The following review is of the Panasonic KX-NT556 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-NT556. 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-NT556 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-NT556 For?

A few of the handsets within the Panasonic IP range are aimed towards executives. This is one of them. Therefore, the customers who use this handset tend to be managers, executive assistants and personal assistants.

Main Benefits Of The Panasonic KX-NT556

Electronic Hook Switch

With a built in Electronic Hook Switch port, the KX-NT556 has access to the Plantronics range of DECT enabled headsets. This offers a range of portability and comfort as frequent users can move around freely, without being tied down to one place by handsets.

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-NT556 makes it comfortable for everyone to use.

Excellent Audio

With a combination of Enhanced Echo Cancellation and an Expanded Acoustic Chamber, we have found the audio of the KX-NT556 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.

Alternatives To The Panasonic KX-NT556?

There are plenty of telecommunications systems on the market that are suited to everyday users, 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 KX 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-NT551- this handset is for the more standard user, one who does not need the full functionality of the KX-NT556. Another handset is the KX-NT560- very similar to the KX-NT556, but with the addition of incorporated Bluetooth.

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.

The LIP-9071 is a game-changing, advanced level handset that can change the way your business operates. The LIP-9071 incorporates a 7 inch LCD Touch Screen, HD quality audio and video, media player, Bluetooth, built in camera and so much more. Our customers have found that this advanced handset not only provides a more effective working environment by improving productivity, but also enables them to communicate with others like they never have before. Due to the large number of applications and features, we have deemed the LIP-9071 to be most suited to high level positions such as CEOs, Directors and Managers. Yet is is also incredibly beneficial for general offices, and also receptionist and personal assistants- who would be able to access all modes of communication from this specialised handset.

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-T27G. This feature-rich handset has brilliant voice capabilities and increased function extension capability. The handset uses wideband audio to deliver excellent sound quality. This handset also has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and USB recording features. Wireless headsets, three-way audio conferencing and an adjustable stand are just some of the features offered up by the SIP-T27G.

Panasonic KX-NT556 Pro's

Self-Labelling

The Panasonic KX-NT556 is DESI-less. This means no paper required! As up to 36 numbers can be registered in the handset, there is no need for fiddly bits of paper that can get worn and become illegible.

ECO Friendly

As an eco-friendly handset, the KX-NT556 combines low power consumption with an advanced ECO standby mode. As a result, your energy costs will be lower. Many offices run an eco-friendly workspace with recycling and low emissions initiatives, so this is one more thing that you can do to keep your office green.

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-NT553 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-NT556 Con's

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.

Limited Functionality

The only real difference between the three executive models is the integration of Bluetooth. However, as an executive user you may benefit from a more advanced handset. Technology is developing at such a rapid rate, and for a little more money you could invest in a handset that has enhanced capability to streamline communications and change the way your business works, especially if you are an executive and want to make your communications more sleek and modern. If you are looking for a premium handset, there is technology on the market that can really blow your mind - with touch screen technology and unified communications, you can have the world at your fingertips.

Conclusion

We have found that the KX-NT556 IP telephone delivers excellent audio, combined with great supportive features and ease for use for everyone. Still, from our years of experience and knowledge of other handsets and systems, we urge you to consider whether the Panasonic KX-NT556 meets all of your business needs. 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-NT556 or move your business forward with more advanced technologies?