As businesses expand across borders and remote work becomes more common, it is crucial to get affordable international calling options. And it is evident based on the significant growth of the International Calling Apps Market. Valued at $1.29 Billion in 2024, the market is expected to surpass $2.06 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6%.
For those wondering how to call internationally for free, we will discuss the top ten free international calling apps. International calling apps use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to enable affordable international phone calls. Let’s get started.
When choosing the best internet calling app, prioritize compatibility, audio and video quality, features like call recording and messaging, strong security measures, reliability, customer support, and affordability.
What Is An International Calling App?
An international calling app is a tool or software platform that allows you to make voice or video calls over the Internet using mobile devices or computers. These apps transmit audio and video signals over the Internet instead of traditional phone lines.
As a result, users can make free or cheap international calls for free to other users in different countries. For frequent travelers, free international calling apps can significantly reduce or even eliminate communication costs (depending on the features they want).
How Does the International Calling App Work?
Understanding how to make international calls for free is easy. An international phone call app uses Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to facilitate communication. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Internet connection: The app uses your device’s internet connection, either Wi-Fi or mobile data, instead of regular phone lines.
- Voice conversion: When you talk, the app changes your voice into digital data.
- Data transmission: This data is then sent over the internet to the recipient’s device.
- Reassembly: The recipient’s app arranges these packets back into voice signals.
- Cost reduction: By bypassing traditional telephone networks, these apps significantly reduce calling costs.
Most free international calling apps require both users to install the app to make and receive calls. However, some services allow calls to regular phone numbers for a small fee.
That said,
How to Make International Calls for Free
- Step 1: Download a reputable free international calling app from your device’s app store.
- Step 2: Create an account on the app and verify your phone number.
- Step 3: Grant necessary permissions (microphone access, contacts, etc.).
- Step 4: Ensure a stable internet connection before making calls.
Advantages of an International Calling App
Free international calling apps offer several benefits for customers and businesses alike. They reduce operational costs, enhance team communication, and ensure round-the-clock connectivity. They also simplify the process of making international calls. Let’s understand how.
1- Save Money on Business Calls
For small businesses, free international calling apps can dramatically reduce communication expenses. These companies often prioritize customer outreach over internal meetings, making frequent international calls to customers, prospects, and partners. By using a free international calling app, businesses can maintain high-quality communication while minimizing costs, ultimately improving their bottom line.
2- Save the Traveling Costs
Free international calling apps can significantly cut down on business travel costs. Instead of expensive face-to-face meetings that involve travel expenses and lost productivity, these apps allow for virtual meetings during regular office hours. Many apps offer group video calling features, enabling multiple participants to join board meetings, client discussions, and team collaborations remotely.
3- Stay in Touch with Your Colleagues
Free international calling apps facilitate seamless communication among team members, regardless of their location. These apps often include instant messaging features, allowing colleagues to stay connected, share updates, and collaborate on projects in real time. Some apps even support document sharing, further enhancing productivity.
4- 24* 7 Connectivity
Free international calling apps provide the flexibility to call any device, anytime, anywhere. Users can easily connect with landlines, cellular phones, and VoIP systems worldwide, regardless of the recipient’s telecom service. This is particularly beneficial for business owners who need constant communication with international partners, customers, and clients, as well as for frequent travelers.
Top 10 Free International Calling Apps
When it comes to free international calling apps, there are so many options out there that you might be confused about where to begin, particularly if you have never tried one. Here are the top ten free international calling apps.
1. CallHippo
Trusted by 5000+ global brands and considered the best free international calling app, CallHippo is a perfect choice and the best VOIP app for international calls. CallHippo offers advanced features that empower you to offer better customer service, ensure compliance, and enhance overall communication efficiency. CallHippo is best for companies looking to make reliable business calls. For instance, the power dialer feature allows you to automate dialing, saving significant time for your agents.
Features
- Voicemail
- Call analytics
- Call routing
- Interactive Voice Response(IVR)
- Call forwarding
Pros
- CallHippo even offers USA toll-free numbers
- It also offers local phone numbers for 50+ countries worldwide
- Affordable pricing plans if you plan to go premium
- The mobile app makes it easier to stay in touch
Cons
- The interface can be made more user-friendly
- Customers new to the software might find it confusing
- Customer service needs improvement
Pricing
CallHippo pricing plans range from $18 – $42 per user per month
*Pricing as of 23-07-2024.
CallHippo's features streamlined INTECH's workflows, leading to a noticeable boost in efficiency and productivity across their sales team.
2. Viber
Viber is a popular free international calling app compatible with various devices. It offers free voice and video calls, instant messaging, and group chats. Viber integrates well with contact lists and provides security features like hidden numbers. It’s user-friendly but may have lower call quality compared to some competitors.
Features
- Free unlimited voice and video calls, even internationally
- Group chats and calls
- Security features like hidden numbers
- Delete seen messages
- Smart Notifications
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Extremely user-friendly and affordable
- High-quality image sharing
- No need to keep the mobile app and the desktop app connected
Cons
- No business-oriented features
- Poorer quality than Skype and WhatsApp
- There is a limit on small file transfers
Pricing
Using Viber is free, but you’ll have to pay some cents for international calls
3. Skype
Skype is a well-known platform for making free international calls. It allows you to communicate with your peers and clients via messaging and calls (voice and video). You can also share your screen to demonstrate anything. However, Skype only allows up to 100 participants in a single call and offers basic features like call recording and live subtitles.
Features
- Voicemail
- Meetings Recording
- Smart messaging
- Screen sharing
- Call recording, and it has live subtitles
Pros
- Up to 100 participants in a single call
- Unlimited free calling across multiple countries
- Highly affordable pricing
- Comprehensive online help
Cons
- Does not allow MMS
- Chat option is very poor
- A high-speed internet connection is required
Pricing
Skype is free. However, the subscription plan starts from £2.40 per month.
4. Free Call
Free Call offers a unique method for international calling for free. It operates on conventional connection frameworks and limits users to 300 minutes of calls weekly. Free Call is useful for reaching people who don’t use other telephony apps, making it a versatile option for international communication.
Features
- Call Tracking & History
- Call Recording
- Phone Hyperlink
- Voicemail
- Accurate Caller Location
Pros
- Easy to set up
- 24/7 customer service
- Provides great voice clarity at a low rate
- It is extremely affordable
Cons
- Not made for the large business type
- Very poor user interface
- Free Call lacks scheduling, invites, etc
Pricing
The FreeCall pricing plan starts from $10.00 per month.
5. Libon
Libon is an international calling app that works without internet, Wi-Fi, or mobile data. It offers 30 free minutes of national and international calls initially. Libon rewards users with additional minutes for sharing the app. It’s an excellent option for making calls when internet connectivity is unavailable.
Features
- Voicemail and voicemail transcriptions
- Call transfer and blocking
- Desk phone support
- International top-up
- Customized greeting
Pros
- The call quality is very good
- Personalized voicemail allows you to make distinct voicemails
- The minutes you buy have no expiration date, which means you don’t have to hurry to use them
- Libon’s app does not charge any connection fees for calls
Cons
- Customer service needs improvement
- Too expensive for small businesses
- Requires high-speed internet to work properly
Pricing
The Libon pricing plan starts from $2.99 per month.
6. TextNow
TextNow is an app for free international calls that allows users to earn free minutes by completing offers. It supports calls to landlines and provides a unique phone number. While international calls are technically paid, frequent users can accumulate free minutes easily, making it a cost-effective option.
Features
- Voicemail transcription
- Call forwarding
- Customizable tones
- Group Chats
- Caller ID
Pros
- Highly scalable due to easy setup
- No setup charges
- Easy automatic renewal
- A variety of international numbers are available
Cons
- Limited customer service
- Call drops due to poor connectivity
- Poor quality VoIP calls
Pricing
TextNow pricing plan starts from $8.99 per month.
7. Google Voice
Google Voice is a VoIP service that allows users to make international calls for free to the US and Canada. It offers features like voicemail transcripts, spam protection, and call forwarding. Google Voice integrates well with other Google services but is not available for Canadians to make outgoing calls.
Key Features
- Voicemail transcripts
- Personalize voicemail greetings
- Protection from spam calls and messages
- Conference calling
- Call blocking
Pros
- Free Calls to the USA and Canada
- Artificial intelligence technology with voice
- Google Voice allows for direct client contact
- Exceptional call forwarding
Cons
- It works just with other Google apps
- Limited collaboration features
- It costs more than other providers
Pricing
Google Voice’s pricing plans range from $10 – $30 per user per month
8. DialerHQ
DialerHQ helps businesses reach international clients at affordable rates. It supports calls and texts using mobile data and Wi-Fi. DialerHQ offers global number selection, high-quality calling, and features like call forwarding and on-hold music for businesses. It doesn’t require high-speed internet to function effectively.
Key Features
- Global number selection
- High-quality calling
- Exceptional Portability
- Unlimited text and call internationally
- Call Forwarding
- On-hold music for business
Pros
- With DialerHQ, you can select any number with any country’s code
- It doesn’t require high-speed internet to work
- One of the best international calling apps with advanced features
- Seamless setup and easy to use
Cons
- Voice & video calls may sometimes lag
- Limited features in the standard plan
- The mobile app needs improvement
Pricing
DialerHQ pricing plans range from $0 – $30 per user per month.
9. Rebtel
Rebtel allows you to call people in more than 50+ countries. It uses local landlines for improved call quality and offers free calling within the US for US-based clients. However, Rebtel charges according to local rates instead of international rates. Although not entirely free, this is very cost-effective.
Key Features
- Free international calls to the US
- Call routing
- Automated top-ups
- Local domestic phone numbers
- Auto-connect
Pros
- The sign-up and setup process is simple
- Low international calling rates
- No internet connection is required to use Rebtel
- International calling plans are extremely affordable
Cons
- Unlike other providers, it doesn’t support image sharing
- There is no texting or messaging capability
- Poor call quality
Pricing
The Rebtel pay-as-you-go rate is 2.78 cents per minute, and the unlimited subscription rate is $10 per month.
10. WeChat
WeChat is a popular messaging app that also offers voice and video calling features. It allows free international calls between WeChat users and supports low-rate calls to international landlines. WeChat includes features like location sharing, mini-games, and a built-in translator for 20 languages.
Key Features
- Messaging and Calling
- WeChat Location Sharing
- QR Codes
- WeChat Search Engine
- WeChat Moments/News Feed
Pros
- The application is completely free to use
- Receive and send documents up to 100Mb
- Features include GIFs, stickers, and emoji reactions
- Online, built-in games
Cons
- It requires a good internet connection
- Poor privacy settings
- Messages sent through WeChat are not encrypted end-to-end
Pricing
Despite being free, WeChat charges an annual fee of USD 99 to verify Official Accounts (usually by phone).
Why Choose a VoIP Phone System Over an International Calling Card?
VoIP phone systems have many benefits compared to traditional international calling cards. They allow calls from any internet-connected device, irrespective of your location. Besides, the advanced features set VoIP systems apart from calling cards. You can enjoy high-quality video calling, effortless conference calls, and integrated messaging services.
Another key reason to choose a VoIP phone system over an international calling card is that it integrates seamlessly with third-party tools. This removes the need for double data entry and ensures real-time updates for your agents so they can provide better customer service.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest way to call internationally?
Using internet-based services like VoIP applications is the cheapest method for making international calls. CallHippo, Skype, DialerHQ, WhatsApp, and Google Voice are a few of the international calling apps that provide cost-effective options for worldwide communication. By using VoIP technology, these platforms save costs.
2. How to video call internationally?
Select a reliable international calling app, like CallHippo, Skype, or DialerHQ, to start an international video call. Ensure your device meets your needs and your internet connection is steady. Open the app, choose the person you want to contact and select the video call icon. Dial the country code followed by the recipient’s number. You can now enjoy hassle-free, seamless global communication.
3. How to call an international number from India for free?
Making a free international call from India is easy. Sign up with CallHippo for free and choose a virtual number. Download the CallHippo app or use the web interface. You can then start making international calls from India at pocket-friendly prices.
4. How to make an international call from a cell phone?
Download CallHippo’s mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Sign in to your account, select your contact or dial the international number with the country code. CallHippo’s mobile app offers the same features as the desktop version for seamless calling.
5. Can you make international calls on WhatsApp?
Yes, WhatsApp allows free international calls to other WhatsApp users. However, for more professional communication and calls to non-WhatsApp numbers, consider using a dedicated business VoIP service like CallHippo for enhanced features and reliability.
6. How many free international calls can I make?
The limit on free calls depends on the service you use. With CallHippo, there’s no limit on how many calls you can make within your chosen plan. CallHippo offers various plans to suit different calling volumes.