Technology is changing the way we communicate. Today, instant messaging is playing a crucial role, offering communication channels that are more effective than email and even replacing the need for traditional landline telephones.
As a result, there’s no shortage of instant messaging solutions for business. But what about internet phone call apps? Thanks to advances in VoIP technology, some instant messaging apps double as apps to make free internet calls.
One thing’s for sure: as business communication becomes increasingly global, security and reliability are top priorities when searching for the best calling app. In fact, 86% of consumers require security from their VoIP service provider, while 85% expect reliability.
Top 10 Best Apps for Making Online Phone Calls
Whether you’re using a PC or an app for your phone calls, calling another dedicated user, or even a landline phone, these are the best online phone call apps.
1. Chatox
Chatox is one of the best apps for free internet phone calls. Is that because it’s powered by Brosix? Of course! But that’s not all. How many other apps for calling offer you unlimited-size file transfers, a native whiteboard solution, co-browsing capabilities, and screen-sharing? Go ahead, we’ll wait.
With Chatox, you’ll get high-quality voice and video chat on a free-to-use and user-friendly platform. You also get real-time text chat, group chat rooms, and the rich feature stack we alluded to a bit ago. Better yet, all communications on Chatox, including calls, take place over fully encrypted, peer-to-peer channels.
It makes Chatox a great online calling app and a highly secure solution rich in features and collaboration tools. Check it out!
Chatox pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Chatox Pros | Chatox Cons |
| Free internet phone calls | Comparatively limited customization |
| High-quality voice and video chat | Occasionally, calls freeze due to connectivity issues. |
| Fully encrypted, peer-to-peer communication channels |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is without a doubt one of the most popular internet phone tools.
To get started, you just need to confirm your mobile phone number. WhatsApp then syncs your contacts, so you can see which of your friends are using the app. Once synced, you can call your WhatsApp friends straight from the app, wherever they’re located, using your internet connection instead of your phone plan’s limited voice minutes.
With WhatsApp, you also get the ability to send instant messages, chat in groups, and share your location, videos, photos, and other media. You can also make video calls. There are desktop and mobile versions, but both you and your call recipient need the app to make calls.
Keep in mind that WhatsApp messages backed up on Google Drive aren’t encrypted, and WhatsApp has exhibited major vulnerabilities to malicious spyware. And while you can’t call landlines, with 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp’s online calling potential is unrivaled.
WhatsApp pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| WhatsApp Pros | WhatsApp Cons |
| Offers end-to-end encryption for security | Privacy concerns due to data collection |
| Allows voice and video calls and file sharing | Limited customization compared to other platforms |
| Global reach for international communication | Association with Facebook may raise trust issues. |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.6 (Stars) from 946 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 15,743 people
- G2 4.6 (Stars) from 60 people
3. Viber
Viber is an increasingly popular platform for making online calls. The free mobile calling app offers desktop and mobile versions and supports seamless calls and communication between the two.
Once synced with your mobile phone number, Viber combs your contacts to find other Viber users. Developed by a former member of Israeli intelligence, Viber offers end-to-end encryption on all calls, texts, and group chats, as well as photos and files sent on the app.
For a fee, Viber Out lets you subscribe to Viber for a local number in various countries that you can use to call non-Viber users and receive calls and texts.
Viber pricing: Free; With Viber Out, you can make unlimited calls to 57 countries for €5.99 and try it for a week for free.
Pros and cons
| Viber Pros | Viber Cons |
| Cross-platform availability | Inconsistent call and video quality |
| Easy setup and sign-up process | Limited market reach in certain regions |
| Supports individual and group chats | Group chat is limited to 250 participants. |
| End-to-end encryption for secure communication | Cluttered interface, according to some users |
| Viber Out feature for cheap calls | Reduced photo quality upon upload |
| File sharing capabilities |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.4 (Stars) from 159 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 4,007 people
4. Telegram
Telegram is another internet phone app that’s growing in recognition. Telegram allows you to call other Telegram users for free, as well as send text messages one-on-one and in groups.
Telegram is available in desktop, mobile, and web versions. You can share unlimited photos, videos, and files. Telegram features are available anywhere you log in, and you can even make internet calls through the web. Cloud-based infrastructure lets you sync messages between multiple devices.
Telegram has risen in popularity for a few reasons. For starters, its client-side code is free and open-source. Telegram also offers encryption, but keep in mind that it doesn’t encrypt chats by default. Secret chats and voice calls are encrypted end-to-end, but the former has to be manually turned on. That could lead users to a false sense of security.
If Telegram isn’t for you, the other apps on this list should suit you fine. Or try one of these capable Telegram alternatives.
Telegram pricing: Free; Depending on where you live, Telegram Premium, which includes Telegram Business, varies in price.
Pros and cons
| Telegram Pros | Telegram Cons |
| Unlimited cloud storage for messages | No default end-to-end encryption |
| Supports large group chats | Phone number binding exposes contacts |
| Allows you to send large files up to 2 GB |
Available on: Windows, Windows Phone, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.9 (Stars) from 396 people
- Capterra 4.7 (Stars) from 6,273 people
5. Vonage
Vonage is one of the best VoIP apps to make online calls. With Vonage, you get reduced rates for international landline phones and mobiles.
Once you sign up you’ll get a Vonage box, which you’ll connect to your router and phone. You’ll then get voicemail, 911, call waiting and forwarding, and even access to weather and traffic information. For a fee, you can add another line or a fax, for instance.
The mobile app syncs your existing contact list, and Vonage users will appear in a dedicated section of the app.
Vonage pricing: Free trial with $10 in credits for new users; Basic at $13.99 per month; Premium at $20.99 per month; Advanced at $27.99 per month (all prices apply to an annual subscription).
Pros and cons
| Vonage Pros | Vonage Cons |
| Cloud-based system for flexibility | Poor third-party app integration |
| User-friendly interface | Overcharging and a complicated billing process |
| Quick setup and deployment | Issues with SMS integration and support |
| Easy phone/number assignment | Support requests take days to complete. |
Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Web, and a browser add-on for Firefox, Chrome, Microsoft Edge
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 4.5 (Stars) from 1,439 people
- Capterra 4.1 (Stars) from 308 people
- G2 4.3 (Stars) from 442 people
6. Messenger
Facebook began life as a social network to connect students on university campuses in the U.S. Not only has it become the most popular social media platform, but you can also use its Messenger app to make free online calls.
To make a call on Facebook Messenger, both users need the Messenger app. Messenger automatically syncs with your Facebook friends, so it’s easier if you and the other party are friends there. Or you can search for users through the search feature.
Messenger doesn’t support phone calls to landlines, but you can make free internet phone and video calls desktop to desktop, desktop to app (and vice versa), and app to app. Messenger works from any web browser.
Just consider the risks of free instant messengers for team communication. Try a workplace messenger instead. Many workplace messengers, like Brosix, provide the ability to make calls.
Facebook Messenger pricing: Free
Pros and cons
| Facebook Messenger Pros | Facebook Messenger Cons |
| Enables voice calls and video chat | Display of targeted digital ads |
| Integration with other Meta products | A cluttered user interface, especially on mobile devices |
| Expansive communication features like group messaging and file sharing | Security risks, such as account hacking |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Web
User ratings: Trustpilot 1.6 (Stars) from 242 people
7. Google Voice
Google offers a few internet phone apps for free calls. One of those options is Google Voice. With desktop and mobile versions, you can call desktop to desktop, desktop to phone, and desktop to landline. Google Voice is more than that, though.
By allowing you to route incoming calls to a free phone number provided by Voice to any other phone you have, Google Voice helps you manage the phone numbers in your life. What’s more, you also get SMS messaging, conference calls, and free voicemail capabilities. That said, free calls can only be placed in the U.S. or Canada.
Google Voice pricing: Starter at $10 per user per month; Standard at $20 per user per month; Premium at $30 per user per month
Pros and cons
| Google Voice Pros | Google Voice Cons |
| Provides free numbers with local area codes | Texting is available in the US only. |
| Offers free calling to the US from any country | Works only with other Google apps |
| Allows for affordable international calls and messaging | Paid plans can be expensive for small business owners. |
| Enables sharing responsibility for incoming calls | Limits on the number of texts that can be sent in a 24-hour period |
| Provides competitive rates for domestic and international calls | Lacks sophisticated telephony functionalities |
| Seamlessly integrates with other Google services | The service isn’t upgraded as often compared to other business phone services. |
Available on: Web, Android, iOS
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 3.0 (Stars) from 3 people
- Capterra 4.5 (Stars) from 688 people
- G2 4.1 (Stars) from 151 people
8. Google Meet
With Google Meet, you get high-quality audio and video calls. The connection is user-to-user only, so there’s no possibility to call landline phones. There is also an instant message option when you’re on a call. It is a part of Google Workspace, a suite of productivity and collaboration tools by Google.
Google Meet is designed to facilitate virtual meetings and video conferences, allowing people to communicate with each other, whether for work, education, or personal purposes. It can also be integrated with Google Calendar to schedule meetings and keep appointments on track.
Users can invite up to 100 participants to a meeting for free. They can also present documents, slides, and spreadsheets by sharing their entire screen or specific windows.
Google Meet pricing: The price depends on the chosen Google Workspace plan. Your options for an annual subscription are as follows: Business Starter at $6 per user per month; Business Standard at $12 per user per month; Business Plus at $18 per user per month; Enterprise at a custom price.
Pros and cons
| Google Meet Pros | Google Meet Cons |
| Easy to use with a user-friendly interface | Technical limitations and connectivity issues, especially with outdated devices or weak internet connections |
| Integrates well with other Google programs | Students may experience distractions and a lack of focus during online classes. |
| Free to use, making it cost-effective for individuals and small teams | Organizing and managing large groups can be challenging. |
| Allows easy screen sharing during meetings | Lacks certain features provided by competitors |
| Offers privacy features like blurring backgrounds | Users may encounter issues like freezing screens during screen sharing. |
| Provides tools for engagement during meetings (hand-raising, emojis, chat) | Limited customer support compared to other platforms |
Available on: Android, iOS, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 4.0 (Stars) from 13 people
- Capterra 4.5 (Stars) from 11,750 people
- G2 4.6 (Stars) from 2,239 people
9. Skype
When it comes to making free internet calls, there’s no bigger name than Skype. Born in 2003, it’s one of the original internet calling apps.
With Skype, you can make user-to-user phone calls from both desktop and mobile. You just need to create a Skype account and then you can search the public directory for contacts using their phone number, email address, or specific user name.
What’s more, with the purchase of Skype credit, you can call landline phones and send instant messages at reduced rates. You also get screen sharing, file sharing, and video calls, making Skype a versatile option for your internet phone calls.
Skype pricing: Free; The costs for making worldwide international calls vary depending on your location.
Pros and cons
| Skype Pros | Skype Cons |
| Excellent call quality for video calls and conferences | Occasional poor audio quality and connection failures |
| Easy setup and a user-friendly interface | Requires stable internet; unusable without connectivity |
| Available on many platforms | Contact management issues, including syncing and difficulty managing contacts |
| Features like screen sharing, file sharing, and group calling | Dropped calls and connection issues; bugs in screen sharing and call recording |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Kindle Fire, Xbox One, Web
User ratings:
- Trustpilot 1.4 (Stars) from 1,498 people
- Capterra 4.2 (Stars) from 447 people
- G2 4.3 (Stars) from 23,177 people
10. TextNow
TextNow is a free calling app that gives you an actual phone number to call and receive calls from other users. For the latter, you’ll need to buy or earn redeemable credits.
In addition to being able to call for free, TextNow lets you send instant messages, even while actively on a phone call. You can also share photos, drawings, emojis, and your location.
To set up TextNow, all you need is an email address. That means TextNow works with devices like Kindle. You can also customize the voicemail greeting, set different alerts for different contacts, and get email alerts when you get messages.
TextNow also keeps track of your call history, which you can access on multiple devices simply by logging into your account.
TextNow pricing: Free; Option to purchase international calling credits (the cost depends on the country you’re calling); Premium numbers at $4.99/year (US); Lock-in number at $4.99/month; Ad-Free Lite at $1.99/month; Ad-Free+ at $99/month; Wi-fi service with a one-time purchase of a SIM card at $99; High-speed data add-ons: Free, Hour Pass at $0.99, Day Pass at $4.99, and Month Pass at $39.99
Pros and cons
| TextNow Pros | TextNow Cons |
| Free nationwide calling and texting in the US and Canada | Mediocre call quality and reliability, with calls not always ringing |
| Free texting to over 100 countries | Occasional glitches and crashes have been reported by some users |
| Free voicemail with custom greetings | Ads are shown to free users. |
| Web and mobile apps for sending/receiving calls and texts from any device. | Doesn’t work well for receiving verification codes from some companies |
| Select and change your phone number every 15 days. | Limited customer support hours (10 am-5:30 pm EST) |
Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
User ratings: Trustpilot 4.4 (Stars) from 688 people
Internet Calling App Considerations
Believe it or not, there are many more apps for making internet calls. Hopefully, we’ve helped you narrow your choice! At the end of the day, you need to consider:
- Price: Not all apps for making calls over the internet are free. What’s more, adding international calling plans can increase the price.
- Features: Some apps are for making calls only, while others, like Brosix, provide rich collaboration features and administrative tools to enhance teamwork and productivity.
- The calling destination: With some apps, you can only call the U.S. while others provide a range of international calling options.
- Security: Will your phone calls be fully encrypted over peer-to-peer channels on a private team network? These measures greatly enhance your data security and privacy.
There are many benefits of instant messaging, including the ability to make internet phone calls. If you’re having trouble settling on a solution, try Brosix! It’s a highly capable and customizable solution for encrypted phone calls, messaging, and teamwork. Try it today!
Final Thoughts
The world of online calling apps is continually evolving. Whether you prioritize security, cost-effectiveness, or features, there’s likely an app that meets your needs. As technology continues to advance, the ability to make internet calls has become an integral part of our daily lives. Such apps not only connect people across the globe but also help with business communication and information sharing.
We’ve provided you with plenty of options to choose from, so explore them, weigh your priorities, and select the app that will be most effective for you.
FAQ
What is Wi-Fi calling?
Wi-Fi calling is a feature that allows users to make phone calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of using a cellular network. It is especially useful when you are in an area with poor cellular coverage but have access to a strong Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi calling is also a great option for international calls, as it eliminates the need for expensive roaming charges.
What are VoIP calls?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls are phone calls made over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines. Various devices, such as computers, smartphones, and dedicated VoIP phones, can make internet calls, which often cost less than traditional phone calls. They also offer additional features, such as video calling and screen sharing, that are not available on traditional phone lines.
Can I make international calls for free using online calling apps?
Yes. Some apps offer free calling to other app users who have the same app installed, regardless of their location. Other apps allow you to make calls to both landlines and mobile phones in other countries at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone services.
