The main difference between FaxPlus and MetroFax is HIPAA compliance. FaxPlus offers a HIPAA-compliant Enterprise Plan with robust security features and privacy controls. While MetroFax also provides secure and encrypted faxing, it has no dedicated HIPAA-compliant solution.
FaxPlus and MetroFax Comparison
MetroFax vs FaxPlus | |||||
Price per page | HIPAA Compliance | Local and toll-free numbers | eSignature Tool | Fax API | |
MetroFax | 2¢ | No | Yes | No | No |
FaxPlus | 4¢ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Check out the full FaxPlus vs MetroFax comparison below.
Security
FaxPlus implements security features such as 256-bit AES encryption for stored data, TLS 1.3 encryption for transmitted data, and 2FA (two-factor authentication) and SSO (single-sign-on) for user access. It also adopts Swiss-grade privacy protection, document retention, and data residency to boost its security and privacy.
Unfortunately, it’s unclear whether MetroFax could serve as a secure alternative to FaxPlus. Its website mentions that faxes are encrypted, but there’s no clear explanation of how they accomplish this. The online fax service doesn’t support 2FA, and there’s no detailed discussion of existing security features. You only get a four-digit passcode in plain text to verify your account upon signing up. This practice is extremely unsafe.
HIPAA Compliance
With MetroFax not being transparent about its security protocols, it’s no surprise that there’s no claim of HIPAA compliance. For any software to be HIPAA compliant, it must meet strict security features and privacy protocols.
As an alternative to MetroFax, FaxPlus offers a HIPAA-compliant Enterprise Plan where they’ll sign a BAA (Business Associate Agreement). A signed BAA attests to the fax service’s commitment to protect sensitive healthcare information and that it’s ready to take accountability for any unfortunate incidents.
Device Applications
Both MetroFax and FaxPlus work with any device. They have convenient mobile apps that you can download and install on Android or iOS devices. You can also use its fax-to-email feature to send faxes directly from email clients like Outlook and Gmail.
Also, these fax services have web apps that work on any browser with internet access, including Edge and Chrome. These web apps don’t require any downloads or installations. All you need to do is log in to gain instant access.
User Experience
When it comes to user experience, MetroFax and FaxPlus are starkly different. MetroFax’s web interface has a dated design that lacks modern features. Navigating the interface can feel clunky.
Meanwhile, FaxPlus has a modern, sleek, and easy-to-navigate interface. There are straightforward options that let you send faxes without overcomplicating things.
ESignatures
While the FaxPlus web app does not allow adding electronic signatures to documents, you can easily do so through its dedicated iOS and Android mobile applications.
As a FaxPlus alternative, MetroFax doesn’t offer digital signing. You must use a third-party app like Fill to sign and annotate faxed documents.
Fax Broadcasting and Scheduling
MetroFax lets you send simultaneous faxes to up to 50 recipients, making it ideal for businesses that intend to run targeted fax campaigns.
As a MetroFax alternative, FaxPlus allows group sending. Apart from having the option to sort contacts into groups, you can also send a fax to a group without manually entering each recipient’s information. With FaxPlus, you can fax to 500 contacts at once. You can also opt for a scheduled transmission, but note that this feature is only available if you upgrade to a paid plan.
Fax Numbers and Number Porting
MetroFax assigns a dedicated local fax number within your area code upon signup. The number is limited to US and Canada only. There’s no available international fax number, but you can opt for a toll-free number. You can also port an existing number for free. If you’re sending an international fax, MetroFax will charge you an international fee, which varies per destination country.
FaxPlus, on the other hand, comes with a free local number from 180 supported countries. You can also get additional toll-free numbers for $4.99 monthly and a vanity number for $19.99. Number porting is free.
Fax API
FaxPlus comes with a robust programmable API that you can configure to enable the integration of faxing features with any software application. This gives more value to your FaxPlus account since you can seamlessly use it to make workflows more efficient. However, the Fax API is only available for Enterprise plans.
There is no programmable API in MetroFax.
Team Management
FaxPlus offers a simple admin user dashboard where you can allocate fax numbers, add users, set quotas, and require 2FA and SSO. You can invite new team members and collaborate without any extra charges. You can also assign multiple numbers to one team member or multiple team members to one fax number.
MetroFax, however, only allows up to five members per account. There are also no advanced options for account management or managing user permission. All you can control is how the members will get notified when there’s an incoming fax.
Pricing and Plans
MetroFax has a cost-effective entry plan at $9.99 monthly (billed annually) that lets you send and receive up to 500 faxes monthly. You can get its Professional Plan at $31.63 monthly if you have higher faxing requirements.
FaxPlus monthly plans start at $6.99 per month (billed annually). But there are only 200 pages included, with each extra page costing $0.10. For 500 pages, you’d pay $13.99 monthly (billed annually). The Enterprise Plan, which comes with a signed BAA, includes 4,000 pages and costs $79.99 monthly (billed annually).
Comparing FaxPlus and MetroFax: Which Fax Service Is Better?
If you’re looking for a HIPAA-compliant online faxing solution, then MetroFax is definitely out of the picture. While its starter plan is cheaper than FaxPlus’ Premium, it cannot help your business or organization adhere to HIPAA regulations, especially when handling sensitive patient information. That includes sending faxes. But if you’re only using it for general faxing, then it’s definitely worth considering.
Apart from offering HIPAA compliance, FaxPlus also lets you enjoy robust faxing features like electronic signatures, Fax API, fax broadcasting, and fax scheduling. Consider getting this fax service if you want access to features that can enhance your fax productivity.
iFax: The Best MetroFax and FaxPlus Alternative
If neither FaxPlus nor MetroFax meets your needs for a secure and compliant yet cost-efficient fax service, consider iFax instead.
Faxing with iFax means faxing more while spending less. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about meeting regulatory requirements, as iFax fully complies with industry regulations. It’s a HIPAA-compliant online fax service offering a comprehensive suite of features, from encrypted transmissions to digital signatures. You can also do fax broadcasts, schedule faxes, and integrate faxing functions seamlessly into your existing software or business application.
So why look elsewhere when iFax provides all the necessary features and compliance measures you need?
