Call and text data plans can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are many excellent free calling apps available for Android users. It's safe and easy to use any of these apps to stay in touch without going into debt. All that's required? A WiFi connection on a phone, tablet, or Chromebook.
It doesn't get any better than calling a friend, family member, or partner without spending a dime. The best free call apps all carry pros and cons, but the pros ultimately outweigh the cons. What's available these days? While long-running apps like Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp continue to offer complimentary calling options, newcomers like Imo keep popping up to give Android users more options.
Imo
Imo's fun, streamlined interface makes voice or video calling as easy as it can possibly be. Imo users can make as many calls as they want to each other and even set up group video calls with the click of a button. There is also an Imo desktop app for computers.
However, Imo relies on an in-app subscription model, and it doesn't do much for its free users beyond providing free video chats and calls to those who have installed it.
Telegram
The major draw for Telegram is its ability to encrypt its phone calls and text messages for users. Telegram also lets users sync their contacts across any device for easy access.
Most of the app's features are related to its text messaging function, and its call options are limited beyond the ability to phone or video chat with other Telegram users. There is no option to call non-users, which can be a pain point for a lot of people.
Skype
Obviously, Skype is one of the most popular WiFi calling apps, meaning millions of people have downloaded it onto their phones, tablets, computers, and other devices. Skype users can text, call, or video chat with each other for free. They can also conduct group calls.
But in order for users to call actual phone numbers or get their own online phone number, they have to pay for credits.
Signal
App users who value their privacy more than anything else will be pleased with Signal Private Messenger. This full end-to-end encrypted app allows those who download it to voice call, video chat, or text each other for free with total security. No other calling app guarantees this, making this one quite special.
Signal relies on an existing user's phone number and contacts, so anyone without a phone data plan will not be able to use it. It's also impossible to call non-Signal users.
Viber
Viber began as a basic VoIP service targeted toward international travelers, but it now offers a full range of services. Users can now call, text or video chat with each other for free. With over 1 billion users worldwide, Viber boasts a large base.
Still, in order to call non-users, Viber users must pay a fee. Users must subscribe in order to receive local phone numbers in various locations around the world.
Facebook Messenger
Using Facebook Messenger for calls is a quick, convenient way to stay in touch for free. Facebook Messenger also supports video chats, making for an engaging experience. Considering how many people are active on Facebook, it's almost guaranteed that any user will be able to contact whomever they need.
Facebook Messenger won't work as a calling app for anyone who doesn't have an account though. It also doesn't allow users to call landlines or any real phone numbers.
Facebook owns WhatsApp, a messaging service with hundreds of millions of users. WhatsApp users can also call each other for free on an array of devices. When users download WhatsApp, they have the option to find users from their existing contacts.
Users must already have an existing phone number in order to get started, and there's no option to call people outside the app, which is a recurring trend with even the best free calling apps for Android users.
Dingtone
For starters, Dingtone gives its users a free phone number, which can be used as a primary or secondary line. It also offers unlimited texts and calls between Dingtone users over data or WiFi.
However, in order to call phone numbers outside of the Dingtone app, users must either earn free credits through ads and promotions or spend money.
TextNow
A full-service communication app, TextNow allows users to call, text, and accept voicemails across a number of Android devices. TextNow also provides its users with a free phone number. With the app, users can send text messages to anyone in the US or Canada for free – even those who don't use TextNow.
For international calling, users need to purchase in-app credits. Luckily, these are reasonably affordable.
Google Voice
Easily, Google Voice is the most comprehensive Android app for making free calls over the Internet. It provides its user with a free phone number, call forwarding options, and a voicemail inbox. It runs on both computers and mobile devices for added convenience.
All that is required is a Google Account to get started. Users can only call Canada or the United States for free. International calls cost money.