Do I need the magicJack device?

For magicJack's home phone service, yes: the device plugs into your router or computer and a regular phone plugs into it. magicJack also sells a paid app number that works without the device. AvoCall never needs a device; it is an app on the phone you already have.

How much does magicJack cost?

As of October 2026 the magicJackHOME device costs $49.99 with 12 months of service, then $43 a year or $119 for 3 years. The standalone app number is a monthly in-app subscription, with App Store plans from $3.49.

Can magicJack send picture messages?

Not in the app. magicJack says picture and video messages (MMS) are not available and that short codes such as bank verification codes will not work. AvoCall supports texts and picture messages.

Do I need a second SIM card or phone for AvoCall?

No. AvoCall is an app on the iPhone or Android phone you already have. Calls and texts run over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so there is no second SIM and no second device.

Can I get verification codes on an AvoCall number?

Verification-text compatibility varies by sender. Some services send codes to app-based numbers and some do not, so AvoCall never guarantees that a specific code will arrive.

Updated October 2026

AvoCall vs magicJack

Choose magicJack if you want a home phone line on a regular handset, with no monthly bill after the first year and low international rates. Choose AvoCall if you want your second number on your mobile phone with texts and picture messages, a free plan to start, and no device to buy.

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AvoCall vs magicJack at a glance

magicJack is a home phone service built around a small device you plug into your router and a regular handset; its magicApp can also sell you a standalone mobile number.

AvoCall vs magicJack, feature by feature, as of October 2026
Feature	AvoCall	magicJack
Free plan	Offered in the Android app to eligible new accounts	No free standalone number. The app is free only alongside an active magicJack device subscription
Paid plans	AvoCall+: no in-app ads, unlimited US and Canada calls and texts (fair use policy applies), wallet-funded international calling, voicemail transcripts. See current price	magicJackHOME device $49.99 with 12 months of service, then $43 a year or $119 for 3 years. Standalone app number: monthly in-app subscription (App Store plans from $3.49)
Phone numbers	Local US or Canada numbers. Pick an available number by area code or city	US numbers, with custom, vanity and Canadian numbers at extra cost. Pick any available area code
How you get the number	An app on the iPhone or Android phone you already have. No second SIM or device	Home phone: a device for your router or computer plus a regular handset. Second number: the paid magicApp, no device needed
Calls over Wi-Fi or data	Yes, every call runs over Wi-Fi or mobile data	Yes, the app uses Wi-Fi or mobile data and never your cell minutes
Texts and picture messages	Texts and picture messages	Texts only in the app: no picture or video messages (MMS) and no group texts
International calls	Calls to supported international destinations use wallet credit at the rate shown before you call	Prepaid credits at per-minute rates. Free calls to the US and Canada and between magicJack users
Verification codes	Compatibility varies by sender and is never guaranteed	magicJack says short codes, such as bank verification codes, will not work in the app
Bring your current number	Not currently offered. You pick a new number	Port a number to the device for $19.95. Porting into the paid app isn't available
Sign-up	Verify with your mobile number. No government ID check	Device service needs a valid 911 address: a US address for US numbers, a Canadian address for Canadian numbers
Apps	iPhone and Android	iPhone, iPad and Android; the device also works with a Windows or Mac computer

magicJack details as of October 2026, taken from magicJack's own pricing and help pages (listed under Sources below). Plans and prices change, so check with magicJack before you pay.

Where magicJack is better

A real home line: plug the device into your router and use any corded or cordless phone.
About $43 a year after the first year for home service, with free calls across the US and Canada.
Low international rates through prepaid credits, and free calls between magicJack users worldwide.
You can port an existing number to the device for a one-time $19.95.

Where AvoCall is better

Picture messages. magicJack's app sends texts only, with no picture or video messages and no group texts.
A free, ad-supported plan. magicJack has no free standalone number; its app is free only with an active device subscription.
Nothing to buy or plug in: the number lives in an app on the phone you already have.
Your account works on iPhone and Android alike. magicJack says its paid app can't move between the two without a new account and number.

Who should pick which

magicJack

Pick magicJack if you want a home phone that rings on a regular handset, you make lots of international calls, or you want to keep an existing landline number by porting it to the device.

AvoCall

Pick AvoCall if you want a second number on your mobile phone for calls, texts and picture messages, with a free plan to start and no hardware to set up.

AvoCall vs magicJack: FAQ

Do I need the magicJack device?: For magicJack's home phone service, yes: the device plugs into your router or computer and a regular phone plugs into it. magicJack also sells a paid app number that works without the device. AvoCall never needs a device; it is an app on the phone you already have.
How much does magicJack cost?: As of October 2026 the magicJackHOME device costs $49.99 with 12 months of service, then $43 a year or $119 for 3 years. The standalone app number is a monthly in-app subscription, with App Store plans from $3.49.
Can magicJack send picture messages?: Not in the app. magicJack says picture and video messages (MMS) are not available and that short codes such as bank verification codes will not work. AvoCall supports texts and picture messages.
Do I need a second SIM card or phone for AvoCall?: No. AvoCall is an app on the iPhone or Android phone you already have. Calls and texts run over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so there is no second SIM and no second device.
Can I get verification codes on an AvoCall number?: Verification-text compatibility varies by sender. Some services send codes to app-based numbers and some do not, so AvoCall never guarantees that a specific code will arrive.

Get a second number on the phone you already have

Pick a US or Canada number by area code or city, then call and text over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Start free, or choose AvoCall+.

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Sources

magicJack facts were checked on magicJack's official pages in October 2026. AvoCall facts come from avocall.net.