Comparison
Phonely vs TalkTalk Digital Voice: Which Landline Replacement Is Better in 2026?
If you're comparing Phonely vs TalkTalk Digital Voice, you're likely replacing a traditional copper landline. Both use VoIP technology, allow you to keep your number and run through broadband, but they are built for different priorities.
TalkTalk is broadband-first. Phonely is protection-first. Here's how they compare.
For a full overview see our guide to the best digital landline providers in the UK.
Quick comparison: Phonely vs TalkTalk Digital Voice
Here are the key differences to help you decide.
Phonely's advanced scam protection (keyword alerts, live call joining, trusted person) is on CallGuard plans. TalkTalk bundles voice into broadband and offers basic CallSafe screening only.
| Feature | Phonely | TalkTalk Digital Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone Phone Option | ||
| Broadband Required | Any provider | Must use TalkTalk broadband |
| Contract Length | 12 months | 18–24 months |
| Annual Price Rises | Transparent | Built into contracts |
| Pay As You Go Calls | Included in bundles | ~24p per minute |
| Unlimited UK Calls | Clear pricing | ~£14/month add-on |
| Scam Protection | CallGuard | Basic CallSafe screening |
| Keyword Alerts | CallGuard | |
| Live Call Joining | CallGuard | |
| Mobile App |
When comparing Phonely vs TalkTalk Digital Voice, the difference is bundling versus independence. Phonely's CallGuard plans offer advanced scam protection and standalone pricing; TalkTalk ties your phone to broadband and long contracts.
TalkTalk bundles voice into broadband contracts. Phonely provides a standalone protected digital landline.
What is TalkTalk Digital Voice?
A VoIP service that runs through TalkTalk Full Fibre broadband
TalkTalk Digital Voice is a VoIP service that runs through TalkTalk Full Fibre broadband. Key points: it is available mainly to Full Fibre customers; the phone plugs into the router or a Digital Voice Adapter; it does not work during power cuts unless battery backup is provided.
Typical broadband pricing (2026 ranges):
- Full Fibre 65: ~£26–£35 per month
- Full Fibre 150: ~£24–£40 per month
- Full Fibre 500: ~£30–£47 per month
- Full Fibre 900: ~£36–£57 per month
- Digital Voice add-on from ~£2 per month
Contracts are typically 18–24 months. Annual price rises apply unless you pay extra for a fixed-price option.
What makes Phonely different?
When replacing your landline, structure matters.
- No broadband tie-in — TalkTalk Digital Voice requires TalkTalk broadband. You cannot use it as a standalone phone service. Phonely works with any broadband provider. If you switch ISP, your phone stays. That flexibility matters.
- Shorter commitment — TalkTalk broadband contracts are typically 18–24 months. Phonely offers a 12-month term. Longer contracts reduce flexibility and increase exit costs.
- Stronger scam protection (CallGuard) — TalkTalk offers CallSafe basic screening (~£1 per month), Caller Display (may cost extra) and Voicemail Plus (~£1 per month). It does not include automatic scam blocking, AI fraud monitoring, keyword alerts, live call joining or trusted person alerts. Phonely includes proactive protection designed specifically to reduce scam anxiety. For elderly households, this difference 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 full cost
TalkTalk pricing involves the broadband monthly fee, Digital Voice add-on, optional Unlimited Calls Boost (~£14 per month), PAYG calls at ~24p per minute and optional feature charges. Voice is secondary to broadband.
Phonely provides standalone pricing without requiring you to change your internet provider. When comparing Phonely vs TalkTalk 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 long broadband contracts or per-minute boosts to manage. View Phonely's plans →
Is TalkTalk Digital Voice safe?
Runs through your broadband; basic screening only
TalkTalk Digital Voice works through your broadband router. Like all VoIP services: it will not work during power cuts unless battery backup is provided; it depends entirely on broadband stability. TalkTalk offers basic nuisance call screening via CallSafe. However, it does not advertise advanced scam prevention features.
For households concerned about fraud, proactive filtering may provide greater reassurance.
Protection comparison (Phonely = CallGuard)
| Feature | TalkTalk | Phonely CallGuard |
|---|---|---|
| Basic call screening (CallSafe) | ||
| Advanced scam protection | ||
| Trusted person support |
Other important considerations
What to know before choosing TalkTalk
Broadband-first product
Voice is an add-on to broadband; not available as a standalone phone service.
18–24 month contracts
Broadband contracts are typically 18–24 months.
Annual price increases
Annual price rises apply unless you pay for a fixed-price option.
Add-ons and hardware
Feature add-ons often cost extra; hardware compatibility requirements apply.
Bundling can feel convenient—but it reduces independence.
Who should choose which?
Who should choose TalkTalk Digital Voice?
TalkTalk may suit you if you already plan to use TalkTalk broadband, you prefer bundled services, scam protection is not a primary concern, and you are comfortable with longer contracts.
Who should choose Phonely?
Phonely may be better if you want a standalone digital landline, you do not want broadband lock-in, scam protection is your priority, you want predictable pricing, or you are supporting an elderly family member.
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 TalkTalk Digital Voice?
When comparing Phonely vs TalkTalk Digital Voice, the difference is structural.
TalkTalk bundles voice into broadband contracts. Phonely separates your phone service and focuses on protection. If independence, flexibility and scam prevention matter more than bundling convenience, the choice becomes clearer.
Explore Phonely's plansRelated: Best digital landline UK · Phonely vs BT · Phonely vs EE · Phonely vs Vodafone
Looking for a safer TalkTalk Digital Voice alternative?
If you want no broadband tie-in, advanced scam protection, clear standalone pricing, 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 TalkTalk Digital Voice: pricing, broadband and digital landline comparison
Yes. TalkTalk Digital Voice runs through TalkTalk Full Fibre broadband and is available mainly to Full Fibre customers. You cannot use it as a standalone phone service. Phonely works with any broadband provider—if you switch ISP, your phone stays.
TalkTalk offers basic CallSafe nuisance call screening (often an add-on). It does not advertise automatic scam blocking, AI fraud monitoring, keyword alerts, live call joining or trusted person alerts. Phonely's CallGuard plans include proactive scam protection designed to reduce scam anxiety.
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 TalkTalk Digital Voice alternative for scam protection and independence is a standalone UK digital landline that works with any broadband provider. Phonely offers no broadband tie-in, advanced scam blocking, clear standalone pricing and trusted person alerts—ideal if you want protection without bundling with an ISP.
Other comparisons
See all providers in our best digital landline UK guide.
