netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus
netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus Features
In looking at netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus, both brands offer very similar features:- No computer needed
- Free calls to U.S. and Canada
- Live technical support
- International call rates
- Work via router or computer
- 411 directory assistance
- Call forwarding
- Call waiting & caller ID
- Visual voicemail
- Voicemail to email
- Account management application
- Conference bridge
- Smartphone app
- No long-term contracts
- No monthly bills
Page Contents
- How netTALK DUO Installation Works
- How magicJack Plus Installation Works
- netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus Costs
- Energy Savings for netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus (actually, original--see note below)
- netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus: Reviews
- netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus: Which One Should You Get?
- Note: Free Conferencing Services
- See also:
However, netTALK DUO provides faxing and videophone options while magicJack Plus does not.
Where to Buy
- magicJack Plus from Amazon
- NetTalk Duo from Amazon
The videophone application by netTALK DUO lets users make and receive video calls, as well let's you do five-party conferencing. When using the videophone application, the netTALK DUO device via USB must be connected to a PC that has its driver.
How netTALK DUO Installation Works
The netTALK DUO package includes a USB cable, AC adapter and ethernet cable for connecting to a router and landline headset. Alternatively, the netTALK DUO can connect to the computer with a USB and bypass connecting it to a router.Then the netTALK DUO device will automatically synchronize with netTALK’s servers to activate the device and the phone will ring to confirm activation. Users can log in to netTALK’s account management system online to set up their account. Unlike magicJack Plus, netTALK DUO does not make further service offers when first-time users set up the device.
If users prefer a PC connection when using netTALK DUO, they will have to download a USB driver. On the other hand, magicJack PLUS' software is already on the device.
How magicJack Plus Installation Works
To install, plug a phone into magicJack Plus and then plug the magicJack into your computer. To activate an account, a window will show up on the computer to enter contact and billing information, as well as feature choices.Afterwards, an activation code is emailed so that users can begin using magicJack Plus.
netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus Costs
The cost of the netTALK DUO VoIP phone adapter is $49.95 plus tax. There is also a VoIP phone device that connects to the Internet with a router or computer. This netTALK DUO WiFi costs $64.95 plus tax. One year of service is included with the purchase of the netTALK DUO device, but each additional year of netTALK DUO service is $29.95.On the other hand, the MagicJack Plus device costs $69.95 plus shipping and handling. The first year of phone service—which includes local and long distance calling to the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—is free. Additional years of service cost $29.95 but, if users opt-in for the five year plan, the cost is $19.95 a year.
Energy Savings for netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus (actually, original--see note below)
netTalk provides a comparison that claims their netTalk DUO service provides more cost and energy savings than magicJack. When considering netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus for energy usage, netTALK DUO uses 5 watts per hour while magicJack (original) uses 160 watts an hour. <-- This power information compares the original majicJack using an always-on computer. The new magicJack PLUS does not require a computer, and has power ratings comparable to the netTalk DUO products.In the first year of usage, netTALK DUO costs $119.36 less than magicJack (original) when initial costs, energy costs and annual service fees are factored in. Total cost for netTalk DUO is $74.82, which includes $70 in initial costs and $4.82 in energy costs. Total cost for magicJack (original) is $194.18, which includes $40 in initial costs and $154.18 in energy costs.
Over a five-year period, netTALK DUO costs $3.57 per month while magicJack (original) costs $14.85 a month.
netTALK DUO vs. magicJack Plus: Reviews
Reviews about the netTALK DUO service have been about its inefficient, poor technical support. In addition, some Amazon customers say the phone service has noisy, inconsistent connections and inability to contact certain working numbers.On VoipReview.org, only 51% of users recommend magicJack because it is unreliable, installs hard-to-remove software and does not have a customer service hotline number. Customers complain about the lack of listed pricing to gauge service quality, as well as inaccurate billing charges.
Users tout its cheap price tag as an explanation for its disadvantages. But some customers see its easy use, automatic installation and voicemail-to-email feature as reasons to purchase magicJack Plus. If you need something super-portable, the MagicJack Plus (including the direct AC jack) can fit in your pocket. The netTALK Duo has a power adapter you'll need to tote along.
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