magicJack Vs. Vonage
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I keep seeing the television ads for the magicJack claiming that it can replace my regular phone line. At $20 a year it is a lot cheaper than Vonage, but does it work? – Clayton
For those that have yet to enter the world of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), commercially available products from companies such as magicJack and Vonage allow you to plug ordinary telephones into an Internet-enabled device to make unlimited local and long-distance phone calls.
Not only do they eliminate the need to pay for traditional land-lines and offer free domestic long-distance, they allow you to take your home phone with you wherever you travel. VoIP phone numbers are not tied to a physical location; they are associated with a specific hardware device which can be plugged into any high-speed Internet connection for domestic service (and sometimes international as well).
If you read the user reviews for magicJack around the Web, they all seem to either be raving accolades or abject hatred for the product. Those that like it find it to be easy to install and provide great sound quality while those that experience problems seem to feel further tortured by the fact that magicJack has no phone support — only live chat support.
In fairness, a service that only charges $20 per year can’t justify lavish customer support, so keep that in mind when making your decision.
There are several major differences between magicJack and Vonage both in features and cost.
magicJack is a cheaper service ($20 per year + $40 for the device) but in addition to a high-speed Internet connection, it relies on your computer (it plugs into a USB port) and special software in order to work. This means that if your computer is turned off, you can’t place or receive phone calls with the magicJack.
Vonage costs more ($25 per month) but does not rely on your computer in order to provide phone service (only a high-speed Internet connection), which seems to be the biggest problem reported by magicJack users that were not happy with the device.
Because magicJack relies on more variables, it has more points of failure; your Internet connection, computer and the special software must all be properly functioning in order to get phone service.
Both services can provide traditional phone service via a high-speed Internet connection, but Vonage is less likely to experience the problems being reported by magicJack users because there are no compatibility issues with software or hardware, but Vonage is also significantly more expensive.
Both of these products are at the mercy of your Internet connection, so if you experience erratic speeds when surfing, you may want to rethink any Internet-based phone product.
They both offer voice messaging, caller ID, call forwarding and if you take the hardware with you on the road, you can take phone calls as if you were at your home. Vonage offers phone number portability (transfer your existing phone number) and some free International connections while magicJack requires you to use a new phone number and charges for International calls (unless the recipient also has a magicJack).
If the 30-day no risk offer from magicJack seems like a no-brainer, be forewarned that another big complaint from many users is the difficulty in getting the product returned and refunded (remember, no phone number to call).
In either case, if you decide to replace your home phone with one of these services, be sure to hang on to your old phone line until you are sure that your choice is reliable enough to replace your existing service.
Unless you need to send faxes from your home, you could also consider joining the ranks that have rid themselves of everything but a cell phone and a Skype account on their computer.
Ken Colburn
President of Data Doctors Computer Services, Host of the award-winning Computer Corner radio show, and Author of Computer Q&A in the East Valley Tribune newspapers.
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6 Comments
MagicJackFan
January 13th, 2009
at 7:16pm
Overall, this is a pretty good comparison. But it seems you have the pricing all wrong for the Magic Jack. The initial $39.95 cost includes the first year of unlimited local and long distance calls.
I agree you should not disconnect your land line unless you are sure you can live with the service - a couple months is enough.
If someone isn’t sure if their computer is up to snuff or not, they can try the VoIP Quality test at the Magic Jacjk info website below.
http://www.magic-jack.info/
There are lots of troubleshooting tips for Magic Jack owners there too, including freeware to fix its annoying popup screen.
Rick Gellert
January 29th, 2009
at 9:02pm
We have 2 laptops, a Dell precision M-90, and a Medion AMD. I tried MagicJack on the Dell first. The installation seemed easy. But Voice communication incoming was scratchy, and outgoing was nonexistent. They got me to open 2 firewall ports. That caused some improvement, but the recipients still could not make out what I was saying. They told me that it could be a problem with my internet access. I tried our Hughes, Sprint, and a volunteers Comcast networks. NONE worked. The problem was the same on all attempts.
Three months after buying MagicJack I tried it on the Medion and Hughes. I immediately used the update utility. I plugged in the headset, but MagicJack would not allow me to toggle to the headset from the phone plug. Another hour on the chat, and we got it to toggle for a few moments, but still no audio.
A computer Sciences friend tried it on a desktop with Comcast, and it worked somewhat, meaning audio quality was sporadic. I talked to him on his Jack once.
Magic Jack conservatively used over 1 day of my time. I had high hopes. Apparently I am a fools fool. My time spent earning money instead of trying Magic Jack would have paid for 1 to 2 years of other alternatives that work.
If the company was honest, they would say to plug it in, try it, and if it works great. If not send it back, and do not keep on trying, because if you have followed the simple steps and it still does not work send it back. Any additional time spent is only wasting their time and yours.
It is a severely flawed product that only works in some situations.
Rick Gellert
1-29-09
Jeff Beal
February 4th, 2009
at 10:49pm
I have had my Magic Jack since May 08. I have used it in the US and overseas. My original Magic Jack failed and after HOURS of “chatting” with a tech, got them to replace it.
The new one has worked fine. It does required you to keep your computer on all the time. It works well for the price. I recommend people try it and make up their own minds
Jeff Beal
2/5/09
Keefe
February 5th, 2009
at 8:51pm
I’ve been researching this exact question myself and like the clear way you’ve laid out the differences. There’s one downside to MJ you didn’t mention though: their software spies on the phone calls you are making! At least that’s what I just read at another review:
http://tech.spotcoolstuff.com/internet-telephone/magicjack-skype-vonage
Based on all this, I think I’m going with Vonage.
Mike
February 17th, 2009
at 8:22am
I’ve been using MJ for several months. I initally had a problem with the device, (phone would not ring on incoming calls) with tech support help, we isolated it and they replaced the device. Since then, no problems. Occasionally a dropped call, or a problem with quality, but the majority of the time, it does what it’s supposed to. I’ve used it in the Philippines on several wireless connections and called back to the US and it’s just like being next door most of the time. I think the company is getting better with time and is DEFINITELY (imho) a good alternative to higher priced plans. I use it for my business line now as well in conjunction with Grandcentral, and I never miss a call now.
Frank Johnson
February 28th, 2009
at 7:10am
I have used Vonage for the past couple of years or more. I also have had a MagicJack coming up on 1 year next month. I’ve seen vast improvements in MagicJack and it’s working perfect now plugged into my Comast ISP as well as using it connected through this laptop via WiFi. They have came along way and it’s a bargain! I dropped my Vonage Unlimited to the $14.95 a month plan. They charged me $10 to do that! What a rip off! Many friends have only cell phones so who needs a VOIP phone anyhow? If I drop either service in the future it will definitely be Vonage. You can fax out on either VOIP connection.