Features to look for:
- unlimited incoming calls
- whitelist and call blocking
- basic SMS
- ATA option (like magicjack adapter)
Termonology
- softphone: a software program for making telephone calls over the Internet using a general purpose computer, tablet or smartphone
- BYOD: Bring Your Own Device, meaning a hardware setup that will allow you to use your regular phone (ATA) or a special phone that connects directly to VoIP networks (IP Phone).
- ATA: Analog Telephone Adapter, a device used to connect one or more standard analog telephones to a digital telephone system such as Voice over IP.
- IP Phone: IP Phone using voice over IP (VoIP). Phone calls are made from the IP Phone over an IP network such as the Internet instead of the ordinary PSTN system.
8x8 Inc
CallHippo
- Up to $18/mo to have an inbound number, too expensive starting point.
Jive
MagicJack
- No SMS
- avg $3.00/mo
MightyCall
- Too expensive
Nextiva
Ooma
- not completely free as they claim, you will pay a monthly bill regulatory taxes and fees
- requires special proprietary equipment that is costly
PhonePower
- avg $8.33/mo start
Ring Central
ViaTalk
- Too expensive after 1yr promo ends
VoIP.ms
- pay per minute model, however, rates are pennies.
Features include: call waiting, voicemail and caller ID, voicemail to email and DID forwarding, complete list:
- +3-way calling +Audio Conferencing +Call Encryption +Call Forwarding +Call Hunting +Call Recordings +Callback +Caller ID Filtering +Calling Queues +Call Waiting
+Digital Receptionist (IVR) +DISA +Do not Disturb +Failover +Music On Hold +Phone book Groups +Ring Groups +Recordings +Sequences +Speed Dial +Time Conditions +Unlimited SIP URI Calling +Voicemail
Configurations: Asterisk, FreePBX, Talkswitch, Trixbox, LinkSys PAP2T, Cisco SPA2100, X-Lite, Zoiper, PBX Systems, ATA Adapters, Softphones
You need a SIP or IAX2 compatible phone.
VoIPo / HostGator
- $149 for 2 years or $6.21/mo
VoIPo is owned by HostGator, which is fine. However, they (in the past) did run a false marketing ploy on their homepage which leads you to believe that a special event sell is ending in a few hours. Everyday the clock resets and the sale is back on. This is false advertising and demonstrates that you cannot trust the company. This is an automatic disqualification.
Vonage
- Too expensive