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Best Residential VoIP Providers Of 2024: Find the Best VoIP Home Phone Services

Richard Sutherland Author image
Image - Best Residential VoIP Services of {year}

VoIP phone systems aren’t only for businesses—they’re also useful for residential customers. A residential VoIP system replaces your old phone line, letting you cut the cord and make calls for a fraction of the cost.

Residential VoIP systems also come stacked with dozens of features like voicemail-to-text and virtual fax, and with today’s top residential VoIP providers you don’t have to sacrifice top-quality sound and service. In fact, you won’t even know the call you’ve received is from a VoIP line.

That seems like a win-win situation, but how do you decide which is the best VoIP for home to go with? Let’s take a look.

Breaking Down Our Top 10 Choices: Which Is Best For Your Needs?

  • Grasshopper - Best for ease of use
  • CloudPhone - Best for unlimited calling
  • Phone Power - Best for affordable rates
  • Phone.com - Best for useful features
  • Verizon - Best for clear call quality
  • 8x8 - Business requiring a unified VoIP cloud solution
  • RingCentral MVP - Best for mobile use
  • aircall - Best for browser calling
  • GoTo Connect - Best for easy setup
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Top 10 Best VoIP Home Service Providers

  • 1
    Grasshopper

    Grasshopper

    • No. of usersUnlimited
    • PricingFrom $14/user/month
    • Best forTeams that share phone numbers among multiple users and extensions

    Grasshopper - Best for limitless number extensions

    Grasshopper is a VoIP phone system offering voice calling and SMS. The phone system itself, accessible through a mobile and desktop app, is straightforward to use.

    This service's plans support unlimited calling in the US and Canada, and each includes a preset phone number limit you can split among as many agents as needed. Grasshopper's unique payment structure works well for companies that want to share a handful of phone numbers among many extensions. However, all of their available DID numbers have US area codes.

    In the Grasshopper app, agents can make calls and send SMSes anywhere in the world. They can also access their voicemail with transcription and screen, transfer or forward calls. Each agent has the option to set up a personal greeting that can be configured with Grasshopper's phone number extensions to create an auto attendant routing system. These plans support between three and an unlimited number of extensions.

    With this service, you can send texts globally and configure your phone system to dispatch auto-responses to first-time callers, callers that get a busy signal, and more.

    Why we picked Grasshopper: Grasshopper is best suited to those who don't need multiple channels, collaboration, routing, or queueing. Its pricing plans also work well for companies whose agents need to share phone numbers.

    Our experience: We found Grasshopper's app user-friendly and appreciated the texting functionalities. While the IVR was a little confusing to set up, the responsive and knowledgeable customer support team helped us get it done in under 30 minutes.

    Pros
    • Voicemail to email
    • Shared phone numbers
    • Auto attendant routing systems
    Cons
    • Lacks video and chat features
    • No international phone numbers
  • 2
    CloudPhone

    CloudPhone

    • No. of usersUnlimited
    • Pricing$24.99-$34.99
    • Best forSmall businesses of up to 10 people

    CloudPhone is known to be a great business VoIP solution for smaller businesses. Everything from its pricing structure to its features tells us that it is working hard for the little guys in the industry. And it shows. With a CloudPhone unified communications solution, even the smallest businesses can put up a big front, winning the respect and the clients they deserve.

    Some of the great features you can get with a CloudPhone account are toll-free numbers, automatic call distribution, and call recording. Businesses will appreciate the Find Me Follow Me feature, which basically has a call ring to each of the designated phone lines one after another until the caller finds you. So, it’ll ring at your office desk first, then your home phone, then your cell until you finally pick up. It’s a very convenient feature that ensures you won’t miss an important business call because you stepped out for a few minutes or had to leave the country for some reason.

    Pros
    • Unlimited minutes and SMS
    • Integrates with existing devices
    • Lifetime 50% off Small Business plan
    Cons
    • No video conferencing
    • International calling isn’t unlimited
  • 3
    Phone Power

    Phone Power

    PhonePower is one of a handful of VoIP providers that actually specialize in residential VoIP rather than business VoIP. Although PhonePower has many plans, it’s best for calling within the US (including Puerto Rico) and Canada. That’s because it has possibly the cheapest prices in residential VoIP, providing you’re calling solely on local numbers. PhonePower also enables calls abroad, although there are cheaper options such as Vonage if you’re planning on making more than an hour’s worth of calls internationally each month.

    Each PhonePower calling plan includes the following features:

    • 30-day money-back guarantee
    • Keep your current phone number
    • Mobile phone app for taking your home number with you wherever you go
    • Send faxes
    • Free activation and setup
    • Free cloned second line
  • 4
    Phone.com

    Phone.com

  • 5
    Verizon

    Verizon

    • No. of users1+
    • PricingFrom $35 per month
    • Best forBusinesses that need VoIP and internet service

    This VoIP from the powerhouse wireless provider Verizon comes with some expected benefits courtesy of the company’s infrastructure, including excellent connection via Verizon’s fiber optic internet.

    Verizon offers different pricing structures depending on business size and needs. However, all of the VoIP plans include essential services that can help medium-sized businesses and larger. One of the main differences in plans is the amount of lines the business will need. The cheapest plan accommodates 5 lines, and you can upgrade from there.

    Verizon offers around 45 VoIP features that cover most if not all of essential needs. This includes a virtual receptionist that deftly handles call routing, providing a professional veneer to small and medium-sized businesses and helping them stay organized and aligned within departments.

    Pros
    • Free line for 2 years when bundled with Fios
    • Excellent mobile apps
    • Supports voicemail transcription
    Cons
    • Cannot use your own phone hardware
    • No 3rd-party app integrations
  • 6
    8x8

    8x8

    • No. of usersUnlimited
    • PricingFrom $19.95 per user per month
    • Best forReliable, comprehensive business VoIP solution

    8x8 is a publicly-traded company providing VoIP products and services to more than two million business users worldwide. The 8x8 Work app integrates all communication channels into one app that works on desktop and mobile devices. The app lets you jump from chat to call or a video meeting with a single click, and share your work in one-on-one, public, or private chatrooms. 

    8x8 offers a choice of three flexible VoIP plans, in addition to scaled-up plans with Call Center capabilities. Options range from a basic plan for small businesses containing unlimited calling within the U.S. and Canada to a premium plan with unlimited calling to 47 countries and advanced features like call monitoring, call quality reporting, and supervisor analytics.

    Pros
    • Choice of three plans
    • Single app for voice, video, chat, and sharing
    • Very reliable – 99.999% global uptime
    Cons
    • Poor customer service reputation
    • Admin console is difficult to use and not very intuitive
  • 7
    RingCentral MVP

    RingCentral MVP

    • No. of usersUnlimited
    • PricingFrom $19.99/month per user
    • Best forInternal team collaboration and task management

    RingCentral MVP - Best VoIP provider overall

    RingCentral MVP is a teamwork-oriented UCaaS (Unified Communication as a Service) platform. It has built-in collaboration tools like VoIP calling, SMS messaging, team chat, and video conferencing. 

    The platform lets you invite users by email and build a custom phone system with voicemail transcription, call recording, and adaptive Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menus for self-service routing. You can also create dozens of team-chat channels where members can message each other, send images, share files, and assign tasks with due dates. 

    HD-video meetings host up to 200 participants and are supported by AI-based tools. These include auto-generated insights, background noise reduction, live transcription, and collaborative drawing whiteboards.

    According to Emma Grotluschen, Senior Manager of Customer Service at Swanson, RingCentral Contact Center enables their entire team "to improve [their] customer service operation." She adds, "The reporting capabilities help us continually monitor and improve our performance, and [with] the automatic call recording, our supervisors tripled the calls they can review."

    Why we chose RingCentral MVP: RingCentral MVP offers VoIP plans with a collaborative, well-rounded UCaaS platform suitable for large and small businesses. All plans also enable unlimited calling in the US and Canada.

    Our experience: We liked how we were able to get set up in minutes. RingCentral's app was also easy to use and let our team members instantly interact through various mediums. 

    Pros
    • Collaborative video features
    • File management capabilities
    • International VoIP numbers
    Cons
    • Essentials plan has a 20-user maximum
    • No unlimited international calling options
  • 8
    aircall

    aircall

    • No. of usersUnlimited
    • Pricing$30-$50 per month
    • Best forSmall businesses

    Aircall is one of the more accessible VoIPs out there. It boasts a stacked roster of features that are approachable and more than capable of handling the needs of small to medium sized businesses.

    Users will find many of their critical needs met with this cloud-based VoIP. Features such as toll-free and international numbers, call routing, and extensions more than carry the weight of a business’ needs. Smart directories, such as the system’s IVR (interactive voice response), can be helpful for streamlining calls and making sure customers reach their intended departments.

    Aircall also offers some quality collaboration features. Warm transfers, for instance, allow teammates to converse while transfering live calls, while call commenting and assignment proves a helpful tool for delegating calls and keeping the team aligned.

    Pros
    • Smart directories for more fluid communication
    • Claims local and international numbers
    • Helpful collaboration features
    Cons
    • Limited customization options
    • No video conferencing
  • 9
    GoTo Connect

    GoTo Connect

    • No. of usersUnlimited
    • PricingFrom $27/month/user
    • Best forCall center monitoring

    GoTo Connect - Best for all-in-one solution

    GoTo Connect is a unified communications platform and business phone system with VoIP calling, SMS, internal team chat, and collaborative video. It offers virtual phone numbers around the world, and all plans support unlimited calling in over 50 countries. 

    With this service, you can answer and make calls via softphone from the GoTo Connect app on any device. You can also flip calls live and customize call routing with a drag-and-drop dial plan editor to link users, voicemails, and announcements.

    Additionally, you'll be able to create ring groups with a custom routing sequence, which can be organized into unlimited call queues. The highest-tiered Premium plan includes live queue analytics, a supervisor dashboard with monitoring tools, and agent effectiveness reporting.

    GoTo Connect HD video meetings support up to 250 participants, with screen sharing and chat. It allows for the creation and scheduling of video meetings within the system and links them with calendar apps. Want to start an unlimited one-on-one or team chat? You can do that too, along with file sharing, one-click buttons to join a call or video meeting, and emojis.

    Why we picked GoTo Connect: GoTo Connect has one of the largest unlimited VoIP calling areas on the market—a remarkable 50 countries.

    Our experience: We appreciate that GoTo Connect includes unlimited queues and supervisor monitoring tools for visibility. We also like that the system can link scheduled meetings with many popular calendar apps, including Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and Apple iCloud Calendar.

    Pros
    • Unlimited calling area
    • Custom ring orders
    • Unrestricted call queues
    Cons
    • Basic plan limits video meetings to four participants
    • Plans are pricier than some competitors

How To Choose the Best Residential VoIP

What Is Residential VoIP? 

With Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), voice data between callers is converted to digital data and transmitted over the internet via a VoIP service provider. If either end of the call is using a traditional landline telephone instead of VoIP, the service provider acts as a seamless exchange between these two systems.

Residential VoIP vs. Landline Connection

The fundamental difference between residential VoIP and landline connections is that with VoIP your voice calls are sent over the internet instead of via a wired-in landline connection.

Arguably, the biggest benefit of choosing residential VoIP over a landline connection is price. The top 10 residential VoIP providers we’ve listed above include examples like PhonePower, which costs just $8.33 per month for unlimited calls in the US and Canada.

In terms of voice quality, the best VoIP for home services in 2024 are good or better than the landline system.

Also, assuming you already have an internet connection in your home, there’s no additional cost for equipment, as VoIP uses your existing internet connection.

How Do I Know If My Internet Is VoIP Capable?

VoIP calls only require around 0.5 Mbps of bandwidth each, a very modest amount, and you need a consistent connection. 

When choosing a VoIP provider and plan, budget a little more speed for those times when you’ll need to make calls while family members use streaming services or play online games.

To test your current internet connection, you can use a speed test tool like Speedtest from Ookla. We recommend downloading the app version of Speedtest, which shows you the most important statistics relevant to VoIP. You can see upload and download speed, but also latency and jitter. Latency (or ping) is the amount of time a data packet takes to get to its destination and back. Jitter is how much this delay varies because of network congestion.

Communications company Cisco recommends a maximum latency of 150 milliseconds and maximum jitter of 30 milliseconds for acceptable VoIP communications. If your internet connection meets these requirements, VoIP call quality should be fine.

Important Features of Residential VoIP You Must Know

Some of the most important residential VoIP features to look out for include:

Call blocking

Call blocking examines incoming calls for certain criteria to determine whether to accept or reject them. It helps you avoid spam callers, telemarketers, and automated calls.

More specific call screening features include number blocking, anonymous call rejection, and private call rejection. 

Call waiting

Call waiting allows you to answer a second call while you’re already on the phone, and switch back and forth between them. The calls are completely independent, so the two callers can’t hear each other.

Caller ID

Caller ID shows a calling party’s name and number on the call recipient’s device, and is set by the party making the call.

Callers who use a VoIP number, the numbers that appear on your call recipients’ screens are under your control, and you are free to change them for different calls you make.

Voicemail

If you’re unwilling or unable to take a phone call at a particular time, it can instead be sent to a remotely accessible voicemail service where the caller can choose to leave you a message.

Even better, many VoIP services offer voicemail-to-email. This means the voicemail is delivered to your email address as a link. Many services also transcribe the voicemail automatically in the body of the email for added convenience. 

Do not disturb

Do not disturb features temporarily prevent all incoming calls from ringing, and forward them straight to voicemail. This allows you to avoid distractions while working on a device that uses a VoIP system.

E911

If you make a 911 call on a traditional landline phone, the call is routed via a special router called E911, which looks up your physical address and transfers the call to your local 911 operator.

Many VoIP providers also offer this feature. With Dialpad, for instance, making a 911 call from home will send the emergency services the precise address you set up with Dialpad. If you're calling through your mobile, your latest GPS coordinates will be sent instead.

Call forwarding

Call forwarding is a phone system where you redirect calls to an alternative number. For instance, you can set your home phone to redirect calls to your mobile phone when you’re not there.

More complex call forwarding rules can also be set up, such as automatically forwarding calls based on caller ID, time of day, or whether you’re already engaged in a call.

It’s much easier and cheaper to set up these call forwarding rules on a VoIP system than with a traditional landline phone.

How To Choose a Residential VoIP Service Provider?

To determine the best VoIP service for your home, first, look at the pricing model of the service provider. Do they charge on a per-user, per-line, or per-home basis? If you expect multiple users to make calls at the same time, the best residential VoIP service for you might allow for unlimited simultaneous users.

Some of the cheapest VoIP providers only have software applications, meaning you’ll need to use your computer or mobile device to make and receive calls. If you prefer physical phones, choose a residential VoIP provider that supplies you with phones as part of its package.

You may want to choose one of the larger residential VoIP players on the market, such as Grasshopper or CloudPhone, so you can be sure their service will be reliable. Check residential VoIP reviews to get a good idea of what to expect from each provider.

Finally, consider any extra features each provider offers, like 411 directory assistance or call recording, for instance.

Make Sure You Have the Right Connection

Not every internet connection is VoIP ready, so before you sign up, make sure that your line will provide you with the level of VoIP speed and service you need. You can easily find resources online for checking the speed and call quality of your connection. The quality of your connection can potentially impact the clarity of your calls, so pay close attention. 

Know Your Needs 

Unless you’re running a major business out of your house, chances are you won’t need or be interested in the ability to do video conferencing with dozens of people at the same time. The same goes for an auto attendant and business software integrations. First decide which features are priorities for you (unlimited free calling, voicemail-to-email, international calling plans, etc.) and then take a look at what each company offers. After all, there’s no sense in paying for features that you don’t need. 

How Much Does Residential VoIP Cost? 

Figure out how much you’re willing to spend on your VoIP and this will help you better hone in on the company that’s right for you. Your residential VoIP should cost less than your current landline, but it’s still smart to do some price comparison and see which companies offer special deals (for instance, many companies will offer you a better rate if you sign up for a year plan rather than a month-to-month plan). Take a look at your monthly phone bill and the features you’re paying for, and compare that side-by-side with what you’d be signing up for with a VoIP plan. 

The cost of residential VoIP services varies, but some affordable options are available. As of 2024, the monthly cost for some of the cheapest VoIP services ranges from approximately $6.21 to $8.97 per month. These costs can fluctuate based on the provider, service package, features included, and any ongoing promotions or deals. It's important to note that while some services may not require contracts, others might, which can also affect the overall cost and commitment.

Is it Flexible? 

Few things in life are set in stone, and the same should be true of your VoIP plan. It’s wise to find a plan that is scalable and which you can easily expand if need be. You’ll want to know if you can break your contract early if you find a better deal elsewhere, or if you can easily switch plans with the same company in order to take advantage of more features, or to get rid of some you don’t need. 

What About the Money-Back Guarantee and Customer Service?

Sometimes things don’t go exactly according to plan and it’s good to have all your bases covered. Check if the company you’re signing with has a money-back guarantee and to what extent they back up their promises. You should also favor one that has multiple avenues for customer service—around the clock if possible—and read online reviews about the customer service the company provides.

Ok, But How Much Can I Actually Save? 

To get a better picture of how you can save money with VoIP for home use, here's a real life example: Long distance calls with a VoIP provider can be as little as $10 per month, if not less. Major telecommunications corporations typically charge more for such packages, even 2 or 3 times as much. If you look at this over the course of a year, that’s no small change.  

Phone Power gives you real value for money - their plans start at just $8.33 per month Get Deal

For instance, while AT&T offers landlines with unlimited phone calls for $33.99/month, with RingCentral you can get the Essentials plan, which includes unlimited phone calls starting at just $19.99 per person per month, and you can also enjoy a more extensive list of features. On Grasshopper, the introductory plan costs as little as $26/month, but that includes 3 extensions. 

With VoIP for home use, you have a bundle of features you couldn't find with traditional landlines. Also, because of technology's continual advancements, the features continue to improve every year without a sharp rise in costs. VoIP for home use makes sense because you derive so much more value than what the traditional landline phone companies of today are offering, and therefore you can save money in the long run. 

Not Just Savings - Why Sign up for Residential VoIP?

With a VoIP system you won’t have to deal with the cords and clutter that you may associate with a residential landline. Also, most residential VoIP providers make the system mobile-ready so you can enjoy all the benefits of VoIP no matter where you are. 

What About the Features?

While regular phone companies come with limited options and charge extra for basic features, even the most pedestrian VoIP companies include dozens of standard features in even their introductory plans. 

These include features like voicemail-to-email (and/or fax to email) which will automatically take your voicemail messages and send them as audio files to your email, making you much less likely to miss important messages. Many companies can also provide you with voicemail transcription to text, which will automatically convert the messages to text in an email, saving you even more time. 

Like the rest of us, you probably don't like to get hassled with unwanted phone calls when you’re at home. You can also implement “enhanced call forwarding” to reroute and block the numbers that you specify, without the caller having any idea. You also can set up your phone to block international and directory assistance calls, so they don’t bother you at home. 

VoIP companies can supply you with a toll-free number or a virtual number which allows free calling, and a dedicated fax line which will allow you to send faxes without worrying about tying up the phone line. 

Get started with Grasshopper now, with a super easy setup and 24/7 live support Get Deal

You can also set up your VoIP account to integrate with programs like Microsoft Office, Google, Box, and Salesforce, which can help you stay organized if you’re running a small business out of your home. 

Now, business VoIP companies supply a number of features that you probably don’t need for your home VoIP system—such as the ability to video conference with dozens of people at the same time. 

Nonetheless, for residential users the list of available features is quite impressive, and makes VoIP that much more appealing than the old landline you’ve been using.

How Flexible Are Residential VoIP Plans?

Each VoIP provider is unique, but you should be able to find one that you can get you set up quickly and affordably without requiring a long-term commitment. 

Most residential VoIP providers will allow you to run it through your pre-existing phone number, and no one who calls you should know the difference. 

You’ll also want to take a look at the scalability of your plan. After all, you may want to add more extensions down the road. You may also find that you need international or toll-free minutes, as well as features that at first you didn’t see the need for.

Your Phone Lines - Your Call 

Setting up a VoIP for home system can mean big savings on your phone bill, especially if you make a large number of long distance and international calls. In addition, these systems are mobile-optimized, and provide a wealth of features that may just change the way you think of your home phone service. Take a look at the features you need and the budget you can handle, and make the decision that’s right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is VoIP good for home use?+-

Yes, VoIP is excellent for home use, as it not only reduces costs but also comes with additional features such as voicemail-to-text and virtual fax.

What are some of the most important features to consider when choosing a residential VoIP service?+-

Important features to consider when choosing a residential VoIP service include call blocking, call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, do not disturb feature, E911 (for emergency calls), and call forwarding. Additionally, one should consider the pricing model, scalability, and flexibility of plans, as well as the provider's customer service and money-back guarantee.

How does call quality of VoIP compare to traditional landline services for residential use?+-

The voice quality of the best residential VoIP services in 2023 are good or better than the landline system. VoIP call quality might be influenced by the VoIP speed and service level of your internet connection. As per Cisco's recommendation cited in the text, it's advisable to have a maximum latency of 150 milliseconds and maximum jitter of 30 milliseconds for acceptable VoIP communications.

How much does residential VoIP cost?+-

You can start using VoIP with basic services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom for free, but a basic residential VoIP system with a dedicated number starts at around $10/month for a set number of minutes. Residential VoIP plans around $20/month are often the sweet spot. At this price point, you’ll often get unlimited calls within the US and Canada, useful features like voicemail-to-text, and the option to use hardware VoIP phones in your home. At around $30/month, you start to see services that offer unlimited calls to 60 or more countries, as well as more business-oriented features.

Can I use VoIP to make international calls?+-

Yes, VoIP systems allow for international calls, although the conditions and rates might vary depending on the provider.

Can I replace my landline with VoIP?+-

Yes, a residential VoIP system can replace your old landline, offering the ability to make calls at a lower cost compared to traditional landlines.

Do I need a provider for VoIP?+-

Yes, to use VoIP you would need a provider such as Grasshopper, CloudPhone, or PhonePower, among others mentioned in the text.

What’s the Difference Between Residential and Business VoIPs?+-

Residential and business VoIP services are similar, but typically business VoIPs have more features as business owners and their staff require a VoIP that meets more complex needs than someone needing a VoIP for residential purposes. Most residential VoIPs include more basic features, such as calling, messaging, and sometimes video calling and conference calling capabilities.

Richard Sutherland Author image
Richard Sutherland writes for Top10.com. With over 20 years experience in web development, SEO, and marketing, Richard has worked with and developed software for huge brands like Samsung and Prudential Insurance. He has written for top tech websites, covering topics that include web hosting, consumer and business technology, and SaaS platforms.