Best Free Calling Apps for iPhone and iPad

Make calls over the internet for free

By
Nadeem Unuth
Nadeem Unuth
Freelance Contributor
  • University of Mauritius
Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on June 7, 2021
Reviewed by
Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger headshot
Reviewed by Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

If you have an iOS device, FaceTime is an option for making audio and video calls, but you're limited to calling only iOS or Mac users unless you're running iOS 15 or later. If you are, you can invite Android users to FaceTime calls you have in progress by sending them a link. To more easily make free calls over the internet to anyone in the world, on any platform, you can also consider a free calling app.

Free calling apps enable you to cut down or even eliminate your voice plan. All you need is Wi-Fi access to make a phone call. Here are our picks for the best free calling apps for your iOS device.

These apps are all available for a variety of platforms, including iOS and Android devices and web browsers.

01
of 04

Skype

Call history and call keypad in Skype app for iOS
What We Like

  • Works on nearly every device.

  • Send voice messages, videos, and images.

  • Supports texting and video calling.

  • Logging in is easy with an existing Microsoft account.

What We Don't Like

  • Its many features could be overwhelming to some.

Skype is the service that kicked off the VoIP craze. The Skype app offers free local and international calls to other Skype users and low-cost plans to any international number of non-Skype users. Many devices support Skype, which also can make HD video calls.

The Skype app is available for iPhone and iPad. It also works with Android, Windows 10 Mobile, Kindle Fire HD, Windows, macOS, Linux, and more. Skype is also accessible from a web browser.

02
of 04

WhatsApp Messenger

Settings and contacts in iOS WhatsApp Messenger
What We Like

  • Supports texting and video calls.

  • Doesn't store communication details on its server.

  • Group chats support up to 256 people.

  • Shares PDFs, spreadsheets, and more.

What We Don't Like

  • No iPad version of the app.

WhatsApp is the most popular VoIP app for mobile devices. According to Facebook, which owns the app, WhatsApp has more than 1 billion users.

WhatsApp's security focus sets it apart from other internet calling apps. The company says, "Privacy and security are in our DNA." Because end-to-end encryption is enabled, WhatsApp makes sure nobody can spy on your phone calls.

In addition to its iPhone app, WhatsApp is available for Android and Windows Phone devices as well as Windows and macOS computers. Voice messaging, texting, and file sharing work through WhatsApp in a browser, as well.

03
of 04

Facebook Messenger

People, Discover, and call tabs in iOS Facebook Messenger app
What We Like

  • Allows group calling.

  • Built-in emojis, GIFs, and stickers.

  • Chat with Facebook friends outside of the Facebook app.

What We Don't Like

  • Supports a limited number of devices.

  • Requires a Facebook account.

If you're one of the billions of people worldwide who use Facebook, you'll like Messenger. The iOS calling app uses the internet to make free voice and video calls, and it can send texts, images, videos, and more to your Facebook friends.

Calling is just a tap away; use names or phone numbers to find your friends on the social networking giant.

In addition to the iOS Messenger calling app for iPhone and iPad, the service is also available for Android devices. The Messenger website supports calls, as well.

04
of 04

Viber Messenger

Call history, call keypad, and Discover tabs in Viber app for iOS
What We Like

  • Clearly marks free-to-call contacts.

  • Lets you send 30-second video messages.

  • Text chat with up to 250 participants.

  • Call protection with end-to-end encryption.

What We Don't Like

  • Requires access to a phone number to sign up.

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide use Viber Messenger. It's a free calling app that supports phone calls, video calling, and texting.

The app uses your phone number to identify you on the network and integrates seamlessly with your contact list to indicate who you can call on Viber for free.

The Viber iOS calling app works with iPhones and iPads. The app also can be installed on Android mobile devices and Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop devices.

All the apps listed here require a data connection, so while Wi-Fi is free, using a calling app via your data plan uses data. If you have a limited data plan, monitor your consumption and use calling apps sparingly.

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