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Cheap VOIP

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In this review:
  1. Cheap VOIP
  2. VOIP Reviews
  3. Free VOIP Service
  4. Discount VOIP Features Comparison Table
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Cheap VOIP Phone Service Guide

VOIP is an acronym for "Voice over Internet Protocol", a phone service that saves you money on long-distance calls by transmitting your phone calls over the Internet instead of using a traditional landline. Some cheap or free VOIP services come through a VOIP software that you install on your computer, while others require an adapter that connects your phone to an Internet modem.

The main players in the free or cheap VOIP software category are Skype, Yahoo Voice, and the emerging Google Voice. In the VOIP adapter category, there are many services to choose from, but some of the most noteworthy are Ooma, Phone Power, VYL Media, ViaTalk, Vonage, and Lingo.

All of these services can offer tremendous savings on your phone bill. Your choice in selecting a cheap VOIP service provider will depend on which service offers the best quality and greatest savings given your phone usage patterns. The price difference among these companies is relatively small, but we did find in our research large differences in customer satisfaction (more on this later).

Note that cheap VOIP phone service depends on having a fast, reliable broadband Internet connection, such as DSL or cable. If you don't have a broadband Internet connection, or if your connection is unreliable, then you might want to consider upgrading your Internet access before looking into VOIP service.

Review continues below

by Maralyn Edid (Google+ Profile)

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Best Cheap VOIP

Skype
Gold Medal

Skype

Computer based VOIP software - the leader in VOIP software computer-based services, Skype offers low-cost plans for computer-to-phone calls, and for setting up an online phone number so you can receive calls from traditional phones on your computer. If you both have webcams, you can have the equivalent of a face-to-face conversation. Skype to Skype calls are free. Skype works with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Where to buy
Skype
Ooma
Gold Medal

Ooma

Modem based VOIP service provider - (Free after an initial startup cost of $224.95) The Australian-based Ooma charges $225 for the Ooma Telo VOIP adapter that connects your phone to your internet modem - and then allows you to make free calls, forever. Ooma receives high marks from both expert and user reviewers.
Where to buy
Not ready to buy?

Good Cheap VOIP

Yahoo Voice
Gold Medal

Yahoo Voice

Computer based VOIP software - (1.9ยข/min for outgoing calls to the U.S.; $2.49/month for an online phone number) Yahoo Voice comes bundled with Yahoo Messenger, but you must set up an account to use the voice functionality. Yahoo Voice allows you to make PC-to-phone calls for 1.9 cents/minute; you can get started by buying a $10 pre-paid credit voucher. They also offer an online phone number for a low price and you can video chat if you both have a webcam. PC-to-PC calls via Yahoo are free. This service is not supported on Macs.
Where to buy
Yahoo Voice
Phone Power
Gold Medal

Phone Power

Modem based VOIP service provider - Phone Power offers a nice range of cheap VOIP phone service plans that include free features such as a second phone line, voicemail, and caller ID. The first 60 minutes of international calls are free, after which you pay a per-minute rate. Phone Power charges $14.95 in shipping and handling fees for its VOIP device.
Where to buy
Best Choice Residential Plans for just $14.95!
Unlimited Phone Service $14.95
 
 
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Don't Bother Cheap VOIP Services

MagicJack

Computer based VOIP - MagicJack's extremely low price seems too good to be true, and unfortunately, many users agree. MagicJack charges $20.00 per year after an initial cost of $20 for the MagicJack adapter, which plugs into the USB port of your computer. But many users say the MagicJack device simply doesn't work on their computers.

Lingo

Modem based VOIP service provider - Lingo has an attractive low price, but many users complain about terrible customer service, questionable billing practices, and signing up for "unlimited" calling only to have their service cut off for over-usage.

 
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