It's really up to us whether this new means of communication becomes the standard. If we start using it as much as WhatsApp, it's only a matter of time before it actually happens. The best part? Choose one or more applications and get used to using them. There's just one minor problem, which we'll discuss at the end. Now, let's review the five apps:
LINE
We couldn't start with anything else. If there's one thing that sets us apart from LINE WhatsApp is mainly the ability to make calls, both via Wi-Fi and mobile data. Plus, there's no charge for the service, so it's as simple as searching for contacts who have Line installed on their device and making the call. You can also send messages. It locates your contacts by phone number. Disadvantages: Requires registration.
Skype or Whatsapp
The second one we want to talk about is, of course, Skype. And who doesn't know Skype? It's the precursors Of all these applications, although its success lies more in its desktop version. It also has a special feature: making video calls, not just voice calls. Like the previous version, it works with both Wi-Fi and mobile networks. However, keep in mind that to make a video call, you must have a really good connection. Skype is also free. Disadvantages: Requires registration.
Viber
When Line didn't even exist, we already knew Viber, which was presented precisely as the alternative to WhatsApp that also intended to make calls. It began to be widely used, and its success is undeniable, although it has always been overshadowed by WhatsApp. Today it remains a very useful option if we want to make calls. It has the high definition calls, like the others, so the quality is much better than a conventional call. Viber is also free, and it shouldn't be too difficult to find contacts in our address book who already have the app installed on their smartphone. It finds our contacts using their phone number, and there's no need to register with an email address. Disadvantages: No desktop version.
Tango
Tango is another alternative we have, which, like Skype, allows for text messaging and calls, as well as video calls. However, the number of users using this app is lower than that of Viber. However, there is one key advantage: it also has a desktop version, which is truly significant. Fewer users may be its main drawback. Defects: It doesn't have that many users.
forfone
The last application we're going to consider isn't new, and we've already talked about it before. It works really well, and is capable of make calls to numbers that do not have forfoneYou can even locate your contacts by phone number. Forfone is also free and works with Wi-Fi and mobile networks. Disadvantages: It doesn't have a desktop version, and it has the fewest users.
The only problem One problem we might encounter is that our operator doesn't allow VoIP calls with the data plan we've contracted. But if that happens, you're most likely with one of the top-tier operators in Spain. Coincidentally, virtual operators, such as Symio or Pepephone, have much cheaper rates and don't pose these problems. Obviously, another problem is that voice calls use more data than text messages, and if your coverage is poor, you can learn how to use them. improve your mobile signalHowever, we can take advantage of making calls over Wi-Fi networks and avoid long calls when we only have 3G.
What is VoIP and why is it replacing traditional telephony?
La Voice over IP (VoIP) converts voice into data and sends it over the Internet. Its key advantages: without bulky hardware, lower start-up costs compared to landlines, fewer devices to manage and use on any device (mobile, tablet, or computer) in or out of the office. When making calls over your existing connection, you don't need phone lines dedicated and avoid maintenance bills.
For individual users, these apps replace the traditional telephone for occasional calls, while in companies they allow virtual switchboards, intelligent routing, recording, analytics and collaboration, unifying calls, messages and video into a single stream.
Messaging apps with widespread free calls
- WhatsApp: End-to-end encrypted calls and video calls, high adoption.
- Facebook Messenger e I: voice and video integrated with the Meta ecosystem.
- Google Meet: IP conferences and calls in personal and work environments.
- Reservation, Viber, Signal, Telegram: popular options with a focus on to maximise security and your enjoyment., stickers, communities or group calls. In all of them, app-to-app calls They are free with WiFi or data.
VoIP for businesses: virtual switchboard and professional apps
Taking the professional leap involves more than just making an internet call. It requires cloud switchboard, detours, ringing groups, IVR, recording, presence states, multi-account, virtual numbers y automation with CRM and other tools. Here are the featured options:
- Free: usable with or without PBX (your virtual switchboard It's free). Multi-account, push To save battery, virtual numbers in more than 90 countries, SMS (free between users), live balance and cost, integration with calendar and multiple codecs to optimize quality.
- zoiper: app open source for custom SIP configurations. Free and Pro versions, white-label option. Requires VoIP phone provider and caution with fake apps. Supports waiting, background, different tones per account and transfers. Video call in paid version.
- 3CX: Complete PBX with mobile app. Features like transfers, waiting, states, multi-call, presence, conference and chat. Configuration by QR corporate and deployment as extension of the company. Customized quotes.
- CloudTalk Go: Mobile extension of the CloudTalk service. Transfer, integration with WhatsApp, labels, call recording and summaries. Requires contacting sales; without public prices nor clear evidence.
- ringover: cloud telephony with contact management, internal messaging and analysis with AI Calls. Installation through your service; prices and trial with commercial.
- air call: Numbers in +100 countries and unlimited international calls on high plans. Minimum 3 users, SMS limited and MMS restricted to some countries; Analytics + as a paid extra.
- dialpad: focus on contact center with voice training and supervision. Limited SMS per user/month and paid extras (free numbers and minutes). Tiered plans with advanced features at higher levels.
- Grasshopper: designed for micro-enterprises with Extensions and detours. Limited scalability, extra numbers at a cost and without integrations or AI transcriptions.
- GoTo Connect: Unified calling, messaging, and video. Includes calls to +50 countries, free minutes for toll-free numbers Shared and SMS restriction from toll-free numbers. Advanced features in CX plans.
- Ooma: telephony with interphone, loudspeaker announcements and analog fax. For SMS, mailbox recording and transcription requires a higher plan, with quotas of monthly messages.
- Vonage: wide ecosystem with APIs and apps. Several key features are add-ons at an additional cost (e.g., automatic recording, toll-free or conference bridge).
- RingCentral: Feature-rich option, even with rental of IP phones. Entry-level plans limit minutes, SMS and storage, freeing up more resources at high levels.
- Nextiva: strong in integrations (Microsoft, Oracle). Some basic functions (voice, SMS/MMS, recording or toll-free) demand higher plans.
- 8 Ă— 8: routed omnichannel, IVR, secure payments during the call in your Contact Center. Non-public prices and variable documentation; review the scope of recordings and retention.
- : designed for startups and SMEs with calls and SMS / MMS unlimited in US/Canada, shared numbers, integrations with Zapier/Make and a AI agent (Sona) to assist, record data and answer FAQs. Automatic responses, scheduled messages and free trial available.
Tip: Evaluate whether you need international numbers, shared inboxes, SMS limits, 24/7 support, recording or advanced reporting. Your choice of provider determines your scalability.
International calls and travel: alternatives and costs
To call landlines and mobile phones outside your country, in addition to credits from Skype or Whatsapp or the rates of Google Voice, there are options like Rebel (uses local lines when Internet is missing), Localphone (economic minute), TextNow (low cost in specific markets) or platforms such as talk360 y Send with a focus on quality and broad coverage. Talkatone offers free calls and SMS in North America, adding affordable international rates.
If you travel, solutions with eSIM , the Roamless allow global data and calls in your app with payment for use, avoiding SIM changes and roaming expensive. Interesting when you alternate between WiFi and mobile networks and search expense control per minute.
Marker MobileVOIP centralizes low-cost suppliers, shows price per minute during the call, connection quality and allows refills or even prepaid top-ups to third parties. Useful for optimizing specific destinations (e.g., India, Turkey, Nigeria, or Cuba) by selecting the brand with the best routes.
Before choosing, check: if it supports fixed (not just app to app), the cost per country, if required local number or SIM, if offered bonos or subscriptions and the level of encryption. In business calls, consider integration with CRM and recording.
Security, privacy and basic settings
VoIP apps vary in to maximise security and your enjoyment.. Some, like WhatsApp o Telegramoffer end-to-end encryption. In SIP/enterprise environments, it requires TLS / SRTP, strong passwords, MFA and certificates. Always check the policies privacy, compliance with regulations (such as GDPR) and access controls. It is also advisable identify phone numbers before returning calls. Keep in mind that IP services don't follow the same framework as traditional telephony; it's a good idea to evaluate availability, retention of recordings and data warehouses.
Typical setup: install the app, register (email or number), configure SIP if applicable or scanned QR corporate, check codecs and activate push notifications. On mobile devices, prioritize stable WiFi for video and, If calls don't go through on your mobile phone, check settings and permissions; many apps allow you to schedule messages, automatic responses or detours according to schedule.
As an additional idea, there are utilities with real time translation during calls and subtitles on social apps, useful if you communicate in languages ​​you don't speak. While they don't replace a switchboard, they expand your reach when traveling or working with global clients.
VoIP is already part of everyday life: for personal use, app-to-app calls are Returns and quality; for businesses, a cloud PBX with automation, IA and analytics make a difference in efficiency, cost control, and customer experience. Choose based on where you call, who you collaborate with, and how much you need to scale.
