The following review is of the Panasonic KX-NT551 handset; a desktop phone of the Panasonic IP handset range. We will look at the features of the handset, the pros and cons and who the ideal customer is for the KX-NT551. There are different handset options within this range, plus a plethora of other handset options on other phone systems worth considering. With all of these options, choosing the handset to fit your needs and your business can be extremely overwhelming. We are here to help you make the right decisions.

Using our 15+ years of experience of working with businesses and communications systems day-in, day-out, we will review phone systems and examine the good and the bad in each handset. We want you to make an informed decision and purchase the most suitable handset for your business, so we have done the legwork for you! Read on to discover what the Panasonic KX-NT551 has to offer, how it compares to other handsets on the market and if it is the right handset for you.

Who Is The Panasonic KX-NT551 For?

The Panasonic KX-NT551 is the standard handset within the Panasonic IP range. Therefore, it is best suited to small offices and users who need the handset as one of their many modes of communication.

Main Benefits Of The Panasonic KX-NT551

PoE

The KX-NT551 has PoE. Power over Ethernet has many advantages - firstly, you do not have to have expensive recabling to the workspace. The network cables do not require a qualified electrician to fit them, and can be located with ease. Secondly, the PoE delivery is intelligent, designed to protect the handset from power outages as it would continue to run the handset over the internet. Finally, having PoE means that you have a totally scalable network.

Excellent Audio

With a combination of Enhanced Echo Cancellation and an Expanded Acoustic Chamber, we have found the audio of the KX-NT551 to be excellent quality, whether from handset, speakerphone or headset. Our customers have reported feeling more refreshed and alert as they do not have to strain to listen to conversations over a fuzzy line.

Ease of Use

With a simplified user interface, everyone who interacts with the handset, whether they are a long-term office worker or a new recruit. The user friendly design of the KX-NT553 makes it comfortable for everyone to use.

Alternatives To The Panasonic KX-NT551?

With so many communications systems on the market it is easy to become overwhelmed and confused. Biased reviews and pushy sales tactics can lead to you spending money on a system and range of handsets that does not work for you or your business! So, it is important that you research and find the system best suited to your needs. Of course, this is time confusing and often confusing so this is why we have done the research for you. At first you find the phone system you want, then the handset to use in conjunction with it. The difference between the phone system and the handsets is that although the handsets are of course an important factor, they are essentially keyboards for the phone system itself. The phone system is where a lot of the features and functionality stem from. Therefore, it is important that you first choose a phone system that suits your needs, and then choose the handset that you want to work with that system.

The Panasonic IP series is a portfolio of desktop phones, with the features and functionality based on the intended user of the handset.

Staying with Panasonic as your phone system, but looking at different handsets, there are a couple that you should be considering. The first is the KX-NT553- this handset is for executive users and so has increased functionality. Another handset is the KX-NT560- another executive handset, again with enhanced features and functionality.

Looking at other systems…. iPECS eMG80

The iPECS eMG80 is a phone system from LG Ericsson. This system is a good alternative to the Panasonic series. The system itself, and the handsets that pair with it, are the best alternative to the Panasonic. We have found the eMG80 to be an incredible top quality product for a very low price. The system offers all of the basic features such as voicemail, DND, day and night greetings etc, and also showcases the more advanced features like voicemail to email, auto-attendant and multi-party video conferencing. Our customers love that this system offers an outstanding range of features at a low price.

One option to consider from the iPECS eMG80 range is the LIP-9030. This mid-range Gigabit IP phone has a Full Duplex speakerphone, Wideband audio and EHSA. We have found that the LIP-9030 combines an adequate number of functions suitable for many businesses, including managers, remote workers and general offices.

Springcom Hosted Cloud PBX

More and more businesses are moving to a hosted pbx rather than installing physical hardware. With a SpringCom hosted system, rather than investing in the physical hardware box and wiring that sits in the office, the entire pbx sits in the cloud. Handsets are delivered pre-programmed and come with free programming changes for life- therefore, the system is completely scalable and so can grow with the business. An incredible feature system also comes as standard, with features such as call flow, auto-attendant, calling waiting and voicemail to email technology. SpringCom Hosted works together with the Yealink handset range.

The Yealink handset to consider is the SIP-T23G. Yealink SIP-T23G maximizes productivity and user interaction with the handset. The HD voice technology provides clear audio, and the handset also provides third-party communication applications. This handset is a cost-effective option to streamline business processes in a professional way and provide professional communications for office environments of any size.

Panasonic KX-NT551 Pro's

Excellent Audio

With a combination of Enhanced Echo Cancellation and an Expanded Acoustic Chamber, we have found the audio of the KX-NT551 to be excellent quality, whether from handset, speakerphone or headset. Our customers have reported feeling more refreshed and alert as they do not have to strain to listen to conversations over a fuzzy line.

Choice of colours

The entire handset ranges comes in either black or white. So, your phone can work with your decor to create a stylish workplace!

PoE

The KX-NT551 has PoE. Power over Ethernet has many advantages - firstly, you do not have to have expensive recabling to the workspace. The network cables do not require a qualified electrician to fit them, and can be located with ease. Secondly, the PoE delivery is intelligent, designed to protect the handset from power outages as it would continue to run the handset over the internet. Finally, having PoE means that you have a totally scalable network.

Panasonic KX-NT551 Con's

No EHSA

EHSA makes changing between headset and handset a breeze as you do so at the push of a button. Without this functionality, if you do want to switch between headset and handset your conversation can be stilted and interrupted.

No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

Without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi functionality you cannot take advantage of such time-saving features as Bluetooth contact transfer, bluetooth headsets or Wi-Fi hotspots.

Paper Labels

Unlike the other handsets in the range, the Panasonic KX-NT551 is not self-labelling. So, you will have to make do with those fiddly little paper labels!

Conclusion

Primarily, the KX-NT551 is a cost-effective solution for general office workers and anyone needing an entry-level phone system.

However, as we have discovered there are phone systems and handsets that do have improved functionalities- the use of Wi-Fi and the SpringCom Hosted system really changes the way the phone systems work. In today’s fast-paced environment and at the rate that technology is developing, would you rather invest in the more simple KX-NT551 or move your business forward with more advanced technologies?