Reviews of
Magic Jack vs. Magic Jack Plus
for Phones

Here is my breakdown on Magic Jack vs. Magic Jack Plus:

Pros:
Magic Jack - None
Magic Jack Plus - It works and I can make long distance calls, clear tone/no static, works well

Cons:
Magic Jack - Continuously kept shutting off when my computer went to sleep, static noise, BIG waste of money
Magic Jack Plus - Doesn't call local area and has troubles calling close areas (usually 30 miles away)

My Experience:
I bought 2 Magic Jack (plain) units at a cost of $39.95 each plus shipping and handling. Renewal rate is $19.95 per year. I wanted them because my oldest son was going to college further away and I wanted the chance to talk with him as much as possible without racking huge monthly expenses for either of us. At the time, they had not come out with the Magic Jack Plus, or I would have tried that, first. So, I bought both of us a Magic Jack (plain) and they both ended up in the garbage. I understood that a good part of the problem was my computer going to sleep. The other part was static on the line.

When Magic Jack Plus came out, I thought I'd give it one more try to see if maybe I got a bad device the first time. This time, I only got one unit at a cost of $69.95 plus shipping and handling. Renewal rate is $29.95 per year.

My experience is that Magic Jack Plus works MUCH better than the plain Magic Jack. While neither of them is still the perfect solution, I have realized that the Magic Jack Plus does have some great benefits.

With the Magic Jack Plus, I did not have to plug it directly into my computer and it works even when my computer is off or asleep. The Magic Jack Plus had minimal static ... only at first. We found out that the cause for the static was our internet connection. I upgraded my connection to another company to save some more money and the static went away completely.

Right now, I am very happy with my Magic Jack Plus. The only fault that I can see is that it does not handle close area calls. I cannot seem to call anyone within 30 miles radius of my office or it will tell me that I am trying to call a conference call or platform and I need to purchase prepaid minutes ... but, it does let me receive those calls on this number. I find it very strange. Even so, it works very well for long distance calling within the United States. I have had no issues with long distance calls. I will use the Magic Jack Plus for my long distance calling.

Recommended: NO/YES

My experience with the Magic Jack (plain) is that I would NOT recommend it.

My experience with the Magic Jack PLUS is that I WOULD recommend it - especially for long distance calls. How can you go wrong with a cost of $69.95 the first year and $29.95 subsequent years, you really cannot go wrong. I am now saving over $300.00 a year. And, actually, I just found out that if you buy 5 years, it is only about $20.00 per year ... even better!