Top 9 Free Calling Apps for Making Phone Calls Anywhere

Making phone calls without incurring traditional phone charges has become increasingly popular, thanks to the rise of free calling apps that utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. These apps allow users to make voice and video calls, send text messages, and even share their screens, all over an internet connection.

What are Free Calling Apps?

Free calling apps are applications that enable users to make phone calls over the internet without the need for traditional phone plans. These apps convert voice data into digital signals that travel over the internet to the recipient's device, where they are converted back into audible sound.

How Do Free Calling Apps Work?

To use a free calling app, you typically need to download and install the app on your device, create an account, and have a stable internet connection. The app uses your internet connection to transmit voice data, allowing you to make calls to other users of the same app or, in some cases, to regular phone numbers.

Top 9 Free Calling Apps

1. Dingtone

Dingtone offers unlimited free calls and texts to other Dingtone users. It also allows you to call real phone numbers using credits, which can be earned through mini-offers or games. This app is particularly useful for those needing an additional phone number for business or personal use, as it provides free phone numbers for various regions and supports call forwarding and call blocking.

Pros: Unlimited texts and calls over data or WiFi, free phone numbers, call forwarding and call blocking features.
Cons: Contains intrusive ads, the free number is valid for 30 days without premium.

2. TextNow

TextNow is a popular app that allows you to make free phone calls to any phone number in the US and Canada. You can bring your existing number or get a free local TextNow phone number. While the free plan is limited to the US and Canada, you can earn credits to make international calls by completing offers or watching ads.

Pros: Unlimited free phone calls to US and Canada numbers, free local phone number.
Cons: Limited to US and Canada for free calls, in-app ads.

3. Google Voice

Google Voice is an excellent option for making free calls to landline and mobile numbers, especially within the US. It provides a free phone number, supports incoming calls from anywhere, and includes features like voicemail transcription and spam call blocking. However, it does not support emergency calling.

Pros: Free nationwide calling, free phone number, voicemail transcription.
Cons: No emergency calling, no direct customer support.

4. Skype

Skype is a versatile app that allows you to make voice and video calls, send text messages, and share your screen with others. It is available on multiple platforms and supports both app-to-app and app-to-phone calls, although some features may require a subscription.

Pros: Cross-platform compatibility, screen sharing, group calls.
Cons: Some features require a subscription, may have call quality issues.

5. Viber

Viber is known for its personalization features and supports both voice and video calls. It also offers instant messaging and allows you to call other Viber users for free. However, calling regular phone numbers may incur charges.

Pros: Personalization features, free calls to other Viber users, instant messaging.
Cons: Charges for calling regular phone numbers.

6. Messenger

Messenger, by Facebook, allows you to make free voice and video calls to other Messenger users. It supports group calls and is available on both computers and smartphones. However, it does not support calls to regular phone numbers.

Pros: Cross-platform compatibility, group calls, large user base.
Cons: Limited to calling other Messenger users.

7. Google Duo

Google Duo is ideal for making high-quality video calls to other Google Duo users. It supports group video calls with up to 32 people and works on various devices, including smart displays. However, it does not support calls to regular phone numbers.

Pros: High-quality video calls, group calls, cross-platform compatibility.
Cons: Limited to calling other Google Duo users.

8. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a top-rated messaging app that also supports free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users. It has a large user base and supports group calls, but it does not allow calls to regular phone numbers.

Pros: Large user base, group calls, cross-platform compatibility.
Cons: Limited to calling other WhatsApp users.

9. Snapchat

Snapchat, primarily known for its messaging and photo-sharing features, also allows you to make free voice and video calls to other Snapchat users. It supports group calls with up to 15 people but does not support calls to regular phone numbers.

Pros: Group calls, large user base, cross-platform compatibility.
Cons: Limited to calling other Snapchat users.

Limitations and Considerations

While free calling apps offer numerous benefits, there are some limitations to consider:

Call Quality: The quality of calls can vary depending on your internet connection. A stable and fast connection is essential for clear and uninterrupted calls.
Ads and Premium Features: Many free calling apps include ads or offer premium features for a fee. This can impact your user experience, especially if you prefer an ad-free environment.
Call Duration and Frequency: Some apps may limit the duration or frequency of free calls. Understanding these limitations can help you choose the best app for your needs.
Emergency Calling: Not all free calling apps support emergency calling, which is an important consideration for safety and emergency situations.

FAQs

Q1: What are free calling apps?

Free calling apps are applications that allow you to make phone calls over the internet without traditional phone charges. They use VoIP technology to enable voice communication.

Q2: How do I download and start using a free calling app?

To get started, search for your chosen free calling app on your device's app store, download and install it, create an account, and follow the app's instructions to start making calls. Ensure you check the app's terms of service, privacy policy, and reviews before downloading.

Q3: Can I make free calls to any phone number?

Many free calling apps allow you to call other users who also have the same app installed. Some apps may offer limited free calls to regular phone numbers, usually as a promotional feature.

Q4: How do I make calls from a PC?

You can make calls from a PC by using a VoIP provider and a WiFi calling app. Simply choose a contact you wish to call in your WiFi calling app and click the call icon to initiate the call.