MagicJack vs. Skype-in (overseas user)
584421
After moving from the U.S. to Europe 6 years ago, we looked into and purchased a 'Skype-in' number for our family/friends to contact us without them incurring long distance charges.  When we chose our Skype-in number, we could select the area code, but not a particular city.  We ended up with the proper area code, but it was still long distance (within the same state) for my family.  We kept it as a way to be connected and the family/friends would use cell phones w/nationwide calling.  The Skype sound quality was sketchy most times, even with the purchase of a special Skype-in phone!  We also used a land-line phone to make calls out to the U.S. using teledump.nl as it gave a better rate than buying minutes w/skype-out.

Heard about MagicJack(MJ) through a friend back home.  Ordered and had it forwarded to us in the Netherlands.  It's amazing!  Because it works with a regular telephone, the call quality is clear.  As well, outgoing calls are no extra charge!!  We were able to specify not only the area code, but the city we wanted our phone number to come from.  There are also options to have vanity numbers for a small extra charge.  The Skype-in fee was more than double the cost for a yearly subscription to MJ for crappy quality and incoming calls only.

The ONLY issue we've had with MJ is using the touch-tone to make choices on menus (for pin codes, account numbers, extensions).  That didn't work using the phone key pad or the MJ pad on the computer.

Our Skype-in subscription will run out in a few months...and we're perfectly fine with that.  :)
324401
This device worked well for us.  I purchased it for my in-laws in Germany.  I ordered it, configured it here at the house and tested it, along with a cordless phone.  Would have been nice to have the same area code as us (907, Alaska) but that area code was not available.  I've also seen this with Vonage service.  So, I set it up with an Arizona area code.  I shipped it to my in-laws with the proper power adapters (ordered from Amazon.de), and they can now make unlimited calls to the US.  We can call them with our cell phones since we have a nation-wide calling plan, and the grandkids can call over there too.  We always used Skype to do this before, but unless our computers were on, we couldn't be reached from over there without them paying high telephone costs.  They were waiting for us to call them.  Now they can call us whenever the mood grabs them.

There is a problem though.  Occasionally the line is "busy" so they have to power cycle the device to reset it.  Once that was sorted out, they could use it with no trouble.  If we tried to contact them and it was busy, we just used Skype to call them on their regular phone, then tell them to reset the device.  This bit of inconvenience is acceptable for the price of the service.
735121
I got my first magicJack in November of 2007 and I now have three of them.  I use one for a "house phone", I use one for a "house fax" and one has a phone number in another state that's forwarded to the "house phone" so elderly relatives in that state that sill use landlines can call a local number.  They are reliable, economical and I love them.  I really like that I have a number to give out for dentist, utilities, etc, that is not my cell phone and my magicJack number does not go into a phone directory.  I highly recommend magicJack.
4960465
Dropped my landline and never looked back, got a new local number and had no issues whatsoever with the MagicJack, and I can even use my new number on my iPhone with their app VOIP, it's great and super cheap compared to a traditional landline (AT&T) or even Comcast!
888527
I have used a NetTalk for a couple of years, and it worked fine, but when I had a problem, the customer service was horrible.  Calling the only phone # on their home page gives a "disconnected" message.  The only way to reach anyone is by chat, and the last time I tried it, I waited 2 hours and the chat system closed down before I got a response.  Go with Magic Jack instead.
154404
Better than Magic Jack. Used Magic Jack for years, I don't like to change, but every year when it was up for renewal, I was not satisfied and it was a pain to renew for just one year at the regular price. Their agents would always try to upcharge me. The other problem was dropped calls or one person not being able to hear the other.

Since switching to OOMA I have not had those problems and I like how you can log in and insert the name you want to see on caller id for specific numbers, and that you can set it so telemarketers go directly to voice jail. I work on the phone a lot and only want to take the time to talk to people I care about after work.

It was easy to install, although it did take a little longer than I thought it would to make the connections after I hooked it up. The instructions said it would turn purple when it was connecting, not that it would blink purple, which is what it did.

It also works great with my answering machine, and cordless telephones. This may not work for 911 calls in your area though, so make sure you have a backup phone to call 911 in the event your internet is not working.
3696191
Hey guys, I'm from the philippines and been a magicjack user since 2009. It was very useful to call my family and friends in the US and Canada. The app on iPhone is very useful too when I'm traveling across the globe. I don't need to bring the magicjack device w/ me. I'm very happy w/ the service. As long as you have a good internet connection; calls are crystal clear

The only thing that I don't like about the magicjack device is it heats up so quick so giving a 4star. Still a great product and will recommend
1112976
Magicjack Go its working perfect. Also we can make calls from android app ising this device
1369790
I have tried it with the test software which is on the Skype website.  I plan to use it in a teleconference with my business partners in South Carolina next week.  So far so good .
4213889
I have been using Majicjack for many years before Skype, FaceTime became popular. I bought all my 4 sisters to use it so they can all call me. I set it all up here in USA and send it to Philippines, Japan, Switzerland. They connect it to their internet and we were able to talk just like we are neighbors. For the price you pay for a year is absolutely cheaper than buy calling cards or Skype credit. You don't even have to pay monthly, it's a one time payment for a year or 2 years and you don't even have to worry about your bill.  I would totally recomend it to anyone that tries to save money on phone bill. Also regular telephone carrier has a lot of solicitor that calls you anytime of the day. You don't get those on Magicjack. You get peace and you only get call from the family or people you gave your number. If you don't answer your phone and you are not home, you can listen to their voice messages on your email or if you set up an app on your cellphone. There's so much features. I love Magicjack
765333
A friend of the family recommended magicJack to us a few months ago. If you're not a fan of the phone bill then this'll be your lifelong friend. Installation is easy if you follow directions.
2431994
I liked it and I have not problem.

I recommand this item.

Comparitively at NetTalk, the MagicJack is the best.
4809592
I don't know what I like the most. Ive had the device for more than a week and I still cant get it set up correctly.
Ive tried many many different times to contact MagicJack customer service for help (that is what i liked the least). They were difficult to contact, when you finally do contact them, you have to write out your problems, they they will always answer please follow the written directions They gave me NO SERVICE AT ALL. At this point I am very disappointed. I can get no help setting up my MagicJack device.
3803322
Some reviewers have talked about dropped calls and assuming your computer is sufficient, which mine is more than sufficient and the modem speeds are more than sufficient.  The call clarity is great, but the phone you use will make a difference.  I use Panasonic with 5 extensions and all work.  However; after a 20-25 minute call I will often get dropped and the reason is stated below.

The problem is that the MagicJack Plus gets very warm to hot and that, I believe, is the issue causing the dropped calls. I have tried it using the USB on the computer as opposed to the electric plug/USB that it comes with and the MagicJack Plus runs much cooler without dropping calls. I hope to contact MagicJack to see if this is a defective unit and possible fire hazard.

Also, I have a regular MagicJack and it never gets "very warm to hot" and doesn't drop a call unless I walk out of range of the phone, which is the phone and not the MagicJack - obviously.

I have had the MG-Plus for about 5-6 months and it is during conversations lasting 20-25 minutes or more when this happens. Unplug and let it cool down and you are good to go again. The regular MG I have had for over a year now. Also, if you know you will be having a long call, then allow a fan to blow on the unit to keep it "cooler".

God bless everyone!!
4378567
This is an excellent little device that can save you tons of cash, if you need to make a lot of long distance calls and overseas calls. The cost is only US$20 per year, the first year's cost is included in the cost of the device when you purchase it. There is really no way that you can lose here.

It is fairly easy to install. If your internet service provider has a firewall built into their service, you may have to get them to configure it so that the calls can pass through without any hindrances.

The call quality is quite acceptable, and now I am no longer hard pressed to rush through my overseas calls. Thank you Magic Jack!
2817341
Going on my 2nd year as a MagicJack Plus user.  We use it for our business line for a fraction of the cost of normal phone service. What a great device/service!  Lower priced than the bundled VOIP offered by the telecoms and cable companies.  Great call quality.  Ported my number over easily.  That cost $10/year but the price of the service is so low that there's still no comparison.

And check this out!  The Talk Free MagicJack iphone app is free.  You may have other great uses for that like lower international rates than your cell phone offers.  However, for me it's as simple as being able to make calls from WiFi when I can't get a cell phone signal.  I travel to densely populated cities and conventions for work, so this comes in handy all the time.  The other cool uses for this too.

Is their website or customer service world class?  NO.  However, it more than get's the job.  For the price, the product, features have exceeded my expectations by a long shot.  Keep in mind that if your alarm system needs a phone line, VOIP lines usually won't work.  You'll need an old school analog line.  My alarm system uses cellular.  Also, keep in mind that you may not be able to send/recieve faxes over a VOIP phone line.  However, if you're still faxing things, what's wrong with you? (humor)  If you're not scanning things to people, at least use an eFax.  It's so much better and cheaper.

Look at it this way for trying out MagicJack Plus. If you don't like it, you can always send it back for a refund and go back to your previous provider.
3964798
Magic Jack is GREAT. I have bought at least 5 for myself and friends and realatives. All have worked great on a variety of desktops and laptops. Most calls are perfect IF you have at least 100 kbps UP AND DOWN internet. Sometimes a call will break up or echo too much. It is easy to hang up and call back if this happens. HEY! The service is less than $3.00 per month, Less than $2.00 if you get five years at a time. I originally bought a Magic Jack because I had really bad cell reception at home. It was a God send for this problem! Everyone I know that has one of these loves it. Also when I flew to the Philippines I took it with me. In the Tokyo airport I was able to log on to the airport WIFI and call home and also call my fiance in Manila. I saved myself the trouble and expense of trying to make international calls from the pay phones on the wall. When I was in The Philippines I was able to call friends and relatives from every hotel that I stayed in, using my laptop and the free WIFI of the hotel. I bought one for my 8 year old daughter. Now I we can talk several times every day! This little Jack is TRULY magic. Buy 2 today!