The best voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) for international calls allows you to communicate with overseas clients at affordable rates. International calling options include reasonable per-minute charges, minute bundles, and unlimited call plans to specific countries. Providers offer local phone numbers in different territories and a suite of call management features to support the volume of inquiries from…
The best voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) for international calls allows you to communicate with overseas clients at affordable rates. International calling options include reasonable per-minute charges, minute bundles, and unlimited call plans to specific countries. Providers offer local phone numbers in different territories and a suite of call management features to support the volume of inquiries from international clients.
RingCentral: Best for extensive third-party integrations
RingCentral: Best for extensive third-party integrations
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Zoom Phone: Best for globally distributed teams
GoTo Connect: Best for wide international coverage
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Nextiva: Best for unified communications
Ooma: Best for homepreneurs with overseas customers
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8×8: Best for international expansion
Grasshopper: Best for occasional international calling
How I evaluated the best services for VoIP international calls
To assess the best VoIP providers for international calls, I considered each provider’s subscription costs, calling capabilities, usability, and customer assistance. This extensive evaluation also includes my expert opinion on the platforms’ value for money and popularity. Learn how I arrived at the best VoIP for international calls by clicking on the tabs below:
Methodology weights
Pricing 20%
General Features 30%
Advanced Features 15%
Ease of Use 10%
Customer Support 10%
Expert Score 15%
Pricing is a major consideration for small businesses; thus, I scored providers based on how accessible their subscription plans are in terms of affordability. I checked the costs of the entry-level and second-tier plans and whether annual discounts are available. I gave more points to those offering free trials and the option to choose between metered and unlimited international calling.
The general features assessed focused on the essential VoIP capabilities businesses take into consideration, such as uptime guarantee, mobile app, number porting, auto-attendant, and call recording. Because this is an assessment of the best international calling providers, a key factor in this evaluation is how broad the country’s coverage is for free unlimited calls.
The advanced features include VoIP features that support global communications and team productivity. These include international numbers, international SMS support, third-party integrations, and built-in team chat. Software solutions with video conferencing tools that accommodate more than a hundred participants got more points.
I evaluated ease of use by determining the expertise required to set up and operate the business phone system. I also assessed whether the providers have an intuitive interface.
The variety of customer communication channels was part of this evaluation. I gave more points to providers with email, phone, and ticket submissions. I also considered the hours these channels are active and operational.
In my assessment of VoIP service providers for international calling, I considered key factors like standout features, value for money, and ease of use. I checked user ratings on third-party review sites to gauge the platform’s popularity.
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How to choose the right VoIP for international calling
Choosing a VoIP to address your specific business communication needs (for instance, international calling) is crucial. Since money and time will definitely be involved, make sure you don’t skip these steps before making the big decision.
Evaluate plans and pricing
For most businesses, especially small businesses and solopreneurs, budget is a major consideration (or sometimes a limitation as well). Make the most of your potential investment by looking for plans that offer unlimited domestic and international calling (if you plan to make frequent long-distance calls).
I also find it helpful to compare per-minute rates for the countries you’re targeting to reach (as fees may vary). Don’t forget to check coverage as well, as some providers may cater to a broader list of countries.
Review feature and tool inclusions
To maximize your financial investment and ensure a positive impact on your operations, look into the tools and services a provider offers. Some of the most critical services you might need during the early stage of setup and implementation include number porting and security features.
When it comes to call management, check for features like call forwarding and routing. AI functionalities have also become more popular in business communications, offering automation, enhanced audio/video quality, and advanced analytics.
Businesses that rely on various business systems (e.g., CRM software, accounting tools) should choose a VoIP provider that connects with existing platforms. Also, as you look into features and tools, take note of device compatibility to fully utilize the VoIP system.
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Evaluate customer support
Like any other service or subscription, before signing a contract, you should have an understanding of how its customer service works, which should align with your expectations as a consumer/client. Consider VoIP platforms with 24/7 support and live chat for your peace of mind. Bonus if they can provide dedicated support.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Making cheap international calls is possible by leveraging internet-based services like VoIP and Wi-Fi or data-based calling. VoIP providers like Ooma offer competitive per-minute rates and unlimited calling plans.
The easiest way to make free international VoIP calls is through app-to-app calling, where both parties use the same app to make calls over the internet. WhatsApp and FaceTime are some of the most popular instant messaging apps that offer free international calls over the internet.
Google Voice is free for any user with a Google account and an existing US phone number. However, you will be charged per minute if you use your US number to make calls internationally. If you’re outside the country, the call will consume the minutes in your mobile plan and extra roaming fees will apply.
Bottom line
VoIP solutions offering international calling enable businesses to build rapport with customers abroad and establish a strong global presence. Many come with advanced routing and queueing capabilities, which help streamline call management and facilitate distributed workload among agents.
RingCentral emerged as the best overall because not only does it allow extensive app integrations that make the calling experience more efficient, it also offers advanced AI features. The platform provides AI-powered call transcription, AI receptionist, and robust sentiment analysis.
Aside from per-minute international calling to 40-plus countries, you also get toll-free numbers, internet fax, and advanced call management tools. Get started today by signing up for a free trial.
Jame is a Senior Content Editor at TechnologyAdvice.com, specializing in VoIP and office technology. She leads developmental edits on topics related to business communication solutions, cloud-based phone systems, and workplace technology trends. With a background in corporate communications, her work has been featured in publications such as CNBC, Medium, and Thrive Global.
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