5 VOIP Apps for the iPhone
Posted on 16. Dec, 2010 by Selena.Narayanasamy in Apple, Mobile
VoIP technologies have been immensely important since they were introduced. This is especially true for business use, where their implementation can reduce costs and increase efficiency, not to mention reduce the amount of space that traditional or VOIP desktop phones take up.
Now, with a variety of mobile apps featuring powerful VoIP technologies, the possibilities for both personal and professional use are becoming even more enticing. Here are five voice over internet proxy applications available on the market today.
1. Skype
Of all the VoIP clients, Skype has the most established reputation. After a long struggle to be accepted by the Apple store, Skype broke through the barriers preventing these forms of apps from being available.
Skype is especially good for making outbound calls or contacting other Skype users, which are free of charge services when you make them over WiFi or your carrier’s 3G network. Their call quality is good overall, but especially high when calling other Skype customers.
Video calling, text messaging, and instant messaging are other excellent features provided in this app. Core features are free of charge, while additions like voicemail, setting up a separate phone number for inbound calls, and international calling come with their own price tags.
2. Line2
If you’re looking to use VoIP technologies for inbound and outbound calls, then Line2 is the best bet on the market today. When you subscribe, you will receive a second phone number to use on your smartphone or iPad. This number allows you to make and receive unlimited calls in the U.S. and Canada, and comes with numerous other features — unlimited text messaging, call forwarding, conference calling, etc.
Line2 is able to make/receive calls over the cellular network, 3G data access, or a WiFi connection, giving you more versatility than the alternatives. They also win out for international texting, on which their $0.10/text price tag is practically unbeatable.
3. PhoneGnome
PhoneGnome is a solid client that integrates a “gnome to gnome” calling system utilizing your cellular network. However, their great strength is that they integrate this with numerous other chat services (Yahoo, Google Talk, MSN, etc.), making PhoneGnome a powerful communication tool.
4. Truphone
Truphone was one of the first VoIP apps accepted by the app store. It’s specifically designed for international calling, which it offers at rates of about six cents for calls to land-line phones. The rate is much higher for calling international cell phones, but for making business calls overseas, Truphone simply offers the best price. Their “pay per use” approach also makes them a good “need-based” application to get.
5. JAJAH
JAJAH routes its calls through their own website, allowing you to make higher quality calls at a lower cost. The international rates for JAJAH are especially good when you’re looking at calls between the U.S. and UK. While the $3.99 subscription and limited functionality do make this a very niche option, it’s a solid choice for those doing business in some specific geographic locations.
Conclusion
Luckily, many of these services offer a free trial to help you explore their features- so if you’re afraid to take the leap- don’t be. VOIP is going to be the wave of the future (it kind of already is) so make sure you understand and utilize these tools to your advantage.
(By) Selena Narayanasamy lives and breathes all things technology, social media, blogging and caffeine. If you want to follow her silly ramblings, stalk her on personal twitter. If you want to follow Internet Marketing fun, also follow her professional twitter with BlueGlass Interactive. She also writes for Search Engine Journal and her own blog, Esvienne.
Image by tylerdurden1
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