Best VOIP services for 2024
Thanks to the internet, our digital devices are now replacing the TV, radio, music players, typewriters and more. But internet technology also has allowed our devices to replace the telephone.
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In today’s digital age, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has revolutionized the way we communicate. By transmitting voice calls over the internet instead of traditional telephone lines, VoIP services offer numerous benefits, including cost savings, flexibility, and advanced features. Whether you’re a home user or an individual looking for a reliable VoIP service, here are some of the best options to consider, along with their advantages, disadvantages, suitability, and costs.
Skype
This is one of the most popular and famous VoIP services, known for its ease of use and versatility. It allows users to make voice and video calls, send instant messages, and even conduct conference calls. Skype offers both free and paid options. The free version is suitable for personal use and allows you to call other Skype users for free. However, to make calls to landline or mobile numbers, you’ll need to purchase Skype credit or subscribe to one of their affordable calling plans.
Advantages: User-friendly interface, video calling, instant messaging, conference calls.
Disadvantages: Limited free calling options, occasional call quality issues.
Suitability: Ideal for personal use and occasional international calling.
Costs: Skype credit or subscription plans for calling landlines or mobiles.
Google Voice
Google Voice is a VoIP service provided by Google that offers various features, including free local and international calling, voicemail transcription, call screening, and call forwarding. It allows users to make calls from their computer, smartphone, or other internet-connected devices. Google Voice is especially convenient for individuals who have multiple phone numbers or need a dedicated phone number for business purposes.
Advantages: Free local and international calling, voicemail transcription, call screening.
Disadvantages: Requires a Google account, limited to the United States and Canada.
Suitability: Suitable for individuals with multiple phone numbers or needing a dedicated business number.
Costs: Free local and international calling within the United States and Canada.
Vonage
They are a large and well-established VoIP service provider that offers a range of plans for both residential and small business users. With Vonage, you can make unlimited calls to landlines and mobiles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as enjoy international calling at affordable rates. Vonage also provides advanced features like voicemail, call forwarding, and virtual numbers.
Advantages: Unlimited calling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, international calling at affordable rates, advanced features.
Disadvantages: Higher cost compared to some other options, occasional call quality issues.
Suitability: Ideal for individuals who make frequent calls to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as international callers.
Costs: Various plans available, starting from $9.99 per month.
Ooma
Ooma is a VoIP service that offers both residential and small business solutions. Their basic plan includes free calling within the United States, as well as low-cost international calling. Ooma also provides advanced features such as voicemail, call screening, and call blocking. One unique feature of Ooma is their “PureVoice” technology, which helps deliver high-quality audio for crystal-clear conversations.
Advantages: Free calling within the United States, low-cost international calling, advanced features, PureVoice technology.
Disadvantages: Additional costs for premium features and international calling.
Suitability: Suitable for individuals seeking a reliable and high-quality VoIP service for domestic and international calls.
Costs: Basic plan is free (excluding taxes and fees), additional costs for premium features and international calling.
Discord
Originally designed for gamers, Discord has evolved into a popular VoIP service for both personal and professional use. It offers free voice and video calling, text messaging, and screen sharing. Discord allows users to create private or public servers for different groups or communities. It is especially popular among gamers, content creators, and remote teams.
Advantages: Free voice and video calling, text messaging, screen sharing, server creation.
Disadvantages: Primarily focused on gaming communities, may not be suitable for traditional phone calls.
Suitability: Ideal for gamers, content creators, remote teams, and communities.
Costs: Free to use, with optional premium features available.
WhatsApp, owned by Facebook, is widely used for its messaging capabilities, but it also offers VoIP calling. With WhatsApp, you can make free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users worldwide, using your internet connection. It is available on both mobile and desktop platforms, making it convenient for individuals who want to stay connected across different devices.
Advantages: Free voice and video calling, available on mobile and desktop platforms.
Disadvantages: Limited to WhatsApp users only, requires a stable internet connection.
Suitability: Suitable for individuals who frequently communicate with other WhatsApp users.
Costs: Free to use.
Zoom
Zoom gained popularity in recent years as a video conferencing platform, but it also offers VoIP calling features. With Zoom, you can make high-quality voice and video calls, conduct webinars, host virtual meetings, and collaborate with teams. It is ideal for individuals who require advanced communication and collaboration tools, especially in a professional setting.
Advantages: High-quality voice and video calling, advanced collaboration features, suitable for professional use.
Disadvantages: Focused on video conferencing, may not be suitable for traditional phone calls.
Suitability: Ideal for virtual meetings, webinars, and professional collaboration.
Costs: Free basic plan available, with optional paid plans for additional features.
8x8
8×8 is a cloud-based VoIP service provider that offers a range of solutions for both individuals and businesses. Their plans include unlimited calling within the United States and Canada, as well as international calling at competitive rates. 8×8 provides advanced features such as voicemail, call forwarding, auto-attendant, and integration with popular business tools like Microsoft Teams and Salesforce.
Advantages: Unlimited calling within the United States and Canada, international calling at competitive rates, advanced features, integration with business tools.
Disadvantages: Higher cost compared to some other options.
Suitability: Suitable for individuals and businesses looking for a comprehensive VoIP solution with advanced features.
Costs: Various plans available, starting from $12 per month.
