Today, there's more than one way to make a phone call. Sure, you can go the traditional route, or you can opt for alternative methods, like VoIP and VoLTE. These two communication protocols may work well for you, but they are not one and the same. There are key differences between VoIP and VoLTE to consider before trying either.

VoIP vs. VoLTE: A Quick Comparison

Before we delve into the specifics of VoIP and VoLTE, let's quickly compare their main points to get a general overview of how they work.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's explore VoIP and VoLTE in depth.

What Is VoIP?

VoIP (short for Voice over Internet Protocol) is a method of communication that uses Wi-Fi instead of cell tower signals. Your typical phone call requires a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which facilitates landline and cellphone calls. VoIP, on the other hand, can use the internet alone.

Many of us now use the internet to make voice calls. Instagram, Messenger, and Snapchat all have online call options, but VoIP is not quite the same as this. You can use VoIP with your phone number, whereas most online calling tools require you to log in and create an account without needing a contact number.

Using an internet connection, VoIP transfers your voice to the receiving phone using data packets.

Anyone can use VoIP, but it is most popular with businesses looking for a more affordable way to make multiple phone calls daily. Of course, it costs money to run a Wi-Fi network, but it can often be more expensive to make wired telephone calls. Generally, businesses can save more by using VoIP. According to Vonage, a business can save an average of 50 to 70 percent on phone charges and 40 percent on calling charges when switching to VoIP, which can help cut overheads.

Using VoIP also removes the need for multiple telephone lines, which can be a logistical nightmare depending on your office environment. With VoIP, just one line can connect multiple phones, making installation much easier. If you're looking to use VoIP on your smartphone, however, it can also be connected to your smartwatch for more convenient use on the go.

If you're using VoIP as an individual, you also stand to benefit. Some VoIP services are totally free, meaning you can cut down your monthly call minutes and avoid exceeding your cap.

But VoIP doesn't come without its downsides. For instance, if your Wi-Fi network fails or there's a problem with your broadband provider, you'll be unable to conduct VoIP calls until things are up and running again.

What's more, because VoIP relies on an internet connection, it is vulnerable to hackers. If your VoIP network isn't secure, a cybercriminal may be able to eavesdrop on phone conversations and steal sensitive data. This could put employees or customers at risk and can damage a company's reputation if the hack is made public.

On top of hacking risks, VoIP-dependent companies and VoIP providers are also exposed to denial-of-service attacks. In 2021, VoIP provider VoIP.ms was hit by a denial of service attack, where its network was disrupted, and clients could not make VoIP calls. As VoIP grows more popular among individuals or businesses, the opportunities for exploitation also grow.

What Is VoLTE?

VoLTE (short for Voice over Long Term Evolution) is another communication protocol that differs from typical call-making. You may have already heard of LTE or 4G LTE. Some smartphones display an "LTE" symbol in the top icon bar, but many don't know what this really means.

LTE is a transitional point between the 3G and 4G cellular evolutions but is mostly associated with the latter. First released in 2008 (before 4G), LTE tackles latency in data transmission, providing much faster connection speeds than its predecessor, 3G. With these improved speeds came the idea of conducting voice calls over LTE networks. Enter VoLTE.

In 2009, twelve major telecommunication companies collaborated on a project known as "One Voice." At the time, VoIP already existed, but these telecom brands felt VoLTE could solve many VoIP issues, such as lackluster sound quality and limited bandwidth. So, how does VoLTE work?

While VoIP uses Wi-Fi to make calls, VoLTE uses 4G LTE to transmit your voice via data packages. But that's just making an internet-based voice call, right?

Not quite. Like VoIP, VoLTE allows you to make calls using the internet while still using your phone number. This means VoLTE calls you make are considered phone minutes by your cell service provider. Your cell phone provider should support VoLTE, as most major carriers do.

What's great about VoLTE is that it doesn't rely on a Wi-Fi network to maintain connectivity. If the area's data signal is strong, you're good to go and don't have to worry about a router. You can get better coverage with VoLTE and use it on the go when a Wi-Fi network is unavailable.

Unlike VoIP, VoLTE doesn't require an app for use. You can enable and disable VoLTE in your phone's settings. Once VoLTE is enabled, you should be able to use it, so long as you're connected to a 4G network. It's likely that VoLTE is already enabled on your smartphone, and you've likely already used it without realizing! You can also use VoLTE on other devices, such as your smartwatch.

However, VoLTE isn't perfect. This communication protocol has a few drawbacks to note, starting with limited device compatibility. Because VoLTE doesn't require any kind of physical lines, it is generally less reliable for consistently strong connections.

Should You Use VoIP or VoLTE?

Deciding whether to use VoIP or VoLTE often depends on the device you're using. If your device isn't compatible with 4G LTE, you'll have to stick to VoIP or traditional calling. Even if your phone supports 4G connectivity, you still may not be able to use VoLTE.

When it comes to VoIP, you're ideally better off with an IP phone, but this can be very limiting, as VoIP phones are not smartphones. For example, say your work requires you to make heaps of calls. Maybe you want to use VoIP on your smartphone as an individual, not an employee, and don't want the hassle of two separate devices.

But worry not; VoIP is still available on regular smartphones. You'll need to be connected to a VoIP service, which usually comes as an app. Zoom, Ring Central, and Teamspeak are just a few examples of popular VoIP apps. There are also services you may already be signed up to, such as WhatsApp and Discord, which also support VoIP.

Both VoIP and VoLTE can make great substitutes for traditional calling in a business setting. VoIP is the best option if your business involves a lot of international calling, as no cellular network is required, meaning you can avoid nasty overseas charges. Even if you have many friends and family abroad, VoIP can save you money.

On the other hand, if you or your business mostly makes in-country phone calls, you may prefer VoLTE, as this method offers faster setup times and higher sound quality. If your router is playing up, VoLTE also offers an easy alternative to VoIP until things are up and running again. You can easily switch between the two if that better fits your lifestyle, as most modern devices support both technologies.

There's More Than One Way to Call Someone

Gone are the days when you could only call someone using your cell service provider's wired network. Now, you can enjoy communicating with friends, family, and colleagues using Wi-Fi or data, be it as part of a business practice or on your own.