The telecommunications industry has evolved since late 1800s when Ma Bell was opened. Today, a data network can do much more than a simple voice conversation. Telecommunication providers work with VoIP (Voice over IP) technology to make phone calls. VoIP services offer unlimited free calling these days. Voice calling applications have extensive benefits over traditional landlines. They provide free voice calling service and help people to connect 24*7. If you are using a smart-phone or iPhone then download any of these to enjoy free voice and video calling with your loved ones.

Whatsapp Messenger

Whatsapp messenger is an American soft-ware owned by Facebook Inc. It was formed in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum. It works on iPhone and android devices. It can work on Windows and desktop computers in the presence of a connected mobile application. The application requires a cellular mobile number. It has become the primary application for free voice calls on smart-phones in various countries like United Kingdom, Spain and France. It has a record download of 5 billion+ users.

In the beginning, Whatsapp came with features like sharing images, audio files and videos. Now, it allows users to make voice and video calls, share images, documents, user locations and other media.

Whatapp has offered a new standalone application targeting small business owners. It’s called ‘Whatsapp Business’. Business owners can communicate with employees who use the standard Whatsapp Messenger.

Hangouts

Hangouts is a communication software developed by Google in 2013. Initially, it was developed only as a feature of Google+. It came out as a standout software in 2013. It has amalgamated the features of Google+, Messenger and Google Talk. Google started transforming this software aiming at enterprise communication. It is now a part of G Suite line of products. It has two main products: Google Voice and IP telephony. It’s website is hangouts.google.com. It is applauded as “the future” of Voice by Google.

Hangouts works on Android, Chrome OS, iOS, Google Chrome or any browser compatible with Google Chrome extensions. It allows communication between two or more users. It can be accessed online through the Gmail or Google+ websites or through mobile applications available for Android and iOS.

Chat history is saved online and can be synced across devices. Photos can also be shared during chat with special advantage of direct uploading to Google+ album. Coloured emojis can be used while messaging. Previously, users could have a group chat with up to 10 users. Now it’s Increased to 25 users. In newer versions, Hangouts is integrated with text messages. It also allows location sharing feature now.

 Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is commonly known as messenger. It is an American messaging application developed by Facebook Inc. Initially it was developed as Facebook Chat in 2008. It supports 111 languages. Its messaging functionality was separated from main Facebook application in 2018. Facebook officially launched ‘Messenger for Desktop’ in April 2020. This new application is supported on Windows 10 and macOS, and is distributed on Microsoft Store and App Store.

At the time of its commencement, Facebook Messenger added voice calling in Canada only. But now this feature, and many others, are available in all countries. It gives the provision of sending messages, exchanging files, photos, videos, stickers and audios. It also supports voice and video calling. Users can post their stories and react to others’ bu using animated version of Facebook’s reactions. Users can have screenshots of the conversations, add live filters on photographs and change the light setting in feed.

A unique feature of this standalone application is that it allows using multiple accounts and optional end-to-end encryption of data. Plus, it has a separate gaming portal also.

Viber

Viber or ‘Rakuten Viber’ is a VoIP and instant messaging software. It is operated by Japanese company Rakuten. It was released in 2010 by Rakuten. It was developed by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik. It was initially developed for iPhone in 2010 to give a direct competetion to Skype.

The main feature of Viber is voice callling. It is a cross-platform operating system providing instant messaging, exchange of images and videos. It has add-on stickers that can be used in chatting.

It also provides a paid international landline and mobile calling service known as Viber Out. It is supported on Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux. Users have to register using a cellular telephone number . The service is accessible on desktop without any need of a mobile connectivity also. The user has to login once using a cellular number. A unique feature of this application is’ push-to-talk’ option using which the user can make voice call without having Viber application on his device.

Skype

Skype is a communication application that enables world’s conversations. It works best on all devices: mobiles, computers or tablets and is compatible with Android, iOS, web browser alike. It’s currently available in nearly 108 languages providing a wide arena of communication tools like video conferencing, VoIP and instant messaging. Though, Skype is primarily designed as a commercial product, it is frequently used by educationalists and other individuals and groups to facilitate exchange of thoughts.

Skype allows millions of individuals and professionals to make free one-to-one or group video and voice calls, share messages and files with other people on the network. Skype to Skype calls are free of charge, giving it an upper edge over traditional telephone networks that have either pre-paid or post-paid charges. Skype texts allow group chats, use of emoticons, storing chat history and editing of previous messages.

Which is the best?

A decade ago, voice and video calling were blurry and annoyed us with incomprehensible sound. The advancement in information and technology has touched our lives to a great extent and enabled us to connect with each other. Whichever may be your choice of application based on your needs and network connectivity, it has only one purpose to solve-spread cheers and love all around. What do you say dear?