Comparing Grandstream Models: Which One Is Right for Your Business?

In the world of VoIP telephony, Grandstream has established itself as a major player, offering a wide range of IP phones to suit various business needs. From entry-level models to advanced video phones, Grandstream's lineup has something for everyone. In this comprehensive review, we'll take a closer look at each series, helping you determine which Grandstream model is the perfect fit for your business.

Entry-Level Excellence: The GXP1600 Series

When it comes to affordable yet reliable IP phones, Grandstream's GXP1600 series stands out. These phones are the go-to choice for small businesses, home offices, or areas with light phone use. The series includes the GXP1610/1615, GXP1620/1625, and GXP1628 models.

The GXP1610/1615 is the most basic model in this series, offering a single SIP account and two line keys. Don't let its simplicity fool you, though – it still packs a punch with 3-way conferencing and a full-duplex speakerphone, ensuring clear communication for your daily calls. The GXP1620/1625 steps it up a notch with support for two SIP accounts, making it ideal for users who need to manage personal and business lines on a single device.

For those needing a bit more functionality, the GXP1628 is the star of the entry-level series. While it maintains the two SIP accounts of its 1620/1625 sibling, it adds 8 BLF (Busy Lamp Field) keys to the mix. This feature is a boon for receptionists or team leaders who need to monitor the status of multiple lines.

All phones in the GXP1600 series boast HD audio, ensuring your conversations are crystal clear. They also support PoE (Power over Ethernet), with the exception of the GXP1610, making installation a breeze in offices with PoE-enabled switches.

While these phones excel in their simplicity and affordability, they do have their limitations. The screens are on the smaller side, which might be a drawback for users who need to display more information. Additionally, they lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models. However, for businesses looking for reliable, no-frills communication devices, the GXP1600 series is hard to beat.

Moving Up: The GXP1700 Series

As we step up to the mid-range offerings, we find the GXP1700 series. These phones are designed for growing businesses and office workers who need a bit more from their desktop phones. The series includes the GXP1760 and GXP1780/1782 models.

The GXP1760 is a significant step up from the entry-level series. It supports three SIP accounts and boasts six line keys, making it easier to manage multiple calls or lines. The 4-way conferencing capability is perfect for small team meetings, while the 24 BLF keys allow for extensive call monitoring – a feature that team leaders and receptionists will appreciate.

Taking it up another notch, the GXP1780/1782 supports four SIP accounts and eight line keys. It also expands the conferencing capability to 5-way, making it suitable for larger team calls. The real standout feature here is the 32 BLF keys, providing ample capacity for busy offices with numerous extensions to monitor.

Both models in the GXP1700 series feature larger screens with backlighting, making them easier to read in various lighting conditions. The dual-color LEDs for line keys are a nice touch, allowing users to quickly assess line status at a glance.

While these phones offer a significant upgrade in features, they do have some limitations. Neither model supports Bluetooth, which might be a drawback for users who prefer wireless headsets. They also lack built-in WiFi, meaning you'll need to ensure Ethernet connectivity at each desk.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the GXP1700 series hits a sweet spot for many businesses, offering a rich feature set at a mid-range price point. They're particularly well-suited for growing businesses that need more capability than entry-level phones provide, but aren't ready to invest in high-end models across the board.

High-End Hardware: The GXP2100 Series

For businesses seeking top-tier functionality, the GXP2100 series delivers in spades. This series caters to executives, receptionists, and power users who demand advanced features and support for multiple lines. The series includes the GXP2130, GXP2135, GXP2140, and GXP2170 models.

The GXP2130 kicks off the high-end series with support for three SIP accounts, four line keys, and 4-way conferencing. It also includes 8 BLF keys, making it a solid choice for users who need more features than the mid-range series offers but don't require extensive line monitoring.

Stepping up, the GXP2135 expands to four SIP accounts, eight line keys, and 5-way conferencing. With 32 BLF keys, it's an excellent choice for busy receptionists or office managers who need to keep tabs on numerous extensions. This model also introduces built-in Bluetooth support, allowing for easy connection of wireless headsets.

The GXP2140 and GXP2170 take functionality to the next level. While the GXP2140 maintains four SIP accounts, it supports the connection of up to four GXP2200EXT modules, dramatically expanding the number of programmable keys available. The GXP2170 goes even further, supporting six SIP accounts and featuring 12 line keys out of the box, along with support for the expansion modules.

All phones in the GXP2100 series feature large color LCD screens, providing a rich, easy-to-read interface. They also all include dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring that your phone won't be a bottleneck for network speed.

The primary limitation of these high-end models is their cost – they represent a significant investment compared to the entry-level and mid-range series. They may also be more complex than necessary for basic users, potentially leading to a steeper learning curve.

However, for businesses that need advanced functionality, the GXP2100 series delivers. These phones are particularly well-suited for high-call-volume environments, executive offices, and anywhere that requires extensive call handling capabilities.

Cutting-Edge Communication: The GRP Series

The GRP series represents Grandstream's latest generation of IP phones, designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes while offering cutting-edge features and carrier-grade management capabilities. This series includes models like the GRP2612, GRP2614, GRP2615, and GRP2616.

The GRP2612 (including its PoE and WiFi variants, the GRP2612P and GRP2612W) serves as an excellent entry point to this advanced series. Supporting four SIP accounts and featuring four line keys, it offers a good balance of functionality and simplicity. The GRP2612W variant adds built-in dual-band WiFi, providing flexible deployment options for offices without extensive Ethernet infrastructure.

Moving up the line, the GRP2614 maintains the four SIP accounts and four line keys of its smaller sibling but upgrades to a color LCD screen. This enhancement provides a more vibrant, easy-to-read interface that can display more detailed information.

For power users, the GRP2615 and GRP2616 shine. The GRP2615 supports a whopping 10 SIP accounts and features 40 virtual multi-purpose keys, making it a powerhouse for managing multiple lines and functions. The GRP2616, while stepping back to six SIP accounts, maintains the 40 virtual multi-purpose keys and adds a larger, higher-resolution color display.

What sets the GRP series apart is its focus on security and manageability. All phones in this series offer carrier-grade security features and support for GDMS (Grandstream Device Management System), making them ideal for businesses that prioritize security and easy fleet management. They also boast improved audio quality with support for a wide range of wideband codecs.

The primary drawback of the GRP series is that, as newer models, they may come with a higher price tag. Some of the advanced features may also require additional setup or licensing. However, for businesses looking for state-of-the-art IP phones with a focus on security and manageability, the GRP series is an excellent choice.

Beyond Voice: The GXV Series Video Phones

In an age where video communication is becoming increasingly important, Grandstream's GXV series video phones shine. These Android-based devices blur the line between traditional desk phones and tablet computers, offering a rich communication experience that goes far beyond voice calls. The series includes models like the GXV3350 and GXV3380.

The GXV3350 is a powerhouse of communication. With support for 16 SIP accounts, it can handle even the most complex multi-line setups. Its 7" touch screen provides a large, intuitive interface for managing calls and accessing apps. Running on Android 9.0, it offers access to a wide range of productivity apps from the Google Play Store, effectively turning your desk phone into a versatile workstation.

Stepping up to the GXV3380, you get an even larger 8" touch screen, providing ample real estate for video calls and app interactions. While it runs on the slightly older Android 7.0, it still offers excellent performance and app compatibility. Like the GXV3350, it supports 16 SIP accounts, making it suitable for even the busiest professionals.

Both models in the GXV series feature built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, offering flexible connectivity options. They also include HDMI input and output, allowing for content sharing and connection to external displays – a feature that's particularly useful for small conference rooms.

The primary limitation of the GXV series is its higher cost compared to audio-only phones. They may also require more bandwidth, particularly when used for video calls, so it's important to ensure your network can handle the increased data flow.

However, for businesses that prioritize video communication or want to consolidate multiple devices into one, the GXV series offers an compelling solution. They're particularly well-suited for executives, sales professionals, and anyone who frequently engages in video calls or needs quick access to productivity apps alongside their phone system.

Mobility Matters: The DP Series DECT Phones

For businesses that require mobility within the office or warehouse environment, Grandstream's DP series of DECT cordless phones provides an excellent solution. This series includes the DP720/750 handsets and the DP752 base station.

The DP720/750 handsets are sleek, lightweight devices that pack a surprising amount of functionality into a mobile form factor. Each handset can support up to 10 SIP accounts, providing flexibility for users who need to manage multiple lines while on the move. When paired with the DP752 base station, you can have up to 5 handsets sharing the same base, with support for up to 5 concurrent calls per base station.

The DP752 base station is the heart of the DECT system, providing a range of up to 400 meters outdoors and 50 meters indoors. This extensive coverage ensures that users can move freely around a large office or warehouse while staying connected.

One of the standout features of the DP series is its long battery life, allowing for extended use without frequent recharging. The phones also support HD audio, ensuring clear communication even in mobile scenarios.

The primary limitation of the DP series is its more limited range compared to WiFi phones. The handsets also offer fewer features compared to desk phones, which is a natural trade-off for their mobility.

However, for businesses that require staff to be mobile while remaining in constant communication, the DP series offers an ideal solution. They're particularly well-suited for retail environments, warehouses, or any scenario where staff need to move around while staying connected to the phone system.

Choosing the Right Grandstream Model for Your Business

With such a wide range of options, choosing the right Grandstream model can seem daunting. However, by carefully considering your business needs, user requirements, and infrastructure, you can find the perfect fit.

For small businesses or those with basic telephony needs, the GXP1600 series offers reliable performance at an affordable price point. Growing businesses or those needing more features should look to the GXP1700 series or the entry-level GRP models.

Larger businesses, executives, or power users will find the advanced features they need in the GXP2100 or higher-end GRP series. For those prioritizing video communication, the GXV series provides a powerful all-in-one solution.

And for businesses needing mobility, the DP series of DECT phones offers the perfect balance of functionality and freedom of movement.

Remember to consider factors like your network infrastructure, user technical proficiency, and future growth plans when making your decision. It's also worth considering a mix of different models to meet the varied needs of different roles within your organization.

Ultimately, the best Grandstream phone for your business is the one that meets your current needs while providing room for future growth. By carefully evaluating each series and model against your requirements, you can ensure that your investment in Grandstream phones will serve your business well for years to come.

Need help choosing the right Grandstream model for your business? Our team of experts can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific requirements. Contact us today for a consultation!