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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

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Note: The graphs above only measure the user ratings displayed over the last five years.
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Works as Expected with a Few Caveats

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

I have been using this for over 10 years. I work from home from two locations in different states, and my employer stopped reimbursing me for home office phone expenses (so I bought the 5-year for $100 deal). I had previously used a Vonage USB-stick phone (can't remember the product name). After much use, that stick died and they had stopped making it. So I looked around for another VOIP solution with the Number One Requirement that it be easily transportable. I have a MagicJack+ (despite repeated attempts to get me to update to the "GO"). Because it plugs right in to a power outlet and I just need an Ethernet connection, I started out carrying it with me every time I changed locations. After forgetting it a few times when I changed locations and then getting an iPad Mini, I now leave it in one location and use the MagicJack App on my iPad almost exclusively. The advantage of using the App means that my call history is stored in the App (makes time sheet preparation easier). I have taken business calls while traveling all over the country as long as I have a decent wifi connection. There are times using the App where there's a bad WiFi signal where I have to fall back to using my cell phone. Last year (2017), I was about to be stranded in Spain due to the French ATC strike. I could only contact British Airways CS in the UK to fix things, so I added International Calling minutes to my iPad App, and secured new flight arrangements--I have no idea how much it would have cost me (and trying to scramble in the middle of the night) to use the hotel phone to reach BA. So this was a "life saver." The ONLY caveat I would add has to do with what others have mentioned. If a client gives me a conference call number for certain services and there is not a toll-free number, I can't use MJ (app or handset) to dial in (without buying credits). I can live with this, using my cell phone or my husband's NetTalk Duo linked handset. Incidentally, there's actually a reason for this situation. MagicJack **could** pay for/enter into agreements with the networks that carry these conference lines. But I suspect that there would be a rise in the subscription to do this. Personally, I don't feel that the FCC should allow any provider to refuse a connection from another licensed carrier. But that's a Telecom Act issue. The Quality can vary--but I think it's 100% related to the WiFi connection/ISP condition--and is usually fine when I use the 5GHZ signal or fall back to the handset. Again, I mostly use the App on my iPad, so that's also to blame for some of the quality issues.

Extremely affordable, Excellent App, Easily Portable, 95+% Reliable (probably 99+% for handsets with Ethernet connection to router)
Credits needed to call certain Free Teleconference lines.
Yes

"Unlimited Calling" unless you want to call "Certain numbers" they deem to be pay-per-minute.

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1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
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Average: 1 (1 vote)
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Average: 1 (1 vote)
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Average: 1 (1 vote)

Cannot call local numbers that are associated with a conference call. Even though the number is a local number and free to call from cell phones or any other phone line. Got a pre-recorded message that says "This is a pay-per-minute" number. When chatting with customer support, I told them that it is not pay per minute. Their response: "It is for us". If you plan to use Magic Jack for anything important, don't waste your money.

Low cost
Poor service
No

Magic Jack plus: Works for me everywhere I go, I take it with me

user_review
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
2
Average: 2 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)

I have had magic jack since it first came out, when you had to have it plugged into your computer and it was horrible, then they came out with the plus that you plus into the router and the outlet for power no longer needing the computer... best thing they ever did. It is great for receiving calls no matter where you go, I do not use the forwarding ring because I do not like hearing all the phone rings at the same time, but I take it with me to hotel/motels, other peoples houses where I am visiting, and every time I move so that is great no install charges like regular phone companies charge. The customer service is horrible so you have to research the internet to resolve your issues on your own, however the only issues I currently have is a few dropped calls when in conversation a few times when they are quite long. The other is for some reason it just started a few months ago when i call a company that requires you to make selections by pressing options 1,2 or what ever they do not hear my button presses, none of them no matter what company I am calling, I thought it was the cordless phone I had so I got a new one, it is my third one, the first one I had did not have this problem it was an older cordless but my grandson broke it ugg, The next two are newer and I have not been able to call companies with options requirements since. I have to use my cell for them. Other than that I recently moved from Arkansas to Ohio and it is still working I would give it five stars if it were not for the above issues, but I am not sure if the options presses are their fault or incapability with the newer cordless phones.

Price, convenient portable use with wired or cordless phones, can use with cell phones have forwarding call features
You have to have a speed quality internet, which isn't cheap for us speed freaks customer service is horrible drop calls at times when in lengthy call
Yes

MagicJack Canada doesn't work

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2
Average: 2 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
2
Average: 2 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)

I've been a MagicJack customer since 2011, so when my MagicJack+ packed it in, it wasn't a big deal. I purchased the replacement product MagicJack GO from MagicJack Canada. Unfortunately, it doesn't work. I should have been able to plug it in where the old unit was, and it should have worked, but it didn't. I've spent hours on the chat line trying everything they have suggested. My time was worth more than this $50 (including shipping) product. I've done VoIP installs commercially, and never had as many problems or as poor quality support as MagicJack provides. If you want quality, you have to pay more. I'm tired of listening to my wife complain about the voice quality too.

Cost, Voice mail to Email, IOS app works well.
Tech Support, intermittent quality problems.
No

Magic Jack works really well, Updated Canada Porting node's

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

I'm a networking expert (30 years experience) who has written VOIP code. There are three things you need to get good magicjack service: 1. Network speed. 50 Mbps for VOIP is the minimum to have good quality. The technology works with less, but technically there is a tradeoff between bandwidth versus delay and qalilty. I recently upgraded to 150 Mbps ($59/month). Spend your money on network performance and not your phone line, the latter turns excellent when your speed is good. 2. The power supply is the second cause of problems. People complain about service deterioriating, that's because the Magic Jack USB power supply is crap. But MJ will replace it for free. Or better yet, buy a quality USB power source (from a good store, not the walmart checkout). If the power is flakey the electronics and CPU in the MJ box will be crap. 3. Buy a UPS for your network router, modem and MJ box. Blackouts are when the power really goes out, but more often you will have brownouts where the power isn't full levels, and electronics don't deal welll with that, especially ones in small packages (no room for big capacitors). If you have good power and good networking, most of the problems listed go away. But no amount of customer support will solve that. If you start having to reboot the MJ box or lose calls, check the above comments. Porting in Canada works in 2018, but costs onetime $20, and the Canadian registrar costs $10 per year. Still cheap. E

cheap, good quality
needs good internet connection, does not display caller id names, just numbers
Yes

No refund if you cancel the service

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1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
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Average: 2 (1 vote)
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Average: 3 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)

Tried living with it for a year and it was ok. Then the calls got fuzzy with breaks in voice. Many friends complained that my calls to them were breaking up intermittently. Customer service is poor and could not solve the problem. cCceled the service and went with another provider. tried to get the balance of my three year subscription refunded and was advised that no refunds provide. This even though I was advised that a refund would be forthcoming, and someone woul;d be getting back to me. Terrible experience. Go anywhere else.

None
No customer service. No refunds.
No

worthless customer service

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3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
2
Average: 2 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)

First of all Magic Jack sales reps misrepresented their product so beware of them and their dishonesty. I was told there is no charge to port your current landline number and as soon as i wanted to initiate the port process i found out there was a $50 fee. I was also lied to about features like caller id which is also useless with magic jack. If you need customer support you cannot get anyone on the phone. You can only chat with support on the MJ web site and the support reps are totally useless and unprofessional. The service is mediocre at best and they virtually do not support the customers that drive their business. There are more reputable VOIP services that actually appreciate customers so avoid Magic Jack as much as possible.

cheap service
no support and very snotty customer support reps
No

Terrible customer service and Poor device/quality/ performance

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1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
2
Average: 2 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)

Purchased Magic Jack Go device 6 months back and received bad device . I have issues form the installation of the device . Initially no receiving call but I am able to make calls. To catch up Customer service team, every time I need to spend 40 min to 1 hour and every one ask same questions but no output . finally after 5 calls this issue was fixed. and for last 2 months device is not working no green light at all on the device . Phone getting charged but shows no lines. had around 20 calls with customer service team till now. still device is not working. we did trouble shoot multiple times , commenced device directly to Modem , connect device to laptop and updated firmware as well still not working. phone not working for last 2 months . still customer service team ask to pay more Money to get device. Discussed customer service team and their account department almost 5 time . they confirmed over phone that they will send device to me and tracking number soon but they don't send that discussion over email as well for proof . I haven't received device yet.

no use
No use of this service
No

Don't believe the bad reviews

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

I truly believe a magic jack will work great if you have good internet service. If you have lousy internet, like DSL, you won't be happy. When I had Verizon DSL, my magicJack didn't work worth a damn. Now that I have Comcast high-speed internet, it works great. Never a glitch or flaw. Sounds as good as any hardwired phone back in the day.

Reliable and cheap
Need great internet service to work well
Yes

Terrible customer service from Magic Jack

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3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
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Average: 1 (1 vote)
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Average: 5 (1 vote)
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Average: 2 (1 vote)
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Average: 3 (1 vote)

In my opinion, Magic Jack doesn't want any verbal contact with their customers. Billing seems to me to be incompetent. paid for a vanity telephone number, which was clearly marked and provided for on the Magic Jack website. They applied it to extending telephone service instead of for the vanity number. Spend hours trying to straighten it out. Couldn't reach a competent representative who could handle the problem. Unable to call a particular exchange in the 501 area code. Obviously (to me at least) Magic Jack's problem, but could get no assistance on the phone (can't reach technical personnel on their phone line) so had to try the on line chat. Wait times are often a half hour or more. Then, the agent doesn't understand what the problem is. If you want cheap telephone with poor support, then in my opinion, go with Magic jack. Otherwise, if you value your time, find another provider. You get what you pay for!

Cheap
Poor or no customer service
No

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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