Alternatives to Viber for International Calls
Looking for other ways to reach people around the world? Compare apps, PSTN gateways, and browser-based calling tools so you can pick the right solution for business or personal use.
Compare Popular Alternatives
Overview of strengths and limitations so you can choose what fits your use case.
App-to-app calling with wide global reach and end-to-end encryption for voice and video. Best for personal calls between users.
- Pros: Encrypted, widely used, supports voice and video
- Cons: Cannot call regular phone numbers without PSTN gateway; requires app
Skype
Supports app-to-app calls and calling real phone numbers via a PSTN gateway. Works on desktop, mobile, and web.
- Pros: PSTN calling available, browser and app support
- Cons: App required for best experience, features vary by region
FaceTime
Great for high-quality audio and video between Apple devices. Not cross-platform for PSTN calls.
- Pros: Excellent quality on Apple devices
- Cons: Apple-only and app-based; cannot call landlines directly
Zoom Phone
Enterprise-focused phone system with PSTN integration and advanced PBX features. Good for teams and contact centers.
- Pros: Enterprise features, PSTN support
- Cons: Typically requires account and setup for business use
Telegram and Signal
Secure messaging apps that support voice and video app-to-app. Focused on privacy and messaging features.
- Pros: Strong privacy features, fast messaging
- Cons: App-to-app only; no native PSTN calling to phone numbers
StartACall
Call any real phone number globally directly from your browser without installing an app. Built on WebRTC and Twilio, with virtual numbers, AI agents, and real-time analytics.
- Pros: Browser-based to PSTN, virtual numbers in 190+ countries, AI copilot, no app required
- Cons: Designed for calling real phone numbers rather than app-to-app chats
When to Choose a Browser-Based PSTN Service
Use a browser-based PSTN service when you need to call regular phone numbers, manage virtual numbers, or integrate calling into workflows without forcing recipients to install apps.
Call Any Phone Number
Unlike app-only services, browser-to-PSTN platforms call landlines and mobiles anywhere in the world.
Privacy and Control
You control caller ID with virtual numbers and manage calls centrally without relying on recipients to have a specific app.
Fast Setup
Start calling from your browser in seconds. No installs, no complicated PBX configuration for basic use cases.
What StartACall Adds
StartACall bridges the web and the phone network. Use your browser to call anyone, buy and manage virtual numbers across 190+ countries, and enhance calls with AI agents or a real-time copilot that transcribes and suggests responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call regular phone numbers with messaging apps?
Some apps offer PSTN gateways that let you call phone numbers but many are app-to-app only. For guaranteed calls to landlines and mobiles choose a PSTN-capable service.
Do I need to download anything to use StartACall?
No. StartACall works directly in modern browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. No app installation required.
Will recipients need an app to receive my calls?
No. When you call a phone number using a PSTN-capable service, recipients get a normal phone call on their device.
What is a virtual number and why would I use one?
A virtual number is a phone number you control in a country or city. Use it to display local caller ID, receive inbound calls, or route calls to teams or AI agents.
How can AI improve international calling?
AI can transcribe calls in real time, provide live suggestions to agents, handle routine inbound calls autonomously, and generate summaries for follow-up.
Start calling internationally from your browser
No installs, real phone numbers, AI assist, and virtual numbers across 190+ countries. Get started in seconds.