Compare Top Rated Residential VoIP Providers of 2023

Residential Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a telephone service that utilizes your home internet connection to route calls. Instead of using the traditional copper wires associated with a Plain Old Telephone System (POTS), VoIP converts your voice into data packets, sends them over the Internet, and reassembles them into high-quality audio on the other end.

With residential VoIP, you can even use your existing telephone to make and receive calls. Ask if your residential provider offers a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). Then, all you need is an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) to connect your phone to the router, Ethernet hub, or switch to start making low-cost calls. Select providers will offer included equipment free of charge or allow you to rent it for a nominal fee.

A big advantage to choosing a residential VoIP system is its ease of use. Most residential providers offer plug-and-play systems that can be setup within minutes. Additionally, these residential service providers offer support in the form of phone, chat, and online knowledgebases so that you have access to all information and multiple troubleshooting options.

In addition to making sure that you have the proper internet speed, you need to check the equipment your VoIP provider requires. Compare providers based on the equipment they provide and require: you can find these details (which change frequently) on their websites.

The common pieces of equipment that a VoIP service requires includes one of the following:

• An ATA
• IP Phone
• Softphone

A softphone is a type of software provided by the VoIP company that is used to make calls. An ATA enables your current phone to be used with VOIP and is most commonly used when you BYOD (if your provider offers it). An IP phone is a phone that you can directly plug into the internet to make phone calls.

Additionally, some residential VoIP providers offer either free equipment or a BYOD option. Check with your provider for specifics.

Now that you have a basic understanding of Residential VoIP, browse through some of our select providers in the table above. Click on the individual logos of one of the VoIP providers listed above to be redirected to their website, or click the number of reviews in order to read specific reviews about that provider.

A normal long distance call moves data (which, in this case, is represented by your voice) across multiple telephone networks. It uses a local switch to access a database that then identifies your long-distance carrier and then uses their service to connect the call. 

But with VoIP calls, the only networks that are used are the local networks in each location, as well as the VoIP provider's network and routing equipment in addition to your broadband Internet connection. Cutting out these middle men is one of the reasons that VoIP calls can save so much money on long distance calling. Plus, using your existing Internet connection to place calls is a money-saver, too!

Furthermore, local and long distance calling is often included in your VoIP service plan. Most VoIP providers offer plans that give you unlimited local and long distance calling! However, if you have signed up for a Pay As You Go plan, your calls are likely charged per minute. Still, these per minute charges are at a very low rate.

International calls work similarly to long distance calling with a VoIP service.  Instead of calling local-to-local within one country, you call local-to-local between countries. Residential VoIP can save you a lot of money on your international calling bill.

One thing to compare between residential VoIP providers is how they offer international calling. Most providers offer a certain rate per area per country. You can find these international rates listed on the provider websites. Other residential VoIP providers will offer a certain number of minutes free per month to specific countries. And select residential VoIP providers will also offer residential customers a global or international plan, too, with unlimited international calling to select countries (country set depends on provider).

Softphone services are also a great way to save money on international calls.

Usually, VoIP service providers do not charge for you to use their network for internal calls (also referenced as "on-network calling"). So if you and your friends or family use the same VoIP provider/network, then you can make those calls free of charge, regardless of your location.