For small or growing businesses, buying new phones can be a big, even downright scary,  investment. There are so many models to choose from so many features and specifics to consider, that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. 

Clients have said to me more times than I can even count, “I just need a phone that rings when I get a call.” 

And you know what, there is nothing wrong with having that simple goal for your phones. 

To help everyone looking for “a phone that rings” do so at the best price possible, we’ve gathered together our top recommendations. 

FluentStream Phone

Okay, so maybe we’re cheating a little bit here, but the best budget desk phone isn’t a phone that sits on your desk at all. It’s FluentStream Phone, our softphone application that turns any laptop or computer into a mobile office. 

For the low, low price of absolutely free with your FluentStream service, here are just some of the things you can do with FluentStream Phone: 

• HD-Quality Calling
• Text Messaging
• Voicemail
• Call Transfers
• 3-Way Calling
• Call Forwarding

There’s a whole lot more, but you get the idea. Check out the full blog for more information on why FluentStream Phone is perfect for your business. 

Still not interested? That’s okay! We also have a few physical devices we highly recommend for anyone trying to build up their business communications on a budget. 

Yealink T21-EP2

The T21-EP2 is a reliable device for businesses that need to make and receive calls, but not much functionality beyond that. It’s 2 line keys mean you’ll always have a chance to answer a second call without it going straight to voicemail, and the audio quality is quite solid for the price.

Polycom VVX 101

Like every member of the VVX family, the 101 is a dependable desk phone with exceptional call quality. The VVX 101 may be lacking some of Polycom’s advanced features, but for most small businesses, the affordability more than makes up for it. 

Yealink T19-EP2

If you’re looking for the absolute lowest price on a desk phone that’s still good enough to recommend, the T19-EP2 is for you. It’s single line key means you’ll only be able to take one call at a time, but it does include all your basic features such as voicemail, 3-way calling, and Do Not Disturb.

BEST BUDGET RECEPTIONIST PHONE 

Polycom VVX 301

Whatever the size of your business, a good reception phone needs two things: enough call lines to manage high call traffic, and exceptional voice quality. The VVX 301 delivers on both of those fronts so you can always make a professional first impression even if your whole team is working from the couch. 

See more reception phone recommendations in our Best Desk Phones Guide.

BEST BUDGET CONFERENCE PHONE 

Polycom Soundstation 2

With solid audio performance and a streamlined design, the Polycom Soundstation 2 is an excellent choice for bootstrapped businesses in need of a conference phone. Upgraded with 50% better microphone sensitivity over the first model, the Soundstation 2 provides up to 10 ft of conferencing power at an affordable price. 

See more conference phone recommendations in our Best Conference Phones Guide.