A
%Begin Types of VoIP Apps for Internet Calling GA
S
REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Email, Messaging, & Video Calls > Texting & Messaging
visibility
613 views
thumb_up
17 likes
D
lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 17, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email
In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Why Use a VoIP App Requirements Free vs. Paid OS vs.
thumb_up
14 likes
L
Web PC vs. Mobile Service-Based vs. SIP-Based Drawbacks A VoIP app (VoIP means "voice over IP," a term for internet phone calls) works in the same way as any other VoIP client.
thumb_up
16 likes
S
It is a piece of software that allows you to use VoIP on your computer and other devices like mobile phone or tablet PC, to make and receive phone calls.
Why Use a VoIP App
This question brings us back to why we use VoIP.
thumb_up
18 likes
M
VoIP has many advantages over landline and traditional mobile telephones. The main advantage is the cost. With a VoIP app, you can make calls worldwide very cheaply, and most of the time for free.
thumb_up
43 likes
R
Besides, there are a lot of interesting features that enrich the communication experience. Included are the benefits associated with unified communications.
thumb_up
41 likes
H
VoIP apps are also a fundamental element in cloud communication systems.
Requirements for Using a VoIP App
What you need for using VoIP software is most probably what you already have at home, in the office or in your pocket. They are: A computer or a mobile device An internet connection, with sufficient bandwidth for VoIP communication Hearing devices (earphones or speakers) and a microphone, which are often embedded in the device you use (in the case of a mobile phone) A VoIP service that offers the calls A number or address that identifies you uniquely on the internet.
thumb_up
26 likes
A
This number, or SIP address, is most of the time offered by the service provider, so if you have an account with the service, you won’t have to technically bother about this requirement. To learn more about how this works, see what Enum is.
thumb_up
7 likes
H
VoIP apps are so numerous and varied that it is difficult to categorize them. However, we can place them under the feature that characterizes them most.
thumb_up
12 likes
H
Free vs Paid VoIP Apps
Most VoIP apps are free. They are those that come with a VoIP service like Skype; those that are offered by the prominent software manufacturers like Apple (FaceTime); and those that are offered free for other benefits, like for advertisement or for promoting a web site or a line of enhanced paid products or services. Paid VoIP apps have something above the free ones, additional features that entitle the manufacturers to call for payment.
thumb_up
26 likes
N
You will want to pay for VoIP apps, for example, in the context of a business, where you have a VoIP system deployed for advanced communication and collaboration processes, with business-related features like call recording, filtering, and all the other features related to IP PBXs.
OS-Based vs Web-Based VoIP Apps
You don’t have to download every VoIP app you need.
thumb_up
9 likes
A
Some apps can be used embedded in your browser. An example is Gmail calling, which you can use within your Gmail inbox.
thumb_up
27 likes
E
Also, when you download an app to install on your computer, you need to know whether there is a version for the operating system you are using and get that one.
PC vs Mobile VoIP Apps
The way you download and install a VoIP app is not the same when you do it on your mobile device. In that case, you need to log on from your mobile device to a special page of the site and follow instructions.
thumb_up
45 likes
L
Also, the service needs to support the mobile model you are using and needs to have provided a version of the app for it.
Service-Based vs SIP-Based VoIP Apps
Each VoIP user has an address or number through which the user is contacted. It can simply be a username (like for Skype), a phone number, or a SIP address.
thumb_up
28 likes
K
Apps released by VoIP services allow you to use, in most cases, the username or phone number you got when you registered with the service. There are third-party apps that are service-independent, allowing you to use them with any service. These use SIP addresses.
thumb_up
2 likes
A
If you intend to use that kind of app, look for services that support the SIP protocol.
Drawbacks of Using VoIP Apps
VoIP apps have proved to be very useful and they form a complete paradigm in themselves in the communication context.
thumb_up
20 likes
E
There are however inconveniences with them, as there are with any other item of technology. They require you to have a computer switched on (in the case of PC-based apps).
thumb_up
6 likes
H
Imagine having to keep your PC on so as not to miss calls, or have a PC each time you need to make a call. But VoIP is now quite diversified and this problem is not as acute, with all the other types of VoIP services available. Was this page helpful?
thumb_up
6 likes
E
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Get Started With VoIP How to Record a Phone Call for a Podcast How to Turn Your iPod Touch Into a Phone Best Free Internet Phone Calls Apps (October 2022) What Is SIP and How Does It Work?
thumb_up
6 likes
G
What Is the Free Mtalk App? Make Free Calls on Your iPad Can I Keep My Existing Phone Number While Using VoIP?
thumb_up
42 likes
S
SIP Service Providers That Offer Free SIP Accounts The 5 Best Apps to Make Free International Calls (2022) Connect All Your Home Phones to Your VoIP Service Skype vs. Viber VoIP Apps for Free Calling on Mac EyeBeam Phone App Review How to Block Political Robocalls VoIP Service For Cheap International Calls Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies
thumb_up
5 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Chronicle Valorant settings 2022
-
Disgusting and illegal Fans react to leaked bodycam footage of Ohio police arresting IShowSpeed
-
Watch Roger Federer s fans pay tribute to him in novel way to celebrate his 24 years of hunger for the sport
-
WWE Legend Rob Van Dam pictured with movie icon
-
One Piece chapter 1060 spoilers tease the possible death of a major character
-
100 Thieves vs Fnatic VCT Champions 2022 Istanbul predictions head to head livestream details and more
-
Caregiver Safety Cleveland Clinic
-
Where Did Lizzo Learn to Play the Flute? Music Training Details
-
CSKH EVNSPC APK Download for Android
-
SSG 새벽배송 APK Download for Android
-
Falcon Lighting APK Download for Android
-
HemsWX APK Download for Android
-
Word Wow Big City APK Download for Android
-
Grim Tides Old School RPG APK Download for Android
-
Virtual Police Man APK Download for Android
-
Val rie Toranian nomm e directrice de la r daction du Point
-
Black bloc Paris Ils cassent au nom d une id ologie avec des objectifs cibl s Black Bloc Gr ve
-
Mort de l ancienne ministre chiraquienne Nicole Catala
-
Hyundai acelera las ventas con un podio hist rico y el Tucson como la guinda del pastel Expansioncom Empresas Motor
-
Tunic review A charming adventure with secrets around every corner
-
The Legend of the Blue Sea Season 1 Hindi Dubbed All Episode
-
50 Times People Decided To Make Something For Their Wedding Themselves Instead Of Buying It And Proudly Shared The Results
-
Hey Pandas Tell Me You re Gen Z Without Actually Telling Me You re Gen Z Closed
-
Amazon s best deals for today July 29th indy100
-
Deer Tick Daytrotter Session Mar 28 2008 Free Streaming
-
Meta s Upcoming Headsets Could Bring VR Closer to Real Life Experts Say
-
How to Solve Safari Crashes on the iPhone
-
TikTok Shopping Begins Testing Pilot in the US and UK
-
The Switch OLED Is Exactly What I Wanted From Nintendo
-
What Is a Windows 10 Theme?