill payments. However, it's important to note that AT&T's landline service isn't available in every state, and there might be hidden fees associated with their plans.

Plans Available

AT&T's main landline offerings include:

• Traditional Home Phone plan starting at $48/month
• Complete Choice Enhanced plan starting at $62/month, which includes 12 calling features like Caller ID and call forwarding. 

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They also offer plans that vary by location for long-distance calls, priced per minute based on the call's location.

When considering AT&T's landline service, be sure to inquire about potential hidden fees, including installation charges and cancellation fees, and to confirm whether a long-term contract is required. 

Standout Features

• Caller ID
• Call Waiting ID
• Call Forwarding
• Speed Dialing
• Three-Way Calling

Verizon Fios

Verizon Fios offers a modern landline service known as Fios Digital Voice, leveraging 100% fiber-optic network to deliver clear and reliable home phone services. This VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) based service allows for traditional corded or cordless landline phones to be used, ensuring compatibility with existing setups in homes.

Plans Available

Verizon Fios offers 4 plans, with prices ranging as you mix and match services. When added as a bundle, Fios costs $25.

• Per-Minute Domestic
• Unlimited Domestic: local, regional and long-distance calling across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico
• World Plan 300: add up to 300 minutes per month of direct-dialed calls to 120 countries and destinations
• World Plan 500: add up to 500 minutes per month of direct-dialed calls to 120 countries and destinations

Standout Features

Verizon Fios Home Phone plans offer more than 30 additional features:.

• Call Forwarding
• Call History
• Schedule a Call
• Simultaneous Ring
• Speed Dial

Voiply

Similar to Verizon, Voiply is a VoIP service provider, which enables you to make phone calls via your internet connection. Voiply sets itself apart as a premier landline phone service provider at a lower cost than others, offering 24 features designed to enhance your experience. Voiply emphasizes ease of use, affordability, and enhanced features like spam call blocking and a mobile app for an extra line. With Voiply, you're not just choosing a landline service; you're opting for a comprehensive communication solution that caters to all your needs, without being locked into a long-term commitment.

Plans Available

Voiply has two plans for home phones, at the lowest price out of all providers mentioned. Both plans include all of Voiply’s features:

• Monthly plan: $8.95/ month
• Annual plan: $89.50/year. 

Standout features

• International Calling
• Port Your Number
• Plug and Play Setup
• Enhanced E911
• Spam Call Blocking
• Mobile App

Spectrum

Spectrum’s landline phone service is known for its clarity and dependability, designed with the modern user in mind. They meet the communication needs for everyone, from families staying in touch with distant relatives to working professionals requiring dependable connectivity for their home offices.

Plans Available

Spectrum offers one plan, Spectrum Voice, which starts at $14.99/month.

This includes unlimited nationwide calling, including Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other select destinations, making it an ideal choice for those who have family and friends in these areas.

Spectrum also provides a variety of bundling options, allowing you to combine your landline phone service with internet and TV services for added convenience and savings.

Standout Features

Spectrum offers landline phone service with numerous calling features and bundling options. Their landline home phone service includes 28 features at no additional cost including:

• Simultaneous Ring
• Caller ID
• Block Anonymous Calls
• Caller ID on TV

Xfinity

Xfinity provides a comprehensive landline phone service known as Xfinity Voice. This service is notable for its digital quality and the variety of features it offers, aimed at keeping users well-connected with their loved ones across the globe. Xfinity Voice is designed to cater to a wide range of communication needs, from domestic to international calls, ensuring users enjoy an affordable yet reliable connection.

Plans Available

Xfinity Voice allows customers to build their own plan, including internet, mobile, TV, and home security bundles.

Their home phone plan, Xfinity Voice Premier, is priced at $30/month, including unlimited nationwide calling and unlimited international calling to over 90 countries. Xfinity Voice requires an Internet connection and a voice-compatible modem and router, which is not included in the price. 

Standout Features

Xfinity Voice landline home phone service includes:

• Transfer your number
• Block spam calls
• Stay protected with emergency dispatch information
• Three-way calling

Cox

As a landline service provider, Cox offers reliable and high-quality telephone services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customer base. With a focus on connectivity and customer satisfaction, Cox ensures that its landline services are both accessible and feature-rich, catering to the varying requirements of households.

Plans Available

For $20/month, the Cox Voice Preferred plan includes equipment and unlimited calling to the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Standout Features

• Block robocalls
• Simultaneous ring
• Call return
• Speed Dial

With the right equipment and features, you can enhance your home phone experience and make it more enjoyable and efficient. In this section, we will explore various ways to do so, such as:

• Choosing between corded and cordless phones
• Utilizing caller ID and privacy features to make your home phone experience more secure and private
• Implementing call-blocking options to reduce unwanted calls

Corded vs. Cordless Phones

When it comes to choosing between corded and cordless phones, it’s essential to consider your preferences and needs. While corded phones offer better sound quality and reliability, they lack the convenience and portability of cordless phones. On the other hand, cordless phones come with additional features like caller ID and call waiting, making them more versatile.

Ultimately, the choice between a corded or cordless phone depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

Caller ID and Privacy Features

Caller ID and privacy features are invaluable tools for managing incoming and outgoing calls effectively. Caller ID allows you to view the name and number of incoming calls, helping you decide whether to answer or ignore the call.

Privacy features, such as Outgoing Caller ID Block, prevent your caller ID from being displayed on outgoing calls, providing an additional layer of privacy. By utilizing these features, you can take control of your home phone experience and maintain your privacy.

Call-Blocking Options

Unwanted calls can be a nuisance, disrupting your peaceful home environment. Call-blocking options allow you to prevent unwanted calls from specific numbers or types of numbers, such as telemarketers. Most landline phone services offer the ability to block calls by entering the desired number into the phone’s settings.

By implementing call-blocking options, you can maintain a tranquil home atmosphere and protect your privacy.

Staying connected with friends and family abroad can be expensive and complicated. However, with the right landline phone service, making international calls and long distance calls can be a breeze.

In this section, we will cover the dialing procedures for international calls and explore cost-effective international calling plans to help you stay connected without breaking the bank.

Dialing Procedures

When making international calls using a landline phone service, it’s essential to know the proper dialing procedures to ensure a smooth connection. The steps to follow are:

1. Dial the exit code for calls placed from the U.S., which is typically ‘011’.
2. Dial the country code of the recipient.
3. Dial the area/city code.
4. Dial the full phone number of the person you’re trying to reach.

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By following these steps, you can successfully make international calls using a landline phone service.

Cost-Effective International Calling Plans

International calling can quickly become expensive, but several landline providers offer cost-effective plans to help you stay connected without incurring hefty charges. Some popular cost-effective international calling plans include:

• T-Mobile’s Magenta MAX
• Mint Mobile’s Unlimited plan
• Google Fi’s Unlimited Data for 1
• Voiply's international plans

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By choosing the right international calling plan, you can enjoy stress-free communication with your loved ones abroad.

Landline phones offer a higher level of security compared to mobile phones primarily because they are not connected to the internet, making them immune to digital threats like viruses, malware, or hacking. Furthermore, in emergency situations, a call from a landline can be instantly traced back to your exact physical location, providing a critical advantage over mobile phones where precise location tracking can be challenging.

In this section, we will discuss the security advantages of having a landline phone service in your household and E911 benefits.

Security Advantages Landline Phones vs Mobile Phones

Landline phones offer a significant security advantage over mobile phones as they are far less susceptible to the modern digital threats that can plague mobile devices. Landlines are not vulnerable to viruses, malware, or hacking attempts that can compromise smartphones. They operate on a closed circuit and do not connect to the internet, which makes them a safer choice for sensitive conversations or transactions. Additionally, landline systems are more difficult to tap into without physical access, whereas mobile communications can be intercepted remotely.

E911 Services and Why It's Important

Another important aspect of landline security is related to emergency situations. When you dial emergency services from a landline, your call can be traced back to your exact physical location instantly, making it easier for help to reach you quickly. On the other hand, mobile phones provide a general location, so pinpointing your precise location can be challenging, particularly if the GPS function is off or not functioning correctly. This could delay the response time in emergencies, making landlines a safer option in such scenarios, especially if you have kids.

Landline phone services offer several benefits that make them an excellent choice for seniors, particularly in terms of affordability and accessibility. Firstly, landline services are often more affordable than their mobile counterparts. Many providers offer discounted plans for seniors, making it a cost-effective communication solution. Additionally, landline phones are generally easier to use for those who are not comfortable with technology. They have large buttons, clear displays, and straightforward functions that make them user-friendly for seniors. Lastly, not only can they fit into most budgets, but they also cater to the unique needs of older adults, providing a reliable and user-friendly communication solution.

Voiply

Voiply stands out as a great landline option for seniors due to its straightforward and user-friendly features. The service allows users to keep their existing phone numbers, ensuring a seamless transition. 

When selecting a landline phone for seniors, Voiply recognizes that ease of use/installation and access to emergency services are paramount. 

“Seniors should look for straightforward interfaces and reliable 911 connectivity in landline phones,” Yanko says. 

As such, Voiply devices come ready to use right out of the box, making the setup process simple for seniors. No complex installation is required; just connect the Voiply adapter to your internet and existing home phone to start making calls. This ease of setup ensures that seniors can quickly and effortlessly transition to using Voiply's services without the need for technical assistance. 

For added safety, Voiply includes enhanced 911 services for faster emergency assistance. Moreover, the service offers spam call blocking to protect against unwanted calls, and the mobile app extends the functionality of the home phone system, making it accessible even when away from home. These features combine to provide a reliable, easy-to-use phone service that is particularly suitable for seniors. 

Spectrum

For those interested in a landline phone service that does not rely on the internet like Voiply, Spectrum emerges as a top choice for seniors. With its starting price of $14.99 per month, Spectrum Voice stands out for its affordability, which is particularly appealing for seniors who may be managing a fixed income. The service is known for its straightforward billing, offering unlimited nationwide calling without hidden taxes or fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those who value simplicity in their monthly expenses. 

Additionally, for those interested in bundling options, Spectrum offers the convenience of combining landline phone service with internet and TV services, potentially enhancing both convenience and savings.

In 2019, the FCC granted order 19-72A1, allowing telecommunication carriers to abandon analog telephone services. This means carriers are now integrating VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology to allow phone services to run over the internet. 

VoIP offers several advantages over traditional landline services that make it a preferred choice for many: 

• VoIP is generally more cost-effective, as it uses your existing internet connection for calling, eliminating the need for separate phone lines. This can significantly reduce both local and international call charges. 
• VoIP offers superior flexibility and mobility. You can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, making it perfect for remote work or travel. Home VoIP services often come with additional features such as voicemail-to-email transcription, call forwarding, and video conferencing, which are not typically available with traditional landlines. 
• VoIP provides better sound quality, assuming a stable and high-speed internet connection

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All these factors make VoIP a better and more modern solution compared to traditional landline services. 

In regards to how landline services have evolved to meet modern communication needs, Yanko, says landline services can offer features beyond old-fashioned telephones. 

“With the use of modern technology, landline services can now offer features like voicemail-to-email transcription, programmable call forwarding, and integration with mobile devices, making them more versatile and user-friendly for all."

In conclusion, landline phone service remains a valuable communication tool in today’s fast-paced world. Offering reliability, high-quality call experience, and security, it’s an investment worth considering. By evaluating providers, plans, and features, you can find the perfect landline phone service to enhance your home communication experience and ensure peace of mind in times of need. So, take the time to explore your options and choose the landline phone service that best suits your needs.

My advice for customers looking for reliable and affordable landline options is to understand your needs. Define what you need in a landline service. Do you require long-distance or international calling? Do you need extra features like caller ID, call waiting, or voicemail? Understanding your needs will help you narrow down your options.

What is the cheapest landline phone service?

Voiply provides the cheapest landline phone service options at $8.95/month, while CenturyLink, Cox, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios offer more expensive services starting at $20 - $34.99/month.

Can I still get a landline phone?

Yes, you can still get a landline phone. Many providers offer traditional landline home phone service as an add-on option to internet and TV plans or standalone plans in specific areas.

Can I just have a landline without the internet?

Yes, you can have a landline phone without an internet connection. Standard landlines require a separate line and do not need an internet connection.

Is a landline cheaper than a cell phone?

A digital landline is cheaper than a cell phone. At Voiply, digital landlines start at $8.95 for residential services and $13.95 for business services. On the other hand, traditional landline costs about $35-$65 per month, while a cell phone costs about $25-$50 per month.

What factors should I consider when choosing a landline phone service provider?

When choosing a landline phone service provider, it’s important to consider call quality, available features, customer satisfaction, and pricing.

How much is a landline per month?

The average monthly cost of a traditional landline service typically ranges between $20 to $50. This can vary based on factors such as your location, the service provider, and the type of plan you choose, which might include additional features like call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID​​. For example, Frontier offers a basic landline plan starting at $25 per month, which includes features like caller ID, call waiting, and voicemail, with potential additional fees that could increase the cost​​. Verizon offers a bundled landline service starting at $25 per month when combined with their internet service, but their standalone plans can be considerably higher, ranging from $58.99 to $75.99 per month​​.

In contrast, Voiply presents a more cost-effective alternative with its landline service starting at just $8.95 per month. Voiply is a notably cheaper option compared to the average traditional landline costs, providing a modern solution with a variety of features at a fraction of the price. This low-cost plan not only offers significant savings but also includes various advanced features, making Voiply an attractive choice for those looking to maintain a landline service without the high costs associated with traditional providers.

How much is AT&T landline a month?

AT&T offers several landline plans with varying prices. AT&T's two main landline plans are priced at $41 and $55 per month, both of which include unlimited local calls but come with different features. They also offer the Phone Unlimited North America plan that costs $24.99 per month and offers unlimited nationwide calling.