The VoIP Players
Who's who in Internet calling?Michael Desmond
Prices for Internet calling vary, but virtually every provider offers an unlimited domestic dialing plan that serves as a nice point of comparison. Last May, PC World performed hands-on reviews of various VoIP services. Here's a look at some of the best-known services.
AT&T CallVantage $29.99 per month Plan: Unlimited A safe VoIP choice, AT&T gave Internet phone services instant credibility when it jumped onto the scene. Prices are a bit high, but users rave about the quality of service. AT&T no longer markets traditional consumer phone services, so its commitment to VoIP seems real.
Broadvoice $19.95 per month Plan: Unlimited World Plan Just another VoIP pure play? Sure, but Broadvoice has been at it for a while, and the company offers one of the best international dialing plans around.
Broadvox Direct $19.95 per month Plan: Residential Unlimited This provider is operated by an IP network services company, giving it a bit more heft than other bargain-minded services competing at the $20-per-month level.
Lingo $19.95 per month Plan: Unlimited Plan Newcomer Lingo has made a splash with its innovative services. The price is right, too.
Net2Phone VoiceLine $29.99 per month Plan: U.S./Canada Unlimited The PC-based voice over IP pioneer finally joins the consumer fray. Competitive pricing, an established track record, and an intriguing WiFi VoIP phone option make Net2Phone worth considering.
Packet 8 $19.95 per month Plan: Freedom Unlimited Packet 8 is one of the pioneers in consumer Internet phone services. Despite solid underlying technology, the company hasn't marketed itself as aggressively as fellow front-runner Vonage. Parent company 8x8 has been in digital video conferencing and communications for years.
Verizon VoiceWing $34.95 per month Plan: VoiceWing With the highest pricing of any major VoIP player and a me-too set of features, VoiceWing looks most attractive for conservative adopters and Verizon DSL subscribers.
Voiceglo $29.99 per month Plan: Home This unlimited VoIP-only company offers superior per-minute rates on international dialing.
VoicePulse $34.99 per month Plan: America Unlimited At $34.99, the service is pricier than most, but a $24.99-per-month, one-year promotion brings the price in line with most others.
Vonage Digital Voice $24.95 per month Plan: Unlimited This is the company that pushed VoIP over the top. Vonage offers a compelling blend of low cost, reasonable features, and excellent nationwide coverage. This fast-growing service has suffered glitches in the past, which should give risk-adverse adopters cause to think.