The basic premise of Vonage vs. magicJack is technically similar - both residential VoIP phone companies use VoIP adapters to support Internet phone service. In fact, the VoIP adapter plays a significant role in outlining the difference between Vonage Internet phone and magicJack Internet phone:
- Vonage markets phone service with a variety of different calling plans, and includes the adapter for free.
- magicJack sells the adapterand includes unlimited domestic long distance calling for free (for the first 6 months), with prepaid international long distance options.
- Vonage supports other compatible ATAs.
- magicJack PLUS 2014 is a proprietary device, and its free calling service can onlybe used with the magicJack ATA.
It’s important to note that magicJack now offers two different types of magicJack – magicJack and the new magicJack PLUS, which is a significantly improved product and makes a substantial difference when comparing Vonage vs. magicJack login:
- Vonage and magicJack Plussupport the use of the VoIP adapter without needing the computer to be on.
- Original flavor magicJack requires the magicJack ATA to be plugged directly into the computer. To make or receive calls (but not voicemail), the computer must be on.
Other similarities between the two companies:
- Both require high-speed Internet connections
- Neither requires minimum term commitments
- Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee
- The adapters are portable - subscribers can use them anywhere they have access to high speed Internet service (such as a hotel), although the magicJack Plus adapter is more portable.
Cost Overview
In a VoIP service comparison between Vonage vs. magicJack, Vonage is the Internet phone service that most closely resembles a traditional phone carrier: Vonage Internet phone service offers monthly calling plans, including an international plan. magicJack Internet phone service is based on the initial sale of the VoIP adapter coupled with an annual subscription fee.
To compare VoIP service based on the cost of service alone would be a little lopsided, given the ridiculously inexpensive cost of magicJack Internet phone service: Without a doubt, magicJack PLUS is the clear winner between Vonage vs. magicJack - the annual cost of the magicJack PLUS 2014 device is less expensive than a month of service on some of Vonage’s monthly plans.
- *Price for magicJack service in Year 1 includes magicJack PLUS 2014 device and 6 months free service, 5-year priciing is based on magicJack’s 5 Year Plan.
- Taxes and fees not included in above pricing table
And it is a simple way to get basic residential phone service with unlimited calling and no monthly phone bills.
Shipping, handling, and applicable taxes or fees are not reflected in the prices listed below.