Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

1-VoIP Review

Sunday, May 18th

2025 VoIP Service Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award 1-VoIP Review 5 Star Rating

1-VoIP

5 Star Rating
  • 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
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

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.

Best VOIP Services

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.

Best VOIP Services

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.

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.

The Best VoIP Services Compare VoIP Services Compare VoIP Service Reviews What are the best VoIP Services Best VoIP Service Reviews

VoIP Service FAQ

Voice over Internet Protocol or "VoIP” is a technology that allows phones to make and receive calls digitally over the Internet, without the use of the typical analog phone jacks installed in homes and businesses prior to the era of the Internet. The result is cheaper phone service than with analog phone systems because the "line” is simply whatever Internet connection you currently have. Calls are routed independently through the distributed nature of the Internet rather than through a large phone company. You also get a number of features with VoIP phones that analog phones simply don't provide.
The quality of a VoIP phone call depends on your Internet connection. If you have a slow Internet connection and a poor-quality phone, modem, and router, you'll experience about the same call quality as with a basic analog phone connection. However, if you have a good connection and choose a VoIP vendor that provides high-quality phone and Internet hardware, your calls will be much better than with analog phone systems.
The best VoIP services and phones provide high-quality audio and video calling, call waiting, call forwarding, outbound and inbound faxing, inexpensive international calling. Great VoIP services will also include an app for your mobile phone as well as for your Mac or PC, advanced conference calling features, anonymous call rejection, call blocking via allow and block lists, and on-hold music. You should also look for free shipping of hardware, monthly billing with no contracts, and high-quality, responsive, 24/7 customer support.
The least expensive VoIP services cost under $10 per month in service fees for residential use. Business VoIP services can cost considerably more depending on the number and types of features they offer. Taxes and fees pertaining to your locality also apply. Look for a VoIP service that doesn't charge a high amount for the hardware. Services that provide free calling or free hardware do exist, but are somewhat rare. Avoid contracts whenever possible so you have the option of switching to a new service on your own terms.
Contracts do exist for some VoIP services and systems. Typically, these are non-residential business-class systems that are built, operated, and serviced specifically for small, medium, and large businesses. Residential contract VoIP does exist but is usually not worth the trouble in the event that another service provider comes along that provides better service and lower cost.
One weakness of VoIP phones is that, unlike analog phone systems, when the power goes out, your Internet service typically will also be deactivated. This is due to the fact that VoIP phones rely on Internet routers and modems that are connected to electrical outlets the same way a lamp or TV is connected to power. There is no electrical power coming from a battery or through the cable Internet wires to the phone. On the contrary, analog phone lines receive electricity from the same jack and wire that connect to the phone, so when the local power grid fails, the phone company still delivers backup power to the telephone. That is why it is important to have a backup phone or mobile phone in the event of a power outage, in case you need to call emergency services.
You do not always need a computer to use VoIP systems. VoIP phones are standalone devices that receive their signal from your Wi-Fi router or are plugged directly into your Internet modem. Sometimes you'll want to chain your VoIP phone through your computer to use certain computer-related features, but it's not a requirement for most VoIP phones. To use the "softphone” application some VoIP vendors offer, you will need to install it on your computer and then turn on your computer each time you need to use it.
Yes, most VoIP plans will include the ability to port your existing numbers to their service. Many will do it for free. However, be aware that some providers will apply a fee per line for doing so. It can also take up to four weeks for a number to be ported from one phone system to another. You may be given a temporary phone number to use while the transfer completes.
Compare the Best Reviews

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.

The Best Reviews of VoIP Services