Top iPlum Alternatives: Your Guide to Global Communication Apps
iPlum has carved out a niche as a valuable app for global professionals, offering a U.S. phone number for just $1/month, international calling at low rates, and essential communication features like HD quality calling, messaging, and voicemail. It allows users worldwide to make calls on any network (Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G, LTE) without hefty international roaming charges. However, just like any popular software, users often seek alternatives for various reasons – perhaps looking for different feature sets, alternative pricing models, or simply exploring other reliable options. This article dives into some of the best iPlum alternative apps that can serve your global communication needs.
Top iPlum Alternatives
Whether you're prioritizing cost, specific features like video conferencing, enhanced privacy, or multi-platform support, there's an iPlum alternative out there for you. We've compiled a list of excellent choices that offer robust communication capabilities, often with unique advantages.
Skype
Skype is a long-standing instant messaging app that provides online text message and video chat services. Available across a wide range of platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and more, Skype offers features like video calling, voice calls, screen sharing, and group messaging, making it a comprehensive communication tool and a strong iPlum alternative for those needing versatile video and voice capabilities.
WhatsApp offers fast, simple, and secure messaging and calling available on phones worldwide. It is a free platform accessible on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and KaiOS. Key features include end-to-end encryption for privacy, group chat, integrated file sharing, and video calling, making it a popular choice for personal and professional communication and a solid iPlum alternative for those prioritizing secure messaging and voice/video calls.
Hangouts
Hangouts is Google's messaging app that allows users to send and receive messages, photos, and start free video and voice calls. It's a free service available on Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, and Chrome OS. Its features include video calling, screen sharing, Gmail integration, group chat, and multi-platform support, providing a versatile option for communication and a viable iPlum alternative, especially for Google ecosystem users.
VideoMeeting
VideoMeeting is a free and open-source video conference solution built for web browser-based video calls and chats, utilizing WebRTC. As a pure web application available on Web and Chrome OS, it emphasizes ease of use with no registration required, integrated chat, and robust video conferencing capabilities. For those seeking an open-source, web-based iPlum alternative focused on video calls, VideoMeeting is an excellent choice.
Tinode
Tinode is a fully open-source instant messaging server and client solution with no proprietary components. It's available on Web, Android, iPhone, and can be self-hosted or used as SaaS. Tinode offers ad-free group chat, messaging, and real-time collaboration features, making it a strong iPlum alternative for users who prioritize open-source solutions and self-hosting options for their communication needs.
Nertivia
Nertivia is a free and open-source chat client that allows users to chat with friends or anyone globally, with support for GIFs and emojis. Available on Windows and Web, it offers core chat and group chat functionalities. While its server creation feature is upcoming, Nertivia provides a simple and fun communication experience, making it an interesting iPlum alternative for those focused on community chat.
Pinger
Pinger allows users to text and talk free with contacts anywhere in the world. This free personal app is available on Mac, Windows, Web, Android, and iPhone, and integrates communications like texts and pictures. Its primary feature is being based on a phone number, similar to iPlum, making it a direct and cost-effective iPlum alternative for free texting and calling.
aTalk
aTalk is a free and open-source encrypted instant messaging app with video call and GPS features specifically for Android. It supports features like DNSSEC, file sharing, OMEMO, and OTR for enhanced security, along with video calling. For Android users prioritizing open-source security and robust messaging with video capabilities, aTalk serves as a strong iPlum alternative.
Mini WA+
Mini WA+ is a free Android app providing features similar to WhatsApp but with a focus on privacy and being anti-ban, thanks to its completely open code. It offers encrypted chat, group chat, messaging, video calling, and voice calls. As a WhatsApp-like experience without backend tracking or ads, Mini WA+ is a compelling iPlum alternative for Android users seeking a private and free messaging and calling app.
Hushed
Hushed is a Freemium mobile app that allows users to buy a phone number for privacy, offering both short-term and long-term options, along with an encrypted messenger. Available on Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad, it specializes in providing secondary phone numbers for calls and self-destructing messages. For those whose primary need is a temporary or private second phone number, Hushed is an excellent iPlum alternative with strong privacy features.
The world of communication apps is diverse, and while iPlum offers a unique blend of features for global users, several alternatives provide compelling reasons to switch or supplement. Whether you prioritize cost, specific calling features, enhanced privacy, or open-source solutions, this list offers a starting point to find the perfect communication app to fit your personal or professional needs.