Mobile phones are all well and good, but when you're at home, you may prefer the comfort and familiarity of a traditional telephone. However, that doesn't mean you have to settle for a conventional analog landline from your local phone company. Increasingly, digital phone lines are replacing classic calling. It's a trend that started with businesses, where the relevant technology is commonly known as voice over IP (VoIP). In a nutshell, the term refers to placing calls over the internet. The two most oft-cited benefits are improved call quality and lower costs. Still, VoIP also offers features that landlines do not, such as voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, caller ID, conference calling, and video calling.
It's not hard for most homes to sign up for VoIP service . All you need is a high-speed internet connection, plus some specialized equipment that will typically be provided by whichever service you sign up with. In fact, many ISPs and cable operators now offer a "triple play" bundle of VoIP phone service, internet access, and TV. But such deals aren't your only option. There are many independent home VoIP providers that may actually offer more features and value than a bundle, and they'll work over any internet connection. Below are our top, tested picks from the bunch, along with buying tips to help you choose one.
Best for Extensive Features
1-VoIP Residential
1-VoIP provides services for residences in addition to businesses starting at $8.97 per month. As a result, it offers extensive features (like softphone compatibility), though some advanced ones (like virtual numbers, fax-to-email) come at an additional fee. The main factor determining your cost is how often and where you place calls. You can opt for limited outgoing calls, unlimited US/Canada calls, or unlimited worldwide calls.
Best for Low-Cost Plans
AXvoice
Starting at $8.25 per month with an annual plan, AXvoice is one of the best bang-for-your-buck residential VoIP providers we've encountered. The service bundles more than 30 features (including enhanced voicemail and simultaneous ring) with its three tiers, the cheapest of which works on a pay-as-you-go model. As with most services, virtual numbers and toll-free numbers cost extra. Unfortunately, it lacks unlimited worldwide calling.
Best for a Secondary Number
Google Voice
If you have a Google account, you can order a free, second phone number that forwards incoming calls to your existing landline or mobile number. That's a nice touch for small business owners. Unfortunately, Google Voice doesn't let you place outgoing calls using landline phones; Google wants you to make calls via its Google Voice website or mobile app, instead. Google Voice also integrates with the company's other apps, including Google Calendar and Google Meet.
Best for Phone Adapters
Ooma (Residential)
In addition to its popular small business VoIP solution, Ooma Office, Ooma also offers residential plans. Its Basic plan is free; you only pay a one-time fee for the hardware, plus applicable monthly taxes and fees, which are far lower than a regular phone bill. However, to get access to Ooma's full suite of advanced features, you must pay a monthly charge. Ooma also offers three types of phone adapters: wired, one that works over Wi-Fi, and another that works over LTE.
Best for Flexible Plans
Phone Power
Phone Power's home phone service is divided between US/Canada plans and international plans. How much you'll pay for a North American plan depends on whether you're willing to prepay for a year, want monthly billing with a two-year term, or prefer no contract at all. The international plans offer unlimited global calling, but they're priced based on the number of countries they support. Although it's not the cheapest home VoIP solution, it's certainly well-regarded and mature, with a wide variety of options and capabilities.
Best for Unlimited International Calls
Voiply
Voiply may not be as mature as some other providers (it was founded in 2012), and it doesn't offer as many advanced features, but its pricing shines. Your phone adapter is shipped to you for free, and there aren't any setup fees, either. Its monthly pricing (starting at $8.95) is similar to other services, but you get two months free if you opt for an annual payment plan. One really nice feature: Voiply throws in unlimited calling to 50+ countries at no additional charge (most services require you to buy a more expensive plan to avoid per-minute billing for international calls). That's a real boon if you make many overseas calls.
Best for Experimental Beta Features
Voipo
VoIPo isn't the cheapest home phone service unless you're willing to prepay for a full two years, which drives the price down to $6.21 per month. That said, it offers a robust list of software-based features, including some experimental beta features like PBX (although they don't appear to have been updated in some time). You get 60 international minutes for free each month (upgradeable to 1200 minutes if you're willing to double your monthly price). Otherwise, international calling—while cheaper than traditional long-distance rates—costs extra, so factor that in if you place a lot of calls overseas.
Best for Customer Support
Vonage (Home)
Starting at $9.99 per month, Vonage may be the most mature and established VoIP player in our roundup. In fact, it has steered more toward the business market of late. Still, you'll get a full complement of VoIP features for your money (Wi-Fi calling, Caller ID, Call Waiting) and excellent customer support. It also offers a mobile softphone app for Android and iOS.