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Sunday, May 18th
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):
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.
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.
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.
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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