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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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Magic JACK Deceitful

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4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
4
Average: 4 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
2
Average: 2 (1 vote)
2
Average: 2 (1 vote)
2.6
Average: 2.6 (1 vote)

I can say for the most part I was happy with the original magic with all it's shortcomings. I bought a HP Thin-client to keep service running 24/7 without having to keep my full-blown computer running. Have had problems with the HP TC crashing at times and having to nurse the system back up. Don't know if the MJ is causing it. I was pleased enough at the onset, that I bought 5 yrs extra when it was $69.95 for the full 5 yrs. The reason I did not buy the MJ-Plus was because they would not transfer my extra years to the new device and it sounded like they'd even charge me extra to "port" my original MJ number to the MJ plus on top of losing all my prepaid years. That was the first stench that emanated from Magic Jack as being a sleazy business.
The next foul air came from them blocking certain numbers. When I ported my Tmobile number to NetTalk (similar to MJ but run by an ethical company) MagicJack blocked calls to my NetTalk (same number that worked when it rang my cell phone.) So my terminally ill brother could no longer call me on the number I had been using for decades (originally Qwest wireless, then Tmobile and now NetTalk). SO I had to get a monthly cell plan for my brother so he could call me when he wanted.(Had I realized it earlier I could have set up a Google Voice number to forward the calls via a number that MJ wouldn't be blocking, but it's too late now.) Plus they can't tell you how much each minute would cost, if you bought prepaid minutes (which I refused to do on principle), even thought obviously their system must "know" the cost to be able to debit your prepaid balance. Another SLEAZY business practice.
The next (and probably penultimate straw) was when their CALL FORWARDING option disappeared off their website. For a while there was a "work around" web page you could go to if you were lucky enough to find out how to reach it. The work around has since disappeared. Well luckily we were able to set up CF to his cell phone because he was in and out of the hospital so much. Then I learned that forwarding to a non-MJ number for more than two weeks violated their TOS and could result in his number being cancelled with no recourse (as no problems ever get solved by their abysmal excuse for customer service which consists of people who can barely communicate in English "chatting with you" giving you endless vague non-answers and eventually offering to send you over to "one of our top 10%" agents who is probably just another peon like the one you just got fed up with. For all I know their "agents" are merely bots posing as humans.
If you do decide to port a number from MJ, you will have to find out your "MJ account number" so you will have to go to online chat to get it. (It was pretty easy to get, which surprised me.) Then your "PIN" is your login password but they converted all letters to uppercase, which is why my original port request failed. Luckily I was able to talk to a TMobile porting agent who helped me get the stalled port moving. When we finally got the porting data correctly submitted to MJ, the TM rep said OK it should be completed in 24 hours. Then he said "That's strange, they have put a 3 day delay on the port completion date." So I knew it would be completed by the 3rd day.
Meanwhile, Magic Jack sends me an URGENT email telling me I have to pay $30 plus "fees" of another $2 to 3 to "complete" my porting out. Well I already knew the date of completion, so I ignored the email and didn't pay the $30 bucks. My port went fine but too late from my brother, thanks to the 3 day sleaze-ball attempt to extort 30 bucks from the fed up customer. And once Magic Jack has your money, you'll never get it back.
The icing on the cake was when the founder of MagicJack was quoted calling his prime competitor NetTalk "a piece of Sh*t". That's got to be the epitome of sleaze!

it's cheap and as longs as it works OK from the start, you only call large cities and NEVER need customer service you'll probably rave about
Porting your number will cost you $20 + "fees" plus $10 extra a year to keep it and they'll try to extort another $30 + fees to port your number out of their system (They can't make you pay it, your port will proceed without paying the $30) they exclude certain numbers from your "free calling" which will require "prepaid" minutes... their customer service is a complete joke, they arbitrarily cancel your service for violating their TOS, but can't tell you why. Their website is a circus and looks like it was designed by a seven-year-old
No

Magicjack

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

After 3+ yrs, the usb insert came off, but no other complaints by me. I love my magic jack, it has saved me a lot of money, I am on a fixed income

I have had my magic jack for over 3 years, love it, sent one to my daughter, because at&t had given her so many problems, as they also gave me, and with a high bill, which changed ever month. Some one should put a class action suit against at&t service provider.
Yes

magicJack worked for few months

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1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1.8
Average: 1.8 (1 vote)

Please wait for a site operator to respond.
You are now chatting with 'Michael'
Your Issue ID for this chat is LTK************X
Michael: Hello, how may I help you?
ab: Hi. I was calling a number *** *** **** which is a calling card number. My magic jack phone is saying that I need pre-paid to call this conference line. it is not a conference line. It worked all these day until last night.
ab: Good morning Michael
Michael: Good day! I am glad to check and assist you with that.
ab: are you there?
ab: thanks
Michael: Please wait while I check that for you
ab: Sure tahnks
Michael: Thank you for the information by the wat.
Michael: *way
ab: -:)
Michael: Thank you very much for waiting. The it appeared here in our system that the Phone number you are calling is recognized as a Non-ILEC Phone number. Let me explain with this.
Michael: One second.
Michael: ILEC means Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier and is a type of local Telephone provider. An incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) is a local telephone company in the United States that was in existence at the time of the breakup of AT&T into the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs), also known as the "Baby Bells." The ILEC is the former Bell System or Independent Telephone Company responsible for providing local telephone exchange services in a specified geographic area. GTE was the second largest ILEC after the Bells, but it has since been absorbed into Verizon, a RBOC. ILECs compete with competitive local exchange carriers (CLEC). When referring to the technical communities ILEC is often used just to mean a telephone provider.
Michael: When you hear this voice prompt calling certain US/Canadian number, it doesn't mean that you cannot call that certain number. However, in order for the call to connect in that line, you have to purchase International Prepaid Minutes. It is because the number you are calling is identified as one of the following lines: Platform line, Conference line, Fee-per-call, or a Non-ILEC (Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier) phone number. You may wonder what are these type of services/lines. These are type of lines where "per-call toll charges" are incurred by telephone service subscribers that you are calling.
ab: Okay I understand. Bur I just happened to search a rip-off report from another consumer by Magic Jack.I did not see it before subscribed to MagicJack. It worked all these days... suddenly not great. Thank you for your support. I am going to submit few reviees about magic jack so that others know about it and not deceived like me with fine prints. Thank you so much.
ab: Now I know why vonage is admired. -:(
ab: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/magicjack/-internet-33405/magicjack-sudden...
ab: Nothing personal.
Michael: I do understand you Aditya and I respect your decision.
Michael: It's just the phone number you are trying to call is a local U.S phone number and magicjack should call that phone number for free. However, when you hear the prompt that says you need to purchase a prepaid minutes to complete the call, the phone number that you are trying to reach may be a conference line, platform or under a non-ILEC area. This means that the phone service provider of the phone number you are trying to reach may have changed recently their lines from ILEC to Non-ILEC which magicJack has no control of whatsoever. As part of the magicJack's services is to be able to make free calls to US and Canada and some other international countries including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands, hearing this prompt when trying to call a local number, magicJack incurs a cost from another carrier which is the carrier of the phone number you are trying to reach. As per TOS (Terms of Services), under Agreement Number 4: What is Free and What is Not, magicJack completes calls to conference lines, platforms and certain non-ILEC area calls in conjunction with large phone carriers and these calls require a prepaid purchase. Please know that these rates are at a substantial discount to Verizon rates and the other largest carriers and are the wholesale rates of the largest carrier.

Cheap
Does not work
No

I like my MagicJack!!!

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

I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS WITH MY MAGICJACK!
In fact, I have been so happy with it, that I often buy them
as gift to give to family and friends who use their cellphones
exclusively!!

I've had my MagicJack for 3 years now, and WILL continue to use it!! I winter in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and rely on my magicjack to make long distance calls home to family and friends! MANY expats here in Mexico use magicjack and report NO problems with theirs either and regularly recommend it to new expats who have moved here or who are thinking of moving here as an affordable way to keep in toch with family!!
I've only once or twice ran into problems with my MJ. I believe that it probably had more to do however with my internet connection being weak both times as Mexican internet can sometimes be hit or miss depending on whether you are in the city or on the beach!
Yes

Run! Protect your private information from magicJack

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

Seems great at first but when it suddenly fails expect no help from customer service. I was on chat for 45 minute a transferred 4 times disconnected once. Then when I told them to keep their piece of junk, then they blew up my email with 20 password reminders with 2 minutes, just blew up my email after i told them off and disconnected. Apparently someone on there end threw a tantrum after I told them what they could do with their piece of junk. Whoever runs that company better get some eyes and ears in to CS. Is pretty scarey to know these idiots have my cc info, and all my personal info and are already using it to play games.

Works for awhile
Seems great at first but when it suddenly fails expect no help from customer service. I was on chat for 45 minute a transferred 4 times disconnected once. Then when I told them to keep their piece of junk, then they blew up my email with 20 password reminders with 2 minutes, just blew up my email after i told them off and disconnected. Apparently someone on there end threw a tantrum after I told them what they could do with their piece of junk. Whoever runs that company better get some eyes and ears in to CS. Is pretty scarey to know these idiots have my cc info, and all my personal info and are already using it to play games.
No

Been working for me for several years.

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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've used MJ for several years. With previous isp and phone it sometimes disconnected calls. With current isp and different phone the last 5 months, no problems at all. Perfectly fine voice quality and reliability. I consider it a 1 bargain and would hate to lose it.

Cheap, works fine. Convenient to use elsewhere.
Yes

MAJIC JACK - EXTREMELY POOR SERVICE

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1
Average: 1 (1 vote)
1
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1
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1
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1
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1
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Everything is state in the "Cons" section. People may think it's okay if they have a cell phone as a backup, because just maybe they can use MJ sometimes. It cannot be counted on in an emergency since it does not work consistantly. I have seen other VOIP with better reviews. This product should not even be on the market. For some reason, the BBB says they are okay, because I think MJ tells them they have customer service. The real key is, do they resolve problems, and they don't.
I can't call certain numbers. It leaves me stranded without a way to talk to my family back east. I have no cell phone back up. I rely on e-mail to contact people because MJ does not work. They've had me unplug it, give me links for upgrades, add on other MJ numbers and jump thru many hoops to change things on my computer to see if it will help and it never does. I have had this sevice for many years since I never really needed it due to having a cell phone. To count on it as a normal phone is impossible. As cheap as it is, if it doesn't work, it's not cheap at all. I'm so glad I didn't renew it for 5 years which was less than doing it year by year, because I plan to research another VOIP product and get MJ off of my computer. I don't even want to wait until the service is up, I can't. I can't talk to anyone. This product is a scam. It doesn't work. Anyone that says it does must be employees for the company.
I was told if I got a laptop, it would not work. Well, it's not working now and I have a desktop computer. I don't know what's up with the BBB. This product needs to be pulled from the market.

When your service doesn't work, there are no pros.
Drops calls, garbles your voice, it won't dial certain numbers, it will disconnect you randomly whether you're speaking to someone or in a holding pattern to speak to someone for service where you may be on hold a long time. You can only use chat to express complaints. They make a 0 attempt each time to resolve complaints that keep you in chat for hours at each session.
No

Magic Jack is impossible

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1
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5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
1
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1
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1
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1.8
Average: 1.8 (1 vote)

This is the biggest waste of time and money ever. You can't tell on your cell phone whether or not you are using your magic jack number or your cell number. My home phones don't ring most of the time now that I have magic jack. The voice mail is cumbersome. The customer service is chat only by people who don't have English as a first language, and are vague about where they are and what their native tongue is. They don't read what I write carefully, so I have to repeat the same question over and over. I have spent hours on this, and they do not process my request for a refund. I love the idea of magic jack, but without reliable help, it is impossible to use.

cheap, if it works
awful customer service, and my home phones don't wokr and the cell phone application is hard to use.
No

MagicJack a Technician's Dream

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5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
3
Average: 3 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
4.6
Average: 4.6 (1 vote)

EDUCATION: I didn't like the fact that a non-technical consumers (with little or no understanding of "Voice Operated Transmit" (VOX) and/or tight wad consumers (not willing to purchase decent internet service and/or a satellite phone system) are led to believe that this is a plug and play system.
Consumers NEED TO KNOW that they must have a reliable high speed internet service IF they are, also, using their ISP (Internet Service Provider) for online gaming, streaming movies, have more than one computer connected online, and/or use a cheap low speed router or modem. Why? Because IF you have to wait for downloads on your current or previous system, then even MagicJack will suffer.
MOREOVER, MagicJack needs a reliable power supply; especially IF they are hooking MJ to a hardwired whole house phone system. You cannot connect to your house phone wiring IF you have the old style ringer telephones (These old style ringers need about 70volts DC or more to ring), as it will destroy your power supply (especially MJ+). You can use an electronic telephone system with whole house wiring, but you MUST disconnect the AT&T or previous standard phone service providers telephone lines from your house before you can connect MJ to your house wiring.
Choppy Sound is caused by too much and/or too loud background noise, which can be caused by loud children, a loud party, loud TV, loud music, and/or loud radio; and can, also, be cause by turning up the microphone volume control, which causes "White Noise" to interfere with the transmit switching. You see IF consumers knew that MagicJack works more like VOX radio transmitter than a two way transmit and receive phone system like a General Telephone System. This means that IF your MagicJack senses NOISE then it will try to TRANSMIT that noise; thus causing the chatting parties to "Break Up" or have a choppy conversation. Only ONE should talk at a time for best service.
Consumer need to realize that a good quality 2amp USB power supply for MJ+, a high quality and reliable high speed internet service, and turing down or muting background noise will clear-up more than 90% of consumer problems.

Works as claimed by MagicJack. No negative issues for educated consumers. "MJ+" is especially functional. MagicJack provides all necessary details of the system requirements. Most international calls are of high quality too (except maybe third world countries due to low quality phone systems).
Customer service is not particularly helpful or insightful.
Yes

Magic Jack "OK" - Magic Jack Plus "NOT FOR ME"

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Average: 1 (1 vote)
5
Average: 5 (1 vote)
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2.4
Average: 2.4 (1 vote)

As I have Googled, I also feel as others that the volume on both models cannot be adjusted to make the incoming voice loud enough.

I've used MJ for some years with decent quality and reliability.
BUT, I have two MJ Plus' on different ISP's and different brand modem/routers', and I feel that neither is reliable.
No

Pages

magicJack

-
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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