Vonage Mobile App Review

This post brought to you by Vonage. All opinions are 100% mine.

Vonage has released a new app for their VoIP service, and it has the makings of a must-have app for just about anyone who owns a smartphone. The Vonage Mobile iPhone calling app is available for iPhone and Android phones, and replaces the Time to Call app (which as of now is no longer available on the iTunes App Store) that offered cheap international calls in 15 minute increments – a money saving app that was a little awkward to use. The Vonage Mobile app makes the pricing system and interface more like other VoIP services, but with a few key improvements that help set it ahead of the pack.

The Time to Talk app featured excellent sound quality, something that continues in the Vonage Mobile app. The new app uses a high-definition codec for calls, which makes for crystal-clear calls. The app works using either Wi-Fi or a 3G/4G connection, so call quality will depend a lot on the quality of reception. Also, the Vonage Mobile enables free texting, though that is only to other people who are using the app. Similar to Skype, calls are also free to fellow Vonage Mobile users – even if those users are in other countries.

Vonage Mobile also gets a boost from some user-friendly choices. First, for Caller ID, the app uses the existing mobile number of the phone on which it’s installed. That is a significant improvement over Skype, which requires users to purchase a Skype phone number separately. Furthermore, no Vonage account is required to use the app, so users can just download the app and start using it right away without signing up. Those who are Wi-Fi-only users should note that a 3G/4G connection is required during set-up, because Vonage sends a confirmation text to the phone during the process.

The app imports address book contacts automatically, and marks the contacts who have the app installed, so users quickly know who they can call and text for free. The app is also designed to fit in with the user interface of iOS and Android, respectively, so that getting around it is extra intuitive. And, in a carry-over from Time to Talk, all minutes are paid for via in-app purchases in blocks of $5 and $10, which is very fast and convenient for those who need to make spontaneous phone calls. Plus, from within the app, you can see country per minute rates, and the remaining credit you have while on an international call. Finally, another advantage is that the app doesn’t need to be running for users to receive calls and texts from the app since calls and texts come through as push notifications.

Speaking of paying up, there is even more good news when it comes to rates. Time to Talk’s international rates were competitive, but not clearly cheaper than other VoIP services. Those rates have been cut since Time to Talk, and are now cheaper across the board for Vonage Mobile than most other equivalent services. Many calling card services are still cheaper, but with the extreme ease of use that Vonage Mobile offers, it would be very tempting to take the saved time over the saved money. Vonage Mobile’s international rates even manage to beat Skype’s rates. All in all, if you need more international options for mobile calling, Vonage is probably your best VoIP bet right now.

There is a big red flag that needs to be raised here for those concerned about cost-efficiency, though. If you are using a 3G or 4G connection to use Vonage Mobile, calls are going to count against your monthly data plan. With that HD codec, the Vonage Mobile App could drain as much as 40 MB per hour of calling. If you were grandfathered in on an old unlimited data plan, or are a Sprint user, you have nothing to worry about. Also, if you can manage to only use the app with a Wi-Fi connection, you’re in the clear. Those who use a 3G or 4G connection with this app and do not have an unlimited plan, though, need to use caution, or data overage charges could spiral out of control quickly.

Another downside is that, as of now, there is no Bluetooth support. That is a little perplexing considering how common that is in communications apps, but I would guess the oversight isn’t lost on Vonage – it’s possible Bluetooth could come in an update later on.

Overall, with Vonage Mobile, Vonage has managed to one up an established mobile calling app like Skype in many ways. And, if you needed another reason to download it, for a limited time, Vonage is currently offering free calls to all mobiles and landlines in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Just be careful that if you use the app on a 3G or 4G connection, you might find a nasty surprise waiting for you inside your next wireless bill. Other than that, Vonage Mobile is looking out to be a fantastic mobile VoIP service that works well and will save you money.