VoIP Call Quality: How to Get the Best Connection

VoIP has transformed business communication, offering a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional phone systems.

08:51 18 March 2025

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) has transformed business communication, offering a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional phone systems. However, while VoIP provides numerous advantages, call quality remains a critical factor for businesses and individuals relying on this technology.

Poor call quality—such as dropped calls, lag, or static noise—can lead to misunderstandings, frustrated customers, and reduced productivity. Below, we explore practical solutions to enhance VoIP call quality, how to test your connection, and what to look for when choosing the right VoIP provider.

Common VoIP Call Quality Issues

One common problem is choppy audio, where parts of a conversation cut out, making it difficult to understand the other person. Echo is another frequent issue, where a speaker hears their voice repeated back, making it hard to focus.

Packet loss can lead to missing words or distorted speech, forcing callers to repeat themselves. Dropped calls are another frustration, especially when they happen in the middle of an important conversation. In some cases, calls fail to connect at all, leaving users without a way to communicate. 

These problems often stem from network instability, insufficient bandwidth, or hardware limitations, making VoIP unreliable when not properly optimized.

What is the minimum bandwidth for VoIP?

A stable internet connection is the foundation of high-quality VoIP calls. Without sufficient bandwidth, users may experience latency, jitter, or dropped calls.

VoIP provider Comexcel recommends a minimum of 100 Kbps upload and download speed per VoIP call for standard voice quality. However, for HD VoIP calls, businesses should aim for at least 300 Kbps per call.

Other factors that impact bandwidth requirements:

• Number of simultaneous calls – The more concurrent calls, the higher the bandwidth needed.
• Network traffic – Video conferencing, file downloads, and streaming can interfere with VoIP performance.
• Codec type – Some codecs compress voice data more efficiently, reducing bandwidth usage while maintaining quality.

How to optimize your bandwidth for VoIP

To optimize your bandwidth for VoIP, start by switching to a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi, as this helps reduce packet loss and ensures a more stable connection. 

Next, adjust your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize VoIP traffic, preventing other devices from interfering with call quality. 

If multiple devices are consuming bandwidth simultaneously, consider upgrading to a higher-speed internet plan to maintain smooth and uninterrupted VoIP communication.

How to Test VoIP Call Quality

Before troubleshooting VoIP issues, it's essential to assess your call quality using reliable testing tools.

Recommended VoIP Call Quality Testing Tools:

1. PingPlotter – Helps measure packet loss and latency.
2. MOS (Mean Opinion Score) – Rates call quality on a scale from 1 to 5.
3. Speedtest.net – Evaluates internet speed and jitter.

Steps to Test Your VoIP Connection:

1. Check your internet speed – Ensure at least 100 Kbps per call for smooth voice quality.
2. Perform a jitter test – Aim for jitter below 30ms for optimal call stability.
3. Test packet loss – A loss higher than 1% can cause voice distortions.

If test results indicate weak performance, upgrading your router, ISP, or VoIP provider may be necessary.

How to Improve VoIP Call Quality

Several technical and environmental factors can impact the quality of your VoIP calls. Here are the most effective ways to improve VoIP performance:

1. Invest in a High-Quality VoIP Provider

Not all VoIP providers offer the same call quality. Some providers use better network infrastructure, more advanced codecs, and optimized routing for voice data.

Which VoIP provider has the best call quality?Providers ensure high-quality voice transmission by offering:

• End-to-end encryption to prevent security vulnerabilities.
• Dedicated cloud-based infrastructure for better call reliability.
• Advanced jitter buffers that reduce packet loss and latency.

2. Optimize Your Network Equipment

• Use a high-quality router with VoIP prioritization features.
• Enable Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize voice traffic over other data.
• Upgrade to business-grade VoIP-compatible hardware for improved performance.

3. Reduce Latency and Jitter

Latency and jitter are common VoIP issues that can disrupt communication. To reduce them, start by placing your VoIP device on a separate network to prevent congestion. Next, switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection for a more stable and consistent performance. Finally, run regular speed tests to check whether your bandwidth can fully support VoIP calls.

Choosing the Right VoIP Provider for the Best Call Quality

Selecting a VoIP provider with a robust infrastructure is crucial for ensuring high-quality calls.

Key Factors When Choosing a VoIP Provider:

• Call Quality & Uptime Guarantee – Look for providers that offer a 99.99% uptimeSLA.
• Security Features – End-to-end encryption and DDoS protection are essential.
• Customer Support – A responsive 24/7 support team can help troubleshoot issues.
• Integration Capabilities – Compatibility with CRM and collaboration tools enhances efficiency.

Conclusion

VoIP technology offers businesses a cost-effective and scalable communication solution, but call quality remains a critical factor. By ensuring sufficient bandwidth, optimizing network settings, and choosing a reliable VoIP provider, businesses can significantly improve their VoIP experience.

Before making the switch, testing your VoIP call quality and selecting a provider with robust security and uptime guarantees will ensure smooth and uninterrupted communication.

VoIP solutions can enhance productivity, improve customer service, and future-proof business communication.

Now is the time to optimize your VoIP setup for the best call quality!