The Best Yolla Alternatives for Affordable International Calling
Yolla has established itself as a reliable solution for saving on international calls, offering competitive rates, high-quality connections, and features like Caller ID and free app-to-app calls. However, no single app fits everyone's needs perfectly. Whether you're looking for different pricing models, a wider array of communication features, or simply want to explore other options, there are numerous excellent Yolla alternative applications available. This guide will help you discover the top contenders that offer similar, or even enhanced, capabilities for staying connected globally.
Top Yolla Alternatives
If you're seeking a different approach to international communication, or simply more features beyond just calling, these alternatives provide a range of options from comprehensive messaging platforms to specialized video conferencing tools.
Skype
Skype is a long-standing and widely recognized instant messaging app that offers robust online text message and video chat services. Available across a wide range of platforms including Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, iPhone, and more, Skype is a versatile Yolla alternative for both calling and comprehensive communication. Its features, such as video calling, voice calls, screen sharing, and group messaging, make it an excellent choice for those who need more than just cheap international calls, allowing for rich interactions beyond simple voice communication.
WhatsApp provides fast, simple, and secure messaging and calling services, available on phones worldwide. As a free Yolla alternative, it boasts end-to-End Encryption, group chat capabilities, integrated file sharing, and video calling. WhatsApp is available on Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Android, and iPhone, making it incredibly accessible for almost anyone you wish to contact internationally. While its calling features are primarily app-to-app, its widespread adoption makes it a powerful tool for free communication with a vast global user base.
Viber
Viber is a mobile application that allows you to make free phone calls and send text messages to anyone who also has the application installed. As a Freemium Yolla alternative, Viber extends its reach to Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iPhone users. Key features include animated stickers, call transfer, group chat, secret chats, video calling, and voice calls, offering a comprehensive communication suite. Viber Out also allows calls to landlines and mobiles for a fee, providing a direct alternative to Yolla's core service.
FaceTime
FaceTime is a video calling software feature developed by Apple for iOS and Mac OS, offering seamless video and voice communication. For Apple users, FaceTime is a free and integrated Yolla alternative for high-quality video calling and group chat. While limited to Apple devices, its native application and tight integration into the ecosystem make it an effortless choice for those within the Apple environment, providing a premium experience without additional cost for app-to-app communication.
VideoMeeting
VideoMeeting is a free and open-source video conference solution designed for video calls and chats directly through your web browser. This pure web application, based on WebRTC, serves as an excellent open-source Yolla alternative for those prioritizing privacy and browser-based communication. It offers integrated chat, no registration required, and robust video conferencing capabilities, making it ideal for quick, secure online meetings without software installation, accessible on Web and Chrome OS.
Tinode
Tinode is a fully open-source instant messaging server and client solution with no proprietary components. Available on Web, Android, iPhone, and also self-hostable, Tinode is a free and open-source Yolla alternative focused on secure and private messaging. Its features include ad-free communication, group chat, and real-time collaboration, making it a compelling choice for users who prioritize data ownership and transparency in their communication tools, especially for text-based interactions.
Nertivia
Nertivia is a free and open-source chat client that lets you connect with friends or anyone around the world, offering free GIF and emoji support. Available on Windows and Web, Nertivia is a promising open-source Yolla alternative for social interaction and community building. While its primary focus is chat and social networking, its open-source nature appeals to users looking for transparent and customizable communication platforms, with server creation capabilities coming soon.
aTalk
aTalk is an encrypted instant messaging app for Android that includes video call and GPS features. As a free and open-source Yolla alternative, aTalk focuses on privacy and security with OMEMO and OTR encryption protocols. Its features like file sharing and video calling make it a robust option for Android users who prioritize secure, private communication, providing a direct competitor to Yolla's calling capabilities with an emphasis on user data protection.
Mini WA+
Mini WA+ is an Android app that offers encrypted chat, group chat, messaging, video calling, and voice calls. As a free Yolla alternative, its unique selling point is its commitment to anti-ban measures and completely open code, ensuring no backend tracking or ads. This makes it an appealing choice for users seeking a privacy-focused and transparent communication tool, particularly for those familiar with the WhatsApp interface but desiring more control and security features.
Online Video Call
Online Video Call is a free service offering private one-to-one or group video calls directly through your web browser. As a Freemium Yolla alternative, it focuses purely on video communication without the need for downloads or installations. This web-based solution is ideal for quick, spontaneous video chats with family, friends, or colleagues, providing a straightforward and accessible option for visual communication when other features are not required.
Choosing the best Yolla alternative depends heavily on your specific communication needs. Whether you prioritize low-cost international calls, robust messaging features, enhanced privacy, or a particular platform compatibility, the options listed above provide diverse solutions. Explore their features and find the perfect app to keep you connected, no matter where your friends and family are in the world.