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- VoIP Providers Reviewed -
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is one of the fastest growing ways to save money on your local and long distance phone calls. The way VoIP works is by routing your calling through your high speed internet connection. Over the last few years, businesses have really been the ones to embrace VoIP technology and it has been deployed in some of the largest companies over the world. Now that many people have high speed internet in their own homes the average residential consumer is beginning to see its benefit and cost saving.
Of course with the growth of any new technology, especially one that uses the internet, there is the possibility for a scam. There is also the added issue of which provider best fits your needs.
This site is dedicated to making sure that the consumer makes informed and accurate decisions regarding their VoIP service. Below we have put together some basic information so that you can start to evaluate VoIP companies. We have also put together a list of some of the VoIP providers we reviewed and determined which the best out there are.
Editors Choice: Top VoIP Companies Rated by Our Experts
Based on our research and customer feedback as of October 2, 2024
SunRocket
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$0.00 |
$0.00 |
31 days |
U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico |
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Vonage
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$29.95 plus $14.95 S&H |
$39.00 |
30 days |
U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and select European countries |
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VoIP.com
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Up to $30.00 depending on selected features |
$0.00 |
30 days |
U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico |
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Packet8
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$0.00 for a limited time (regularly $30.00) |
$0.00 |
30 days |
U.S. and Canada |
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Please click here to read our reviews and see overview of plans offered
What is VoIP?
Basically, VoIP service converts your voice into a digital signal over the Internet. It allows you to call directly from a computer, a special VoIP phone, or a traditional phone connected to a special adapter.
All of the providers that we reviewed allow you to use your regular phone. They also have all of the normal features your regular phone service has, such as, call waiting, caller id, voicemail, making 911 calls, etc. The one great feature about VoIP is all of they have features you get for free that your "normal" phone company can't offer you, like call forwarding, 3-way calling, click to call (using the internet to dial calls for you!), it logs all of your contacts online, and much more.
Plus don't forget about all of the money you save!
What kind of equipment do I need?
Broadband connection is required (high speed internet). Some providers require a special phone but all of the providers we reviewed allow you to use your normal phone with a special adaptor. If you decide to use VoIP through your computer you will need special software and microphone.
What long distance plans and international rates do VoIP providers offer?
All of the providers we work with include all local and long distance calls in the U.S. and Canada for one flat rate (some also include Puerto Rico in their plans). The plans also include all normal phone features, such as, call waiting, caller id, etc.
All of the providers offer long distance to almost anywhere in the world with no connection fees. Some providers, such as SunRocket, have international plans that are all inclusive to certain areas like India, Asia Pacific, Western Europe, etc.
Can I use my computer while I talk on my phone?
Yes.
How is the voice quality over VoIP?
During the last few years there has been a lot of improvement with VoIP. The quality and reliability of the service is as good as a traditional phone line. We have experienced no issues.
Note: There are a few people out there that still swear on traditional phone lines but we have found that it is equally good or better.
Can I keep my existing number?
Yes. When you sign up for the service all you need to do is check that option. In most cases it takes about 20 days to process.
Do I need to keep my existing phone line for emergencies or if there is a power outage?
Maybe. If your internet is through a phone company most require you to keep your phone line. Also, if there is a power outage you will not be able to use your phone. Many providers do forward your calls in the event of a power outage or your router goes out to your cell phone.
The alternative is getting high speed internet through a cable provider.
Will I be able to take VoIP with me when I travel?
Yes, as long as you have a high speed internet connection. Note: May impact ability to make 911 calls.
Will VoIP save me money over a traditional phone service?
The answer is definitely YES. The services you get through VoIP are much cheaper than a traditional phone line.
Best Regards,
Jason Anderson
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Quick Facts:
- All plans have 31 days risk-free money back guarantee
- Good and reliable customer service
- One of the best and cost efficient plans out there
- No set up fees
- No term contracts required
- Must have high bandwidth or voice quality/reliability is not good
- No cancellation fee
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Overall Rating
SunRocket is one of our favorite providers based on overall low cost and quality service. SunRocket has no extra charges associated with their fees. You pay a one time fee and everything is included in that fee, such as, activation fees, taxes, etc.
SunRocket's plans are phenomenal. Their Annual Edition plan comes out to less than $17.00 per month and comes with great features. SunRocket also has some great plans for those people who call overseas.. They have a global edition that is less that $30.00 per month that you can't beat (all of the features in the Annual Edition are also included in their Global Plan).
This is definitely one of our top choice providers. We were continually impressed with the quality of reception and service.
....find out more
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Overview of Plans Offered:
- Annual Edition - $199/year
- Unlimited calling to US, Canada, and Puerto Rico
- Limited Edition - $9.95/month
- 200 minutes to US, Canada, and Puerto Rico
- Unlimited inbound calls
- Monthy Edition - $24.95/month
- Up to 100 international minutes included
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Quick Facts:
- 1 month free with the Unlimited plan
- Exceptional customer service
- Keep your phone number
- Calls to select countries in Europe included in some plans
- Great coverage and voice quality
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Overall Rating
Vonage is probably one of the most well known VoIP providers out there and one of the best. Even though they are a bit more expensive than other VoIP providers they make it up in exceptional quality and service.
One of the reasons Vonage is a bit more expensive is everything that is included in their unlimited plans. If you sign up you get over 20 features included, a free phone adaptor, and 1st month free. The unlimited plan also includes awesome international rates. Included are all calls to Canada, Puerto Rico, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and the UK. There is no other plan like it!
Vonage is definitely a top notch and one of our highest rated providers.
....find out more
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Overview of Plans Offered:
- Residential Premium Unlimited Plan - $24.99/month
- International calls to Canada, Puerto Rico, France, Ireland, Italy,
Spain, and the UK included.
- Residential Basic 390 Minutes Plan
- Additional minutes 3.9 cents
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Quick Facts:
- 29 major features included in plans
- Most features can be managed online
- 30 days risk-free guarantee
- Great choice for people who travel frequently
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Overall Rating
Voip.com is another great value. They have a great pay as you go unlimited plan for $19.95 per month. Their international rates are really low compared to other providers. Voip.com also has the most features included in their plans including their SoftPhone feature. SoftPhone allows you to use your PC or laptop as a phone - this eliminates headsets. This is a great feature for those people who travel.
All and all Voip.com is a solid choice. If you are looking for a great value and you are a frequent traveler this is the provider that we recommend.
....find out more
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Overview of Plans Offered:
- Unlimited Monthly Plan - $19.95/month
- International calls to Canada, and Puerto Rico included
- Unlimited Yearly Plan - $203.40/year
- International calls to Canada, and Puerto Rico included
- Basic 200 Minutes Plan - $9.95/month
- Additional minutes 3.9 cents
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Quick Facts:
- Only provider to offer a fax plan
- Free videophone after rebate included in their Unlimited plan
- Most of their international rates are the lowest out of all other providers
- Competitive pricing
- Live online support
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Overall Rating
Packet8 is another great VoIP provider at a very reasonable rate. The feature that distinguishes Packet8 from their competitors is their enhanced 911 service (E911). Packet8's 911 service is the only VoIP provider that is close to traditional 911 service. They also offer videophone services in their plans and they have a fax plan.
Packet8 has great geographical coverage and the voice quality is decent. We did find that when uploading large files it was difficult to have a conversation - but similar to the other VoIP providers.
If you want great service and overall consistent voice quality, at a low rate this is definitely a great choice in providers.
....find out more
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Overview of Plans Offered:
- Freedom Annual - $199/year
- Unlimited calling to US and Canada
- No disconnection fees
- Freedom Unlimited - $24.99/month
- Unlimited calling to US and Canada
- Freedom Unlimited Global - $49.99/month
- Unlimited calling to US and Canada
- Unlimited calling up to 40 countries around the world
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