How to Buy Skype Phones

"What kind of Skype Phones do I need, how to buy a Skype phone"

I have answered similar phone calls and emails hundreds of times so I decided to organize and write down the answers I gave. That was 10 months ago. I had many excuses and became one of my New Year resolutions. Finally I forced myself this morning.

I normally answer the "Skype Phone" question with questions:

Do you care if other people can listen to the full conversation?
Do you want to use your PC for Skype?
Do you want to wander around your house while on the Skype phone?
Do you want to be "attached" to the PC and its monitor during calls?
Do you want to use the same phone for Skype and landline calls?
Do you want to make video calls?
Do you want hand-free Skype phone calls?
What is your budget? How much are the various features worth to you?

This article does not cover Skype adapters where you can use your regular landline phones for Skype. For more information, read this article "Middle Solution - Skype in Your Home".

Do you care if other people can listen to the full conversation?

No. You are by yourself or you have no secret.

If you are always "attached" to your PC and its monitor, the cheapest solution is to use your PC speakers and a microphone. You can get a microphone in many stores for under $10. Consider using a headset if you run into echoing problems.

Do you want to use your PC for Skype?

No. You want the flexibility of making calls wherever there is an accessible network or the saving in electricity of running a PC continuously.

There are pc-less Skype phones that connect to your router directly either through wired or wireless connections. The Skype phones come in different formats - desktop, cordless, extra handsets, speaker phone, and dual use (Skype and landline calls). Most wireless Skype phones do not work with networks that require browsers to log in. Beware when making your selection.

We offer a wide selection of pc-less Skype phones.

Do you want to wander around your house while on the Skype phone?

Yes. You value your freedom.

The cordless Skype phone will free you. Plug the base station to your PC via a USB port. You can use it like a regular cordless phone. Some earlier generation cordless Skype phones have limited ranges and are designed to be used within a room only. Now DECT phones are available with good ranges and would not interfere with your wireless network.

In our store, we have many options for you.

Do you want to be "attached" to a PC and its monitor during calls?

Yes. You do not mind sitting in front of a PC while using Skype.

The USB corded Skype phone is for you. These Skype phones are connected to your PC with a USB cable. Most came with a LCD display that you can make calls without looking at your PC monitor.

See our USB corded Skype phone selections.

Do you want to use the same phone for Skype and landline calls?

Yes. I do not need one more phone in my house and I do not mind pressing one button to select the landline or Skype.

You need dual phones. Most dual phones connect to your PCs via USB ports and to have Rj11 jack for your landlines. Normally, there is a button for selecting the Skype or PSTN (landline) mode.

There are many types of dual phones - pc-less, cordless, corded, speaker and desktop. You can find them all in our store.

Do you want to make video calls?

Yes. You want to see your love ones while talking. Skype video calls are not high definition, but the price is right.

Use a Skype video phone or a regular Skype phone and attached a web cam to your PC.

Of course, we carry them in our store. See Skype video phone and webcams. We have some really cute stuffed animal webcams, which are great for gifts. They also can be disguised as security webcams that can be accessed remotely over the internet.

Do you want hand-free Skype calls?

Yes. You hands are always busy doing other more important things.

Use a Skype speaker phone, a headset with attached microphone or a Bluetooth headset.

Hey, we have them too in our store. See speaker phone, Bluetooth headsets, and Bluetooth dongles.

What is your budget? How much are the various features worth to you?

I keep this question to the last as only you can answer this question. In general, the cost goes up with features. You can have a speaker/microphone solution for under $10 to a pc-less Skype phone with extra handsets for over $300. At the time of this writing, pc-less Skype phones start at $110; cordless Skype phones start at $50; corded Skype phones start at $20; Skype dual phones start at $50; speaker phones start at $40; Bluetooth headsets start at $30.