13 Essential Apps for International Calls

In an era of globalization, the world has become a global village. The need for easy, efficient, and cost-effective international communication has never been more critical. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of 13 essential applications that have revolutionized international calling. We will explore their key features, advantages, disadvantages, and costs, providing you with a detailed understanding of each application’s unique offerings.

1. FreJun

FreJun is indispensable for international calls due to its automated call summaries, which simplify complex discussions and bridge language barriers effectively. It offers robust time zone management features that streamline scheduling across different regions, ensuring meetings are coordinated efficiently. FreJun’s integration capabilities with various communication platforms enhance its utility, facilitating smooth collaboration among global teams. These features collectively make FreJun a crucial tool for improving productivity and clarity in international communications.

Key features: 

• FreJun excels in international calls with automated call summaries that enhance communication clarity, efficient time zone management for seamless scheduling across regions, and robust integration capabilities with diverse communication platforms. 
• These features combine to streamline collaboration among global teams, making FreJun essential for enhancing productivity and effectiveness in international communications.

Pros: 

• FreJun offers several advantages for international calls. 
• It provides automated call summaries that aid in understanding and documentation, particularly beneficial for multilingual conversations. 
• Its efficient time zone management ensures meetings are scheduled seamlessly across different regions. 
• FreJun’s integration with various communication platforms enhances workflow continuity and collaboration among global teams. 

Cons: 

• While FreJun offers significant benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. 
• First, it may require initial setup and familiarization, which could involve a learning curve for users unfamiliar with its features. 
• Second, as with any automated system, there is a possibility of occasional inaccuracies in call summaries or scheduling, which might require manual correction. 

Cost:  Standard: Begins at $14.49 per user, per month.

           Professional: Starts at $16.69 per user, per month.

G2 Review: 4.9 out of 5

2. Skype

Skype, a product of Microsoft, is a trailblazer in the realm of internet-based calling. It has been a game-changer, allowing users to make voice and video calls to individuals or groups globally, breaking down geographical barriers, and fostering seamless communication. Skype has been instrumental in transforming the way we communicate, making the world a smaller place.

Key Features: 

• Skype is not just a calling app; it’s a comprehensive communication tool. 
• It offers instant messaging, file sharing, screen sharing, and even a translation feature for real-time conversations, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional communication. 
• These features have made Skype a preferred choice for many users, from business professionals to students and families.

Pros: 

• Skype is known for its high-quality calls and supports large group calls, making it ideal for business meetings and family gatherings. 
• It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, providing a unified and streamlined user experience. 
• This integration makes it easier for users to manage their communication and productivity tools in one place, enhancing efficiency and convenience.

Cons: 

• Skype’s performance is heavily dependent on the strength of the internet connection. 
• A weak connection may result in poor call quality or dropped calls. 
• This means that users in areas with poor internet connectivity may not be able to fully utilize Skype’s features.

Cost: Skype-to-Skype calls are free, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. However, calls to landline and mobile numbers require Skype Credit or a subscription, with rates varying by country. This flexible pricing model allows users to choose the option that best fits their communication needs and budget.

G2 Review: 4.3 out of 5

3. WhatsApp

WhatsApp, a Facebook-owned application, has gained immense popularity worldwide as a messaging and voice/video calling app. With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp has become a staple communication tool for many people.

Key Features: 

• WhatsApp offers end-to-end encrypted messaging, ensuring the privacy and security of your conversations. 
• It also supports voice and video calls and allows sending photos, videos, and documents, making it a comprehensive communication tool. 
• These features have made WhatsApp a go-to app for many users, from friends and families staying connected to businesses communicating with clients and teams.

Pros: 

• WhatsApp is known for its high-quality calls and is free to use over Wi-Fi, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. 
• This has made it a preferred choice for users in countries where international calling rates are high.

Cons: 

• A significant limitation of WhatsApp is that both parties need to have the app installed to communicate. 
• Also, it may consume a significant amount of data when not connected to Wi-Fi, which could lead to additional costs for users with limited data plans.

Cost: WhatsApp is free to use, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious users. This has contributed to its widespread popularity, especially in developing countries where cost is a significant factor in choosing communication tools.

G2 Review: 4.7 out of 5

4. Viber

Viber is an all-in-one communication platform that offers text, voice, and video calling features, making it a versatile tool for staying connected. With over 1 billion users worldwide, Viber has become a popular choice for many people.

Key Features: 

• In addition to standard communication features, Viber also provides public chats, stickers, and a feature to delete seen messages, adding a social aspect to the app. 
• These features have made Viber a fun and engaging platform for communication, attracting a younger demographic.

Pros: 

• Viber is known for its high-quality calls and offers interesting additional features that enhance the user experience. 
• This has made it a preferred choice for users looking for more than just a calling app.

Cons: 

• Like WhatsApp, both parties need to have Viber installed to use the free features, which could limit its usability. 
• This means that users can only communicate with other Viber users, limiting their reach.

Cost: Viber-to-Viber communication is free. However, calls to non-Viber numbers require Viber Out Credit, with rates varying by country. This flexible pricing model allows users to choose the option that best fits their communication needs and budget.

5. Zoom

Zoom is a comprehensive video conferencing tool that has gained popularity for both personal and business use, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With millions of users worldwide, Zoom has become a staple tool for virtual meetings and webinars.

Key Features: 

• Zoom provides high-quality video conferencing, screen sharing, recording options, and even breakout rooms, making it an ideal tool for virtual meetings and webinars. 
• These features have made Zoom a preferred choice for businesses, educational institutions, and even individuals hosting virtual events.

Pros: 

• Zoom supports large group calls and is excellent for professional use, making it a go-to tool for businesses and educational institutions. 
• Its ability to support large group calls has made it a popular choice for hosting webinars and large meetings.

Cons: 

• The free version of Zoom has a 40-minute limit on meetings, which could be a significant limitation for longer meetings or events. 
• This means that users hosting longer events would need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Cost: The basic version of Zoom is free. However, Pro, Business, and Enterprise versions are available at varying costs, offering additional features and capabilities. This flexible pricing model allows users to choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget.

G2 Review: 4.6 out of 5

6. Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a versatile communication tool that allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and host group conferences. As a Google product, Hangouts integrates seamlessly with other Google services, providing a unified user experience.

Key Features: 

• Hangouts integrates seamlessly with Google services like Gmail and Google Calendar, providing a unified user experience. 
• It also allows for screen sharing and recording, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional communication. 
• These features have made Hangouts a preferred choice for Google users, who can manage their communication and productivity tools in one place.

Pros: 

• Google Hangouts is ideal for Google users and supports large group calls, making it a suitable tool for virtual meetings and events. 
• Its integration with other Google services makes it a convenient tool for users who use Google’s productivity tools.

Cons: 

• A significant limitation of Google Hangouts is that it requires a Google account, which could limit its usability for non-Google users. 
• This means that users without a Google account would need to create one to use Hangouts.

Cost: Google Hangouts is free to use, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. This has made it a popular choice for users looking for a free and reliable communication tool.

G2 Review: 4.4 out of 5

7. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a messaging and calling app from Facebook, one of the world’s leading social media platforms. With over 1.3 billion users worldwide, Messenger has become a staple communication tool for many people.

Key Features: 

• Messenger allows for text, voice, and video communication, and also offers games and filters, adding a fun aspect to the app. 
• These features have made Messenger a popular choice for younger users, who enjoy the social and fun aspects of the app.

Pros: 

• Facebook Messenger is easy to use and does not require a Facebook account, making it accessible to a wide range of users. 
• This has made it a popular choice for users who prefer a simple and straightforward communication tool.

Cons: 

• Like WhatsApp and Viber, both parties need to have the app installed to communicate, which could limit its usability. 
• This means that users can only communicate with other Messenger users, limiting their reach.

Cost: Facebook Messenger is free to use, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious users. This has contributed to its widespread popularity, especially among younger users who prefer free communication tools.

G2 Review: 4.3 out of 5

8. Line

Line is a communication app that is particularly popular in Asian countries. It offers messaging, voice, and video calls, making it a versatile tool for staying connected. With over 600 million users worldwide, Line has become a staple communication tool in many Asian countries.

Key Features: 

• Line features a timeline, stickers, and even a personal storage space, adding a social media aspect to the app. 
• These features have made Line a fun and engaging platform for communication, attracting a younger demographic.

Pros: 

• Line provides a unique social media aspect, making it more than just a communication tool. 
• This has made it a popular choice for younger users, who enjoy the social and fun aspects of the app.

Cons: 

• Like other apps, both parties need to have Line installed for free calling, which could limit its usability. 
• This means that users can only communicate with other Line users, limiting their reach.

Cost: Line is free to use, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. This has made it a popular choice in countries where cost is a significant factor in choosing communication tools.

9. Rebtel

Rebtel is a calling app that focuses on providing international calls at local rates, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. With millions of users worldwide, Rebtel has become a popular choice for users looking for affordable international calling options.

Key Features: 

• Rebtel offers high-quality international calls without requiring an internet connection, making it a reliable solution for users with unstable or limited internet access. 
• This has made Rebtel a popular choice in countries with poor internet connectivity, where users need a reliable and affordable calling solution.

Pros: 

• Rebtel provides stable calls even with a weak internet connection, making it a reliable solution for users in areas with poor internet connectivity. 
• This has made it a preferred choice for users who need a reliable calling solution that doesn’t rely on internet connectivity.

Cons: 

• A significant limitation of Rebtel is that it does not offer video calling, which could limit its usability for users who prefer face-to-face communication. 
• This means that users who rely on video calls for personal or business communication may need to use another app for their video calling needs.

Cost: The cost of Rebtel varies by country, starting from $5/month, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. This flexible pricing model allows users to choose the option that best fits their communication needs and budget.

10. Vonage

Vonage is a cloud-based phone service provider that is ideal for business use, offering a range of features designed to enhance business communication. With millions of users worldwide, Vonage has become a staple tool for many businesses.

Key Features: 

• Vonage offers voice, video, and text communication, CRM integration, and team messaging, making it a comprehensive tool for business communication. 
• These features have made Vonage a preferred choice for businesses, that can manage their communication and customer relationship management in one place.

Pros: 

• Vonage is excellent for professional use and offers various business-focused features, making it a go-to tool for businesses. 
• Its business-focused features have made it a popular choice for businesses looking for a comprehensive communication solution.

Cons: 

• Vonage may be more expensive and complex for personal use, making it less suitable for individual users. 
• This means that individual users looking for a simple and affordable communication tool may find Vonage too complex and expensive for their needs.

Cost: The cost of Vonage varies by plan, starting from $19.99/month per line, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses. This flexible pricing model allows businesses to choose the plan that best fits their needs and budget.

G2 Review: 4.3 out of 5

11. TalkU

TalkU is a mobile application that offers free calling and texting services, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. With millions of users worldwide, TalkU has become a popular choice for users looking for free communication options.

Key Features: 

• TalkU provides free voice and video calls, texting, and even a walkie-talkie feature, adding a unique aspect to the app. 
• These features have made TalkU a versatile tool for communication, attracting a wide range of users.

Pros: 

• TalkU offers free services and unique features like the walkie-talkie, making it a versatile tool for communication. 
• This has made it a popular choice for users looking for a free and unique communication tool.

Cons: 

• The free services offered by TalkU are limited by credits, which can be earned or purchased. 
• This could limit the usability of the app for users who make frequent or long calls. 
• This means that heavy users may need to purchase additional credits to continue using the app’s free services.

Cost: TalkU is free to use, with in-app purchases available for additional credits. This flexible pricing model allows users to choose the option that best fits their communication needs and budget.

12. Dingtone

Dingtone is a mobile app that offers free international calls and texts, making it a cost-effective solution for international communication. With millions of users worldwide, Dingtone has become a popular choice for users looking for free communication options.

Key Features: 

• Dingtone provides free voice and video calls, texts, and a dedicated phone number, making it a comprehensive communication tool. 
• These features have made Dingtone a versatile tool for communication, attracting a wide range of users.

Pros: 

• Dingtone offers free services and a personal phone number, making it a versatile tool for communication. 
• This has made it a popular choice for users looking for a free communication tool that offers a personal phone number.

Cons: 

• Like TalkU, the free services offered by Dingtone are limited by credits, which could limit the usability of the app for users who make frequent or long calls. 
• This means that heavy users may need to purchase additional credits to continue using the app’s free services.

Cost: Dingtone is free to use, with in-app purchases available for additional credits. This flexible pricing model allows users to choose the option that best fits their communication needs and budget.

13. BOTIM

BOTIM is a communication app that offers encrypted calling and messaging, ensuring the privacy and security of your conversations. With millions of users worldwide, BOTIM has become a popular choice for users looking for a secure communication tool.

Key Features: 

• BOTIM provides encrypted voice and video calls, and messaging, making it a secure tool for communication. 
• These features have made BOTIM a preferred choice for users who prioritize privacy and security in their communication tools.

Pros: 

• BOTIM offers strong security with end-to-end encryption, making it a reliable solution for users who prioritize privacy and security. 
• This has made it a popular choice for users who need a secure communication tool for sensitive conversations.

Cons: 

• A significant limitation of BOTIM is that it requires a subscription for use, which could limit its usability for cost-conscious users. 
• This means that users looking for a free communication tool may need to consider other options.

Cost: BOTIM is available at a cost of $0.99/month, making it a cost-effective solution for secure communication. This affordable pricing model has made it a popular choice for users looking for a secure and affordable communication tool.

CONCLUSION

When it comes to making international calls, options are abundant. However, if I were to recommend the top three apps, they would be Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom due to their ease of use, high-quality calls, and additional features. Each app has its unique strengths and caters to different user needs, making international communication more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a business professional, a student, or someone looking to stay connected with family and friends across the globe, there’s an app out there that can meet your needs. The key is to understand your communication needs and choose the app that best meets those needs. With the right app, international communication can be as easy as a click of a button. As we continue to navigate the globalized world, these apps will continue to play a crucial role in breaking down geographical barriers and fostering global connections.

Further Reading:

Top 13 Middle East Calling Solutions In 2024

Top 13 Singapore-Based Calling Solutions