Yes, I know, you will say that there are many and that it is not the only one, but I just discovered forfone, an application that works very well to make free calls between mobile phones using the data connection, in the style of what Viber does, but that also includes a very notable feature when it comes to calls to landlines, and that is that These are free, with limits, but free. In addition, it also includes the possibility of maintaining text conversations y sending photographs, like WhatsApp.
What happens when we mix WhatsApp with Viber and get the best of both? Comes out forfone. The truth is that I am a classic, if something already works well, why change to another application? But Forfone has particularly caught my attention. Obviously, it cannot replace our main communication application, since we have the contacts we talk to regularly there, but it is a «must-have» for our androids. In addition, It is not only available for Android, but also for iOS, and will soon be available for Windows Phone, which is essential so we can reach as many people as possible through this app.
What is Forfone and how does it work?
Forfone is a VoIP app that allows you to call and send messages over the Internet without contracts or complex registrations. Installation is simple: download, insert the phone number for verification by SMS And that's it; no need to create usernames, passwords, or friend lists. Communications work on WiFi, LTE / 4G o UMTS/3G, so you can talk and chat even when the app is not open thanks to the push notifications, which keep you reachable.
In addition to text and photos, Forfone allows you to share images y location with the same simplicity as you would in a traditional chat. A differentiating point is that use your own number as an identifier: When you call or send a text message, the recipient sees your real number, which provides clarity and confidence.
- From Forfone to Forfone: Free calls and picture messages worldwide.
- Calls to landlines Free national calls in select countries when you activate your number, with a monthly limit.
- No registration or passwords: Quick SMS validation and integration with your calendar.
- Availability for iOS and Android, with support for push notifications to be 100% reachable.
La app integrate your agenda and shows you at a glance which contacts use Forfone and which national landlines are eligible for the free plan. In some European markets, the badge was even displayed. "100Free" along with landlines compatible, making it easy to know who you can call free of charge.
Calls and messages totally free
As we have said, text conversations and the sending photos They are completely free using your data connection, whether it's your home WiFi, your work WiFi, or the restaurant you're in, or using your mobile's 3G or GPRS, just like WhatsApp. As for the voice calls, we are in the same situation, although we must bear in mind that if we call using our mobile data connection, 3G, we will consume our data allowance very quickly, so it is better to use the flat rate WiFi for this task. call quality It is excellent, much better than the quality of a regular phone call, with no comparison.
In addition to all this, we really liked the application interface, which is very simple and intuitive, as easy as dialing the phone number on the keypad in front of us as soon as we start it. We can also go to the calendar, which automatically reads it and tells us which mobile numbers are already on Forfone and will be free to call, as well as the free landlines. Forfone uses our mobile number to register us, so from the number we can tell if others are registered with this service. Apart from this, if our mobile phone uses a line in Spain, Italy, Great Britain, Germany, or Switzerland, we can call landlines for freea 50 minute limit a month.
In certain European markets, these promotions have offered up to 100 minutes Monthly to fixed rates; availability and quota may vary by country and active conditions, but are always clearly displayed in the app to avoid confusion.
Thanks to push notifications, you are locatable Even if the app isn't open, you can still receive calls and messages at any time. This efficient background management means you won't miss important communications.
Another practical aspect is the multi-language support (includes Spanish and English), focused on enabling anyone to start using it without barriers. The interface prioritizes the direct dial, access to contacts and balance status, minimizing steps to call or chat.
Their prices are even better than those of the operators
However, it also offers us alternatives when we contact a number that doesn't have Forfone. The price of that call is 1,9 euro cents the minute. While the SMS to NON-Forfone users, they go out to 9 cents. To call and send paid messages we have to recharge our accountThis last option is particularly noteworthy, since if we don't recharge, we're completely sure that what we're doing is free, and that gives us confidence; it doesn't force us to recharge before using it.
In some destinations references have been offered such as 2,9 cents/min to national landlines once the bonus has been exhausted and around 11 cents/min to mobile phones, always maintaining a focus on economical rates compared to the operator's usual price. Top-ups can be done safely using credit card, PayPal o transfer, and the balance is visible on the main screen so you have the consumption under control.
Another practical detail is that Forfone show your real number in caller ID and SMS, avoiding strange or hidden numbers. In addition, the app has been characterized by a clean approach, with absence of advertising intrusive, so that nothing distracts during the conversation.
Quick comparison with other apps
Compared to solutions like Viber or Skype, Forfone combines free calls between users national fixed bonds y low rates to any destination, even if the recipient doesn't use the app. In messaging, it competes with WhatsApp by offering text, photos y geolocation integrated. If you travel with Wi-Fi available, the ability to recharge and call any number minimizes the impact of roaming .
Compared to messaging-only services, the differential value is clear: high quality voice to Forfone contacts at no cost and free minutes to landlines in supported countries. Compared to traditional VoIP, it shines for its zero configuration (your number and an SMS) and by the integration with the agenda that tags contacts with free calls.
Future news
Forfone hopes to continue expanding and growing. For now, they're waiting to make the jump to Windows Phone, Microsoft's mobile operating system, and we'll see what happens next with BlackBerry. Another big feature they're working on is the ability to to make video calls, thus creating the complete app, a mix of WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype, with the best features of all three. Forfone is now available for free download on Google Play.
In their plans they have always figured stability improvements, optimizations for audio on mobile networks and expansion of languages, with the goal of maintaining call quality accuracy even on fluctuating connections.
Security and Privacy: Independent Assessment
Safety has been a strong point. A comparative study conducted by the independent Austrian institute SBA Research analyzed several messaging and VoIP applications and detected serious security problems in some of them, reaching seize accounts and send messages from their servers. In the case of Forfone, It was not possible to compromise accounts nor intercept communications in the tests, which reinforces its focus on the user protection.
The fact that the app uses your real number and validate by SMS reduces friction of use without sacrificing basic controls. Added to this is the absence of advertising intrusive, avoiding unnecessary permissions and minimizing exposure to third-party tracking.
Usage tips for the best experience
To get the most out of Forfone, try prioritizing WiFi when making long calls. Keep the synchronized agenda to instantly identify which contacts are on Forfone and which national landlines are eligible for the free plan (the app displays this visually). If you just need to chat and send photos or location, the experience is as fluid as a traditional messaging service, with no registration or passwords to remember.
If you move between countries, recharging a small balance when you have WiFi allows you to call your contacts outside Forfone with very low costs, avoiding surprises on your operator's bill. And remember: if you don't top up, you'll continue to use only the free features, with complete peace of mind.
Forfone brings together in a single app VoIP calls high quality, messaging with photos and location, iOS and Android compatibility and a transparent approach in prices and securityIts combination of free calls between users, minutes to national landlines in select countries, and affordable rates to any number makes it a versatile tool that deserves a spot on your phone, especially if you're traveling or looking to reduce your bill without the hassle.