vonage VOIP 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 Vonage with other VOIP providers see my detailed VOIP comparison.
Sign up for Vonage online - click here
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.
You should find that VOIP phone connections meet or exceed the quality of land lines. Even so, there may be times when the service is not up to par. That will be true with any VOIP provider that you choose. Most people choose VOIP calling to save money, and they are willing to endure a few frustrations.
If you can't tolerate any quality fluctuations or downtime, you may want to consider a discount long distance carrier instead.
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 study this issue and think about having a backup plan (e.g., using a cell phone).
All VOIP phone services are portable. Take your adapter (or VOIP phone) with you anywhere in the world. When you plug it into a high speed Internet connection, your phone is ready to place calls (and receive calls placed to your local number in the USA).
Service plans and pricing
Individual/Family Users
For $24.99 per month get 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 ($1.50) and a 3 percent federal tax, so the real cost is closer to $27. Either way, this is a high monthly rate compared with other VOIP plans in my comparison.
For $14.99 Vonage will give you 500 minutes to the USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Again, the real cost is closer to $17.00. This budget plan gives you access to Vonage's low international rates and allows you to call other Vonage users for free. But other plans in my comparison offer more for less.
International Users
The plans above work regardless of your location, but Vonage only ships adapters to addresses in the USA. If you are looking for a service to use outside the USA you may want to see my reviews of Packet8 and iConnectHere.
Business Users
It's okay to sign up your business or home office for the $24.99 plan above. 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.
For $49.99 you can get a business plan with unlimited calling to the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico. You also get a dedicated fax line. Other than the fax line, I don't see any difference between the business and residential plans. Keep in mind that there are other ways to have a dedicated fax line that are cheaper than the extra $20 per month that you pay for this plan.
For $39.99 Vonage offers a "basic" business plan with 1500 minutes to the USA, Canada and Puerto Rico and a dedicated fax line.
If you want a business phone service with more powerful features (e.g., to replace an office phone system), the see my Packet 8 review.
User experience
Vonage provides very good service and has many satisfied customers. Every VOIP provider has some bumps in their history. At least with older services like Vonage, Packet8 and iConnectHere most of their problems are behind them.
Conclusions
Vonage is a very good VOIP provider, and it's very skilled at marketing its services. I think the price is a bit high, especially when you include the extra fees that only appear in the fine print. If you want the best value for your money, you'll find better options my VOIP comparison. Use the link below to learn more and sign up. You get a 30 day money back guarantee, so don't forget to save the box and original packaging just in case.
Rated: 4/5
Sign up for Vonage online - click here
For more options see my VOIP comparison.