Vonage VOIP review
If you are thinking about trying a VOIP phone service, you are on the verge of a new level of freedom to pick up the phone and call the world. This is an ideal time to learn your options and choose a provider that will treat you well. To compare Packet 8 with other VOIP providers see my detailed VOIP comparison.
Click here to sign up for Vonage online
Service quality
Like all the VOIP providers reviewed here, Vonage offers excellent connections and lots of included features. Vonage has been in this business a long time, so they have worked most of the kinks out of their service.
Features
Vonage is loaded with extra features, as should be expected from any VOIP provider. You get personalized voicemail, forwarding, 3-way conference calling, call waiting, call hunting, and more. For an extra monthly fee you can create a toll free number or an additional local number. Calls to addtional numbers can be directed to your VOIP phone or any other number you select.
Vonage also offers enhanced 911 (E911) dialing. If this features is setup and working, the 911 the operator will see your location on a screen for a faster response time. You need to understand that 911 dialing is not 100 percent dependable with any VOIP providers, and E911 may not be available for some users. IF you drop your local phone company and use Vonage exclusively, then you should think carefully about this issue and plan for emergencies.
Service plans and pricing
Individual/Family Users
The basic monthly plans comes with unlimited minutes to and from the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico (including Alaska and Hawaii). Unlike other VOIP providers, Vonage quietly charges users a monthly service fee ($0.99), so the real cost is slightly higher than the advertised price.
International Users
Vonage is not meant to be used outside the USA, but there are several global calling plans that let you make unlimited calls to a long list of countries.
(Packet8 also offers global calling plans, and Packet8 can be used in the USA or worldwide.)
Business Users
It's okay to sign up your business or home office for the basic calling plan. If Vonage decides that your calling volume indicates the service is being used for a business, they may require you to pay the higher rate.
A business plan gets you a dedicated fax line. Other than the fax line and "more unlimited" calling. Otherwise, the features appear to be almost the same.
If you want a business phone service with more powerful features (e.g., to replace an office phone system), the see my Packet8 review.
User experience
Vonage provides very good service and has many satisfied customers.
Conclusions
Vonage is a very good VOIP provider, but the price is a bit high for what you get, especially when you compare with other VOIP providers.
Rated: 4/5
Click here to sign up for Vonage online
For more options see my VOIP comparison.