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Review by fatmanskinny See Profile

  • Location: Wandering
  • Cost: $5 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 7 days
Way less expensive than Vonage Home, setup and registration was a breeze
None yet
It meets my needs
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

My Other Reviews

·AT&T FTTP
3/4/2021 UPDATE: It is so quiet around my home now. The multiple phone calls from telemarketers just stopped cold, dead in their tracks. I have call screening enabled on my MagicJack and it requires the caller to enter in a certain code before the call rings through to me. The silence is golden.

After being with Vonage for a few years and steadily watching their prices inch up from $12 to $22 a month, I started looking into alternatives. I hardly use my home phone line but have had this number so long, I want to allow people to still reach me and have it as a backup if I ever have cell phone issues.

I decided to look into MagicJack. They have a new device that does not need to plug into your PC like the original MagicJack. It is more Vonage like now where there is a device that can be powered on through an outlet and the device has an RJ-11 port and an Ethernet port. It took all of 5 minutes to register it and get it up and running. One thing I can say is MagicJack's billing system is on another level. As soon as you activate the device, you get the E911 bill for the year to pay. It was only $18. Also, you have to pay a $20 port fee to get your current number transferred over to MagicJack.

As soon as I paid for the number transport, outbound calls from my home phone started showing as coming from my old number. I think that is more of a Caller ID thing than the actual line port being that far in the process. MagicJack must do that in the interim until the full number port is complete as calls to my ported number still go to Vonage.

In any case, the voice quality sounds really good. I also have MagicJack feeding other RJ-11 connections in my house. NOTE: Do not connect your MagicJack device to the RJ-11 outlet in your home unless you know for a fact that your inside wiring is no longer connected to your telephone company's wiring. Per MagicJack, that can destroy your device. When I had Comcast VOIP years back, the tech disconnected the internal phone wiring from the telephone company's wiring so a loop would be created in my home and whatever device I plug into the RJ-11 would feed the phone line to other RJ-11 ports in my house.

I am glad I picked it up and now saving myself over $200 a year (maybe more when I renew with a longer plan). It serves its purpose. I have not had to call tech support and hopefully, will never need to call them.

member for 20.2 years, 2899 visits, last login: 4 days ago
updated 3 years ago

OKCAPLUMB
join:2014-07-29
Guthrie, OK
·AT&T U-Verse

1 recommendation

OKCAPLUMB

Member

Get the Most

I did the same thing. Ooma is another good service and all it costs are the taxes. I did both and loved both, but MagicJack won out. I did their five year plan. It's cheaper per month than the annual option and is a very good service that's performed extremely well for us.

Review by SlowFreddy See Profile

  • Location: Bennettsville, Marlboro, SC, USA
  • Cost: $2 per month
  • Install: about 5 days
Great Sound Quality..Easy Install..Save Big Bucks!
Only if your Electricty is cut Off
Talk All Day..NO PHONE BILLS..Buy From Many Outlets
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

May-04-2015:

Still using Magic Jack.. still happy. The five year deal has now gone up to 99 dollars, but still an excellent deal. Some people spend more than that a month. I carry the Magic Jack Go with me when I go on a trip. Just get a motel or the place you intend to visit, that has an internet connection, FREE calls. Don't waste your cell phone money. Happy vacation!

April 1, 2014

UPDATE:.. MagicJack is still working flawlessly..BOTH OF THEM! Bought a New 10 dollar phone for my MagicJack Plus, the old phone got wet, From Talking So Much on MagicJack.. MagicJack is one the the BEST deals of my life, no joke.. I have saved lots of money over these 5 years and not a Problem with my MagicJack. Sound Quality is the BEST. My cousin ask me if I'm gonna ask her , "How Does My MagicJack Sound today", every time I call her. Check out the MagicJack website, Amazon, WalMart or many other outlets that sell MagicJack. No, I don't get Paid to say good things about MagicJack, MagicJack has PAID me, in SAVINGS!. YES, the 'OLD", Phone company had to come an take their line of the house..(but I still have AT&T Uverse internet), and together, they make a Great combination. MagicJack a Deal of Lifetime. All those wet eyes in the Office, will dry-up with a New MagicJack Plus.. Thanks, have a MagicJack day!

Bought MagicJack about 4 years ago, got a deal on the 5 year plan @ 49,00 dollars. took about 5 days to get shipped in to my house (now you can buy at your Local electronice store). setup was a Breeze, about 10 minutes, just plug-in (smaller than a Pack of cigarettes) n go. they have 800 numbers, Vanity numbers and you can pick a number you like, (if available) for your local area code are and outside of your state code.MagicJack plugs into your USB port, (use the extension cord), if you plug direct with MagicJack sticking out, you can drop something on it and break the Plug off..use the extension and let it hang down insted.. you have to dial your (1)-area code, then the number you want to connect to. I like MagicJack and the Sound quality is really as good as regular Phone are better (only speaking from my experience). Made the phone company take all their wires off the house, (hehe). SO INEXPENSIVE!..you dont need a computer that stays on all night, just a connection with the new MagicJack. make sure your Old phone isnt Corroded where your line connects before install. use a Regular phone (I have a 10 dollar one) and it works Great. MagicJack is a Great Deal, GO check MagicJack out. Thanks..

Magicjack is still working strong. Got the new Magicjack Plus about a month ago and it works great and the old MagicJack is working as usual. The new MagicPlus is about 29 dollars a year. Still using the old 10 dollar cordless phone and works on both regular and Plus Magicjacks. I will be getting another phone for the New MagickJack Plus. I use two different phone numbers. These are two different devices so I advise to get the MagicJack Plus, it works in a computer or just plug into your wall socket, plug in your internet connection and phone. Really simple and so inexpensive. If your power goes down you want have a line of communication through MagicJack, so you may want to invest in a USB backup system, if you are concerned. My power has been down maybe three times since my first review and the longest was a little over an hour during a lightning storm. None of my equipment is used anyway, during a storm. You can buy MagicJack from many retailers, or order direct from MagicJack. Save lots of MONEY, go get a MAGICJACK PLUS, just my opinion. Thanks for looking and and have a great day!

UPDATE: 12/14/2016

MagicJack is still working great, no problems here. The five year plan is now 99 dollars, all the talk time you want. If you want to save lots of dollars, go to MagicJack.com and get some great deals today. i do not get paid for doing this, i just LOVE my MAGICJACK! PS. and my AT&T Uverse 24 MBs internet connection. thanks for reading.

member for 14.7 years, 153 visits, last login: 6.5 years ago
updated 7.2 years ago


WSL
@bhn.net

WSL

Anon

Doesn't work worth beans

This was one of my bigger mistakes. The quality is awful, constantly breaking up, cuts off in the middle of a conversation, tells me to dial the area code when I already did and I could go on. The customer service is a pain in the neck and then you don't know if the problem is solved until you use it again and for more than a quick chat since my problems would happen after being on the phone for a few minutes. Not worth the price.
mattmac
join:2011-03-27
West Palm Beach, FL

mattmac

Member

Re: Doesn't work worth beans

It's all about your Internet connection people! if your Internet connection sucks Magic Jack will suck also you will find if you don't run MagicJack is a service on your computer it's not going to work very well. Never had a problem with MagicJack and will never go back to phone company or other provider.

BadNarc
@centurytel.net

BadNarc

Anon

MJ Works Great

Just installed my new Magic Jack 2014 to replace my original Magic Jack. You have to realized that the MJ is only as good as your internet, if you have a good internet connection and speed (No COPPER WIRES and about 10 mbps) you will have the finest deal on the market. BEWARE of one thing, when MJ installs their software for the new MJ 2014, they load up on a bunch of junk (ASK toolbar, etc.) that will immediately infect your computer. DON'T LET THEM INSTALL IT!
SlowFreddy
join:2009-07-10
united state

SlowFreddy

Member

Re: MJ Works Great

Well... I do have Uverse Internet @18MB..using the Two wire copper, without any problems. Maybe there's something to your claim, but works great for me. Still have the OLD MagicJack and the New MagicJack 2014 . Both work great on my computer and the MagicJack 2014 works just as great in the 110V outlet. the 2014 MagicJack is good to take on the road or a trip, then you can use it in another area, when away from home. Haven't seen any New advertisements on the Interface, just the MagicJack ads and no spam. Never been INFECTED by MagicJack, or it's software. That's strange. LOVE MY MAGICJACK..save a BUNDLE of dollars.
Expand your moderator at work
totalradio
join:2007-09-15
El Dorado, AR

1 recommendation

totalradio

Member

Works for me also !

Been using it since 2009, and about to renew for 5 years. Absolutely it depends on your internet connection AND the overall health of your computer. If both suck, MJ will suck too. Fortunately, both of mine are pretty damn good, and with the occasional glitch, which is rare, has worked flawless since my purchase. Still using the original one that I bought in 2009.

Just wished it would work with a fax machine, but for the price, what do you expect ?

A good buy for me !

cb14
join:2013-02-04
Miami Beach, FL

cb14

Member

Advertisement

This looks , walks and quacks like spam.
SlowFreddy
join:2009-07-10
united state

SlowFreddy

Member

Re: Advertisement

Why not report it.

Review by Frodo See Profile

  • Location: Lees Summit, Jackson, MO, USA
  • Cost: $3 per month (12 month contract)
Most affordable voip - reaches all Frontier, Verizon and AT&T numbers I need.
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

Most affordable voip - reaches all Frontier, Verizon and AT&T numbers I need.
With the MagicApp, now get my home phone on the cell phone also. 100% satisfied.
Good is not a good enough rating. I rate Magicjack as excellent.

member for 17.8 years, 7914 visits, last login: 1 day ago
updated 7.6 years ago

rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO

rradina

Member

What Numbers Are Excluded?

Your comment implies it reaches all numbers that you need. Does that imply there are numbers it won't reach?
Frodo
join:2006-05-05

Frodo

Member

Re: What Numbers Are Excluded?

I hear it doesn't reach a handful of exchanges with odd-ball carriers that have manipulated termination rates to charge the calling party more than the call is worth. I look at it as a good thing, since this would jack up the prices for all customers.
»www.techdirt.com/article ··· 22.shtml
rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO

rradina

Member

Re: What Numbers Are Excluded?

Oh, OK. I read about that scam years ago. Apparently it's still occurring, at least in some capacity. My office's phone system blocks some/all of these numbers too.

Good info to know and thanks for sharing.

I had Vonage for a half-dozen or so years. Around 2008 I was considering MagicJack to save money. At that time it wasn't quite suitable. IIRC, it was a USB-based stick for desktops/laptops. I finally left Vonage and succumbed to the cable company's video/data/phone bundle.

I haven't had a POTS line in at least 10 years. I know detractors have made a lot of hay with the 911 issue but it's never been a concern. In the past 10+ years of VOIP service, I called 911 once and it worked just fine.
Frodo
join:2006-05-05

Frodo

Member

Re: What Numbers Are Excluded?

If you get 911, MJ may try to pass the charge to you. I don't have it, but I have a cell phone so I can use 911 on it, if needed.
»magicjack.custhelp.com/a ··· cjack%3F






Review by tincup418 See Profile

  • Location: San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
  • Cost: $2 per month (60 month contract)
cheap
customer service, quality of sound, cheap device
horrible company. Went with them because I don't use a land line often.

I want to start by saying that I have used MagicJack for years. I have defended them against many who have dogged them. I bought one of the original MagicJack device that can only plug into your computer. That device flat out died. So a few years ago, I bought the MagicJack Plus. Used it and had a few problems with it from sound quality to needing to reset the device. I have renewed my subscription to a 5 year deal. Two years into it, my phone subscription said it had expired. So the device is working, but it was not communicating with their server. After hours of troubleshooting we finally found out what was the problem. Techs tried to reset my account saying it should be resolved, but that did not resolve the issue. I had to plug the device directly into my computer. It came back with invalid serial number. At first the tech told me it's not corrupt or else it would give a different error. After continuing to troubleshoot, tech found that the serial number was indeed invalid. Now the tech changed his/her tone saying my device has gone bad.

Technician's words, "Windows Update, router firmware or software updates, electrical power outage, internet connection outage or thunder-storm may have affect the magicJack's core information."

Even though I did not do any router update and my magicjack device was not plugged into my computer, I told the tech that a router update can not affect the firmware of another device. Tech continued to argue the point. My point is that obviously MagicJack made some updates on their servers are no longer recognizing old devices, but they did not warn me about it nor replace my device. They are sticking to the fact that my device is broken even though signs show nothing wrong with it.

Stay away from this company. They do not care about their customers. I have been with them for over 7 years and they will not work with me. It's too bad. I stayed with them because I rarely need a house phone. They were a cheap alternative for when I do need a land line.

member for 7.8 years, 1 visits, last login: 7.8 years ago
lodged 7.8 years ago


cb14
join:2013-02-04
Miami Beach, FL

5 recommendations

cb14

Member

wow.

Seven years with Magic Jack?? You deserve a medal.

Review by JerryTimes See Profile

  • Location: Clinton Township, Macomb, MI, USA
  • Cost: $3 per month
  • Install: about 7 days
Does exactly what I need and is very cheap. Was able to keep my number when I moved out of the area.
Sound isn't as loud as other voip services but it's loud enough
For what you pay, it's worth it for a basic phone line.
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

I purchased a magicJack Go device last September because we moved and I wanted to keep my landline number that I'd had for 11 years. Ported the number over with ease, and my services were working fine. Had some distortion that was being caused by my router, not sure if it was interfering with the magicJack device or my cordless phone, either way after messing with the wifi settings the interference was gone. Call quality is great although the volume isn't as loud as my XfinityVoice line, but it's good enough. I've yet to drop a call. Caller id isn't as detailed and there really aren't any features with the service, but for what you pay you can't ask for any more. It's a great, inexpensive service that you can travel with.

member for 22.2 years, 242 visits, last login: 4.9 years ago
lodged 7.9 years ago


Review by dd31879 See Profile

  • Location: Boyce, Rapides, LA, USA
  • Cost: $3 per month (12 month contract)
call using the internet line (voip)
requires pc regardless of what they advertise
product and its additional features are not as good as expected
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

A few years ago I had bought the very first magicjack that required a PC. No big deal that was how it was advertised and it worked fine for me at the time.

Later on I saw advertisments for the new MagicJackGo. Advertisments for it saying "No PC Required" being its main selling point. Just plug it in and it works. Unfortunately I still had almost a year left on my phone subscription and so I decidided to wait for it to get closer to running out before getting a new MagicJack. At the time I had something like a 5 year plan!

Anyway, bought the new MagicJack and put it on my account and kept my number obviously. However, I ran into unusual problems...

First off I tried the MagicJack just plugging it in as this is the entire reason I bought it. No PC Required. It would not work. I was confused to say the least.

So I plugged it in to my linux machine (I have no windows machines just as a matter of info) and tried to run the MagicJack through WINE. I finally got it to pull up but it wouldnt connect or do anything. Which was very frustrating.

Then I called support, because this thing is suppose to work without even having to plug it into a PC. Support explained you NEED to plug it into a computer first time so that it can update its settings. I explained my problem to them how I could not do this. The asked "well, do you have a friend you can go put it in their computer?". Which I said no I don't and asked them again why they say no PC required if it isn't true. Which they would never answer me directly.

Fortunately I am technically inclined. I installed a virtual machine on my computer. Then installed an old copy of WIN7 on it. Then did all those updates through the first service pack and so on. ALL that just to plug in the MagicJack and update it. That is the worst service ever. The device needs to be able to link itself to my MagicJack account on their site without a machine present.

Then there is their HORRIBLE smartphone app. I try to use it for things that require you to hit the keypad so the auto systems know what number you hit but the auto systems cant understand it. Like just today I tried to type in some old gift cards to see if they had anything on them before I shredded them. MagicJack app the system kept saying invalid card number. Regular phone dialing it went through first time with no trouble at all.

Also, I get constant complaints about echoing when using MagicJack. However, I don't recall that it has ever totally cut out or disconnected.

Whenever, I log into their website I don't go straight to my profile. This is always bothered me too! The first thing it shows you is the "Shop" tab. They are trying to sell you stuff immediately after you login. The tabs are ordered strangely too. I would think the "account" tab would be first AND be the first to come up when you log in. The reason being is when you log in you want to see that information. Your phone number is listed there and your devices. I really hate the website they have.

member for 11 years, 136 visits, last login: 4.3 years ago
lodged 7.9 years ago

wahoospa
join:2006-03-23
Charleston, SC

wahoospa

Member

magicjack Plus

Maybe the magicJack has to be programmed before you use it. Setting it up before first use should be no problem since that should be the only time you need to do that. I would not expect to buy an item and think it would work just by connecting a few wires like a stereo. I have had magicjack for a long time. First I did have the original that connected only thru the computer. And when the magicjack plus came out I got it. I have been very pleased with it. The magicjack needs to be disconnected from the ac and reconnected back at least once a month to prevent problems, like doing a reset, or rebooting a computer after it freezes. I haven't had to call them is several years. Also to go to magicjack on the web I have them bookmarked on the page where you enter your username and password. I have my user name and password to autofill so I just hit enter and I can choose my account setting or anything else.
tehkwhiz
join:2012-02-28
Columbus, OH
Humax BGW320-500
Ubiquiti Unifi Security Gateway
Ubiquiti U6-Lite

tehkwhiz

Member

Works ok for me - maybe there is something wrong?

I purchased a MagicJack Express (the white one) off of Groupon for like $18 w/ 3 months included. You do need to plug it into a computer so you can update the firmware, and program your phone number (be it a new one or you follow the port-in process) into it.

After that, you can use the USB power adapter to plug it into the wall and into your phone jack -- no PC. It's been working great for me for the past two months, I haven't had a single issue. Touch-tone systems also work great for me.

I'd be inclined to say you should try to get access to a physical Windows machine, reset your MagicJack, and reconfigure it from scratch. It sounds to me like something is a little wonky on your end.

cb14
join:2013-02-04
Miami Beach, FL

2 recommendations

cb14

Member

Garbage remains garbage.

There are so many excellent VoIP providers around providing reliable service at minimal cost that there is absolutely no reason to put up with something like magic Jack.
totalradio
join:2007-09-15
El Dorado, AR

1 recommendation

totalradio

Member

As one person said "you get what you pay for".

Case in point, I bought a MagicJack back in 2008 and worked pretty well for 5 years. As I moved from one city to another, I decided to renew it for another year (April 2016), since it WAS serving well. Lets list a FEW of the problems...

When you set call-forwarding, it doesn't stay "engaged". It "magically" turns itself off for whatever reason(s). You have to check on it nearly every day, just to see if its turned on. Of course, tech support (if you can call them that), was worthless.

After the move, I decided to plug the MagicJack into the same computer that its been on since 2008 (yep, Win XP). Worked good for 3 days, and all of a sudden, it updated its "software", and now is unusable. Dear God, here we go again with tech support (nope, still can't call them one), and they tell me they don't support XP anymore. Of course, they don't tell you this, and once again, tech support is useless.

In the meantime, I'll keep checking the MJ web site, so I can check my call forwarding, to see if its on, which I have to turn on for part of the day, during the week. As soon as THIS one expires, it will meet the sledgehammer in my tool shed. The result of the MJ won't be pretty. And no, I WON'T buy another one

Stay away from MagicJack.

Laugh that one off MagicJack. Your creator died sometime back. I will wish for the same fate for the company.

Review by ridiculous See Profile

  • Location: Springfield, Clark, OH, USA
  • Cost: $40 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 3 days
Nice and affordable when there isn't any problems
PROVEABLY HACKED
Well we can state from experience, if you are a business or have a server DO NOT USE THIS! YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

After weeks of mysterious happenings, such as 3 Consecutive suspensions from google business (spam, quality issues), several agencies we deal with were telling us that there were sundry problems (everything from problems with our dns to running a mail server/pbl), and more!!!!

Here's the real deal: This magicjack has cost us way too much loss. It took weeks to figure out it was magicjack that was our weakest link (hell, we were about to cancel our ip provider, became hateful of google when we thought they were suspending us for no reason, became hateful toward yandex when their adwords turned us down for mysterious reasons, and much more!

Firstly, our main business is : COMPUTER REPAIR IN SPRINGFIELD OHIO

Consider the aforementioned when considering the authenticity of our claim.

Here's what you need to do:

When your internet is suddenly slow, or when you witness weird happenings during a call (such as sudden disconnects at critical moments during a conversation), or if your line is nice and clear all the way through the conversation but suddenly there is clicking only when critical conversation matter is occurring (such as when a number or information is being related during the call but then becomes garbled at only those particular moments), there's more but I have to get back to work so let's move on....

Here's what you can do to verify that it is your magicjack that is hacked. Go into your router, inspect what devices are attached to the router (if you are a business STEER CLEAR OF MAGIC JACK!!!). If you're magicjack suddenly goes from anonymous to a cut-down version of one of the computer names....panic LOL.

Magicjack, like everything else in life, is not forever and served it's purpose .... now it's time for this company to move on to the semi-secure good old days (landline).

Explanation of the attached screen shot:

The top connection within our router is this computer I'm using to make this review, the bottom connection is supposed to be our server, the middle connection is magicjack but we never would bother to name that and it would surely not be named that particular name (this is a FRESH INSTALLED COMPUTER here so that name we put for this particular computer and the op sys on this computer is less than 13 hours old).

Amen.

p.s. Anybody want a magicjack plus can contact us, we'll sell ours for $5.00 (937) 718-3586 We're through with this.

Attachments:



member for 8.4 years, 1 visits, last login: 8.3 years ago
updated 8.4 years ago


suppafly
Premium Member
join:2009-11-27
97000

1 recommendation

suppafly

Premium Member

Please take your medication

...then return and clarify all your review!
PX Eliezer1
Premium Member
join:2013-03-10
Zubrowka USA

PX Eliezer1

Premium Member

Re: Please take your medication

said by suppafly:

...then return and clarify all your review!

Strongly agree.

Review by MJ_Stinks See Profile

  • Location: undisclosed location
  • Cost Contract price not specified.
When it works, it's okay
Had to replace two power adapters and the entire device as well
If you want lousy customer service, MagicJack is the place to be
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

Very disappointing, unreliable service. Two power adapters had to be replaced. Now I have to replace the whole device. Cannot talk to a human being, just chatting.

Pre-canned responses when you complain. I guess when you've heard so many complaints before, you can just copy and paste responses in your chat session.

The "magic" part about Magic Jack is that you get what you pay for.

Buyer beware.

member for 8.9 years, driveby review (so far)
lodged 8.9 years ago


Review by vintagewino See Profile

  • Location: Grimsby, ON, Canada
  • Cost: $2 per month
  • Install: about 1 days
Very economical.
No uninstall procedure Shards of info hidden on your system.
May not be the right item for everyone, but it's worth a try.
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Value for money:

Update March 11, 2015:

Well, I decided to let MJ lapse. Unlike many others, I have had no issues with MJ. What I DID have an issue with was the steep rise in price over 5 years.

May see if I can re-use the dongle on another voip system

Update Jan 31, 2015:

Can honestly say I have had no bad issues. Still have my original dongle from 2008. They have made some changes to the software, and can't say I like the new look. The account comes due for renewal in a few weeks, and I really haven't made up my mind what I'll do. $35USD +30% exchange = $45 for 1 year, or 120USD + 30% exchange = $156 for 5 years, is a healthy increase from when I got the unit. Got some serious thinking to do ...

Update Feb 7, 2012:

Have had no problem with the MJ unit. Sad to see such such a high jump in rates last month. Certainly far above any rate of inflation that's been posted in North America over the 3 year period. Early 2010, signed up for the 5 year plan, so have that going for a while, yet. What happens in 2015 when those 5 years are up? Who knows???

Voice quality is very good. No complaints. Noticed calls get cut off at 90 minutes duration. Could not redial to finish the call. Tried next day, no problem with same #.

Unit still used for outgoing calls only. Very inexpensive LD.

For me, still a keeper.

Opinion, therefore review, not changed. Haven't used the tech support, so I cannot honestly comment on it.

*********************************

Original review ~ July, 2009:

I had seen the ads, thought what the heck?

Picked it up in February, running it on XP Pro on a Pentium M laptop. Chose a Milwaukee phone #. Couple of small tweaks, and it was functional. The unit is used for outgoing LD calls only, and is removed from the machine when not in use.

The bad:
There is no uninstall program, so you have a hunt to find the entries hidden in your registry and system.
The Canadian & US websites could best be describes as "visually noisy".
The unit may have a lifespan if left on continually due to constant writing to it. Some have said about a year.

The good:
Quality with everyone we have tried is excellent across Ontario and through the US.
Oddly enough, the poorest quality occurs when calling a Milwaukee #. We have yet to figure out if it is MJ or the person we're calling.
Economical - Omitting the hardware cost ($20US), at less than @$2 US /month - you'll likely spend more on coffee in a week.

Other:
Canadian #'s have just come in. For the charge for a Canadian # ($5/month), I'll stick with the US#, thank you.
A stable high speed internet line is strongly recommended.

Have had no calls to their tech support, so that really can't be commented on.

member for 20.6 years, 4956 visits, last login: a few hours ago
updated 9 years ago


Fred Hogan
@qwest.net

Fred Hogan

Anon

Be careful after the sale

After you purchase magic jack be verify careful when it come to after service or renewing. After you pay for 2 or more years you might get one year of service and a smile. The smile is when they tell you your service has expired and they want more money.

Be careful what you wish for
vintagewino
join:2003-07-22
Grimsby, ON

vintagewino

Member

Re: Be careful after the sale

I renewed for 5 years once it was coming close to the end of the year. Expires in 2015. Will I renew? Certainly not for 5 years! Who knows how long the adapter dongle will last! Figure after 6 years total (asssuming it lasts that long), might be worthwhile just to get a new device. Heck, you change cell phones in 3 years ...

Review by Fabius See Profile

  • Location: La Porte, La Porte, IN, USA
  • Cost: $3 per month (12 month contract)
  • Install: about 1 days
Price. Usualy works well.
More susceptible to poor transmission quiality due to network congestion
Price can't be beat. Transmission quality occasionly lags.
Web-site:
Ease of Installation:
Call Quality:
Reliability:
Tech Support:
Value for money:

Bought two Magic Jack units several years ago. They have been inactive a few years. Recently reactivated them. Reactivation was fast and easy. Both units work well though occasionally the transmission quality suffers from network congestion. Tech support is an issue. Support is provided by on-line chat from the Philippines. My perception is that the call center reps are not overly knowledge about the Magic Jack order system. If the info they have doesn't answer the customer's question they are lost. They did make an honest effort to help. The Magic Jack app for my iPhone work well.

member for 9.1 years, 2 visits, last login: 9.1 years ago
updated 9.1 years ago


cb14
join:2013-02-04
Miami Beach, FL

1 edit

cb14

Member

off course you can beat the price.

Google Voice is FREE .And while I do not recommend it either for reasons chewed over multiple times, it's far superior to MJ ( almost anything is).
Fabius
join:2015-02-04
La Porte, IN

Fabius

Member

Re: of course you can beat the price.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.
sparky007
join:2011-08-25
Phoenix, AZ

sparky007

Member

Re: of course you can beat the price.

I got Basic Talk. It's a generic Vonage.. It uses Vonage's servers to communicate..

10 bucks a month.. Not much I can say but... It works.....

»www.basictalk.com/