Which Home Phone VoIP Service is Right for Me?
Most VoIP phone services offer similar advantages over regular landline telephone: low cost and plenty of free calling features. So switching to any VoIP home phone from a landline should mean you will not only save money but also get calling features for free. The only issue is there are plenty of VoIP services to choose from, which one should you choose?
To help you decide which VoIP service or phone provider is right for you, we have narrowed down to five VoIP providers that offer excellent value. In addition, we created a few specific would-be VoIP user profiles and ranked which home phone VoIP service is the best for each scenario in the table below. freephoneline.ca vs. magicJack GO vs. Ooma Telo vs. iTalkBB vs. Fongo Home Phone
I would like to pay for the lowest VoIP service cost possible.* |
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I would like to use VoIP service with a regular telephone handset.* |
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I would like a Canadian phone number and pay the lowest VoIP cost.* |
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I would like to keep my current phone number and pay the lowest VoIP cost.* |
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I would like to use VoIP service on my mobile device.* |
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I need free unlimited calling to the US. |
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I would like to send and receive faxes reliably. | Unfortunately, faxing with VoIP technology is often hit-and-miss. Despite this, some providers claim their services are “fax-friendly”. They are:
If you send and receive plenty of faxes, especially in multiple pages, you should keep a regular landline for that purpose. |
I have a home security/alarm monitoring system. | Due to liability, safety and compatibility reasons (with your monitored alarm system), most VoIP phone providers do not recommend using their VoIP services with any kind of home security/alarm system. Please contact your home security/alarm monitoring company for more information about switching to a VoIP telephone service. At the time of this writing, some security companies can monitor your home via a cellular signal. |
I will use VoIP as my primary phone service and I do not own a cell phone. | For your safety, you need a regular landline if you do not have a mobile phone or other ways of making contacts with others. The reason? VoIP telephone service WILL NOT WORK during a power or network outage. |
Ranking #1 is the best
*Total operating cost of first 3 years (including equipment purchase), lowest cost from the top.
**Not free because extra charges apply.
Note: Taxes, promotional rates, and shipping cost are not included in the calculation below.
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VoIP Phone Provider Calling Features Comparison
freephoneline.ca vs Ooma Telo vs magicJack GO vs iTalkBB vs Fongo Home Phone
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billing | None | Taxe+fee/month | Yearly | Monthly | Monthly |
| No Contract |  | | |  | |
| No Cancellation Fee | | | | | |
| Keep Your Number ***(Fee Applies) | | | |  | |
| Unlimited US Calling | | YES* | | YES** | |
| Canadian Phone Number | | | YES** | | |
| Mobile App | | | | | |
| Free Phone Adapter (ATA) Supplied | | | | | |
| Live-Person Support | | Webchat 24/7 | Webchat | Telephone 24/7 | |
| Works w/ Alarm Monitoring System**** | | | | | |
| * Requires upgrading to Ooma Premier service. ** Additional fee applies. *** iTalkBB ports your # for free **** Contact your home security/alarm monitoring company if their system is compatible with your choice of VoIP phone service. | |||||
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a VoIP Phone Service Provider
freephoneline.ca vs Ooma Telo vs magicJack GO vs iTalkBB vs Fongo Home Phone
| | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call Display | | | | | |
| Call Waiting | | | | | |
| Voicemail | | | | | |
| Voicemail to Email | | YES** | | | |
| Call Forwarding | | | | | |
| 3-Way/Conference Calls | | YES** | | | |
| Call Blocking | | YES** | | | |
| Fax | YES* | YES*** | YES*** | YES*** | YES* |
| * Receiving only (not promoted by provider) ** Requires upgrades to Ooma Premier service. *** Claims to work by provider. | |||||
VoIP Product Reviews
