G.729 and G.711 are two of the most popular codecs used by modern voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) systems to transmit calls as data over the internet. Phone systems must find a balance between delivering audio quality and requiring bandwidth, and that’s why these two different codecs and others exist.

G.711 provides higher audio quality, but it requires more network bandwidth. G.729 requires less bandwidth, but it offers lower call quality. Mainstream VoIP providers usually don’t advertise the codec their phone system uses, but providers support both G.729 and G.711. This empowers your business to make on-the-fly changes to maintain growth without sacrificing call quality or network bandwidth.

• G.729: Best for large teams with high call volumes
• G.711: Best for small teams with low-to-medium call volumes

How We Evaluated G.729 vs G.711

When comparing G.729 and G.711, we wanted to see which would better serve small businesses. Since the patents for both codecs expired, they’re both royalty-free—meaning there’s no difference in price between the two. To identify the best solution, we looked at the following considerations:

• Audio quality: We compared codecs to see which provided the best audio quality, and we also gauged what would be considered acceptable and non-detrimental.
• Required bandwidth: We analyzed codecs to see how much bandwidth each required and which was more realistic to small business needs.
• Simultaneous call support: We looked to see which codec would better support simultaneous calls at low and high volumes.
• User feedback: We looked through other users reviews and feedback on different VoIP providers to determine how the codecs are impacting user experience.

When to Use G.729

G.729 is perfect for small businesses with high call volumes, poor network bandwidth, or some combination of the two. Large sales and customer support teams handling simultaneous calls may need a VoIP provider that uses the G.729 codec, especially if the network connection isn’t fast and reliable.

Why G.729 Is the Better Choice for Large Teams

• Scalability: With the G.729 codec, you don’t have to worry about overwhelming your network as you grow your business and add more lines.
• Support multiple phone calls: Don’t worry about who else is on the network when you need to make an important call.
• Remote-friendly: Make reliable phone calls even if your internet connection isn’t lightning-quick or stable.

When to Use G.711

G.711 is the better VoIP codec option for small teams who demand quality over quantity. It provides top-notch audio quality during each and every call, so you never have to worry about hearing or being heard. However, you’re going to need a fast internet connection to support simultaneous calling, especially if you want to anticipate call volume fluctuations.

For solopreneurs, freelancers, small teams, and businesses that don’t make phone calls frequently, G.711 is going to give you the most bang for your buck.

Takeaway: Neither VoIP codec is necessarily better than the other—they both serve different business purposes depending on your network bandwidth, call volume, and necessary call quality. Even better, some VoIP-based business phone systems support both codecs to give you the back-end flexibility you need to always ensure top-notch calling experiences for your employees and clients.

However, before adopting any VoIP service, you’ll want to make sure that you have an internet connection that can handle multiple VoIP lines. We recommend asking us for a free VoIP test for more information.