Either way, it’s a free call, and these apps are the best for it.
Don’t rely on these apps to dial 911 or similar emergency numbers.
Huge user base.
Lifewire / Ashley Nicole DeLeon
Helps you find users from existing phone contacts.
Works on a wide variety of devices, including the web.
Requires a real phone number to sign up.
It’s unable to call non-users like landline phones.
Meta-owned WhatsApp is a popular texting app with hundreds of millions of users.
You just need to confirm your phone number to get started.
Groups can hold as many as 1,024 people, but group calls are limited to 32 people.
WhatsApp also lets you send videos, photos, your location, and contacts to other users.
Like Signal, end-to-end encryption is supported for all communication within the app.
Download For:
Google Meet
Calls with up to 100 people.
Includes filters, AR masks, and other fun modes.
Present documents and share items during calls.
Only works with recipients who also use the app.
Google Meet is an app-to-app calling service that works across desktop and mobile platforms.
One thing I like about this app is that it displays real-time captions as the other person is speaking.
you’re free to call your contacts and join meetings via a meeting code or link.
You canuse Google Meet in a browseras well as the mobile app for Android and iOS.
Google Voice
Runs on computers and mobile devices.
Can forward all calls to your existing phone.
Easily connects with your existing phone contacts.
Requires existing phone number to call other numbers.
No single call can exceed three hours.
Google Voice is one of the best ways to make a call over the internet.
Voice is much more than this, though.
Other features include free SMS, free conference calls, and free voicemail services.
Voice works from a desktop internet tool and through the iPhone, iPad, and Android apps.
Facebook Messenger
Free for calling any user around the world.
Lots of people already use it.
Runs on computers and phones.
Also supports video calls.
Only works with other users of the app.
Messenger is Facebook’s messaging service.
It supports text messages and audio and video calls between anyone with the app.
Signal
Uses encryption.
Also supports text chat and video calls.
Supports sharing large files.
Signup is easy with your number and a PIN.
Other caller must also have the app.
Can’t sign up with just your email.
Signal is available on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and desktop.
FaceTime
Ideal for iPhone users.
Make free calls with any Apple gadget.
Able to join but can’t initiate calls on Android/PC.
If you’re an Apple fan, then you’ve probably already heard about FaceTime.
It supports video and audio calls with other Apple devices.
This is definitely your best option if you and your frequent callers have Apple devices.
For example, you canshare your screen on FaceTime.
TextNow
Get a real number.
Includes a voicemail box.
Lets you send texts to any phone, even non-users.
Calls aren’t free if you want to talk with a non-user.
Requires credits for calls to landlines.
TextNow is a mobile app that can send and receive free phone calls from other users.
you’re able to also textanyphone because you’re given an actual number to use.
The interface is very straightforward.
Snapchat
Friends likely already have the app.
Audio calls with up to 32 friends at once.
Lets you call other users only.
Can’t dial any phone number.
Might abruptly end long calls.
Then, use the phone icon to instantly call them for free over the internet.
Snapchat works with Android, iPhone, iPad, and Windows.
Telegram
Fully encrypted phone calls.
Works on a number of devices.
Also supports text messaging.
Join huge group messages.
Only users can make free calls with each other.
Telegram is another extremely popular app for encrypted text messaging and calls.
A popular feature of this app is groups.
you might have up to 200,000 people in a single group!
Group video calls support as many as 30 people, and voice-only participants are unlimited.
Skype
Supports free calls to any other Skype user.
Makes audio and video calls, plus supports texting.
Runs cross platform, on lots of devices.
you might pay to call real phones.
You don’t get a real phone number for free.
Calls made to non-users are not free.
Might limit group call duration.
Skype is a popular messaging servicethat’s been around for a long time.
I’ve used it for years to make free phone calls with other Skype users.
It works on desktop and mobile platforms.
Not only is internet calling supported, but also video calls and text messages to any other user.
It’s an easy-to-use app that has proven itself worthy over the many years it’s been around.
Some devices have the app pre-installed.
Textfree
You get a real phone number.
Calling is free to any other user.
Texting works with any phone number.
Numbers expire if they’ve been inactive for too long.
Your calling minutes with non-users are limited.
you’ve got the option to always get another one if your current number expires.
In addition to the web, this app is usable through Android, iPhone, and iPad apps.
Viber
All calls and texts are free with other users.
The app helps find existing users from your contact list.
Works on desktop and mobile devices.
A real phone number isn’t free.
Free calls can be made between users only.
PC-to-PC and app-to-app free internet phone calls are available with Viber.
The app runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers, as well as Android and iOS devices.
However, international rates may apply if you directly call a mobile or landline number.
For a location-independent number, use iNum.
Technically,Wi-Fi calls are less secure than a landlinebecause hackers can intercept your calls.
That’s why programs like Skype and WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption to keep your calls private.
