The 7 Best WiFi Calling Apps in 2024

How WiFi Calling Works

WiFi calling is transforming how businesses and individuals communicate by utilizing internet connectivity rather than traditional cellular networks. This section delves into the intricacies of WiFi calling, explaining how the technology functions, its compatibility with devices, and its seamless transition between networks.

Understanding the Technology

WiFi calling operates by transmitting voice calls over a WiFi network instead of relying on cellular signals. This process is facilitated by Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which converts voice signals into digital data packets that are sent across the internet. When a user initiates a call through a WiFi calling app, the app connects to the internet via a WiFi network, allowing the call to be made.

One of the primary advantages of WiFi calling is its ability to provide clear and uninterrupted communication, even in areas with poor cellular coverage. Since the call is routed through the internet, users can enjoy high-quality voice calls as long as they are connected to a stable WiFi network. This is particularly beneficial for businesses located in areas with weak cellular reception or those operating internationally, where cellular costs can be prohibitive.

Additionally, WiFi calling can help reduce costs by bypassing traditional cellular networks. Instead of using minutes from a cellular plan, the call is transmitted over the internet, often at no additional cost if the user has access to a WiFi network. This makes WiFi calling a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to optimize their communication expenses.

Compatibility with Devices

WiFi calling is widely supported across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Most modern smartphones come with built-in support for WiFi calling, allowing users to enable the feature directly from their device settings. Tablets and computers can also support WiFi calling through specific apps or software that facilitate VoIP communication.

However, compatibility may vary depending on the device model, operating system, and the WiFi calling app being used. For instance, while iPhones and Android smartphones generally support WiFi calling, older models or those with outdated software may not be compatible. It’s essential for users to verify that their devices are compatible with the WiFi calling app of their choice to ensure a seamless experience.

Businesses should also consider the types of devices used by their employees and customers when selecting a WiFi calling app. Ensuring that the app is compatible across all relevant devices will help maintain consistent communication and avoid potential issues related to incompatibility.

Switching Between WiFi and Cellular Networks

One of the standout features of WiFi calling is its ability to switch between WiFi and cellular networks without dropping the call. This capability, known as handover, is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted communication, especially when moving between different environments.

For example, a user might start a call in the office connected to a WiFi network and then continue the call while commuting, where the WiFi signal is no longer available. The handover feature ensures that the call seamlessly transitions to the cellular network without any disruption. This is particularly advantageous for businesses with mobile workforces or those that frequently move between different locations.

Handover is facilitated by the app’s ability to detect the available networks and automatically switch to the most stable one. This intelligent switching mechanism ensures that the user experiences minimal to no downtime during a call, making WiFi calling a reliable option for business communication.

Moreover, some advanced WiFi calling apps offer the ability to prioritize WiFi networks over cellular ones, further enhancing call quality when a strong WiFi connection is available. This prioritization can help businesses optimize their communication processes by ensuring that calls are routed through the most cost-effective and reliable networks.

Why WiFi Calling is Beneficial for Businesses

Cost Savings

Switching to WiFi calling can significantly reduce phone plan expenses. Unlike traditional cellular plans, which can be costly and come with various fees, WiFi calling often allows you to make calls at no additional cost if you have a reliable internet connection. This can lead to substantial savings for businesses that frequently make international or long-distance calls.

Moreover, many WiFi calling apps do not require additional hardware or equipment, further lowering the overall costs. By eliminating the need for traditional phone lines and expensive hardware, businesses can enjoy more budget-friendly communication solutions.

Flexibility

One of the main advantages of WiFi calling is its flexibility. Employees can make and receive calls from any device with a WiFi connection, whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the go. This means that business communication is not limited to specific locations or devices, providing greater freedom and accessibility for your team.

With WiFi calling, businesses can also streamline their communication processes by integrating various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, into a unified calling system. This versatility can enhance productivity and improve overall communication efficiency.

Additional Features

Beyond basic voice calling, many WiFi calling apps offer additional features that extend beyond traditional phone services. These features can include voicemail transcriptions, call recording, and integrations with other business tools, which can enhance the functionality and utility of your communication system.

For instance, some apps provide options for automated call handling, detailed analytics, and advanced security measures, which can help businesses manage and optimize their communication strategies more effectively.

Comparing the Best WiFi Calling Apps

WiFi calling apps have revolutionized how businesses and individuals communicate, offering flexibility, cost savings, and additional features beyond traditional phone services. Here, we delve into the best WiFi calling apps available, comparing their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you choose the right solution for your business.

1. OpenPhone: The Best Business Phone Solution

Pros:

• Unlimited calls and texts to the US & Canada: OpenPhone allows businesses to communicate freely within the US and Canada without worrying about exceeding call or text limits.
• Integrations with Zapier, Slack, and HubSpot: Seamless integration with popular business tools helps streamline operations, making it easier to manage communications and workflows.
• Shared phone numbers: Teams can share phone numbers, enabling collaborative management of incoming calls and messages, ensuring no customer inquiry goes unanswered.
• Auto-attendant (IVR) for inbound calls: The auto-attendant feature allows businesses to automate call handling, directing callers to the appropriate department or individual based on their needs.

Cons:

• No two-factor authentication verification: While OpenPhone offers robust features, the lack of two-factor authentication might be a concern for businesses prioritizing security.

Key Features:

OpenPhone is an ideal solution for businesses seeking a comprehensive communication tool. The app’s ability to offer free calls and texts within the US and Canada, coupled with its integrations with essential business tools like Zapier, Slack, and HubSpot, makes it a versatile choice. The shared phone numbers and auto-attendant feature further enhance team collaboration and efficiency.

Additionally, OpenPhone provides call recording and routing features, which are particularly beneficial for businesses that need to monitor and manage customer interactions for quality assurance or training purposes. The app’s interface is user-friendly, making it accessible for teams of all sizes.

Pricing:

• Starter: $15/user/month
• Business: $23/user/month
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing

OpenPhone offers tiered pricing plans to suit different business needs, from small startups to large enterprises. The Starter plan is ideal for smaller teams, while the Business and Enterprise plans offer more advanced features and customization options.

2. Google Voice: Best for Google Workspace Users

Pros:

• Free plan for personal use: Google Voice offers a free plan for personal users, making it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses looking to reduce communication costs.
• Integrates with Google Workspace apps: Seamless integration with Google Workspace apps like Gmail and Google Calendar enhances productivity by centralizing communication and scheduling tools.

Cons:

• Limited business features: While Google Voice is excellent for basic communication needs, it lacks some of the advanced business features found in other apps, such as call recording and auto-attendants.

Key Features:

Google Voice is particularly beneficial for businesses already using Google Workspace. The app offers voicemail transcriptions, which can be a time-saver for busy professionals. Integration with Google apps ensures that all communication tools are connected, making it easier to manage calls, messages, and schedules from one platform.

Google Voice also supports number porting, allowing businesses to retain their existing phone numbers when switching to the service. This feature can be crucial for maintaining continuity in customer communications.

Pricing:

• $10/user/month + $6 for Google Workspace

Google Voice offers a straightforward pricing structure, with the added benefit of Google Workspace integration. This makes it an ideal choice for businesses that rely heavily on Google’s suite of productivity tools.

3. Google Meet: Best for Video Calling

Pros:

• Record meetings: Google Meet allows users to record video meetings, making it easy to review important discussions or share them with team members who couldn’t attend.
• Long one-to-one calls: The app supports extended one-to-one video calls, ensuring that business meetings can proceed without interruption.

Cons:

• No desktop app: Unlike some competitors, Google Meet does not offer a dedicated desktop application, which might be a drawback for users who prefer standalone software.
• Limited to Google Meet users: Communication is restricted to users within the Google ecosystem, limiting its utility for interacting with clients or partners using other platforms.

Key Features:

Google Meet excels in video communication, offering features like meeting recording and long-duration calls, which are essential for businesses that rely on virtual meetings. The app integrates smoothly with Google Workspace, allowing users to schedule meetings through Google Calendar and share files via Google Drive during calls.

The app also supports screen sharing, making it easier to present information during meetings. The availability of AR effects adds a touch of fun to meetings, though it is more of a novelty than a business-critical feature.

Pricing:

• Free plan available
• Premium features with Google Workspace subscription

Google Meet offers a free version, which is sufficient for many businesses’ basic needs. However, the premium version provides additional features that may be necessary for larger organizations or those requiring more advanced functionalities.

4. Skype: Best for Calling Other Skype Users

Pros:

• Free voice and video calls with other Skype users: Skype offers unlimited free calls between Skype users, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses with teams spread across different locations.
• Caller ID: The app supports caller ID, allowing businesses to display their phone number when making calls, which can help in building trust with clients.

Cons:

• Subscription required for landline/mobile calls: While Skype-to-Skype calls are free, calls to landlines or mobile phones require a subscription, which may increase costs for businesses needing to contact clients outside the Skype network.

Key Features:

Skype remains a popular choice for businesses that need to make frequent voice and video calls within their organization. The app’s encryption for calls and messages ensures that communications remain secure, which is a critical feature for businesses handling sensitive information.

Skype also supports group calls, making it easier for teams to collaborate remotely. The app’s interface is intuitive, and it integrates with Microsoft Office, enhancing productivity for businesses already using Microsoft products.

Pricing:

• Free for Skype-to-Skype calls
• Subscription for calls to landlines and mobiles

Skype’s pricing is flexible, offering a free option for Skype-to-Skype calls. Businesses needing to call landlines or mobiles can choose from a variety of subscription plans based on their calling needs.

5. WhatsApp: Best for Secure Calling with Other WhatsApp Users

Pros:

• Free voice and video calls: WhatsApp offers free voice and video calls between users, making it an affordable option for businesses with global teams.
• End-to-end encryption: Security is a top priority with WhatsApp, which uses end-to-end encryption to protect calls and messages, ensuring that only the intended recipients can access the communication.

Cons:

• No business-specific features: While WhatsApp is excellent for secure communication, it lacks some of the advanced features that businesses might require, such as call analytics or integration with other business tools.

Key Features:

WhatsApp is widely recognized for its secure communication capabilities. The app’s end-to-end encryption ensures that all communications remain private, making it a reliable choice for businesses concerned about data security. WhatsApp also supports file sharing and group chats, enabling teams to collaborate more effectively.

For businesses using WhatsApp Business, the app provides automated replies and quick responses, which can enhance customer service efficiency. However, it still lacks more advanced business-oriented features found in other apps.

Pricing:

• Free for personal use

WhatsApp is entirely free to use, making it a cost-effective option for businesses that do not require extensive communication features but prioritize security.

6. Viber: Best for Calls Using a Smartphone

Pros:

• Share stickers and GIFs: Viber’s fun features, like stickers and GIFs, can add a personal touch to communications, making interactions more engaging, particularly in a customer service context.
• Self-destructing messages: For businesses that handle sensitive information, Viber’s self-destructing messages can enhance security by ensuring that messages are automatically deleted after a set time.

Cons:

• Paid calls outside Viber network: While Viber-to-Viber calls are free, businesses need to purchase credits to make calls to non-Viber users, which could increase costs depending on the volume of external calls.

Key Features:

Viber is a versatile app that offers both messaging and calling features. The ability to share stickers and GIFs can make customer interactions more engaging, while self-destructing messages provide an added layer of security for businesses that need to manage sensitive information carefully.

Viber also supports group chats and calls, making it easier for teams to collaborate. The app’s interface is user-friendly, and it integrates with various devices, allowing for seamless communication across platforms.

Pricing:

• Free for Viber-to-Viber calls
• Paid credits for calls to non-Viber users

Viber offers a free service for calls within its network, with paid options available for businesses needing to contact clients or partners outside the Viber ecosystem.

7. Talkatone: Best for Personal Use

Pros:

• Free US phone number: Talkatone provides users with a free US phone number, making it easy for businesses or individuals to establish a local presence in the United States.
• Unlimited calls and texts to US and Canada: The app offers unlimited communication within the US and Canada, which is ideal for small businesses or individuals looking for a cost-effective solution.

Cons:

• Ads and limited international features: While Talkatone offers a free version, it includes ads, which can be distracting. Additionally, the app’s international calling features are limited compared to other WiFi calling apps.

Key Features: Talkatone is designed for personal use, but it can also serve small businesses looking for a simple, cost-effective communication tool. The app provides a free US phone number and unlimited calls and texts within the US and Canada, making it an attractive option for businesses with a North American customer base.

Talkatone also supports voicemail, call forwarding, and text messaging, offering a basic but functional set of features. The app is easy to set up and use, making it accessible for users with limited technical expertise.

Pricing:

• Free with ads
• $3.99/user/month for ad-free experience

Talkatone offers a free version supported by ads, with an option to remove ads for a small monthly fee. This pricing model makes it a budget-friendly option for individuals or businesses needing basic communication features.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Security and privacy are paramount concerns for businesses when adopting new communication technologies. WiFi calling, while convenient and cost-effective, also requires careful consideration of the security measures in place to protect sensitive business communications.

Encryption of Calls

WiFi calling apps typically employ encryption to secure voice and video calls, ensuring that communications remain private and protected from unauthorized access. End-to-end encryption is a standard feature in many WiFi calling apps, meaning that the data is encrypted on the sender’s device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device.

This level of encryption is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive information, such as financial data or confidential client communications. End-to-end encryption ensures that even if the data is intercepted during transmission, it cannot be accessed or deciphered by unauthorized parties. This adds a significant layer of security to business communications conducted over WiFi calling apps.

In addition to voice calls, some WiFi calling apps also extend encryption to messaging and file sharing, further safeguarding all forms of communication. Businesses should prioritize apps that offer comprehensive encryption to ensure the highest level of security for their operations.

Data Privacy Policies

When selecting a WiFi calling app, it’s essential to consider the provider’s data privacy policies. Some apps may collect and store call data, which could include metadata such as call duration, timestamps, and user locations. For businesses, especially those operating in regulated industries, understanding how this data is managed and stored is critical.

Reviewing the app’s privacy policy can provide insights into what data is collected, how it is used, and whether it is shared with third parties. Businesses should ensure that the app’s data handling practices align with their own privacy policies and comply with relevant regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

Choosing a WiFi calling app with transparent data privacy policies and robust security measures will help businesses mitigate risks and protect their sensitive information.

Conclusion

Each WiFi calling app has its unique strengths and features that cater to different needs. OpenPhone offers extensive business features and integrations, making it a top choice for many companies. Google Voice and Google Meet are excellent options for those already using Google Workspace or requiring robust video calling capabilities. Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Talkatone each provide various benefits depending on your specific communication needs.