The Best International
Calling Apps
We tested the top 20 calling services to find out which one truly delivers on quality, price, and ease of use. Spoiler: You might not even need to download an app anymore.
StartACall
Best Overall & No Download Required
The Good
- No app download needed (Browser-based)
- Calls landlines & mobiles globally
- Extremely low rates ($0.01/min)
- High privacy (No data mining)
The Bad
- Requires internet connection (like all VoIP)
Best for App-to-App Calling
The Good
- Completely free for app-to-app
- Huge user base
- End-to-end encryption
The Bad
- Cannot call landlines
- Cannot call non-users
- Requires phone number to signup
Skype
The Legacy Option
The Good
- Reliable infrastructure
- Video conferencing features
- Business integration
The Bad
- Heavy app size
- Rates are often higher than competitors
- Connection fees apply
Viber
Good for Specific Regions
The Good
- Good rates for Eastern Europe
- Fun stickers/messaging features
- Viber Out option
The Bad
- Cluttered interface
- Ads in free version
- Call quality varies
Google Voice
Best for US Users
The Good
- Free US/Canada calls
- Voicemail transcription
- Google integration
The Bad
- US Only (mostly)
- Confusing for international use
- Data privacy concerns
Quick Comparison
| Feature | StartACall | Skype | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Landlines? | Yes | No | Yes |
| App Download? | No (Browser) | Required | Required |
| Cost | Pay-As-You-Go | Free (Data only) | Subscription/Credit |
| Anonymity | High | Medium | Medium |
How to Choose the Right Calling App
1. Who are you calling?
If your recipient has the same app (e.g., WhatsApp), use that—it's free. But if you need to call a business, a hotel, a government office, or a relative without a smartphone, you need a VoIP service like StartACall that connects to the standard telephone network.
2. Check the "Connection Fee"
Many "cheap" apps charge a hidden connection fee (sometimes up to 10 cents) every time the call connects, even if you only talk for a minute. StartACall has zero connection fees.
3. App vs. Browser
Do you really want another app cluttering your phone? Browser-based calling (WebRTC) is the future. It's more secure, leaves no trace on your device, and works instantly on any device (laptop, tablet, or friend's phone).
The Winner is Clear
For versatility, price, and ease of use, StartACall takes the #1 spot for 2025.