Which Cheap VoIP Phone Service?
It's Time to Ditch Your Land Line Phone Service

Big savings can be achieved by switching to a cheap VoIP phone service. We are yet to find one that is more expensive than a land line phone service, hence it's almost impossible not to make savings irrespective of the voice over IP provider. On the other hand there are substantial differences between providers. It would be a mistake to assume that they are all the same.

All VoIP phone service providers target specific customer types. The most basic dichotomy is between customers who are familiar with VoIP technology and those who aren't. The former generally own their own hardware such as VoIP adapters or ATA's and enjoy messing with IP port settings. The latter have no desire to become entangled with technology and simply want a cheap home phone service that works with the minimum of fuss. For that convenience they typically pay more than technically inclined users.

Skype Phone Service

IPEVO Skype Phone

Anyone can get a free Skype download and learn how to use Skype like a pro in less than thirty minutes. No special Skype hardware is required other than a computer, router and maybe a Skype headset.

While Skype-to-Skype calls are free most users eventually graduate to using premium services that require Skype credit. These include the ability to make cheap calls to regular landline phones and cell phones. They may also sign up for an online phone number or Skype phone number.

Skype is the most popular cheap VoIP phone service. Hundreds of millions of people use it every day. In fact it's no longer just a cheap home phone service. It has also been widely adopted as a VoIP business service.

Ooma

Ooma is arguably the cheapest VoIP service. On purchasing an Ooma phone users get access to an almost completely free VoIP phone service. Calls within the U.S. are free and international calls are cheap. At this stage it's not available for use outside of the U.S.

Ooma is a bargain. Users love the quality of the service and the elegance of the solution. Installation and setup is simple. Anyone who can unpack a Mac and connect it to the Internet will be right at home with an Ooma phone.

Vonage Phone Service

Vonage was one of the first cheap VoIP phone services. While it's undoubtedly cheaper than the average local residential phone service, it's definitely not the cheapest VoIP service. PhonePower, ViaTalk and Phone.com offer a comparable cheap residential phone service at a lower price point.

Other Voice Service Providers (VSP's)

Siemens IP Phones

There are literally hundreds of VSP's offering very cheap VoIP services to users who own ATA's and enjoy the challenge of messing around with IP configurations, port settings and codecs.

Many consumers are deterred from going down this road because they have heard horror stories from others who have encountered technical issues and poor support from providers. One cordless phone manufacturer has taken on the challenge and come up with a range of excellent dual mode VoIP cordless phones that are easy to setup and will operate with multiple VSP's.

Final Thoughts

At home we use a Siemens cordless phone. It provides the flexibility to use several VSP's and access competitive calling rates to the destinations that we call the most. If one of these doesn't work out we drop it and switch to another.

We also use Skype most days. Everyone has it on their PC or Mac, so why not enjoy a free phone call or video call with the relatives. When traveling our friends, relatives and others know they can always contact us on our Skype phone number for the cost of a local call. If we're unavailable their calls go to voicemail or are diverted to another number.

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Related Reviews and Articles

Residential VoIP Services - cheap, cheaper or free. The challenge is to compare VoIP services and select the best.

Prepaid Home Phone Service - they are becoming the default residential home phone service.

Best Skype Cordless Phone - headphones are OK, but cordless phones that can be used without a computer are far better.

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Cheap VoIP Phone Service to Cheap Home Phone Service

Cheap VoIP Phone Service to Best Cordless Phone Reviews and Ratings