Compare the best residential VoIP service providers, and discover which is the home virtual phone system that you should go for. This comparison chart will help you compare the features of the top VoIP companies, and let you click through to the different reviews with user testimonials and ratings to help you make your pick.
Main Features |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Rating | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
Free Trial | Free Trial | Free Trial | Free Trial |
Coupons | Coupons | Coupons | Coupons |
Fax Support | |||
Analog Phone Support | |||
Softphone | |||
Conference Calling | |||
Queueing | |||
International Calls | |||
Voicemail Transcription | |||
Caller ID/Screening | |||
Call Forwarding | |||
Call Transfer | |||
Call Blocking | |||
Call Return | |||
Call Logs | |||
Answering Rules | |||
Caller Analytics | |||
HD Voice | n/a | n/a |
Mobile |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
iOS App | |||
Android App | |||
Mobile Website |
Numbers & Fees |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
Setup Fee | |||
Cancellation Fee | $39.99 | $99 | |
Toll-Free Number | $4.99/100 min | $3.99/mo + $0.0499/min | $5.00/mo + $0.04/min |
Local, 800 Transfer Fee | Free | $15 | Free |
Vanity 800 Number Fee | n/a | n/a | |
True 800 Number Fee | n/a | n/a | |
International Virtual Number | $4.99/mo-$9.99/mo | n/a |
Flat-Rate Pricing Plans |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
Monthly Price |
|
|
|
Included Lines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Included Minutes |
|
|
4,000 min |
Overage Minutes |
|
$0.015/min | $0.02/min |
Additional Lines | $9.99/mo (first 3 months) | n/a | n/a |
Extensions | n/a | n/a |
|
Free Trial | 30 days | ||
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 15 days | 30 days |
Activation Fee | $19.99 | $14.95 (new device) | |
Desk Phones | |||
Conference Phones |
Usage-Based Pricing Plans |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
Monthly Price | n/a | Pay as You Go: $4.99/mo | n/a |
Included Lines | n/a | 1 | n/a |
Included Minutes | n/a | $0.015/min | n/a |
Overage Minutes | n/a | n/a | |
Additional Lines | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Extensions | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Free Trial | 30 days | ||
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 15 days | 30 days |
Activation Fee | $19.99 | $14.95 (new device) | |
Desk Phones | |||
Conference Phones |
Payment Methods |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
Visa | |||
PayPal | |||
Mastercard | |||
American Express | |||
Discover | |||
Wire-Transfer | |||
Liberty Reserve |
Customer Support |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
24/7 | |||
Live Chat | Sales | ||
Phone | |||
Community |
About |
Vonage |
Axvoice |
PhonePower |
Logo | |||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site | |
Headquarters | New Jersey, U.S. | New York, U.S. | California, U.S. |
Founded | 2001 | 2005 | 2005 |
BBB Rating | A+ | F | C- |
Languages | EN, ES | EN | EN |
As more and more people are opting for a VoIP system over traditional residential phone packages, the market is becoming increasingly competitive and complex. There are now a large number of options when choosing the VoIP provider and package that’s right for you, and it can be confusing. Use this simple guide to make the process quick and easy.
Residential VoIP Service Buying Guide
1. Know what you want
When shopping for a VoIP package, first make a list of your requirements and priorities. Want an extra line for those teenage kids who are never off the phone? Need customer service support 24/7? A virtual number for when you’re away from home? How about a voicemail service that will send your messages to you via email? It’s also important to consider the hardware you’ll use to make calls. This can be a traditional phone with a VoIP (SIP) adapter, a VoIP phone, a computer, tablet or smartphone. Hardware can be used with any provider, and some companies will provide a phone or adapter as part of your package. Making calls through your computer may mean you won’t have to pay for any new hardware, but a VoIP phone can be used without turning on your PC and could be more convenient.
What about your budget? Many providers have a pay-as-you-go option with no subscription costs. Alternatively, a monthly or yearly charge gives you the security of never running out of credit. Consider where you will be calling most of the time – some companies will offer packages with cheap minutes to certain countries. To minimize disruption to your daily life, don’t forget you can easily move your existing number over to your new phone system.
2. First Exploration
Now you know what you want, it’s time to find some potential matches. Explore providers’ websites and compare packages to find the ones that best match your requirements. It could be worth looking at both national companies and smaller local providers if there are any in your area. The editor reviews and the above comparison chart on our website will also help you in getting to know residential VoIP providers that could become your new telecommunication partner.
3. Dig a Little Deeper
Once you have a few interesting leads, it’s time to do some deeper background research. Read customer reviews and compare all aspects of the different packages using our comparison: setup fees and hardware costs, prices of extra lines or features, and the level of customer service provided. You could ask friends and colleagues for recommendations as well. If you have questions, call or email the provider – also an excellent way to test their customer service.
4. Give Them a Free Try
Many VoIP providers offer free trials or money back guarantees, and this is an excellent way to try their services before committing. Such offers will give you a chance to test the connection – some providers are better than others when it comes to sound quality. It is also important to make sure you are happy with the customer service provided, even on a free trial.
5. Decision Time
Now it’s time to make the final verdict on a VoIP provider. Consider carefully your requirements, reviews, experiences and cost before committing to one company. If signing a contract, make sure you understand the terms and how long it will last. If in doubt – ask. And finally, once you have made your choice, don’t forget to use a coupon code to avail a discount on your VoIP phone package.