WIFI calling is an increasingly common alternative to traditional cellular mobile calls. While smartphones may include a WIFI signal boost, few have built-in WIFI calling apps. Also, these hardly benefit businesses.

So, let’s take a look at the best WIFI calling apps along with what this actually means.

What is WIFI Calling?

Simply put, WIFI calling involves making a voice call using a WIFI signal rather than a phone line or cellular connection. We can also include sending SMS messages in this bracket.

 A WIFI calling app allows you to use a phone number to make calls over WIFI. In some situations, you don’t even need a phone number, as the app uses an email address for registration instead.

Generally, the type of WIFI connection you use doesn’t matter. Almost every WIFI calling app will have its own end-to-end encryption, meaning the security level of the WIFI isn’t relevant.

Why Do You Need WIFI Calling?

The main reason why you might want to use WIFI calling is that you don’t need cellular signals. It’s beneficial in areas with fewer cellular masts, such as rural locations, where cellphone signals might be poor.

It’s also an easier option indoors or underground, where cellular signal is typically weak or non-existent. For example, 4G signals have a harder time getting through thick walls, so WIFI calling can be a better option when you’re working.

Benefits of Using WIFI Calling

If it wasn’t already obvious, there are numerous benefits to using a WIFI calling app. Here are some of the most important.

It Can Be Free

If you use a public WIFI network, you can do internet calling for free. As mentioned, the network’s security generally doesn’t matter when you’re using a WIFI calling app, so even your local coffee shop’s WIFI will be fine.

This is also beneficial for using WIFI calling at work. Most businesses will have WIFI, meaning you can connect to the network and make calls without paying your usual rates.

Improves Voice Quality

You’ll almost always have a better WIFI connection than cellular, meaning your calls will be higher quality. Also, smartphone providers have put a lot of work into improving WIFI technology. 

This has given rise to something called LTE – Long-Term Evolution. It’s a communication standard built into most smartphones, and it has up to 3 times more data capacity than 3G networks.

Allows You to Call Anywhere

WIFI calling allows you to call anywhere, providing there’s an internet connection, of course. But considering everywhere from tube stations to restrooms have WIFI, it’s basically the ability to call anywhere.

While this is less of a concern for those in urban areas, people living and working in rural locations are often limited by weaker carrier coverage. So, providing there’s internet, they can now do internet calling for free.

Ideal for International Calls

If you have to make international calls for your business, WIFI calling is the best option. The standard network connection rates don’t apply, so an international call is essentially no different to a domestic call.

Easier on Battery Life

Internet calling is generally less harsh on your phone’s battery than cellular calling because there’s less effort involved. This is because your phone isn’t constantly searching for the best cellular connection and possibly switching between networks.

For best battery results, though, turn off your cellular connection entirely.

Allows for a Single Business Identity

With the right WIFI calling app, all your workers can call with the same business identity. This is because it doesn’t need to be tied to a single phone number or, if it does, you can share the number among workers.

Many customers prefer this, as they’ll recognize the number that pops up on their screen and so will be more likely to take your call. Plus, it just looks more professional.

The 5 Best WIFI Calling Apps

Now that we have a firm understanding of what we mean by WIFI calling, let’s look at the 5 best apps for it.

WeTalk

WeTalk is an app for WIFI calling on iPhone and WIFI calling on Android. It’s free to download but you have to pay for international calls if you’re not using WIFI. Also, it allows you to create a second personal number, although it’s not best suited for business purposes.

Dingtone

Dingtone provides a free phone number and is a completely free calling app. Unlike WeTalk, you can only use a WIFI connection with it, but this isn’t a big loss. You can text, too, and the second number is perfect for setting up a business number.

WhatsApp

We probably all already use WhatsApp, as it’s one of the most popular WIFI calling apps. It has a separate business app that you can use for internet calling for free. However, unlike the others, you already need a registered phone number with a carrier. You can access it from a web browser, though.

Skype

Skype is another free calling app that hardly needs an introduction. It used to be the biggest name in video calling, and you can use it for WIFI calling for iPhone and Android. You can use Skype to create a local second number, and you can use it to make international calls. These cost money, though.

Textr

With Textr, you can make unlimited nationwide calls with or without WIFI through either the phone app or a web browser. It offers high quality audio, call recording, do not disturb, and much more.

Also, you can set up multiple business numbers and share identities among employees for a professional business appearance. Combined with unlimited calls and minutes, SMS campaigns, customer tagging and more, there are plenty of reasons why Textr should be your go-to.

Finally, you can use Textr’s Send SMS Online tool to supplement your WIFI calling. Simply enter the recipient’s number and your message, and you’re good to go.

So what are you waiting for? Download Textr today on any device and get started setting up your business identity.