VOIP vs. Landline
Voice Over Internet Protocol is a system that allows you make and receive calls using your internet connection. VOIP technology works by interpreting a caller’s voice as data and decoding the message, replaying it to the receiver.
VOIP calling has been growing in popularity, both in homes and for small businesses. Cost is the top reason for many individuals and business owners to make the switch from landlines to VOIP systems. We’re focusing on residential services in this post.
While call quality is a concern for many who might be considering switching to a VOIP system, the services we’re sharing below have proven that you don’t have to sacrifice sound quality when you make the switch.
Those who haven’t made the switch might be concerned about relying on the hardware to keep their phone lines working. Some households and businesses in more remote locations might have issues with their connection, but those with strong internet signals should find it an easy transition from landline to VOIP. As we mentioned in our last VOIP post, these systems are not required to allow emergency calling.
Cost:
- Free for Basic
- $9.99 for Premier
Device Cost:
- $99.99 for Ooma Telo
- $129.99 for Ooma Telo Air
Minutes/Month: 5000
Emergency Services: Yes
Ooma is a landline alternative that can be used for both home and business phones. Just connect your Ooma device to your internet connection and you’re ready to make and receive calls. Here are some of the features you’ll get when you sign up for Ooma.
- Choose your own number from nearly any area code in the country
- Keep your existing number for an additional monthly fee
- A standalone device, so you don’t need to keep your computer on for calls
- Use your existing corded or cordless phone
- Free US calling
- Low cost international calling
- Free Ooma to Ooma calling, anywhere in the world
- Free Ooma mobile HD app on iOS and Android devices
- Ooma PureVoice Technology for crisp, clear calls and fewer dropped calls
- Integration with Amazon Echo and Nest
- Caller ID
- Call Waiting
- Voicemail
- Online call log
Cost:
- $24.99/month for North America
- $27.99/month for World
- $12.99/month for US and Canada 400
- $29.99/month for 3000 to Globe Philippines
Device Cost: Vonage Box included with every plan
Minutes/Month: Unlimited for all plans except US and Canada 400
Emergency Services:
Vonage can be used for both residential and business phones. Use the calculator from Vonage to find out how much you’ll pay up front and monthly, along with how much you’ll save when compared to your current phone plan. You can choose between national and international plans
Here’s what you’ll get with a Vonage plan.
- The option to keep your number or choose a new number
- Forward calls to your mobile phone
- Selective call blocking
- Vonage Voicemail Plus
- Simulring allows you to forward calls to two smartphones simultaneously
- A Vonage online account allows you to manage your service from any computer
Cost:
- $19.95/month with no contract for US and Canada
- $24.95/month for World Plus Calling
Device Cost: Free to lease
Minutes/Month: Unlimited to US, Canada, and Puerto Rico
Emergency Services: Yes
This service offers some flexibility that can make VOIP an even more convenient option for your home phone. These are some of the highlighted features that you’ll get with PhonePower.
- Forward calls to your mobile phone to never miss a call
- Free to lease the PhonePower VOIP device that connects to your modem
- Bring your own device to connect your current VOIP device
- Call hold
- Call waiting
- Call blocking
- Voicemail service
- Online account management
- Online call logs
- 60 free international minutes per month
There are many other options for VOIP services for both home and business phone lines. Services like Skype and Google Voice are becoming increasingly popular while smaller companies are working to compete with lower prices and more features to make your phone line work best for you.
With many households exclusively using mobile phones and more individuals and businesses finding value in VOIP systems, these companies are sure to continue growing and evolving to meet the need.
Did you know we have a YouTube Channel? Every week we have a live Cord Cutting Q&A, and weekly Cord Cutting recap shows exclusively on our YouTube Channel!
Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more news, tips, and reviews. Need cord cutting tech support? Join our Cord Cutting Tech Support Facebook Group for help.