Sunday, May 18th
2025 VoIP Service Reviews
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.
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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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