The Best VoIP Services

Friday, April 18th

2025 VoIP Service Reviews

1-VoIP

• Cost: $8.97 to $23.97/month
• No long-term contracts required
• 99.999% network uptime guarantee
• Unlimited incoming calls
• Voicemail with 4 access methods
• Call forwarding, voicemail to email, whitelist/blacklist, configurable caller ID
• Mobile app with SMS available
• "A+" BBB rating
• 24/7 US-based support

When you're looking for a home VoIP provider that treats you like more than just another customer, 1-VoIP stands out with their commitment to personalized service. Founded by telecom veterans in 2005, they've built their reputation on exceeding expectations, with 24/7 US-based support and features you can customize to fit your specific needs. They also claim to maintain impressive 99.999% network uptime through their four fully-redundant switching centers. (And if you're wondering what "fully-redundant" means, it's just a fancy way of saying your calls won't drop even if something goes wrong with their system.)

SIP trunking available

VoIP is what happens when your voice travels over the internet instead of traditional phone lines. Whether you're using Zoom, Skype, or a business phone system, if you're making calls through the internet, you're using VoIP. For businesses with existing phone systems, there's something called SIP trunking that lets you keep your current setup while switching to internet-based calls. 1-VoIP offers both business and SIP trunking options if you need something more robust, but for most home users, the residential plans should cover what you need.

Residential VoIP plans start at just $8.97/month

1-VoIP has three straightforward, competitively-priced options for home use, all with month-to-month billing (no contracts required):

• Residential Value ($8.97/month): Unlimited incoming calls + 500 outgoing minutes + free hardware (you pay shipping)
• US & Canada Unlimited ($17.97/month): Unlimited calls in both countries + free hardware and shipping
• World Unlimited ($23.97/month): Unlimited calls to 30 countries + free hardware and shipping

Watch out for extra fees and charges

Before you sign up, be aware that your first bill will be higher than the advertised monthly rate. The Value plan, for example, requires a one-time $14.95 activation fee and $7.95 shipping charge. You'll also see additional monthly charges like an $0.86 regulatory access fee and $1.68 911 surcharge. (This is fairly standard for VoIP providers, but we'd prefer they were more upfront about these costs.)

Nomorobo spam blocking included

1-VoIP comes packed with all the essentials you'd expect, plus some extras that can make your life easier. You'll get the standard features like call waiting, 3-way calling, and voicemail (which you can check four different ways, including having messages emailed to you). But what really stands out is the robust call management system: you can screen calls, maintain whitelists and blacklists, and even use Nomorobo to filter out those pesky robocalls.

Advanced features like fax-to-email cost extra

If you're managing multiple phone lines, you'll appreciate being able to customize your caller ID for different numbers and track which number people used to reach you. This service offers virtual fax capabilities that let you receive faxes as PDFs, though you'll have to pay an extra $4.95 monthly fee on most plans (a bit more expensive than we've seen from some competitors). If you want additional virtual numbers, these cost $2.95 each per month.

Your satisfaction depends on your use case

While 1-VoIP has earned an "A+" rating from the BBB, your experience will largely depend on how you plan to use this service. Their residential service gets high marks for reliability and core features, with a straightforward interface and easy hardware setup. If you're mainly looking for a reliable home phone replacement with some modern perks like voicemail-to-email and robocall blocking, you'll probably be satisfied.

Some bugs with the mobile app

However, if you're planning to rely heavily on the mobile app, you might want to think twice about going with 1-VoIP. While some users appreciate being able to make house phone calls from their cell phones, there are reviews in the Google Play and iOS stores reporting frequent crashes and connection issues - with some users saying they're unable to answer calls up to 40% of the time, even on their home network. International callers have reported choppy connections, particularly to India.

Know what you're getting into

If you're someone who primarily uses their smartphone, you might want to explore other options before 1-VoIP. But if you're looking for a basic VoIP home phone service with solid call management features at a great price, 1-VoIP is definitely worth considering. For their competitive pricing and perfect score with the BBB, they earn our first-place ranking.

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

You might already know Ooma as a trusted name in the home VoIP phone service world - and for good reason. Founded by former Cisco Systems expert Andrew Frame, Ooma has evolved from its innovative "VoIP in a box" beginnings to become one of the most reliable home phone services available today. They've consistently won awards for their Telo system, which lets you make unlimited calls with crystal-clear quality. (And we're not just saying that - PC Magazine and others have given them multiple "Product of the Year" awards.) Though they've gained acclaim and have happy customers, there are some concerns about their customer service and product safety that we'll look at in this review.

Three VoIP devices to choose from

To get started with Ooma, you'll need one of their three VoIP devices. The basic Ooma Telo ($99.99) connects to your router via ethernet, while the Ooma Telo Air (also $99.99) offers wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi for more flexible placement. For ultimate reliability, the Ooma Telo LTE ($109.99) runs on a cellular network and includes 25+ premium features and battery backup for power outages, though it requires a $19.99 monthly cellular fee. With the other two Ooma devices, you'll only pay $6 to $9 in monthly taxes and fees for unlimited US calling on the Basic plan. (That's quite a deal compared to traditional phone services.) Beyond the device cost and monthly fees, there's a $39.99 one-time fee if you want to keep your existing phone number. Shipping for the Ooma devices is free.

International calling options

For frequent international callers, Ooma offers two plans:

• World Plan ($17.99/month): Calls to 60+ countries
• World Plus Plan ($25.99/month): Calls to 70+ countries with more mobile phone access

These plans could be valuable if you make a lot of international calls. If you don't, but you still need the option, you can either stick with the Basic plan's metered calling to select countries (including Canada, Mexico, China, UK, India, Australia, Taiwan, American Samoa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) or look for another home VoIP service with metered international rates.

Premier service includes smart home integrations

The free, Basic service gives you the usual calling features like US calling, standard voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting. You'll also get essential tools like call hold, 911 service, and online call logs. (Not bad for the basics, but you might want more.) If you're a power user or need more flexibility, the Premier service ($9.99/month) adds calling to Canada, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. You'll get enhanced privacy features like anonymous call blocking and spammer protection. The voicemail system gets supercharged too, with features like voicemail monitoring, notifications, and email forwarding. Both tiers include the Ooma Mobile HD app, but Premier users get more mobile features like call forwarding, backup numbers, and multi-ring. For tech enthusiasts, Premier includes integration with services like Google Voice, Amazon Echo, and Nest. (Perfect if you're building out a smart home setup.)

The mobile app shines, but there's a catch

The Ooma mobile app has really impressive ratings, averaging 4.4 on Google Play and 4.6 on iOS from about 3,000 reviews each. That's practically unheard of among VoIP services for home use. However, you'll need to spring for a Premier account to receive home calls when you're away, which feels a bit like a bait-and-switch tactic. According to reviews, you also can't send text messages through the app.

Cancelling is really difficult

Some users rave about Ooma's responsive and helpful support team, but the cancellation process can be frustrating. You might face pushy retention tactics or, worse, unexpected charges and difficulties getting refunds. In some cases, users have reported unauthorized charges and misleading conversations with support representatives. Our advice? If you need to downgrade from Premier or cancel their service altogether, check out what they're saying over on the Ooma subreddit. There are frequent posts offering advice about how to make the cancellation process go more smoothly.

Second-best among home VoIP options

Because Ooma maintains an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau (which would suggest they have a good track record with resolving customer complaints), we were willing to look past these issues and allow Ooma to keep their first place spot in our review of home VoIP services - but then we came across a report from a customer about their Telo unit overheating. While it doesn't seem to be a frequent complaint, the company has allegedly acknowledged this problem, which can cause the top of the unit to become very hot, develop a sticky surface, and become a fire hazard. Unfortunately, this knocks Ooma down to our second-place recommendation. (Safety first, stellar ratings second.)

Voiply

• Cost: $8.95/month ($7.46 with annual plan)
• No contracts required
• Calls, voicemail, call waiting, HD voice, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, E911
• Add-ons: Robocall Defender ($2.50/mo), Online Fax ($5/mo)
• Mobile app available
• "A+” BBB rating

Since launching in Pittsburgh back in 2012, Voiply has grown to serve over 25,000 customers who need VoIP phone service. If you're looking to avoid getting locked into a lengthy agreement, you'll be glad to know they don't require any contracts. But while that freedom might sound appealing, you'll want to keep reading our full review to learn about some concerning issues we've uncovered with their service. (For example, they seem to have a different definition of "unlimited".)

Basic service with some gotchas

At Voiply, you can get a straightforward home VoIP service for $8.95 per month that includes an adapter and basic features. If you opt for their annual plan, your monthly average cost will be just $7.46. While this price is definitely competitive for US-only calling, there's a catch: despite advertising "unlimited” calling all over their website, customers report being charged 15¢ per minute after just 500 minutes. We examined the company's Terms of Service, and it turns out that they reserve the right to charge additional fees of "at least $0.03 per minute for voice calls and/or $.05 per facsimile page” - or terminate service for whatever they consider "excessive" use.

No international calling plan for home VoIP

Be aware that Voiply doesn't offer international calling plans. You'll pay per-minute rates for most international calls, although they do allow you to call landlines in certain countries for free. They provide a list of these countries on their website as well as a rate calculator for the excluded countries.

Add-ons and bundling available

If you're interested in bundling, Voiply offers home phone packages ranging from $84.95 for a handset with a digital answering system to $99.95 for an AT&T bundle with three home phones. (Side note: at the time of our research, Voiply was running a 50% off promotion in exchange for our email address, but it wasn't clear whether this applied to VoIP for home subscriptions or their phone bundles.)

Free shipping and no activation fees

You'll be glad to know there are no setup or activation fees when you start with Voiply, though you should budget for about $7 to $9 in taxes depending on your location. Want to use your own equipment? No problem - you can bring your own compatible devices. Plus, there's a free shipping option. If you're not satisfied, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee on the service charges and taxes, though keep in mind this won't cover rushed shipping costs or any international calls you make.

Spam call defense costs extra

You'll get all the VoIP basics with Voiply's residential plan, including call waiting, caller ID with name display, HD voice, and voicemail-to-email. They also offer enhanced E911 service and claim 99.99% uptime. Optional add-ons include Webroot Antivirus ($2.50/month), Robocall Defender ($2.50/month), and Online Fax ($5/month).

SMS issues with app

The Voiply mobile app lets you make free calls to the US, Canada, and 50+ other countries, plus it can ring both your phone and mobile simultaneously so you never miss a call. You can send and receive unlimited messages from your phone number and get voicemail transcriptions. However, the app has some serious limitations: users report issues with texting functionality, inability to send photos, and problems with message organization. Some customers have even experienced complete app failures requiring reinstallation, which wiped their message history. While these kinds of SMS issues are unfortunately common with VoIP apps, if you're planning to rely heavily on texting or messaging features, Voiply might not be right for you.

Customer support appears to have gone downhill

Voiply's support quality has taken a nosedive recently. Long-time customers report that their once-stellar chat support has been replaced by AI systems that aren't cutting it. When you run into issues like dropped international calls or missing caller ID info, you might find yourself waiting weeks for solutions while getting different excuses each time. The phone service quality itself isn't much better - lately, customers have been mentioning inconsistent voice quality, devices failing, and frequent outages.

Pricing is still competitive

Is Voiply worth your hard-earned money? While we previously rated them a near-perfect 4.5 stars, that was because they were so budget-friendly and had great customer service. While their prices haven't changed since the last time we reviewed them (and they remain competitive in the home VoIP market), the same can't be said for their customer service.

Voiply is recommended, but be aware of customer privacy concerns

Additionally, we're concerned about some of their marketing tactics: while we were reviewing Voiply, we received an abandoned cart email from them "via SafeOpt”. SafeOpt is a marketing tool that uses tracking technology to send you unsolicited emails based on your private browsing data. Right now, SafeOpt is being sued in California for potentially breaking privacy laws. If Voiply is willing to take your information to get an edge over other home VoIP companies, we wonder what they might consider acceptable to do with your other private data - like the content of your phone calls. If privacy is a concern (and it should be), you might want to think twice about trusting Voiply with your phone service and consider using a different provider instead. Otherwise, we would still recommend Voiply, but we'd advise you to proceed with caution and knowledge of the fine print.

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

Vonage started out as a pioneer in VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) back in 1998, and they've grown into a major player in cloud communications. While they started with residential services under the name Min-X, they've since expanded their focus to include business solutions, especially after the mid-2010s. (And while they've had some interesting encounters with the FTC that you might want to know about, we'll get to that later...)

Starts at $9.99/month

You've got two options with Vonage's home phone service. Their North America plan runs $9.99 monthly and includes unlimited calling across the US, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. If you're chatting with family across the globe, you might prefer their World Prime plan at $14.99 monthly, which lets you call over 60 countries without limits. Both plans come with perks like being able to use your home number on up to three smartphones and access to over 20 calling features, including Wi-Fi calling and selective call blocking.

Watch for taxes and fees

While the base prices at Vonage look attractive, you'll want to watch out for a few extra costs. Both plans come with additional taxes and fees. If you're looking at add-ons, features like extra virtual numbers for 20 other countries (handy if you have folks calling from abroad) can tack on $4.99 to $9.99 monthly to your bill. Both plans include shipping and activation, though some month-to-month plans might charge for these. If things don't work out, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Core and specialized features like Boomerang

You'll get all the standard VoIP features you'd expect, including caller ID, call waiting, and three-way calling. But what's more interesting is Vonage's approach to call management - you can use their bandwidth saver to maintain call quality on slower connections and set up call hunting to ring up to five phones in sequence until someone answers. (Not bad for when you're trying to avoid missing that important call.) If you need more specialized features, Vonage offers SimulRing (which can make multiple phones ring simultaneously) and a Boomerang feature for automatic call connections with selected contacts.

Bring your home phone on the go

You can take your home phone service wherever you go with the Vonage Extensions app. The app lets you make and receive calls on up to three smartphones using your home phone number, and it works over both WiFi and cellular data. The app comes with some thoughtful features, like spam management that lets you block unwanted calls or send them straight to voicemail. Their Voicemail Plus system gives you flexible access to messages from any phone or online account. However, recent user reviews on both Android and iOS could be better - while some mentioned improvements on things like voice clarity, others report issues with call disconnections and unreliable message notifications.

Softphone option

If you're more of a desktop warrior, Vonage also offers a softphone service for your PC or Mac. For $9.99 plus taxes and fees, this softphone appears to include 500 minutes to call the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, with additional minutes costing 3.9¢ each. There's also a "one-time activation fee” of $9.99 mentioned - which we think is a separate charge from the initial $9.99 in taxes and fees.

Vonage has a rocky history with customer service

Now, about their encounters with the FTC. In 2009, they paid $3 million to settle investigations in 32 states, and more recently in October 2023, they had to pay nearly $100 million in refunds after the FTC found they were making it difficult for customers to cancel and charging unauthorized fees.

Current state of affairs shows improvement, but watch out

While Vonage now maintains an "A" rating with the Better Business Bureau and a decent 3.8-star average on Trustpilot, some recent customer reviews still mention billing issues (though these complaints aren't as common as they used to be). The good news is that canceling your service should be more straightforward now - you can do it online through your account or by phone.

Good, but not great

You'll get some handy features with Vonage like SimulRing and a mobile app, but we think you should look elsewhere first for your home phone VoIP service. While they've improved their cancellation process and maintain an "A" BBB rating, their $100 million FTC settlement over billing issues is still a bit too recent to dismiss yet. The starter prices look good on paper, but watch out - those extra taxes and fees add up fast. We'd recommend Vonage as a backup if you don't find what you need with one of its higher-ranked rivals.

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

Axvoice is a New York-based VoIP provider that's been around since 2005. They offer internet phone service for both homes and small businesses without any long-term contracts.

"Unlimited” plan has a 2,000 minute cap

You've got three main options for home VoIP service with Axvoice. Their "unlimited” (up to 2,000 minutes) USA/Canada plan will run you $14.99 monthly. You can save by prepaying annually at $10.99/month, or snag their "blow out" deal at $99/year ($8.25/month). If you're a light caller, consider their 200-minute plan or the bare-bones Pay-as-You-Go option at $4.99/month plus 1.5¢ per minute.

Business solutions available

If you run a business out of your home, you might be interested in Axvoice's business VoIP plans. They offer two: a Small Business option with 1,500 minutes to US/Canada numbers, and a hosted PBX system with 200 minutes plus virtual PBX features. Additional minutes on any plan cost 1.5¢ each. While Axvoice includes a free adapter on all plans (including Residential), you'll need to cover shipping costs.

International pricing could be made clearer

For international calling, Axvoice's pricing structure can be confusing. On their website, you'll find Residential International advertised at $16.58/month (which is actually the breakdown of their $199/year plan), but at checkout you'll see three different options: $24.99/month, $19.99/month, or a blow-out deal at $199/year. The Residential International Plus plan is simpler with just one option at $29.99/month. Unfortunately, calls to mobile phones and premium numbers aren't included in these international plans.

Core features included, but no app

Axvoice has all the basic features you'd need from a VoIP for home, including caller ID, call waiting, and three-way calling. Their system includes practical security features like E911 support (which automatically shares your location with emergency services) and the ability to block international calls to avoid surprise charges. One nice feature is the codec flexibility - when your internet connection isn't performing at its best, you can switch to low-bandwidth options to maintain call quality. For smartphone users, note that Axvoice doesn't offer their own softphone app - you'll need to find a compatible third-party solution.

Smart call management to make life easier

Axvoice gives you impressive control over your incoming calls with features like distinctive ringtones for multiple numbers, simultaneous ring on up to three devices, and a blacklist for blocking unwanted callers. The "Find Me Follow Me" feature lets you set up a cascade of forwarding numbers (great for those days when you're bouncing between home office and coffee shops). There's also failover protection that automatically routes calls to a backup number if your power or internet goes down.

Customer service is bad

Before you get involved with Axvoice, you should know that they have a dismal 2-star average customer rating and an "F" from the BBB because they failed to respond to 80% of complaints. If you need support, you're likely to hit a wall - there's no phone number to call and support tickets often go unanswered (unless you're having an issue with giving them your money).

Watch out for billing gotchas

According to some Axvoice customers, after your first year, they'll quietly bump your annual rate to the higher monthly rate without warning. Even worse, when customers cancel, many report being charged $40 to $48 for "equipment" - even those who never received any hardware or used their own devices. Their terms and conditions apparently let them charge whatever they deem "appropriate".

Money-back guarantee is full of holes

While Axvoice advertises a money-back guarantee, the 15-day window is unusually short for the VoIP industry. You'll need to keep your usage under 200 minutes, return everything in original packaging with intact barcodes within 10 days, and pay your own return shipping. (And if you brought your own device? Sorry, no guarantee for you!)

Not reliable

While we think Axvoice has some really great call features and could be a budget-friendly VoIP for home option, remember that low price comes with a year-long commitment to a company with consistently poor customer service. We wouldn't recommend Axvoice to most home VoIP users as their first choice.

Call Centric

• Cost: Separate incoming/outgoing plans starting at $5.95/month, setup fees $3.95 to $19.95, additional taxes and fees apply
• Call waiting, voicemail, caller ID, E911 service, call forwarding, 4-way calling, call hunting, IVR auto-attendant
• Extra features: conference room, fax reception, SMS messaging (at additional cost)
• Bring your own device (BYOD), third-party mobile apps, computer calling
• "A+" BBB rating

You might be interested in Call Centric if you're looking for a VoIP phone service that's been around the block - they've been offering internet calling since 2005. Using their service, you can make calls through your computer, mobile device, or specialized VoIP phones, bypassing traditional phone carriers to potentially save money on your calls. While they offer both residential and business services worldwide with features like high-quality calls and flexible plans, be prepared for some dated technology and metered SMS features that might test your patience with fine print.

Pricing structure is more complex than it needs to be

Call Centric splits their service into separate incoming and outgoing plans, which can get confusing (and expensive) pretty quickly. For example, if you want both unlimited incoming calls ($5.95/month) and unlimited outgoing calls to North America ($29.95/month), you're looking at nearly $38 monthly, plus the initial setup fee (between $3.95 and $19.95), and undisclosed "additional taxes and fees”. That's significantly higher than most competitors' all-in-one unlimited plans.

What's the deal with Dirt Cheap DIDs?

If you're looking to get a phone number without committing to a full VoIP service, Call Centric's Dirt Cheap DID might be worth considering. A DID (Direct Inward Dialing) number is basically just a phone number that can receive calls - think of it as the "phone number" part of phone service without all the extras. At the time of our visit to their site, Call Centric was offering these numbers at a discounted rate of $2.95 monthly with no setup fee in certain areas where they have excess inventory. This could be great for residential users who just need a basic phone number with unlimited incoming calls, but there are some important limitations: you can only use it for personal (not business) purposes, and you're limited to receiving just two calls at once.

Get ready to DIY your equipment and setup

Unlike many VoIP providers, Call Centric is a bring-your-own-device service. This means you'll need to purchase your own VoIP-compatible phone or software application upfront. While this gives you more flexibility in choosing your equipment, it also means higher initial costs and more setup work on your end.

Feature-rich, but maybe a bit complex

Call Centric has plenty of calling features, from basics like call waiting, voicemail, and caller ID to more advanced capabilities like 4-way calling, call hunting, and an automated attendant (IVR). Security features include IP whitelisting, two-point authentication, and the ability to set maximum call rates. Other features include spam filtering, telemarketer blocking, and the ability to create sub-accounts. Call Centric even supports SIP trunking and unlimited SIP URI calling for more advanced implementations. (Though with great power comes great complexity - you might need a PhD in VoIP to navigate all these settings.)

SMS available, but costs extra

Call Centric's residential VoIP plan also includes fax reception and SMS capabilities, though text messaging comes with separate pricing tiers - basic SMS runs $0.010 per message with a $1 monthly fee, while pro SMS costs $0.008 per message with a $2 monthly fee. (And surprisingly, they don't make it clear what extra benefits you get for going pro). One notable limitation is that Call Centric doesn't offer its own softphone app - instead, they provide guides for third-party apps, though these appear somewhat outdated. (For example, the iPhones they use in the example images still have home buttons, not to mention the app interfaces they display.)

"A+” from the BBB

What do Call Centric's existing customers think of them? While they have an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, finding recent customer feedback online is trickier than with bigger VoIP providers. What we did find about their mobile app experience isn't doing them any favors.

The SMS app is buggy

Some long-term users praise Call Centric's reliable, basic VoIP features and consistent performance. However, if you're expecting to use their mobile app, you're in for a bad time. Users report frustrating issues with the SMS app, including missing message notifications and the complete absence of MMS support. (Want to receive pictures from friends and family? You're out of luck - and worse, you won't even know you missed them.) Customer support response times also seem to be hit-or-miss, with some users waiting days for help with basic issues.

Not recommended for most users

If you're a tech-savvy user who doesn't make many calls and enjoys tinkering with settings, Call Centric might work for you. But for most people looking for home VoIP service, we can't recommend it. The confusing plans and pricing structure could leave you paying more than necessary, and you'll need to be comfortable with a DIY approach to setup and troubleshooting. Unless you enjoy spending your weekends configuring VoIP settings, you might want to look elsewhere.

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 was founded by a small but experienced team of 4 Canadians and 1 American who cut their teeth in the early days of the internet, working in ISP call centers and as junior sysadmins. After successfully entering the VoIP market in 2004 and establishing a strong presence in Mexico, they officially launched VoIP.ms in 2007. (Talk about starting from the ground up.) We like that this platform is designed to be self-serve, meaning you can create a free account and get started within minutes.

Clear, pay-as-you-go pricing

Unlike traditional phone services that lock you into monthly or annual plans, VoIP.ms only charges you for what you actually use, with no contracts or fixed monthly fees. A minimum initial payment of $15 is required, but this credit never expires and can be refunded within 90 days if you cancel. Here's what you can expect to pay in the US:

• Local calls: $0.01/min outgoing, $0.009/min incoming
• Internal calls and call encryption: Free
• Premium features like call recording ($0.0025/min) and transcription ($0.05/min) are available as add-ons
• Directory assistance (411): $0.99 per call

International calling rates vary, so you'll need to check their online calculator for specific countries.

Some VoIP.ms features are paid-only

You'll get a mix of free and paid features with VoIP.ms, which is pretty typical for VoIP services. Most of the basic features come at no extra cost, but you might need to pay extra for some of the more specialized services. The specific info can be found in their Wiki, but we wish they were a little more open about it on their landing page for residential VoIP users. Here's what you'll pay for some of those add-on services:

• Virtual Fax: $1.99 monthly plus $0.029 per minute - this pricing is quite competitive
• E911 Service: $1.50 one-time setup + $1.50 monthly
• SMS messaging: $0.0075 per message (both sending and receiving)
• Directory assistance (411): $0.99 per call

Call recording available

VoIP.ms includes standard features like voicemail (with email and transcription options), call forwarding, call recording, and three-way calling. For business needs, you've got advanced options like call queues, interactive voice response (IVR), and even Microsoft Teams integration. (If you only need a VoIP for personal use, these enterprise features might be overkill, but hey - better to have them and not need them, right?) One thing that stands out is VoIP.ms' security focus - you get features like call encryption, two-factor authentication, and IP restrictions. (However, this focus becomes a bit ironic in light of information we later discovered.)

You'll need your own software and hardware

You'll need to bring your own phone setup to use VoIP.ms since they don't provide their own phone app (also called a softphone). Instead, they give you a list of recommended apps and devices that work well with their service. This actually gives you more flexibility than being locked into a company's proprietary app, but it does mean you'll need to be comfortable setting up third-party software or configuring your own VoIP phone - which might be intimidating if you're new to VoIP technology.

Customer reviews tell a different story than marketing

You might notice glowing testimonials on VoIP.ms' website about their support and service quality. However, if you dig deeper into independent review sites, you'll find a pattern of customer complaints. (And no, we're not just talking about the usual "my internet is slow" kind of complaints.) The biggest concern comes from their privacy and data handling practices - namely, their identity verification process. Dozens of users report being denied service after submitting sensitive documents like passports, with no clear explanation why. When customers request deletion of their personal information from VoIP.ms' systems, they get unclear responses and infinite delays.

Selling customer data?

On top of that, there's anecdotal evidence that VoIP.ms is selling customer data to third parties: one customer who had maintained the same cell number for 25 years reported receiving multiple daily spam calls within weeks of signing up, despite not having shared the number with any other service. They ultimately had to cancel their service to stop the unwanted calls. (If you value your privacy and want to avoid spam calls, these issues should set off serious alarm bells.)

Customer support leaves much to be desired

If you do manage to get an account with VoIP.ms, don't expect much help when things go wrong. Users report frustrating support experiences, with representatives seemingly stuck in loops of repeating the same information without actually solving problems. The company hasn't responded to negative reviews on Trustpilot either (despite claiming the profile as theirs) which doesn't inspire confidence in their commitment to customer satisfaction. (If a company can't be bothered to address public complaints, what hope is there for private support tickets?)

Low prices, but privacy issues make them harder to recommend

VoIP.ms could be a great choice if you're looking for an affordable, pay-as-you-go phone service and don't mind handling your own technical setup. Their rates are genuinely competitive, especially for basic calling features. However, this company's sketchy privacy practices and unhelpful customer support make us hesitate to give it our recommendation. (This service feels a bit like finding a great deal on a car, only to discover the dealer wants to photocopy your entire wallet before letting you test drive it.) If you're tech-savvy and primarily focused on cost savings, VoIP.ms might work for you - but be prepared to handle most issues on your own and think carefully about what personal information you're willing to share.

Phone Power

• Cost: $8.33 to $19.95/month domestic plans, $19.95 to $49.95/month international plans, plus setup fees and service charges
• 12-month contract, yearly prepay, or no-contract options. 30-day money back guarantee
• Voice calls, voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, routing, free in-network calling
• Extra features: 3-way conference calling, fax capabilities, second line included
• iPhone app, softphone capabilities

Think twice before signing up with Phone Power. While they've been in the VoIP game since 2005 and offer monthly, contract, and no-contract calling plans for the US and Canada, they're charging more than their competitors while delivering less. With low user reviews and a disappointing track record, they're currently sitting near the bottom of our residential VoIP provider rankings. (And heads up - it only gets worse from here.)

Look closely at the true costs

Phone Power offers three main domestic calling plans for the USA and Canada, but there's more to the pricing than meets the eye. Here's what you're looking at:

• $8.33/month yearly prepay plan
• $9.95/month with 12-month contract
• $19.95/month no-contract option

Each plan includes some nice perks like 60 minutes of international calling every month, fax capabilities, and a second line. However, you'll need to factor in significant upfront costs that aren't immediately obvious. For example, the yearly prepaid plan requires an additional $24.29 in service fees upfront, bringing your first payment to $34.24 (quite a jump from the advertised $9.95). After that, you're looking at $19.29 monthly.

International options come with their own price tag

If you need more international calling, Phone Power offers three tiers at $19.95 (28 countries), $24.95 (75 countries), and $49.95 (87 countries) per month. But just like the domestic plans, these come with additional first-month and yearly charges that you'll only see when you click the Price Breakdown button. (Not exactly the most transparent pricing model we've seen.)

Basic feature list without modern innovations

You'll get pretty much every calling feature you'd expect from a home VoIP service with Phone Power, including voicemail-to-email, call routing, call forwarding, and free in-network calling. While these features work fine, they're just standard offerings - nothing particularly innovative here. (And if you're hoping for modern features like automatic robocall blocking or smart-home integration, you'll need to look elsewhere.)

Mobile experience is a let-down

If you're planning to use Phone Power on the go, prepare for some frustration. While they do offer an iPhone app and softphone capabilities, user reviews consistently report issues with crashes, voicemail playback problems, and trouble receiving calls. The mobile app's integration with online accounts is particularly problematic, and its 2.2-star rating average in the iOS store speaks volumes.

Customer support is pretty much nonexistent

If you're thinking about using Phone Power, you should know that their customer service appears to be a major pain point. Customers report being unable to reach support through any channel - calls get automatically dropped, emails go unanswered, and there's essentially no way to get help when you need it.

Service quality has gone down, but prices have gone up

Long-time customers note that Phone Power's service has seriously deteriorated. They've doubled their rates in recent years (mostly through sneaky "cost recovery fees"), and when technical issues arise, you're often left to figure things out on your own. One customer spent over 8 hours trying to fix adapter issues with minimal help from the company. (Not exactly what you want from your phone service provider, right?)

Look elsewhere

While Phone Power does offer some positives, like free hardware leasing and transparent hardware compatibility listings, their overall service falls short. With a dismal customer rating and consistent reports of being unable to reach support, billing issues, and technical problems, we can't recommend Phone Power. If you're in the market for a home VoIP service, you'd be better off exploring other options that actually value their customers' time and money.

Via:Talk

• Cost: $15.75/month standard plan or $189 for 2-year prepaid plan. $8.95/month international add-on, plus taxes and fees
• Monthly or 2-year contract options
• Voice calls, voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, speed dial, call forwarding, voicemail to email/SMS, call recording, 3-way calling, call broadcasting
• Desktop softphone application, desk phones compatible

If you're looking for a VoIP service provider, ViaTalk has been around since 1999. However, it's showing its age - and not in a good way. While they offer domestic calling plans with international add-ons, their outdated website (complete with retro chatbot chimes and typos) suggests a company that's fallen behind the times.

A referral program stuck in the iPod era

Want to know how dated ViaTalk's service is? Their referral program still offers ViaTalk-branded iPods as rewards (and let's be honest - if you refer friends to a subpar service, you might end up with fewer friends to call anyway).

One plan represented as two (with hidden fees)

You've got two main options with ViaTalk, though neither is particularly impressive. Their standard monthly plan advertises $15.75 but allegedly comes with undisclosed taxes and additional fees that significantly increase the actual cost. Their other option is a two-year prepaid plan at $189 upfront, which offers the exact same features. (And let's talk about that "Today Only" marketing - it's not actually a limited-time offer, which is a bit dishonest). When customers try to question the hidden charges, they report rude customer service and unreturned calls to management.

International calling add-on that won't wow you

If you're hoping to keep in touch with family or run a business internationally, you might want to look elsewhere. Their "VT World" international calling add-on costs an extra $8.95 monthly and only gives you 1,200 minutes to landlines in over 60 countries. To drive the nail into the coffin, you can only call mobile phones in 12 of those countries. For $107.40 per year, you can definitely find better international calling options with competitors.

A desktop-only approach in a mobile world

ViaTalk offers a desktop softphone application that lets you make calls from your computer. While this might be useful if you're always at your desk, it's worth noting that there's no mobile app mentioned in their feature list (which feels a bit stuck in the pre-smartphone era).

Basic features with some unexpected extras

You'll get the standard VoIP features you'd expect: voicemail with email and SMS notifications, call forwarding, and caller ID. Some less common features include call recording, call broadcasting, and a wake-up call service. For business users, they offer optional fax service and toll-free numbers. (Though if you're running a modern business, you might want a service that's kept up better with the times).

What's missing might matter most

Despite the long list of ViaTalk's features, there's a notable absence of video calling capabilities or modern messaging tools. While they do include features like 3-way calling and free in-network calling, the focus seems to be entirely on traditional voice communication (which might feel a bit limiting if you're used to more versatile communication platforms).

Customer support has left the building

If you're looking for responsive customer service, you might want to look elsewhere. ViaTalk hasn't updated their own reviews page since 2017, and they've earned a "D-" rating from the BBB for ignoring customer complaints. Former customers report that it feels like the company has essentially disappeared - even long-term users can't get responses when trying to cancel their service (and trust us, that's a red flag you don't want to ignore).

Outdated tech and cancellation fees

The technical experience at ViaTalk isn't much better than the customer service. You'll likely encounter poor call quality with frequent static, and you'll be stuck using what customers describe as an antiquated interface that looks like it's from the Windows 95 era. Want to cancel? Be prepared to either return decade-old equipment or pay a $50 cancellation fee - even if you've been a loyal customer for years. International calling can be hit-or-miss, with some customers reporting they couldn't reach certain destinations despite multiple complaints.

ViaTalk's glory days are in the past

Given the combination of poor service quality, unresponsive support, and hidden fees, we can't recommend ViaTalk. You'd be better off exploring more modern home VoIP providers that have kept up with current technology and customer service standards.

VOIPo

• Cost: $15/month or $149 for 2-year prepaid plan ($6.20/month). Includes unlimited US/Canada calls and 60 minutes international calling
• Monthly plan or 2-year prepaid option, 30-day money-back guarantee
• Caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, call blocking, call forwarding, voicemail-to-email, custom call routing, virtual numbers
• SMS messaging capabilities
• VoIP adapter included, mobile app available
• "B" rating with BBB.

VOIPo is a VoIP service provider offering phone and messaging services for homes and small businesses. They've been around since 2006, when Timothy Dick founded the company in Los Angeles. While they offer everything from toll-free numbers to business phone systems, their outdated website and even more outdated self-proclaimed title as "the likeable phone company" hint at bigger problems we'll explore. (Spoiler alert: they're not very likeable at all.)

$15 per month

You've got two options with VOIPo's service structure: a monthly plan at $15 or a two-year prepaid plan at $149 that brings your average monthly cost down to $6.20. (Don't fall for their "today only" marketing tactics - it's apparently always "today".) Every plan includes unlimited calls to the US and Canada, 60 minutes of international calling monthly, and SMS messaging capabilities.

Features that sound great on paper

You'll find VOIPo offering an impressive list of calling features - everything from the basics like caller ID and call waiting to more advanced options like custom call routing and virtual numbers. The service even includes SMS capabilities and voicemail-to-email forwarding. There's no video calling available, but you do get standard VoIP features like three-way calling and call blocking. All of this sounds great - until you realize it's dependent on the service actually working. (What good is call forwarding if your calls aren't going through in the first place?)

A mobile app that might break your phone

Want to use VOIPo on your smartphone? Think twice before downloading their app. Reviews from both Android and iOS users report serious problems - from calls with no audio to the app completely disabling their phone's native calling capabilities (and yes, that's as bad as it sounds). Some users have been waiting years for basic functionality to be fixed, suggesting mobile support isn't a priority for VOIPo.

Positive reviews seem fake, negative reviews seem real

If you look at reviews for VOIPo from before 2024, you'll notice something fishy: there are obviously fake 5-star reviews that all sound the same, mixed with genuine 1-star reviews from frustrated customers complaining about poor service and rude customer support. But after 2024, things take an even darker turn - nearly every review becomes a 1-star warning about billing problems.

When "billing errors" look more like a pattern

One particularly concerning review tells the story of a 20-year customer who was charged $36 six different times in less than a year for an annual plan. When confronted, VOIPo blamed it on "billing errors" affecting multiple customers (how convenient). With no email receipts and automatic card charges, many customers might not catch these overcharges right away. While VOIPo maintains a "B" rating with the Better Business Bureau by resolving complaints when caught, you have to wonder how many unauthorized charges slip through unnoticed. The evidence suggests this isn't just a mistake - it's their business model.

Stay far, far away from VOIPo

There's nothing much to recommend in VOIPo. To begin with, $15 a month isn't particularly competitive pricing, and we don't appreciate their scammy advertising tactics - let alone the actual scam they seem to be running. We advise you to steer clear of VOIPo and check out one of the better-rated VoIP services in our review. Your wallet (and your blood pressure) will thank you.