Ooma and magicJack are two residential alternative VoIP services. Most VOIP Service Providers charge a monthly fee, either based on minute usage or by a flat rate.
Ooma and magicJack are similar services that both claim they don’t charge monthly fees. While magicJack login started as a PC add-on, Ooma devices (Telo and Hub) are analog telephone adapters. The magicJack PLUS 2014 device is also an ATA.
Price
Both Ooma (Premier) and magicJack PLUS 2014 offer free trials. While Ooma has no direct monthly fee, there are taxes due every month that amount to about $3.50 per month. MagicJack, on the other hand, has an annual fee of $29.99. Each device has an initial cost. The Ooma Telo costs $199.99. The magicJack Plus’ retail cost is $49.95, which includes the first six months of service free.
Ooma – $199.99 for Ooma Telo device, $3.50 in taxes and fees a month
MagickJack PLUS 2014 – $49.95 initial, then $29.95 yearly, or $19.95 per year if purchased with a 5-year service plan
Features
Features of each device are largely comparable. 3-way calling on Ooma only comes with Premier ($119.99 a year). Certain features on the Ooma are restricted with the Ooma Hub device, such as the online phonebook.
Both Ooma and magicJack Plus have free in-network calling. Both services have international calling at low VoIP rates.
MagicJack PLUS 2014 Features
- works without a computer, ATA
- unlimited calling within US/Canada
- call waiting, 3-way calling, caller ID
- call forwarding
- voicemail, voicemail to email
- call back to the US/Canada free when abroad
- e911
- number porting ($19.95)
- iPhone app
Ooma Features
- unlimited calling within US/Canada
- caller ID, call waiting
- voicemail
- take anywhere
- e911
- number port ($39.99)
- online call history
Note on International Use
From Ooma’s FAQ:
The Ooma system can be used anywhere there is a high-speed Internet connection. Regardless of where you use it, calls to the US will be free and calls outside the US will be subject to low-cost international rates. If you plan to use the device overseas, be sure to use a phone that meets US standards, and be aware that the power supply that comes with the Ooma Hub is built for US power specifications. Also, if you choose to install and use the Ooma system outside the US, you’ll be solely responsible for compliance with international laws and subject to all associated fees, taxes, tariffs, and legal penalties.