With affordable smartphones and the Internet available everywhere, you can now make or receive international and domestic calls for free using a Wi-Fi connection or your mobile data. All you need to do is choose a free calling app for your Android or iOS device that lets you call any phone number or another user, without any additional cost. Listed below are the 10 best free Wi-Fi calling apps for Android and iPhone that have seamless call quality and user-friendly UI, among other things.
Table of Contents
Top Free Calling Apps for Android and iPhone
| App Name | Compatible Platform | Ratings/Reviews | Download Link |
| Android | 4.1/5 (178M reviews) | Click here | |
| iOS | 4.7/5 (12M reviews) | Click here | |
| Skype | Android | 4.1/5 (11.5M reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 4.4/5 (66.2K reviews) | Click here | |
| Viber | Android | 4.0/5 (16.5M reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 4.6/5 (520.7K reviews) | Click here | |
| Messenger | Android | 4.1/5 (87.3M reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 2.4/5 (1.3K reviews) | Click here | |
| Signal | Android | 4.4/5 (2.31M reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 4.8/5 (592.6K reviews) | Click here | |
| Snapchat | Android | 4.0/5 (33M reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 4.7/5 (1.7M reviews) | Click here | |
| Android | 3.9/5 (147M reviews) | Click here | |
| iOS | 4.7/5 (24.9M reviews) | Click here | |
| Telegram | Android | 4.2/5 (12.6M reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 4.2/5 (160.7K reviews) | Click here | |
| Dingtone | Android | 4.1/5 (655K reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 4.6/5 (30.4K reviews) | Click here | |
| Botim | Android | 4.2/5 (1.06M reviews) | Click here |
| iOS | 4.3/5 (49.8K reviews) | Click here |
Best Free Calling Apps for Unlimited Calls
WhatsApp
Owned by Meta, WhatsApp is one of the most popular apps in the world for sending instant messages and making voice and video calls for free irrespective of your location. It has built-in end-to-end encryption, which means your conversations are completely secure.
Features like group chats, voice messages, GIFs and stickers, and media and location sharing help make the app that much better. Available in almost every part of the world, WhatsApp only requires you to register with your phone number to enjoy unlimited app-to-app calling with the domestic and international contacts on your list.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free domestic and international calls | Only allows app-to-app calling |
| Group voice/video calls with up to 32 users | Requires a phone number to register |
| Call waiting feature | Data charges may apply while roaming |
| End-to-end encryption | |
| Can be logged in through WhatsApp web |
Skype
Skype is perhaps one of the first apps on the Internet that became popular for offering VoIP calling and videoconferencing solutions. Similar to WhatsApp, Skype allows free app-to-app calling, besides offering other features like instant messaging and file sharing.
However, this app also lets you call actual landline and mobile numbers across the world by using payable credit. Its standout feature is its availability across platforms including mobile, desktop, tablet, gaming console, etc. and on most operating systems such as Android, iOS and Windows. All you need is an email ID to sync with the app.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports calling on app and on real phones | Calls made to direct numbers are not free |
| Can switch views on a group video call | Internet speed may affect call quality |
| Screen sharing on voice or video call | Call duration is limited |
| Call blocking feature | |
| Works on nearly every device |
Viber
Viber started out as a VoIP calling service and has since extended its features to offering text messaging, media sharing, voice and video chats, and communication features like GIFs and stickers, notes and more. An active mobile number is required to set up a Viber account.
Like Skype, Viber allows you to enjoy unlimited app-to-app calling to anyone in the world. To call real landlines and mobile numbers, you’ll need to buy credits for a small fee. The app has a contact integration and segregation feature that clearly indicates who you can call for free. Viber works seamlessly on all platforms and devices, be it mobile or desktop.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports calling on app and on phones | Requires a phone number to sign up |
| Free-to-call contacts segregated from paid | Calls made to landline/mobile are not free |
| Group voice/video calls with up to 50 users | No feature to block unknown callers |
| Ensures privacy with end-to-end encryption | |
| Compatible across platforms |
Messenger
Messenger is another Meta platform offering text messaging, and voice and video calling for free. The only requirement is you need to be friends with a person on Facebook, and you’re good to go. You can even add new people to your Facebook straight through this app.
What makes this app popular among millions of users is its special features like mini games, fun AR effects, selfie stickers, custom themes and colours, chat rooms, and more. For a safe and private messaging experience, this app supports call blocking, app lock, optional end-to-end encryption, controlled message delivery, safety notice pop-ups, and whatnot.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free voice and video calls for FB contacts | Requires a Facebook account |
| Group viewing over video chats | Only allows app-to-app calling |
| Real-time location feature | Takes up a lot of space and battery power |
| Advanced privacy and security settings | |
| Available in up to 20 different languages |
Signal
Signal is rapidly becoming popular as a free text messaging and app-to-app voice and video calling platform. It is an open-source app which focuses on keeping your conversations with other Signal users completely secure with state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption.
Some of the key features of this app include media and file sharing, encrypted stickers, fun GIFs, group chats, and location sharing. Signal also has a self-destructing messages feature, which allows you to set a timer for messages to automatically delete after a while. You can use this free calling app on multiple platforms, including Android, iOS and desktop.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free voice and video calls to app users | Only supports app-to-app calling |
| Disappearing messages feature | Requires an active phone number to sign up |
| Screen sharing on desktop version | Relatively smaller user base |
| End-to-end encryption | |
| No ads or affiliate marketers |
Snapchat
Yes, you read it right! Snapchat is primarily known for sharing photos and videos publicly or in private with selected contacts. However, the app has evolved its capabilities to allow you to connect with your Snapchat contacts over a voice or video call for free.
Among the most talked-about features of this app are its filters and lenses that can be used to personalise your ‘snaps’ and add a fun element to communicating with your friends and family. The app has recently added other utility features including an AI chatbot, Family Center for monitoring child’s activity within the app, and limited end-to-end encryption.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports free voice and video calling | Only allows app-to-app calling |
| Group calling with up to 15 users at once | End-to-end encryption is limited |
| Fun features like filters, lenses and more | Privacy issues for parents of kids below 18 |
| Popular among younger generations | |
| Works on Android, iOS and desktop |
Instagram is another social networking app where people can share their photos and videos as posts or stories, either publicly or with their followers. Owned by Meta, this platform can also be used to connect with followers on free one-to-one or group voice/video calls.
A striking feature of this app is that it allows its users to organise their uploaded media with hashtags or via geo-tagging. This makes it easy for users to browse content based on what’s trending or what they wish to see. Over the last few years, Instagram has launched features like reels, co-watching video calls, notes, disappearing messages, and much more.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports free app-to-app calling | Doesn’t work well on all platforms |
| Doesn’t require a phone number for calls | Privacy concerns, especially for minors |
| Fun and impressive filters and other tools | Too much-sponsored content |
| Offers immense marketing potential | |
| Has a massive user base |
Telegram
Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging service that also allows its users to make voice and video calls to their contacts on the app for free. Moreover, this app has no limit on the size or number of images, documents, audio files, stickers and other media you share.
The highlight of this app is its focus on security and speed. Telegram conversations are end-to-end encrypted, protected from hackers, and designed to self-destruct. It has an easy-to-use interface and your chats can be accessed from multiple devices like through desktop or mobile apps or on the web. The app lets you customise your messenger as per your choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free app-to-app voice and video calls | Doesn’t support app-to-phone calling |
| Conversations are fully encrypted | Requires a phone number for calls |
| Easy-to-use and user friendly | Not as popular as other IM apps |
| Unlimited file sharing | |
| Real-time support available |
Dingtone
Dingtone differs from the apps listed above as it allows you to claim a free international phone number from the US, Canada, the UK, and other regions. You can use this number to call or text any landline or mobile in over 200 countries using free credits or for a cost.
While app-to-app calling is free for Dingtone users, you need credits to make calls to actual phone numbers. Few free credits are given upon sign up and you can earn more by playing mini-games and through ads and promotions; you can also purchase credits. Some striking features of this app include caller ID, call block, forwarding, call-back, voicemail, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| Supports calling on app and on real phones | Not 100% free in terms of time |
| App-to-app calling is free of cost | Calling on real phones is payable |
| Easy-to-use and navigate | Intrusive ads; ad-free version is paid |
| Advanced features like call blocking | |
| Supports group calls for up to 8 people |
Botim
Botim is one of the latest additions to the list of apps that offer unlimited worldwide calling and messaging for everyone. The app supports high-quality private and group voice as well as video calls for free to your friends and family who are also using Botim.
The app also allows users to share pictures, fun GIFs, send video and voice messages and create group chats with up to 500 members. Botim also includes a payment platform, which enables you to make online and offline payments, withdraw or transfer funds, manage your transactions and more. Botim works best for regions where Meta apps are banned.
| Pros | Cons |
| Free unlimited voice and video calling | Only allows app-to-app calling |
| Supports group calling and chats | Not as feature-loaded as other IM apps |
| Includes a payment platform | Limited user base and reach |
| Supports media sharing | |
| Works on mobile, desktop and on web |
FAQs
1. What are the best apps for making international phone calls?
Some of the best apps to make international phone calls for free are WhatsApp, Skype and Dingtone. If you have an iPhone, Facetime is also great for unlimited international calling.
2. What features should you consider when selecting an Internet calling app?
Here are a few things you might want to consider when selecting an Internet calling app:
- Pricing; whether the app supports free calling or not.
- In-app calls; whether the app provides app-to-app calling, app-to-phone calling, etc.
- Features; whether the app offers value-added features like call block, group calls, etc.
- Security; whether the app conversations are encrypted or not.
- Compatibility; whether the app works on different devices and operating systems.
- Support; whether the app offers troubleshooting and customer support services.
- Availability; whether the app you’re using is available in different regions or not.
3. How does internet calling work?
Internet calling allows users to place a call to anyone or anywhere in the world over Wi-Fi or cellular data instead of a cellular signal. There are many free internet calling apps available on smartphones now that are compatible with 3G, 4G, and 5G as well as Wi-Fi for hassle-free online calling. Most of these platforms support free app-to-app calling while a few also allow you to call an actual phone number using an internet connection; albeit for a cost or credits.
4. What are the benefits of Wi-Fi calling apps?
Wi-Fi calling apps primarily let you save money you’d otherwise spend on calling friends and family based anywhere in the world, especially internationally. Another advantage of the Wi-Fi calling apps is that they allow you to place a call even if your cell signals are low; the only requirement is you need to have access to a strong Wi-Fi network. What makes it that much better is that Wi-Fi calls work exactly like your normal phone calls but don’t always require a phone number. Video calling feature is another major plus when it comes to Wi-Fi calls.
5. Are Wi-Fi calling apps secure?
Wi-Fi calling does come with privacy and security concerns. Hence, it is extremely important that you select a calling app that offers end-to-end encryption to ensure security.
