Still Paying for a Phone Plan? Try Free Unlimited Video & Audio Calling
When you need to reduce your expenses, you might assume that there’s little you can do about your phone bill. In reality, with free cloud calling apps, you can get unlimited video and audio calling without paying anything for phone service.
Free cloud calling software is also incredibly easy to use, so it works for anyone, regardless of their level of tech-savviness. If you’re still paying for a phone plan and want to try free unlimited video and audio calling, here’s what you need to know about cloud calling.
What Is Cloud Calling, and How Does It Work?
Cloud calling – also referred to as cloud telephony – is a communication option that uses an internet connection in place of traditional phone service to make and receive calls. Most free cloud calling apps support both video and audio calls, effectively replacing what you’d receive through more traditional phone services.
Cloud calling relies on cloud-based services. As it’s defined by Microsoft, the cloud “is a vast network of remote servers.” Essentially, with cloud calling, the app provider gives users access to an online platform for handling their communication needs. When a user makes a voice or video call, that information is transported to the call recipient via the platform’s cloud solution to its destination, and vice versa.
What Are the Benefits of Cloud Calling?
There are many benefits to using free cloud calling apps beyond the cost savings. Often, cloud calling provides a degree of simplicity. The software is easy to use, and the platforms work anywhere that a person has access to an internet connection.
There’s no need to worry about changing phone plans when traveling internationally, as cloud calling works anywhere. Plus, when calling people in other countries, your service isn’t bound to a calling plan that’s restricted to a specific nation, and it might not generate additional costs for contacting another country. Instead, physical location doesn’t typically matter, giving you the freedom to call practically anywhere.
Free cloud calling software is also portable. Many providers have desktop and mobile apps that you can connect to a single account. As a result, whether you’re at your desk or on the go, you can use the same account to make and receive calls using any of your connected devices.
How to Choose a Free Cloud Calling Provider
When you’re looking for a free cloud calling app, whether you’re an individual consumer or looking for a business solution makes a difference.
For individuals, focusing on ease of use and overall accessibility can be wise. Typically, applications geared toward consumers need the call maker and recipient to use the same platform. As a result, it’s wise to choose software that’s readily available and that doesn’t require a significant amount of technical expertise.
For companies, choosing a free cloud calling provider for business use is more complex. You need to look at the broader feature set, ensuring it can meet your needs effectively. For example, call forwarding, call recording, interactive voice response (IVR), and call analytics could provide value.
Organizations also need to examine system management and available support. Some free cloud calling software programs are easier to set up and maintain than others. Additionally, customer satisfaction may vary when it comes to requests for assistance.
Companies should consider integration availability, too, as that can help assimilate the cloud calling app with other systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) platforms or applicant tracking systems (ATS). Security is also a factor in ensuring sensitive information is protected. Finally, it’s wise to look at the return on investment (ROI) if you may need to transition to a paid service tier.
Top Free Cloud Calling Apps & Software Programs
When it comes to free cloud calling apps, which are best depends on the type of user you are and what you generally require. For everyday consumers looking to call family members and friends, there are plenty of options available. Some of the most popular solutions include:
- Discord
- Google Meet
- Facebook Messenger
- Skype
- Textfree
- TextNow
- Viber
For companies, it’s best to focus on the top free cloud calling apps that are business-oriented. Some examples include:
- Google Meet
- Skype
- Zoom
It’s also wise to consider options that come with free trials. Usually, these are more feature-rich, so they may better meet the needs of an organization.
- Aircall
- Dialpad
- Microsoft Teams Phone
- RingCentral
While you would need to transition to a paid subscription after the trial ends with the options above, they do give you a chance to explore more robust cloud-calling features without needing to pay. As a result, they’re worth exploring if free cloud calling software can’t provide everything you’re after.
