I purchased Magicjack about 4 months ago when they got an area code for my local area. The first couple months the quality seemed ok but certainly not perfect. Occasionally I would have to hang up and redial because the person on the other end sounded like they were stuttering. Coincidentally, when the free trial ran out and I was charged the overall call quality turned to complete garbage. Outgoing calls wouldn't work until I tried 2-3 times. Incoming calls sometimes didn't ring at all. When the calls do ring my phone, the person on the other end is garbled.

I've talked to magicjack and as expected they tell me it's my computer and make me do all kinds of things like unplug and replug the magicjack. They even tell me to use a corded phone, not a cordless. I bought into it for a while but now people are saying when they call even the voicemail system is garbled. Considering that's handled from their servers, not my computer, I think they're the ones with the problem.

What do you think? Have any other magicjack users run into these problems?

i like it, not bug free, but cost compared to telco it's worth it.

same with me, after the first month, they downgrade it seems. even if I don't get service next year, it has paid for itself already. and support service is like bathing in hell.

Why not use Skype? Ends up averaging out under $5/mo for unlimited US calling and a Skype-In phone number for incoming calls. Even on using slowest 768KB dry-loop DSL the sound quality has never been an issue.

Skype stand-alone phones have soared in price, but for $20 you can get the D-Link DPH-50U adaptor and link your standard cordless phone and answering machine through your computer. Again, has worked flawless for us.

DPH-50U Skype Adaptor

I've been looking at Skype. Yeah FW has CashBack but just to try them out for 3mos seems expensive. $18 for a phone number, $18 for 3 mos subscription, $6 for 3mos voicemail + whatever else I missed?

The problem is magicjack doesn't work, at least not for me. Two different computers with the same exact problems. Have to call someone 2-3x before they don't sound like they're underwater. Even checking my voicemail has the same problem.

Sheesh, you gave me a red because my opinion doesn't agree with yours? I agree that once it starts working it's ok but it's like an old car that takes forever to start and needs another 10 min to warm up once it's started.

Thanks MonkersDa, your experience sounds exactly like mine.

I really like my magic jack. I use it as a 2nd phone as there is no area code near me. It works 85% of the time wonderfully so I would never use it as my only phone. I just renewed for 5 years for $59 so well worth the cost as all my family lives in differnt states than me, and I make my kids use it when calling friends to keep our home # open for people to call.

Good to hear people are having success. Just to show I wasn't trying to trash on the company, I can say that once it starts working the calls are just as good as regular telcos with only maybe a couple clicks and pops that really aren't noticable. My main problem with them is when I first make a call or someone calls me. I have to call back 2-3x before the connection is clear.

FrugalFreak said:craftsmd said:Why not use Skype? Ends up averaging out under $5/mo for unlimited US calling and a Skype-In phone number for incoming calls. Even on using slowest 768KB dry-loop DSL the sound quality has never been an issue.

Skype stand-alone phones have soared in price, but for $20 you can get the D-Link DPH-50U adaptor and link your standard cordless phone and answering machine through your computer. Again, has worked flawless for us.

DPH-50U Skype Adaptor

Skype got greedy! i had em before majic jack and they have same clarity issues. with magicjack you get LD, voicemail, number in, caller id, with Skype you only get Skype out and voicemail, and voicemail can't be used without buying Skype-in. with magic, i can use reg cordless phone, with Skype you have to either buy an adapter after paying for services, Skype-in,AND buy expensive Skype phone.

NO THANKS, magic beats Skype hands down!

I'd argue this. I think Skype beats MagicJack hands down. For one, call quality on Skype IS better - they use higher quality compression. Make a call with a headset on Skype to someone else and you will swear that person is sitting next to you in the room. I picked up a phone for $99.00 that I can use with Skype - which doesn't require a computer to use. Then it's just under $5/mo.

I'll pay the extra couple dollars per month (big freakin deal) for a substantially better service. I also use my Skype number on my cell phone and make free calls anywhere without using my minutes. They have a Windows Mobile Skype software that allows you to do this. I also don't have to bring adapters and cordless phones when I travel - I can just have my cell phone that I already carry.

Using Skypes software - you can do conference calls with up to 24 people - have the whole family (I use it for business) on a single call and have total control over it.

Skype also has all sorts of World Calling options and makes it really easy to do so.

MagicJack has sketchy call quality, junk software, and almost no support - again, the price difference is only $2 - $3/mo - so I'd happily take the substantially better service.