Compare Vonage, Skype, Comcast, MagicJack, Ooma.  Which System VoIP Provider is Best?
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logo Vonage, Skype, Comcast MagicJack, Ooma Systems Compared

By Montana Greene

 

MagicJack: A Player in the Battle for VoIP?  magicjack1  MagicJack is a small device that plugs into a USB port on your computer, and uses a standard phone jack to plug into any phone. .With this device you can make make phone calls to any phone in the U.S. and Canada for an annual fee. The magicJack device works exclusively with the company's captive landline supplier and CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier), YMAX. Voicemail is stored on the magicJack servers, and is delivered via email. You're not good to go, yet.. You must install software (works with Windows and the Mac OS but not yet Linux), and register with magicJack.

 

To make or receive calls your computer must be turned on with the magicJack software running. For a $40 device, its promise is for a year of unlimited calls anywhere in the United States and Canada. The cost thereafter is $20. per year. The are no monthly fees. Because you can use your landline phone, features such as call waiting, call forwarding and 911 are available free.

 

As with any VoIP service, magicJack must connect to the Internet with broadband. So if your software is installed on a notebook, you can take your home phone with you, by wearing  a headset.

 

Vonage: Pros and Cons for this VoIP Phone System

There are many similarities and differences between Vonage and Skype. It's the differences that help make the decision about which VoIP provider is best for you. Since both services operate through your computer the quality of one's Internet connection and equipment will make a difference in quality for any VoIP system. If data packets containing the call are slowed the call will be distorted or worse, you may lose pieces of the conversation.

 

Unlike Skype, which you merely download on to your computer, Vonage requires special hardware. Once you sign up, Vonage will ship your equipment and adapter to you. If you are an all thumbs kind of person, professional installation is available. But the Vonage VoIP phone system is easy enough to set up. Complete instructions are sent. You'll need to write down the settings you use to connect to your Internet service provider (ISP) before you begin.

 

Vonage might not be the cheapest, but they are reliable and well known. Vonage VoIP offers unlimited Visual Voicemails, allowing you to read your voicemails anytime. Save messages as long as you want, or forward them to any e-mail address or phone number.

 

This feature is free with the Vonage World plan. Vonage has also expanded the countries allowing unlimited international calls. Vonage World now includes China, India, Mexico, Canada and many more. The overseas plan includes 73 countries, at present.

 

Vonage World monthly rate plan for unlimited U.S. calls and unlimited overseas calls is $9.99 during this special promotion. This plan features, free voice mail, call blocking, call forwarding, call waiting, caller ID.

 

Vonage Mobile is a free application for Smart phones, such as the iPhone or Blackberry. The application, allows users to place low-cost international calls over Wi-Fi and voice networks. Once this application is installed on your Smartphone, you can load calling accounts using a credit card. Rates vary by country. Vonage has announced it will release a flat-rate plan with a recurring subscription fee for frequent callers.

  

Skype Internet telephone and videophone service: Calls from Skype subscribers originate from their computers, and computer-to-computer calls between subscribers are free, including video. Windows users can download Skype from their computer. Setting up Skype is easy and is used worldwide for inexpensive international phone calls.


Skype mobile on Verizon Wireless network. Talk as long as you want. Free Skype-to-Skype calls and IM with Verizon Wireless Skype is ‘always on’ to receive calls anytime. Skype-to-Skype, IM and global calls from Skype mobile™ don’t use your wireless plan minutes. So says Verizon.

But check this out. This use does not employ VoIP technology. Instead it uses 3G and 4G. Are there hidden costs here?

A Word About Skype, Vonage and 911. One of the big differences between Skype and Vonage is the ability to dial 911. With Skype if you replace your home phone you cannot dial 911.

Vonage service has 911 capabilities. The process isn't automatic. You will have to set up and activate 911 calling capabilities. Keep in mind, if power or your internet connection is down you will be unable to call 911.

With Skype 911 calls can be made with  mobile or landline phones.

 

 

Skype operates through VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol, and permits a cheap and convenient method, transmitting over the Internet. With Skype you can communicate by voice, video and text messaging.

 

Voice permits calling a single user and conference calling. It uses a proprietary codec. Skype's text messaging allows group chats, storing chat history, offline messaging and editing of previous messages.

 

Video calls are the main focus on Skype's latest downloadable version. With an overhauled interface video for video chats, Skype 4 works with your written chat, and your contact list.

 

All you need is an Internet connection, and then download the application from Skype.com. Set-up a microphone and speakers, many computers already have these packaged and begin talking. If you wish to use a webcam, Skype permits both verbal and visual communication.

 

Video conferencing between two users was introduced in January 2006 for the Windows and Mac OS X platform clients. Skype 2.0 for Linux, also features support for video conferencing. Video calls, like Skype-to-Skype calls are free, so seeing your friends won't cost a thing, no matter where they are in the world. But you do need a webcam.

 

How Ooma compares

Ooma is a residential/small business Voip phone service for unlimited nationwide phone calls without paying a dime. You ooma  don't receive monthly bills when you use Ooma to make calls. There is however a one-time investment in a device called the Ooma box, costing $240. You plug your Ooma box into your regular phone and phone line to make and receive calls from .and to anywhere in the U.S.at no charge. Applicable taxes, local state and federal do apply.  Ooma does not require a computer to work, but you must have a home phone  and high speed internet access, such as cable or DSL, Caller-ID, call-waiting, and voicemail are available at no extra charge.

 

Emergency 911 service is available, but you must register your address. 411 information calls cost .0.99. Low-cost international calls with ooma are on a pay as you go basis.

 

VoIP might be for you, either for residential or business use. esidential or business use.

For businesses, VoIP systems reflect a more professional posture. Here are a few thoughts to mull over while making your choice.

 

1. With the Internet invading our lives through broadband connections, VoIP has become more reliable and with enhanced voice quality.  

 

2. Upgrading your system is now easier than ever, permitting the user to expand capacity and number of users with a couple of clicks of the mouse. This lets you to pay for upgrades only when needed.

 

3. VoIP systems will transmit video. It's like Star Wars: you'll see the person you are talking and be seen, if both of you are on a VoIP system.

 

4. With land line phone service, your phone number is for a single physical location. Moving to another location means getting a new number. The VoIP user plugs in the phone, wherever he or she is, retains the same phone number and is ready .to proceed with phone service.  

 

5.  When comparison shopping for providers, check the VoIP service for cancellation fees, set up fees, promotions, such as first month free, and actual monthly costs.

 

A few words about Comcast Digital Voice phone service. Like most other plans, you can keep your existing phone number and you get 12 popular features that includes voicemail. In addition to residential consumers, Comcast also serves businesses as customers, specifically targeting small business firms. VoIP allows you to make phone calls more cheaply than with regular phone service.

 

You can use the same phones, you dial the same way, call around the globe, or next door if you wish. What's more the same emergency services such as 911 are available, and you can keep the same phone numbers if you wish.