
Related: How to slash exit fees in phone deals: Roseman These extras can really get in the way when you just want to make a call. Pros: There are a ton of bells and whistles, from 'stickers' you can use in text conversations to the ability to send voice messages.Ĭons: The add-ons can be confusing to navigate and there’s a plethora of ads and pop-ups encouraging you to buy more.

ViberOut also lets you call landlines and mobile numbers at a cost. If you like emoticons, Viber may be right for you.Ĭost: Again, voice and video calls between users are free. Pros: You can make free group video calls with other fring users, an option that allows you to show off a new baby to family or collaborate on weekend plans with friends.Ĭons: Fring doesn’t have the same user base as Skype, so you may need to prompt friends and family to download the app. How you get it: The app is a free download and syncs your contacts automatically, so you know right away who in your phone book already has fring. Calls to landlines or mobile numbers come at a fee. If you’re looking to get a group together on a call, fring is a great option.Ĭost: Voice and video calls between users are free. The caller ID shows an “unknown” number with an area code that likely won’t match your location. Calls take a few seconds to connect, and there can be some minor blips. How you get it: The app is a free download.Ĭons: This app takes a bit of patience. If you’re in Paris, you can use your MagicJack app to call a landline in Toronto. MagicJack seems almost too good to be true.Ĭost: It’s free to call any number in the U.S. Even if you make a new Skype account, you can't transfer it.Cons: Hiccups range from delays in video or audio, dropped calls or 'freezing' video, when a camera stalls. Stop paying the subscription and you lose the number. Unlike a cell number that you can transfer between providers, this is bound to Skype. Related: The Best Free Skype Alternatives for a Windows or Linux PCįinally, be aware that the phone number is tied to your Skype account. You also don't get any internet data or perks, like you would through a mobile phone carrier.


If you want to make calls from that number, that costs extra through a Skype subscription or purchase of Skype Credit. However, the costs do soar if you want multiple numbers for different locations-but if you're a business, it's marginal.Īnother consideration is that you're only paying to receive calls. If that sounds helpful to you, a Skype number is excellent, since it works efficiently. It's also great that you only pay a flat fee. The main benefit is that it's a single number which you can answer on any device you use Skype on.
