The Best Apps for International Calling (2026 Updated List)

Ever used a VoIP app to make or receive a call? 

VoIP, short for Voice over Internet Protocol, allows a user to send and receive signals through an internet connection. And as the name suggests, VoIP apps rely on this technology to connect two people wherever they are. 

VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are pretty solid recommendations in this regard. Their main selling point is the ability to make international voice and video calls over the internet. You can also send/receive text messages, photos, and videos and do much more with these apps. 

If you’ve been thinking about switching things up with a third-party VoIP calling app or just looking for some recommendations, you’re in the right place. The sections below talk about popular VoIP apps for making international calls, their pros, their cons, and a bit about them. Continue reading. 

The Right Network to Power Your Favourite Calling App 

Before we dive headfirst into the list, let’s talk about the data needed to power these apps. 

Since VoIP apps require an internet connection, you’re going to need a mobile plan with sufficient data allocation. And before you ask, no, Wi-Fi isn’t going to be an alternative. You may use Wi-Fi when you’re at home, but the entire picture changes the moment you step out of the Wi-Fi’s range, which is roughly 100 meters. 

And public Wi-Fi is out of the equation when you think about the security issues that come along with it. 

So, to make sure you’re connected 24/7, Lyca Mobile has some awesome PAYG deals with all the essential benefits. 

Lyca’s PAYG deals come with the following: 

• Super-fast 5G data allocation 
• Local calls and SMS 
• International minutes to select countries across the globe 
• Dedicated roaming data 

Lyca Mobile’s plans offer the right mix of high data allocation and international minutes. Use the former for making local/international video calls using third-party apps and the latter for international voice calls. 

Here are Lyca Mobile’s top PAYG deals. 

The 5 Best Apps for High-Quality Calling 

The section below talks about the 5 best apps for voice and video calls. You can use these apps for free. However, some functionalities may be behind a paywall that you will have to pay a subscription fee for. 

All you need is a stable internet connection to start using these apps. Also, make sure that the recipient has the app installed. 

WhatsApp 

Launched in May 2009, WhatsApp is pretty popular when it comes to VoIP apps. You can send/receive just about anything via WhatsApp, from images, GIFs and documents to videos. 

WhatsApp started out as a messaging app. In August 2013, WhatsApp introduced the ability to send voice messages. This laid the foundation for the voice calling feature that was launched in April 2015. 

And in November 2016, video calling was introduced. 

Since then, WhatsApp has been a reliable medium to make/receive voice and video calls. The no-nonsense UI and popularity have made it one of the most sought-after calling apps. 

Who is it for: Individuals, businesses, and content creators. 

The Good: 

• Free to use 
• Massive user base 
• Works on multiple platforms (Android, iOS, desktop) 
• End-to-end encryption 
• Disappearing messages 

The Bad: 

• Privacy concerns 
• Mandatory phone number requirement 
• Signup asks for your birthdate. 

Signal 

Signal is the first open-source calling app in this list. Like WhatsApp, Signal can be used for sending/receiving text messages and making/receiving voice/video calls. It has been around for over 10 years and comes with support for Android and iOS. 

What makes Signal special is the number of countries in which it is blocked. The app’s strong end-to-end encryption makes it impossible for third parties, including governments and corporations, to access the content being shared between two users. Because of this, Signal is blocked/restricted in China, Iran, Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, and Uzbekistan. 

As for voice and video calling, Signal does the job exceptionally well. It also supports video conference calls with up to 75 members. 

Who is it for: Individuals who prioritize privacy and end-to-end encryption. Small businesses. Small businesses. 

The Good:  

• Free to use 
• Non-profit owned 
• Open source 
• Audio and video conference calling 
• Strong end-to-end encryption 
• Works on multiple platforms (Android, iOS, desktop) 

The Bad: 

• Blocked/restricted in certain countries due to regulatory non-compliance 
• Mandatory phone number requirement 

Telegram 

Telegram is a bit different from other apps in the list. 

While others are purely messaging apps, Telegram positions itself more as a social networking app. Like the other apps, you can send/receive text, audio and video messages, images, and documents. You can also make/receive voice and video calls. With Telegram, you can create a link that can be shared with others who’d like to participate in the video call. 

Also, Telegram is a cloud-based app, meaning it is vulnerable to data breaches. The app also has end-to-end encryption, but you have to manually enable it. 

Who is it for: Individuals, businesses, content creators and those looking for a cloud-based alternative to WhatsApp. 

The Good: 

• Free to use 
• Non-profit owned 
• Seamless switching between devices 
• High file size limits 
• Audio and video conference calling 
• Works on multiple platforms (Android, iOS, desktop) 

The Bad: 

• End-to-end encryption has to be manually enabled 
• Hit-or-miss content moderation 
• Mandatory phone number requirement 
• Paywalled privacy options 

Facebook Messenger 

If you have a Facebook account, odds are you’re already using this app. 

The app started out as an in-website chat feature called Facebook Chat that allowed Facebook users to communicate with each other. After a minor revamp and the acquisition of a group messaging service, Facebook started its phased launch of the feature into a mobile app. 

Like the other apps in this list, you can send/receive text messages and photos. You can also make/receive audio and video calls to anyone who has the app installed on their device. 

Who is it for: Individuals, businesses, and content creators. 

The Good: 

• Free to use 
• Easy integration with Facebook and Instagram 
• End-to-end encryption 
• Works on multiple platforms (Android, iOS, desktop) 

The Bad: 

• Data collection by its parent company 
• Bloated interface 
• Excessive battery consumption 
• End-to-end encryption isn’t default. 

FaceTime 

FaceTime is a bit different. With Apple’s proprietary app, you can only make/receive audio/video calls. Unlike other apps in this list, you cannot send/receive text messages. 

The lack of text messaging or file sharing features doesn’t really hurt FaceTime, as it compensates with its audio/video calling abilities. The app comes with real-time translation and captioning capabilities. 

And you can watch content, listen to music, and do more with others while on a FaceTime call. 

Who is it for: Individuals, small businesses, and content creators. 

The Good: 

• Exceptional audio and video quality 
• Comes pre-installed in Apple devices 
• End-to-end encryption 
• Group audio- and video-calling support 
• Live translation and captioning features 

The Bad: 

• Supports only Apple devices 
• No chat/file sharing features 
• Requires an Apple ID, which is linked to a phone number or email address 
• High data consumption 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Calling App 

Okay, all these apps look cool. But which one should you use? 

It can be hard to choose the right one, since they are feature-rich, just like our SIM-only plans. 

We’ll help you out on this case as well. Here are some factors that you should strongly consider when choosing a calling app. 

• Privacy: A critical aspect of calling apps. The app you choose must have end-to-end encryption to make sure what you discuss in your calls stays with the parties involved. 
• Device Compatibility: Most calling apps come with support for both popular platforms, iOS and Android. However, some apps only offer support for a specific operating system. Look for compatibility before you pick a VoIP calling app. 
• Call Quality: You’ll want an app that offers consistent call quality on weak connections, regardless of whether they are cellular or Wi-Fi.  
• Additional Features: In addition to basic voice and video calling features, look for apps with group calling, screen sharing, and other similar capabilities. These features enhance your calling experience.  
• Update Frequency: Regular updates mean frequent bug fixes, more feature updates, better usability, and implementation of attributes suggested by the user base. 

Final Thoughts 

The apps listed in this article allow you to make/receive audio/video calls outside the benefits of your mobile plan using VoIP. This comes in really handy when making international calls. 

All the apps in this list are free to use, with certain features requiring a subscription. You can expect ads as well. 

VoIP apps offer an upgrade to your calling experience. If you’d like to stick to the traditional calling app, then feel free to do so. But it’s recommended to give these a try, just to know what you might be missing out on. 

And you will need a mobile plan with plenty of data to use VoIP apps. Explore Lyca Mobile’s pocket-friendly PAYG and PAYM plans. We’re sure you’ll find one that you love!