As wireless connectivity continues advancing at lighting speed, Wi-Fi calling has fast become the norm for bypassing costly cellular minutes and enabling communication from virtually everywhere.
With global mobile data traffic projected to reach 277 exabytes per month by 2028, Wi-Fi networks are absorbing more and more calling needs once exclusively handled by cellular networks.
By leveraging state-of-the-art VoIP technology transmitting crystal clear audio over broadband connections, today‘s top Wi-Fi calling apps offer unmatched versatility for those looking to trim phone bills or maintain seamless communication across devices.
In this comprehensive guide, we evaluate the 10 best Wi-Fi calling apps of 2023 based on call quality, reliability, security, features and overall value.
The Benefits of Wi-Fi Calling In An Increasingly Wireless World
The massive shift toward reliable Wi-Fi networks represents a huge opportunity for smartphone users to leverage wireless internet connectivity for nearly all their daily communication needs.
Wi-Fi calling offers many substantial advantages:
- Slash Monthly Expenses – Say goodbye to costly cellular plan minutes and medieval era long distance charges
- Roam Free – Escape restrictive coverage areas and obscene international roaming rate markups
- Gain Crystal Clear Audio – Experience HD voice quality over fast, consistent broadband networks
- Consolidate Devices – Merge calling functionality from multiple devices into smartphone-based communication hub
As 5G and fiber internet access continues proliferating into new regions, the coverage, connectivity and call quality advantage of Wi-Fi calling over traditional cellular network plans accelerates exponentially.
Wi-Fi Calling By The Numbers
The extent Wi-Fi calling has taken off in recent years is astonishing:
- Over 85% of new smartphones introduced in 2022 supported native Wi-Fi calling functionality out the box
- Global consumer spending on Wi-Fi calling apps exceeded $8.7 billion in 2022, up 122% from 2020
- WhatsApp alone facilitates over 100 billion Wi-Fi calling minutes per year
- Forecasts suggest nearly 65% of all smartphone calling traffic will be conducted via Wi-Fi by 2025 rather than cellular networks
This seismic shift mirrors the disruption streaming media brought to legacy broadcast television. As cable cord cutting continues, smartphone owners increasingly view cellular voice minutes as an equally needless monthly burden.
How Wi-Fi Calling Works
Wi-Fi calling makes routing calls over internet connections possible utilizing next generation VoIP technology.
Instead of using a cell tower to connect calls through a mobile carrier network, Wi-Fi calling directs call audio data through broadband internet pipelines.
Image showing difference in how traditional cellular calls versus Wi-Fi calls are routed to recipient.
Here is a high-level overview of what happens behind the scenes when placing a Wi-Fi call:
- Your Wi-Fi calling app establishes an IP multimedia service session with your phone carrier over the internet pathway
- This registered session serves as the tunnel for routing call data to and from your phone
- Audio streams are encoded via VoIP protocols to optimize transmission speed and quality
- Encoded data traverses the internet through routers and switches until reaching the recipient‘s location
- The recipient app decodes the audio transmission back into the original call signal
- Two way call communication proceeds uninterrupted until ended
Many Wi-Fi calling apps also encrypt audio streams for added security, discussed later in this guide.
While the back-end technical process may seem complicated, conveniently making and receiving calls over Wi-Fi networks proves smooth and simple for the user.
The 9 Best Wi-Fi Calling Apps of 2023
As the most popular messaging app globally with over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is hard to beat for free Wi-Fi calling and texting.
Key Features:
- Free voice and video calls to any WhatsApp user
- Group video chats with up to 8 people
- Works between iOS and Android devices
- End-to-end encryption for security
- Texting, photo/video sharing
Pros
- Huge existing user base makes connecting easy
- High quality and reliable calls
- Intuitive interface
Cons
- Both callers must have WhatsApp installed
- Some minor bugs
With unmatched user reach and call quality, WhatsApp is the top choice for most Wi-Fi calling needs.
Facebook Messenger
Serving over 1.3 billion users worldwide, Facebook Messenger brings VoIP calling functionality to the world‘s most mainstream social network.
Key Features:
- Completely free worldwide voice and video calls
- Seamlessly syncs Facebook contacts
- Group messaging threads with up to 50 participants
- Fun features like AR masks, chat themes and stickers
Pros
- Enormous existing user base on Facebook
- Solid reliability backed by Meta infrastructure
- Easy switching between Wi-Fi and LTE networks
Cons
- Contacts primarily limited to Facebook friends
- Potential privacy concerns for some users
Thanks to unrivaled adoption and reach, Facebook Messenger checks all the boxes as a friction-free wireless calling option.
Skype
This longtime VoIP leader remains a versatile app for affordable calls and live video conferencing alongside messaging and file sharing perks.
Key Features:
- Low cost calls to mobiles/landlines
- Call groups up to 50 people
- HD video conferences
- Recording and screensharing
Pros
- Great for international calls
- Unlimited plans available
- Excellent platform for business usage with Skype Number
Cons
- Occasional minor call quality issues
- Subscription needed for some features
Robust enterprise capabilities make Skype a top contender–especially for global team collaboration.
Google Voice
Deep Apple device ecosystem integration pushes Google Voice to the top for iOS users needing seamless calling functionality across multiple devices.
Key Features:
- Free U.S. and Canadian calls
- iPhone handoff to continue calls across devices
- Automatic voicemail transcripts
- Spam call screening
Pros
- Excellent iPhone integration
- Reliable HD call quality
- Unified voicemail box
Cons
- Limited to N. American numbers
- Contacts must also have GV installed
For Apple enthusiasts aiming to consolidate their communication stack, Google Voice plays superbly with iPhone/iPads and Macs.
Viber
Offering ultra secure video calls, group messaging and more, Viber delivers private communication to over 1 billion users.
Key Features:
- Fully encrypted voice/video calls
- Self-destructing chat messages
- Fun stickers and GIF keyboard
- HD photo and video sharing
Pros
- Excellent call quality
- Enhanced security and privacy features
- Broad platform support
Cons
- Smaller North American user base
- Desktop app requires installation
Viber guarantees safe and private voice communication thanks to state-of-the-art encryption protocols baked into every call.
Signal
With open source encryption and minimal metadata retention, Signal offers best-in-class voice call security for the privacy conscious.
Key Features:
- Open source client code
- End-to-end encryption
- Group chats up to 1,000 people
- Video conferencing
Pros
- Industry leading security technology
- Entirely non-profit organization
- Slick, easy-to-use interface
Cons
- Calls sometimes drop mid-call
- Fewer features than less secure alternatives
Signal stands firmly atop the privacy podium focused squarely on securiing communication above all else.
LINE
Popular primarily across Asia, LINE serves over 300 million users with fun voice calling features alongside animated stickers and top-notch security.
Key Features:
- Free high-quality VoIP calls
- Huge sticker/emoji collection
- Easy friend syncing across devices
- Video calls support
Pros
- Smooth cross-platform functionality
- Privacy focused infrastructure
- Creative visual features
Cons
- Mainly used in Asian regions
- Heavy app download required
LINE hits the mark offering lighthearted features alongside locking down messaging and calls with bank-level encryption.
This Swiss army knife communication platform quintessentially showcases the all-in-one capabilities a single app can deliver across messaging, social networking and payments.
Key Features:
- Free group video conference calling
- Moment social media wall
- Integrated payment platform
- Worldwide humanitarian assistance
Pros
- Over 1 billion monthly active users
- High quality domestic China calling
- Much more than just a communication app
Cons
- Mostly concentrated within Chinese market
- Advanced features have learning curve
For those needing seamless access to contacts in China, WeChat maintains an iron grip as the app for all things life and communication.
IMO
Offering streamlined functionality across devices, IMO focuses purely on enabling hassle-free messaging and voice calls between phones and computers.
Key Features:
- Free encrypted calls
- Seamless transition between mobile and desktop
- Group video conferencing
- Fun stickers and emoji
Pros
- Smooth cross-device functionality
- Strong security technology implementation
- Lightweight, fast performance
Cons
- Much smaller user base than major rivals
- Limited to 6 participants on video calls
IMO makes shuttling calls and texts between smartphones and PCs delightfully straightforward.
Selecting the Right App Based on Individual Needs
With an abundance of excellent Wi-Fi calling apps now available, choosing the right solution depends largely on one‘s priorities:
- Globetrotters and international collaborators will appreciate Skype and WhatsApp for affordability and language translation functionality
- Businesses and enterprise teams need versatile options like Skype and WeChat with video conferencing
- Privacy conscious consumers often opt for Signal, Viber or Telegram thanks to encryption and self-destructing messages
- Those embedded within Apple, Google or Facebook ecosystems may prefer device integration and contact syncing conveniences
Additionally, use case factors like group sizes, mobile vs computer usage, desired features and target geography steer selections for many.
Carefully evaluate your unique requirements before deciding on the best Wi-Fi calling app aligning to personal contact networks and use case intentions.
Optimizing Wi-Fi Calling Connectivity and Audio Quality
While Wi-Fi calling reliability continues improving in leaps and bounds, call quality and connectivity can vary dramatically depending on router equipment, network traffic and broadband internet speeds.
However, tweaking a few quick settings makes achieving great Wi-Fi call performance much more likely:
- When possible, minimize nearby internet usage during calls to preserve bandwidth
- Position yourself nearer the Wi-Fi router or access point for best possible signal strength
- Reduce heavy background task activity on device like OS updates during calls
- Use 5Ghz band on dual band home routers to avoid interference
- Enable Wi-Fi calling optimization in device network settings to prioritize call data
- Test different codecs like G.711 or AAC-ELD that offer excellent speech audio encoding
- Turn off Wi-Fi assist functionality that fails over to mobile data and risks higher charges
Following basic best practices guarantees you extract maximum quality out of Wi-Fi networks for crystal clear calling.
Is Wi-Fi Calling Secure?
Unlike traditionally transmitted analog cellular signals, digitally encoded VoIP audio streams powering Wi-Fi calls open potential security vulnerabilities.
However, reputable apps incorporate advanced encryption technology securing communication:
- 256-bit AES encryption encoding protects call data integrity
- TLS/SSL layers authenticate app identities, preventing impersonation risks
- SRTP secures media streams ensuring conversations remain indecipherable
And nearly all leading apps provide end-to-end encryption whereby decrypted call data gets exposed solely on participants‘ devices rather than app servers:
End-to-end encryption ensures call data is only decrypted directly on device speakers
With exponentially growing cybercrime raking in $6 trillion annually by 2025, applying hardcore security protocols remains essential.
Thankfully, providers like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram build state-of-the-art encryption directly into communication layers keeping conversations ironclad.
Cost Saving Opportunities
Trading traditional cell network usage for Wi-Fi calls reaps major money saving benefits.
Many modern smartphone plans charge $0.45 per minute on calls and $0.50 internationally after exceeding measly monthly buckets. Roaming bumps rates even higher.
| Call Type | Average Per Minute Rate |
|---|---|
| Domestic | $0.45 |
| International | $0.50+ |
| Roaming | $1.29 |
Meanwhile, Wi-Fi calling only consumes tiny mobile data allotments or at worst, modest wired broadband access fees.
Let‘s compare 20 hours monthly domestic calling costs:
| Calling Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Cellular Network | $540 (1200 minutes @ $0.45/min) |
| Wi-Fi Network | $0 (Free with unlimited data plan) |
Over two years, that tallies savings up to $12,960 – just for making calls everyone routinely places!
For frequent international callers, multiplying those domestic savings by higher $1/minute foreign network rates saves thousands more.
The Last Word
With ever expanding internet coverage and continuously improving connection speeds, Wi-Fi calling finally moves wireless communication into the 21st century.
Top tier apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Skype seamlessly bridge networks across the globe while slashing costs for traditionally pricey cellular minute buckets.
As mobile carriers deprioritize voice, expect Wi-Fi calling adoption to accelerate enormously thanks to huge quality and affordability gains over increasingly neglected cell calling infrastructure.
Whichever leading app aligns best to your needs, now proves the time to experience elite call quality while unlocking massive savings over legacy calling plans.
What Wi-Fi calling app seems most appealing for your wireless communication needs? Share your preferences in the comments below!
