Comparison
Phonely vs BT Digital Voice: Which Landline Replacement Is Better in 2026?
If you're comparing Phonely vs BT Digital Voice, you're likely moving away from a traditional copper landline. BT is the UK's largest broadband and phone provider; Phonely is a specialist digital landline provider focused on protection. Both use VoIP technology—but they are structured very differently.
Here is how they compare.
For a full overview see our guide to the best digital landline providers in the UK.
Quick comparison: Phonely vs BT Digital Voice
Here are the key differences to help you decide.
Phonely's advanced scam protection is on CallGuard plans. BT bundles voice into broadband and offers basic screening only.
| Feature | Phonely | BT Digital Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Phone Option | ||
| Broadband Required | Any provider | Must use BT broadband |
| Contract Length | 12 months | 12 months |
| Pay As You Go | Included in bundles | £28.40 per month, no minutes |
| Call Charges | Included in plans | 20.9p per minute |
| Unlimited Package | Clear pricing | £46.40, 1000 min fair usage |
| Annual Price Rises | Transparent | Typically applies to broadband contracts |
| Advanced Scam Protection | CallGuard | Basic screening only |
| Target Audience | Households & elderly | Broadband customers |
When comparing Phonely vs BT Digital Voice, the difference is bundling versus independence. Phonely's CallGuard plans offer advanced scam protection and standalone pricing; BT ties your phone to broadband and charges high PAYG rates.
BT bundles voice into broadband. Phonely provides a standalone protected digital landline.
What is BT Digital Voice?
BT's replacement for traditional landlines following the PSTN switch-off
BT Digital Voice is BT's replacement for traditional landlines following the PSTN switch-off. Key points: it requires BT broadband; 12-month contract. Pay As You Go plan: £28.40 per month with no included minutes; 20.9p per minute for landline and mobile calls. Unlimited package: £46.40 per month with 1,000 minutes fair usage.
Digital Voice is designed as an add-on to broadband, not a standalone phone service.
What makes Phonely different?
When replacing a landline, structure matters.
- No broadband lock-in — BT Digital Voice requires BT broadband. If you switch broadband provider, your phone service changes too. Phonely works with any broadband provider. Your phone is independent.
- Lower effective call costs — BT's Pay As You Go plan is £28.40 monthly with 20.9p per minute calls. BT's Unlimited package is £46.40 with a 1,000 minute fair usage cap. By comparison, Phonely focuses on predictable bundles without high per-minute charges. Headline pricing does not always reflect total cost.
- Protection-first design (CallGuard) — BT offers standard calling features. However, it does not advertise automatic scam blocking, AI fraud monitoring, anti-fraud call introduction or trusted person alerts. Phonely is built specifically to reduce scam anxiety. For elderly households, this distinction is significant.
Very pleased with all aspects of the Phonely product and service. Smooth hassle-free and my landline was up and running in no time! Great customer service… Faultless service and highly recommended.
Norrie Waters, Trustpilot
Pricing comparison: the real difference
BT's pricing structure includes high base monthly cost, per-minute charges (20.9p), a fair usage cap on the "unlimited" plan and broadband tie-in. Phonely provides standalone pricing without requiring broadband switching.
When comparing Phonely vs BT Digital Voice, the choice is between bundled convenience and independent, predictable phone pricing.
Keep your existing landline number and switch to digital voice easily with Phonely.
Switching is simple and you can keep your existing number.
If you want straightforward pricing without broadband lock-in or high per-minute charges. View Phonely's plans →
Is BT Digital Voice safe?
Operates via broadband; limited scam protection
BT Digital Voice operates via broadband. Like all VoIP services: it will not function during power cuts without backup; it depends entirely on broadband connectivity. BT focuses on large-scale service delivery rather than specialist scam prevention. Protection tools are limited compared to dedicated safety-led providers.
For households concerned about nuisance and fraud calls, proactive filtering may offer greater reassurance.
Protection comparison (Phonely = CallGuard)
| Feature | BT Digital Voice | Phonely CallGuard |
|---|---|---|
| Basic call screening | ||
| Advanced scam protection | ||
| Trusted person support |
Other important considerations
What to know before choosing BT
Requires BT broadband
Digital Voice is an add-on to BT broadband only.
High PAYG cost
Pay As You Go is £28.40/month with no included minutes.
Fair usage cap
Unlimited plan has 1,000 minute fair usage cap.
Broadband-first structure
Voice is secondary to broadband; no standalone option.
Bundling can feel simple. But it reduces independence.
Who should choose which?
Who should choose BT Digital Voice?
BT may suit you if you already use BT broadband, you prefer bundled billing, scam protection is not your primary concern, and you are comfortable with higher monthly costs.
Who should choose Phonely?
Phonely may be better if you want a standalone digital landline, you want lower overall monthly cost, scam protection is your priority, you are supporting an elderly family member, or you want predictable pricing.
Phonely is designed to help households feel safe answering the phone again.
Digital voice guide for over 60sTrusted by police forces · Used by Trading Standards · Thousands of UK households protected
Final verdict: Phonely or BT Digital Voice?
When comparing Phonely vs BT Digital Voice, the core difference is structure and cost control.
BT ties your phone to broadband and charges high PAYG rates. Phonely separates your phone service and focuses on protection and clarity. If flexibility, protection and transparent pricing matter more than brand familiarity, the decision becomes clearer.
Explore Phonely's plansRelated: Best digital landline UK · Phonely vs EE · Phonely vs Vodafone · Phonely vs Sky
Looking for a safer BT Digital Voice alternative?
If you want no broadband lock-in, predictable monthly pricing, automatic scam blocking, trusted person alerts and simple switching—explore Phonely's digital landline plans today.
Protect your home phone nowPhonely is trusted by police forces, Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch and the Alzheimer's Society, and has been featured on the BBC.
View press coverageFrequently asked questions
Phonely vs BT Digital Voice: pricing, broadband and digital landline comparison
Yes. BT Digital Voice requires BT broadband. If you switch broadband provider, your phone service changes too. Phonely works with any broadband provider—your phone is independent.
BT offers standard calling features but does not advertise automatic scam blocking, AI fraud monitoring, anti-fraud call introduction or trusted person alerts. Phonely's CallGuard plans are built specifically to reduce scam anxiety with proactive protection.
Yes. Phonely supports number porting so you can keep your existing landline number when you switch to a digital landline. You can transfer your number easily when signing up.
The best BT Digital Voice alternative for scam protection and independence is a standalone UK digital landline that works with any broadband provider. Phonely offers no broadband lock-in, predictable pricing, automatic scam blocking and trusted person alerts—ideal if you want protection without bundling with BT.
Other comparisons
See all providers in our best digital landline UK guide.
