Wi-Fi technologies

THE 6 BEST APPS FOR MAKING INTERNET CALLS 2024

Do you remember the days when calling your loved ones felt like such a hassle? Not to mention, it was quite expensive, just a 5-minute call to ask your mom how her day went could cost a small fortune. Usually you would end up calling your people only on special occasions. Thank God we’re past those days!

Welcome to the new era where you do not have to think before making a call. With a plethora of apps available, making a phone call through the internet has become a breeze. If you are looking to save your traditional phone costs or you are in need of a reliable way to communicate internationally, you have come to the right place!

There are several standout apps at your service. However to make things easier for you, we have listed down the top 6 best internet calling apps for 2024.

1. Whatsapp

When it comes to internet calling, there is no one better than Whatsapp. The reason why it’s so popular is because of its user-friendly interface and much reliable performance. Whatsapp allows the users to make voice and video calls not just over Wi-Fi but also using mobile data too, hence making it an excellent and one of the most reliable apps to make a phone call

Another reason for it to stand out is due to its end-to-end encryption which ensures your conversation remains private and safe. 

The best part, Whatsapp even supports group calls which can be a life saver for remote teams and families scattered across different time zones. With over two billion users globally, you are likely to find almost all your contacts already using the app. 

Pros

  • User friendly interface
  • Free video and voice calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data
  • End-to-end encryption privacy 
  • Support group calls
  • Widely used, easier to find contacts

Cons

  • Require phone number to register
  • Limited to users with the app installed
  • Can be data-intensive for video calls

 

2. Skype

Since its inception, Skype has always been the pioneer of internet calling. Skype is well known for its versatility, it allows you to make both voice and video calls as well as send instant messages and share files like any other calling app. It is the perfect app for both personal and professional use. 

With Skype you can call any other Skype user for free, what makes it unique is that you can even call on landlines or cell phones at a very low cost. This comes in handy when you need to make a call be it local or international, if the mobile data or Wi-Fi is down, you can always use it as a backup to call on their number. 

Apart from that, Skype’s integration with Microsoft products adds an extra layer of convenience for Windows users. 

Pricing

  • Subscription starts at $2.54/mo.
  • Skype credit starts at $5.00
  • $6.99/mo. to receive landline and mobile calls
  • Toll charges vary

Pros

  • Voice and video calls with messaging and file sharing
  • Can make landline and mobile number calls at low cost
  • High quality audio and video
  • Integration with Microsoft products

Cons

  • High data consumption
  • Overwhelming interface for some users
  • Occasional connectivity issues

3. Zoom

Zoom has become synonymous with video conferencing, but also a great app for internet calls. Zoom gained its popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic mainly for businesses and educational institutions. But with time we have seen it being widely used by individual users as well. It’s a fantastic choice for a phone call through the internet since it supports high-definition video and audio calls. 

Zoom has a free plan that allows users to have unlimited one-on-one meetings and 40 minute group meetings which is pretty good for most users. The app’s break out room, screen sharing and recording features is what makes it unique and a perfect fit for collaborative projects and virtual events. 

Pros

  • HD video and audio
  • Free plan with unlimited one-on-one meetings
  • Features like breakout rooms, screen sharing and recording
  • Widely used by businesses and for educational purposes

Cons

  • Free plan but limits group meeting to only 40 minutes
  • Security concerns have been raised in the past
  • Resource-intensive on devices

4. Viber

Just like Skype, Viber also offers options to make landline and cellphone calls. Viber to Viber users can enjoy free unlimited calls along with some interactive features like games and you can even share your files and send instant messages. The Viber Out service allows you to call any number be it phone one landline worldwide at very competitive rates. The rates are even lower than skype. 

Just like Whatapp, all your conversations are secured with the end-to-end encryption. The sticker market just ups your chatting game and makes it fun. 

Pricing

  • $0.01-$2.99/min
  • $5.99/mo. for unlimited worldwide calls

Pros

  • Free viber to viber video and voice calls
  • Viber Out services for low-cost international calls
  • End-to-end encryption
  • Fun features like stickers and games

Cons

  • Requires phone number to register
  • Limited user based compared to Whatsapp
  • Ad-supported, which can be annoying 

5. Google Meet

Also known as Hangouts Meet, Google Meet is a go-to internet calling app especially within the professional sphere. It supports HD video calls and allows up to 250 participants in a single meeting if you buy the business plan.

For the free plan, Google Meet allows calls for up to an hour which is quite generous for a casual user as compared to other services. It allows noise-canceling features which ensures clear audio making it one of the perfect apps to make a phone call.

Pricing

  • Google Workspace Essentials $8.00 per user/mo.
  • Google Workspace Business standard $12.00 per user/mo.
  • Google Workspace Enterprise (custom pricing) 

Pros

  • Smooth integration with Google Workspace
  • HD video calls
  • Supports up to 250 participants in a single meeting (business plan)
  • Free video call for up to an hour

Cons

  • Best features are behind a paywall
  • Requires a Google account only
  • Can be less intuitive for non-Google users

6. Facetime

Here is a little something exclusively for Apple users. You have one of the best apps for video calls and that’s called Facetime! Facetime is only supported by iOS and macOS devices and offers high quality video and audio calls with very minimal setup. Since the app is pre-installed on Apple devices, you do not need any other app along with it. 

With Siri and the Apple ecosystem, you can initiate calls through voice commands like “Hey Siri! Can you call Mom please”. The app itself is very easy to use and in case you are wondering it does support group calls, making it easier to chat with all your apple user friends. 

Pros

  • High quality video and voice call
  • Pre-installed on Apple devices
  • Integrated with Siri and Apple ecosystem
  • Supports group call

Cons

  • Exclusive to iOS and macOS devices
  • Limited to users with Apple products
  • No support from non-Apple platforms

Final Verdict

The options for making a phone call through the internet may be diverse, but there is always one or two that always wins the game. However, it all depends on your personal preferences. 

If you ask as Whatsapp takes home the trophy for being an all rounder and absolutely free! Viber sounds great if you plan on using Viber Out for international calls and Zoom for group meetings makes it ideal. 

No matter what app you choose, at the end of the day you will always stay connected with your loved ones no matter where you or they are.

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