Best Options to Make Wi-Fi Calls

Ready to consider a no-cell-plan or super-cheap plan lifestyle? You'll need an app that can make voice calls over Wi-Fi. Here are the most popular options:

Google Voice. Perhaps the most common voice call app around, Google Voice is free and replicates the experience of a cell phone plan with voice, voicemail and texting. Unlike most other options, Google Voice gives you a phone number that works like any ordinary phone. The downside? It still requires you to have a cell phone plan. If you want to ditch a cell plan entirely, Google Voice won't get you there. Available for iPhone and Android. 

Fring. Fring is popular because in addition to ordinary voice and video calling, it supports conference calls with up to four people at once, even via video. It also includes text messaging, not unlike Google Voice. To place calls to non-Fring users, you need to purchase credits; you can get unlimited calling for $7 a month. Available for iPhone and Android.

Skype. Now owned by Microsoft (MSFT), Skype allows both voice and video calling. If you already use Microsoft's Messenger service, Skype can import and use your existing contacts. To call non-Skype phones, you need to buy Skype credits, which start at $5. Available for iPhone and Android.

Tango. Unlike Google Voice and Skype, Tango is somewhat more socially minded. It does voice and video, text messages, and large group text chats, but also features status updates and other features like photo-sharing that make it more like a social network. Unlike options like Google Voice and Skype, though, Tango does not have the ability to call outside the network of Tango users. Available for iPhone and Android.

Talkatone. Talkatone doesn't work on its own; you need to also have a Google Voice account. But here's where it gets interesting. While Google Voice on its own still uses cell minutes, Talkatone leverages Google Voice over Wi-Fi, letting you avoid your cell phone plan entirely. Consider it a complete replacement for your cell phone plan, for free. Available for iPhone and Android.

TextNow. Like Talkatone, Textnow is a free Wi-Fi calling app -- it gives you your own phone number and delivers voice and texting on your phone whether or not it has a cell phone plan. It differentiates itself from Talkatone by featuring a lot of customization (like wallpaper, ringtones and color schemes). Available for iPhoneand Android.