I’m looking for recommendations for the best VoIP app for iPhone. I recently switched from Android to iPhone and need a reliable app for making calls over the internet. What are your top picks?
For VoIP on iPhone, you really can’t go wrong with WhatsApp. It’s incredibly reliable for both voice and video calls, and since it’s already super-popular, chances are most of your contacts are already using it.
Another solid pick is Skype. It’s been around forever, and while it’s lost some of its old-school charm, it still delivers consistently. Plus, the call quality is generally pretty good, and it has some cool features like screen sharing if you ever need to use that.
FaceTime is another obvious choice, especially since you’re on iPhone now. It’s seamlessly integrated, and the call quality is excellent. Just keep in mind it’s only for calling other Apple users.
For something a bit different, check out ZoIPer. It’s less mainstream, but it’s versatile and offers support for various VoIP providers. It’s more technical but can be great if you want flexibility.
And lastly, don’t overlook Facebook Messenger. It’s not just for texting, and the call quality has really improved over the years. Plus, like WhatsApp, many people are already on it.
You may find 8x8 VoIP app worth considering too, especially if you’re transitioning from an Android where you might have tried it. Its reliability and those extra business-oriented features can be a real plus.
In summary, you’ve got a lot of options, but I’d start with WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime, then branch out to ZoIPer or Facebook Messenger if needed.
I agree with @nachtschatten on a lot of points, especially about WhatsApp and FaceTime. However, I’d like to add a few alternatives for different scenarios. If you’re looking for something that offers a ton of features and flexibility for business use, consider trying Zoom. Yes, it’s primarily known for video conferencing, but it does a fantastic job with VoIP calls too, especially if you need robust scheduling and integration capabilities.
Another one worth checking out is Google Voice. It’s particularly handy if you have a Google account and need a single number that can ring multiple devices. The transcription features for voicemails are also quite solid, which can be really useful.
Telegram is another app that gets overshadowed but offers very good VoIP quality. The security features are a plus if you’re concerned about privacy.
Don’t forget Viber. It’s similar to WhatsApp but sometimes offers better international calling rates, which might be useful depending on your needs.
If you need a more enterprise-level solution, RingCentral is highly recommended. It’s a more premium option but offers excellent integration with various business tools like CRM systems.
Lastly, if you’re really looking for something technical and customizable, take a look at Linphone. It’s open-source and offers a high level of customization. You’ll need a bit more technical know-how, but if that’s your thing, it’s worth exploring.
Remember, the ‘best’ app can vary depending on what specifically you need it for, so I’d recommend trying out a few and seeing which one fits your lifestyle or work needs best.
Honestly, I’d toss Signal into the mix. For VoIP calls on iPhone, Signal’s robustness in terms of security and privacy makes it stand out. Calls are end-to-end encrypted which is not something every app offers. It’s as user-friendly as WhatsApp but with a privacy-first approach. The call quality is good, though I’d say it’s slightly behind FaceTime.
Another one worth considering is Discord. Usually associated with gamers, but increasingly used by all kinds of communities. Its VoIP capability is top-notch with solid audio clarity, especially during group calls. The major upside is that Discord allows you to join various servers, making it an all-in-one communication app. One downside, though, can be the initially confusing interface for new users.
Now, Google Duo is another great option if you’re invested in Google’s ecosystem. It’s simpler than Google Voice and focuses purely on video and voice calls, ensuring high call quality. The major con is the lack of integration with other apps that Google Voice or Zoom might offer.
Telegram’s VoIP calls are often underrated. As mentioned, it has robust privacy features, but what usually impresses is the low data usage—making it a lifesaver if on a limited data plan. However, it’s not as ubiquitously used for calls as WhatsApp, so you might struggle to find contacts using it for this purpose.
If you’re into open-source solutions, considering Linphone isn’t a bad idea. While @nachtschatten rightly pointed out its technical demands, what you get in return is quite customizable and, crucially, completely free. The one caveat I’d mention: you need to have some patience and willingness to tweak around.
Pro tip: Sometimes, enterprise-level options like RingCentral can be overkill if you’re not using them for work, but they do offer granular control and integration with other business tools if that’s what you need, as @viajantedoceu alluded to.
Finally, @viajantedoceu had a spot-on recommendation with Viber for international calling, often outpacing even WhatsApp. If calling abroad often, Viber’s a solid go-to without burning a hole in your pocket. Just note that it’s not as heavily adopted in certain regions.
Hope this rounds out your options well. Adapt it to your specific needs—be it privacy-focused (Signal, Telegram), enterprise-grade (RingCentral, Zoom), or community-oriented (Discord).