Affordable VoIP Providers in Australia

With Skype going the way of the Dodo, Australian home users, sole traders, and small businesses are seeking a suitable VoIP alternative. But with a brutal cost-of-living crisis gripping the nation, nobody wants to spend more than they have to.

In this post, we’re covering affordable VoIP in Australia for home and business users. We’ll also discuss the top VoIP considerations and provide a few handy tips for choosing the right provider.

What Is VoIP, and Why Choose It?

VoIP lets you call landline and mobile numbers using an internet connection instead of traditional phone lines. The technology converts audio into tiny digital packets for transmission through an Internet Protocol (IP) network. On the other end, it then decodes those packets into an audio file for the listener.

VoIP can be a software application and/or hardware, such as a physical IP VoIP phone.

Catering to individuals and businesses, VoIP technology provides an affordable alternative to Australia’s old-school telecommunications network. The savings become especially enticing when calling to or from overseas.

As well as preserving your hard-earned dosh, VoIP offers a bunch of other attractive benefits:

• Scalability: Easily expand or reduce your VoIP communications network without adjusting cables or hardware.
• Call clarity: Provided you have a high-speed internet connection, you should enjoy crisp, clear call quality without dropouts or other interruptions.
• Customer support: The top VoIP providers offer excellent, round-the-clock support to rectify urgent issues.
• Features: More than just a phone, the features of VoIP services can include call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, and more.
• Coverage: Users can make VoIP calls from anywhere with a stable internet connection, from Melbourne to Mozambique.

On the downside, to enjoy smooth-flowing VoIP calls, you’ll need a stable internet connection of at least 80-100 kbps with minimal packet loss and latency.

Key Features to Look for in a VoIP Provider

So, what separates a good VoIP company from a lousy provider? Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping around.

Call Quality

Crisp, high-quality audio is everything when trying to close a crucial deal. If your VoIP provider keeps cutting out or drowning you in static, consider switching. But remember: the issue could lie with a substandard internet connection.

Scalability

For Aussie businesses with evolving needs, versatility is one of the leading VoIP drawcards. Can you switch to a larger plan when your team grows, or scale down should it shrink?

Features

Think about which extra features your business needs and find a suitable VoIP provider. Whether it’s call forwarding, voicemail, call management, text chat, or conference calls, these nifty extra features can streamline your day-to-day business operations.

Customer Support & Service Availability

The top VoIP providers offer an around-the-clock service so your team can communicate seamlessly with anyone worldwide. The best companies also offer 24/7 customer support to quash any issues that arise.

Plan Type

Some cheap VoIP providers offer fixed plans, where you pay a monthly fee for unlimited calls. Others follow a Pay As You Go (PAYG) model, charging a couple of cents per minute for each call. Then you’ve got big telcos, such as Telstra, which include free VoIP services with an eligible NBN plan.

Top Affordable VoIP Providers in Australia

Looking to jump on the VoIP bandwagon without breaking the bank? These tried-and-tested favourites offer superb bang for your buck.

Crazytel: Best for individuals/sole traders

For budget-conscious consumers craving a bargain, Crazytel is about as low as they go. Enjoy fixed and PAYG plans with a bunch of useful features for a crazy low price.

SipTalk: One of the best small business VoIP companies

Based in Melbourne, this well-established telecommunications company has provided high-end solutions for Australian SMBs for over 20 years. The pre-paid platform offers a dizzying array of PAYG services (including AI receptionists). This makes it among the best VoIP for small businesses in Australia.

JustCall: Best international option

Larger enterprises with complex communications requirements should check out JustCall, a slick international brand with a strong presence in Australia. The company provides virtual numbers in over 70 countries and business-friendly VoIP services in Australia.

MaxoTel: Best for advanced features

The little-known MaxoTel offers superb value for money with its cheap VoIP plans. Business-optimised features include advanced call management, mobile integration, analytics, cloud integration, and dedicated support, plus many more.

Telstra: Best for existing customers

Did you know that if you’ve already got a Telstra NBN plan, you may be eligible to receive a home landline and VoIP services for free? The same concept applies to other big-name telcos, such as Aussie Broadband, TPG, and Optus. But don’t try to run a commercial business on a home plan, as you’ll invariably encounter issues.

Comparing Costs and Features of the Top VoIP Providers in Australia

Here’s a handy VoIP pricing comparison guide.

Provider	Plan Name	Monthly Fee	Local & National Calls	Mobile Calls	13/1300 Calls	Features
Crazytel	PAYG	$0	9c per call	5c/min	25c per call	Free number porting, voicemail to email, call forwarding, failover options.
	Craycray Plan	$8	Included	Included	25c per call	Unlimited local, national, and mobile calls.
Siptalk	PAYG	$0	$3.30 per month	$0.11 per minute	$11 per month	AI receptionist, conference calling, voicemail to email
JustCall	Team Plan	$29/user	Included	Included	N/A	AI-powered calling, messaging, CRM integration.
	Pro Plan	$49/user	Included	Included	N/A	Power dialer, live monitoring, bulk SMS, analytics.
MaxoTel	Everyday PAYG	$9.95/user	10c per call	13c/min	22c per call	Softphone/BYO, business phone system, no contract.
	Outright/BYO	$29.95/user	Included	Included	Included	Unlimited calls, phone system features, auto setup.
Telstra	Cloud calling with NBN plan	From  $50 per month	Included	Included	Included	Fixed business phone with unlimited calls, call number display, message bank.

Tips for Choosing the Best VoIP Provider for Your Needs

Here’s how to find the best value Australian VoIP provider for you:

• Assess your requirements: Don’t pay extra for bells and whistles you won’t need.
• Compare plans: Does a fixed unlimited suit you more than a low-cost PAYG option?
• Look at free VoIP services: Can you get away with using WhatsApp, Teams, Messenger, etc?
• Look for no lock-in contracts: It’s best to trial a service before committing for the long haul.
• Consider compatibility: Will the service integrate with your existing hardware and systems?

Get Expert Tech Support with Geeks2U

Need help setting up a VoIP system? Or just want advice on how to find the perfect solution for your needs?

Whether you’re a business owner seeking IT solutions or a confused home user, our tech-guru Geeks will evaluate your situation and offer bespoke advice. Contact us today for a hassle-free solution to your internet phone-related woes.

FAQ

• 1. What is the best VoIP provider in Australia?

  CrazyTel offers some of the best-value VoIP services in the country.

• 2. How much does VoIP cost in Australia?

  VoIP services start from just $10 per month in Australia.

• 3. Is VoIP secure for business use?

  VoIP is generally very secure, but you need to follow best cybersecurity practices and pick a reputable provider.

• 4. Can I use VoIP with my existing phone?

  Yes, but you may need to purchase an ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter).

• 5. What are the advantages of the best VoIP phones in Australia over traditional phone lines?

  VoIP is cheaper, more scalable, and has more advanced features than traditional phone lines.