Which app can I use voice to call?

Voice calling apps allow users to make phone calls over the internet using their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Unlike traditional phone calls that rely on cellular networks, voice calling apps use the internet to connect calls. This can provide several advantages like lower costs, easier connectivity across different devices, and added features compared to standard calling.

In recent years, voice calling apps have exploded in popularity by offering free or low-cost ways to communicate with people around the world. They provide an alternative to expensive international calling plans from cellular carriers. Voice calling apps are also useful for people who want to easily call from multiple devices or who rely on WiFi instead of cellular data. Overall, voice calling apps provide a flexible and cost-effective option for making calls.

What Are Voice Calling Apps?

Voice calling apps allow users to make voice calls over the internet using data or WiFi connections instead of traditional phone networks. They convert your voice into data packets that are transmitted over the internet and reassembled on the receiving end. This allows for inexpensive long distance and international calling.

Voice calling apps work by leveraging Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP allows voice audio to be transmitted as digital data packets rather than an analog signal over a conventional phone line. Popular VoIP protocols used by voice calling apps include SIP, WebRTC, and SRTP.

To use a voice calling app, you first download and install it on your mobile device or computer. After signing up for an account, you can access your contacts and make VoIP-based calls directly within the app interface. Calls connect almost instantly, similar to a normal phone call. Many voice calling apps also offer advanced features like video calling, group conferencing, file sharing, chat messaging, and more.

Leading voice calling apps include WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice, Signal, Skype, and Viber. These apps allow you to call ordinary phone numbers and cell phones in addition to making VoIP calls to other users.

Popular Voice Calling Apps

Some of the most popular and well-known voice calling apps include:

WhatsApp – This messaging app owned by Meta allows free voice calls over the internet. Calls can be made to other WhatsApp users worldwide. It offers end-to-end encryption for security.

FaceTime – Developed by Apple, this video and voice calling app comes preinstalled on iOS devices. It provides high-quality audio and lets users call other Apple device owners for free.
Google Voice – Google’s calling app works on iOS, Android, and web. It provides a free phone number to make calls within the U.S. and Canada. International rates are low-cost.
Viber – This popular messaging app has a built-in calling feature that allows free calls to other Viber users. Paid plans offer low rates for calls to mobile/landline numbers.

Skype – Owned by Microsoft, Skype pioneered internet calling. It allows free Skype-to-Skype calls, video calls, and cheap rates for calls to phone numbers internationally.

Several other apps like Telegram, LINE, Facebook Messenger, and more also offer free voice calling capabilities.

Capabilities of Voice Calling Apps

Voice calling apps offer a wide range of capabilities beyond just standard voice calls. Some of the most popular features include:

Video calling – Most voice calling apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, and VoCaller allow users to upgrade any voice call to a video call with just a tap. This enables face-to-face communication.
Conference calling – Apps like Google Meet and RingCentral make it easy to set up conference calls with multiple participants. This facilitates communication between teams and remote workers.

Call recording – Some apps provide call recording capabilities to save important conversations for later reference. However, laws vary on consent requirements for call recording.
Call merging – This feature allows users to merge two separate calls together into one call. Useful for connecting multiple parties or transferring calls.
Call forwarding – Apps can forward incoming calls to a different number or voicemail when you are busy. Helps ensure no calls are missed.

Advanced calling features like these allow users to communicate and collaborate more effectively through voice apps. However, not all apps provide the same feature set. Evaluating capabilities is important when selecting a voice calling app.

Voice Quality

Voice quality is one of the most important factors when choosing a voice calling app. After all, what good is free calling if you can barely understand the other person? Here’s how some of the top apps compare in call quality:

According to users on Reddit [1], Threema offers “great sound quality” thanks to its use of end-to-end encryption. Calls sound crisp and clear. WhatsApp also gets good marks for voice quality. Since it’s one of the most widely used apps, many people are already accustomed to the call quality.

However, some users report occasional choppiness or echo on WhatsApp calls. Per a Quora thread [2], apps like Moon Dialer prioritize call quality and can match or exceed regular cell network calls in clarity. In the end, voice quality depends partly on your phone, network conditions, and the app’s optimization.

Compared to a regular cell network call, voice calling apps may exhibit more latency, echo, and jitter. But under good conditions, the call quality difference is negligible. And apps like WhatsApp and Threema offer reliability and extra features that make them very appealing options.

Ease of Use

Many of the most popular voice calling apps emphasize ease of use in their design. For example, RingCentral provides an intuitive interface to initiate calls, view contacts, manage settings, and access voicemails. The streamlined menus and navigation make it simple even for first-time users to start a call in just a few taps. Zoom Phone also offers a clean layout with large buttons for key functions like contacts, dialpad, and voicemail. Its straightforward workflow enables users to get on a call quickly. Similarly, apps like Google Voice are praised for their simplicity, with easy account setup and options to call, text or view voicemails all within one main menu.

In terms of mobile apps, many provide quick access icons on the home screen to start calls or view recent calls/contacts. Apps like Viber have an oversized keypad and one-tap calling features tailored for mobile use. Overall, the most popular voice calling apps stand out for their intuitive interfaces that allow users across various platforms to seamlessly make and manage calls.

Cross-Platform Availability

Some key factors when choosing a voice calling app are its availability on multiple platforms like iOS, Android, desktop etc. and ability for cross-platform calls between different devices.

According to research, the top apps for cross-platform availability are:

Facebook Messenger – Available for iOS, Android, desktop and supports calls between them (source).
Google Duo – Availability on iOS, Android and desktop with cross-platform calling (source).
Skype – Long-standing app available across iOS, Android, desktop etc. for video and voice (source).

WhatsApp – Massive user base with availability across iOS, Android and Web for calls (source).

There are several good options like Facebook Messenger, Google Duo, Skype and WhatsApp for cross-platform voice calling between different devices and operating systems.

Cost Savings

Voice calling apps can offer significant cost savings compared to traditional phone plans in several ways. According to this article, businesses can save up to 75% on communication costs by using VoIP calling instead of traditional phone lines. VoIP apps utilize the internet to route calls, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated phone lines. Small businesses in particular stand to benefit, as VoIP can replace high-cost services like long distance calling and call forwarding.

In addition, VoIP apps avoid the hardware costs associated with traditional business phone systems, like PBX boxes and desk phones. With just an internet connection and app, users can make and receive calls on their computers or mobile devices. There are no per-minute charges, and many VoIP services offer unlimited calling plans for a low flat monthly fee. International calls are typically included in these plans as well, providing huge savings over cellular network rates.

By ditching landlines and embracing VoIP calling apps, businesses and individuals can realize major ongoing cost savings. The flexibility and advanced features offered by VoIP apps provide excellent value for money compared to analog phone services.

Security

Security and privacy are major concerns when using voice calling apps. Many popular apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype lack end-to-end encryption, meaning your calls could potentially be intercepted by hackers or governments (Secure Call). To keep your calls private, look for apps that advertise end-to-end encryption like Signal, Wire, and Secure Call.

However, even encrypted apps may have vulnerabilities. In 2019, a major bug was found in WhatsApp that could let hackers remotely install spyware during a call (PCMag). To minimize risks, update apps regularly, be wary of suspicious incoming calls, and consider using a secondary authentication method like a PIN code (Stream).

Other safety tips include being aware of your surroundings when making calls in public, avoiding sensitive topics when on unsecured networks, and enabling privacy settings like disabling call logs. With proper precautions, voice calling apps can provide secure private communication.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many benefits to using voice calling apps. They provide human connection through real-time conversations with people all over the world. Voice calling apps make communication easy and convenient with their user-friendly interfaces and cross-platform availability on iOS, Android, and desktop. They can lead to cost savings compared to traditional phone services. Many voice calling apps also incorporate strong security measures like end-to-end encryption. Overall, voice calling apps facilitate rich vocal interactions, bringing people together across distances through easy-to-use technology.