Vonage Review: VoIP Service Provider

A closer look at the classic VoIP provider

CES: Vonage
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Vonage is the most popular phone-based VoIP service providers. With more than a million subscribers, Vonage's technology and user base has made it an attractive option for anyone looking to make calls over broadband internet.

In this guide we'll take a closer look at Vonage, including its pros and cons.

What We Like
  • Lots of features, low international rates, 911 support, optional second line, phone number portability.

  • Includes Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) with service.

  • Sophisticated and user-friendly web interface, for online account management

  • Vonage Pro allows users to use the same line in different locations.

What We Don't Like
  • Does not have numbers in all cities.

  • Setting up the service requires some skill or know-how.

  • Many users report poor customer service.

  • The 911 service is difficult to handle.

Features

Vonage includes a lot of features with its basic service. Here are some of them:

  • 911
  • Voicemail
  • Caller ID with Name
  • Call Waiting
  • Call Forwarding
  • 3-Way Calling
  • In-Network Calls
  • Take Vonage With You
  • Area Code Selection
  • Call Transfer
  • Click-2-Call
  • Call Return
  • Caller ID Block
  • Repeat Dialing
  • International Call Block
  • Ring Lists
  • Call Hunt
  • Vonage V-Forecast

Features That Can Be Added On

You can also opt to add some other features, such as the following:

  • Upgrade to Vonage Pro, which allows you to use the same line in other locations.
  • Add a Line. This allows you to add multiple phone numbers to your existing Vonage account.
  • Virtual Phone Number
  • SoftPhone. Use this on your desktop or laptop computer, with 500 minutes included for local and long-distance calls.
  • Toll-Free Number
  • Fax Service
  • Enhanced 411 services.

Vonage has the greatest number of features among providers. Some are very interesting and useful, like voicemail and 911. You can also add a new line, or get a second number for faxing. If you are on the move and want to take your Vonage account with you, you can install the Vonage softphone on a laptop. You can then use it with a headset wherever you are, as long as you have a good broadband connection. (These days, however, it may make more sense to use a video conferencing service like Skype or Zoom.)

Vonage allows you to save money on hardware by providing you with a Linksys ATA and an associated termination fee, which is refunded to you when you terminate your service and return the ATA in good condition.

Vonage also allows a 14-day trial, with a money-back guarantee; so that you can try the service and decide whether to adopt it or not.

Bottom Line

Vonage service delivers good quality at a good price. It is not the cheapest service on the market, but it is not too expensive given the features offered. With regards to voice quality, it will help to have a good broadband connection.

Before deciding, you also need to note that many Vonage customers have complained about their less-than-good customer service and some occasional dips in quality. Also, setting up the service may be difficult for some users. But these still don't prevent Vonage from being a good provider.

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