Learn to Make Free or Inexpensive Calls Using SIP on Android

Download an Android SIP app to make free internet calls

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by Nadeem Unuth
Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP.
Updated June 24, 2019

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.

01
of 03

Linphone

Three LinPhone screens on Android
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What We Like

  • Easy to configure and use.

  • Customizable.

  • Good-quality video.

  • Many platforms supported, including Ubuntu.

What We Don't Like

  • Dated appearance.

  • Doesn’t receive calls unless app is open.

Linphone is a free open source SIP client that supports video calls and has recently added group chat capabilities. Linphone supports many 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.

02
of 03

3CX

Three 3cx screens on Android
What We Like

  • Compatible with broad range of platforms.

  • Cloud-based management.

  • Integrates with many CRM platforms, Google, Microsoft Office, and more.

What We Don't Like

  • Not all PBX systems compatible.

  • Can be hard to find support.

  • Outdated appearance.

3CX for Android is a SIP client that is suitable for business people and works well for VoIP calls on. 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.

03
of 03

Voxofon Free Calls

Three Voxofon screens on Android

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What We Like

  • Also sends locations, videos, and pictures.

  • Good-quality audio.

  • Easy to use.

What We Don't Like

  • Users earn credits for calls by playing games and watching ads.

  • Can be buggy.

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.