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.

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Linphone

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.

Download Linphone

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3CX

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Outdated appearance.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.

Download 3CX

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CSipSimple

What We Like

Simple and straightforward.
Free.
No ads.

What We Don't Like

Doesn't handle transfers.
Can take only one call at a time.

CSipSimple is a free open source app that offers many features, including filtering,

, 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.

Download CSipSimple

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Nimbuzz Messenger

What We Like

Free.
Can be extended with paid add-ons.
Attractive, modern interface.
Also functions as chat app and text messenger.

What We Don't Like

Can be buggy.

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.

Download Nimbuzz Messenger

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Voxofon Free Calls

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.

Download Voxofon Free Calls

Learn to Make Free or Inexpensive Calls Using SIP on Android