Packet8 has been around since the early days of VoIP service, when broadband was first starting to reach everyone in affordable packages. Starting roughly around the same time as Vonage, Packet8 today doesn’t have quite the same following as some of the other, bigger names out there.
However, with five years under their belt and a decent amount of trial and error out of the way, Packet8 has proven itself as a decent alternative to some of those bigger names.
First off, the good stuff
Packet8 has racked up its fair share of awards for “best VOIP provider†from some of the biggest names out there. While the constantly shifting slew of new VOIP providers out there has many services jockeying around for position, Packet8 has consistently rated in most top 10 lists. They offer affordable $24.99 a month plans on par with most other major services. However, with an upfront yearly payment, you pay as little as $16.58 a month. This annual service option is great for anyone who has had good experiences with them already.
They offer a nice little array of equipment and features. You’ll get a free phone adapter so you don’t have to sit and use your microphone and speakers to talk or go and buy an expensive new IP phone. And if you’re feeling extra interested, you can pick up a video phone from them for a fairly decent price. Their rates for international calls are probably the best offered by any service provider. Usually between 15 and 25 cents a minute, most of the major countries are relatively cheap and if you are calling someone with an IP phone abroad, you’re looking at around 4 cents a minute. Their features options are extensive and offer you options for business plans, global plans, and yearly purchases. Their Free Softtalk service is a fun way to start and get an idea of what you’re getting into with VOIP as well.
There are a few cons though
It’s not all good with Package8. Most services have their faults though, and Package8’s are relatively minimal and generally have to do with cost. You’ll find that you’re not given any kind of free trial offer. While the Soft talk option is interesting to try out, it is no where near their full featured service, which many other providers will offer you a chance to try out. You might also scoff at their $29.95 setup fee. Of course, if you consider the fact that most phone companies with landlines have been charging that much or more for decades, you might be able to overlook it.
The Bottom Line
When you take into account the slew of features, great price options, and top notch call quality of Package8, it makes you wonder why these guys aren’t bigger than they are. It has a lot to do with advertising costs (Vonage put out the dough) and name recognition. However, Package8 is definitely deserving of its place in so many top 10 lists, with a service that offers consistent quality for a pretty good price. Â
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