So you have heard about VoIP, Voice over Internet Protocol, but you are not quite sure what the difference is between Internet phone service VoIP and computer based VoIP. That is ok because the difference will be explained and then you will understand which service will work best for you. It is a given that VoIP is significantly better than landline telephone service so that will not come into the equation. A review of phone and Internet based VoIP is all you need to know which service will work for you.

Internet Based VoIP

Internet based VoIP is simply that, based on the Internet. You will need a computer to use this type of VoIP and will need to download software as well. There are lots of Internet based VoIP companies out there so just do the research to figure out which one will work best for you. You also need a high-speed Internet connection and a headset. If you have all of this then you are ready to start making some calls. One of the biggest benefits of Internet based VoIP is that you can make free computer to computer phone calls to anywhere in the world. That is wonderful if you are in the United States and have family members in another country that also have a computer, headset, high-speed Internet connection, and the same VoIP provider as you. Calling internationally for free is really a great way to save money especially if you have been spending much more on phone cards or with your traditional phone plan.

With Internet based VoIP you will also be able to call cell phones and landlines both locally and internationally. You will just need to have purchased a plan through that service provider or credits. Most of the Internet based plans work on credits rather than a monthly plan. You buy $10 worth of credit and then may call until all credits are used up. Most of the time the rate per minute is higher than if you were calling using a phone based VoIP service.

Phone Based VoIP

Phone based VoIP is a little different than Internet based VoIP simply because it uses a real telephone connected to an adapter that is connected to your high speed Internet. There are many service plans available for phone based VoIP and it is wonderful in the aspect that you can pay as little as $20 per month and have free long distance. That is outstanding! If you need a cheaper plan then you can find one for much less money but you probably will not have free long distance but rather 200 minutes free or something of that nature. Many times the equipment you need for your phone based VoIP will be provided to you by your VoIP company and other times you may be required to buy the equipment. It really depends on the service plan you choose and the provider. Other than that the phone based VoIP works just the same as if you were using your traditional telephone, except the voice quality is better.

These are the basic differences between Internet based and phone based VoIP. Review the two and see which one would work best for your personal situation. Then, make a decision as to the service provider and start enjoying affordable phone calls, finally!