Sunday, May 18th
2025 VoIP Service Reviews
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 While they offer domestic calling plans with international add-ons, their outdated website (complete with retro chatbot chimes and typos) suggests a company that's fallen behind the times.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.
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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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