Best internet call program

If you're looking for a business phone solution, on the other hand, Google Voice offers three different pricing plans: Starter, Standard, and Premier. One of the primary reasons that Google Voice is the top app for international calling is because it offers great functionality for both business and personal use. Honestly, you're good either way with Google Voice, just make sure you opt for the business plans if that's what you need. If you are looking for the best match for your business calls, you can also use our free comparison tool to compare tailored price quotes.

As one of the top messaging apps, WhatsApp also offers some convenient international calling features that can make life a lot easier.

By simply connecting with other WhatsApp users, you can start a call in an instant without incurring a single fee. The limitation, however, is that you can only internationally call other WhatsApp users. Granted, that can be pretty convenient in some countries, as the app boasts nearly 2 billion users worldwide. Still, with limited usage in the US, you can run into some roadblocks for easy international calling. Plus, with a questionable future as far as security is concerned , the Facebook-owned app might not be the best move for your business.

Yes, it does use data when you're not connected to WiFi, so it could incur charges from your service provider, but as far as pricing plans go for WhatsApp, there are none. WhatsApp doesn't really offer any business options to speak of, although it could act as a basic, starter app for your team to stay in touch overseas. However, almost all of its 2 billion users take advantage of WhatsApp because of it's great functionality for personal use , so we'd stick to that.

If you have an iPhone, you've used FaceTime before. This video chat app also comes with calling functionality, so you can use it as a phone to contact people overseas.

If you're an Apple user, you'll be able to call from any iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. Much like WhatsApp, FaceTime offers easy international calling at absolutely no cost, but it does come with the caveat of having to only call other Apple users.

However, there are million iPhone users out there, so it's certainly worth a try. Again, much like WhatsApp, FaceTime is absolutely free no matter what. You may incur data charges if you use it without WiFi, but you will never have to pay for the app or the specific calls you make internationally.

FaceTime is certainly aimed at more personal than business use scenarios. Even with the built-in video capabilities, you wouldn't want to rely on the app to stay in touch with your team.

For personal use though, FaceTime is a great option for free international calling, as long as you're talking to iPhone users. Call reliability and quality are huge when it comes to international calling, and that's where Rebtel really shines.

This app works through landlines rather than WiFi, so you get crystal clear audio no matter where you are. Outside the obvious benefits of call quality, Rebtel offers a tradition phone service app that works great and isn't difficult to figure out.

Plus with its unique Red Box feature, you'll be able to get a unique, catered experience based on your specific usage. Rebtel is a bit more traditional when it comes to international calling. Additionally, Rebtel offers very competitive international by-the-minute rates for countries all around the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

This kind of depends on how you run your personal life and your business life. If you're an avid traveler in your free time, Rebtel would make for a perfect lifeline to stay in touch with loved ones on the road. Additionally, if you travel a lot for business, Rebtel would be incredibly convenient for attending meetings without WiFi or cellular coverage. Otherwise, if you don't need the added connectivity and quality around the world, you could probably opt for something a bit less costly.

While it's user base is a bit selective, offering only international calling for users in the US, India, and Hong Kong, WeChat represents a very popular option for messaging and calling, making it a great option for international calling as well. Dubbed WeChat Out, this app works very similarly to the recently-discontinued Skype app, allowing users to call actual phone numbers and landlines through the app.

The Chinese-based app is probably better suited to those in China, as its more than one billion users are primarily based there, but it's still an easy to use option for anyone. WeChat international calling is free to anyone, as long as your contacting another WeChat user. If you're hoping to call a landline, you are going to incur some costs, which unfortunately, WeChat is a bit vague about. The company says that a dollar will buy you approximately minutes of call time. When it comes to WeChat, you're going to want to stick to personal use.

Unless your business is based in China and primarily interacts with other Chinese businesses, you aren't going to have enough people familiar with the app to get a business account going. NobelApp is a great international calling app that offers some seriously low rates and the ability to call anyone from anywhere.

It's not free, but the simple credit system allows you make international calls easily without incurring too many fees. That's not all though. NobelApp is filled with a whole bunch of extra features that are great for the average user. For one, you can transfer money anywhere in the world with ease. Additionally, NobelApp even has a small newsfeed, so you can stay up to date on what's happening in the world in between calls.

NobelApp doesn't offer any specific plans or business-focused prices. Instead, all calls are charged based on specific international rates, and paid for via credits through the app. NobelApp is almost certainly better for personal use. For one, there are no pricing plans for businesses to get a coherent phone system up and running. Additionally, the money transfer feature is convenient for everyday people, but could certainly muddy the waters of a business environment if used incorrectly.

Vonage is a well-known name in the phone business, which means you know its international calling options will more than suffice. Admittedly, the Vonage set up is a bit more complicated, as it's designed as a full on system, so bare with us while we try to explain how it works. As simply as possible, Vonage requires you to sign up for the home phone or business service to make international calls, which has a variety of international pricing options.

If you want to make international calls on your smartphone, you'll have to then download the Vonage Extensions app, which will give you control over your home or business phone service on your device. Then it's just a matter of how many minutes you have, or whether or not you signed up for the unlimited plan.

See, not that complicated! Beware though; if you don't sign up for an annual contract, those prices can go up substantially.

While Vonage does offer home phone service, the most likely use for an international calling app like this would be for business use. The Business Cloud plan offers some great value, and the ease with which you can start calling international at low rates is hard to pass up.

As you can probably tell, imo is one of those lesser-known video chat apps that offers a effective means of calling internationally. The fun, simple interface allows for a wide range of stickers and other fun additions to messaging, along with the simple international calling functionality on any device to anyone in the world. You may have also guessed that imo suffers the same drawback as WhatsApp and FaceTime in that you can only use the app to call other imo users.

Subsequently, you're going to have trouble reaching landlines or other mobile devices without the free app installed. No worries on pricing here! This one is easy, imo is clearly better suited for personal use. Yes, it allows for cheap international calling and offers great, high quality video calls built right in, but it's missing some of the more important features of a business service, and there's no price plan to fix that. As we've mentioned, the price of international calling can get a bit convoluted.

If you want to know exactly how much you're paying for calls and texts across the world, Voxofon is where you start. This app offers some of the clearest pricing on the list, offering a simple calculator that shows exactly how much you'll pay for landline and mobile calls, as well as text messages for every country.

The Skype-alternative Zoom has a generous freemium model which provides many services: Video telephony with two participants for unlimited time. Up to people can participate in a video conference for free if it lasts under 40 minutes. User-friendly software or apps support the most common web devices and operating systems. Video conferencing is organized quickly and easily: Only the person organizing the conference has to register and download the software.

They can then invite more participants to take part through a conference link. Phonecalls and conferences with HD sound and image quality are usually free from interference.

Security and data protections are the two main areas where Zoom falls under criticism. So far, Zoom has quickly fixed all security issues that have arisen, but for many people their privacy policies remain inadequate.

For example, end-to-end encryption for calls is currently only available to paying customers. Launched in , ICQ was originally just an instant messenger service.

While it enjoyed widespread popularity as an instant messenger in the 90s, the number of users has dwindled as more competitors began to spring up. However, a special feature was recently introduced for video chats: since , ICQ for Windows, Android, and iOS has used end-to-end encryption. Otherwise, ICQ has a number of similarities to Skype: for example, the application can be used to make calls to landlines and mobile networks for a fee, and of course, text messages can also be sent via its instant messaging service.

Although the program was once one of the marketing leaders in instant messaging, times have changed, and the biggest obstacle now preventing ICQ from regaining its position in the top spot is the comparative popularity of competing programs.

The open source software, Jitsi , is geared towards users who are particularly concerned about the privacy of their communications. All calls both with and without video are encrypted. The chat function also allows users to activate encryption of the contents of their conversations. There is no official limit to the number of participants in one video conference — this primarily depends on the capabilities of the computer and the speed of the internet connection.

With this application, users just open up a conversation with a click of a mouse and add other people to the conversation by sending them a link. Jitsi can also be installed on Linux. Clients for mobile operating systems are available for Android and iOS.

There are also clients for Windows and macOS , however, the main development team is concentrating primarily on further developing the mobile app and the web application. After the infamous hacking scandal of , an anonymous developer began work on the program, Tox.

All communications made through the application are protected through end-to-end encryption. The purpose of this is to ensure that nobody has unauthorized access to the contents of a conversation. Even the IP address itself is only visible to the other participant in the conversation. In addition, the data transmission takes place via peer-to-peer technology , rather than over a central server. This means that the data is exchanged directly between the computers that are taking part in the conversation.

Thanks to this technology, external users are prevented from being able to access the conversations and exchanged data. It should also be noted that this program was not developed for commercial gain. As well as the normal functions i. Users can exchange contact data with a special Tox ID. Video calls can currently only be set up between two users — but since the software is still being developed, this may not be the case for much longer. Tox is still in beta testing, meaning that the application still experiences errors , which the manufacturers acknowledge on the Tox website.

Again, video conferences can only be set up between two user accounts. Since , however, Viber has offered end-to-end encryption for all its services apart from landline and mobile calls.

This encryption is in place to guarantee the security of the communications and their contents. By and large, Viber can be considered a powerful application , but, like so many other good Skype alternatives, it has a comparatively small user base and has raised concerns worldwide regarding its privacy policy.

Users with Facebook accounts can do this using both the desktop version of Facebook as well as the Messenger app for Android and iOS. The app allows users to set up chats and video calls with up to 50 different profiles. The greatest disadvantage, on the other hand, is the fact that the communication is not yet encrypted by default although this is allegedly in the pipeline.

Another product from the Facebook range has also developed into a good Skype alternative. While WhatsApp was initially only a messenger for written messages, you can now also use it for voice and video calls. In addition, photos, videos and voice messages can be sent back and forth. Beside the well-known versions for Android and WhatsApp there are also desktop solutions for Mac and Windows.

With WhatsApp Web, you also have a version for the browser. While you can chat with people in a group at the same time, video conferencing , however, is limited to four people. The biggest advantage of WhatsApp, however, is the massive distribution of the software : The probability that friends and acquaintances will also use the app is very high. But WhatsApp not only shares this plus point with its Facebook Messenger sister, they also have the biggest disadvantage in common.

As a Facebook product, many users are very concerned that little attention will be paid to privacy, although WhatsApp does offer end-to-end encryption. FaceTime is a video chat application built especially for Apple devices i. Modern-day conferencing solutions, however, almost always offer video as well as the ability to ring in via your phone or an app , and this has become even more ubiquitous since the pandemic. In a hyper-competitive video conferencing market, affordable deals on top-quality video conferencing software that has audio-conferencing thrown in isn't difficult to find.

Check out our list of the best conference call providers for below, or try our comparison tool if you're interested in comparing prices for integrated conference call services, including video chat, instant messaging, and more.

Different businesses will prioritize different features and capabilities from their conferencing software. The top three services offer great all-around packages, but venturing out to examine all ten of the top performers might be worth your while as well. Remember, while cost should be a major factor when picking out any conference call service, the goal isn't to pick the cheapest option: It's to pick the price that will ultimately save your business the most money.

Once you know the service offers the abilities your operation needs, you can match that against the price tag to see if it's worth buying. If you're looking for a reliable conference call service with years of experience and plenty of conference calls under its belt, GoToMeeting is the software you need to look into.

Yes, we even recommend it above Zoom. Since , GoToMeeting has become one of the most recognizable names in conference calling, with 18 million users hosting 80 million meetings every year. With HD video, clear audio, and enough helpful features to keep everyone on track, GoToMeeting is an industry standard for a reason. The simple interface, combined with an easy-to-use layout, makes it a no-brainer for everyone in the office.

Most notably, this software provides unmatched compatibility with a wide range of devices, from mobile to PC to Mac. The only downside is that GoToMeeting is missing a few advanced features that could really add to the conference call experience. You can't share videos and you can't take polls, for example. But if you can forego those things, it's cheaper than Zoom's equivalent service, and offers a high quality user experience. GoToMeeting has three plans, all of which come with the same basic features.

The Professional and Business plans can host conference calls with up to and participants, respectively. The Enterprise plan is for up to 3, participants. New to the conference call service game, Zoom has been turning heads since its founding in This reliable and easy-to-use software makes conference calls as easy as sending a link to potential participants via email. Despite Zoom's rookie status in the world of conference call services, this company has shown that experience isn't everything.

The easy-to-use interface, combined with the low price, fast install times, and plentiful features, easily makes up for any audio quality problems you might have and puts Zoom just below GoToMeeting as a worthy conferencing service.

Some reviewers have complained that the audio quality is not perfect, despite the HD audio status. In addition, the service has weathered some security issues that may give privacy-focused users pause. Other than that though, Zoom boasts one of the more affordable, comprehensive conference call services on the market. Zoom has a limited, albeit impressive free plan along with three paid plans that offer a wide range of different features. Take a look at its pricing table to understand even better.

RingCentral just added a new video conferencing platform that could give some of the more established providers a run for their money.

Dubbed Glip, this new software allows for hour meetings on its free plan , which makes it one of the best options for longer meetings in a small budget. RingCentral Glip has a lot of great features when it comes to its paid plan as well. You'll get tons of cloud storage for meeting recordings, advanced analytics to see how your team communicates, and integrations with Microsoft and Google Workplace to make scheduling easy.

Choosing an established VoIP provider like RingCentral means you'll have easy access to other conference calling and Unified Communications features, too, outside of just Glip's video calling. If you're looking for in-office conferencing perks for example, RingCentral recently announced a partnership with Logitech which should make for a smooth experience, should you upgrade to Ringcentral's Rooms product.

RingCentral Glip keeps things a bit more basic than other providers, offering only two pricing plans, including its robust free plan. Below, you'll find out about how these two plans match up against each other.

Webex is a safe bet if you're looking for a seriously robust conference call service. You won't find more features in any software on this list, and its resources provide all the assistance you need to make it work for your company. Any conference call service run by a company as large and as reputable as Cisco has got to have the technology figured out, and do they ever! This robust software is filled with all the added features you could possibly imagine, and then some.

You can't deny that Google Meet is a great, convenient option when you need to talk to your team. But if you really need to communicate on a regular basis, you'd be a lot better off with a service that focuses on audio quality and solid connectivity.

As perhaps the standard for businesses unwilling to shell out resources for a paid conference call service, Google Meet certainly performs admirably for a free alternative. Anyone with an existing Google account can create a video meeting, invite people and chat for 60 minutes without paying anything — and it integrates with your Gmail and Google Calendar too which makes it a really simple easy-to-use option.

Free services have their limits, though, and Google Meet is no different. Connectivity problems run amok, particularly with video chats hosting multiple users, and there's no way to record meetings.

Audio quality also suffers compared to paid services, and any noise-canceling technology is nowhere to be found. Google Meet offers a great free plan that individuals can sign up to by virtue of having a google account. However, aside from this free plan for individuals, you can't purchase Google Meet as a standalone service. Take a look at how the business plans differ below:.

If you haven't heard about Microsoft Teams during the pandemic, you must be living under a rock. This team collaboration tool has been on a meteoric rise in the last year, offering a wide range of tools for remote teams and updating the platform on such a consistent basis that it already rivals the likes of Google Meet, Zoom, and many others.

Check out our Microsoft Teams vs Google Meet comparison guide. It is worth nothing, however, that Microsoft Teams is way more than just video conferencing.

It is a full-on team collaboration platform that allows for project management, as well as a wide range of other team-based features that are perfect for remote teams.

Microsoft Teams is completely free, which again makes it a very attractive offer if you're looking for a business software package that can handle more than video conferencing.

It includes features like extended meeting times, large meeting capacity, and twice the amount of cloud storage 10 GB you're afforded in Microsoft's free version of Teams. If the better known web conferencing options out there don't suit your particular needs, don't worry. Zoho — the company offering an impressive wide range of business resources like CRM and accounting software — has a video conferencing tool as well, dubbed Zoho Meeting.

While it may be a bit late to the game, this platform is actually quite robust, most notably allowing for no time limit on its free plan, a serious rarity in the web conferencing game.

Additionally, it's decidedly more affordable than other options on this list, which could be perfect for smaller businesses on a budget. Still, it's pricing is a bit limited from a participant standpoint, which definitely doesn't set Zoho Meeting apart from the competition.

If you use other Zoho apps though, it could make connecting with team members that much easier with its many integrations. Zoho Meeting offers a free plan and four paid plans. Here's how they compare to each other when it comes to features:. When a conference call service is trusted by the likes of Netflix, Yelp, LinkedIn, eBay, and Major League Baseball, you can rest assured that they know what they're doing. Lifesize makes conference calling convenient with secure lines, helpful features, and an award-winning app.

Not only will you be able to utilize video and audio technology to connect with team members, you'll also be able to save and share meetings with other coworkers, configure your calendar into the platform, and keep track of how employees are using the software with in-depth reporting.

While it's hardly the reason you're enlisting a conference call service for your business, chat functions in Lifesize do leave a lot to be desired. But again, that should be far from a deal-breaker. Crystal clear audio, stunning video resolution, and unmatched integration capabilities make Lifesize a go-to conference call service for any sized business. If you're not already using a program like Slack and are looking for an added chat function with lots of features, you may want to move on.

Otherwise, Lifesize is the video conference call service you need to succeed. Lifesize offers a free plan and three paid ones. Take a look at how they match up against each other below:.

The whole point of setting up a conference call service at your company is to be able to actually communicate, and you can't do that without quality audio. This is where BlueJeans truly shines, as its audio technology is powered by Dolby Voice. This software is equipped with features like background noise-cancelling and consistent volume levels on any device.

Additionally, BlueJeans comes with features like one-click scheduling and easy screen sharing, so you won't waste any time when it comes to setting up meetings. You'll also be able to integrate apps like Facebook Workplace, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, and Slack for a more complete conferencing package. Some reviews, however, have insisted that BlueJeans suffers from the occasional connectivity problem.

To combat this, make sure you always have the most up-to-date version, as reviewers have cited this as the primary issue. An upgraded plan offers additional features and supports up to 75 participants, and an enterprise plan is available for large operations. There are a lot of aspects of conference call services that you need to take into account before you buy.

Make sure to consider each of these factors before making a decision. Here at Tech. We've reviewed and tested a huge number of web conferencing providers and only recommend ones that will genuinely make life — as well as meetings — easier and more effective for your business, based on our personal experience. As with any software that costs money, it's vital that you perform adequate research before jumping into a decision, or else you'll be left with a program or application that no one in your business gets any use out of.

Web conferencing software is a broad term, and providers usually differ greatly in what they offer, so paying attention to the minor distinctions is crucial. Ultimately, every business is different, and every business has a multitude of needs, some of which can be satisfied with software. Ensuring the web conferencing software you're choosing does everything you need it to is one important aspect of the decision-making process, but equally, it's also important to make sure you're not overreaching and paying for packages or services that cost more because they house features you just don't need.

This becomes even more of an important principle if you're on a tight budget and just don't have the financial capital to spend on the most expensive, all-encompassing services. In this case, it's time to prioritize — so it's a good idea to work out exactly what you need from a web conferencing software solution, but also to work out which of your needs are most important.