1. TextNow
Available for: iOS | Android | Windows TextNow has become one of the biggest players when it comes to free calling apps. Between what’s offered completely free and the low-cost add-ons, it’s hard to beat. Currently, it’s only available in the US and Canada. Enjoy completely free calling and texting with a free local number you can use as much as you want. For international calls, you’ll need to pay extra. Rates vary based on the country. Something that sets TextNow apart is the ability to use your current mobile number (if you’re in the US). To do so, you’ll need to buy an activation kit for $0.99, which includes a SIM card that gives you access to TextNow’s Nationwide Wireless Network. You’ll have to check the site to see if your phone’s compatible. Finally, you can also purchase a data plan starting at $8.99/month for 1 GB or up to $27.99/month for 5 GB. Highlights:
Unlimited calls and texts within the US and CanadaVoicemail includedOther users don’t need TextNowCan fully replace your existing call and text plan
Cons:
Ad-supportedInternational calls are charged by the minute
2. Talkatone
Available for: iOS | Android Talkatone was once only available in the US, but has now added Canada. It’s an incredibly easy to use free calling app that lets you call and text any number in the US and Canada. Even if you travel out of the country, skip roaming charges and call US and Canadian numbers for free. There are a few add-ons for Talkatone. You can remove ads for $1.99/month and buy credits for international calling, which start at 60 credits for $0.99 (you can see calling rates within the app). There’s also Talkatone Plus, which lets you keep the number you’re given, even if it’s inactive for a while. It’ll also let you forward calls to any US or Canadian number, and provide higher quality audio for your voicemails. You get all this for just $3.99/month, which is lower than call/text plans with mobile carriers. Highlights:
Get your own local numberMake unlimited calls and texts within the US and CanadaNo roaming when traveling out of the country
Cons:
Ad-supportedYou lose your number if you’re not active every 30 days (you can move your voicemails and texts to a new number for free, though)
3. Google Voice
Available for: iOS | Android | Web Google Voice is one of the few apps that lets you make free calls without making you deal with ads too. You can only get US-based numbers, though you can call and text both US and Canadian numbers for free. Enjoy having a dedicated number for personal or business use. You’re free to make as many international calls as you want, but those will cost extra per minute. What makes Google Voice a major contender here is being able to read voicemail transcriptions and search for them just like an email. You can even block annoying spam calls. Sadly, you must have another number already in order to use the service. Highlights:
Unlimited calls and texts to US and Canadian numbersGet a dedicated numberVoicemail transcriptionSpam blockingAd-free
Cons:
Can’t get a Canadian numberMust have a US-based mobile phone number already
4. Google Duo
Available for: iOS | Android | Web If you want to use your existing phone number or email address to make calls, especially video calls, try Google Duo. You won’t get a dedicated number like most other free calling apps on this list, but you can make unlimited free calls to other Duo users. Enjoy talking to up to 32 people at a time. Duo is available throughout the world, making it great for international calls. You can also send video and text messages to other Duo users. Like many chat apps, Duo allows you to send emojis and use special effects. Highlights:
Unlimited voice, video, and texts to other Duo usersWorks internationallyUse your existing mobile number or an email address
Cons:
Doesn’t give you a number to useCall and text recipients must have Duo to use it
5. Skype
Available for: iOS | Android | Web | Desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux) While Skype has some similarities to Google Duo, it’s a far more robust free calling app. You’ll get free voice and video calls along with texting to any other Skype user around the world. Skype also lets you record calls and share your screen with others. This is why it’s often used for meetings as well as calls between friends and family. Skype even goes a step further and lets you upgrade your free service to make calls to anyone, whether they have Skype or not. For $2.99/month, enjoy 2,000 minutes in the US. Or, call anywhere in North America for $6.99/month. You can also purchase your own phone number for others to use. Costs vary based on the location and number of calls per month. Highlights:
Unlimited calls and texts to Skype usersFree video callingUpgrade to call anywhere around the world
Cons:
Calls to non-Skype users costs extra
6. Dingtone
Available for: iOS | Android Dingtone offers one of the best free calling apps for true worldwide calling. Calls within the US and Canada are free, but you can earn credits to make international calls free as well. Unlike most other free apps to make calls over Wi-Fi, Dingtone offers local numbers in the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Belgium, France, Sweden, and more. And, if you’re calling other Dingtone users, calls are always free, no matter where you’re located. While you can pay for credits (starting at $9.99 for 500), the app lets you complete free activities, such as playing a game, to earn credits. The number of credits you’ll need for international calls varies. You can also remove ads for $0.99/month. Highlights:
Get a dedicated local number (supports multiple unique numbers on one account)Send unlimited calls and texts to other Dingtone users and numbers within the US and CanadaEarn credits for free international calling (15 free for signing up)
Cons:
Ad-supported (remove ads in premium plan)Voicemail only available in premium plan for $3.99/monthNumber can expire within 30 days without premium plan
7. TextFree
Available for: iOS | Android TextFree is only for unlimited free texting, but it’s being included on this list thanks to the fact that you get your own dedicated number. However, you can text anyone worldwide. Of course, you can also use TextFree for calling, but it costs $9.99/month for unlimited calling. You can also earn credits by watching videos for making international calls or calls to non-TextFree users. The good news is that it’s always free to receive calls on TextFree, so have your friends and family call you to save money. Between earning credits and receiving calls, you can turn this into a free calling app for short calls throughout the month. Highlights:
Unlimited texting to any numberEarn credits for free calls60 call minutes included free
Cons:
Premium plan needed to call other TextFree usersCredits needed to call non-TextFree usersAd-supported free version
8. textPlus
Available for: iOS | Android textPlus is mainly focused on MMS and SMS, but it’s also a great free calling app if you’re calling other textPlus users. Text any number in the US and Canada completely free. You even get your own phone number. As with most free calling apps, textPlus is ad supported and the ads on this one are more intrusive than you might like. However, you get free international calling whenever you’re calling another textPlus user. You also get free unlimited inbound calls from any number around the world. Rates for domestic and international calls start at $0.02/minute for non-textPlus users. The exact rate appears when you enter the number. Of course, you can earn credits through various activities. A variety of add-ons are available, such as going ad-free for $5.99/year and unlimited US and Canada calling for $19.99/year. Highlights:
Unlimited textingFree calls to other textPlus usersDedicated free number
Cons:
Your number can expireAd-supported
Image credit: Vincent Wachowiak via Unsplash
