Sunday, May 18th
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
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.)
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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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