VOIP Comparison: Vonage vs. Packet8
Why
consider switching to VOIP? Because it will absolutely, positively,
definitely save you money on your next phone bill! Below you will find
a comparison of the two of the best VOIP services in the industry --
whichever you choose, the cost will be lower than Ma Bell’s – it’s just
a matter of how much.
At the time that this article was first written, the two big players in
the Internet Phone (VOIP) game were Vonage and Sunrocket.
Unfortunately, as of July, Sunrocket officially closed its doors. It's
sad to see a great company go. Packet8, another major player, was more
than accomodating to all ex-Sunrocket subscribers, offering them a free
month of service. Because of Packet8's superb customer satisfaction
rating, they are the new company in our head-to-head comparison of VOIP
servies.
| Service Provider | VONAGE | PACKET8 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Promotion | FREE MONTH FREE ROUTER |
FREE Month FREE Activation FREE Phone System |
| Pros | -Superb call quality and reliability -Unlimited plans include calls to European countries |
-Best overall value among quality VOIP services -Video calling option -Flat rate international plans |
| Cons | -More expensive -1 year contract required |
-"Free" Phone System offer is after rebate |
| Payment Plans | -Unlimited: $24.99
-500 minutes: $14.99 |
Unlimited minutes: $19.95 |
| Setup Fees | Activation: $29.99 Shipping: $9.95 |
Activation: FREE! |
| Cancellation Fees | $39.99 after 30 days | $59.00 after 30 days |
| Guarantee | 30 day money back guarantee if you have not exceeded 250 minutes | 30 day money back guarantee |
| Countries Included | USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Italy, France, Spain, UK, Ireland | USA, Canada; also have international plan to 40 countries |
| Fax Line | $9.99/month $9.99 activation Included in business plans |
$9.99/month $29.99 activation fee Included in business plans |
| Business Plans | Unlimited: $49.99 1500 minutes: $39.99 |
Business: $19.95 - $49.95 |
| Best Buys Choice | Vonage is not the cheapest VoIP service, but research shows that it is the best. If you make frequent calls to Western Europe, Vonage is your best buy. |
If you're looking for the best overall value and make few international calls, Packet8 is your Best Buy. |
| Sign Up | Get your 30-day Risk Free Trial for Vonage now! | Try out Packet8 Risk-Free for 30 days! |
Vonage Vs. Packet8: Cost
Sunrocket
was brilliant in its marketing in that it has carved out a niche in the
marketplace as being “the economical VoIP,” and although Packet8
doesn't emphasize this aspect like SunRocket did, they do fit the
model. Their base service at $19.95 a month is lower than Vonage at
$25.99 and offers very similar services. There are other VOIP services
that are cheaper than Packet8, but their packages are very stripped
down-- once you start adding on services and calling overseas, you may
not be saving that much after all.
Vonage Vs. Packet8: Features
A lot of the marketing hype talks up the fact that Vonage offers a lot more features. Features such as caller ID with name, Repeat Dialing, International Call Block, Add-a-line and free 411 information are not included in Packet8's basic packages. You can get many of these services, but once you start adding them to your plate and making international calls, the price is not so competitive with Vonage.
Vonage Vs. Packet8: International Calling
The most notable difference you’ll likely notice when you compare VoIP companies is the difference in international calling costs. A lot of web buzz and articles that compare VoIP companies talk about how you can’t call Eastern Europe with Packet8 – but Packet8 does offer this now. However, it’s at a steeper rate than Vonage. For $49.99 you get unlimited minutes to the USA, Canada, plus a very long list of countries (or cities) in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Packet8 has very
competitive rates for some countries, but it's tough to compete with
Vonage’s cost to call some countries (like the UK) at $0.00 per
minute. Many international calls are free with Vonage.
If you call a particular country more than another, this will probably seal the deal in terms of the winner. Check out the calling rates from both Vonage and Packet8 to determine your own best buys. No matter what service best suits you, they both have one thing in common: saving you hundreds of dollars off your current phone bill.
Broadband phone service is the future of telecommunications, and switching to VoIP will definitely save you a lot of money so get your free 30 day trial with Vonage or Packet8 now!