What to Look For in a Business IP Phone
Before comparing models, here are the specs that matter:
- Audio codecs: Must support G.711 (mandatory in Australia) and ideally G.722 for HD voice
- SIP lines: How many SIP accounts the phone can register. 2 lines for most staff; 6–12 for receptionists
- PoE (Power over Ethernet): Powers the phone via network cable — eliminates the need for a separate power adapter
- Display: Colour display makes it easier to read caller ID, call logs, and the directory
- Expansion module support: For receptionists needing 20+ BLF keys
Best Entry-Level: Yealink SIP-T31P
Price: $129 inc GST
The T31P is the go-to entry-level handset for Australian small businesses. It delivers excellent audio quality at a price point that makes it easy to equip every desk. Key features:
- 2 SIP lines
- HD voice with Yealink Acoustic Shield noise-cancellation
- PoE support (PoE injector included)
- 3.7" 192×64 pixel display
- Wall-mountable
Best for: Staff who make and receive moderate call volumes.
Best Mid-Range: Yealink T43U
Price: $249 inc GST
The T43U steps up to a larger display, more SIP lines, and USB ports for headset connectivity or call recording dongles. A solid all-rounder for most professional roles.
- 3 SIP lines
- 3.7" 360×160 pixel display
- Dual USB ports (headset, Bluetooth dongle)
- Gigabit Ethernet passthrough
- 21 programmable keys
Best for: Office professionals, account managers, team leads.
Best Executive: Yealink T54W
Price: $359 inc GST
The T54W is Yealink's flagship executive handset with a full-colour display, built-in Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth — the ideal phone for senior staff or those who move between desks.
- 16 SIP lines
- 4.3" 480×272 colour display
- Built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi (no cable needed)
- Bluetooth 4.2 (wireless headset support)
- 27 programmable keys + expansion module support
Best for: Directors, executives, power users.
Best for Receptions: Yealink T54W with EXP50
Price: from $359 inc GST (expansion module quoted separately)
Receptionists need to see the status of many extensions at once. The T54W paired with an EXP50 expansion module gives 60+ BLF (Busy Lamp Field) keys on a colour display — essential for managing a busy front desk. Ask us for current expansion module pricing.
Best Cordless: Yealink W73P DECT Base + Handset
Price: $299 inc GST
For staff who move around — warehouses, showrooms, workshops — DECT cordless phones offer the freedom of a mobile with the call quality of a desk phone. The W73P supports up to 10 handsets on one base station and has a range of 50m indoors / 300m outdoors.