Fongo vs Ooma

January 26, 2025 | Author: Adam Levine
10
Fongo
Low-cost, personal and small business communication solutions.
15
Ooma
VoIP phone service and communication solution customizable for any size business.
Both Fongo and Ooma are like the intergalactic telephone booths of the modern age, allowing you to make calls via the grand and mysterious thing we call the Internet. They both offer VoIP services, which is just a fancy way of saying "talk to someone using the invisible waves of the digital ether." If you’re looking for a low-cost way to chat with people, be they in the next room or on another continent, both provide surprisingly efficient solutions. They come with apps to keep you connected wherever you roam, even though the technology behind them is only slightly more reliable than a toaster in a thunderstorm. And, of course, both let you keep your phone number, which is convenient if you've grown attached to it or simply don't want to deal with the hassle of changing it.

Now, if you happen to reside in Canada (or have somehow managed to locate yourself within its vast and snow-covered borders), Fongo will be your loyal sidekick. Since 2008, it's been there for the Canadians among us, offering free calls across the nation, because, apparently, Canadians like free things and long chats about weather. The whole setup leans heavily on mobile communication, leaving those who enjoy physical, traditional phones to feel a bit left out. Fongo is so Canadian, in fact, that you’ll have to stick to Canadian area codes and, for those brave enough to venture outside, limited U.S. coverage. But don't fret, their system is still highly reliable for domestic calls, especially when you’re not trying to navigate a labyrinth of complicated fees and confusing international dialing rules.

Ooma, on the other hand, decided it was time to make itself known back in 2004, in the land of the free and the home of the slightly over-complicated phone systems—the United States. Ooma is a bit more fancy pants in that it requires you to purchase a physical device, a bit like buying a spaceship just to make a phone call, but much cheaper. If you’re looking for a premium experience, Ooma offers a "Premier" plan with extra features, like a second phone line or a system that helps you block calls from people who just want to sell you things you don’t need. The company, which serves mostly U.S. customers, does venture outside the country, but let’s face it, you’d be better off sticking to your American roots.

See also: Top 10 Business Phone systems
Author: Adam Levine
Adam is an expert in project management, collaboration and productivity technologies, team management, and motivation. With an extensive background working at prestigious companies such as Microsoft and Accenture, Adam's in-depth knowledge and experience in the field make him a sought-after professional. Currently, he has ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a thriving consulting and training agency where he imparts invaluable insights and practical strategies to individuals and organizations, empowering them to achieve their goals and maximize their potential. You can contact Adam via email [email protected]