5 Best Free Calling Apps for iPhone and iPad

Make calls over the internet for free

by
Nadeem Unuth
Freelance Contributor
Nadeem Unuth is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire who specializes in information and communication technology with a focus on VoIP.
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Nadeem Unuth
Updated on May 04, 2021
reviewed by
Jerrick Leger headshot
Jerrick Leger
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member
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.
our review board
Article reviewed on Jul 31, 2020
Jerrick Leger

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. If you want to make free calls over the internet to anyone in the world, on any platform, 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 five 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
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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 numbers 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
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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 is 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
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Google Hangouts

Keypad, call history, and contacts tabs in the iOS Google Hangouts app
What We Like

  • Simple and clean design.

  • Google Voice integration for voicemail.

  • Group chats can contain up to 150 people.

  • Video calls support 10 people at once.

What We Don't Like

  • Requires a Google account.

The Google Hangouts app is a well-designed tool with plenty of features and a huge community of active users.

Use this calling app to connect at any time with other Google Hangouts users for free video and voice calls, and link your Google Voice account for voicemail integration. You can also send text messages to share photos, videos, GIFs, and more. Google Hangouts also supplies emojis and stickers for self-expression.

In addition to iPhone and iPad, this free calling app is available for Android devices and the web.

Note

Google Hangouts replaced previous messaging products from Google, such as Google Talk, Google+ Messenger, and the Hangouts feature of the now-defunct Google+.

04
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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 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 also 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.

05
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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 will suck away at data usage. If you have a limited data plan, monitor your consumption and use calling apps sparingly.

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