A voice calling app or a Voice Over IP (VOIP), as the name suggests, is an app which allows users to make voice calls over the internet. The only requirement for a VOIP is for both the caller and recipient to have an internet connection on their device and both should have installed the same app which they are using for the call. Much hype had been created recently when Google Hangouts was updated to include the VOIP feature. Even WhatsApp, which is the most popular messaging app, has announced that it is working on giving its users the facility to make calls over the internet by 2015. But there are many apps, the developers of which had the vision to provide the VOIP much before WhatsApp and Google caught on. These apps are available for free download on the app store and here we take a look at the 9 top ones.
Viber
It uses the user’s phone number as the viber account ID and not only lets them send text messages but also make HD sound quality calls. A really fun feature of Viber is the stickers or emoticons which can be downloaded from the Viber store and sent in the same way as a text or multimedia file. Viber also aims at utmost user satisfaction by making sure that the user is notified of an incoming call or message even when the app is not running.
Talkatone
In addition to sending text messages and multimedia files, this app also offers free outgoing and incoming calls along with unlimited app-to-app calls on a monthly basis.
GroopVe IP Lite
This is an amazing new app which not only lets you make app-to app calls but gives you a US telephone number of your own! You can receive calls on this number from anywhere and make free calls to any US or Canadian number.
Lync
Lync provides an extremely user-friendly interface which can be used for making voice and video calls as well as for sending text messages. A unique feature of Lync is its ability to conduct conference calls. However, the app needs to be updated to the latest version for users to make use of all its features.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger can be used to send SMSes to any friend on your Facebook friend list as well as anyone in your phone’s address book. The message will be sent directly to the recipient’s phone without any charge, except the internet charge, of course.
WiCall
This app automatically routes all your calls through the internet such that mobile service carriers are rendered almost redundant for your phone!
Line
This is another popular app which is quite similar to Viber. It comes with the entire bundle of text messaging, sending multimedia files, video calling, conference calls etc. and runs exclusively on your device’s internet connection.
Google Hangouts
The latest app to jump on the VOIP bandwagon, Google Hangouts enable users to make calls and send free messages over Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G networks to their Google+ or Gmail contacts.
Fring
This app is extremely useful for those who want to make calls to non-Fring users. It features a ‘Fring Out’ option through which calls can be made at negligible cost to non-Fring users. It also allows group chats for up to 4 people at a time.