Traditional multi line phone systems are operated using a physical switchboard that directs callers to the right phone line; or simply through the placement of multiple phone sockets around an office space.
However the technologies that support multi line phone systems today, offer greater flexibility, improved call quality and have no need for vast amounts of equipment. This can be a huge advantage for your business if you're looking to compete with larger competitors with the use of a multi line system.
In this guide, we will examine the best options for traditional multi phone line systems, including 2 line and 4 line phones, before examining virtual multi line phone systems that use IP-PBXs.
Want to understand the likely costs of a phone system for your business? An easy way to do this is to use our simple Phone Systems Price Comparison Tool. It only takes a minute to fill in, and helps you to get free, zero obligation quotes that are tailored to your business needs.
Keep reading to discover some of the best multi line phones that are available to buy right now, their top features, and how to choose the right one for your business.
In this guide:
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Get tailored quotes for your business in momentsDoes My Business Need a Multi-Line Phone System?
If you have a workforce of more than a handful of people, and want to give your customers a professional experience when they contact you, a multi-line phone system will help you. To be more specific, you'll want to invest in a multi line phone system if you:
- Would like to provide customers with dedicated numbers to reach certain departments or employees
- Would like more than 5 employees from the same team/office to have the ability to make an external call
- Require each employee to have their own phone extension or a direct dial number
When considering how many lines- or users- you'll need, it's important to remember that the best multi line phone system for business will integrate with key business processes as well. A system that is surplus to requirements or doesn’t support your business as you want it to will not only cost you a lot of money but it will waste resources too, something no business can afford.
Working with a dedicated phone system provider will help you understand your business processes in detail and what type of system you would benefit from.
Another consideration is – do you need physical lines? Many businesses today are switching to a VoIP phone, an internet based solution to customer services that has all the benefits of a multi-line phone system, but with modern quality of life improvements, and generally, much lower running costs. VoIP can even remove the need for physical phones altogether, replicating the experience on your computer, tablet or mobile phone.
Benefits of a Multi Line Phone System for Business
Cost – With a multi line phone system, the cost of calls are usually much lower than a standard phone line, this is usually because many of the multi line systems now operate through the internet. In addition, telephone numbers are hosted in the cloud so you don’t have to pay costly line rentals and all the system hardware and maintenance is taken care of by the provider leaving you with more time to focus on your business than worrying about a complex technical glitch with your phone system.
Increased productivity – Multi line phone systems can be routed quickly which increases customer satisfaction and frees up employee time so they can work on other things.
Professionalism – When a business needs to grow, more lines can be added to the system without having to install a whole new phone network. It also conveys a greater degree of professionalism having a dedicated phone number that customers can contact rather than simply a mobile number.
Functionality – Many multi line systems are extremely flexible allowing businesses to add or remove numbers, integrate voicemail, set up call forwarding and much more, offering a far greater range of services than a standard phone system.
Collaboration – If you have a remote team, a multi line phone system can improve collaboration and maintain communications. Calls can be re-routed to their mobiles meaning that calls don’t go unanswered.
Customer Service – Using a multi line phone system gives customers confidence. They will recognize that you have a good set up and a strong team who are responsive to customer service requests. Phone lines can make a significant impact on your day to day business operations.
Call waiting/forwarding – Never miss a call. If you’re busy, customers can leave a message or be routed through to the extension of a colleague.
How Do Multi Line Phone Systems Work?
As the name suggests, a multi-line phone takes the line coming into your business, and splits it into multiple lines, allowing two or more phones to be linked at once via the same connection. The upshot of this is that it allows businesses to set up an internal phone system without the need for installing new phone lines at considerable cost and inconvenience. With a multi-line phone, there’s no disruption or extra ongoing expense, and employees can each be given their own extension number, as well as being able to pick up calls internally should their co-workers be unavailable.
They also introduce new features, such as call management to answer and direct calls to the relevant person, or the ability to take messages when nobody is available.
Multi-line phones can be connected together to create a network, with one phone plugging into the next, or with each phone connecting to each other via an internet connection.
How to Choose the Best Multi Line Phone System
When managing a business you need a phone system that you can rely on, and there are several factors that you should take into consideration.
These can be as simple as getting the right telephone number and area code, or as important as how much it’s all going to cost and whether you'll be able to address more complicated business requirements by incorporating features such as voicemail, call divert and caller display.
Any type of multi line phone system whether it’s has a two line or four line capacity would bring a number of benefits to your business because they can significantly improve communication channels, support your existing processes and are flexible enough to adapt as your business grows.
But you should take care to choose a multi-line phone system that suits your growth strategy, to future proof it as much as possible. So let's take a look at each of the multi-line set ups: 2 line, 4 line and cloud-based.
Best 2 Line Phone System
2 line phone systems are ideal for a small company or home-based business owner.
They feature a range of functions such as auto-attendant and call forwarding but can keep business and personal calls separate. A 2 line phone system will have two separate lines, voicemail inboxes and telephone numbers, which can be connected to the same device.
Popular with start up businesses or companies who are in the early stages of growth, two phone lines can prove crucial to enhancing customer service and improving communications.
A 2 line phone system will offer a range of benefits to both small start up businesses and medium sized enterprises. A business can enjoy multiple benefits associated with such phone lines because there are multiple ways of handling and processing calls allowing a business to deal with two calls at the same time. This not only facilitates multitasking but it makes a big difference when handling your day to day operations. 2 line phones are also popular with home based businesses because they allow business and home life to be kept separately.
As technology continues to develop, telephone lines are becoming more advanced with the 2 line system being just one of the many improvements in telephone communications. As the years progress, VoIP technologies will continue to develop and other systems will be launched which offer a greater choice of options to communicate effectively with colleagues, customers, partners and suppliers.
Small business owners are more likely to use a 2 phone line system because these types of business are usually in the early stages of starting up and may either use a small home office to manage the day to day operations or work within a shared office. A 2 phone line system will avoid receiving work phone calls on a personal home telephone number.
Larger businesses can also use two line phone systems to manage different areas of their business such as one for general customer inquiries and then another line to handle technical queries. However within a larger businesses it is not unheard of for there to be a four, six or even twelve line phone system which has been installed to serve more complex communication requirements.
There are many 2 line cordless phone systems available if you are looking for a more flexible communications option. Employees in the healthcare industry, as well as those in construction and other types of shift work can benefit the most from a 2 line cordless phone. To read more about plenty of indoor and robust outdoor options please view our cordless phones guide.
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Get tailored quotes in moments4 Line Phone Systems
Four line phone systems are often used for larger businesses or those with small teams, so that each member of the team can have their own telephone line and make use of it while other people are also making and receiving calls.
Having a 4 line phone system means that four employees could be on the phone at the same time. However, up 16 phones could be connected to a 4 line system. So it is important to consider how many phone lines your business usually needs simultaneously, not just the number of phones you’d like connected, before you start purchasing anything. Otherwise you could be investing money in extra lines that will go unused.
Cloud-Based Multi Line Phone Systems
Today, many businesses are favoring cloud based systems (sometimes called Hosted VoIP-based) for multiple users, instead of regular multi-line set ups. There are many advantages to these, not least of doing away with traditional phone set-ups and replacing them with a virtual network which can be considerably cheaper, accessed anywhere, and be used on existing hardware such as computers and cell phones.
Cloud based systems are also much more versatile and scalable, with no physical limitations on how many lines you can have. You can adapt the number of users from 2 to 4 to over 100+ quite easily because multiple virtual lines do not need to be installed and uninstalled. This allows your business to be much more flexible and meet your customers needs quicker.
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A few quick steps is all it takesTraditional Multi Line Phone Systems vs Cloud-Based VoIP Multi Line Phone Systems
There is no single best office phone system for everyone. Different types of organizations have different priorities and budgets, and even two nearly identical organizations might face vastly different challenges and opportunities. However, cloud-based VoIP systems offer a number of modern advantages over traditional multi line systems, making them the better choice for most. Let’s look at the differences.
“PSTN” (Landline) Systems
These are the ‘standard’ setups that most of us grew up with. Only fairly recently have other types been commercially available, so these are what many think of as ‘normal’ phones. PSTN stands for the Publicly Switched Telephone Network, which uses multiple physical phone lines.
Pros:
- These are a very mature technology, so they are reliable.
- Most users already understand the system.
Cons:
- In order to use these for any but the smallest offices, you will need to have PBX or VoIP-type extension hardware installed on-site.
- Many providers are getting out of the ‘landline’ business, so these systems could soon become difficult to purchase and service.
- Long distance calls are particularly expensive over most PSTN systems.
VoIP Multi Line Phone Systems
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. These systems route your voice traffic over your existing internet connection. They do not require Traditional PBX (Private Branch Exchange) hardware, but the features and details can vary significantly between providers and systems.
Pros:
- VoIP is by now also a well-established system for small businesses with excellent reliability.
- These systems offer a wide variety of standard features that are added extras on PSTN systems.
- They are inexpensive, especially as most do not apply any long-distance surcharge.
- It is particularly easy to route calls to remote employees, or those who are traveling.
Cons:
- These systems rely totally on your internet connection, so if that ever goes down (which still happens to the best networks) your office phones could be completely cut off*.
*Saying this, while your office phones may be cut off, your network and communications would not be. All good providers offer automatic re-routing to mobile numbers, for when your main phone cannot be reached.
As we mentioned, there's no one system to rule them all, but if you're looking to future-proof your communications we recommend you choose VoIP to benefit from multi line calling as well as other top features such as email and website chat integration, when you choose a Unified Communications service, using VoIP.
Visit our VoIP vs Landline guide for a more in-depth comparison of IP phones and traditional PSTN systems.
The Best Multi Line Phone Systems: Comparison
Whatever kind you choose, your business phone system is an essential piece of kit. Multi line networks can offer greater flexibility and with dedicated lines, business can come across as being more professional and organized which leaves a great impression with customers.
So what are the best multi-line phones on the market right now? We looked at both corded and cordless multiple line phones systems and found the following models came out on top. All of these multi-line phone systems can help take your business communications to the next level.
The phones we've listed below are traditional multi-line models, but if you're looking for a more future-proof solution, check out our guides to the best VoIP phones and top 10 VoIP providers.
Upgrade your phone system and grow your business today
Compare tailored costs for your business from top suppliers- AT&T TL88102 Cordless Phone
- AT&T TL86103 Multi Line Corded & Cordless Phones
- AT&T 1080 4 Line Phone
- VTech CM18245 Multi Line Phone
- RCA 25423RE1 4-Line Phone
- VTech CM18445 Multi Line Phone
- VTech DS6151 Multi Line Phone
- Panasonic KX-TG958 Multi Line Corded & Cordless Phones
- Uniden DECT4096 Multi Line Corded & Cordless Phones
- AT&T ML17939 2-Line Phone
Below you'll find full reviews for all of these multi-line solutions that can help take your business communications to the next level:
Visit our VoIP phones guide for more information on cloud-based options for small businesses.
1. AT&T TL88102 Multi Line Cordless Deskphone
Price: $119
This multi line phone system includes the DECT 6.0 technology offering businesses clarity in terms of communication and long range coverage. Supports a 2 line answer system and features a caller identification and can store up to 14 minutes of digital recording on each line. With a convenient and practical tilt base it has an easy viewing angle to clearly see who is calling and who has called.
- Answer phone
- 2-line system
- Intercom
- Call Waiting
- Battery life could be better
- Headset attaches to handset, not base
2. AT&T TL86103 Multi Line Corded & Cordless Desk Phones
Price: $150
A sophisticated multi line phone, this model can be easily paired with your smartphone, enabling calls to me made on your cellular plan, whilst speaking from the comfort of the landline. Not only that, but Android users can be updated when they receive a message or call via the handset, which will beep and display the type of communication received.
- Can pair with smartphone
- Compatible with Android devices
- Call waiting
- Pricer than other models
- Range could be better
3. AT&T 1080 4 Line Corded Deskphone
Price: $150
This phone supports four lines, meaning that juggling calls for your business is a breeze. It also allows for conference calls with up to three people- useful for companies who don’t need a full blown conference phone system but would like the option from time to time.
- 3 party conferencing
- Expandable to 16 bases
- Intercom
- No caller display
4. VTech CM18245 Multi Line Corded Deskphone
Price: $80
You can feel confident that you’re getting crystal clear quality from this multi line phone, thanks to its DECT 6.0 technology, and the noise reduction feature means that your customers won’t have any trouble hearing you. The ability to extend the system with up to six handsets gives smaller businesses some scope to grow and the full duplex speakerphone enables hands free chatting.
- Inexpensive
- Noise reduction
- Expandable to 9 handsets
- Caller display doesn't display number
- Earpiece feels a little cheap
5. RCA 25423RE1 4-Line Deskphone
Price: $99
Expandable up to 16 handsets the RCA 4-line phone system model offers businesses a feature rich handset as well as added flexibility and enhanced sound quality. An intercom function allows for convenient 2-way conversations between users in the office, without using the phone line.
- Two way conferencing
- Intercom
- Expandable to 16 handsets
- No caller ID
6. VTech CM18445 Multi Line Corded Deskphone
Price: $130
Adopting DECT 6.0 technology, calls will sound clear and interference-free, and the auto-attendant for each of the four lines means that your clients calls will be answered even if you’re not available. The system can provide callers with a company directory, forward on calls to an extension number, and lets callers leave voice messages, with a capacity for up to 180 minutes in total.
- 180 minute answer recording
- Four-line system
- Expandable to 10 stations
- No caller alert on handset
- Ringer sounds before auto-attendant picks up
7. VTech DS6151 Multi Line Phone
Price: $80
Businesses and callers can enjoy the advanced call quality of DECT 6.0 technology, and it won’t suffer from any interference with wireless networks or other devices. It includes all of the latest security features too – not bad at all for a budget model with a tempting price tag. With caller ID features, call waiting and a host of other useful functions, this phone is an ideal choice for any business.
- 180 minute answer recording
- Two-line system
- Expandable to 12 handsets
- No Bluetooth function
- Battery life not great
8. Panasonic KX-TG958 Multi Line Corded & Cordless Desk Phones
Price: $150
A battery back up means that you won’t miss a call even when the lights go out. The KX-TG958 offers 75 minutes of power, allowing you to continue making and receiving calls during a power outage. Compatible with Microsoft Outlook, simply connect this phone to your PC to make calls with just a click. It is also compatible with up to four smartphones, meaning you can make and receive mobile calls from the handset.
- Battery back up for power failures
- Microsoft Outlook compatible
- Compatible with 4 smartphones
- No hold button on handset
9. Uniden DECT4096 Multi Line Corded & Cordless Desk Phones
Price: $150
A 2-line corded phone, this model is expandable to up to 10 handsets, making it perfect for businesses who may expand in the future. The three way conference feature allows you to have important meetings without the need or expense of face to face meetings, and the large blue screen makes it easy to see who’s calling you, thanks to caller display.
- 100 phone book memory
- Expandable to 10 handsets
- Three way conferencing
- Display not easy to read
- Buttons are small
10. AT&T ML17939 2-Line Corded Deskphone
Price: $60
The AT&T ML17939 2-line phone is designed for new businesses, providing a range of features that improve productivity and the overall communications process of operations. These include three party conferencing, for carrying out meetings or catch-ups over the phone, a virtual phonebook with capacity for 100 contacts, and backup so you won’t lose important data in a power outage.
- 100 phone book memory
- Three way conferencing
- 2-line system
- User interface not intuitive
Verdict: Multi-Line Phones for Your Business
Multi-line phones are an essential bit of office equipment for any business, no matter how small. The question shouldn’t be can you afford to have a multi-line phone, but can you afford not to? As the models above show, prices start from a reasonable $70, and can be expanded as your business grows. Get tailored price quotes for your business today to find the best multi line phone system deal.
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