Online fax vs. fax machine
A fax machine needs a phone line, paper and toner. An online fax service needs only your phone or computer. Here's how they compare.
Send a fax nowFastFax lets you send a fax online from your phone or computer for as little as 2¢ a page, with no subscription. US fax numbers only, up to 100 pages per fax.
| Fax machine | FastFax (online) | |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | The machine | None |
| Monthly cost | A phone line | None; pay per page |
| Per page | Paper and toner | 2¢ to 99¢ depending on pack |
| Where you can send from | Where the machine is | Anywhere with internet |
| Proof of sending | Printed confirmation sheet | Confirmation PDF with page images |
| Receiving faxes | Yes | No, sending only |
When a fax machine makes sense
If you receive many faxes every day and already have a landline, a fax machine (or a monthly online plan with its own number) can still make sense.
When online fax is better
If you send a few faxes a month or a year, an online service avoids paying for a phone line you barely use. You also don't need to be at your desk: scan the pages with your phone and send from wherever you are.
Pay as you go vs. monthly online fax
Monthly online fax plans usually include a fax number and a page allowance. If you only need to send, pay as you go is simpler: FastFax packs start at $2.97 for 3 pages, the 1,000-page pack is about 2¢ a page, and unused pages never expire.
Questions
Is online faxing cheaper than a fax machine?
For occasional senders, usually yes, because there's no phone line or machine to pay for.
Does an online fax arrive the same as a regular fax?
Yes. The receiving fax machine gets a normal fax.
What is pay as you go fax?
You buy page credits only when you need them, instead of a monthly plan.