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Home > All Providers Reviews > Magicjack

magicJack Reviews

magicJack is an extremely cheap VoIP provider that works by using your existing Internet connection to make and receive calls. magicJack provides a plug-and-play device (like a USB drive) that you can connect to your computer or high-speed modem to start making local and long-distance calls. You can use magicJack for as little as $19.95/year per line. 

With the newest magicJack Plus system, you don't have to have your computer on at all times in order to receive a call.

Is magicJack worth it? 

We recommend that anyone interested in buying a magicJack read the user reviews here first.

 

Users Average Rating

Providers Comparison

Note: The graphs above only measure the user ratings displayed over the last five years.
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Unsuccessful Renewal of MajicJack

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4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
3.2
Average: 3.2 (1 vote)

Now comes the main problem with Majic Jack. My year ended on July 1st, I tried to renew it starting July 13th (I live overseas not in the U.S.), since that date, I have 'chatted' to their online service it is more than frustrating. They have no idea what they are saying or maybe they cannot understand that my foreign credit card is not being accepted by their system. After being transferred about 5 times to the 'top 10 per cent assistance' nothing came out of it. Each time I call, I had to start the story all over, go through all the direction of trying to pay again, asking what the error message was, to be told call your credit card company. Well, when I tell them that my credit card company is accepting to pay the amount to Majic Jack, I am told that the finance office will e-mail me in 7 working days. Well, guess what, so many 7 working days have come and gone and no e-mails have arrived. Today out of frustration, I asked them if they just wanted me to go away, well you guessed it, there was no response, and then I was told: try in 24 hours. So I asked them what is the difference, they said maybe it will work. They expect majic from Majic Jack to play a role. Not sure what to do now, am about to throw it in the garbage and join Skype, might be better.
In short their support is worse than horrible.

It is easy to install, to use and simple and sound in general is fine
Sometimes the voice is not that good, it sometimes does not work and you have to re-boot your computer to get it going again.
No

Great Product..Terrible Service

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4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
3.4
Average: 3.4 (1 vote)

Ordered 2 of them in April..One of the usb power adapters didnt work have spent 6 hrs typing customer service 4 times .They keep telling me same as today be patient and wait for email from there engineers..OVER 2 MONTHS today . ...Patience is wearing thin..Customer service doesnt seem to be concerned at all...Great product when it works..When it doesnt TERRIBLE

Easy to use easy to setup
Customer Service Terrible
No

what's the fuss?

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4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
4.4
Average: 4.4 (1 vote)

I bought a magicJack online in November 2010. The unit arrived within ten days (don't remember exactly) and was in new condition. I followed the instructions and at first it wouldn't work. I hadn't added it to my Firewall settings.
I live in London, Canada. I have a cable Internet connection with 12Mb/s. My first call was to Toronto, 120 miles away. The call lasted for about an hour. No problem. Since then, I have used my magicJack almost every day. Most of my calls are long distance.
There was a short period when I lost a few calls. I did some investigating and found that my cable company was throttling my connection. They were treating it as peer-to-peer. They have since stopped.
In 19 months of continuous use, except for the brief problem with my cable company (I'm sure they would like me to use their VOIP) I have had nothing but satisfaction. I've called all over North America and no problem. People on the line with me say I sound just like any other phone caller. Call waiting/display/voicemail works like it should. Haven't tried 3-way and likely won't. Because of BELL Telephone, I have to pay $10/year to keep my Canadian number, otherwise I would have to use the American number that came with the magicJack. There's nothing magicJack can do about it, and it seems to be a pretty petty way for BELL to be doing business.
The magicJack is my only phone, so I can't take it with me. I've never had a cellphone and likely never will. When I go out, I enjoy my freedom and privacy.
From my own experience and from what I've found on the Internet, I know these two things about the magicJack: You need a good high speed connection, and a multi-core processor is necessary if you want to talk and use your computer at the same time.
I know that all the other VOIP companies don't like magicJack, and seeing the monthly rates they charge, I can see why. None of the other companies could give me a phone experience that's better. As good as, I have no doubt. Better? Not from where I'm sitting.

inexpensive, easy to use
none
Yes

Hidden Additional Fees, Poor Customer Service

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4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
3.4
Average: 3.4 (1 vote)

I've had Magic Jack service for about 3 years. The first two years were pretty decent and the device worked well. For my first year I had the regular Magic Jack which required plugging it in to your computer. Of course when there was a power outage due to bad weather, I was without phone service. The quality of the calls was decent, but not the best at times.
This year, we've begun to have a lot of issues with our device. The short cut on my desktop no longer launched the program and I couldn't get the service to work. I spent hours over several days trying to "chat" with customer service representatives that kept suggesting that it may be the extension cord attached to the magic jack that was connected to my computer that has caused it to fail. After trying everything, I thought that maybe it was time to 'upgrade' and purchased the Magic Jack Plus which does not rely on being plugged into your CPU or laptop but can be utilized with your Router. WARNING: Even though they SAY you don't need a computer with it...you do! You can't use the device until it's been registered on their site and that REQUIRES that it gets PLUGGED INTO A COMPUTER!!!
The Magic Jack Plus isn't all that it's cracked up to be. All of the phone numbers that I had saved to my contacts list with my previous magic jack could no longer be seen. For example if Grandma's number was 867-5309, before I would have a customized list of all numbers received as well as numbers dialed and I could customize the numbers with a name, with Magic Jack "plus" you can't do that.
Most recently I've begun to get messages when I pick up my receiver saying that my Magic Jack number has expired. I JUST renewed my service at 177.85 for 5 years to find out that NOW i need to pay a yearly additional fee to have my phone number the customer service rep "Bernie" says that 'vanity numbers' (which I don't have) are $10 per year and custom numbers, also known as regular numbers are $3 a year plus tax of course. These additional fees should have been charged at the time that I renewed or upgraded my service. not two weeks later. I wonder what additional fee's they'll think of next. I don't mind paying for service I just want businesses to be upfront on ALL of the costs and not to nickel and dime me after the fact. It's annoying and it's not the way business should be done.
Many people have gone away from having a home phone service. But it you're like me and like for friends and family to have your cell and everyone else to have the home phone, then Magic Jack is not a bad deal, when it's working, and as long as you understand all of their fees ahead of time and don't have any expectation of excellent customer service.

Ditch your monthly home phone bill and save money Voicemail
Poor Customer Service if you need to speak to a live person it's virtually impossible. In addition, the people that you chat with place you on hold for long periods of time. Some of the magic jack USBs seem to have issues. The quaility
Yes

Very poor customer service

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3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)

I got an email from Magic Jack stating that their MJ Plus device is half price and I can transfer my current MJ subscription (5 years) over to the new Plus device. I chatted with a representative, who told me that the new Plus device comes with 1 year, so I will get 6 years total of subscription (1 year with Plus device AND the 5 year subscription I paid for). Well, not 1. When I registered the new Plus device, it was just a transfer of my current transcription and it took away the one-year subscription that comes with the Plus device. So I basically paid $45 (device plus shipping plus some "fee") to get a new device, when the old MJ didn't bother me at all that it required a computer! When I chatted with someone, she told me too bad. And I would have to pay shipping to ship the MJ Plus device back during the free trial, even though their people screwed up and told me that wrong info. Then when I wanted to talk to a supervisor, she bumped me off the chat. I also had international minutes on my account, but apparently they expire after 6 months of inactivity. The first rep said she would "push" those minutes back to me. Never happened. The 2nd rep said it was not possible to refund those minutes or "push" back. She would make note of what the 1st rep said. But that's all she could do! What kind of company is this that didn't care about customer service?
After reading the complaints here, I am afraid to send the device back even though it's still during the "free trial" period. I'm afraid I would never see my money and I would have to pay for the shipping. Plus I might not get my subscription back yet. UGH!!!!!

Cheap; iPhone app
Poor customer service; nickle and dime you; dishonest
No

I like this so much i have ordered another for my family to use at thier house

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5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
4.2
Average: 4.2 (1 vote)

I read a lot of the reviews and all of the bad ones have the same thing in common, dropped calls poor connection. All of these problems have nothing to do with Magic Jack and have everything to do with the quality of the broadband connection in their homes. I got this device in 3 days I plugged it in and it took 2 minutes to set up and I have been using it all weekend even made international calls, Crystal clear and stable.
My broadband connections are very strong and my wireless is very stable. If you have poor signal coming into your home via your cable or you have an instable wireless connection your Magic Jack will be unstable. The magic jack is just a device that allows you to connect a phone via voice over IP that’s it. If the service is bad the problem is with your cable service or your wireless network. Even the smallest amount of signal loss not notices while watching TV can cause this. I would have your cable guy out to sure up the signal strength of you broadband service.
I did chat with the live customer care regarding administrative questions and they are pretty useless and the web page could use a makeover to be more customer friendly and easier to use to manage your account but I do like the product for me it works great. 911 is no big deal all VOIP servies have this problem in  the power goes out. I always have a cell phone on me and unless you have a corded phone you still cannot use a lan line if the power goes out and you ahve a cordless phone.
I like this so much i have ordered another for my family to use at thier house.

Yes

I have done away with my regular phone company

user_review
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)

I bought my Magicjack about 4 months ago, I have done away with my regular phone company. I use the local and long distance service regularly and it works great. I like the fact that I don't have to pick up the telephone to answer when I'm online, I just click the send button  and answer thru my computer speaker and microphone.  The service sounds great over the phone handset also and with my wireless phone I get about seven hundred feet from my base with great sound. I have been telling all my freinds about  MagicJack. It's possible that some people may experience problems, but they are probably related  to running the dongle on an old computer with limited processing speed and memory.  I also run serveral virus and malware detecttion software all running realtime and have yet to experience any problems as others have been complaining of. I don't even experience any lag on the programs I run.
 

Great price, easy to install and use. Works phenominal.
Nothing, as long as the broadband connection is on.
Yes

Pages

magicJack

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United States
2002Year Founded
27%Recommend
307User Reviews

Overall Rating

2.35
3.5
51%
43%
50%
33%
70%

Service Locations

    VoIP app

    The Skinny

    magicJack Revealed

    What is magicJack?

    A magicJack is a small device that allows you to make Internet phone calls for cheap prices.

    As of 2016, magicJack Express costs $39.95 plus shipping and handling. You get 3 months of free unlimited calling to the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Additional years cost $35.

    How does magicJack work?

    One of magicJack's top selling points is its ease of installation.

    1. Plug your phone into the magicJack
    2. Plug the magicJack into your computer
    3. Start making calls

    Is there a special magicJack phone?

    Nope! The magicJack device is what's known in the industry as an analog telephone adapter (ATA). You won't need a special phone in order to use magicJack.

    What do you think of magicJack?

    Many users have had a variety of issues with magicJack (as evidenced by the reviews). However, here are a couple of advantages of magicJack:

    1. Lowest Monthly Rates

    Setting aside the fact that the first 6 months of phone service with magicJack are absolutely free, monthly rates are available for as little as $3.00 per month. Prices like that are extremely hard to complain about, and even some of our most scathing magicJack reviews still rate magicJack with 5 stars in the price category.

    2. Cheap Equipment

    Any way you slice it, $39.95 is a great price to pay for the complete setup of a VoIP phone service that uses your existing phones. Other VoIP companies require specialized IP phones that can cost over $100, and an ATA adapter alone is often more than $50.

    Even if the device runs into a problem and needs to be replaced, the low cost takes most of the sting out of a new purchase. In fact, with the money you'll save with magicJack's low monthly rate, the device practically pays for itself.

    3. Easy to Use

    MagicJack is designed for people who have never heard of VoIP in the first place, and want a simple plug-and-play device that works right away. That's exactly what magicJack offers, and the new magicJack PLUS offers even more options. The old device required a constant connection to a computer to work, but the new one only needs to do so once to register. After that, just plug it into the wall and feel free to shut the computer off. The video below outlines how to use magicJack without a computer.

    Previously the magicJack software was been reported by some as very difficult to remove. MagicJack software now comes with an easier to access uninstall option, so this point is no longer valid.

    MagicJack Customer Service

    Unfortunately, magicJack does not have a customer service hotline. That means that the only way to resolve a service issue is through a high-traffic chat room, which occasionally has a slow response time as a result. Fortunately, the device is easy to install, so you'll likely never need the support. If you run into trouble, our best advice is to be patient with the chat, and see if the issue lies with your router configuration or Internet speed in the meantime.

    If everything checks out and the chat system seems frustrating, just try doing something else for a while and wait for the chat system to get back to you. You can watch one of the many fan-made YouTube videos for magicJack support, try one of the links below to see if your issue is answered there, or even take care of checking your email while you wait. Sometimes, the best option is to simply wait a few hours for the peak traffic to die down, so that the support team has more time to dedicate to your needs. Either way, spending an hour or two researching and fixing any issues with the magicJack adapter is definitely worth the amount of money that you're saving with .

    Third-party magicJack Support

    There are also some helpful blogs out there on the web that cover how to use magicJack if you still encounter trouble.

    Overall Analysis

    In the end, and despite the issues that customers raise about magicJack service, we feel that magicJack offers a very low priced Residential VoIP service, especially for someone new to VoIP. However, there are a lot of negative customer reviews you should take into consideration. The extremely low monthly rate for unlimited phone calls is impossible to ignore, and the ease of installation further makes the case that magicJack's barebones VoIP service is one of the best in the industry.!

    Don't take our word for it. We've got over 100 magicJack reviews for real magicJack customers. See what magicJack users have to say.

    If you have used magicJack, here's you should do: Write a review. We could use your voice on our website.

    Have something to say? Leave a comment about magicJack.

    Have you used magicJack's service? Write a review. You can help other prospective customers make a good decision.

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