In today’s interconnected world, staying in touch with loved ones, friends, and business contacts across the globe has become essential. Thankfully, with the advent of technology, international calling no longer requires expensive phone plans or hefty charges. Free international calling apps have revolutionized communication, making it easier and more affordable than ever. Here, we’ll explore five of the best options available in 2024.
In many cases, calling overseas is free. These apps provide free international calls to at least one, if not many, countries, based on our testing of various options.
In addition, the majority of them offer chat capabilities that allow you to share images and videos and send brief messages to each other in between calls. Check out our top five apps for making international phone calls.
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Best Free International Calling Apps (2024)
Skype
Skype has long been a pioneer in the realm of online communication. Its free international calling feature allows users to make voice and video calls to other Skype users at no cost. With a user-friendly interface and seamless integration across devices, Skype remains a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.
Pros:
- High-quality video and voice calls.
- Screen sharing capabilities.
- Option for group calls.
- Integration with Microsoft Office suite.
Cons:
- Some users report occasional connectivity issues.
- Additional features may require a premium subscription.
Is Skype better for business or personal use?
The suitability of Skype for business or personal use depends on various factors, including specific needs, preferences, and the nature of communication required. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Skype for Business:
Business Features: Skype for Business offers a range of features tailored for professional use, including scheduled meetings, screen sharing, whiteboard, and integration with Microsoft Office applications like Outlook.
Security and Compliance: Skype for Business typically provides enhanced security features and compliance options, making it suitable for organizations with strict data protection and regulatory requirements.
Integration with Office 365: If your organization already uses Office 365, Skype for Business can seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft productivity tools, streamlining workflows and collaboration.
Large Meetings: Skype for Business allows for larger meetings with up to 250 participants, which can be beneficial for businesses conducting conferences, webinars, or training sessions.
Enterprise Support: Businesses often require dedicated support channels and service level agreements (SLAs), which Skype for Business may offer through Microsoft’s enterprise support services.
Skype for Personal Use:
Ease of Use: Skype’s interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for personal communication needs such as keeping in touch with family and friends.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Skype is available on various platforms and devices, allowing for flexible communication regardless of the operating system or device being used.
Cost-effective: For personal use, Skype offers free voice and video calling between Skype users, as well as affordable rates for calling mobiles and landlines globally, making it a cost-effective option.
Messaging and Calling: Skype provides instant messaging, voice, and video calling features, enabling individuals to stay connected regardless of their location.
Privacy: While both versions of Skype prioritize user privacy and security, personal Skype accounts may offer more straightforward privacy settings and options compared to Skype for Business, which may be preferable for personal communication.
While primarily known as a messaging app, WhatsApp also offers free international calling functionality. With over two billion users worldwide, it’s a convenient choice for those already using the platform for messaging. Calls are encrypted end-to-end, ensuring privacy and security for users.
Pros:
- Seamless integration with messaging.
- Ability to send multimedia files during calls.
- Group calling feature for up to eight participants.
- Available on both iOS and Android platforms.
Cons:
- The quality of calls may vary depending on the internet connection.
- Limited to users with WhatsApp accounts.
Is WhatsApp better for business or personal use?
Whether WhatsApp is better suited for business or personal use depends on various factors such as the nature of communication, target audience, and specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of considerations for both:
WhatsApp for Personal Use:
Informal Communication: WhatsApp is widely used for personal communication due to its ease of use and familiarity among individuals. It allows for quick text messaging, voice calls, and video calls, making it convenient for staying in touch with friends and family.
Sharing Personal Moments: People often use WhatsApp to share personal photos, videos, and updates with their close contacts, making it a preferred platform for sharing personal moments and experiences.
Privacy Considerations: Personal conversations on WhatsApp are typically private, as users have control over who can see their profile information, status updates, and messages. This privacy aspect is essential for maintaining personal relationships and conversations.
Group Chats: WhatsApp’s group chat feature is commonly used for organizing events, planning outings, or simply staying connected with groups of friends or family members.
WhatsApp for Business Use:
Customer Communication: Many businesses use WhatsApp as a communication channel with customers. It offers features such as business profiles, automated messages, and quick replies, making it suitable for customer service inquiries, order updates, and support.
Marketing and Promotion: WhatsApp can be utilized for marketing and promotional activities, such as sending product updates, promotional offers, and newsletters to customers who have opted in to receive such messages.
Business Groups: Within organizations, WhatsApp groups can facilitate internal communication among team members, enabling quick collaboration, sharing of updates, and coordination of tasks.
International Reach: WhatsApp’s popularity extends globally, making it a useful platform for businesses with an international customer base or distributed teams to communicate effectively across different regions.
Google Duo
Google Duo stands out for its simplicity and reliability in video calling. Designed for ease of use, it offers high-definition video calls even on slower networks. The app automatically adjusts video quality based on available bandwidth, ensuring smooth communication regardless of location.
Pros:
- Cross-platform compatibility.
- The “Knock Knock” feature provides a preview of callers before answering.
- Low latency for real-time communication.
- No account is required to receive calls.
Cons:
- Limited to one-on-one video calls.
- Some features are restricted to certain regions.
Is Google Duo better for business or personal use?
Google Duo is primarily designed for personal use rather than business purposes. It’s a video and voice calling app developed by Google, intended for connecting with friends, family, and loved ones. While it offers features such as high-quality video calls, end-to-end encryption for security, and compatibility across various devices, it lacks the comprehensive set of features typically required for business communications.
For business purposes, platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack are more suitable. These platforms offer features such as screen sharing, integration with productivity tools, advanced scheduling options, larger participant limits, and administrative controls tailored for business environments.
So, while Google Duo can be used informally for brief business calls or discussions, it’s not the optimal choice for businesses looking for a dedicated communication solution.
Viber
Viber goes beyond basic calling with features like stickers, games, and public chats. Despite these extras, its core calling functionality remains robust, offering clear voice quality and reliable connections. With a large user base in Europe and Asia, Viber is a popular choice for international communication.
Pros:
- Extensive collection of stickers and emoticons.
- Group calling feature for up to 20 participants.
- Integration with GIFs and multimedia content.
- Option to hide specific chats with PIN protection.
Cons:
- The interface may feel cluttered to some users.
- Certain features require Viber Out credits for non-Viber calls.
Is Viber better for business or personal use?
Whether Viber is better suited for business or personal use depends on various factors such as the specific needs of the user, the nature of communication, and the features offered by the platform. Here are some considerations:
Business Use:
Group Chats: Viber allows for group chats, which can be beneficial for team collaboration and communication within a business.
File Sharing: Businesses often need to share documents, images, and other files. Viber supports file sharing, which can aid in sharing work-related content.
Integration with Business Tools: Some businesses may find Viber’s integration with third-party business tools useful for project management, customer support, or marketing purposes.
Privacy and Security: Viber offers end-to-end encryption, which may be crucial for businesses handling sensitive information.
Personal Use:
Stickers and Emojis: Viber offers a wide range of stickers and emojis, which can enhance personal conversations and expressions.
Calls and Video Calls: For personal use, Viber’s voice and video call features can be convenient for staying in touch with friends and family, especially for international calls.
Privacy and Security: Similar to business use, Viber’s end-to-end encryption can provide peace of mind for personal communications.
Line
Line enjoys widespread popularity in Asia, particularly in countries like Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand. Alongside its messaging features, Line offers free voice and video calls, making it a convenient choice for international communication within the region.
Pros:
- Vibrant and engaging user interface.
- Large library of stickers and emojis.
- Line Out feature for calling non-Line users.
- End-to-end encryption for enhanced security.
Cons:
- Limited adoption outside of certain regions.
- Voice quality may suffer on slower networks.
Is Line better for business or personal use?
Whether Line is better suited for business or personal use depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user or organization.
For personal use, Line offers a wide range of features such as messaging, voice and video calls, stickers, games, and social networking capabilities. It’s popular among individuals for staying in touch with friends and family, sharing updates, and expressing themselves through various multimedia options like stickers and emojis.
However, Line also offers several features tailored for business purposes, such as Line Official Accounts, Line Business Connect, and Line Work. These tools enable businesses to engage with customers, provide customer support, advertise products or services, and collaborate internally among team members. Line Official Accounts, for instance, allow businesses to create profiles and interact with customers through messaging, broadcasts, and other promotional activities.
Ultimately, whether Line is better for business or personal use depends on the specific goals and requirements of the user or organization. Some may find it suitable for both purposes, while others may prefer alternative platforms dedicated solely to business or personal communication.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the availability of free international calling apps has transformed the way we connect with others around the world. Whether for personal or professional use, these apps offer convenient and cost-effective solutions for staying in touch across borders. From Skype’s longstanding reliability to Line’s popularity in specific regions, there’s a suitable option for every user’s needs and preferences.