The changes to Skype 3 are mostly entertainment-oriented and there are no major upgrades to performance, but we still like Skype for its ease of use, low cost, and sound quality.
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Though it comes with some questionable hardware and is never absolutely free, the SipTalk VoIP service itself provides near-perfect call quality--making it a good choice for companies with many remote satellite offices.
It's neither flashy nor fancy, but NetZero Voice excels in the area that matters most to a VoIP service: call quality.
If you're not ready to give up your landline for a VoIP service but want a cheap and easy way to make long-distance calls, Jajah is an excellent option, especially if you're on broadband.
Specs: Free to try, Windows, Linux, Mac, E-mail
Though not the cheapest VoIP service, Vonage offers the features and the call quality needed to replace your traditional telephone service.
Yak WorldCity VoIP has some compelling features, but the overall offering doesn't yet measure up to the more flexible and full-featured Skype 2.
Though Skype 2 suffers from middling voice quality when calling landline phones, it's still one of the best free VoIP services around, and its new Skype Video feature makes it even better.
If you're thinking about ditching your landline, SunRocket is a potential contender. A low price and lots of features are attractive, but the voice quality of your calls may vary.
AOL Internet Phone Service is a good choice for existing broadband-plus-AOL members seeking to cut their phone costs by making calls over the Net; non-AOL members should consider Vonage instead.
If you're an existing Verizon DSL customer, VoiceWing is worth considering. If not, you'll find a better deal and better call quality elsewhere.
Unless you're a DSL subscriber in the market for a new modem and router, there's not enough to Zoom's Global Village service to recommend it above other VoIP services.
Lingo offers low rates that will appeal especially to international callers, but its call quality is inconsistent compared to some VoIP services.
Until BroadVoice adds 911 support, this otherwise feature-rich Internet phone service is best used as a second line, especially for international callers.
Voiceglo offers clear calls and reasonable monthly rates, but it lags behind its competitors in the number of features it provides.
Packet8's support for E911 calling sets it apart from the rest of the VoIP crowd and makes it the safest VoIP service for replacing your current phone service.
With its inconsistent call quality and lack of 911 support, iConnectHere won't replace your current phone service but can still save you money on long distance as a second line.
Poor voice quality and an average feature set keep Broadvox Direct from standing out in the crowded VoIP market.
Though its plans cost a bit more than those of competing VoIP services, AT&T CallVantage stands out for its consistently strong call quality and long list of features.
Download FWD, and you'll be able to make free calls over the Internet within minutes to other FWD users as well as to other Internet phone networks.
Specs: Linux, Mac, Pocket PC, Windows
