The Best Skype Internet Phones

Skype is one hell of a service. For no charge you can speak to anyone else who is using Skype. Skype’s most interesting features, however, revolve around its ability to tie into the traditional phone system. For a low monthly charge it is possible to make Skype calls to landline and mobile phones, and for another small monthly fee it is possible to set up a virtual number which allows landlines and mobile phones to call you.

That said, you’ll be restricted to using a headset – unless your buy a Skype Internet Phone. These Internet Phones act like normal phones and are incredibly convenient. So, which Skype Internet Phones should you consider buying? The three below are my recommendations.

IPEVO Free2 USB Skype Internet Phone

Although relatively unknown in other circles, Ipevo has been making a name for itself when it comes to making Skype phones. The Ipevo Free2 is probably the best example of what Ipevo can do. It is a fairly simple phone, consisting of a black (or white) handset of fairly small size connected to the Skype PC via USB. It is compatible with by PCs and Macs.

Feature wise, the Ipevo Free2 is simple. It includes a small LCD screen for displaying information from Skype, a basic, easy to understand keypad, and the ability to record calls when connected to computers running Windows. It looks a bit strange due to the cut-out in the plastic at the bottom of the phone, but the function of this odd design is to reduce echos.

It seems to work. The Ipevo Free2 is one of the most beloved Skype phones around. Beyond its features and good call quality, it just seems to work. Software issues still plague some Skype phones, but not the Ipevo Free2. Better yet, the Ipevo Free2 is typically priced around $50 bucks, which is very affordable.

Skype USB Phone Adapter

No, this isn’t technically a phone, but it achieves the same goal. The Skype USB Phone Adapter
is basically a small box which connect to your Skype PC and then connects to a cordless (or wired, I suppose) phone of any make or model. This instantly converts the formerly land-locked phone into an internet call, capable of making and receiving calls through Skype.

Yes, this even means you can pick up a phone for a dollar down at a yard sale and use it as your Skype Internet phone. This shouldn’t cause any conflicts with the Skype service at all, although given the huge number of landline phones available it can’t be guarantee. For example, it only works with touch-tone phones.

There are limitations to this solution. Most of the features offered by dedicated Skype phones, like the ability to see Skype contacts displayed, will be lost. However, given the price of $25 dollars, the value proposition is obvious. If you want the ability to use a phone as a Skype Internet phone but budget is a problem, this is the way to go.

Polycom Soundpoint SE-225 Skype Internet Phone

Built for offices, the Polycom Soundpoint Pro SE-225 isn’t just a Skype Internet phone, but it can be used as one. When used in this capacity, it has an impressive list of features. Perhaps its largest claim to fame is its speakerphone capability. The big selling point of all of Polycom’s phones is their exceptional speakerphones which have superb quality for both parties. If you need a Skype phone but you also need speakerphone functionality, this is the obvious choice.

Besides the speakerphone, the sound quality of the Soundpoint Pro SE-225 is generally superb. The Soundpoint also gives the option of connecting a headset, which could be wired or wireless, to the phone if desired. It should be noted that the Soundpoint Pro SE-225 is quite a bit bigger than the other two options, and much more expensive, as this phone runs between $150 and $200 dollars in most cases. However, if sound quality is of great importance to you, this is probably the best Skype Internet phone you can buy.