Make Free and Cheap Calls Using SIP on Android

Android users who want to make free or cheap calls and who have tech-savvy contacts are smart to consider the benefits of using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) on their devices. SIP technology is a protocol used in VoIP telephony for voice and video calls.

To use SIP on your Android device, you need a SIP address, which is available free or at low cost from many online SIP providers, and a SIP client that runs on your mobile device to make calls. Calls to other SIP users are free, wherever they are. Try one of these Android SIP client apps, which are available on Google Play. After selecting an app, you need to know how to configure a SIP client.

of 06

Sipdroid

Guy Drinking and Communicating — Hero Images/Getty Images

Sipdroid is a SIP app for Android devices. It is an open source product, which makes it free and well supported. The interface is clean and simple, and the app also offers video calling. It works with any SIP provider. It is light for a video app. Because it is open source, Sipdroid has been cloned and is available under the names Guava, aSIP, and Fritz!App.

Sipdroid is compatible with Android 3.0 and up. More »

of 06

Linphone

Linphone is a free open source SIP client that supports video calls and has recently added group chat capabilities. Linphone supports many codecs and delivers clear voice and video quality. It supports echo cancellation, conference calls, SRTP encryption, address book integration, and many other features. Linphone is a rich app with a clean interface. Communicate securely and send pictures and files with Linphone.

Linphone is compatible with Android 4.1 and up. More »

of 06

3CX

3CX for Android is a SIP client that is suitable for business people and works well for VoIP calls on PBX systems. Using it for business expands the power of your PBX. The app is relatively light and simple, but you should check whether your PBX device is supported before going further. After it is configured, you can use your mobile device to make and receive calls from your office extension when you are away from the office, and you can set your status as "busy" or "available."

3CX is compatible with Android 4.1 and up. More »

of 06

CSipSimple

CSipSimple is a free open source app that offers many features, including filtering, call recording, simple configuration, and optimized codecs. The call quality is good, and the attractive interface offers different themes so you can personalize your app.

CSipSimple is compatible with Android 1.6 and up. More »

of 06

Nimbuzz Messenger

Nimbuzz is a hugely popular VoIP service that offers free voice calling to your friends and family including SIP accounts. People who have been using Nimbuzz PC on their computers will feel at home with the Nimbuzz Messenger mobile app and its clean interface. Nimbuzz has more than 150 million users around the world. The app is free and can be used with SIP accounts from other providers.

The required Android version varies with device. More »

of 06

Voxofon Free Calls

Voxofon Free Calls is known for its free and cheap call services and features. This app allows you to use its service and your SIP account. Although it comes with useful features, the app is quite light and takes up little space on your device. It is a free download.

Voxofon Free Calls is compatible with Android 2.3.3 and up. More »