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Yevhenii Kuznietsov
Published on
Nov 27 2024
In a globalized world, staying connected across borders is more important than ever. Whether you’re calling a friend in a foreign country, managing business relations, or checking in with family abroad, the right international calling app can save you money, offer high-quality calls, and bring more convenience than traditional calling methods.
With countless international calling applications available in 2025, we’ve narrowed down the best international calling apps that make it easy and affordable to stay in touch — from video calls to group chats, and everything in between. Some offer free calling services, while others provide affordable calling rates through subscriptions or credits.
International calling apps are software applications that enable users to make voice and video calls over the internet to contacts around the world. Utilizing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, these apps convert voice signals into digital data packets, transmitting them over the internet rather than traditional telephone lines. This method significantly reduces the cost of long-distance communication, often allowing for low-cost free or low-cost calls internationally.
The advantages of using international calling apps are manifold:
Cost Savings: Many apps offer free calls to other users of the same app or provide low-cost rates for calls to landlines and mobiles internationally.
Accessibility: With widespread smartphone adoption, these apps are readily available to a large user base.
Additional Features: Beyond voice calls, many apps offer video calling, messaging, file sharing, and group chats, and even conference calling.
Flexibility: Users can connect over Wi-Fi or cellular data, providing options based on connectivity and service provider plans.
Security: Many apps offer end-to-end encryption to protect communications.
These advanced features make each international call not just more affordable, but also more efficient, secure, and collaborative—perfect for both personal use and professional needs.
Enter eSIM technology—a game-changer in the realm of mobile connectivity. An embedded SIM or eSIM is a digital SIM that allows users to activate a cellular plan without the need for a physical SIM card. This innovation not only simplifies the process of switching between carriers but also enhances international communication by providing seamless connectivity when traveling abroad. With eSIM-compatible devices, users can easily purchase data plans for different countries, ensuring they stay connected without the hassle of swapping SIM cards.
International calling apps, when used in conjunction with eSIM technology, offer unparalleled flexibility and connectivity. Users can:
Maintain Connectivity: Easily switch to local carriers via eSIM for better call quality and data speeds.
Avoid Roaming Charges: Use local data plans to operate calling apps without incurring international roaming fees.
Streamline Devices: Manage multiple carrier profiles on one device without juggling physical SIM cards.
When choosing the best app to make international calls, keep the following key factors in mind:
Call quality: Look for apps that provide reliable, high-definition voice and video calls, even on slower networks.
Cost & affordability: Choose apps with low-cost international calling rates, free calls, or affordable monthly subscriptions to save money while calling abroad, or free international calling app options.
Ease of use: A user-friendly interface and simple navigation are essential, especially for users of all ages and tech experience levels.
Features & functionality: Prioritize apps that offer group calls, call recording, screen sharing, send messages, and mobile top-ups to enhance your calling experience.
Compatibility: Make sure the app works on both Android and iOS, and supports VoIP so you can make calls using just an internet connection, without needing a mobile or landline phone.
Security & privacy: Ensure the app provides end-to-end encryption to protect your conversations, and complies with data protection regulations for both personal and business use.
The right combination of these traits defines a truly great international calling app.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular international phone call apps, especially among Android and Apple users. It allows you to make free calls (voice and video) to other WhatsApp users anywhere in the world using a reliable internet connection.
End-to-end encrypted voice calls and video calls
Group calls for up to 32 people
Works on mobile devices and desktops
Uses your existing phone number
Best For: Casual conversations with friends, family abroad, and group chats with other WhatsApp users
Limitation: Cannot call regular phone lines or international landline phones
As Skype retires in 2025, Microsoft Teams (Free) steps in as a robust replacement for personal and small business use. It now supports voice and video calls, group chats, and even calls to landlines and mobile numbers through Microsoft 365 plans or credit-based calling.
Make voice calls, video calls, and group calls
Call landlines and mobile phones with calling credit or subscription
Features like screen sharing, call recording, and file collaboration
Seamless integration with Outlook and Office apps
Best For: Personal and business phone use with collaboration tools
Limitation: Calling international phone numbers may require credits or a subscription
If you’re based in the U.S., Google Voice is a fantastic tool for calling abroad. It offers low international calling rates and works with your mobile phone or computer.
Use your existing phone number or get a new one
Voicemail transcription, call forwarding, and spam filtering
Great for personal and business phone use
Supports free calls to the U.S. and Canada
Best For: U.S.-based users needing a versatile international calling app
Limitation: Limited availability outside the U.S.
Viber is a secure calling app known for its end-to-end encryption and wide global usage. It offers free international calls between app users, and low rates to landline phones and mobiles worldwide.
Free international voice and video calls
Encrypted messaging and group calls
Works with mobile top-ups and Viber Out credit
Compatible with mobile devices and desktop
Best For: Privacy-conscious users
Limitation: Must use “Viber Out” to call international phone numbers
Rebtel is unique in the list because it doesn’t require internet access for international calls. It connects calls through local phone lines, providing crystal-clear audio even without data or Wi-Fi.
Call without needing internet access
Use your phone number or app login
Offers unlimited calls with affordable global plans
Ideal for calling abroad from remote areas
Best For: Users with poor internet connection or limited data
Limitation: May use toll-free numbers depending on region
Though not traditionally known as a calling app, Telegram has quietly become a solid option for free international calls with other Telegram users.
End-to-end encrypted voice calls
Lightweight app, great for low-data environments
Includes messaging, group chats, and media sharing
Works across devices
Best For: Combining voice and messaging in one app
Limitation: No support for calling landline phones or non-users
Use Wi-Fi when possible: Most apps perform best on a reliable internet connection to avoid international roaming charges.
Compare subscription vs. pay-as-you-go: Some apps offer better deals with a monthly subscription; others are more affordable for occasional calls.
Call app-to-app whenever possible: Using the same calling app (like WhatsApp-to-WhatsApp) usually means free international calls.
Check security features: If privacy matters to you, prioritize apps with end-to-end encrypted calling options.
With the growing demand for international calling in both personal and professional settings, having the right app can make all the difference. Whether you need cheap international calls, support for group calls, or want to use a mobile or landline phone, the apps listed above provide a variety of convenient international calling features to fit every need. Whether you're an Android user, Apple user, or someone managing business phone systems, there's a solution here for everyone.
As VoIP software and internet calling continue to improve, expect even more features, higher call quality, and better rates in the future. Until then, these top calling apps of 2025 offer some of the best tools to stay connected—wherever in the world you need to call.
Yevhenii Kuznietsov
[email protected]Yevhenii Kuznietsov blends journalism with a passion for travel tech. He explores eSIM's impact on communication and travel, offering expert interviews and gadget reviews. Outside of writing, Yevhenii is a hiking enthusiast and drone hobbyist, capturing unique travel vistas.
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