Hey there! If you‘re looking to cut down your monthly cell phone bill, you likely came across the concept of calling apps that provide free phone service over Wi-Fi. With so many options out there nowadays, choosing the right app that fits your needs can feel overwhelming.
Not to worry, I‘ve done the research for you! I‘ll explain exactly how these nifty apps work, compare the top contenders available in 2023, and offer my recommendations based on factors like where you‘ll use it most and if you need international calling. Read on to find the perfect free calling app to meet your needs!
A Quick Intro to Free Calling Apps
First, what exactly are these Wi-Fi calling apps all about? Calling apps utilize a technology called VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) to route phone calls via the internet, rather than through a cell tower like standard wireless carriers.
As long as you have an internet connection through a Wi-Fi or cellular data network, you can use a calling app to call other users of that same app or out to regular landline/mobile numbers. The apps assign you a virtual phone number to call from.
Many calling apps offer unlimited calling/texting between their users over Wi-Fi 100% free. Some also give you a pot of minutes or credits to call out to non-app numbers for free upfront or by watching ads.
The key advantage compared to wireless plans is that calling apps let you call over the internet without racking up cell minutes or paying hefty monthly service charges. Of course call quality can vary depending on your internet speed. But for casual users, it presents huge savings.
Intrigued yet? Let‘s explore the top contenders for best free calling app in 2023. I‘ll compare factors like cost, features, limitations and help you zero in on one tailored to how you‘ll use it.
Factors to Consider In a Calling App
Here are 3 key questions to ask when deciding the right calling app for your lifestyle:
When and how often will you use it?
If you just need an occasional backup to make important calls over Wi-Fi when cell service is spotty, reliability may matter more than a bunch of extra features. But if it will be your daily phone service for frequent calling/texting, you probably want the best call quality and connection consistency possible whenever you use it.
| Frequency of Use | Ideal Apps |
|---|---|
| Occasional backup | Google Voice, TextNow |
| Frequent primary use | Google Voice, Skype |
Domestic or International calling?
Certain calling apps really stand out if you regularly call friends/family abroad with cheap international rates. If most of your calling is within your home country, focus on apps providing unlimited local calling.
| Primary Calling Destination | Ideal Apps |
|---|---|
| Within home country | Google Voice, TextNow |
| International contacts | Skype, Dingtone |
Patience for Ads?
Lots of otherwise free calling apps make money by showing users periodic ads. If you can tolerate some ads in exchange for earning free calling credit, it may sway you toward certain apps. But if you find ads distracting, stick with ad-free options.
| Ad Tolerance | Best Apps |
|---|---|
| Low tolerance | Google Voice, Skype |
| Willing to watch for credits | Dingtone, TextNow |
Let‘s dive into my top picks for best calling app in 2023 across different categories.
1. Google Voice – Best Well-Rounded Free Option
For U.S.-based folks seeking a solid overall alternative to their current wireless plan with no strings attached, Google Voice is tough to beat. It literally costs zero dollars to get:
✅ Unlimited calling & texting throughout the U.S. & Canada
✅ Voicemail transcription
✅ Spam call screening
✅ Clear call quality rivaling landlines
Truly an outstanding deal and overall experience. Downsides? It only works for American & Canadian numbers, and lacks some nicer bonus features in competitors.
But for 9-to-5 workers needing an unlimited mobile office line at no cost, Google Voice can‘t be beaten. It just works.
Best for: U.S.-based professionals, senior citizens
2. Dingtone – Best App for Earning Call Credit
Don‘t want to fork over any cash? Prefer a fun, interactive feel while racking up international calling credits? Dingtone may be your match.
Dingtone incentivizes users to “earn” call minutes by playing mobile games and taking branded surveys. The more taps and time spent engaging, the more credits you build to call 200+ countries at reasonable rates comparable to Skype.
While not as polished as Google Voice, Dingtone wins fans through sheer charm and incentives unlocking cheap international connectivity.
Best for: College students, international travelers
3. TextNow – Top Pick for Messaging & WiFi Calling
Prefer keeping in touch predominantly through text messaging rather than voice calls? TextNow brings flexibility to call and text over Wi-Fi and cellular data across both mobile and desktop devices.
TextNow provides a free U.S. phone number to call and SMS text unlimited over Wi-Fi data, along with backup cellular plan options starting at just $15/month for 1 GB data + unlimited talk & text.
Downside is it shows video ads during calls that some may find disruptive. However, paying $3.99/month removes all ads.
Best for: Gen Z & millennials focused on texting
4. Skype – Veteran Leader for International Use
With over 300 million users globally, Microsoft-owned Skype remains a versatile app for affordable international connectivity.
Skype allows you to call phone numbers in over 100 countries for just pennies per minute. It also enables free unlimited video calls between any Skype users worldwide.
While perhaps not the most economical choice for domestic use cases, Skype can‘t be beaten to access contacts across the globe based on its mature video chat infrastructure and worldwide user base.
Best for:Expatriates, language learners, international businesses
Weighing the Tradeoffs – Calling Apps vs Wireless Carriers
Calling apps promise big savings compared to major wireless carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. But it’s smart to consider their downsides too before ditching your cell plan.
| Calling App Pros | Potential Cons |
|---|---|
| No monthly subscription fees – use over WiFi | Call quality varies based on internet stability |
| Avoid roaming charges abroad | Can‘t call emergency numbers like 911* |
| Earn free calling credit | Lack reliability of major cell networks |
| Bring your phone # via porting | Must tolerate some ads in free apps |
*You CAN still call 911 from a mobile device without cell service, as long as you are in range of a cell tower – but not from calling apps.
For those comfortable relying more on WiFi than cellular, who call less than 500 minutes per month, calling apps present huge savings. Evaluate your frequency of mobility/emergency needs before deciding.
Apps like Google Voice also make great companions to affordable cell plans from carriers like Mint Mobile and Republic Wireless. WiFi calling augments mobile plan minutes for big savings.
Summing It Up – Best Apps for Common Needs
Hope this guide gave you clarity about the exciting options to reduce phone bills using calling apps in 2023! Here‘s a quick cheat sheet on top picks based on user profile:
Google Voice – Well-rounded unlimited calling/texting in U.S. & Canada
Dingtone – Fun way to earn international call credit
TextNow – Messaging and WiFi calling from one app
Skype – Reliable international connectivity
Wondering what‘s right for your needs? Think through those key questions around frequency of use, destinations called, and ad tolerance. Whether you choose to fully replace or complement your wireless service, calling apps unlock big savings. Dive in to start enjoying phone service on your own terms!
Feel free to reach out with any other questions in the comments below. And don‘t forget to share this guide if you found it helpful!
References:
- Cell Plan Savings Statistics (Simon Kemp, 2022)
- VoIP Industry User Data Report (Research & Markets, 2022)
