Intro
Looking for the best VoIP provider in Canada? Switching to digital phone service is one of the easiest ways to cut costs while keeping the features you rely on every day from voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, and more.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lets you make and receive calls using your internet connection instead of traditional landlines. That means lower prices, extra features, and flexibility you can’t get with Bell or Rogers.
But which provider should you choose? We compared five of the top VoIP providers in Canada to see how they stack up. Spoiler: NetJOI comes out on top as the best value for Canadian households.
Quick Comparison Table
| Provider | Device Cost | Monthly Price | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetJOI | $49.95 | $11.95/mo | Voicemail, call forwarding, caller ID, number porting | Best Value |
| Ooma | $129–$159 | $0–$9.99/mo | Voicemail, caller ID, call blocking | Low ongoing fee |
| MagicJack | ~$59.99 USD (includes 12–15 mo) | Renewals vary | Unlimited US/Canada calling, voicemail | Portability |
| Bell Home Phone | N/A | $54–$69/mo | Traditional landline features | Coverage |
| Vonage | Varies | Pricing depends on plan | International calling, mobile apps | Global calling |
Featured Pick: NetJOI (Best Value for Home Phone)
NetJOI makes VoIP simple, affordable, and transparent. Plans start at just $11.95/month with all features included – voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, caller ID, and more. There are no contracts and no hidden fees.
Upfront cost: You’ll need a small ATA adapter, available directly from NetJOI for $49.95. That’s less than half the cost of Ooma’s device ($129–$159). Even better, your 2nd month of service is free, making your first year even cheaper.
Why it stands out:
- Locked-in pricing (no surprises)
- Number portability (keep your existing phone number)
- Easy setup with a compatible ATA device
- Works anywhere you have internet (home, cottage, or on the road)
Who it’s best for: Families, retirees, and anyone looking to replace an expensive Bell landline with a reliable, low-cost digital home phone.
1. Ooma
Ooma is one of the most recognized VoIP brands in North America. For Canadian households, Ooma offers two main plans:
- Premier Plan: $9.99/month with enhanced features like voicemail-to-email and call blocking
- Basic Plan: Just taxes/fees, plus purchase of the Ooma device
Upfront cost: Ooma requires its proprietary device, priced at $129-$159. This device is required for both plans, which makes the real cost of entry much higher than alternatives like NetJOI.
Pros: Low ongoing monthly price, solid feature set
Cons: High upfront device cost, extra fees, more complex setup
2. Magic Jack
MagicJack has been around since 2007 and remains a budget-friendly VoIP option. You buy a small device (about $59.99 USD) which includes 12 to 15 months of service. Unlimited local and long-distance calling across the US and Canada is included, along with voicemail, caller ID, and call forwarding.
At the end of the initial term, you can usually renew service through your MagicJack account without needing a new device. However, many users report that renewals can be confusing, sometimes triggering error messages that suggest you need to buy a new device. In practice, you don’t normally need new hardware unless the device fails or isn’t supported anymore, but it’s worth noting this risk.
Pros: Low upfront device cost, portability, includes first year of service
Cons: Renewal can be tricky, some users end up replacing devices, limited support, no reliable 911 service
3. Bell HomePhone
Bell continues to offer traditional landline service across Canada. While the reliability is strong, the pricing is much higher than VoIP.
- Choice Plan: $69/month (adds up to 8 calling features)
- Lite Plan: $54/month (basic local calling only)
Pros: Wide availability, dependable quality
Cons: Very expensive, fewer features compared to VoIP, tied to landline infrastructure
4. Vonage
Vonage is a flexible VoIP service popular for international calling. It works across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and IP phones.
Pros: Great for global calling, feature-rich, flexible
Cons: Pricing depends on plan, requires stable internet, less focused on Canadian households
How to Choose a VoIP Provider in Canada
When comparing providers, consider:
- Upfront cost
– Ooma: $129 – $159
– MagicJack: ~$59.99 USD
– NetJOI: $49.95 (lowest Canadian option) - Monthly price
– Bell: $54 – $69
– NetJOI: $11.95
– Ooma: $0 – $9.99 - Features included
– Some providers (like Bell) charge extra for basics like call forwarding.
– NetJOI includes all features standard. - 911 service
– MagicJack doesn’t support reliable 911.
– NetJOI and Ooma do. - Portability
– NetJOI: Take your ATA anywhere you have internet.
– Ooma/MagicJack: Portable but tied to their own hardware.
– Bell: Fixed landline. - Support
– Larger providers often feel impersonal.
– NetJOI’s small team prides itself on personal care.
First-Year Cost Comparison
| Provider | Device Cost | Year 1 Monthly Fees | Free Month(s) | Year 1 Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetJOI | $49.95 | $11.95 × 11 = $131.45 | 1 free month (2nd) | $181.40 |
| Ooma | $129–$159 | $0 – $9.99 × 12 = $0 – $120 | None | $129 – $279 |
| MagicJack | ~$59.99 USD | First 12 – 15 months included | 12–15 mo | ~$59.99 USD |
| Bell Home Phone | N/A | $54 – $69 × 12 = $648 – $828 | None | $648 – $828 |
| Vonage | Varies | Depends on plan | None | Varies |
Result: NetJOI is one of the lowest-cost Canadian options with reliable 911 support and all features included – making it the clear value choice for households.
Why Choose VoIP for Your Home Phone?
- Save money: VoIP plans are a fraction of landline costs.
- Keep your number: Port your existing number to NetJOI or another VoIP provider.
- More features for less: Caller ID, voicemail, forwarding included at no extra cost.
- Portable: Works anywhere you have internet.
- Future-proof: Landline adoption is dropping every year, while VoIP adoption continues to rise.
FAQs About VoIP in Canada
What is the cheapest VoIP provider in Canada?
NetJOI starts at $11.95/month, with device cost of $49.95 and 2nd month free.
Does VoIP work with my existing home phone?
Yes – with a simple ATA adapter, you can plug in your current home phone.
Is VoIP reliable in rural Canada?
Yes, as long as you have a stable internet connection. NetJOI and other providers recommend at least 1 Mbps upload/download for reliable call quality.
Can I keep my number if I switch?
Yes – NetJOI and most VoIP providers allow number porting.
Does VoIP work during power outages?
Unlike traditional landlines, VoIP requires power for your internet and device. Using a small UPS (uninterruptible power supply) can keep your phone running during short outages.
Conclusion
VoIP is a smart way for Canadian households to save money while keeping the reliability and features of a home phone.
While Ooma, MagicJack, Bell, and Vonage each have their pros and cons, NetJOI offers the best overall value – affordable pricing, a low-cost device, included features, and no contracts.
Ready to make the switch? Explore NetJOI VoIP plans today.
