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Staying in touch with people abroad can get expensive on traditional mobile or landline networks. International calling apps can cut costs by routing calls over the internet or offering lower rates to regular phone numbers.
Some apps provide free calls between users on the same platform, while others support calls to international mobiles and landlines for a fee. Business-focused apps may also include virtual numbers, web calling, and caller ID.
In this blog, we compare 11 international calling apps based on pricing, calling features, destination coverage, and platform support to help you find the perfect low-cost app for international calls.
Best international calling apps at a glance
Here’s a quick comparison of the best international calling apps to help you find the right option for calling other app users, mobile numbers, landlines, or business contacts.
| Calling apps | Calls mobiles & landlines? | Recipient needs the app? | Pricing model | Platforms |
| KrispCall | Yes | No | Paid subscription (per-user/month) | Web, iOS, Android |
| No; app-to-app only | Yes | Free app-to-app calls | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop | |
| FaceTime | No | Yes | Free app-to-app calls | iOS, macOS |
| Google Voice | Yes; US-based occasional callers | No, for phone-number calls | Subscription + international calling rates | Web, iOS, Android |
| Viber | Limited (via Viber Out) | Yes for app-to-app; No for Viber Out | Free app-to-app + paid Viber Out | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop |
| Telegram | No | Yes | Free app-to-app calls | iOS, Android, Web, Desktop |
| Rebtel | Yes | No | Monthly subscription or pay-as-you-go credits | iOS, Android, Web |
| Talk360 | Yes | No | Pay-as-you-go per-minute credit | iOS, Android |
| Yolla | Yes | No | Free app-to-app + Pay-as-you-go for other calls | iOS, Android |
| Sonetel | Yes | No | Subscription-based plans | Web, iOS, Android |
| Dingtone | Yes (via credits) | No | Credit + subscription options for additional services | iOS, Androis |
How we evaluated the best international calling apps
Before choosing the apps for this list, we looked at the factors that matter when making international calls. We considered both everyday personal calling and business use to account for different calling needs.
- International calling capability: Whether the app supports app-to-app calls, calls to mobile numbers and landlines, or both.
- Pricing: What kind of plan the app runs on: free app-to-app calling, pay-as-you-go credits, per-minute rates, or a monthly subscription.
- Country coverage: How many countries the app supports for landline and mobile calls, and whether certain regions get better rates or call quality than others.
- Recipient requirements: Whether the person receiving the call needs the same app, an internet connection, or simply a mobile or landline number.
- Call experience: Call quality over Wi-Fi vs. mobile data, plus extras like caller ID control, call recording, or voicemail transcription that affect day-to-day usability.
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App-to-app vs App-to-phone international calling
International calling apps generally use two calling methods: app-to-app and app-to-phone. Understanding the difference helps you choose an app based on whether the person you’re calling uses the same service or has a regular mobile or landline number.
App-to-app international call
App-to-app calling lets two people call each other through the same internet-based app. Both people typically need the app and an internet connection through Wi-Fi or mobile data. Since no telecom network is involved, these calls are usually free.
For example, you can use WhatsApp to call a friend in another country. As long as they also have WhatsApp installed and internet access, the call costs nothing, regardless of how long you talk.
App-to-phone international calls
App-to-phone calling lets you use an internet-based calling app to reach a regular mobile number or landline. The person receiving the call generally does not need the calling app or an internet connection.
For example, you can use an international calling service app such as KrispCall to call a supplier’s office landline in Vietnam. They can pick up on their regular desk phone, and the call is billed based on the destination and subscription plan.
11 Best international calling apps in 2026
From free app-to-app calling to paid calls to regular mobile numbers and landlines, these 11 apps serve different international calling needs.
1. KrispCall
Best for: KrispCall is the best international calling app for businesses that need international calling as part of a business phone system.
KrispCall is an AI-powered communication platform. It’s built for companies that need to call and text international numbers under a dedicated business identity, with call recording, team call routing, and Power Dialer.
With KrispCall, the person on the other end doesn’t need the app or an internet connection. It supports VoIP calling from iOS, Android, and the web, so users can make and manage business calls without being tied to a traditional desk phone.
This makes it a better fit for sales teams, support teams, or remote-first companies calling clients and partners abroad.
Key features of KrispCall
- Virtual phone numbers in 100+ countries, so businesses can establish a local presence without opening an office
- Unified Callbox for managing calls, texts, recordings, and voicemails in one place
- Call recording, IVR (phone trees), and call transfer for team-based calling
- VoIP CRM integrations plus API and webhook access
- Custom caller ID that helps display relevant business number on outbound calls
How Krispcall structures its pricing & plans
KrispCall runs on a subscription-plus-usage model. The monthly subscription covers the platform and one free number (either US, UK, or Canada), while calls and SMS are billed separately from a pay-as-you-go credit balance.
- Starter: $12/user/month billed annually, capped at 5 users, best for freelancers and small teams
- Advance: $32/user/month billed annually, 50 users, adds call monitoring, unlimited recording storage, and deeper integrations
- Max: $48/user/month billed annually, free $1 call/SMS credit, no member limit
- Enterprise: custom pricing, adds dedicated support and bundled calling/SMS rates
International calling rates
International calling rates are billed per minute from your credit balance and vary by destination country and number type. Check out rates for a specific destination before making calls on KrispCall international calling rates pages.
| Destination | Calling rate |
| USA | From $0.02/min |
| UK | From $0.02/min |
| Canada | From $0.2/min |
| Australia | From $0.04/min |
| Japan | From $0.09/min |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Transparent subscription and pay-as-you-go rates with no setup fees | No free plan or traditional free trial |
| Calls to regular mobile numbers and landlines | Some international numbers have additional purchase or verification requirements |
| iOS, Android, web, and Chrome support | No desktop app available |
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2. WhatsApp
Best for: WhatsApp is the best international calling app for people who want free unlimited calls between contacts that already use WhatsApp.
WhatsApp, a free messaging and calling app used by billions of people worldwide, is one of the best and easiest apps for international calling. It lets users make free voice and video calls over an internet connection or mobile data, including calls to contacts in other countries.
Both people need an active WhatsApp account, and the call uses Wi-Fi or mobile data rather than traditional international phone networks. It also doesn’t offer app-to-phone calling, which lets you dial a regular international mobile number or landline.
Key features of WhatsApp
- Free voice and video calls between WhatsApp users, including group calls
- End-to-end encryption on calls and messages
- Available on iOS, Android, Web, and desktop, with calls syncing across linked devices
- Wi-Fi calling, messaging, and file sharing
- Disappearing messages let you set WhatsApp messages to automatically vanish after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days
How WhatsApp structures its pricing & plans
WhatsApp is free to download and use for personal calling and messaging, with no subscription or in-app credits required. It’s funded through its business tools (WhatsApp Business API, click-to-chat ads) rather than charging individual users for calls.
International calling rates
WhatsApp has no per-minute international rates, since it only supports app-to-app calling. A call from Kathmandu to New York costs the same as a call across the street: nothing, as long as both sides have the app and an internet connection.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Completely free for unlimited calls, no matter the destination | Can’t call landlines or mobile numbers outside the app |
| Manage a large number of people in a group or communities | Call quality depends entirely on both users’ internet connections |
| Send high-quality photos, videos, voice notes, and large documents | Both parties need WhatsApp installed and running for calling |
3. FaceTime
Best for: FaceTime is the best international calling app for Apple users who want free audio and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
FaceTime is Apple’s built-in video and audio calling app, pre-installed on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and can use Wi-Fi or cellular data. Like WhatsApp, it supports free app-to-app international calls, but can’t reach a regular mobile number or landline.
FaceTime also supports call links, letting people on Android or Windows devices join a FaceTime call. The person creating the call needs an Apple device, while the participant joining through the link needs a compatible browser and internet connection.
Key features of FaceTime
- Hold 1-on-1 or group audio or video calls with up to 32 participants
- SharePlay for watching shows or sharing screens during a compatible call
- Apple device integration with smoother call handoff between devices
- Voice isolation to block out background noise in loud environments
- Custom FaceTime links allow Android or Windows users to join FaceTime calls directly through a web browser
How FaceTime structures its pricing & plans
FaceTime is completely free with no subscription, credits, or in-app purchases. It only requires an Apple ID and an internet connection.
When using cellular data internationally, roaming or data charges can apply depending on your carrier plan. Using Wi-Fi can help avoid mobile data usage for the FaceTime call.
International calling rates
FaceTime doesn’t have international per-minute calling rates because it’s app-to-app only and runs entirely over the internet, not a traditional international calling tariff.
Note: FaceTime doesn’t charge a per-minute international calling fee, but internet or mobile data charges may apply.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Built-in group calling and screen sharing | Full FaceTime calling is centered on Apple devices |
| Pre-installed on all Apple devices, no download needed | Availability varies in some countries and regions |
| Integrates directly with your contact list for one-tap calling | Can’t call landlines or regular mobile numbers |
4. Google Voice
Best for: Google Voice is the best international calling app for individuals and businesses that want to call regular phone numbers while managing calls through a Google-based phone service.
Google Voice is Google’s calling and texting service, providing a dedicated phone number for making and receiving VoIP calls. Unlike app-to-app services, Google Voice can call regular mobile and landline numbers, making it useful when the person you are calling does not use the same app.
Google Voice offers Personal Google Voice plans with local numbers in the US, along with business plans available as Google Workspace add-ons in supported countries and regions.
Key features of Google Voice
- Unlimited calling and texting to most US and Canadian numbers
- Voicemail transcription, automatically converting voicemails to text
- Spam call filtering and call screening
- Google Workspace integration for teams already using Gmail and Calendar
- Auto attendants, three-way calling, Call recording
How Google Voice structures its pricing & plans
Google Voice pricing differs for personal and business users. The no-charge personal version is available in the US and includes a Google Voice number, unlimited domestic calls, texts, and voicemail transcription.
Paid standalone plans start at $10/month for the Voice-only Starter plan. For businesses using Google Workspace, Google Voice is available as an add-on starting at $10/user/month for Starter, $20/user/month for Standard, and $30/user/month for Premier.
International calling rates
Google Voice charges international calls by the minute, and rates vary by destination country, number type, and calling route.
For calls made from the US, calls to almost all US and Canadian numbers are free, while a small number of destinations in the US and Canada cost $0.01/minute.
| Destination | Google Voice calling rate |
| USA | Free for almost all numbers when calling from the US* |
| Canada | Free for almost all numbers when calling from Canada* |
| UK | Rates vary by destination/number type; for example, UK landline: $0.01/min; UK mobile (other): $0.28/min |
| India | $0.02/min |
| Australia | Rates vary by destination/number type; for example, Australia landline: $0.01/min; Australia mobile: $0.02/min |
Note: Rates change periodically, so it’s worth checking Google’s current rate list before a new destination.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free unlimited calls for personal use | Personal Google Voice numbers are limited to the US |
| Ties in naturally with Gmail, Calendar, and Workspace | Availability and features vary by country and account type |
| Access calls, texts, and voicemails seamlessly on the web, iOS, and Android devices | International calls are charged separately |
5. Viber
Best for: Viber is the best international calling app for people who want free calls to other Viber users, with the option to pay for calls to regular phone numbers when needed.
Viber works like WhatsApp for free app-to-app calling and messaging. It also includes Viber Out, a separate paid service that lets you call any mobile or landline number, even if the recipient doesn’t have Viber installed.
That combination makes it more flexible than pure app-to-app apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime, since you’re not stuck if the person you’re calling isn’t on the platform, but it also means the free and paid sides of the app work differently and are easy to confuse.
Key features of Viber
- Free voice and video calls between Viber users over Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Viber Out for calling any mobile or landline number worldwide
- End-to-end encryption on Viber-to-Viber calls and chats
- Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and desktop
- Group chats, stickers, and community channels alongside calling
How Viber structures its pricing & plans
Viber itself is free to download, and Viber-to-Viber calls cost nothing. Viber Out runs separately on a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis:
- World Credit (prepaid credit usable for any country)
- Minutes Country Plan (a set number of minutes to one country)
- World Unlimited Plan covering calls to around 57 countries for a flat monthly fee of $5.99.
Note: The World Unlimited plan excludes special, premium, and non-geographic numbers and is subject to a fair-use policy.
International calling rates
Viber Out charges international calls by destination and can have different rates for different destinations and number types.
Current Viber Out rates include:
| Destination | Viber Out rate from |
| USA | 1.9¢/min |
| Canada | 0.9¢/min |
| UK | 2.0¢/min |
| India | 1.5¢/min |
| Australia | 2.1¢/min |
Note: Viber published a destination-by-destination rate table, so check the extra cost before making a call.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free 1-week trial for World Unlimited plan | Viber Out rates vary widely by country and can get expensive for some destinations |
| Offers both pay-as-you-go credit and calling subscription | Both users need Viber for free app-to-app calling |
| Viber Out extends reach to any mobile or landline, not just app users | Some Viber Out plans have destination or fair-use restrictions |
6. Telegram
Best for: Telegram is the best international calling app for privacy-focused users who want free, encrypted calls to contacts already on the platform.
Telegram is a messaging app built for speed, privacy, and large-group communication, with voice and video calling layered on top. Like WhatsApp and FaceTime, it’s app-to-app only, so it can’t reach a regular mobile number or landline.
What sets it apart is its focus on privacy features (self-destructing messages, secret chats) and its ability to handle very large groups and channels, which makes it popular in regions and communities where secure messaging matters as much as the calling itself.
Key features of Telegram
- End-to-end encrypted secret chats, with standard chats encrypted client-to-server
- Large group chats and community channels, supporting far bigger groups than most calling apps
- Self-destructing messages and extensive privacy controls
- Multi-device access across phones, tablets, and computers with synchronized chats
- Unlimited cloud storage with easy access from various devices without local backups
How Telegram structures its pricing & plans
Telegram is free to download, and its core messaging, voice calling, and video calling features remain free. It offers an optional Telegram Premium subscription, but that unlocks extras like larger file uploads and exclusive stickers rather than anything tied to calling.
International calling rates
Telegram has no per-minute international rates, since it only supports app-to-app calling over the internet.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free voice and video calls between Telegram users | No default end-to-end encryption for standard cloud chats |
| Seamless chat sync across multiple devices | No local backup options for standard chat histories |
| Strong privacy and encryption options | Each individual conversation needs to be manually turned on for high-privacy secret chats |
7. Rebtel
Best for: Rebtel is the best international calling app for users who want to call mobile and landline numbers abroad, with local phone-line options that can work without Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Rebtel is an international calling service that lets users call regular mobile and landline numbers in other countries. Unlike app-to-app calling services, recipients don’t need a Rebtel account or an internet connection to receive the call.
A key difference is how Rebtel connects calls. Depending on the user’s location and selected connection method, calls can use Wi-Fi, mobile data, or local phone lines. Its local-line option can connect an international call through a local number, allowing users in supported countries to make calls without Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Key features of Rebtel
- Local access number routing, so calls connect over phone lines instead of relying entirely on internet quality
- Offline calling supported in 47+ countries, useful for reaching people with limited connectivity
- Mobile top-up/airtime recharge for prepaid numbers in 150+ countries, on top of calling
- Automatic connection, or the auto option, selects an available connection method based on the user’s setup
- Available on iOS, Android, and web
How Rebtel structures its pricing & plans
Rebtel offers three pricing paths:
- Rebtel Credits: pay-as-you-go credit billed per minute
- Country Unlimited (Monthly subscription): buy a monthly subscription plan to the selected country you want to call
- Global Unlimited: unlimited calls to 50 countries at just $12/month
International calling rates
Rebtel’s pay-as-you-go rates depend on the country and whether you are calling a mobile or landline number. Rates can differ considerably between destinations, so check the specific country rate before making a purchase.
Current examples from Rebtel’s rate pages include:
| Destination | Rebtel Credits rate |
| USA | From $0.01/min |
| Canada | From $0.01/min |
| UK | From $0.02/min |
| India | From $0.0239/min |
| Australia | From $0.11/min |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| New users can also receive a seven-day free trial on eligible unlimited subscriptions | Best value depends heavily on calling one country consistently; less efficient for calling multiple countries |
| Offline calling available in dozens of countries, a rare feature among calling apps | No dedicated business features like virtual numbers or team calling |
| Provides Travel Mode to restrict calls to Wi-Fi and avoid roaming charges | Premium, special, service, and non-geographic numbers may be excluded from plans |
8. Talk360
Best for: Talk360 is the best international calling app for users who want pay-as-you-go calls to regular mobile and landline numbers abroad.
Talk360 is an international calling app focused specifically on voice calls to regular phone numbers. The caller uses Wi-Fi or mobile data to place the call, while the recipient answers on their normal mobile phone or landline. This makes it useful for reaching people who may not use calling apps or have reliable internet access.
Talk360 uses a pay-as-you-go credit model, with VoIP call prices determined by the destination number. It supports calls to mobile and landline numbers in 196 countries, and the app displays the applicable rate before you place a call.
Key features of Talk360
- Caller ID shows your real phone number, so the person you’re calling doesn’t see an unfamiliar app number
- Supports 60+ local payment methods and 30+ currencies, useful in regions where international credit cards aren’t common
- Free test call to try VoIP call quality before topping up
- Calls to any mobile or landline in 196 countries, no app or internet needed on the recipient’s side
- Available on iOS and Android
How Talk360 structures its pricing & plans
Talk360 primarily uses a pay-as-you-go credit model. Users buy calling credits and spend them on international calls instead of paying a fixed monthly subscription for the calling service.
The amount deducted depends on the destination, whether the number is a mobile or landline, and other factors such as the type of number being called.
International calling rates
Talk360 does not use one flat international calling rate. Prices are calculated according to the destination number, mobile or landline status, account currency, and, in some cases, the provider or number type. The exact per-minute rate is displayed before you place the call.
| Destination | Talk360 calling rate |
| USA | $0.05/min |
| Canada | $0.06/min |
| UK | $0.17/min for Mobile | $0.12/min for Landline |
| India | $0.05/min for Mobile | $0.07/min for Landline |
| Australia | $0.14/min for Mobile | $0.07/min for Landline |
Pros & Cons
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| Pros | Cons |
| Transparent pricing with the exact calling rate is shown before placing a call | No SMS, messaging, or video calling features |
| Recipient does not need the Talk360 app, smartphone, or internet connection | A service fee applies to some credit purchases |
| Pure pay-as-you-go with no subscription or contract | VoIP restrictions in some countries can affect call availability |
9. Yolla
Best for: Yolla is the best international calling app for users who want low-cost calls to international mobile and landline numbers with visible caller ID.
Yolla is a pay-as-you-go calling app that offers both free app-to-app calls and paid calls to any mobile or landline. It’s positioned for people who move around or call several different countries, like expats, backpackers, and business travelers, rather than being tied to one specific region.
Calls with Yolla run over Wi-Fi, 3G, or 4G instead of your carrier’s voice network. Yolla displays the applicable rate before the call and says it adds no connection fees or hidden charges.
Key features of Yolla
- Pay-as-you-go calling lets you add credit and pay based on destination and call duration
- Minute bundles for selected destinations that reduce per-minute costs for frequent callers
- International SMS & HD-quality calls
- Credit sharing lets you send Yolla calling credit to friends or family
- Mobile top-ups let you recharge mobile numbers in more than 100 countries
How Yolla structures its pricing & plans
Yolla primarily uses a pay-as-you-go model. Users can purchase credit in different amounts and use it for calls to regular mobile and landline numbers. The price per minute depends on the destination and can differ between mobile and landline numbers.
Yolla also offers minute bundles for selected destinations. For example, its current US pricing page lists a 200-minute bundle for $0.99, while its Australia page lists a 200-minute bundle at a first-month promotional price of $4. Bundle availability and pricing vary by destination.
International calling rates
Yolla uses destination-specific rates, so there is no single international calling price. Rates can also differ between mobile and landline numbers. Yolla’s rate pages show the current price before users purchase credit or place a call.
Some current examples include:
| Destination | Yolla calling rate |
| USA | $0.01/min |
| Canada | $0.0119/min |
| UK | $0.006/min to landlines; $0.10/min to mobiles |
| India | $0.0239/min to landlines; $0.0239/min to mobiles |
| Australia | $0.0235/min to landlines; $0.054/min to mobiles |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free Yolla-to-Yolla calls | Rates can differ significantly between mobile and landline numbers |
| Referral system offers a legitimate way to earn free credit over time | Minute bundles are only available for selected destinations |
| Shows the calling rate before you place a call and has no connection fees | No unlimited or subscription plan for people who call one country very frequently |
10. Sonetel
Best for: Sonetel is the best international calling app for small businesses that need affordable international calls, local phone numbers, and call management features in one service.
Sonetel is a cloud-based business phone service that lets users call mobile and landline numbers worldwide through its web app, Android app, and iPhone app. Users can also make free calls to other Sonetel users and team members.
Beyond international calling, Sonetel provides local business phone numbers that you can use to receive calls and forward them to another phone number or answer them through Sonetel’s apps.
Key features of Sonetel
- Virtual phone numbers in 78+ countries, from $1.79/month
- Intra-EU and same-country rate discounts, when your caller ID matches the destination region
- Free incoming calls in the Sonetel app, with forwarding to a regular phone from $0.005/min
- Call recording, voicemail transcription, and AI-generated call summaries on the paid Premium tier
- Free Sonetel-to-Sonetel calls
How Sonetel structures its pricing & plans
Sonetel offers:
- Basic plan: at $0 with SMS-to-email and pay-as-you-go calling
- Premium plan: $9.95/month with 1 free phone number/user
- Business plan: $29.95/month with 5 free phone numbers/user
Note: Users on the Basic plan can purchase phone numbers separately, with numbers starting at $1.79/month.
International calling rates
Sonetel uses destination-specific per-minute rates, with different prices for landlines, mobile networks, and certain special or regional numbers. The rate can also depend on whether you make the call using a local Sonetel number or another route.
Current examples from Sonetel’s international rate table include:
| Destination | Sonetel rate (basic plan) |
| USA | $0.013/min |
| USA mobile | $0.011/min |
| Canada | $0.013/min |
| Canada landline | $0.011/min |
| UK | $1.100/min |
| UK (Intra-EU) | $0.008/min |
| India | $0.045/min |
| Australia | $0.032/min |
| Australia mobile | $0.063/min |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Genuinely free Basic plan, unusual among business-focused competitors | Full feature set (AI summaries, transcription) locked behind the Premium tier |
| Intra-region pricing can make international calling nearly as cheap as domestic calling | Coverage and discount depth favor Europe more than other regions |
| Combines international calling with local business phone numbers | Some numbers require a local address or verification requirements |
11. Dingtone
Best for: Dingtone is the best international calling app for users who want low-cost international calls and a second phone number on the same device.
Dingtone is a mobile calling app for iPhone and Android that lets users make international calls and send SMS over the internet. The app also provides second phone numbers from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Dingtone uses VoIP to route calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Calls between Dingtone users are free, while calls to regular mobile and landline numbers use Dingtone credits. Users can buy credits or earn them through in-app activities.
Key features of Dingtone
- Local dial-in and callback calling options for US users, useful when internet access is unreliable
- Credit-based calling to landlines and mobiles in 200 countries
- Free unlimited calling and texting between Dingtone users
- Group messaging with up to 100+ people
- Group conference call with up to eight participants
How Dingtone structures its pricing & plans
Dingtone doesn’t use a subscription model. Instead, it runs on credits, which you can buy in bundles (for example, around 500 credits for roughly $10, with bonus credits included) or earn for free through in-app activities.
Credits are then spent per minute on calls to non-Dingtone numbers, with the exact rate depending on the destination country.
International calling rates
Dingtone supports calls to more than 200 countries and promotes low per-minute rates, but the actual credit cost depends on the destination and the number being called.
Current examples from Dingtone’s international rate table include:
| Destination | Dingtone international calling credit |
| USA | 0.9 c/min |
| UK | 1.0 c/min |
| India | 2.0 c/min |
| Mexico | 0.9 c/min |
| Japan | 2.6 c/min |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Genuinely free way to get international calling credit through in-app activities, not just purchases | The free version includes frequent video ads that can feel annoying |
| Free Dingtone-to-Dingtone calls | Earning free credits takes time and effort (watching ads, daily check-ins), not instant |
| Provides second phone numbers without another SIM card | Purchased credit rates work out more expensive per minute than dedicated pay-as-you-go apps |
How to choose the best international calling app
The best international calling app depends on who you call, where you call, and how often you make international calls. Compare the following factors to find an app that fits your calling habits and budget.
Compare rates for the countries you call most
International calling rates can vary significantly by destination, sometimes by 5–10× between apps for the same country. Before choosing an app, check the per-minute rate for the countries you call most often, rather than relying on general claims about low-cost international calls.
Also check whether the provider charges different rates for mobile and landline numbers, connection fees, or other charges that could increase the total cost.
Check whether you can call regular phone numbers
Confirm whether the app supports app-to-phone calling or only app-to-app, as some apps only support free calls between users of the same platform. If the person you’re calling doesn’t use the same app or can’t join through a supported browser, app-to-app services may not be suitable.
Compare pay-as-you-go and subscription pricing
International calling apps typically use pay-as-you-go credits, monthly subscriptions, or a combination of both. Pay-as-you-go pricing can work well for occasional calls, while an unlimited or bundled plan may cost less if you call the same countries frequently.
Check what each plan includes and whether it bills international calls separately from the subscription.
Compare country coverage
Check that the app supports the countries and territories you need to call. Coverage can differ between providers, and some apps may support calls to a country but restrict certain number types or calling routes.
If you travel frequently, also check whether the app works in the countries where you expect to make calls.
Consider call quality and connection options
Call quality depends on factors such as your internet connection, the provider’s calling network, and the way the call is routed. Look for apps that support reliable connections over Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Some services also offer alternative connection methods, such as local phone-line routing, which can be useful when internet access is limited or unreliable.
Check device and platform compatibility
Make sure the app works on the devices you use for international calls. Most services support iOS and Android, while some also provide web or desktop apps.
If you switch between your phone and computer, check whether the service supports calling across multiple platforms and keeps your contacts or call history available across devices.
Final verdict: Which international calling app should you choose?
No single international calling app is best for everyone. The right choice depends on whether you’re calling another app user, a regular phone number, or business contacts across multiple countries.
- For free app-to-app calls: Choose an app that both you and the person you’re calling already use. WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Telegram are suitable when both people have the same app and a reliable internet connection.
- For calling regular international phone numbers: Compare Rebtel, Viber Out, Yolla, and Talk360 based on the countries and number types you call most. Watch for mobile versus landline rates, since prices can differ even within the same destination.
- For occasional international calls from the US: Google Voice can be a practical option where available, especially if you already use Google Workspace or other Google services. International calls are billed separately, so check the current rate for your destination before calling.
- For international business calling: KrispCall is worth considering when international calling is part of a broader business phone setup. It combines international calling with business phone numbers, team calling features, call management tools, and integrations.
No provider is universally the cheapest. Rates vary by destination and number type, so the cheapest app for calling the UK may not be the cheapest for calling India or Nigeria.
Want to see how KrispCall fits your business? Book a free demo to explore its international calling, business phone numbers, team features, and integrations.
