8 Best WiFi Calling Apps in 2026

A wifi calling app routes your voice calls over the internet instead of cellular networks. This is a form of web dialing that works on any device with an internet connection. This means better coverage indoors, significant cost savings for international calls, and the ability to call from any device with an internet connection.

This guide compares 8 popular wifi calling apps based on call quality, privacy, whether they require phone registration, and whether they can call regular phone numbers.

1. HelloAirDial

A browser-based wifi calling app that makes calls securely using WebRTC technology.

HelloAirDial is a browser-based wifi calling app that lets you make calls without downloading any software. It uses WebRTC technology to securely place calls directly from any device with a modern browser and internet connection. Uniquely, it offers both options: use it as a wifi calling app without phone number verification, or verify your own number to function as a wifi calling app that uses your number for caller ID.

How It Works: Navigate to the website, create a free account with just an email address, and start making calls directly from your browser. No phone number registration is required: calls can be placed using HelloAirDial's public number. However, if you prefer recipients to see your real phone number, you can verify your own number and use it for outgoing caller ID. You can call from anywhere to any phone number worldwide (landlines and mobiles) with transparent per-minute pricing and no connection fees.

Strengths:

• No app installation required, works in any modern browser
• Flexible phone number options: use without registration, or verify your own number for caller ID
• Calls any phone number (landlines and mobiles), not just app users
• Pay-as-you-go pricing with no hidden fees or credit expiration
• Transparent rate calculator shows cost before you call
• Purchase a virtual US/Canada number for your business needs and also receive incoming voicemails

Limitations:

• Requires stable internet connection for best quality
• No messaging or social features, focused purely on calling

Best For: Anyone who wants to make a phone call online without downloading apps, privacy-conscious users who prefer to call without a SIM or phone number registration, and business professionals who need a quick way to call from their laptop.

Try HelloAirDial | Check Rates | All Features

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2. Google Voice

Virtual Phone System for US Users

Google Voice provides users with a free US phone number that can make and receive calls over WiFi, functioning as a complete virtual phone system rather than just a calling app. It integrates deeply with the Google ecosystem, offering features like voicemail transcription and spam filtering.

How It Works: After signing up with a Google account, you select a US phone number from available options. This number can receive calls on any device where you're signed into Google Voice: smartphone, tablet, or computer. Outgoing calls to US and Canadian numbers are free, while international calls use competitive per-minute rates.

Strengths:

• Free US phone number with no monthly fees
• Free unlimited calls to US and Canada
• Voicemail transcription converts messages to text
• Spam call filtering using Google's detection algorithms
• Works across all devices through apps and web interface
• Can forward calls to your existing phone number

Limitations:

• Primarily available only in the United States
• Requires an existing US phone number for verification during setup
• International rates, while reasonable, aren't the lowest available
• Limited customer support for free accounts

Best For: US residents who need a secondary phone number for business, privacy, or organizing their communications, particularly those already invested in the Google ecosystem.

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3. Viber

Global Messaging Platform with PSTN Calling

Viber combines free messaging and calling between users with "Viber Out," a feature that allows calling any phone number worldwide at competitive rates. With over one billion registered users across 190 countries, it offers a balance between free app-to-app communication and paid PSTN connectivity.

How It Works: Viber-to-Viber calls are free and use your internet connection. For calling regular phone numbers, you purchase Viber Out credit or subscribe to an unlimited calling plan for specific countries. The app syncs with your phone's contacts and indicates which contacts have Viber installed.

Strengths:

• Free HD voice and video calls between Viber users
• Viber Out provides low-cost calls to any phone number globally
• Unlimited calling plans available for frequently-called countries
• Group calls support up to 50 participants
• Available on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Caller ID displays your real number when using Viber Out

Limitations:

• App is feature-heavy with stickers, games, and ads in the free version
• Contact syncing uploads your address book to Viber's servers
• Rates for some destinations are higher than specialized VoIP providers
• Both parties need Viber for free calls

Best For: Users who want both free app-to-app calling and the flexibility to call regular phone numbers when needed, especially those with contacts spread across multiple countries.

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4. Telegram

Privacy-First Messaging with High-Quality Voice Calls

Telegram has emerged as a popular alternative to mainstream messaging apps, offering secure voice calls with end-to-end encryption alongside its messaging features. With over 900 million active users globally, it provides a balance between widespread adoption and strong privacy protections.

How It Works: After creating an account using your phone number, you can make free voice and video calls to other Telegram users over WiFi or mobile data. All calls use end-to-end encryption that can be verified by comparing four emojis displayed on both devices during the call. Telegram uses machine learning algorithms that adapt to network conditions in real-time, optimizing audio quality based on bandwidth availability.

Strengths:

• End-to-end encryption for all voice calls with visual verification
• AI-powered audio optimization adjusts to network conditions automatically
• Peer-to-peer connections when possible for minimal latency
• Group voice calls support up to 200 participants
• "Use Less Data" mode reduces bandwidth consumption by 25-30%
• Available on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and web browsers
• Open-source clients allow security audits
• No advertisements

Limitations:

• Can only call other Telegram users (no PSTN calling to regular phone numbers)
• Requires phone number for registration
• Smaller user base than WhatsApp in some regions
• Some advanced features require learning the interface

Best For: Users who value privacy and want high-quality voice calls with strong encryption, particularly those communicating internationally with others who prioritize security. Excellent for groups needing secure conference calls with many participants.

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5. Signal

Privacy-Focused WiFi Calling

Signal has earned a reputation as the gold standard for secure communication, recommended by privacy advocates and security researchers. Its wifi calling feature provides encrypted voice calls that cannot be intercepted or monitored, even by Signal itself.

How It Works: Signal uses end-to-end encryption for all communications, including voice and video calls. The app is open source, meaning its code is publicly available for security audits. Signal collects minimal user data (only your phone number) and doesn't store message content or call logs on its servers.

Strengths:

• Industry-leading privacy and security with end-to-end encryption
• Open source code allows independent security verification
• Non-profit organization with no advertising or data selling
• Voice and video calls available on iOS, Android, and desktop
• Group calls support up to 40 participants
• Disappearing messages feature for additional privacy

Limitations:

• Can only call other Signal users (no PSTN calling)
• Smaller user base than WhatsApp or Viber
• Requires phone number for registration
• Some features (like backups) are less polished than mainstream competitors

Best For: Users who prioritize privacy above all else and communicate with others who share this priority. Particularly valuable for journalists, activists, business professionals handling sensitive information, or anyone concerned about surveillance.

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6. FaceTime Audio

Seamless Calling for Apple Users

FaceTime Audio comes pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac, providing high-quality voice calls without requiring any additional downloads or account setup. For users within the Apple ecosystem, it represents the most frictionless wifi calling experience available.

How It Works: FaceTime uses your Apple ID and internet connection to place calls to other Apple device users. The service integrates directly with the Phone app on iPhone, making it nearly indistinguishable from regular cellular calls. When calling another Apple user over WiFi, your device may automatically use FaceTime Audio for better quality.

Strengths:

• No setup required, works immediately on Apple devices
• Exceptional audio quality using AAC-LD codec
• End-to-end encryption for all calls
• Seamlessly integrated with Contacts and Phone apps
• Group FaceTime supports up to 32 participants
• SharePlay allows watching videos or listening to music together during calls

Limitations:

• Only works between Apple devices, cannot call Android users or regular phone numbers
• No standalone app for Windows or Android
• Requires both parties to have Apple ID
• No option for calling landlines or mobile numbers directly

Best For: iPhone and Mac users who primarily communicate with others using Apple devices. The seamless integration makes it the most convenient option when both parties are in the Apple ecosystem.

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7. TextNow

Free Phone Number with WiFi Calling

TextNow provides a free US or Canadian phone number along with unlimited calling and texting within North America. Unlike apps that only work user-to-user, TextNow functions as an actual phone service, capable of calling any phone number.

How It Works: Download the app, create an account, and receive a real phone number. Make unlimited free calls and texts to US and Canadian numbers over WiFi or data. The service is ad-supported, so you'll see advertisements within the app unless you upgrade to a paid plan that removes them.

Strengths:

• Free real phone number (US or Canada)
• Unlimited free calls and texts within US and Canada
• Works on iOS, Android, tablets, and computers
• Can call any phone number, not just app users
• Optional SIM card for cellular connectivity when WiFi unavailable
• Voicemail included

Limitations:

• Free version is ad-supported with frequent advertisements
• International calling requires purchasing credits at additional cost
• Call quality depends heavily on internet connection
• Phone number may be recycled if inactive for extended periods
• Some users report their TextNow numbers being flagged as potential spam

Best For: Users in the US or Canada who need a free secondary phone number, students, or anyone looking to reduce their phone bill for domestic calling without paying for a traditional phone plan.

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8. WhatsApp

Cross-Platform Messaging with WiFi Calling

WhatsApp has evolved from a simple messaging app into one of the most widely used wifi calling apps globally, with over two billion users. Its voice and video calling features are built directly into the messaging interface, making it a natural choice for users who already communicate through the platform.

How It Works: WhatsApp uses your phone's internet connection to place voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users. Calls are protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning that WhatsApp itself cannot listen to your conversations. The app is available on iOS, Android, and desktop (Windows and Mac), with call quality that adapts automatically to network conditions.

Strengths:

• Massive global user base increases the likelihood that your contacts already have the app
• End-to-end encryption for all calls and messages
• Group calling supports up to 32 participants
• Works on WiFi, 4G, and 5G connections
• No separate account creation, uses your existing phone number

Limitations:

• Cannot call regular phone numbers (landlines or mobiles without WhatsApp)
• Requires a phone number for registration
• Desktop app requires phone to be connected to the internet

Best For: Users who want to call friends and family who already use WhatsApp, particularly for international communication where both parties have the app installed.

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WiFi Calling App Comparison Table

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When Should You Use a WiFi Calling App?

Different scenarios favor different communication methods:

Use WiFi Calling When:

• You're in a building with poor cellular reception: Office buildings, hospitals, and underground locations often have strong WiFi but weak cell signals
• Making international calls: The cost savings compared to carrier international rates are substantial
• Traveling abroad: Connect through local WiFi to avoid roaming charges entirely
• You need a second phone number: Apps like Google Voice and TextNow provide additional numbers without additional SIM cards
• You want privacy without phone registration: A wifi calling app without phone number requirements like HelloAirDial lets you call without verification
• You want your real number to display: A wifi calling app that uses your number like HelloAirDial or Viber Out shows your verified caller ID to recipients
• Privacy is a concern: Encrypted apps like Signal offer protection that standard cellular calls cannot match

Stick with Cellular When:

• You're moving between locations: Cellular networks handle handoffs between towers seamlessly, while WiFi connections drop when you leave a network
• In emergency situations: Cellular 911 calls are more reliable and transmit location data
• WiFi is unstable or congested: A weak cellular signal often provides better call quality than congested public WiFi

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WiFi Calling vs. Cellular: Quick Comparison

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Related Guides

• Best International Calling App: Detailed comparison for calling phone numbers abroad
• How to Make a Phone Call Online: Step-by-step guide to browser-based calling
• How to Call from a Laptop Without a Phone: Calling from your laptop when you don't have a phone nearby
• Best International Calling Cards: When you need to call without internet
• Country Rates: United States, United Kingdom, India, Philippines