Did you know that about 50% of the people in the United States use a desktop, while 46% use mobile devices? This statistic especially applies to people that spend most of their working hours on phone calls.
Over the years, several Internet calling apps have emerged. How do you know which one to pick? There are two fundamental aspects you must always look for. These are security features and Voice over Internet Protocol.
You must ensure the app you want to use has a two-step verification to secure your data. You want an app that won’t disclose your information and is inaccessible to hackers. VoIP allows you to call across all services. Because different apps charge differently, consider pricing.
Making phone calls from a PC through the Internet has become an industry standard. Read on for some of the best apps available to help you do the job.
Why Make a Call From a PC?
While working, the last thing you want is a phone glued to your ear all day. Being on your phone all day is not only tiring but also inconvenient. With the rise in Internet calling apps, you can do your business on your PC, which is much more convenient.
Calling someone from a computer is handy for several reasons, even when you’re not on the phone for most working hours. They Include:
- You can go hands-free
- It has more substantial battery power than average mobile phones
- Usable when your mobile phone is out of reach
- Easy access if you are already working on your PC
Here’s what you need to know about WIFI calling on a PC when you need an alternative to your mobile phone.
How To Make a Call From a PC
The process of making calls varies depending on the app. However, there are three key steps you must follow in each:
1. Have a stable internet connection
A stable internet connection is the most crucial aspect of making calls on a PC. Most PC calls require you to use WIFI. However, you can also utilize a hotspot or ethernet to connect.
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), you only require download speeds of under 0.5 Mbps for VoIP calls. This means you don’t necessarily need a fast Internet. Regardless, an internet speed test comes in handy before your first call.
2. Get Your Sound System Ready
Nothing is more frustrating on a phone call than poor sound quality. Most PCs have in-built speakers and mics. However, it’s advisable to have a quality VoIP headset that enhances your sound and cancels out the background noise from your end of the line.
It also allows you to make phone calls in public spaces while keeping your privacy. Whichever device you use, always ensure that your headphones are correctly connected and that you turn on your mic in the settings menu.
3. Start a Phone Call from Your App
Once you have checked your Internet and sound system, it’s time to make your phone call. You must follow the steps provided by your WIFI calling app to ease your calling process.
Things To Remember When Calling From a PC
Did you know that you can make free phone calls using the Internet? Some messaging apps support free calling to anyone worldwide, whereas, for others, it’s only applicable to numbers used in Canada or the US.
Free WIFI phones cannot make emergency calls such as those to 911. Using a mobile phone or a traditional handset for emergency calls is advisable. These traditional telephone services facilitate that type of service.
The apps listed below come in two forms:
- App to phone: These apps allow you to make calls from a PC or mobile phone to an actual telephone number, and sometimes vice versa. For these, you don’t have to install the app for it to work.
- App to app: The apps allow free calls between phones, tablets, and computers. A requirement for these calls to work is that the recipient must also have installed the app. Calls can only go through across other landlines if they have the proper software.
Most of these apps only work after downloading the program on your device. For some apps, their program plans provide additional features, while others cover all the features in that app. You have to pay to access these.
Top 10 Best Calling Apps for Cheap Phone Calls
There are a variety of Internet calling apps that you can choose from. Here’s a list of the top 10 best calling apps:
1. Monster VoIP
Monster VoIP is the overall best calling app. With years of experience in the industry, Monster VoIP knows exactly what each business needs to thrive digitally. The system is simple and neat and allows you to navigate it easily without any hiccups. Professional staff are always available to cater to your needs and to help you in any way possible.
There are no hidden charges, and the pricing is transparent from the beginning. What you see is exactly what you get. Working with them guarantees crystal-clear sound, and you are not likely to encounter any problems with the quality of your calls.
2. Google Voice
Google Voice is for you if you are looking for the best landline calling app. This app allows you to make free calls to actual telephone numbers, PC-to-PC calls, and PC-to-phone calls. It’s designed to forward incoming calls to any other phone you might have and send them directly to your voicemail.
It’s easy to connect Google Voice with your existing phone calls. As a result, you can customize messages for specific contacts and utilize screen calls. Other features offered by this app include free SMS, conference calls, and voicemail services. However, the downside of using Google Voice is that it only works with landlines and limits your call time.
3. Skype
With over 300 million monthly users, Skype is one of the most utilized calling apps. Skype is a universal solution, and it’s mainly known for its availability. It’s native to Windows-based devices. However, you can also use it in a web browser on a Mac, Linus, or even an X-box game console.
Skype provides features such as instant messaging, video calling, and screen sharing. Skype-to-Skype calls are free. However, you cannot call national numbers and landlines. You have to pay for minutes or use a subscription. In order to receive a call from a landline, you must have a Skype number which you also have to pay for.
4. Viber
Viber is very similar to Skype in the sense that it goes beyond making calls to landlines and mobile phones. This app also allows you to video call, start group chats, create stickers, send instant messages, and create GIFs. You can also set a self-destruct timer to delete your messages after a certain time.
It’s best for personalization. To be able to use all Viber features, you have to pay a certain amount of money. You can either purchase credit to pay for minutes or pay for a subscription. Viber does not allow national calling, and it does not have a web client for browsers.
5. WhatsApp
WhatsApp provides the best two-step verification security features for all your confidential needs. It uses your phone number to eliminate any security risks associated with passwords and usernames. You can use WhatsApp without a SIM as long as you are in a position to receive the verification code.
This app’s end-to-end encryption is enabled by default making all your calls and messages protected from hackers. WhatsApp has features such as document sharing, group chat, and a built-in camera. It does not use your phone’s default camera. WhatsApp is a Meta-owned texting app that is popular with millions of users across the globe.
6. Messenger
Messenger is one of the most widely used app-to-app programs, with nearly three billion active users on Facebook. It’s the most convenient social media option for making phone calls. It has a children-friendly option called Messenger Kids that allows your children to video call and send messages under your supervision.
Facebook provides a Messenger app on the Microsoft Store and the Mac App Store. You can also access the web version in your favorite browser. It, however, does not facilitate landline calls and calls outside Facebook. Calling from a PC through Facebook Messenger requires that both the recipient and the callers are friends on Facebook.
7. Google Meet
Google Meet is a convenient calling app most suitable for group calls. Anyone with a Google account can create a video meeting with up to 100 participants that can go on for about 60 minutes at no cost. Some of its additional features include meeting recording, live streaming, international dial-in numbers, and administrative controls.
For Google Meet, all participants have to have a Google account. It limits your call time as it provides a link for participants to join, and once the link expires, you can no longer join. Google Meet, previously known as Google Duo, is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring your security.
8. Dialpad
Dialpad is a business calling app that includes calling, SMS, and MMS in Canada and the US. It’s best used for coaching support and other call center AI solutions. Logging into Dialpad on your PC or phone grants you access to features like auto-attendant, voicemail transcriptions, and call recording. This is on top of calling from a PC.
However, if you want advanced features like Zapier and Slack, which are free on most other apps, you need to upgrade and pay for at least three other users. For a custom plan with more advanced features, you must have about 100 members on your team.
9. Signal
Signal is an app-to-app program designed for large file sharing. It allows you to send and receive texts, share your location and files, and make voice and video calls. It prioritizes privacy and security and, therefore, has end-to-end encryption to protect your messages and calls. Only you and the one receiving the information can see what you are discussing.
Some of the other features available on Signal include stories, payments, and self-destructing messages that allow you to set a timer for messages to automatically delete after some time. Signal allows calling from a PC on multiple platforms. They include Android, iOS, and desktop.
10. Grasshopper
Grasshopper is a calling app built for small businesses. You can access it from your iOS, Android, or desktop. It allows you to get up to five free local or toll-free phone numbers. You can also forward calls, send texts, and read your voicemail through Grasshopper.
It’s one of the priciest calling apps because 100% of its available features are included in the app’s plan. You will be charged a certain amount of money to receive a single phone number and three extensions. If you ever want to grow your business and get more numbers, you will also have to add to your monthly cost.
Make Calls from Your PC With Monster VoIP
To make a call on your PC, you need a stable internet connection and a reliable sound system. However, what sets the bar is the app that you choose to make your calls. Monster VoIP is the best calling app that allows you to make calls via any internet-enabled service. This includes calling from a PC.
The pricing is transparent, and you don’t have to be wary of hidden fees and confusing contracts. With Monster VoIP, you get excellent sound quality that will allow you to go through your calls with no hindrance. Get started with the all-inclusive plan and see why Monster VoIP is the best option.
