Hefty call bills and choppy connection lines are the tales of the past! Today, you can enjoy premium quality service at the lowest possible rates. Wondering how? Best VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps make it convenient and extremely easy for everyone to stay connected with their loved ones worldwide.
Low-rate VoIP apps are rapidly replacing cellular-based calls with the prevalence of high-speed internet. VoIP (and VoLTE) calls routed through the internet provide a much better experience and additional features which were unthinkable on regular cellular networks.
Some advanced VoIP apps offer video calling, screen sharing, and other useful functionalities to enable users to communicate and collaborate on the go. Simplifying the usually arduous processes involved with international calling, especially during the global Covid-19 pandemic, VoIP offers multiple services allowing users to enjoy seemless communication across all channels.
Table of Contents
- What is a VoIP app?
- Why Use a VoIP App?
- Top 10 Free VoIP Apps
- 1. Talk Home App
- 2. Skype
- 3. Viber
- 4. WhatsApp
- 5. Talkatone
- 6. Google Voice / Google Meet
- 7. Facebook Messenger
- 8. Kik
- 9. Signal Messenger
- 10. Dialpad
- 11. SkyPhone
- 12. LINE
- 13. BOTIM – Video and Voice Call
- 14. ICQ
- 15. IMO
- 16. KakaoTalk
- 17. Dingtone
- 18. GrooVe IP
- 19. MagicApp
- 20. TextNow
- 21. Google Duo
- Are international calls free on WhatsApp?
- Conclusion
- 🤔 FAQs
What is a VoIP app?
Let’s dig through the basics. VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology that empowers voice communications to be transmitted through an internet connection instead of the traditional phone network.
A VoIP app is a software application you install on a smartphone and sometimes on your computers as well that lets you make and receive telephone calls over the internet.
VoIP apps work almost in the same way as conventional phone systems but are easier to use and much more affordable.
The technology suite comes with the benefits of the traditional phone systems and the advanced features the conventional system doesn’t offer. For example, VoIP service enables you to make or receive calls from virtually any device at any location, as long as you have an active internet connection. Today VoIP apps are available on smartphones, tablets, computers, or even softphones with dedicated VoIP hardware to always stay in touch.
Advance VoIP apps have several advanced features like simple call routing, multiple phone numbers, video conferencing, and advanced on-hold messages.
Similarly, VoIP apps can dramatically reduce the cost of communication. Several apps offer free solutions and premium plans in a few pounds. At the same time, others offer a subscription that includes unlimited voice and video calling along with text messages in any specified part of the world.
Why Use a VoIP App?
You might be thinking, why to worry about another thing when you can easily make calls through your current phone service. However, VoIP offers many advantages over landline and traditional mobile carrier services.
The key benefit is substantial cost reduction. Mobile VoIP apps offer you the facility to make cheap international and local calls, and sometimes even for free. Besides, a VoIP application brings in features that can enrich your communication experience.
Top 10 Free VoIP Apps
There are dozens of VoIP apps, but which one suits you best can be a daunting task. Now, as you’ve got a basic idea of what VoIP apps offer regarding price cuts and advanced features, look at the in-depth reviews of each app to make an informed decision. We’ll review price, features, and importantly, whether it’s best for international calls.
1. Talk Home App
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Talk Home App offers you the luxury of going free from traditional phone carriers and hefty call bills. With the innovative VoIP technology, the app allows you to make high-quality calls to any network in the world. Interestingly, the receiver doesn’t need to have the app installed and doesn’t need to have an internet connection.
The call will be routed to the receiver’s local phone number by utilising the power of local lines and the advanced features of VoIP technology. It uses a detailed call routing to find the best possible route for your call. Thereby, you always get reliable and robust connectivity.
Using Talk Home App, you can send messages to any number in the world without the receiver needing to have the app installed on their smartphone or tablet. Virtually any mobile number can receive your message when you use Talk Home App.
Other features offered by the app include easy top-up of your balance and international phone top-up, allowing you to transfer mobile credit or balance to any other user. Over a million users use Talk Home’s VoIP service to make cheap international calls to their loved ones.
2. Skype
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Skype can be considered both a classic and a dying relic of the past. Skype defined VoIP as we know it today and made it to the masses hearts before being bought by Microsoft in 2011. It’s a powerhouse when it comes to offering communication services. The platform offers free group audio, video and standard phone calls, rich texting, and even live translation.
Skype allows you to set up a Skype Number, which is no different than a regular phone number. You can call any number and similarly anyone from around the world can call you. Astoundingly you can choose a local number from 24 countries. So, even when you’re in the UK, you can get a US number and make a local call to an American.
For global nomads, the “Skype To Go” service can be a great option. The service allows you to make international calls at low Skype rates with either a gateway access number or a direct, dedicated number for frequently called contacts.
3. Viber
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Viber is an instant messaging and VoIP app offering free in-app audio and video calls. The cross-platform app can be used as a local and international mobile phone calling service. Featuring a fully functioning chat service with multimedia, voice call and video call service.
Group calling makes it easy for large groups to connect and share, and the wide range of stickers make chatting exciting. Viber is “ad lite, ” which means you may see some ads at the end of a video call, but they shouldn’t be intrusive. With end-to-end encryption, all your communication is secure and protected.
Viber Out lets you make calls to anyone, anywhere, without the recipient needing to have the app at comparatively reasonable VoIP rates. That makes it easy for people who have multiple devices to communicate with each other on a single platform.
4. WhatsApp
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
WhatsApp is one of the most prevalent messaging services that has taken the world by storm. The app offers end-to-end encryptions for all the messages you send on the app. The free to use app features include messaging, voice and video calling on mobile and desktop devices.
With WhatsApp, you can send secure messages over the internet to any other user around the world. The only downside to using the service is that you must link your mobile number to sign up on the app. However, the platform is under fire for privacy and security concerns.
With multimedia support, you can attach photos, videos, voice recordings, share locations and documents of up to 100 MB. You can have group calls and make groups of up to 256 people, share information and connect with friends or co-workers.
With over a billion users worldwide, likely, your friends and everyone around are already using it, which makes it handy.
5. Talkatone
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Talkatone is a real-time mobile communication app that gives you a free US phone number. That you can use to make and receive calls and free texts to most US and Canadian phone numbers, you can quickly call and text anyone with Talkatone utilising the Wi-Fi or cellular data freely.
While you don’t need minutes for inbound calls through the app, you can receive calls freely within the app. Calling toll-free numbers is also free. The app includes text messaging, group chat and multimedia messages. Similarly, calling and chatting with other Talkatone users is completely free.
6. Google Voice / Google Meet
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Google Voice app is another big player in the VoIP industry, using which you can make calls to anyone over the internet. You can use Google Meet to make virtual calls, while Google Voice enables you by offering a free phone number from which you can make and receive calls.
On the other hand, Google Meet is designed for individuals and teams to collaborate and doesn’t come with a designated phone number for incoming calls. It serves more as a chat and video conferencing platform. Google Voice can serve all your basic needs as it doesn’t support multi-level auto-attendant or allow you to transfer phone numbers.
7. Facebook Messenger
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Facebook messenger has a massive user-base and supports voice calls, video calls and SMS messaging. While it started as a messaging platform, the app has since become one of the best ways to chat with tons of sticker galleries and share multimedia on the go.
Messenger can even become your default SMS client with the Secret Conversations feature allowing you to communicate privately. Not just that, Messenger enables you to send money through the platform, has custom emojis, fancy GIFs and high-quality Stickers. With VoIP calls and live video chat, you can hold group calls. With advanced chatbots, you can get information or take action by chatting with AI-based chatbots.
8. Kik
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Kik is an instant messaging and social networking app with a massive user base in the youth. The app offers you complete privacy by using email for the sign-up process. The app allows you to add friends easily by scanning the unique Kik QR code. Almost 70% of the users are between the ages of 13 to 24, making it a teen-oriented community.
With over 300 million active users, you can have a premium feel and look. Though Kik doesn’t offer standard voice calling, you can communicate via video chat.
9. Signal Messenger
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
The signal app is all about information security and privacy and being one of the feature-rich VoIP apps. With end-to-end encryption, you can enjoy voice calls, video calls, and instant messaging without compromising security. Your chat and communications are synced across multiple devices while allowing you to stay in touch wherever you are.
The app can handle SMS or MMS messages smoothly and notifies you when you are messaging someone with a Signal account. That makes it easy for you to invite others onto the platform. Even group audio and video calls are encrypted. The signal app has a vast array of emoji reactions, auto-disappearing messages once they’re viewed.
10. Dialpad
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free & In-App Purchases
Dialpad allows you to make audio calls, video calls, text messages and more, all from within the app. Everything can be done from any caller ID, either personal, business or extension number. The app permits you to share the screen on the mobile while staying on the call. Another amazing feature is that you can flip your call from the cell phone to a computer without interrupting the conversation.
Within Dialpad, you can check your voicemails and can transcribe your messages. The Vi technology not only allows you to transcribe your voicemails but can also be used to transcribe your calls and meetings in real-time. With call forwarding, call routing and crystal-clear call quality, you can enjoy all the advanced features in a single app.
11. SkyPhone
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
In case you are looking for high-quality sound and simply to use app compatible with both Android and iOS, SkyPhone is an excellent VoIP available in the market with over 5.1 million downloads. Escape the hassle of registration, and start the app right after downloading the app. Besides these perks, SkyPhone provides its users the security to protect their address book and never send this data to the server.
Call your loved ones and get amazing voice quality as if you were talking in person. Keep talking for long hours and enjoy longer talk time for free. Talk to your loved ones whenever you want for free. Whether it’s an audio or video call, the SkyPhone is completely free to use.
The voice/video calls with SkyPhone are only available between SkyPhone users only. Moreover, SkyPhone uses your mobile data to make audio and video calls so make sure to have Internet connectivity while making a call through SkyPhone.
SkyPhone is also providing contacts only features to its users to block unregistered contacts. Simply, get the SkyPhone App and just listen to the voice quality being provided and enjoy the best quality experience in the market.
12. LINE
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
To close the distance between family, friends, and loved ones for free – Line Corporation has launched a calling and texting app to provide you with free audio and video calls. The app also supports VoIP calling along with audio and video conferencing. A ray for interesting features makes this app a good software for instant communication.
The Line App has a huge number of features like instant messaging, VoIP audio and video call, sharing multimedia, and much more. The focus of this app is younger audiences and one unique feature included in this app is the Sticker shop. With this feature, you can choose a wide array of stickers and emoticons while chatting with friends and family.
Each month, Line introduced new animated emoticons and stickers to provide people with entertaining means of communication. The users are also provided with a Timeline to help you keep updated about the moment in the lives of your contacts. This is a fun way to keep connected with your loved ones.
This app is a full package for those looking for the best alternatives for VoIP in 2021. Get this fun communication app and enjoy amazing stickers, Live TV features, and a friend, and get on the board with communication. The line is a popular app in Japan and Southeast Asia and has the potential to capture a large population across the world.
13. BOTIM – Video and Voice Call
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
The BOTIM app is another best alternative available in the market to provide endless free HD calls and videos. This app brings your friends and family closer than ever with its free worldwide calling and messaging service.
This app uses your data or Wi-Fi connection to make encrypted calls and messages. You can share photos, videos, voice messages and group chat with up to 500 people with this app. The app also has an in-built emoji dashboard to make texting a fun activity.
One of the best features of this app is its HealthKit and Health App data. The BOTIM app highly focuses on the physical health being of its consumers and has an exclusive built-in health tracker to monitor your steps. Compete with friends and family though daily step ranking based on the health tracker.
Although BOTIM is a free app, but there are certain features which may require additional fees. This includes the feature of removing in-app advertisement and sending top-up to your loved ones abroad. Use Botim and make voice and video calls to all your friends around the world.
14. ICQ
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
If you are always online and mostly uses text messages to communication, ICQ is the best pick for you. This messaging app lets you make calls, voice messages, chats, and nearly everything you need for communication all in one handy messenger.
With this app, you can make voice and video calls to a large group of people. Calling with ICQ messenger is super easy. All you need is for the receiver to have the app installed on their cell phones and simply make app-app audio and video calls using your data or simply Wi-Fi connection.
ICQ app offered a unique feature of offering suggestions of stickers based on the context of the message. This feature is unique and only exclusive to this app. Moreover, the ICQ analyzed what someone wrote to you and recommends ready-made responses that you can use. If you are too lazy to type, then get this app and make your life easier via the bots built inside the app.
In case you are tired of using boring video calling app, try using a mask filter of the app and get up to 30 animated 3D masks with familiar unusual themes. Have fun with audio and video calls with ICQ and keep sharing fun with your loved ones with this app.
15. IMO
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
IMO is a free group calls and chat app that makes group conversations easy for you. With the audio and video calls in imo, you can have free and stable calls with your friends and family. No matter wherever they are, IMO can help you communicate with them and share your moments of joy in no time.
With the IMO story, you can share status in the form of a picture, video, and text. You can exchange your live moment with your friends and family abroad. The app also can pass a file. You can send music video, pdf, or any other file without any limitations. The best thing is that it can let you pass a file of size up to 10GB.
Join or create a big group that you are interested in and meet the people with the same interest as you. With IMO, go big and have your own social group on this communication app. You can also decorate your profile with music, widget, background motto, bio or any other creative design.
Gain imo levels by accumulated active days and online duration. You will need to stay active increase your imo levels. The higher the level is, the more fun will be unlocked in the app. Download the imo app and make stable calls to your friends and family
16. KakaoTalk
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
Another popular VoIP calling app that lets you call, text and talk via Wi-Fi or cellular without using mobile minutes is kakaoTalk. This app lets you keep connected to your loved ones no matter how far they are. With KakaoTalk send text messages and make free calls to always keep your loved ones in your sight and never be alone anytime.
KakaoTalk is a highly popular VoIP service provider as it allows users to engage in live chats and group calls. You can also chat and even send or receive multi-media messages such as videos or images. The app is completely free of charge and all you need is stable wi-fi/data.
Simply said, with KakaoTalk, talk, text, and connect with everyone you love. Start to rebuild your connections today. Download the Talkatone app to make texting and calling simple and easy.
17. Dingtone
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
Dintone is a free Phone Number App through which you can made free reliable calls and messages across multiple locations around the world. Over 20 million people have downloaded it all over the world and are actively using the app to fulfil their communication needs.
This new method to chat and text is completely free. Dingtone users can communicate with each other and get real phone number for your phone or tablet device. By simply utilizing your data or Wi-Fi connection, most calls made through Dingtone have superior quality over other calls. This quality of calls is a lot cheaper than traditional means.
Local phone numbers for Dingtone are available in the following countries: the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, France, Sweden, Mauritius, Poland, Austria, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, Denmark, and Romania.
Get a legitimate phone number in the United States and enjoy crystal-clear phone calls and unlimited texts. Moreover, the Walkie-Talkie feature of this phone simply transforms your mobile phone into a walkie talkie and works like a radio. These voicemails are perfectly tied into clean interface and provide best calling experience. Just download the app and enjoy the exclusive features offer by Dingtone.
18. GrooVe IP
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
To avoid giving away your personal cell phone number or to transform your tablet into a phone, add a fully equipped VoIP number to your device through Groove IP app. This app will provide you a phone number in the United States that can receive calls and texts from all around the world.
Additionally, using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, you will be able to call and SMS authentic US and Canadian phone numbers. GrooVe IP allows you to make calls using the device’s data (Wi-Fi or mobile data) connection on any Android device, phone, or tablet.
If you have a smartphone with Wi-Fi but no mobile service, you may use this program to turn it into a fully functional phone. You can take your laptop with you if you’re travelling internationally.
GrooVe IP includes a separate dialer for making calls. Alternatively, on a call-by-call basis, the native dialer, call log, contacts, and favourite functions can be shared between the phone through GrooVe IP. Download the Groove IP app and enjoy calls and texts across your friends and family member in the US.
19. MagicApp
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
Another amazing app to make cheap international calls and messages across different platforms is Magic app. Customers of MagicApp may can take their phone number with them wherever they go. By ensuring that they never miss a call, the MagicApp lets your make and receive calls over Wi-Fi.
You can simply get all these amazing features by downloading MagicApp and connect in with your current magicJack email and password. The MagicJack clients can use MagicApp to text to any U.S. cell number; your friends and family do not need to download the app to communicate!
Calls to your magicJack number ring on your smartphone at the same time, ensuring that you never miss a call. Make calls over Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges while travelling. Enjoy unlimited calling to the United States and Canada along with other magicJack customers. If you are living in US, this is the right VoIP app to cater all your communication needs.
20. TextNow
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
A highly used VoIP app to fulfil your calls and messages needs is TextNow. This app is used by over 100 million individuals for free texting, voice, and video calling. Start calling wherever you are from your smartphone tablet, or computer and share your moments of joy with this app.
TextNow keeps its users connected by offering a free, unlimited texting and phone app that is suitable for any budget. Download the app to get a second phone number – with the area code of your choice – and start communicating for free and without limitations.
TextNow offer calling rate for as low as $0.01 per minute. Add credit to your account to place low-cost international calls or even earn credits towards international calling by completing in-app offers.
TextNow provides users with a free local phone number so they can stay in touch with friends and family while also allowing them to make free CALLS, VIDEO CALLS, and TEXT MESSAGES in the United States via TextNow’s nationwide network.
21. Google Duo
Available Platforms: Google Play | App Store
Pricing: Free
One of the most popular videos calling app available across the world is Google Duo. You might have probably already used it on one of your devices. It is a free video calling app that brings you face-to-sace with the people who matter the most.
Group call with over 32 participants and get crystal clear voice quality from each participant. It simple, reliable and works across both Android and iOS phones and even on the web. Google Duo provides the highest quality video calling service and is completely free to you.
Even if you spend most of your time on your Windows PC or Laptop and prefer to conduct video conversations, chats, and other activities from the comfort of your PC chair, you should investigate the possibility of utilizing Google Duo on your PC.
With Google Duo cater all your video call services and enjoy fast, simple, and secure calls without worrying to pay a penny for these services. All you need is a strong Wi-Fi connection to get these exclusive features on any of your devices.
Are international calls free on WhatsApp?
Luckily, if you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have enough Mobile data in your phone, you can make free calls on WhatsApp. Most international cellular plans provide a limited number of texts and calls you can make through WhatsApp while others are also providing WhatsApp service for free.
In most cases, you might incur additional fees while making international calls through WhatsApp since additional fees can add up quickly. To avoid yourself from incurring additional charges on WhatsApp, what you can do is make calls only when you are connected to Wi-Fi. Or you can also get the Data Max bundle from Talk Home Mobile and get unlimited blazing data on your phone to keep talking for long hours with your loved ones.
To further know about the rates for international data roaming, you can contact your carrier to know the exact details for each call you are planning to make.
Conclusion
VoIP apps can offer you a reliable calling experience and a range of extra features. We compared the top 10 best VoIP apps in terms of features and service quality. With many big service providers competing for the market share. These apps can best fit anyone’s personal communication needs. Now, it’s up to your choice which app you select to be your primary mode for future communications.
🤔 FAQs
What is a mobile VoIP app?
A mobile VoIP app is a software application that lets you make and receive telephone calls over the internet. It’s more likely that you already use one, such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Viber. Individual users and enterprises enjoy the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps for low-cost communications.
A VoIP app offers phone services for a lot less, with plenty of premium features built-in such as ease of use and flexibility to use anywhere you want.
What is the best VoIP app?
VoIP apps offer you a smooth and cheap calling experience. The days of hefty call bills and choppy call connections are over. With fast and reliable best VoIP apps, you get to experience the ultimate luxury of crisp voice and an uninterrupted calling experience.
When looking for the best VoIP app, you need to understand your needs and what features are crucial for you. Whether you want to make cheap international calls, need added features like video conferencing, multimedia sharing, or SMS messaging sways you.
So, in my opinion, there isn’t one best VoIP app out there. But for different needs, you might have to go for different apps. Talk Home App is best for cheap international calling, while Skype is best for video conferencing, and Viber offers a rich messaging experience.
- Talk Home App – Best VoIP app for cheap international calling
- Skype – Best VoIP app for video calling
- Viber – Best VoIP app for messaging
- WhatsApp – Best VoIP app with convenience & user-base
How do VoIP apps work?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps transmits your voice and multimedia over the internet. It works by converting your analogue voice signals to digital data and transmitting it through the internet. The digital data is converted back to voice instantly to the receiver end to be heard like a standard call. That’s why VoIP sound quality is even better than regular phone calls.
What is a VoIP Softphone?
VoIP softphones are the applications that permit you to transform your smartphones, computers, or tablets into telephone systems that can be used to make and receive calls just like a regular hardware telephone would.
Can I use VoIP without a phone?
Go use VoIP without a phone, all your need is either a Tablet device or a computer. To make computer-to-computer connections, all you need is blazing fast internet on your computer. There are certain VoIP apps like Zoom and Google Duo which are also compatible with computers.
These types of connections are typically free to use. All you need is an audio transmitting device like a microphone or speaker to speak with your friends and family. A computer-to-computer connection is a great starting point. This means even if you don’t have a mobile phone with you, you can always enjoy the services offered by VoIP through your computer.
Is Google Voice number a VoIP Service Provider?
Yes. Google Voice is a voice-over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone service. This service was founded by Google back in 2009 and it allows users to make and receive phone calls along with sending text messages at a lightning-fast speed. By using Google Voice, you can also forward your calls from one number to another. Simply, with this VoIP, you can manage all your communication right from your phone.