MagicJack Plus 2014 is a product which allows you to make long distance calls over an internet connection. Today we offer our magicJack reviews for the 2014 model from editors and readers.
About MagicJack Plus 2014
MagicJack is a device which allows consumers to make phone calls over an internet connection. The original Magic Jack appeared in 2007, followed by the “Plus” model in 2011. The Plus model offered the ability to access phone service without the need to directly connect to a computer (see our review here). In mid-2013, the new “2014 magicJack Plus” was announced.
How much does magicJack cost?
Magic Jack recently revamped its pricing structure.
- 1 year of Magic Jack: $29.95
- 1 year of Magic Jack Plus: $49.95
- 5 years of Magic Jack: $99.75
magicJack vs magicJack Plus vs 2014 magicJack Plus
The official website does not adequately describe the differences between magicJack and magicJack Plus and magicJack Plus 2014.
- MagicJack is plugged into your computer, requiring the computer to be left on in order for it to work.
- MagicJack Plus can be plugged directly into your router, which means you can make and receive calls even if your computer is off.
- The 2014 model of magicJack includes wifi capabilities.
There is no upgrade per se, as the website tells you that “To upgrade from magicJack or magicJack PLUS to the NEW 2014 magicJack PLUS, you can simply purchase the NEW 2014 magicJack PLUS.”
Call Quality
In comparison to previous incarnations of magicJack, the 2014 model doesn’t improve upon sound quality. We found it virtually indistinguishable from older models of magicJack. As with all magicJack models, the quality is acceptable, and what is to be expected with internet-based phone calls.
No Computer Needed?
Even though magicJack Plus advertises that you don’t need a computer to use it, you’ll still need a router and an internet connection for the Plus model and at least an available wifi signal for the 2014 model. The one-time setup process does require a computer, smart phone, or tablet.
“Unlimited” calling with magicJack
Despite claims of “unlimited calls” you may want to read the terms and conditions if you are a heavy phone user. The terms state that “excessive use” will results in your account being terminated without a refund:
If magicJack, LP and/or magicJack VocalTec Ltd., and/or YMax Communications Corporation sees excessive use, including but not limited to, a customer whose usage is twenty (20) times more than the average magicJack and/or magicJack Plus device or magicJack APP customer usage, or a customer who calls more than 50 different telephone numbers per day, or a customer who forwards calls from their magicJack and/or magicJack PLUS device and/or magicJack APP to a non-magicJack number for longer than a two week consecutive period, or systematic or intentional misuse, it reserves the right, in our sole discretion, to terminate your use of the magicJack and/or magicJack Plus device and/or Software and/or magicJack APP immediately, and you will not be entitled to get a refund of any licensing fee or any other fee you may have paid to us.
The terms and conditions also state that “Calls of long duration may be terminated to make sure the integrity of the network is kept intact, which would prevent abandoned calls.” We can confirm that long phone calls going over about 90-120 minutes will terminate.
Transferring your old phone number to Magic Jack
Should you switch to magicJack, you can retain your old phone number, but it will cost you $19.95 and $9.95 per year after the first year.
Customer Service Complaints
When we first wrote of magicJack in early 2013, we noted problems with customer service. Many users expressed frustration that the only way to communicate with the company is through a clunky online chat system, which is still in place. Many users have also complained that returns take an inordinate amount of time to process, and that representatives are less than helpful.
PC Magazine published an addendum to their mostly-positive review of the original magicJack after being inundated with complaints regarding poor customer service.
Other Magic Jack Reviews
MagicJack has always elicited debate among customers who like the product versus those who don’t.
On Amazon, the 2014 model of magicJack has a three-star rating, although there are more 1-star ratings than 5-stars.
For an especially damning look at the company behind Magic Jack, take a look at this site which engaged in a legal battle with the creators of Magic Jack Plus.
Error 3002
A common complaint by new customers is the appearance of “error 3002.” The MagicJack website suggests one of two possible solutions:
Option 1:
Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and make sure they allow multiple devices to be connected to their modem. There are some ISP’s that only allow one device to be connected.
Option 2:
Connect a router to your modem and let the router handle DHCP (most routers have this setting enabled by default). Once the router is connected to the modem, you can connect the magicJack PLUS to one of the available Ethernet ports on the back of your router.
The comments on this Microsoft forum offer additional solutions.
Bottom Line
If you already have magicJack Plus, there is little reason to upgrade to the 2014 model, as its new features are still too buggy for prime time. The service, when it works, works well. There are still, however, bugs to work out which are amplified by the company’s poor chat-based customer service.
If you want to try Magic Jack Plus, we recommend buying it in person at a retailer such as Best Buy or Radio Shack. If you have a problem, you’ll have a much better chance of getting immediate resolution through one of these retailers.
Your 2014 magicJack Plus Reviews
Have you tried the 2014 magicJack Plus? Let us hear of your experience in the comments below.
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