Monday, April 28th
2025 VoIP Service Reviews
Ooma
- Cost: Basic plan free + $6 to $9/mo taxes, Premier $9.99/mo, World Plan $17.99/mo, World Plus $25.99/mo. One-time $99.99 Telo device cost
- Unlimited US calling, caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, 911 service, call hold
- Premier includes call forwarding, voicemail to email, voicemail monitoring, multi-ring
- Mobile app
- Existing home phones compatible
- "A+" BBB rating, mobile app rated 4.4 on Google Play, 4.6 on iOS
If you're looking for reliable home phone service with low monthly fees, Ooma deserves your attention. Their straightforward pricing (just taxes and fees after buying the device) and crystal-clear call quality have earned them multiple awards over the years. While their Premier plan adds some impressive features like smart home integration and enhanced privacy protection, even the basic service gives you everything you need for everyday calling. That said, some concerning safety issues with their hardware have knocked them down to our second-place recommendation - but they're still an excellent choice if you want a trusted VoIP provider with transparent pricing and solid performance, especially if you're primarily focused on domestic calling.
Vonage
- Cost: $9.99 to $14.99/month plus taxes and fees
- Month-to-month or annual contract with 30-day money-back guarantee
- Caller ID, call waiting, voicemail, Wi-Fi calling, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, bandwidth saver, call hunting
- Special features: SimulRing, Boomerang, virtual numbers
- Mobile app for 3 devices, softphone for PC/Mac, desk phones
- "A" BBB rating
If you're looking for a VoIP home phone service with some interesting features, Vonage offers unique capabilities like SimulRing (which rings multiple phones at once) and Boomerang for automatic call connections, plus the ability to use your home number on up to three smartphones. Their plans start at $9.99 monthly for North America calling or $14.99 for international, though you'll need to watch out for additional taxes and fees that can add up quickly. While they've improved recently and maintain an "A" BBB rating, their $100 million FTC settlement in 2023 over billing issues and cancellation shouldn't be overlooked. Given these concerns and their mixed customer service history, we rate Vonage middle-of-the-road and recommend exploring other VoIP providers first.
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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
Continued from above...
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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