magicJack vs BasicTalk

magicJack and BasicTalk are residential VoIP phone companies that provide US customers free or low-cost nationwide long distance using Internet phone service. Using ATAs, BasicTalk and magicJack offer residential VoIP phone service to consumers with high speed Internet access. In this article, we will compare the magicJack PLUS 2014 device and service with the BasicTalk device and service.

Service Basics: magicJack vs BasicTalk

The basic premise of BasicTalk vs. magicJack is technically similar — both residential VoIP phone companies use VoIP adapters to support Internet phone service. In fact, the VoIP adapter plays a significant role in outlining the difference between BasicTalk Internet phone and magicJack Internet phone:

• BasicTalk markets phone service with a variety of different calling plans, and includes the adapter for free.
• magicJack sells the adapter and includes unlimited domestic long distance calling for free (for the first 6 months), with prepaid international long distance options.

It's important to note that magicJack now offers two different types of magicJack — magicJack and the new magicJack PLUS 2014, which is a significantly improved product and makes a substantial difference when comparing BasicTalk vs. magicJack:

• BasicTalk and magicJack PLUS 2014 support the use of the VoIP adapter without needing the computer to be on.

Other similarities between the two companies:

• Both require high-speed Internet connections
• Neither requires minimum term commitments
• Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee
• The adapters are portable — subscribers can use them anywhere they have access to high speed Internet service (such as a hotel), although the magicJack PLUS 2014 adapter is more portable.

Cost Overview

The BasicTalk and magicJack PLUS 2014 devices are a breeze to set-up, and is one of the most simple ways to get residential phone service with unlimited calling and no monthly phone bills.

Shipping, handling, and applicable taxes or fees are not reflected in the prices listed below.

magicJack Calling Plan Details

magicJack Plus:

• magicJack PLUS 2014 device, $49.95
• First 6 months of VoIP phone service free

magicJack and magicJack PLUS renewal rates:

• 1-year term is $29.95/year
• 5-year term is $99.75, or $19.95/year

Both magicJack and magicJack PLUS customers benefit from free local and long distance calls throughout the US and to:

• Canada
• Puerto Rico
• US Virgin Islands

Calls made using the magicJack from another country to the US or Canada are free. Additionally:

• Prepaid international minutes are required for international calls
• magicJack Internet phone service includes low per-minute calls to approximately 150 countries

BasicTalk Calling Plan Details

BasicTalk currently offers a free BasicTalk Box to new customers, and then offers unlimited home phone service for calling within the United States for $9.99 per month.

Software

magicJack offers a free smartphone app for both Apple iPhones and Android smartphones that offers unlimited local and long distance calling in the United States and Canada.



The magicJack PLUS can be used without a computer.

How to Use a magicJack Plus without a Computer: