15 Best Free International Calling Apps in 2023

As remote working has become the norm in 2023, free international calling apps have become essential for staying connected and maintaining social interactions. The market size of international calling apps was valued at USD 1.14 billion in 2020 and is estimated to reach USD 1.80 billion by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.00% from 2021 to 2028.

There are many VoIP phone systems and international calling apps to make communication seamless, and they often come with a catch. You need to choose wisely a modern-day solution to your modern needs and create a communication system that doesn’t face a couple of bumps along this ride.

Fortunately, free options, such as mobile apps and business phone systems, make international calls. Many such platforms also allow you to send text messages, images, and videos.

 

This article lists the top 15 international calling apps (in no particular order) to make free international calls. So let’s go.

What Is A Free International Call App?

A free international call app is a software program that enables you to initiate voice or video calls to individuals worldwide without incurring any charges provided you have access to data or Wi-Fi internet connectivity. These apps use the internet to connect the calls instead of a standard cellular connection, eliminating long-distance charges.

Some popular examples of free international call apps are WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Google Voice, Viber, LINE, and WeChat. These apps only require the other party to install the same app and an internet connection to make the free call.

What Are The Benefits Of A Free International Calling App?

A free international calling app offers numerous advantages for individuals seeking cost-effective and convenient communication. By leveraging the internet’s power, these apps allow users to make international calls, send messages, and even engage in video chats, all without incurring substantial expenses typically associated with traditional methods. Let’s analyze the advantages of a free international calling app:

1. Accessibility

International calling apps offer a seamless and user-friendly experience for making international calls. With these apps, users can effortlessly dial numbers, send messages, and initiate video calls with just a few clicks or taps on their devices, ensuring hassle-free communication.

2. Affordability

Software applications like Skype and WhatsApp enable users to initiate calls without any cost. This affordability factor greatly facilitates staying in touch with family and friends residing abroad, making international communication more accessible and budget-friendly.

3. Superior Call Quality

International calling apps leverage robust internet connections to ensure crystal-clear and uninterrupted conversations, enabling users to engage in high-quality discussions without disruptions, cracks, or distortions, fostering a smooth and immersive communication experience.

4. Versatile Functionality

Numerous apps provide a range of additional features, including conference calling, file sharing, text messaging, video and audio calling, file transfers, and more. These supplementary functionalities empower users to maximize their communication experience by accessing diverse tools and options to suit their specific needs and preferences.

5. On-the-Go Connectivity

International calling apps can be accessed from any internet-connected device, ensuring seamless connectivity regardless of location or time zone difference. This flexibility enables users to stay connected and engaged, overcoming geographical barriers and time constraints for uninterrupted communication.

What Are The Features Of The Free International Call App?

A free international calling app comes packed with various advanced features that improve communication and enable consumers to connect globally without incurring high expenses. 

These apps utilize internet connectivity to provide a range of functionalities, including voice calls, messaging, video chats, and more. Let’s explore the key features of a free international calling app.

1. Free Voice/Video Calling

The primary feature is the ability to make free voice or video calls to anyone worldwide with the same app. No long-distance or roaming charges apply.

2. Messaging & Multimedia Sharing

Alongside voice calls, free international call apps often offer messaging capabilities, allowing users to send texts, photos, videos, and additional multimedia files. This feature promotes quick and efficient communication, enabling users to exchange information and experiences beyond just voice communication.

3. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Free international call apps are designed to work across various platforms and devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. This multi-platform compatibility guarantees customers stay connected and make phone calls regardless of their selected device or OS.

4. Group Chat/Calling

Some apps allow you to simultaneously make group video or voice calls with several friends and family. You can have virtual meetups from anywhere in the world.

5. Call Recording

Certain apps allow recording your calls or parts of calls to refer back to key details or discussions later. Call recording can be done with the consent of both parties.

6. Security

Some apps like WhatsApp and Viber offer end-to-end encryption, meaning that your calls and messages are secured and only accessible to the intended recipients. Not all free calling apps provide this level of encryption, though.

Top 15 Free International Calling Apps

Now that you have a general understanding of the pricing and features offered by these international calling apps, we encourage you to explore our comprehensive reviews of each provider. Below, we have curated a list of our top 15 free international calling apps, offering a diverse range of options for seamless global communication.

1. WhatsApp

 

WhatsApp is an international free calling app owned by Facebook and is a full-featured customer engagement software. The tool is used for personal communication and business marketing and provides free calling services.

This software allows you to instantly share text messages, photos, multimedia files, and documents for free. You can make voice and video calls using this free international calling app.

Furthermore, Whatsapp added end-to-end encryption in 2016 for solid security. It applies to all messages and calls using this free international calling app for android.

Key Features

• Group chat
• Audio and video calls
• End-to-end encryption
• Data backup and restore
• Status updates
• Location sharing
• Multi-platform compatibility

Pricing

Compatibility

• WhatsApp is compatible with Android, iOS, and Desktop (Windows).

Pros and Cons

2. Skype

 

Skype is the best international video call app that you can use to make free national and international calls. You can use this tool professionally by arranging various conferences and meetings. Video and audio recording is one of the distinctive features of Skype. This best free international calling app for android is one of the most widely used remote working platforms.

The intuitively designed user interface can be adapted easily. You can also contact people outside Skype, i.e., mobile phones or landlines, at minimum rates with no peak time.

Key Features

• Voicemail
• Video calling
• Screen sharing
• Text messaging
• Call recording

Pricing

• Skype offers free services, but a monthly subscription starts at £2.40.

Compatibility

• Skype is compatible with Android, iOS, and Desktop (Windows).

Pros and Cons

3. FaceTime

 

FaceTime is a fully-featured free international phone call app that allows you to make one-to-one calls, group calls, video and voice messages, photo sharing, and note-sharing. You can use this international calling app for free and start making calls for free. The tool can be handy for remote working, and you can conduct virtual business meetings, conferences, and other collaborative projects seamlessly.  

To use it, you will need an Apple ID. FaceTime automatically registers your phone number on an iPhone. Using it is the same as calling someone using a phone. Simply call the person you want from your contacts.

Key Features

• Screen-sharing
• Group FaceTime calls
• HD video and audio calls
• Easy integration with Apple devices
• Share Play

Pricing

Compatibility

• FaceTime is compatible only with iOS and Mac.

Pros and Cons

4. LINE

LINE is an international calling app that connects family and friends in any part of the world. The recipient does not require the LINE app to receive calls.

You can also share text messages, photos, videos, and stickers with your contacts through the app. The platform has more than 1000 stickers to make your conversations interesting. You can use this app to read the news as well.

Key Features

• Group chat
• Audio and video call
• “Read” feature, stickers
• LINE pay, news, etc
• OpenChat
• LINE VOOM

Pricing

• Line’s pricing plans start at $9.99 – $14.99 monthly.

Compatibility

• LINE is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Nokia, and Blackberry. The platform can even be used on your desktop.

Pros and Cons

5. Google Voice

 

Google Voice is a VoIP phone system that offers free video and voice call services to limited countries. The application allows you to forward calls to any other device. Also, easily detect any spam calls and block them instantly through this platform. 

The application allows you to decide who can reach you and when. Making international calls using Google Voice is easy, and the app offers a user-friendly interface.

Key Features

• Call recording
• Integration with Google Meet and Calendar
• Voicemail transcripts
• Personalized Voicemail greetings
• Spam Protection
• Call block

Pricing

• Google Voice offers monthly pricing plans that range from $10 to $30 per user.

Compatibility

• Google Voice is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows. It can be used on smartphones as well as computers.

Pros and Cons

6. Viber

 

Viber is one of the best free international calling apps that lets you connect with other users. The tool is intuitively designed and easy to use when making or receiving international calls. 

The app also allows you to initiate group conversations by sharing images, videos, and audio using the system. Also, choose from thousands of stickers and GIFs.

Key Features

• Smart Notifications
• Hide Viber Chat
• Secret Chat
• Audio and video calls
• Create custom stickers

Pricing

• Viber allows free calls but offers a flat rate of only 1.9 cents per minute for dialing all USA-based landline and mobile numbers.

Compatibility

• Viber is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Pros and Cons

7. WeChat

WeChat is a leading international video call app in China. This tool can make calls, send messages, book hotels, flights, etc. Not only this, but you can also configure this app with your emails and send and receive emails through this platform.

The tool includes several social media features, ‘Moments,’ where users can share pictures, and their friends can like or comment.

Key Features

• WeChat Channels And Livestream
• Messaging and Calling
• WeChat Location Sharing
• QR Codes
• WeChat Search Engine
• WeChat Moments/News Feed

Pricing

• While WeChat is free, there is an annual fee of $99 for verifying Official Accounts, typically done through phone verification.

Compatibility

• WeChat is compatible with Windows, Mac, Web, Android, and iOS.

Pros and Cons

8. IMO

IMO is a widely-used free international calling app for Android that gives users an advantage in making high-quality video and audio calls. One of the unique features of this app is that it supports international calls even with a 2G connection. The calls made are encrypted for security purposes.

Besides, IMO, voice and video calls are encrypted for security purposes. And it even supports encrypted calls for up to six participants. Besides calling, you can even exchange messages with your friends anytime and anywhere.

Key Features

• High-quality video and voice calls
• Unlimited messages
• Group video calls
• Free stickers
• Photo and video sharing
• Cloud storage

Pricing

Compatibility

• IMO is compatible with Android and iOS

Pros and Cons

9. Google Duo

 

Google Duo is a fully-featured traditional phone service app that works even with low internet bandwidth. The app offers one-to-one calls, group video calls, voice and video messages, photo transfers, etc. Additionally, users can also restrict data usage while using the app.

Key Features

• Fun filters and effects
• Unlimited Messages
• Google Assistant
• 1:1 and group video calling
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
• Knock knock feature

Pricing

Compatibility

• Google Duo is compatible with Android, iOS, and the Web.

Pros and Cons

10. Rebtel

Rebtel is a leading calling tool designed to connect people worldwide without Wi-Fi. So now you can call across the border without a high-speed internet connection and hefty call charges.

The tool connects your call directly over the local phone lines. Although call charges do apply for calls, they are quite minimal. A global unlimited pack will cost you around $10/month and be used to make calls to 50 designated countries.

Key Features

• Free international calls
• Call routing
• Automated top-ups
• Local domestic phone numbers
• Auto-connect
• International text messages

Pricing

• The pay-as-you-go rate for Rebtel is 2.78 cents per minute, while the monthly unlimited subscription rate is $10.

Compatibility

• Rebtel is compatible with Android and iOS.

Pros and Cons

11. PopTox

PopTox is an international calling app that lets you connect with people and make international calls from a web browser. You don’t need any application or plug-in to make calls. The tool has a carrier relationship with more than 1000 telecom companies worldwide for seamless calling.

Key Features

• Free international calls
• Data encryption
• High call quality
• Customer support
• Multiple payment gateways

Pricing

• Poptox offers pricing plans ranging from $10 to $50 per month.

Compatibility

• PopTox is a web-based free calling app, and you do not require Android or iOS platforms to use it.

Pros and Cons

12. Vonage Mobile

 

Vonage Mobile is a cloud-based VoIP phone system that helps to connect and manage the business at remote locations seamlessly. The tool provides call center and advanced contact center services for unified communication to handle billions of consumer interactions. You can also use the app to send text messages, make free calls, and chat.

Key Features

• Unlimited Team Messaging
• Unlimited meetings for up to 100
• Multi-level auto attendant
• Two-factor authentication
• Call tracking and call merging
• 24/7 US-based tech support

Pricing

• The pricing starts at $19.99 per month and increases to $39.99 per line.

Compatibility

• Vonage Mobile app is compatible with iOS and Android and can be used on smartphones, tablets, and even desktops.

Pros and Cons

13. Voxofon

Voxofon was launched in 2008 and is among the first apps to offer free international calls. The tool works on mobile as well as desktops. You can also use this app to send and receive images, text messages, videos, etc. You can even call international cell phone numbers and landlines using Voxofon.

Key Features

• Complimentary call credit
• Global support
• Cross platform support
• Call landlines and feature phones
• Share rich multimedia

Pricing

• Voxofon charges rates for text/call services in the United States, ranging from 0.9¢ to 1.3¢.

Compatibility

• Voxofon is compatible with Android, iOS, and desktops.

Pros and Cons

14. Phone.com

Phone.com is one of the best VoIP phone systems that can be effectively utilized for remote working. This application provides many features that are a basic necessity of modern business. Calling through this platform is very easy, with various features such as Do Not Disturb, custom local numbers for marketing, etc.

Key Features

• Audio Conferencing
• Call Analytics and call Blocking
• Call conferencing
• Dial-by-name directory
• Hold music
• Free number porting
• Click to call and secure call transfer

Pricing

• Phone.com‘s pricing plans range from $11.99 to $23.99 per month per user when billed monthly.

Compatibility

• Phone.com is compatible with Android and iOS.

Pros and Cons

15. TextNow

TextNow is an international free call app that can make international calls to over 230 countries. You can use this platform to make online calls and text messages.

You can make calls over Wi-Fi or purchase a suitable plan without an internet connection. Also, you get a free phone number that can be used for professional purposes.

Key Features

• Free calling and texting over Wi-Fi
• Conference calling
• Voicemail
• Free phone number
• Call forwarding
• Emojis and stickers
• Caller ID

Pricing

• The pricing for TextNow’s plan starts at $8.99 per month.

Compatibility

• TextNow is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac OS X.

Pros and Cons

Final Words

These international calling apps let you make calls abroad and provide various features such as image and video sharing, call forwarding, and call recording. Also, many features can be expanded per your business’s changing needs.

So, which free international call app is the best for you?

Choose a perfect app from the above list of 15 apps and explore the full features. Tell us in the comment section which one you would consider using from this list.