Do expensive calling and texting plans keep you from staying in contact with friends and family? Ditch mobile calling plans and opt for calling apps to make free calls over Wi-Fi. While some of these apps give you your own number, others require both parties to have the same app. With all, you can call, text, and even video chat.
Content
- 1. TextNow
- 2. Talkatone
- 3. Google Voice
- 4. Google Meet
- 5. Skype
- 6. Dingtone
- 7. TextFree
- 8. textPlus
- 9. Discord
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. TextNow
Platforms: 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 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). First, check the site to see if your phone is compatible. Then, buy an activation kit for $4.99, which includes a SIM card with access to TextNow’s Nationwide Wireless Network. While talk and text are free and unlimited, data plans carry a fee.
Pros
- Unlimited calls and texts within the US and Canada
- Voicemail included
- Other users don’t need TextNow
- Can fully replace your existing call and text plan
Cons
- Ad-supported
- International calls are charged by the minute
2. Talkatone
Talkatone is available in the US and Canada. It’s an incredibly easy-to-use free calling app that lets you call and text any number in the US and Canada. If you travel out of the country, skip roaming charges, and call US and Canadian numbers for free.
There are a few Talkatone add-ons. You can remove ads for a fee and buy credits for international calling. 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. The monthly fee is lower than call/text plans with mobile carriers.
Pros
- Get your own local number
- Make unlimited calls and texts within the US and Canada
- No roaming when traveling out of the country
Cons
- Ad-supported
- Lose your number if you’re not active every 30 days
3. Google Voice
Platforms: iOS | Android | Web
Google Voice is one of the few calling 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. What makes Google Voice a major contender is that you can read voicemail transcriptions, search for them, and block annoying spam calls. Do note that you must have another number to use the service.
Pros
- Unlimited calls and texts to US and Canadian numbers
- Get a dedicated number
- Voicemail transcription
- Spam blocking
- Ad-free
Cons
- Can’t use a Canadian number
- Must have a US-based mobile phone number already
4. Google Meet
Platforms: iOS | Android | Web
If you want to use your existing phone number or email address to make calls, especially video calls, try Google Meet. Google Duo merged into Meet, so if you used Duo, you’ll be moved to Meet. While there is no dedicated number like other free calling apps, you can make free calls, videos, and text messages with other Meet users.
Enjoy talking to up to 32 people at a time. Google Meet is available throughout the world, making it great for international calls. Like many chat apps, Meet allows you to send emojis and use special effects. Google Workspace and Google One Premium users get even more features: they can record calls and meetings.
Pros
- Unlimited voice, video, and texts to other Meet users
- Works internationally
- Use your existing mobile number or email address
Cons
- Doesn’t give provide a number
- Call and text recipients must have Meet to use it
5. Skype
Platforms: iOS | Android | Web | Desktop (Windows/macOS/Linux)
While Skype has some similarities to Google Meet, it’s one of the more robust free calling apps. You’ll get free voice and video calls, along with texting, to any Skype user around the world. It’s why it’s one of the top Zoom alternatives.
Skype also lets you record calls and share your screen with others, making it perfect 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, even non-Skype users. You can also purchase your own phone number for others to use.
Pros
- Unlimited calls and texts to Skype users
- Free video calling
- Upgrade to call anywhere around the world
Cons
- Calls to non-Skype users cost extra
6. Dingtone
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, Dingtone offers local numbers in the US, Canada, Australia, UK, Belgium, France, Sweden, and more. If you’re calling other Dingtone users, calls are always free, no matter where you’re located. While you can pay for credits, the app lets you complete free activities, such as playing a game, to earn credits. You can also remove ads for a monthly fee.
Pros
- Get a dedicated local number
- Send unlimited calls and texts to other Dingtone users and numbers within the US and Canada
- Earn credits for free international calling
Cons
- Ad-supported
- Voicemail is only available in the premium plan
- The number can expire within 30 days without a premium plan
7. TextFree
TextFree initially only offered texting, but now offers calling, too. You still get your own dedicated number to call and text in the US and Canada. It’s free to make and receive calls even to non-TextFree users, but if you try to make international calls/texts, your account may be suspended.
Like many free calling apps, the app does show ads. They take up about a third of the screen, and there are even random full-screen ads. Upgrade to TextFree Plus to remove all ads, get text verification codes, and permanently reserve your number. If you’re not active within a 30-day period in the free version, your number may be taken away.
Pros
- Unlimited texting and calling in the US and Canada
- Includes voicemail
- No credits to buy
Cons
- Premium plan needed to remove ads
- Ads are rather intrusive
8. textPlus
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, which may be more intrusive than you may 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.
Pros
- Unlimited texting
- Free calls to other textPlus users
- Dedicated free number
Cons
- Number can expire
- Ad-supported
9. Discord
Platforms: iOS | Android | Desktop | Web
Discord isn’t really known as a calling app, but the popular social network goes beyond letting you create and join servers to connect with other people. Voice call, video call, and chat with other Discord users for free. This doesn’t work for contacting non-Discord users.
To make calls, you must be using the same server as the recipient of the call. It’s a simple and free option if most of your friends are already using the same Discord servers as you. While the apps aren’t super user-friendly for busy servers, you will get used to them.
Pros
- Free to call and chat
- No upgrades necessary
- Tap a user to bring up contact options
Cons
- You don’t get your own number
- Doesn’t work outside Discord
- Mobile apps are very cluttered
Frequently Asked Questions
Are calls on free call apps private?
There is no guarantee that your calls are private when using free calling apps. Check the privacy policy of any app before you use it. This will also include details on how any information collected is used and whether you can opt out. If you want a private SMS service, try these Android options.
Can I use free calling apps if I just want a second or temporary phone number?
Yes. Some of them allow you to switch numbers whenever you want, while some delete your number after 30 days of inactivity, so they work as temporary numbers, too.
Can I just use my favorite chat app for free phone calls?
Yes. If you and most of the people you call use the same chat app, it’s usually easier to stick with that. For instance, WhatsApp lets you make unlimited calls to other users and includes texting features, of course. You can even use WhatsApp via your browser.
Can I really replace my mobile calling and texting plan with these apps?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have unlimited Wi-Fi available or an unlimited mobile data plan. These apps can eat a lot of data, especially if you’re also watching video ads to earn call credits.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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Crystal Crowder - Staff Writer
Crystal Crowder has spent over 15 years working in the tech industry, first as an IT technician and then as a writer. She works to help teach others how to get the most from their devices, systems, and apps. She stays on top of the latest trends and is always finding solutions to common tech problems.
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