Best magicJack Alternatives in 2023
As one of the best-selling VoIP devices, magicJack has allowed people to use their Internet connection to make both mobile and landline phone calls. Apart from providing inexpensive plans, excellent support, and the benefits of portability in the form of their main VoIP device, one of its main advantages is that users can retain their existing telephone number. It is clear why magicJack has become a popular choice among users who want to move from common telephony services to a more affordable solution, while retaining the option of making, receiving, and forwarding landline and mobile phone calls. Despite all of this, it is important to note that some users may have a hard time dealing with the specific Internet requirements of magicJack. It is not uncommon for calls to be suddenly interrupted or dropped, as this particular solution needs a stable, high-speed Internet connection to work as intended. Many people have experienced a decrease in the quality of their calls due to slow or unstable connections. In addition, because it’s a pay-to-call option, some users may be looking for a completely free alternative to stay in contact with their friends and family.
As a result of this, a list of the best and most popular video calling and conferencing alternatives to magicJack is provided below. From free options to more affordable substitutes, as well as solutions that don’t necessarily need a high-speed Internet connection, here are some of the best competitors that users can choose from when deciding to leave magicJack behind:
Google Voice
Like any other Google product, Google Voice is one of the most popular solutions in its class. People rely on Google Voice to place and receive phone calls anywhere, offering its users the option to link their mobile phones to their accounts. Furthermore, it can also be used to send both text and voice messages to other Google Voice users or anyone with a mobile phone. It supports free domestic calls for people in the United States and Canada and offers the possibility of making international calls for a fee or by choosing one of the three available plans. Google Voice allows users to leave and receive voicemails, send SMS, and forward calls.
Talky
Talky is a browser-based video chat option allowing anybody with an Internet connection to participate in a virtual conversation with others. A group of users can meet up in an online room available only to them and interact with one another through chat messages, video, and voice calls. Each room can hold up to 15 people. In addition, users can communicate through Talky without having a personal account, using a unique URL link to join an online room instead. Domestic or international telephone calls are, however, not supported by Talky. There is an iOS application available for all users who prefer a mobile solution.
Whereby
Another alternative for anyone looking for an entirely free video calling option is Whereby, which is available both as an iOS application and through the browser. Making use of unique URL codes to connect users through a virtual room, Whereby allows people to communicate with each other without the need of signing up. Group calls can include up to 8 people. Apart from being completely free, the video and voice calling features are complemented with a very useful screen sharing option. However, just like Talky, mobile and landline phone calls are not an available option for Whereby users.
Google Hangouts
Despite being initially advertised as a platform for communicating via chat messages, Google Hangouts is a free VoIP solution that supports both voice and video calling. The popularity of Hangouts comes from the fact that users can communicate with other Hangout members through video calls that can hold up to 10 people, entirely for free. Anyone can make and receive calls just by having a Google account and an Internet connection. Additionally, users have the option of buying Google Credit to call landline or mobile phone numbers. Google Hangouts can be accessed through the browser, and it’s also available for Android and iOS.
Viber
Offering a wide range of functions including chat messages, video, and voice calling, the free Viber application is a popular solution among users who want to communicate through all the major platforms. In addition to all the standard VoIP features, Viber offers its users the option of sharing, sending, and downloading videos, photos, documents, and files. Also, public chats are available for people who want to expand their options for communicating with each other. To ensure that communications remain secure, Viber encrypts all conversations and file transfers. One of the main features of Viber is that it supports mobile and landline calls, which users can make for a small fee.
AXvoice
AXvoice offers users the option of choosing between a business and a residential plan for making domestic and international VoIP calls. Moreover, people can use AXvoice to forward and redirect calls, get logs for their calls, manage their voicemail, and set a caller ID option for incoming calls. Users only need an Internet connection, an AXvoice device, and a phone to enjoy all the features available. Also, it has the advantage of allowing clients to retain their current phone numbers. The overall portability and affordability of AXvoice make it one of the most successful VoIP brands out there, for both businesses and individuals alike.
Being possibly one of the most popular VoIP options on the market, WhatsApp provides users with an entirely free solution for communicating with people through an Internet connection. While not supporting landline or mobile calls, the features of WhatsApp have made it one of the best-known applications for everyday communication. WhatsApp enables users to make and receive both voice and video calls, while also allowing them to write, send and receive text and voice messages. As a free, simple, useful, and very practical solution, WhatsApp remains one of the best alternatives on this list.
ooVoo
ooVoo has most of the features supported by the alternatives mentioned above. Users have the option of communicating with others through instant text messaging, voice calls, video chat, and group calls that can connect up to 12 users at the same time. Additionally, screen sharing, digital rooms for group calling, and a feature that enables people to record their calls are also available. While these remain part of the free options ooVoo has to offer, clients can also choose to pay a fee in order to make and receive calls to any domestic and international mobile or landline phone number.
Vonage
Vonage provides residential users and businesses with a unique VoIP solution that allows them to make and receive landline and mobile phone calls. Among its features, users have the option of programming automated messages, video chats, and voice communications. Vonage can transcribe voicemail, show caller ID, block numbers or contacts, make group calls, and forward calls to a mobile phone if the Internet connection is down or unavailable. Vonage offers affordable plans and inexpensive rates for all domestic and international calls, and it’s a great alternative for people looking to modernize their phone systems.
Should users move away from magicJack?
Despite the enormous availability of VoIP solutions on the market, magicJack remains one of the most popular and successful alternatives. The competitors discussed above are listed to inform current magicJack users and people interested in a VoIP solution in general, of the multiple options available. It is important to note that, while such alternatives provide useful features, it is up to the user to evaluate the potential advantages and disadvantages of each option.
In conclusion, it is important to understand that the value and significance of communication in today’s world can’t be understated. Users worldwide will always need a solution that provides the means to optimize communication and facilitate the process of getting in contact with their friends, family, partners, employees, etc. Fortunately, software developers and brands keep upgrading their systems in order to provide people with better solutions, thus improving the user experience in general.
