In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Wi-Fi calling apps and how they rank against each other. “Hi, mom! Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday straight from London.” “Hi, sweetie! Thanks“. “Mom? Hello? Oh, I’m out of credit.”
Have you found yourself in this situation where you’re trying to connect with family and friends worldwide but cannot do so because of poor call quality, expensive call rates and constant recharging?
Are you scouring the internet for the best free Wi-Fi calling and texting apps for android, iOS, or any other platform? Trying to get the right information all on one page? Getting confused over which app to use and why? Well, fret not, for we have compiled here a list of the top free Wi-Fi calling apps just for your convenience.
Table of Contents
📱 The Evolution of Wi-Fi Calling and Texting Apps
With increasing globalisation, boundaries are dissolving, and the world is becoming accessible to all. Calling another phone, either nationally or internationally, can be expensive if done without subscribing to any bundle packages or using WiFi.
Hence, the advent of the internet opened up numerous possibilities to provide telecommunication solutions to these modern problems.
According to stats, as of August 2022, there were 5.40 billion active internet users worldwide – 59.5 percent of the global population. Moreover, 92.6 percent (4.32 billion) accessed the internet via mobile devices of this total.
Hence, as internet connectivity rose, various apps started being developed that provided features of calling and texting over the Internet. Presently, this industry has become very competitive, with top, leading brand names in telecommunications introducing their own apps with enhanced features.
So much is possible in today’s advancing age. We even have free calling and texting apps; no Wi-Fi is needed! Just sign up and get your own number assigned so you can use it to call wherever you want, whenever you want.
Whether you want to use free text and call apps without Wi-Fi, or you want the best free Wi-Fi calling and texting apps for Android and iOS, you can find below the list of the top 10 best Wi-Fi calling apps that provide additional, customisable features to make your experience more personalised.
Comparison Table of Best Texting and Calling Apps
Best Wi-Fi Calling Apps | ||||
App Name | Best For | Calls | Platforms | Ratings |
Talk Home App | Optimal for calls and texts over data/wi-fi | Worldwide | Android & iOS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Free International calls/texts over data/wi-fi | Worldwide | Android & iOS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
Viber | Free and secure calls/messages to anyone over wi-fi/data | Worldwide | Windows, macOS, Android & iOS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Facebook Messenger | Great app for messages and audio calls when traveling abroad. | Worldwide | Windows, macOS, Android & iOS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
IMO | Free texts, voice, and video chat | Worldwide | Windows, macOS, Android & iOS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Google Duo | Easily make high-quality video calls for free on almost all devices | Worldwide | Windows, macOS, Android & iOS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Dingtone | International calls/texts with lows rates | work dwide | iOS & Android | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
📲 The Best Wi-Fi Calling & Texting Apps
Among all the giants of Wi-Fi calling and texting apps, the following ten have established their reign in this industry, leading with over 100,000 to more than a billion users worldwide.
Subsequently, the free Wi-Fi calling apps for Android have higher flexibility in their customisation and allow greater user interactivity. However, some entries within the list are free text and call apps without the WI-Fi requirement! All in all, we leave the decision to choose best on your own educated ability.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a mobile instant messaging app used by more than 2 billion people in more than 180 countries. Moreover, any app user can freely send and receive unlimited messages, pictures, and other files. In addition, the mobile app is available on Android, Apple, and Windows devices, with a desktop client available for Windows PCs and Macs.
Pros
- Has an easy-to-use interface
- Enables live location sharing with contacts (either 15 mins, 1 hour, or 8 hours)
- Allows audio and video calling capabilities
- Audio messages can be shared. They can be listened to privately by putting the phone over the ear
- Chats can be emailed
- End-to-end encryption
- Automatic contact book syncing
- Free of ads
- Free of cost
- Available for iOS, Android, and Windows smartphones. WhatsApp web for windows and MAC software
- GIF support and sharing
- The app is light, stable, and fast
- We can add statuses as stories
- Compatible with Siri on iOS
- Broadcast messages
- Delivery status is shown
- Can create group chats with up to 256 people
- You can delete unwanted messages within 1 hour of sending
- The disappearing message feature is also present, which disappears after a stated time
- WhatsApp also provides an option for a business account
Cons
- No face filters are provided
- No virtual assistant to guide you through the app
- WhatsApp Calling is not available in some countries
- Video files larger than 16Mb and documents larger than 100mbs cannot be shared
- No built-in animated stickers
- A contact number is required to add the contact
- No sign-out option
- Needs internet connection to work
- Not easy to search for someone on WhatsApp
- The app is required for both parties to communicate
- Messages can’t be sent to the normal SMS inbox of a phone
- Cannot hide from a certain user
2. Viber
Viber has been one of the pioneers of online video calling and messaging platforms. It is an instant messaging and cross-platform VoIP software solution designed for personal use and available for both desktops and as a mobile app.
In fact, it has over a billion users worldwide and includes the feature of unlimited member group chats. Users can also make paid international calls with ‘Viber Out’.
Pros
- Free of cost
- Higher integration with phone calling (syncs call log from the phone, full-screen Viber call notification)
- Can call both users and non-users of Viber, but is paid for calling non-users
- Can create group chats with unlimited members
- Is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Blackberry
- Good range of multimedia sharing
- Has emoticons for sharing
- High-quality video and audio meetings with more than 1 person (20 people video conferences)
- Has a desktop app
- Another feature of communities is available, which one can join into to socialize.
- Shows read message status
- Call on any phone number, either mobile or landline, through Viber out (needs credit)
- Has disappearing messages feature
- Can delete and edit sent messages
- You can create stickers too
Cons
- No call blocking
- Low quality on slow Wi-Fi
- Needs Wi-Fi to use
- Multimedia directly gets downloaded in your gallery and this option cannot be changed
- Contains ads
- There’s a limit to file sharing size
- Privacy issue as contact number becomes public and people can add you in random groups
- If the app is uninstalled, the history of chats is deleted
- No search inside conversation feature
- Cannot disable the read receipts feature, unlike WhatsApp
- As a privacy breach, a new user notification is given to your contacts if you join Viber
- Syncing between the desktop app and mobile app is faulty.
- Sent photos are not organized hence, hard to keep track of
- Contacts cannot be added through the desktop app
- No spam folder
- No active users list
3. Instagram Direct
Instagram is one of the most popular mobile photo and video-sharing applications. It is a new method of sharing pictures online via social media sites and has more than a billion users worldwide. Additionally, the Instagram Direct feature in Instagram allows for messaging and calling other Instagram users.
Pros
- Doesn’t require a mobile phone number, just a sign-up on the app.
- Video call with up to 50 Instagram friends at once.
- Free of cost calls and messages
- Convenient picture sharing
- No ads on Instagram Direct
Cons
- Cannot call someone who is not following you on Instagram
- Can only call or message other Instagram users
- Requires Wi-Fi to work
4. Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is the messaging and calling app of Facebook, the leading social media network globally. Home to millions of users, the Facebook network can be connected through the messenger app, allowing free messaging and audio or video calling.
Pros
- Free of cost
- Watch videos within a group video chat with friends
- Group video calls up to 50 people
- You can send and request money from your friends
- You can share video and audio messages with a file size of less than 25Mb
- Supports integration of third-party extensions with conversations
- Access chatbots for a variety of purposes, from booking a movie ticket to getting the latest news update
- Add nicknames to conversations
- Start an encrypted secret conversation
- Use as a default messaging app for your phone
- No ads
- You can play games with friends
Cons
- Can only call or message users of the Facebook messenger app
- Background running sucks battery and mobile data
- Facebook messenger app is a requirement to communicate with other Facebook users, apart from the Facebook app itself.
- Take up a large space in your phone, around 70mbs.
- Privacy issues arise involving an audio recording clause in their terms and agreements.
- Lags in lower-performing phones
Got an app that’s using too much data on your phone? You can reduce data usage by apps on your mobile! Also, if you are worried about privacy invasion by an app, we’ve got all you need to know about data privacy!
5. Talk Home App
The Talk Home App helps families and friends worldwide stay connected and closer together. This platform allows more than 2 billion internationals to keep in touch via a high-quality calling and messaging service which is easy to use, secure and affordable – both nationally and internationally.
Pros
- Flexible bundles
- Very inexpensive international calls
- High-quality call connection
- Pay-as-you-go feature, i.e., no phone contract or SIM required, just download the app, buy credit and hit the call button.
- No Wi-Fi is required for the recipient
- User-Friendly interface
- Provides Local Access calling for national calls
- Multiplatform (Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows)
- Light app with less download size
Cons
- No In-app calling or texting
- The app is free of cost, but the service requires a subscription of a bundle or getting credit to call
- The desktop app is not available
6. IMO
Connecting over 200 million people to their families and friends worldwide, the IMO app provides users free video calling and chatting facilities.
Pros
- Free services
- Feature of sharing stories like Snapchat and Instagram
- It provides a large file sharing size, i.e., 10Gb
- You can join or create groups to meet people of the same interest
- The profile can be personalised with flexible decorative options
- Chatrooms available to make new friends
- A system of Imo levels for users. Higher usage awards higher levels that promise a more fun experience
- Small application size for download (around 5.3MB)
- Stickers are available in over 150 categories
- You can make high-end video and voice calls
- The app encrypts all your calls. This would ensure the privacy of your calls
- Group chat features.
- Gives high quality even under low connectivity situation
- Block contact feature
- Support multi-person audio and video calls with up to 20 person
- Stable calls even on 2G networks
- Support file and document sharing (ZIP, MP3, PDF, etc.)
Cons
- Internet connectivity required
- Battery usage is high
- Anyone can contact you directly without you being able to accept or reject their request
- Documents cannot be shared on IMO
- The app is required by both parties to communicate for free
- There is no privacy for last seen status
- You can’t send your location or contact with IMO.
- Has ads
7. KakaoTalk
KakaoTalk is a free communication app that offers free audio and video calling, instant messaging, and other features like location sharing and playing games. This Asian-based app has around 150 million users worldwide.
Pros
- Unlimited free voice, video calls and text messages to other users
- Group text messaging is supported
- Supports Android, iOS, Windows OS, and Mac OS
- Available in 15 languages
- Provides funny voice filter features during audio calls
- Additional features of listening to music and playing games within the app
- Can be used for online payments
- Built-in search engine facility
- Can send gifts through the app
- Digital bulletin boards to manage meetings conveniently
- Feature of secret chat for better privacy
- Open chat rooms
Cons
- A mobile phone number is required to use the app features
- No calling or messaging to non-KakaoTalk users
- No privacy protocol and no encryption
- Blocking feature is not comprehensive
- Limited emoticons
- User base minimal outside of Korea
- No desktop app
- No end-to-end encryption
8. Google Hangouts
Google Hangouts is a cross-platform messaging app developed by Google that allows members to message, audio or video chat, either personally or in a group.
You can also use Google Hangouts to host conference calls and live streams for YouTube content. The app is free to use and is available on all major platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and the web.
Pros
- Cross-platform synchronization
- Video conferencing with up to 10 members
- No mobile number required
- Integrated with most Google services
Cons
- Google+ account required
- Only app users can communicate
- No read receipts or delivery tracking of messages
- Cannot set a personalized status. It will either be online or offline
- User names are not customizable
- No poll features
- Poor video sharing experience
- Hard to share large files
- Privacy issues involving the app syncing with other Google services
9. TextNow
With over 15 million users worldwide, TextNow has become a name in Wi-Fi calling and messaging apps. TextNow is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that provides free calling services to users by using other network coverages.
Pros
- A personal dedicated number is generated for each user
- The Voice mail facility is available
- Group texting feature available
- Conference calling is also possible
- Multiplatform involving android, iOS, windows, etc.
- Call forwarding feature
Cons
- Calls made outside the app are not free
- Contains many ads
- Cannot group call with more than 3 participants
- Quality can be compromised in weaker connections
10. Textplus
Textplus is another leading mobile communications service that lets you text, talk and share multimedia for free or at a very low cost without a data plan.
It is popular among more than 100 million users worldwide and is available for iOS and Android smartphones and devices.
Pros
- Free of cost services
- Simple interface
- You can choose your own number and change it whenever you want
- Free inbound calls
- Cheap outbound calls
- Group texting
- Can send a text to and call a non-user
Cons
- Requires Wi-Fi to work
- Free texting is limited to the US and Canada
Also, check out our blog on international calling if you’d like to know more about other options available to make cheap international calls.
11. Signal Private Messenger
Are you looking for a free international calling app to speak freely and conveniently with your loved ones? Do not look out any further and get the Signal Private Messenger app. The signal is one of the most encrypted apps available on the market. It is suggested choice of millions of people seek encrypted conversation. A simple, powerful, and secure app is what we need when sharing our personal moments in this digital age.
Every message and call made through this app is encrypted to protect user privacy. Say anything you want without having any doubts about your conversation being read. Make clear voice and video calls to people across the ocean without paying additional long-distance charges.
The best thing about this app is: that even the fun stickers you send via this app are going to be encrypted. By adding a new altar of expression to your conversation through encrypted stickers, you can create and share your own sticker pack in an encrypted way.
Get together with groups and make it easy to stay connected with your family, friends, and coworkers with a convenient calling app. Moreover, there are no ads, no affiliate marketers, and no creepy tracking signals. So, focus on sharing the moments that matter with the people who matters to you. This app offers no ads, no affiliate marketers, and no creepy tracking of your signals. Keep talking for long hours with your loved ones without interruption and speak freely with everyone – only with Signal Private Messenger.
Pros
- Encryption end to end
- Audio quality
- Ability to permanently delete messages and history
Cons
- Need to add a video
- Add Time zone Information
- Bad interface
12. Google Duo
Another leading video calling application available on the market is Google Duo. You might have used this app in the past. If you like to spend most of your time on your Windows PC or Laptop and prefer to make video calls, chats, and stuff from your PC, then this is the right app for you. Compatible with both your computer and mobile device, Google Duo will automatically pick your contacts from your Gmail account and make calls by using the microphone and camera of your device.
To proceed with the call, you need to provide Google Duo permission to access these external devices. The mobile version of this app is also convenient. It is simple, fast, and works perfectly across Android and iOS devices. Moreover, with this app, you can call up to 32 people and bring together the people who matter the most. You can also doodle on video calls and surprise your loved ones with funny masks to make communication a fun activity.
In short, Google Duo is one of the best Wi-Fi calling apps that lets you send personalized messages, photos, emojis, and much more. Capture special moments and share them with your friends and family abroad with Google Duo.
Pros
- Absolutely free app
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Offers very high-quality video calls
- Secured communication
Cons
- Few Features
- Data Usage
13. Dingtone
Dingtone is a free calling app that allows you to make free calls and messages. This app offers a unique feature: It provides its users with a free phone number to make their own phone number private. By giving a US phone number for free, you can call and text any phone number for free.
The local phones number for you to choose from are available in the following destinations: US, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Australia, France, Sweden, Mauritius, Poland, Austria, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Czech Republish, Romania, Malaysia, and Denmark. Use the Dingtone app and make unlimited free calls to anyone over Wi-Fi or data network without incurring any additional fees.
Invite your family members and friends to use a free phone app and start saving money at this critical hour. With over 200 destinations supported by Dingtone at super low rates, Dingtone also supports caller ID so that your friends know it is you who is calling them. Enjoy clear voice quality and convert your handset into a walkie-talkie. Send voicemail with the clean interface of Dingtone and enjoy maximum coverage with this app.
Pros
- Exchange free calls and text messages
- Convert your phone into a walkie talkie
- Free of charge group calls
Cons
- Bad interface
- High data usage
14. Tango
The best place to go live and highlight your talent is on the platform of Tango. With this app, you can meet new friends, display your unique talent, and support artists worldwide. The inception of live streaming has changed the way people have communicated in part. With this app, you can turn your online streams and broadcasts into a business.
Get the Tango app and become part of the Tango community, where you can discover talented video creators and make new friends worldwide. You can also join unique events like NFT, happy hours, and much more to earn more money through this app. You can also collaborate with friends and other Tango streamers to create a cool live stream experience for your audience.
The app has a range of features to help you create a creative video and send unique gifts to your audience. Turn your hobby of live streaming into a profitable business with Tango and interact with new people and friends worldwide.
Pros
- Exchange free calls and text messages
- Convert your phone into a walkie talkie
- Makes your live video calling a business
Cons
- Sexual/abusive content
- Low-quality videos
15. Line
The line app by Line Corporation is transforming the way people communicate. By closing the distance between friends, family, and loved ones, this app offers free voice and video calls. Moreover, with a wide array of exciting stickers available to express yourself in endless ways, Line is offering unique features and services to make communication more fun and convenient activity.
An exclusive feature offered by this app is healthcare. Chat-based healthcare enables users to consult directly with the doctor through the line app. You can speak about your concerns and get advice on looking after yourself. Moreover, with the LinePay feature of Line app, you can also make easy, convenient, and safe payments. With Line App, you can make payments without your wallet.
Another unique feature offered by this app is Live Music. There are over 70 million songs you can stream using this app. Users of the app can also enjoy the sing-along feature of this app and get maximum entertainment from this app. In short, Line is a new type of communication app that allows you to make free audio/video calls, stream music, get health-related updates, and make new friends. Explore each content that you think caters to your needs with the line app.
Pros
- Compatible with both iOS and Android
- Make secured payments with the app
- Also provides free music to users
Cons
- High data usage
- Low-quality videos
- Healthcare might not work all the time
16. Zoom
Zoom platform brings people from different remote areas together and conducts audio or video group calls. This app gained popularity during the pandemic as it helped millions of people to express their ideas and conduct remote meetings. No doubt, Zoom has also been ranked as the number 1 app in customer reviews, and millions are still using the app.
You can easily host video calls or set up an engaging online seminar with this app. Increase productivity and engagement with this app and expand your traditional classrooms into the cloud with this app. Zoom has also set its agenda of providing unified communication for collaborative healthcare and telehealth.
This app is actively working with healthcare personnel in providing the highest quality and cost-effective solution to meet the dynamic needs of healthcare practitioners. Improve patient outcomes and maximize your resources with the Zoom app. You can also boost the organization’s internal communication and recruit participants in any location with the zoom app.
Pros
- Has certain reservations about the meetings
- Allows other applicable apps to access from Zoom
Cons
- Open from a web browser
- Cannot load ppt directly in the room without sharing screen
- Remote use of the app
17. WeChat
With the aim of connecting billions of people around the world, WeChat is a free audio and video calling app that lets you connect with your friends and family abroad. With this app, you can make calls, read newspapers, or even enjoy mini-games and get an exclusive feature of mobile payments.
Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and even macOS, you can enjoy group chats and avail new methods to connect with your loved ones. It was first developed as a micro-messaging app by Tencent and was released in 2011. The app has gained huge popularity by now, and in 2011, it became the world’s largest standalone mobile application.
This app is completely free to use and has been programmed to cater to multiple social aspects of daily needs. You can also share stickers and update your friends about your real-time location. With this app, you can also make calls to any mobile phone, and landlines are at super low rates around the globe. This app is also localized in over 18 languages and can translate your friends’ messages and moments. Use WeChat and get the highest level of control over your privacy.
Pros
- Absolutely free
- File Sharing is easier
- WeChat pay makes secured payments
Cons
- Privacy issues
- Security concern
- China-centric
18. TextNow
TextNow, also known as the TextNow app, is a worldwide free text and calling app that provides you with the ability to send free texts and calls anywhere around the world. Without using any mobile credit, TextNow can help you save up to 90% by giving you the ability to make calls over Wi-Fi or Data network.
You can also invite your friends and family to the TextNow app. Just invite them and start talking to your loved ones for free. The app also consumes less storage and is easy to use. You can also get a real phone number and start calling for free with this app. Do not wait and get phone service without the phone bill. Use the TextNow app and enjoy unlimited calling and texting to U.S and Canada.
Pros
- Simple and clean interface
- You can also synchronize with your Google Account
- Easy to use
- Allows you to use a tablet to make calls over Wi-Fi
Cons
- Frequent call drops
- Poor call quality
- Phone number often resets
19. Google Duo
One of the most popular video calling apps available across the world is Google Duo. You might have already used it on one of your devices. It is a free video calling app that brings you face-to-face with the most people who matter. Group call with over 32 participants and get clear voice quality from each participant. It is simple, reliable, and works across Android and iOS phones and even 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. Google Duo caters to all your video call services and enjoys fast, simple, and secure calls without worrying about paying a penny for these services. All you need is a strong Wi-Fi connection to get these exclusive features on any of your devices.
Pros
- Simple to use
- Secured connection
- Global reach
- Completely free
Cons
- Slow interface
- Slow response from server
20. Talkatone
Another popular VoIP (Voice over IP) calling app that lets you call, text, and talk via Wi-Fi or cellular without using mobile minutes is Talkatone. This app lets you keep connected to your loved ones no matter how far they are. With Talkatone, send text messages and make free calls to always keep your loved ones in your sight and never be alone anytime.
With Talkatone, you can also receive a free US/Canadian phone number that you can change. Make phone calls for free via Wi-Fi without buying any phone plan. Through Talkatone, make calls and messages anytime. If you are traveler and frequently need call time, just buy additional calling credits, and make calls even when you are offline. Simply, with Talkatone, talk, text, and connect with everyone you love. Without any need for data, start to rebuild your connections today. Download the Talkatone app to make texting and calling simple and easy.
Pros
- Provider free US/Canada number of your choice
- Make Cheap International calls
- Can make the text on a tablet too
Cons
- Lots of Advertisements
- Exclusive features for US and Canada only
- Does not support emergency numbers such as 911
21. FreeTone
FreeTone offers a high-quality calling experience and allows its users to make free international calls to any FreeTone number. Unlike other calling apps, you do not need to pay additional money to make calls to international numbers. With FreeTone, simply dial or Canada number and talk to any landline or mobile number for free. Through FreeTone App, you will also be given your own private number to make free phone calls to any US or Canadian number.
The app is simple and completely free to use. You can sign up for the app through your Facebook or Gmail account and make free HD calls and video chats. We know it’s always better to have a free calling app with unlimited texts, the best speed among VoIP apps, and free texting to over 40 countries worldwide. Connect freely and do not pay a penny for your service – only with FreeTone.
Pros
- Free to use
- Get your own real phone number
- Calling the US and Canada is 100% free
Cons
- Poor interface
- Slow server
- Certain features of the app are paid
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many free wifi calling apps that can provide great service. However, it all depends upon the user’s own requirements. Each app has its own key features that allow it to excel in one aspect but may compromise on another.
Whatever the case may be, our list of the top Wi-Fi calling apps can provide you with comprehensive knowledge of all the features each has to offer, so you may make an educated decision.
Remember, the satisfaction of your experience with one app solely depends on how well you identify your needs and choose the best app accordingly.