You can make free calls over the Internet with a wide range of apps available. All you need is a device compatible with the app, and a Wi-Fi connection. Many calling apps provide an opportunity to make free calls to fellow users worldwide. Some give access to making free calls from the app to phone numbers in limited countries such as the United States and Canada.
No matter which features they provide, most of these apps offer great convenience at no cost whatsoever. To help you decide on what will work best for you, we have narrowed down some of the top-rated Wi-Fi calling applications worth using today!
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger has quickly become one of the most popular and widely-used Wi-Fi calling apps around. As with almost all of Facebook’s products, it’s free to use for both iOS and Android devices. It accommodates voice, video chat, text messages, synced contacts, and emojis to name a few of its features.
With just an internet connection through Wi-Fi or a 4G/LTE data network, you can make international calls at no cost. Even if your contact is not already available on Messenger they can be called by simply entering their phone number. Furthermore, unique privacy controls let users decide which friends can view each conversation (including emoticons). So there are fewer disruptions when dealing with sensitive topics.
When it comes to advantages, this app stands out due to its robust feature set. It provides high-quality video streaming without bogging down system resources. Other pluses include an intuitive interface, encrypted messages for added safety & security, a dedicated inbox for business purposes & instant messaging support during voice & video conferencing sessions. On the downside, however, the user needs a Facebook account to register. Exceptions exist but may require special approval by the network operator making setup potentially more complicated than some applications.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a free app for both Android and iOS devices. It supports voice calls as well as video calls over Wi-Fi or cellular networks. This offers users clear call quality with low latency connections. Designed with simplicity in mind, Google Meet also provides seamless integration with other applications. These include Messages, Photos, Contacts, and more from Google.
One of its advantages is its intuitive design, which makes it straightforward to use. Even those who are not tech-savvy can quickly navigate their way around the application without any hassle. Setting up an account doesn’t take more than a few minutes. Once the setup process has been completed, one can access all their contacts by simply entering in phone numbers or emails associated with them. The application also features end-to-end encryption (AES 128-bit). This ensures that personal data and conversations remain secure while using the service’s network connection.
Another impressive feature of Google Meet is its “Knock Knock” function, which lets users see video previews of incoming calls before they decide whether or not they want to answer. This helps ensure you’ll always be prepared for every conversation no matter how unexpected it may be! In terms of disadvantages, there are a limited number of options available compared to competitors such as Skype or Zoom. However, most basic functions should suffice for casual users.
Skype
Skype is one of the most well-known Wi-Fi calling apps around. It allows users to make free or low-cost calls and send messages over their internet connections within its network, as well as with outside numbers. Through this app, users can place audio and video calls to friends and family located in any area of the world. No need to worry about an international calling plan or expensive phone bills.
On top of that, it also offers conference calls with up to 25 people at once. This makes it useful for business purposes. Additionally, you can screen-share documents right from your desktop during any call. This feature allows you all sorts of collaborative options when working online.
Pros of this app include its familiarity, ease of use, and affordability. It’s free to make calls to others with the Skype platform, making it ideal for those on a tight budget. Furthermore, it lets one add various degrees of security such as facial recognition logins, which makes checking in from many locations more secure.
As for drawbacks, audio quality has been known to be an issue at times. Dropped calls have been noted as well, primarily due to lagging connection speeds. Additionally, when video chatting both users must have good internet connections for it to work optimally. Unfortunately, rural areas with poor service are unable to place calls through the app at all sometimes. Ads are also placed inside the application so bear that in mind if you greatly prefer conversations without interruption.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular Wi-Fi Calling apps by Meta. It allows users to make voice, video, and group calls over a data connection. The app includes features such as registration with one’s phone number, an address book integration, text messaging support, the ability to share videos and images, and multiple language support. WhatsApp also provides end-to-end encryption for communication security.
One of the main advantages of using WhatsApp is its simplicity. It has a simple user interface designed to help anyone start making calls right away without any additional tutorials or setup instructions. Furthermore, the app’s reliability in terms of call quality makes it a great choice when making long-distance or international calls. Even on low bandwidth connections like 3G/4G networks, one can make calls without worrying about bad reception or dropped audio issues.
The main drawback to using this service is that all parties must have the app installed to connect. Users cannot just call someone’s landline/mobile numbers directly from within the application itself. Aside from this minor inconvenience, however, WhatsApp remains an excellent free solution for making securely encrypted VoIP and video calls quickly and easily over Wi-Fi connections.
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Viber
Viber is a user-friendly and reliable VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) app that enables users to make free voice and video calls. It employs end-to-end encryption protocols such as 256-bit AES encryption, TLS/SSL technology, and two-step verification to protect all of its activity from prying eyes. The app also features text messaging capabilities with stickers, as well as audio messages for communication on the go. With Viber, you can call mobile numbers in some countries without Wi-Fi based on 3G or 4G connections.
In terms of features, one can expect high-quality sound when using Viber for calling. Additionally, users can seamlessly share photos, videos, documents, and their geographical location within the chat window, making it useful both professionally and socially. For added ease of use, the app has an intuitive interface allowing hassle-free navigation across its various functions such as setting up group chats. Users can even enable push notifications that inform them when there’s new activity concerning their profile even while offline.
As far as pros and cons, one of the main advantages Viber offers is its affordability. This is because it allows users to make calls by just using internet data. Plus, with no annoying ads continually popping up, you can stay focused on using the app itself without getting distracted. On the downside though, calling non-Viber mobile numbers or landlines requires a subscription fee. Otherwise, audio quality might suffer, which could be an issue if you’re making any business-related calls.
Snapchat
Snapchat is a popular messaging service that has been around for over a decade. It’s particularly well known for its fun filters and stories feature, which allows users to document their days as they go. However, it also offers Wi-Fi calling features to make talking easier than ever before. You can call or video chat with any of your Snapchat friends from anywhere.
The app stands out due to its advanced capabilities when it comes to making calls via Wi-Fi networks. Whether you need voice-only or video calls, the company promises quality connections. And since data usage is being minimized drastically here (you just need to be online!)
One benefit here lies within the user experience — sending snaps and messages in real-time feels effortless. However, what makes Snapchat stand out among other communication apps is its dynamic range of extras available while on a call. Gifs, emojis, QR codes, and custom animations let you unleash more creativity into even the latest conversations.
Dingtone
Dingtone is one of the top Wi-Fi calling apps, offering free phone calls over a Wi-Fi connection even if users are located overseas. It has some great features such as free international calls and message translation when talking to people in other countries using TextNow. This app also offers an HDVoice feature on compatible phones, providing optimum sound quality during conversations with minimal interference or noise from callers’ surroundings.
The biggest benefit is its flexible pricing system that allows users to choose exactly what services they want without paying for features they don’t use. For example, users can pay for just international calls, send SMS/MMS messages, and purchase a number that makes it easy to track down contacts quickly. Plus, users can access many other services, like voicemail transcription, at very reasonable prices.
On the flip side, however, this app works well with Android devices running version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above. Unfortunately, iOS support stopped back in 2015 after Apple discontinued its native VoIP application programming interface (API). In addition, users might find customer service lacking compared to applications offered by larger companies. However, advances made since 2020 seem encouraging, especially within European countries.
Signal Messenger
Signal Messenger is a free, secure Wi-Fi calling app that allows users to communicate with their contacts in a private and encrypted manner. With end-to-end encryption, Signal ensures that no one else can access the conversations taking place between two parties. The app also includes features such as high-definition audio calls, video calls, group chats with up to 1000 participants, file sharing of up to 100MBs, and message reactions. In addition, Signal has an open API for developers so they can easily create services on top of it.
One of the major advantages of using this app is its privacy and security features, which ensure that all communication remains confidential. This makes it very attractive for companies who prioritize protecting sensitive information when conversing over the web or through mobile devices. Additionally, since it is compatible across different platforms like Android, iOS, and Mac computers, it offers greater collaboration options for those who use multiple operating systems.
On the downside, however, some users may dislike certain aspects, such as not currently being able to support VoIP landlines. Instead, they only offer cross-platform connections between devices running signal apps. Overall though, if privacy is your top priority, then this app should be taken into consideration given how robustly its system works when compared to other solutions.
Telegram
Telegram is one of the best Wi-Fi calling apps available today and it’s easy to see why. It provides users with a secure, cross-platform messaging application that can be used across different devices. Telegram also offers free audio and video calls over Wi-Fi, which makes it great for those who want more privacy than traditional telephone services provide.
With Telegram, users have access to features like the web version, instant messaging, stickers, media sharing, and much more. On the plus side, Telegram can be easily found on iOS and Android phones, as well as desktop platforms such as Linux or Mac OS X computers. Additionally, the app is open source, which means anyone can suggest or even create customizations for better security and privacy.
Furthermore, all messages sent via Telegram are encrypted before being stored in the cloud. This makes them secure from potential eavesdropping by cyber criminals or other malicious agents. It’s an incredibly useful feature in this day and age where data breaches occur regularly. Finally, there are no ads nor any hidden fees associated with using telegram. The only real downside of using telegram is that currently, not enough people use it. You may find yourself struggling to search for contacts unless they already have accounts, too.
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Criteria for Selecting the Best Wi-Fi Calling Apps
When selecting the best Wi-Fi calling apps, there are certain factors to consider that will ensure a good user experience and stable connections. The first important factor is connection reliability between you and the person at the other end of the call. A good quality app should have an easy interface for connecting devices with minimal lag time or dropped calls. The second thing to look out for is sound quality, as this affects clarity and also comfort when conversing on a phone call.
Quality plays an even bigger role if doing video conferencing, so choosing one that not only provides clear voice transmission but also supports high-definition videos would be ideal. The third factor to consider when getting a Wi-Fi calling app is the security measures taken by the software provider in protecting your information. Encryption measures such as SSL (Secure Socket Layer), and protocol over TLS (Transport Layer Security) should be among the top features.
Finally, examining additional features like voicemail services can make conversations more enjoyable while driving convenience into the communication process with others. The importance of these factors to get a good Wi-Fi calling experience should not be understated. As Wi-Fi bandwidths keep increasing, the expectation of data transfer speeds increases with it as well. So having your call dropped or distorted audio becomes frustrating when trying to hold a conversation over long distances. Therefore, testing connection quality before making any commitment is always wise.
Final Thoughts
As technology advances, Wi-Fi calling apps can provide more useful and cost-effective solutions to communicating without the need for phone plans and bills. The above list features some of the top contenders in this space. Depending on your specific needs, any one of these recommended apps has something special to offer. It is worthwhile considering switching over from traditional providers if you want an improved quality experience at cheaper rates — or just a service change altogether. Always give priority to what type of feature you value most, whether free international calls or conference sharing, so that you get the maximum out of these services beyond basic functionality choices.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Mario Arango.
