Magic Jack is a newbie when it comes to the voice over internet phone (VOIP) world. Installing it and using it is so easy that a kid could do it. The price just sweetens the deal. It simply can’t be beat by anyone for unlimited calling within Canada and the United States. However, the rave about Magic Jack brings up one point that needs to be touched. Is Magic Jack actually worth using?

Just like any other thing that’s promoted and sold, Magic jack has its disadvantages as well as its advantages. This article will lay them both out for you to see, from there it’s all on you to decide what you need when it comes to using the internet to send and receive telephone calls.

Magic Jack Cons
Lets start off with the disadvantages of Magic Jack, this isn’t meant to discourage you from using it. It’s intended to get the bad things out of the way before we fill you up with all of the good things about Magic Jack.

  • The 911 system that Magic Jack uses isn’t like what normal telephone carriers use. When you install Magic Jack, it will ask you for your location so that it can determine what to use for 911 in the times of emergency. This is why you shouldn’t rely on Magic Jack in the times of an emergency, at least until this feature becomes a lot more reliable for its users. You may want to keep a cell phone handy in case of an emergency.
  • In order to use Magic Jack, your computer needs to be turned on in order to use Magic Jack. When you receive phone calls while your computer is turned off, callers will be forwarded to your voice mail so that they can leave you a message. If the power goes out and your Internet is affected by the power outage, you won’t be able to use Magic Jack. There has to be an available Internet connection in order to use Magic Jack. Make sure that you keep a phone handy that will work in a power outage, that way you’re not at a loss when it comes to communication with the outside world.
  • Magic Jack can be unreliable at times. It’s a newer company that does experience the disadvantages of growing in order to fulfill the needs of its consumers.
  • Directory assistance is only available through your phone. If you click on the 411 button that’s on your computer screen, you will be redirected to a website that will provide you with a list of phone number.

Magic Jack Pros
Now that you know about the disadvantages of Magic Jack, it’s time to take a closer look at what Magic Jack is actually good for.

  • Magic Jack is packed with a lot of great features that includes voice mail, call forward, 411 (directory assistance), call waiting, and 911.
  • You can use any telephone that’s designed for a land line. This includes normal home telephones that you plug into the wall and cordless phones that are made for the house.
  • Another alternative is using your computer speakers and a headset to use Magic Jack for your phone.
  • Magic Jack is actually a pretty cheap home phone option. It can cost about $39.95 to start out and $19.95 per year afterward. If you purchase multiple years, they can provide you with a discount.
  • If you make a phone call to someone else that uses Magic Jack as well, international calls are included. If they live in a different country and you want to cut down on the charges associated with talking to them on a phone, consider giving them a Magic Jack as a gift. Not only will you be able to talk to them without worrying about a lot of charges, they will be able to call anyone within the U.S. and Canada.
  • Use Magic Jack at home to save your cell phone minutes.

If you want something to make long distance calls at home that isn’t going to cause you to take out a second mortgage, than give Magic Jack a try. Just like anything else, it’s important to do the research so that you know exactly what you’re spending your hard-earned money on.

Thinking Of Trying Out The Magic Jack?


We're lucky enough to be able to offer our readers the same 30-day risk-free trial of the Magic Jack that we received a few months ago. Trying something out before making a long-term commitment is always highly recommended. It looks like it's only for a limited time though: