Comparison

Phonely vs Premitel: Which Digital Landline Is Better in 2026?

If you're comparing Phonely vs Premitel, you're likely looking for a low-cost replacement for your traditional landline. Both use internet-based VoIP, offer flexible monthly plans and allow number porting—but they are built for different priorities.

Premitel focuses on low cost and flexibility. Phonely focuses on protection and simplicity. 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 Premitel

Here are the key differences to help you decide.

Phonely's scam blocking and trusted person features are on CallGuard plans. Premitel is budget-focused with bring-your-own hardware.

FeaturePhonelyPremitel
UK Based
Contract12 monthsNo contract
Broadband Required
Unlimited UK CallsFrom £14.98£36.00 (fair use)
Entry PlanFull protection included£1.20 (5 minutes)
Automatic Scam BlockingCallGuard
Trusted Person AlertsCallGuard
Hardware IncludedFree with annual paymentFrom £49.00
Setup ComplexitySimpleMay require manual configuration

When comparing Phonely vs Premitel, the difference is protection versus budget. Phonely's CallGuard plans offer proactive scam blocking and trusted person support; Premitel offers low entry price and no contract with manual blocking only.

Premitel is budget-focused and DIY-friendly. Phonely is protection-focused and beginner-friendly.

What is Premitel?

A UK-based residential VoIP provider positioned as a low-cost alternative

Premitel is marketed toward price-sensitive households, tech-comfortable users and customers who prefer flexibility over bundled support. Premitel offers tiered call bundles:

  • Talk 5 – £1.20 per month (5 minutes)
  • Talk 200 – £6.00 per month
  • Talk 500 – £12.00 per month
  • Talk 1000 – £18.00 per month
  • Talk 2000 – £24.00 per month
  • Unlimited – £36.00 per month (fair use)

There is no contract. Outbound calls count toward allowance; inbound calls are free up to a fair-use limit. Hardware is not included—customers must use their own SIP phone or ATA.

Phonely digital landline and scam protection

What makes Phonely different?

If your only priority is the lowest possible monthly price, Premitel may appear attractive. If your priority is safety and simplicity, the difference becomes clearer.

  1. Proactive scam protection (CallGuard) — Premitel includes manual call blocking and basic nuisance call filtering. It does not include automatic scam warnings, global blocklists, trusted person alerts, or call transcription and keyword detection. Phonely includes proactive scam blocking and family alert features designed specifically for vulnerable users.
  2. Designed for elderly households — Premitel is positioned as a DIY-friendly service. Setup may require manual configuration. Phonely is designed to work out of the box with minimal technical involvement. For many older users, that distinction matters.
  3. Cost comparison beyond headline price — Premitel's £1.20 plan includes just 5 minutes. Unlimited calling costs £36 per month. Phonely's unlimited-style plans are significantly lower than that. Low entry prices can be appealing—but higher usage plans change the comparison.

Explore our featuresView our plans

Phonely anti-fraud introductions and scam protection

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: beyond the headline

Premitel's £1.20 entry gives only 5 minutes; unlimited is £36 per month with fair use. Phonely offers clear standalone pricing with inclusive call allowances and CallGuard protection from £14.98. When comparing Phonely vs Premitel, the choice is between lowest entry price and predictable, protected calling.

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 per-minute surprises or technical setup. View Phonely's plans →

Is Premitel safe?

Basic filtering; manual protection

Premitel includes basic nuisance call filtering and manual blocking. However, there is no automatic scam detection, no AI fraud monitoring, no trusted contact alerts and no call transcription or keyword detection. Protection relies on the user manually managing call blocking.

For tech-comfortable users, this may be acceptable. For elderly or vulnerable users, automated protection can be more reassuring.

Protection comparison (Phonely = CallGuard)

FeaturePremitelPhonely CallGuard
Manual / basic blocking
Automatic scam protection
Trusted person support

Check numbers on Who Called MeHow to spot phone scams

Phonely automatic scam call blocking

Other important considerations

What to know before choosing Premitel

No hardware included

Customers must use their own SIP phone or ATA.

Manual configuration

Setup may require manual configuration.

Broadband

Broadband must be supplied by the customer.

Fair-use limits

Fair-use limits apply on unlimited plans.

Premitel is best suited to confident users who are comfortable managing SIP devices.

Who should choose which?

Who should choose Premitel?

Premitel may suit you if you want the lowest possible entry price, you make very few outbound calls, you are comfortable configuring hardware, and you prefer no contract.

Who should choose Phonely?

Phonely may be better if scam protection is your priority, you want proactive blocking, you want trusted family alerts, you prefer plug-and-play simplicity, or you want predictable unlimited pricing.

Phonely is built to help households feel safe answering the phone again.

Digital voice guide for over 60s

Trusted by police forces · Used by Trading Standards · Thousands of UK households protected

Final verdict: Phonely or Premitel?

When comparing Phonely vs Premitel, the difference is not just cost. It is purpose.

Premitel is a budget VoIP service designed for flexible, tech-comfortable users. Phonely is a protected digital landline designed for peace of mind. If safety and simplicity matter more than shaving a few pounds off a low-minute plan, the decision becomes clearer.

Explore Phonely's plans

Looking for a safer Premitel alternative?

If you want automatic scam blocking, trusted person alerts, clear unlimited pricing, no technical setup headaches and simple switching—explore Phonely's digital landline plans today.

Protect your home phone now

Phonely is trusted by police forces, Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch and the Alzheimer's Society, and has been featured on the BBC.

View press coverage

Frequently asked questions

Phonely vs Premitel: pricing, safety and digital landline comparison

Premitel includes manual call blocking and basic nuisance call filtering. It does not include automatic scam warnings, global blocklists, trusted person alerts or call transcription. Phonely's CallGuard plans offer proactive scam blocking and family alert features for vulnerable users.

No. Premitel customers must use their own SIP phone or ATA. Setup may require manual configuration. Phonely offers plug-and-play options with minimal technical involvement.

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 Premitel alternative for scam protection and simplicity is a UK-based digital landline with automatic scam blocking, trusted person alerts and plug-and-play setup. Phonely's CallGuard plans offer clear unlimited pricing, no technical setup and built-in scam protection for UK households.

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