Businesses of all sizes constantly seek ways to improve communication and 😐 streamline operations. One area that has seen significant change is business phone systems. Traditional landline phone systems are becoming a thing of the past as businesses are increasingly adopting Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) solutions.
Equipping your business with the right VoIP router 🤔 is a critical decision. A VoIP router facilitates voice communication and multimedia data transmission over internet protocols.
However, choosing the right VoIP router for your business can be daunting. With a wide range of features and functionalities available, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget before deciding.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key features to consider when selecting a VoIP router and suggest the 10 best business options in 2024.
🔑 KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- TP-Link Archer VR2800, SonicWall TZ270, and Netgear Nighthawk X10 are the best VoIP routers for your business.
- VoIP routers let you make phone calls over an internet connection rather than traditional telephony methods.
- VoIP routers include wireless, Integrated Services Routers, Core, Edge, and VPN routers.
- Quality of services, codec support, and bandwidth are the top features of VoIP routers.
What are VoIP Routers?
A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) router is a specialized networking hardware used to transmit voice communication and multimedia data via the Internet or other IP-based networks. Unlike traditional phone systems that operate over dedicated analog and digital lines, VoIP converts voice signals into digital packets and sends them across Internet Protocol networks.
In simpler terms, VoIP routers allow you to make and receive phone calls using your internet connection.
Types of VoIP Routers
1. Wireless Routers
Wireless routers encase routing capabilities with wireless access points. Operating on a wireless network involves attaching devices to it; hence, physical cabling is not required. Using a wireless router in a VoIP environment offers the advantage of mobility.
Wireless routers establish a connection with your ISP’s modem or gateway, receiving the internet signal. This type of router typically offers security features like WPA2 encryption to safeguard your Wi-Fi network and protect your devices from unauthorized access.
2. Integrated Services Router
Integrated Services Routers (ISRs) consolidate various networking functions into a single device, including routing, switching, firewall, VPN, and VoIP capabilities. This offers a versatile solution for meeting any business’s communication needs.
Moreover, ISRs often support many advanced VoIP features like call processing, voice gateway functionality, and SIP trunking, which is especially suitable for companies that require an all-in-one networking solution.
3. Core Routers
Core routers, which are the heart of large networks, are responsible for establishing communication between different subnets and networks in an organization. While they might not directly manage VoIP traffic at the user level, they directly affect online performance by ensuring that data is quickly transmitted and with low latency.
4. Edge Routers
Edge routers sit at the network’s edge, linking it with external networks like the Internet or other interconnected systems. In VoIP setups, edge routers manage the traffic entering and exiting the local network. They often employ Network Address Translation (NAT) to allow multiple devices on a LAN to share a single public IP address.
5. VPN Routers
A VPN router boosts the security of VoIP systems, making them more secure and private. VPN routers create an encrypted tunneled connection between two remote points or devices by which information security is safeguarded when traveling across insecure networks such as the Internet.
For instance, consider an employee who connects to the main office’s VoIP from a remote location; a VPN router is ideal as it offers end-to-end security while the information is in transmission.
What are the Features I Should Look for in VoIP Routers?
Here are the features that you should look for in VoIP routers:
- Quality of Service (QoS): QoS ensures that VoIP traffic gets priority over other types of data on the network, providing clear and uninterrupted voice communication. A router with a robust Quality of Service (QoS) setup can manage network traffic effectively. It shapes and prioritizes data, ensuring that voice packets are sent with minimal jitter and latency for smooth communication.
- Codec Support: Codecs are responsible for encoding and decoding audio signals transmitted over the Internet. A router should be able to work with a myriad of audio codecs to ensure compatibility with numerous VoIP devices and services. G.711, G.729, and Opus are the three most common due to the vast selection of applications and full range of voice quality-to-bandwidth options.
- Bandwidth Management: Bandwidth management features enable administrators to allocate and prioritize bandwidth for VoIP traffic, ensuring optimal performance and call quality. The traffic shaping feature controls the flow of data movements, thereby maintaining the free flow of user experience during voice communication.
- Security: Security is crucial in VoIP networks, which are vulnerable to eavesdropping, spoofing, and denial-of-service attacks. A VoIP router needs to maintain high-security standards to ensure the safety of voice and video communication. It should implement secure protocols like Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) to encrypt VoIP traffic, preventing interception and malicious alterations.
- VPN Support: Routers should support VPNs to ensure secure communication from remote locations to the top VoIP network. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over the Internet, protecting VoIP traffic from being intercepted or listened to, guaranteeing its confidentiality and integrity.
10 Best VoIP Routers For Your Business in 2024
Businesses are searching for better, more reliable, and secure VOIP routers to exchange, transfer, and communicate information between users and clients.
Here are the key factors we considered when choosing these top 10 VoIP routers:
- Quality of Service
- Wired Connectivity
- Features
- Security
- Budget
Here is the comparison table of different VoIP routers, including their features and pricing:
| Router Model | Features | Frequency Bands, Wifi Speed | Pricing |
| TP-Link Archer VR2800 | Dual-band Wi-Fi up to 2167 Mbps, MU-MIMO technology, Adaptive QoS for prioritizing VoIP traffic, VPN support, Beamforming technology | 2.4GHz (600Mbps) + 5GHz (2167Mbps) | $335.89 |
| SonicWall TZ270 | Real-time deep memory inspection (RTDMI), Intrusion Prevention, Content filtering, Application intelligence and control, Gigabit Ethernet interfaces | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 750 Mbps and 1.5 Gbps | $1,150 |
| ASUS RT-AC68U | Dual-band Wi-Fi up to 1900 Mbps, AiRadar coverage technology, Adaptive QoS, USB 3.0 port, AiMesh compatibility | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz600 Mbps and 1300 Mbps | $96.67 |
| Netgear Nighthawk X10 | Wireless speeds up to 7.2 Gbps, Quad-Stream Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO technology, Dynamic QoS, Plex Media Server bundled – Quad-core processor | 60GHz, 5GHz and 2.4GHz4,600Mbps,1,733Mbps, and 800Mbps | $464.99 |
| Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream | Tri-band Wi-Fi up to 2.2 Gbps, Tri-Band technology, QoS prioritization, Beamforming technology, Quad-core processor | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz,400 Mbps, and 867 Mbps | $35.99 |
| Cisco RV320 | Dual WAN redundancy, Load balancing, SPI firewall, DoS protection, Dual Gigabit Ethernet WAN ports | N/A | $186 |
| ZyXEL USG Flex 500 | Unified Threat Management, Stateful Firewall, VPN Support, Multiple Deployment Options | N/A | $899.99 |
| FortiGate 60E | Firewall, Intrusion Prevention, Traffic shaping, Bandwidth management, Centralized management, USB port point | 2.4 GHz and GHz450 Mbps and 1.3 Gbps | $886.74. |
| WatchGuard Firebox T35 | Advanced threat protection, Content filtering, Traffic management, Integrated DSL modem, Easy centralization of management | N/A | $150 |
| ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 | Download Speeds up to 2 Gbps, 32×8 Channel Bonding, Compatible with VoIP devices and service providers, and Supports IPv4 and IPv6 standards | 1 Gbps max speed | $169.99 |
1. TP-Link Archer VR2800
The TP-Link Archer VR2800 is ideal for VoIP applications since it can easily handle VoIP and data transfer demands without any loss. Its dual-band Wi-Fi and MU-MIMO technology ensure uninterrupted VoIP connectivity.
Furthermore, due to VPN capabilities, the security of the remote connection is improved. VoIP devices can also stay connected quickly and reliably due to their Gigabit Ethernet ports for the aforementioned connection.
Features
- Fast dual-band wireless speeds up to 2167 Mbps.
- Powerful dual-core processor.
- Beamforming technology.
- MU-MIMO Technology.
Pricing
As per Harddiskdirect, the price of TP-Link Archer VR2800 is $335.89.
2. SonicWall TZ270
SonicWall TZ270 is an ideal choice due to its compact size and secure network features, including domain packet inspection, intrusion prevention for each packet, and traffic analysis before permitting access to the trusted network.
Moreover, its application intelligence and bandwidth management capabilities efficiently regulate VoIP call usage, while the built-in VPN ensures secure remote VoIP connections.
Features
- Real-time deep memory inspection (RTDMI).
- Multi-core, parallel-processing hardware.
- Gigabit and multi-gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
- Integrated SD-WAN.
Pricing
As per Harddiskdirect, the price of SonicWall TZ270 is $1,150.
3. ASUS RT- AC68U
The ASUS RT—AC68U dual-band Wi-Fi router is an excellent solution for VoIP communication. It has excellent coverage due to AiRadar coverage technology. Its adaptive QoS prioritizes voice traffic over other data to ensure the best voip call quality.
The user can easily expand Wi-Fi networks with protection, security, and AiMesh compatibility. Thanks to the convenient interface, this router is easy to manage. Consider this router the best solution both in terms of performance and ease of use.
Features
- Fast dual-band wireless speeds up to 1900 Mbps.
- Powerful dual-core processor.
- AiProtection Pro with Trend Micro.
- USB 3.0 port.
Pricing
As per the Harddiskdirect, the price of ASUS RT – AC68U is $96.67.
4. Netgear Nighthawk X10
The Netgear Nighthawk X10’s utilization of Quad-Stream Wi-Fi and MU-MIMO ensures ample bandwidth for both VoIP calls and data transmission. In addition, the dynamic QoS optimizes VoIP traffic, which paves the way to a more constant voice quality.
However, the 10G LAN port on the router is still an excellent way of having a wired companion to the router’s wireless. Given the bundled Plex Media Server qualifies the router for beyond VoIP use, you might consider the router if your AI OS is primarily on multimedia-rich environments.
Features
- Wireless speeds up to 7.2 Gbps.
- Quad-core processor.
- MU-MIMO technology.
- Plex Media Server.
Pricing
As per Amazon, the price of Netgear Nighthawk X10 is $464.99.
5. Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream
The Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream is a versatile router with Tri-Band technology. It is challenging to imagine a better way of data distribution that would ensure no congestion and that it does not interfere with VoIP efficiency.
In addition, up-to-date QoS technology makes it possible to secure the incessant functionality of voice calls by prioritizing VOIP traffic in all available bands. Beamforming improves signal disbursement comprehensively, and voice quality remains stable and clear. The management interface, while much easier than others, can be of interest to an enterprise that prioritizes its reliable VOIP technology.
Features
- Fast tri-band wireless speeds up to 2.2 Gbps.
- Powerful quad-core processor.
- MU-MIMO technology.
- Tri-Band Technology.
Pricing
As per Amazon, the Linksys EA8300 Max-Stream (1500 Sq ft, 10 Devices, 1.7 Gbps) price is $35.99.
6. Cisco RV320
The Cisco RV320 can be a viable solution for small businesses seeking a simple and affordable VoIP router. VoIP reliability can be enhanced by the Cisco RV320’s dual WAN redundancy and load balancing. This helps minimize lags or jitters during calls, leading to a smoother VoIP experience.
In addition, its SPI, DoS protection, and other firewall features enhance the security of VoIP traffic, making this router suitable for SMBs worried about VoIP stability and security.
Features
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet WAN ports.
- Dual USB ports.
- SSL VPN and site-to-site VPN.
- Stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall and hardware encryption.
Pricing
As per Itprice, the price of the Cisco RV320 is $186.
7. ZyXEL USG Flex 500
The ZyXEL USG Flex 500 is a Unified Security Gateway designed for small or mid-sized businesses seeking a secure and manageable network solution. It offers a balance of security features, performance, and affordability, making it suitable for businesses with moderate network security needs.
This router offers essential UTM features, decent performance, and flexible configuration options. If you’re a growing business seeking to enhance your network security without breaking the bank, the USG Flex 500 is a strong contender to consider.
Features
- Unified Threat Management.
- Stateful Firewall.
- VPN Support.
- Multiple Deployment Options.
Pricing
As per Amazon, the price of ZyXEL USG Flex 500 is $899.99.
8. FortiGate 60E
The FortiGate 60E is a firewall developed with a strong focus on security by integrating VPN and intrusion prevention to secure VoIP traffic. It identifies and blocks malicious traffic patterns, preventing attacks before they can harm your systems.
Additionally, it offers a variety of other useful features like traffic shaping and bandwidth management to prepare VoIP as a top priority. The firewall’s other functions will make it easy for management. This router is suitable for companies that prioritize VoIP and security.
Features
- USB port.
- MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure).
- Built-in dual-band, dual-stream access point with internal antennas.
- SPU hardware acceleration.
Pricing
As per Amazon, the price of FortiGate 60E is $886.74.
9. WatchGuard Firebox T35
WatchGuard Firebox T35 uses many advanced threat protection and content filtering technologies to help distribute VoIP traffic safely. Traffic management is also critical; therefore, this VoIP router optimizes bandwidth between voice and telephone calls.
This particular router also ensures ease of use and easier centralization of management, catering to businesses that need to find a balance between VoIP efficiency and safety. In addition, you can control what type of content users can access on the Internet, helping to improve productivity and minimize security risks associated with malicious websites.
Features
- Integrated DSL modem and is suitable for connections with up to 200 Mbps.
- Dual-band 802.11ac technology.
- WatchGuard Firebox appliances.
- Built-in wireless guest services.
Pricing
As per Firewalls.com, the price of WatchGuard Standard Support Renewal 1-Year for Firebox T35 is $150.
10. ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1
Although the ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 is not a classic router, it is still adequate due to its use of DOCSIS 3.1 technology, which offers a high bandwidth for VoIP calls into the regions on cable networks.
The addition of VoIP devices and service provider compatibility to cable-based VoIP systems makes this router even more efficient for organizations looking for dependable VoIP over cable connectivity. Furthermore, this router allows you to connect wired devices like computers or game consoles to the modem for high-speed internet access.
Features
- Download Speeds up to 2 Gbps.
- 32×8 Channel Bonding.
- Compatible with VoIP devices and service providers.
- Supports IPv4 and IPv6 standards.
Pricing
As per ARRIS, the price of ARRIS Surfboard SB8200 DOCSIS 3.1 is $169.99.
Conclusion
Equipping your business with the right VoIP router is essential for seamless communication and efficient workflows. Different types of VoIP routers, such as wireless routers, integrated services routers, core routers, edge routers, and VPN routers, can be applied in an organization for better communication, file sharing, and more.
First, consider which type of router you need for your business. Then, choose a router that perfectly fits your requirements. Explore features from many router models and pricing that align with your budget.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and select the VoIP router that perfectly complements your business’s communication needs and empowers a smooth and efficient VoIP experience.
FAQs
How do I set up a VoIP on my Router?
The process of installing VoIP on your router includes the following steps:
- Connect your adapter to your modem and router via an Ethernet cable, or if it has a built-in router, connect it directly to your router.
- Connect your home phone to the VoIP adapter’s “Phone 1” or “Line 1” port. Ensure the devices are turned on, and the adapter has established a connection with the network.
- Pick up the telephone to see whether a dial tone is present. If one is present, your setup was successful.
- Disable SIP ALG to consistently enable NAT on your router’s configurations and set the QoS to prioritize VoIP traffic to ensure higher call quality.
Do I require a special router for VoIP?
While you can use a normal router for VoIP at home, it is recommended that you use a fast router that features Wireless-N 802.11n and WPA2 security to support high call volumes in business VoIP systems. It is best to choose a router according to your VoIP provider’s recommendations.
What is the minimum Mbps requirement for VoIP?
The minimum Mbps requirement for VoIP can vary depending on a few factors. However, a minimum of 0.09–0.10Mbps can support a basic VoIP call.
Which is the best router for VoIP?
Considering the best router for VoIP entirely depends on your needs and requirements. Firstly, for a home, any router is suitable, given the proper configuration. For business, you need to pay attention to the “prioritization” of traffic with the parameters of Wireless-N, WPA2 security protocol, and QoS.
Is it possible to plug a VoIP Phone into my Router?
Yes. It is possible. You just need an Ethernet cable to plug a VoIP phone into your router. Just check your router’s manual for compatibility and any VoIP-specific settings.
