In an ever-connected world, communication has expanded beyond the realms of traditional landlines. VoIP, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol, has revolutionised the way we connect and communicate – not only in terms of phone calls, but also with messaging. By combining instant messaging with voice and video calls, VoIP apps have emerged as a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike. Discover the world of VoIP messaging and the top apps in this guide.
What Are VoIP Messaging Apps?
VoIP messaging apps allow users to make and receive voice and video calls over the internet, as well as instant messaging. Unlike traditional phone calls that rely on copper wires and a cellular network, VoIP messaging apps have leveraged the internet to transmit data. As a result, users are faced with lower costs, increased quality, and the ability to connect with people from around the world, making VoIP messaging apps highly popular.
Why Can It Be Beneficial To Use A VoIP Messaging App?
Regardless of whether you are an individual or part of a business, VoIP messaging apps offer a number of key benefits that could help streamline your communications. For example, VoIP messaging apps allow users to make international calls and send messages at a significantly lower rate compared to traditional telecom providers. They also often come with various features including the ability to share files, create group chats, conduct video conferences and more, establishing a well-rounded place to communicate.
Lauren Davies of VoIP provider bOnline comments: “Barely a few years ago, who would have heard of VoIP? However, how it is becoming more and more important. How we connect with others around the world is one of the most important considerations when it comes to both personal and business needs. If you can’t connect with people around the world, it can really hinder business, relationships and opportunities and this is where VoIP is so crucial to us all.”
Many VoIP messaging apps are able to integrate seamlessly with other digital services and platforms, including social media and email. Therefore, users can expect a cohesive communication experience that has a good level of security and encryption.
Top VoIP Messaging Apps
Over recent years, there have emerged a vast number of VoIP messaging apps, making the market highly competitive. However, there are some apps that have risen in popularity to become household names and earned their place in TechRound’s top 7. Take a look below.
1. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a household name in the UK and around the world, known for its user-friendly interface and end-to-end encryption. Users are able to send text messages, images, videos, documents, and voice messages all in one place. The app also supports voice and video calls, meaning that users can make high-quality international calls for free over Wi-Fi or mobile data. When it comes to VoIP messaging apps, WhatsApp is difficult to beat.
2. Facebook Messenger
Integrated with the social media giant Facebook comes Facebook Messenger. Messenger is a versatile app that offers text messaging, voice calls and video calls whilst syncing with your Facebook contacts. Users are also able to create large group chats on the platform. Due to the reach of Facebook, Messenger has become a popular choice for both personal and business communications.
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3. Google Chat
Similarly, Google Chat is part of the huge Google ecosystem that provides instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls. The application is accessible on a number of devices which can be particularly convenient for those who already rely on other Google services. For those that currently use Google Workspace, Chat is free. For others, the cheapest Google Chat package starts at £5 per month.
4. Kik Messenger
Kik Messenger is an app that is known for its anonymity and privacy features. Kik offers text messaging, multimedia sharing, and even a built-in web browser for exploring content without leaving the app. The draw of avoiding text message fees has positioned Kik as a popular VoIP-based messaging app, particularly for young people.
5. Skype
As a pioneer of VoIP communication, we had to include Skype in our list. Despite dropping in popularity over recent years, Skype still remains a prominent choice for voice and video calls. The platform also offers instant messaging, file sharing, and group video conferencing, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. Though it is worth noting that users will incur extra charges for using premium Skype features such as SMS texts, calls to a landline, and voicemail.
6. Telegram
The Telegram app has an emphasis on privacy and security with its range of protocols including self-destructing messages and end-to-end encryption for secret chats. The platform supports text messages, voice calls, and file sharing, establishing Telegram as a highly popular choice for those seeking enhanced privacy features. It also claims to deliver messages faster than any other app which can be highly attractive.
7. Viber
Viber is renowned for its impressively clear voice calls and secure messaging services. With text messaging, voice and video calls, as well as fun stickers and emojis to enhance conversations, there is a lot to like about Viber. Plus, Viber offers 3 different types of group communication: Groups, Communities, and Broadcast lists, making it a top choice for group messaging.
