Monday, April 28th
2025 VoIP Service Reviews
AXvoice
- Cost: Plans range from $4.99/month (pay-as-you-go) to $14.99/month (unlimited). Setup costs include shipping for free adapter
- No long-term contracts required, but annual prepay options available
- Caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, E911 support, voicemail
- Extra features: Find Me Follow Me, distinctive ringtones, simultaneous ring on 3 devices, blacklist function, failover protection, international call blocking, codec flexibility for low bandwidth
- Compatible with desk phones, no proprietary mobile app (third-party softphone required), computer calling supported
While Axvoice offers attractively low prices starting at $4.99/month and some pretty great features like Find Me Follow Me and failover protection, their dismal customer service (2-star average rating and "F" from the BBB) and questionable billing practices make them hard to recommend. You might consider them if you're a tech-savvy user willing to handle setup independently and carefully track your renewal dates to avoid price hikes. However, if you value reliable customer support or need help with technical issues, you should look elsewhere. Based on our analysis, we can't recommend them as a top-tier VoIP provider.
VoIP.ms
- Cost: pay-as-you-go model, $15 minimum initial payment (refundable), local calls $0.01/min outgoing, $0.009/min incoming
- No contracts, no fixed monthly fees, credit never expires, 90-day refund window
- Voice calls, voicemail with transcription, internal calls, call forwarding, voicemail to email, auto-attendant, call recording ($0.0025/min), call encryption
- Extra features: Virtual fax ($1.99/month + usage), SMS ($0.0075/message), Microsoft Teams integration
- Requires third-party softphone or VoIP phone, no proprietary app provided
VoIP.ms offers a straightforward pay-as-you-go home VoIP phone service with competitive rates starting at just $0.01/minute for local calls and no contracts to worry about. You'll need to be comfortable with some technical setup since you'll have to use your own phone hardware or third-party apps, but the trade-off is greater flexibility in how you use the service. While VoIP.ms has attractive features and pricing, we're concerned about their questionable privacy practices and lackluster customer support. VoIP.ms could be a decent choice if you know your way around tech and are focused on saving money, but most customers would be better served by a more user-friendly provider that takes privacy seriously.
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The 10 Best VoIP Services
Which Home VoIP Service is Right for You?
If you're looking for a reliable, cost-effective way to make calls from home, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service might be the perfect solution. Unlike traditional landlines that rely on physical phone lines, VoIP uses your internet connection to make and receive calls. Whether you're a remote worker needing a dedicated line, a budget-conscious household looking to cut the cost of phone bills, or someone who frequently calls internationally, VoIP can offer significant savings and flexibility.
One of the biggest benefits of VoIP is that it eliminates the need for expensive phone service plans from traditional carriers. Many services offer unlimited local and long-distance calling, while others provide pay-as-you-go options that are perfect if you only make occasional calls. Plus, VoIP services often come with features like call forwarding, voicemail-to-email transcription, and even call recording - perks that typically cost extra with traditional phone companies.
VoIP Service FAQ
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However, choosing the right VoIP provider isn't as simple as picking the cheapest option. VoIP services vary widely in their pricing models and equipment requirements. Some providers require a contract, locking you into service for a year or more, while others offer month-to-month or pay-as-you-go plans.
If you're unsure about committing long-term, a contract-free option might be best. Additionally, some VoIP companies include a physical device (like an adapter that connects to your existing phone), while others are BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), meaning you'll need to purchase compatible equipment separately.
Hidden fees can also be a major drawback. Some services advertise low monthly rates but tack on setup fees, service charges, or even cancellation penalties. Some companies will "lease” you equipment and expect you to return it (or pay a $50 fee) when you cancel your service. A few home VoIP services advertise "unlimited” calling minutes despite imposing a cap, after which you'll pay per-minute. Be sure to read the fine print before signing up, so you don't end up paying more than expected.
Here are some things to consider when deciding which VoIP for home is best for you.
- Pricing structure. Does the service require a long-term contract, or can you pay month-to-month? If you're unsure about committing, would a pay-as-you-go plan work better for you?
- Equipment requirements. Does the provider include an adapter, or will you need to buy your own VoIP-compatible device? Are there any extra costs for setup? Do they have a mobile app so you can use your cell phone to answer calls to your home number?
- Hidden fees. What additional charges should you watch out for? Are there setup fees, service charges, or cancellation penalties that could increase your total cost?
- Call features. What features are included in the base plan? Will you need to pay extra for voicemail transcription, call forwarding, fax, or conference calling?
- International calling. Do you need to make frequent international calls? If so, does the provider offer unlimited calling plans for the countries you intend to call?
- Customer service and ratings. How responsive is the provider's customer service? What do other users say about their experience with call quality, reliability, and support? What is their Better Business Bureau rating?
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the best home VoIP services online. Whether you're looking for an affordable home phone replacement or a feature-rich line, we hope this review helps you find the best service for your needs.
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