Comparison
Phonely vs EE Digital Home Phone: Which Landline Replacement Is Better in 2026?
If you're comparing Phonely vs EE Digital Home Phone, you're likely replacing a traditional landline as the UK moves away from copper networks. Both services use VoIP technology, both run through broadband, and both allow number porting—but they are structured very differently. EE is broadband-first; Phonely is protection-first.
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 EE Digital Home Phone
Here are the key differences to help you decide.
Phonely's advanced scam protection is on CallGuard plans. EE bundles voice into broadband and offers very basic screening only.
| Feature | Phonely | EE Digital Home Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Phone Option | ||
| Broadband Required | Any provider | Must use EE broadband |
| Contract Length | 12 months | 24 months |
| Pay Per Call | Included in bundles | £5.73 monthly + 29.58p per minute |
| 700 Minute Plan | Included in bundles | £9.18 per month |
| Unlimited Plan | Clear pricing | £20.66 per month |
| Scam Protection | CallGuard | Very basic screening |
| Target Audience | Households & elderly | Broadband customers |
When comparing Phonely vs EE Digital Home Phone, the difference is bundling versus independence. Phonely's CallGuard plans offer advanced scam protection and standalone pricing; EE ties your phone to broadband with longer contracts.
EE bundles voice into broadband contracts. Phonely provides a standalone protected digital landline.
What is EE Digital Home Phone?
EE's VoIP replacement for traditional landlines
EE Digital Home Phone is EE's VoIP replacement for traditional landlines. Key details: it requires EE broadband; 24-month contract. Plans include: Pay Per Call – £5.73 per month, 29.58p per minute to landlines and mobiles. 700 Minute Plan – £9.18 per month. Unlimited Plan – £20.66 per month.
Digital Home Phone is positioned as an add-on to EE broadband. It is not available as a standalone phone-only service.
What makes Phonely different?
When replacing your landline, flexibility and clarity matter.
- No broadband tie-in — EE Digital Home Phone requires EE broadband. You cannot use it independently. Phonely works with any broadband provider. Your phone service remains separate from your internet provider.
- Shorter commitment — EE contracts typically run 24 months. Phonely offers a 12-month term. Longer contracts reduce flexibility and increase switching costs.
- Per-minute call costs — EE's Pay Per Call plan is £5.73 per month with 29.58p per minute to landlines and mobiles. Per-minute charges at this level can add up quickly. Phonely focuses on predictable monthly bundles without high PAYG rates.
- Stronger scam protection (CallGuard) — EE provides very basic scam protection. 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 households. For elderly users, 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: looking beyond the headline
EE Unlimited costs £20.66 per month. However: 24-month contract required; broadband tie-in mandatory; PAYG calls are high at 29.58p per minute. Phonely provides standalone pricing without requiring broadband switching.
When comparing Phonely vs EE Digital Home Phone, 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 long broadband contracts or high per-minute charges. View Phonely's plans →
Is EE Digital Home Phone safe?
Operates via broadband; very basic scam screening
EE Digital Home Phone operates via broadband. Like all VoIP services: it depends on broadband stability; it will not function during power cuts without backup. EE offers very basic nuisance call screening. Advanced scam filtering tools are not advertised.
For households concerned about fraud and nuisance calls, proactive blocking may offer greater reassurance.
Protection comparison (Phonely = CallGuard)
| Feature | EE Digital Home Phone | Phonely CallGuard |
|---|---|---|
| Basic call screening | ||
| Advanced scam protection | ||
| Trusted person support |
Other important considerations
What to know before choosing EE
24-month contract
EE Digital Home Phone typically requires a 24-month commitment.
Broadband required
Must use EE broadband; no standalone phone option.
High PAYG per-minute rate
Pay Per Call is 29.58p per minute to landlines and mobiles.
Voice is secondary to broadband
Digital Home Phone is an add-on; no standalone service.
Bundling can feel convenient. But it reduces independence.
Who should choose which?
Who should choose EE Digital Home Phone?
EE may suit you if you already use EE broadband, you prefer bundled billing, scam protection is not a primary concern, and you are comfortable with 24-month contracts.
Who should choose Phonely?
Phonely may be better if you want a standalone digital landline, scam protection is your priority, you prefer predictable pricing, you are supporting an elderly family member, or you want flexibility without broadband lock-in.
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 EE Digital Home Phone?
When comparing Phonely vs EE Digital Home Phone, the difference is structure and protection.
EE ties your phone to broadband with a long contract and high PAYG rates. Phonely separates your phone service and focuses on clarity and scam prevention. If flexibility, protection and transparent pricing matter more than bundling convenience, the choice becomes clearer.
Explore Phonely's plansRelated: Best digital landline UK · Phonely vs BT · Phonely vs Vodafone · Phonely vs Sky
Looking for a safer EE Digital Home Phone 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 EE Digital Home Phone: pricing, broadband and digital landline comparison
Yes. EE Digital Home Phone requires EE broadband. You cannot use it independently. Phonely works with any broadband provider—your phone service remains separate from your internet provider.
EE provides very basic scam protection. It 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 for households.
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 EE Digital Home Phone alternative for scam protection and flexibility is a standalone UK digital landline that works with any broadband provider. Phonely offers no broadband lock-in, 12-month contracts, predictable pricing, automatic scam blocking and trusted person alerts—ideal if you want protection without bundling with EE.
Other comparisons
See all providers in our best digital landline UK guide.
