If you have a smartphone equipped with an active Internet connection, you do not need to make free phone calls using the cellular network. You could save a lot of money (almost up to 70 %) by using the mobile data or Wi-Fi network coupled with one of the best free calling and free texting apps. That’s particularly true with international calls!
Of course, not limited to smartphones, you could also utilize these free calling apps on your desktop as well. We have listed the best free calling apps that you could utilize to make free calls either on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, or Mac.
1. WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp recently became one of the most popular free calling apps after it introduced video calling for both Android & iOS. It has the largest active user base compared to all the other messaging clients offering voice and video calls both. It’s easy to add friends using their phone number.
In addition, WhatsApp is considered to be the fastest even when you are connected to a 2G network. And, that adds up to why the images sent over WhatsApp loses its original image quality. Of course, the compression algorithm implemented for WhatsApp seems to be powerful enough, but it affects the quality of the image uploaded which might be a problem to some of the users.
2. Viber
When we talk about making free calls, Viber is what we can think of right after WhatsApp. It has a lot of active users as well. As an added bonus, Viber is available as a cross-platform application for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux.
You can also use it to send text messages and create a group chat with up to 200 people. Viber does claim that your text messages, photos, videos, voice calls and group chats are all encrypted for a secured mode of communication.
3. Skype
Skype is popular as a free video chat application. But, you can make free voice calls (including free international calls) to anyone on Skype as well. Also, you can add up to 25 people for a group call. It is surely one among the best free calling apps being a cross-platform application available for Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, and Windows. You can also utilize Skype on Xbox One.
It lets you send text messages and perform a group video call with up to 5 of your contacts. It also gives you an impressive ability to delete the sent messages. This feature comes handy when you share a password with someone, or if you sent something accidentally which you do not want your contact to see.
4. Facebook Messenger
If most of your friends are on Facebook, then you should definitely install the Facebook’s messenger app. It is also one of the most loved free calling app available for both Android & iOS.
Facebook Messenger lets you perform voice call and video calls as well. To my experience, Facebook Messenger’s voice call quality proved to be better than WhatsApp at times. In order to initiate a voice call, you need to have the person as a Facebook friend or make sure that he/she has accepted your message request on Messenger.
5. LINE
LINE is yet another popular free calling app available across multiple platforms that include Android, iOS, Windows & Mac. Unfortunately, it is not available for Linux distros as of yet.
LINE lets you make voice calls and video calls. It also lets you make group calls. So, you can either make use of it to talk to your friends or your co-workers. LINE also offers a full-featured social networking service where you can comment on others activities and also post on your timeline.
6. Hangouts
If you love using Google’s services, Hangouts will serve the best as a free calling app letting you perform both voice calls and video calls.
Google Hangouts is available for both Android and iOS. In addition, it can also be used as an extension with Google Chrome browser on your desktop.
7. KakaoTalk: Free Calls & Text
KakaoTalk is an interesting messaging app which offers free voice calls. This app is constantly improving and also turning out to be one of the favorite instant messaging clients.
KakaoTalk offers high-quality voice calls. It also features a voice filter which would let you talk as “Talking Tom” & “Ben.” There are a couple more features that make the user experience filled with more fun. Also, KakaoTalk supports Android Wear devices.
8. Maaii: Free Calls & Messaging
I am not sure how many of you knew about Maaii. But, to our experience, it turns out to be yet another impressive free calling app one should try. It offers free voice calling to other Maaii users. Also, you get the ability to call anyone not on Maaii (mobile or landline) at low rates.
You get the same ability for sending free SMS as well. Fret not, if you do not have any friends on it. You can easily search for friends nearby using it by searching for them with the help of the area pin code, location, or recommendations.
Wrapping Up
Finally, we have got to know about 8 of the best free calling applications that you should be using. Among all of the applications mentioned, Skype & Viber seems to be a viable addition to your desktop. And, applications like WhatsApp Messenger, Facebook Messenger, LINE, KakaoTalk, Hangouts, and Maaii are best suited for your mobile phones.
Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.