How to Make Free VoIP Calls on Android Without Dealing with Google
VoIP calls used to be an amazing way to get around a lack of minutes with your phone plan, but now they’re a better substitute for phone calls when your mobile data connection fails. Have a great Wi-Fi connection at home, but spotty mobile service? VoIP calling fixes this quickly, cheaply, and most importantly of all, easily.
Since we’re doing this without Google’s help, VoIP calls won’t always be free, and in most cases, you need to use a different phone number. Most VoIP services are going to charge you a flat monthly fee, and per minute unless you can find an ad supported app. Below are more than a few ways to make VoIP calls quickly, and easily.
Related: 10 Android Apps to Make Free Video Calls without Spending a Dime
Method 1: FreedomPop
FreedomPop is less of an app, or a service for VoIP calls, and is instead a different idea of what a phone plan should be in the first place. FreedomPop strives to create a free service plan that includes up to 200 minutes, 500 texts, and 500MB a month. The service has other plans available with bigger sizes, but those have monthly payments involved.
Since this is more or less an alternative to a phone plan, this isn’t recommended if you just want an app that handles VoIP calls. However, if you’re looking for Wi-Fi calls, and a phone plan without bloat, see if any FreedomPop services are in your area.
FreedomPop is mostly intended for cheap, business use, but there’s nothing stopping you from using the service personally. Switching to it is free and doesn’t have any contracts attached to it, so if your phone is compatible, you have nothing to lose.
If you want a VoIP solution that’s less drastic in nature, I’ve got a few more low impact options that won’t take up much of your time.
Method 2: Free VoIP Call Apps
Since there are a big number of apps out there that feature free VoIP calling, I’m going to put all of them into one section and mention a few that I think are the best out of the bunch. In most cases, these apps will give you a new phone number, and will only be free if both parties in the call are using the app.
1. MobileVOIP Cheap Voip Calls
MobileVOIP features free VoIP calls with a big asterisk on the side.
Calls with this app are free, as long as you’re making a call within one of the free areas, and depending on the VoIP provider, you’re using within the app. The provider you choose determines where you can make calls, call quality, and price.
Because of this, MobileVOIP isn’t the most beginner-friendly VoIP calling app. There’s even a video on the app’s store page, but it’s more of a sales pitch than a tutorial.
If you’ve made VoIP calls before, MobileVOIP has a simple interface and varying options. If you’re new to using VoIP, try a different app before this one.
Cons:
- Not beginner friendly
- Only some calls are free
Pros:
- Easy to use if you know your way around VoIP
- Interface is simple enough not to be distracting
MobileVOIP Download
2. Viber
Next up is the app that I’ve saved for last, Viber. It’s an understatement to say that Viber is well known, but that isn’t going to stop me from recommending it.
Viber does almost everything that the two apps above this one do, but it has a leg up on the competition since it’s one of the oldest, and most trusted games in town. However, Viber is its messenger app and not just a VoIP extension of your phone. Because of this, you can do group messaging, and use other messenger features, alongside Wi-Fi calling.
If you make calls with Viber to other users who aren’t using Viber, then the call won’t be free. So making free VoIP calls with Viber only works if both parties have the messenger. It’s great that you don’t need to earn credits or mess around with ad offers, but it’s a hassle to get whoever you’re calling to download another app.
Cons:
- Other users need Viber for free VoIP calls
Pros:
- No need to mess with call credits or ads
- App is easy to use as a normal messenger
- Video calling available
Viber Download
Method 3: Line2 (US & Canada)
Before I start, Line2 is another app, but it isn’t grouped with the apps above because it has a monthly, or annual, fee attached to it.
If you live in the US or Canada, this is a great price for Wi-Fi calling for the sake of business, or personal use. One of Line2’s biggest perks is being able to use multiple phone numbers to keep certain aspects of your life separate.
For example, you can keep one line for business, and another for friends and family. It’s one of the service’s biggest selling points, and for the price, it’s a great one. This doesn’t stop you from only having one phone number, or even still using your existing one; it’s just a great option.
You can still use Line2 outside of the US & Canada, but extra fees are attached, so international callers beware, your bill is in for a scare.
Cons:
- Extra fees for calls outside of the US & Canada
- Minutes are capped at 5000 per month
Pros:
- Gives you separate phone lines if requested
- Great annual price
- Works across all devices with one account
- Includes unlimited SMS and MMS
Line2 Download
Some Similar VoIP Options for Android
There are a few other trusted VoIP options available on Android, but the ones above here are the VoIP options I recommend. If nothing above suits your needs, here are a few similar programs and services that strive to reach the same high notes, but fall a little flat in my opinion.
1. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a business-oriented VoIP provider that looks to keep you and your business partners connected safely, and at an affordable rate. Since I don’t have much business insight myself, I can’t personally vouch for it. If you’re curious or want to give it a shot, take a look at their pitch video.
They feature a 30-day money back guarantee, so if you think Grasshopper is right for your home or business, give them a shot.
2. Onsip
Onsip is once again more business-oriented instead of personal. Its major focus is on providing a very affordable, sometimes free, platform for members of your business to talk over any device to each other. The service is very similar to Google Voice, but with a little more bang for your buck, take a look if you’re interested.
Conclusion
Since Google Voice isn’t the best option for free VoIP calls anymore, it’s up to other services to pick up the slack. If you use any of the options above, for either personal use, or business partners, you’ll never miss a call again.
Had any problems along with way? If you need any help, please leave any questions down below.
